Little Huntress ~Battle of "Right and Wrong"~

[Asa]

Rayna selected a slender curved blade with an ornate handle place Ingram the tip to her finger and twirling the blade while she inspected the others. Her mind deep in thought as she finally handed him the blade she had been toying with and stepped back to let him work. Her eyes remained sealed to her sisters eyes. Good and evil both mixed d within her as she stood there emotionless. She watched every slice ever filet every little Nick cut and stab revealing nothing on her face as even Selene finally gave into the pain and began to scream. She had no idea where this would leave matters with Greg Darren and her but she hoped this would not make her lose them. Emily hardened herself to what was happening and stood by Rayna. She wasn't really thinking about it when she touched her shoulder. Rayna felt her touch and moved her hand to herseven though her hand passed through Emily's hand.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Bishop

"Ah, excellent choice." Bishop took the knife she had selected and turned to face Selene. Slipping out of his suit jacket and rolling his sleeves up.

"Before we begin, is there anything you'd like to say?" He asked her.

"Watch that lying tongue." Before she could say anything he brought the knife to the side of her face and slid the razor sharp edge across her mouth from one corner of her full lips to the other. He smiled obnoxiously to her as he cut her again across her neck.

This knife gave only shallow cuts, designed to slice along the surface giving agony and bleed not to kill. Bishop began to hum a tune to mozart as he set to the entertaining art of torture. Three cuts, four, five....soon a puddle of Selene's blood was forming on the floor. His hands and arms were covered in it. The smell of it as it rolled off Selene's body raising his and every other vampire in the room's predatory instincts to a sadistically cruel primal level.

At one-hundred and fifty cuts Selene's resolve to stay silent broke. Like a dam that had burst her cries gave voice to the agony she was enduring. She struggled to break the steel chains stringing her up. She raged first at Bishop, then Rayna, Darren, but mostly at her mother.

At two hundred and fifty Bishop stepped back to his sire's knife case. He hummed contentedly to himself the shadows of Draven's madness glimpsed in the back of his own eyes. He picked up a larger knife, but this one's edge was shaped to scrape flaps of skin off when it sliced into flesh.

He turned back an eye of mad serenity in a hurricane of medieval barbarity. Selene who had been awash in pain enough by the first knife to grow numb to more began to shake as the new one brought another still excruciating variety to the feast of agony being forced upon her.

By the five hundredth cut she was reduced to begging for an end to it. Bishop cleaned the knives he had used and gestured for Rayna to take over.

-----------------------------x

IC: Darren Cross

Darren watched his jaw tight and his fists clenched. As Bishop began and Selene's cries and whimpers could be heard his apathy had evaporated from him like a pool of water under the mojave sunlight. Part of him still wanted to jump in and rescue her, and the other knew no amount of torture would be enough punishment for the betrayal Selene had perpetrated.

-----------------------------------X

IC: Gregory Wolf

Gregory hadn't lasted past the first ten minutes. He couldn't take it, just standing there, watching, that...that...whatever the hell it was. He wasn't the type to be squeamish. Lord knows, he'd seen alot of gruesome sights working in the hospital, but there was a difference between seeing gruesomeness while trying to stop or comfort the person enduring it and intentional gruesomeness with no hope for help or comfort.

So now here he was in the hotel restroom hunched over the toilet bowl, trying not to heave up his lunch into it.

He didn't have what it took to stand in that room and watch...that...that whatever the hell you call it. Greg wasn't a monster. He was only a man, a human being.

Rayna was still in there. She could stand and watch that...that.. whatever the hell it was. Greg groaned as he realized the woman he had developed feelings for lived in a very different world from his.

 

[Asa]

Emily while she wanted t see justice she too could not handle what apparently had to be done. Finding Greg she tried to comfort him. She hoped this would not drive him away from their happy family. She hoped that nothing could break them apart. She really he'd a hand out to touch his shoulder as she spoke.

This will be over soon and we can all get back to normal. Mother and the council will be gone and it will just be us crazy loveable dysfunctional family that we are. You and Rayna and Darren and Batai and me... happy... free... safe.

Rayna could see Dravens madness in Bishop but hoped beyond it all that he could master it before it mastered him. She wanted to mourn her sister but now was not the time. She could not breakdown here before mother and the others that was unacceptable and weakness. She was glad even more that she had Greg and Darren now who would understand her mourning later. Stepping forward she took the final blade fitting that it was one given to her sire by her sister. A prayer uttered barely above a whisper in their native tongue as she drove the blade deep with her sisters form. Blood covering her arm as she twisted the blade to have it turned as if a cross deep within her chest... offering only three words that would destroy her sister even more.

I forgive you!

With that she released the knife and let the words of forgiveness and holy symbol reduce her suffering to dust. Turning to the others she spoke in an emotionless tone.

It is done and justice served

Turning to mother...
Bishop and I should get cleaned up before anything else and I WILL tend to my own now.

Mother nodded.

Very well we will meet in the ballroom once everyone is well and dressed appropriately. I have announcements to make.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Darren Cross

"I forgive you!" Rayna said softly turning away even as Selene began to turn to dust and crumble to the floor. "It is done and justice served."

Darren could see into her eyes from where he stood. Eventhough she hid it in her tone and expression he could tell she suffered for what just happened.

She told Mother that she and Bishop would need time to clean up before the banquet. As the others filed out of the basement Darren stayed behind until there was only he and Rayna left.

He came up to her not saying a word and wrapped her up in his arms willing all the warmth and love he held for her to penetrate by osmosis to her very heart. They stayed like for several minutes, not saying anything, but expressing so much to eachother.

---------------------------------------X

IC: Gregory Wolf

"This will be over soon and we can all get back to normal. Mother and the council will be gone," Emily said making Greg jump nearly twenty feet in the air, "And it will just be us crazy loveable dysfunctional family that we are. You and Rayna and Darren and Batai and me... happy... free... safe."

"Jesus, you scared the shit out of me, Em," He exclaimed putting a hand over his pounding heart in his chest, "You do realize this is the boy's bathroom, don't you?"

He stepped over to the sink and turned the water on chuckling at the prospect of Emily being a ghostly peeping tom, and probably because of the whole shitload of depressing crap that had happened to him in the last couple of-hell since he was bitten in the woods that night-those chuckles became general laughter that threatened to split open his sides.

He looked over to Emily and nodded. "God, thanks, I needed that."

Greg splashed his face with the water and ran his wet fingers through his hair. "I mean it, Em, thanks, not just for the laugh you gave me, but what you said. I needed it."

 

[Asa]

Rayna seeing that everyone but Darren was gone crumbled a little into his hug. Beyond centuries of disdain ancient strife Selene was her sister. Now she truly was the last of her birth family line. She held Darren close as she tried to let go or bury all that pain sorrow and damage. She hated that Greg was not there but she understood. He probably found her too much a monster now. She loved both of them just as she had loved Batai.

We should go get cleaned up an find Greg and Emily.

Her tone still that emotionless expectation but still soft almost fragile as she spoke to him.

Will this cost us Greg? Its not like this is all we are but was it more than he can accept?

She did not want to think about ever losing either of them as she pulled herself from him taking his hand to lead the way to get changed and find Emily and Greg.

________________

Emily laughed as Greg jumped and shrugged.

Like it matters you are what the only being that needs this room to be on this wing of the hotel.

She watched him get himself straightened up and looked around but her attention was quickly drawn back to Greg as he spoke to her again.

You're welcome Greg now I think we are supposed to attend some banquet or party or something and the one they call Mother seems to have something planned so we need to be there to keep our eyes on everything and keep them safe. I don't know if Darren or Rayna are 100% yet.

She tried to pat him on the back as she tried to guide him out to find the others. She suspected that Rayna no matter how tough she was might just be hurting deep down having to kill her own sister. Time to get them all back together and close to Rayna. She was weakened emotionally and physically no matter how cold and emotionless she thought se was and they needed to protect her.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Darren Cross

He came up to her not saying a word and wrapped her up in his arms willing all the warmth and love he held for her to penetrate by osmosis to her very heart. They stayed like for several minutes, not saying anything, but expressing so much to eachother.

"We should go get cleaned up an find Greg and Emily." Rayna finally said her voice still flat and guarded against his shoulder.

Darren leaned his head in and kissed her cheek. "When you are ready to go."

"Will this cost us Greg," She asked him, "Its not like this is all we are but was it more than he can accept?"

"Shhh," He murmured in her ear, "Greg is only human, but I don't think so. We've both seen his heart. He's the type of guy that needs to work through changes in his life when they come up at him out of the blue, but I really doubt he'll just walk away on you. Face it, Rayna, we're gonna be stuck with him." He kissed her cheek again, "Just give him time and space to get his head straight with his heart."

They parted though Darren still had hold of her hand, "Come on let's get you cleaned up and go show those millenia old blood-thirsty monsters up there how to have a party."

------------------------X

IC: Gregory Wolf

"I mean it, Em, thanks, not just for the laugh you gave me, but what you said. I needed it."

"You're welcome Greg," Emily replied, "Now I think we are supposed to attend some banquet or party or something and the one they call Mother seems to have something planned so we need to be there to keep our eyes on everything and keep them safe."

"Yeah," Greg shivered, "A banquet from vampires...I'm the only one in this whole hotel that can eat actual food, Em. I think you're going to be happy you can't eat at all. I doubt they kept any cooking skills sharp when they've been on a raw liquid diet for so long." He shrugged, "Maybe I can just skip it?"

"I don't know if Darren or Rayna are 100% yet."

Greg raised his hands up in resignation. "Okay, okay, I'll take one for the team and eat vampire food." He looked to the door adding. "Well if the two of us are going to watch out for Darren and Rayna we should go meet up with them shouldn't we?"

"Come on," He said heading to the door but stopping just before leaving the mensroom. Greg looked back at her and raised two fingers in front of his face. "Hey, hey! Eyes up here little miss peeping tom."

He opened the door laughing at his teasing of her. He was grateful to Emily. He still was worried about him and Rayna, but now because of Emily somehow he had hope he could work with it.

 

[Asa]

Rayna was curious about what sort of announcements Mother could have for everyone. She hoped Darren was right as she walked with him to the chambers for the blood dolls to assist them in getting ready and cleaned up. She saw them trying to help Greg and motioned to Darren.

Go help them with him. I will be fine and I will meet you two in the ballroom.

With that she made her way down the hall with the blood doll and went to get changed. She made sure that there would be standard food at the celebration as the blood doll confirmed it since they were told they were all expected to attend this gathering with all of the vampires and guests. Rayna was now even more curious as to what mother had planned.

______________

Emily laughed.... hey be nice.

She then jumped as the very human blood dolls seemed to walk right through her not seeing as they began to try to direct Greg to an area where he could choose clothes for the party for them to assist him into so that he is prepared for Mothers gathering.

They can't see me can they?

She asked watching Darren and Rayna. She quickly moved over to Rayna and went with her making sure she was alright and talk with her.

____________

Mother had changed as well and as if in honor of her plans her hair was done in a style she learned long ago.from Rayna before the embrace. She was determined more than usual for this celebration to be perfect so.ce she was finally going to be able to set so many wrongs right.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Darren Cross and Gregory Wolf

Darren and Greg arrived at the ballroom wearing suits given to them.

Greg pulled on his collar as if it was a bit too tight, although it was the best fitting suit he had ever worn...not that there was that many he had ever worn. There was the suit he had inherited from his uncle Murray, and the tux he had his eye on for when his wedding day that never came. That was it. He never wore them in his everyday life. He felt completely uncomfortable in this monkey suit.

Darren pulled out a chair at the long table that only took up one half of the ballroom. "Stop fidgeting, Greg. You look fine." He said sitting into the seat touching his head as a new wave of lightheadedness hit him for a moment. He was still feeling the effects of the poisoning.

"You okay," Greg asked, "Maybe you need some more of that antidote."

"These waves of dizziness are coming weaker and less frequently now," He said making a dismissive gesture with his hand, "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."

"Good," Greg nodded watching as the human servants began setting the table. "These guys creep me out."

"What," Darren laughed, "They're just people, Greg, some are raised to service vampires, others seek to belong by their service here."

"That's why they creep me out,"

Now the vampires were filing into the room. The blood dolls were discreetly scurrying out of the way as they took their places. Darren and Greg's breath caught as Rayna was escorted inside with Mother in a knockout of a dress.

 

[Asa]

The long black low back v neckline dress with the softest of crimson decor matching the blood crimson necklace resting at her neck. She smiled to them as mother guided her to stand by Bishop. She smiled to her brother and accepted the offered arm as they quickly looked to mother as she brought everyone's attention to her for he announcement.

http://www.partydressuk.com/bmz_cache/evening_medium/mermaid-floor-length-deep-v-neck-dress-low-back-zipper-black-jovani-prom-1153-flower-high-slit-144.jpg

Mother stood there remembering as she spoke.

In the days when the council chose who would be embraced and who would embrace them at traveled often covering the various nations searching for those our elder council deemed worthy. Our travels had brought us to the ancient kingdoms and nomads of the Himalayas in summer. Strange flowers and plants looked like a vast carpet and the people and animals so beautiful and rugged. We were surprisingly met by one of the nomad families after we protected their tiny herd from predators. The elder Gyatso and his daughters made us welcome and showed us some ruins we could dwell within. The girls were so young beautiful and kind to us. Draven grew interested in them even though he had a son still just a young 20 years into our existance... Bishop. The council began talking to the sisters and soon they were discussing among themselves who should embrace them. Draven and I were chosen to embrace the girls much to our delight. One of them to me did not seem right for the embrace she was not ready but they would not listen to me. They would claim both to our family and that wasthe final ruling. So Draven and I began spending more time with the girls than the others so they could observe them. Then they began demanding that the ones the girls seemed naturally drawn to would not be the ones to embrace that sister but we were to swap embracing the opposite sister. I feared for for the one I had grown so close to knowing how dark cruel and twisted my brother could be but my words fell on deaf ears. The council would hear nothing of it. The embrace went as the elders wished it and I distanced myself from the daughter I wanted and tried my best to teach the one I was given and protect her from herself and her own darkness. I could not stop my brother from anything he might do to that precious soul but I knew that to the best of his ability his honorable and caring son would protect her. Bishop had also been drawn to the same sister that I had and I hoped he would protect her always but even that protection was taken from her by a council that with the death o Maxwell has finally been completely purged from our family replaced with a new ad honorable council. A council that now needs one final member... perhaps a wayward protector who now knows the truth about an ancient lover who manipulated him at the request of a worthless and cruel monster.

Once matters were decided at the cruel whim of monsters now I set them right. From now on the one who should have been my daughter long ago now in title or reembrace if she wishes it as well as her brother.

BISHOP... RAYNA... From this moment on you are now My children by title or by reembrace if you so wish it. The council seat will be filled by my son if he so wishes that title Bishop... in a probationary period untilled I deem him ready to take full post with the council. This leaves for.my daughter Rayna this city with her own council and advisors and guards. Darren... Greg... Emily... and the the decision I was always most proud of her for making love over all else. Batai please accept role of advisor. You four will guide aid and protect her. Yes a wolf and ghosts are not typical but times change and these before you hold places in her heart and Emily wields the most level of minds of all of them.

Step forward new head of this city and your council so that we may celebrate your command.

Emily just blinked listening to all of what mother had to say and moved to stand by Rayna. She did not care if it was not proper protocol what were they gonna do kill her... not likely. Then she heard mothers announcement of their little family no being her protectors council and advisors and was shocked again as she looked to Batai Greg and Darren then spoke up on her own...

I accept.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Darren Cross and Gregory Wolf

Now the vampires were filing into the room. The blood dolls were discreetly scurrying out of the way as they took their places. Darren and Greg's breath caught as Rayna was escorted inside with Mother in a knockout of a dress.

She took Bishop by the arm but smiled over to them and Darren and Greg felt their hearts swell in love and admiration for this woman that had suddenly come into their lives and changed them forever.

Mother motioned for them all to sit and stood with Rayna and Bishop at the end of the table and gave her announcement, her tale to tell of Rayna's and Selene's origins. Then she delivered her bombshell as she announced that Rayna would take Bishop's job as leader of the vampire community in Boston.

Greg's eyebrows rose in shock and Darren leaned back in his chair at it they looked at eachother wordlessly then over to Rayna as she agreed to it.

It seemed their lives weren't done changing.

The three of them sat at the head of the table and without needing to be told the blood doll servants began carrying trays with crystal goblets of blood for the vampires including Rayna and Darren. Darren leaned down and sniffed it experimentally.

"It's not fresh," He concluded.

"Mother told them to use the emergency supply from the freezer." The vampire across from them replied. Skeptically he raised to his lips and sipped some. He placed back onto the tabletop cringing in disgust. "It's so cold, limp, lifeless. How can you keep this down?"

"Practice and willpower," Darren answered taking a full satisfied swallow.

Then one blooddoll placed a plate of fillet mignon and rice pilaf down in front of Greg. It was done medium rare, red and juicy, just the way he liked it now. He took a bite and his eyes closed and he moaned, it was sooo good.

Blooddolls sat at the piano began playing to provide ambiance and entertainment for their betters as they dined.

By the end of the meal Greg looked over to Rayna to see how she was doing beside Mother and across from Bishop. She looked a little down and then he got an idea. He rose and walked over to her. He held out his hand for her.

"Care to dance," He asked and then paled as he realized he actually didn't know how to dance. His face flushed in embarassment with himself.

 

[Asa]

To say her mental an emotional state were pure and true chaos would be an understatement. Her expression still perfect to most here but clearly Greg Darren Emily and Batai and perhaps even her brother could see past the expected facade. She nodded to mother's words and a slight bow of her head at the offering of becoming her true daughter. She hoped her brother would accept as well. She looked to Darren Greg Emily and Batai hearing they would be her advisors and protectors and smiled. Hearing how Emily jumped to accept nearly made her want to chuckle but remained at just a smile as she hoped they would all accept including Batai.

She smiled seeing that they had food for Greg as she sipped the goblet placed before her. Emily wandered around and looked to Batai.

So I guess it would be rude I we left so any idea how to dance to this music?

Rayna looked to Greg and smiled as he asked her to dance

I would love to.

Once they were away from the table she whispered to him.

Just like we danced that first time together... relax.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

"Care to dance," He asked and then paled as he realized he actually didn't know how to dance. His face flushed in embarassment with himself.

"I would love to," She replied taking his hand and rising from her seat.

"I may need a little bit of help with it though," He said with a sheepish grin.

"Just like we danced that first time together," She said taking his hands, "... relax."

Greg tried to focus on only her and let all the blood-sucking fiends watching them step out and begin swaying to the piano music fade into the background. His grip was tight on her hand and lower back like a man from a sinking ship would with a life-perserver.

"That's...uh..." He stammered still nervous, "...That's quite a dress, Rayna. You...uh...wear it well. I think when you came in you could've heard mine and Darren's jaws hitting the floor in China."

 

[Asa]

Greg why are you so nervous?

She smiled letting him hold her as tight as he needed to as she smiled reassuring to him. Was it Selene's execution or mother placing her over the city. She was worried that it might have all been too much for him much less mother making them her council and guards.

Is everything alright?

----------------------------------

Emily took it all in but wondered if she was the only one who had agreed to being advisor and council or was it just that there was no answering yes or no the answer was irrelevant since it was mother who spoke thedecision.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

"...That's quite a dress, Rayna. You...uh...wear it well. I think when you came in you could've heard mine and Darren's jaws hitting the floor in China."

He didn't lead as they danced to the piano music, but neither did Rayna. The two of them just moved in synchronicity to the lilting melody as it dictated how they should move. It was a moment absolute freedom and beauty and all the more terrifying for it. There were no rules no steps to follow for them. They just moved as the moment meant them to.

"Greg why are you so nervous," She asked, "Is everything alright?"

In answer to her question he shook his head, "I don't know." Greg glanced down between them. "Right now I'm nervous about whether I can finish this dance without having stomped all over your feet and looking like a clumsy fool."

He shrugged as they made a twirl, "About killing Selene, Darren and me and you, Mother making you the vampire godfath-err-godmother of Boston, and I'm supposed to be what your werewolf version of Robert Deniro here...I don't know how I'll help advise you with that, Rayna? I'm not that guy. I don't even know what kind of guy I am anymore, ever since I was bitten I've been someone else. Someone I can't recognize when I look into the mirror." He shook his head and held her close to him. "The only thing I am certain of is how I feel about you."

-----------------------------------x

IC: Darren Cross and Bishop

Darren watched Greg and Rayna dance and twirl and it only made his dizzy spells worse. And as much as he wanted to be there with them, he couldn't, and that was unbearable to him.

Instead he got up and walked down the table to where Bishop sat beside Mother. He was still feeling a bit lightheaded, but it was mostly passing now.

Bishop looked up to him and noticed his affliction, "Darren, you were far younger than Rayna. You may need a second dose of the antidote."

He nodded grabbing the back of a chair as the motion made his head spin, "We need to talk anyway."

Bishop and Darren left to fetch him more antidote and talk in private.

 

[Asa]

Greg... you are still exactly the same person none of that changed just the way you view yourself changed. You are a wonderful person Greg the wolf does not change that. Mother made you all advisors and protectors...

She continued to dance with him but also kept an eye on Darren making sure he was alright. She nodded to Emily to keep an eye out or an ear if she could without upsetting anyone.

Mother watched them all carefully knowing she chose well and glancing around she called to Batai.

If you would like to talk I believe its long overdue.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

"About killing Selene, Darren and me and you, Mother making you the vampire godfath-err-godmother of Boston, and I'm supposed to be what your werewolf version of Robert Deniro here...I don't know how I'll help advise you with that, Rayna? I'm not that guy. I don't even know what kind of guy I am anymore, ever since I was bitten I've been someone else. Someone I can't recognize when I look into the mirror." He shook his head and held her close to him. "The only thing I am certain of is how I feel about you."

"Greg... you are still exactly the same person," She told him, "None of that changed, just the way you view yourself changed. You are a wonderful person Greg the wolf does not change that."

They danced slow now, in a tight area of the floor, more swaying and holding eachother to music than actual dancing, but Greg felt like Fred Astere or Gene Autrey as he heard her say that. Her words moved him. Bright rays of sunlight breaking through the gloomy overcast sky of Greg's world.

"I'm not sophisticated and complex and cool like Darren or Batai, Rayna. I have doubts and problems, and I worry-alot. I don't think I'll ever be okay with being a werewolf, but I am okay with being the guy here tonight dancing with the new Vampire queen of Boston."

"Mother made you all advisors and protectors..." She reminded him.

"I don't know what advice I'd ever be able to give you, but if you just want someone to talk to over problems or just because I have two ears at your service."

-------------------------------X

IC: Batai

Batai kept to himself in the background, unnoticed. The way he wanted it right now. He was a ghost now, but even before he was an observer, a watcher. Patient and quiet in the corner as events unfolded before him.

Mother rose from her seat at the head of the table and approached him despite how he glowered at her.

"If you would like to talk," She told him, "I believe its long overdue."

He shook his head, "I have nothing to say to you. I do not know what scheme you are trying to entangle my wife within, but she will see through you."

 

[Asa]

Mother just watchex him.

Batai... I am.setting things right now that there is no elder council older than I. There is a feline shifter a Tarynik to be exact you know their abilities to reveal things from one being to another even if one of those people are... a ghost would you meet with her... she can show both of us the truth though I think you knew some of the history I told and perhaps your hate or anger with me comes from the same place my self anger comes from... that I was not as strong willed against the elder council and embraced Rayna myself. If you choose to meet with her Bishop can summon her here she and her pack meet with the wolves of te area as we speak.

She turned t go but spoke once more as she walked away.

I was always so proud of her for choosing you over politics and he great good you were to her life


___________________

Rayna curled close against him as she smiled.

Greg just having you and Darren and Emily and Batai in m life and mother seeking to make everything right its all..

Closing her eyes she fell silent and just listened to his heartbeat and smiled.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

"I don't know what advice I'd ever be able to give you, but if you just want someone to talk to over problems or just because. I have two ears at your service."

Rayna curled into him saying, "Greg just having you and Darren and Emily and Batai in m life and mother seeking to make everything right its all..."

She grew silent leaning deeper into his chest and resting her ear against his chest.

Greg's arms wrapped around her embracing her. "Rayna..." He said softly kissing the hair on the top of her head, "...I love you."

-----------------------------------------X

IC: Batai

Batai's eyes were wide in shock at the things mother revealed.

The undisputed iron-fisted ruler of the Vampire world waxing sentimental, revealing regret, weakness to him, an avowed enemy...This can not be. This was not possible.

She turned to leave but not before looking over her shoulder adding, "I was always so proud of her for choosing you over politics, and the great good you were to her life."

His jaw dropped as she walked away and he shook himself as if he had dreamed it.

Impossible.

He vanished returning to Rayna's necklace to ponder what Mother had told him.

 

[Asa]

Rayna

She smiled to him hearing what he said and lifting her head to look into his eyes. A hand reaching to his cheek as she stared silent for a a brief moment before speaking.

I love you too Greg

Leaning in to kiss his cheek she did not care at all about proper action of the commander of the city she was not going to change who she was at all if she could help it. There was no need to put on expected airs as no one ever knew what to expect from her. She saw Mother walk over to Batai and then seeing him vanish as she walked away she was curious but dismissed it for now there would be many things going on that she would have to grow used to now.

Emily and Mother

Emily and Mother were the next to talk as she had many questions for mother and mother had just as many for her about the new little family that Rayna seemed to have drawn together around her and passing along other information to Emily about various groups and "families" and how they contribute to the running of the hotel and the aid they give for the vamipires of the city.

I... I do not have any way of preventing this without causing an unnecessary problem for Rayna but there is a family who delivers... a very unique blood doll for council members and new rulers of cities or replacements when needed. They will no doubt send one of these to Rayna...

Mother actually smirked. I suspect if it were not for Darren and Greg Rayna would have been more than happy to acquire this gift but with her attachment to Greg and Darren this should be entertaining.

Mother and Emily simply glanced to Darren and Greg and Rayna and laughed. Emily then looked to mother and commented.

Greg will flip if some guy shows up for Rayna... Darren's reaction should be interesting too unless he knows this happens.

Mother shook her head no about Darren knowing about the Blood doll supplying family and the unique dolls they deliver to rulers.

Ohh this is going to be sooo fun Emily laughed.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

Greg's arms wrapped around her embracing her. "Rayna..." He said softly kissing the hair on the top of her head, "...I love you."

She lifted her head so her eyes met hers and Greg could see the way those simple words had affected her. Her hand was soft, tender against his cheek as she quietly responded, "I love you too, Greg."

She kissed him then on his cheek, and Greg's arms tightened around her. They stopped dancing. They just stood there soaking up eachother's embrace, their regard and love for the other.

Finally he pulled back just far enough to place his lips against hers, and waited a moment for her invitation before gently pressing a soft, sweet lingering kiss to those blood red and gentle lips of hers.

 

[Asa]

Rayna felt his lips on hers and pressed softly into a kiss. Standing there forgetting the music and the others present her eyes were on Greg and her ears trying to monitor the others hearing the mumbled sounds of Emily talking with mother and the even more muffled whisps of Darren and Bishops voices though no idea what any of them are talking about.

A hand moving first to caress Greg's cheek and then coming to rest over his chest once the kiss was broken and she stared into his eyes. Her own eyes seeming to sparkle with how happy she is to have reason to settle down and a place to belong there in Boston with Greg Darren Emily and Batai. More than she ever would have imagined it could be for her with her wanderlust and she was amazed at how easy if was to fall into this happiness in a family as it were of her own creation.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

Finally he pulled back just far enough to place his lips against hers, and waited a moment for her invitation before gently pressing a soft, sweet lingering kiss to those blood red and gentle lips of hers.

They kissed soft and tender and slow. Her hand was over his chest, just above his heart hammering in his chest.

It was certainly heard by any of the other vampires in the room dining on the cold stale refrigerated blood. Some despite efforts to maintain an image of politeness to the perculiarities of their new boss rose and excused themselves from the table desperately searching for a blood doll not busy in the ballroom to feed off of. The others stuck it out sipping at their goblets of blood, and practicing their feigned looks of approval at the pairing of Rayna to a whimpering werewolf mutt.

At the end Greg pulled away breaking the magical moment of the kiss and looked into Rayna's, Rayna, let's get out of here. Just you and me, okay?"

 

[Asa]

Rayna

She smiled at Greg looking deep into his eyes for a long moment before she glanced around seeing their looks and her expression changed quickly as she kissed his cheek and motioned one moment before she walked back towards the table her expression growing cold ruthless her voice to the remaining blood dolls cold and venomous.

Assemble ALL of the vampires who are permanent residents of Boston... NOW!

Mother

She could sense the shift hearing Rayna's voice to the blood dolls she and Emily both somewhat froze before walking over to see what was going on. Mother nodded for the Blood dolls to quickly follow Rayna's orders now would not be a good time to anger their new leader. Watching as they quickly took off as she watched as the blood dolls quickly dragged all full time residents of Boston back into the main room. Having simply told Bishop and Darren that Rayna appeared to have an announcement to make that seemed most... important.

Rayna awaited everyone's arrival and them stared at each and every one of them looking through them before speaking.

There is not one of you that should seek to hide your displeasure in MY chosen family but they are family and you will either accept that like it or not or you may leave Boston. I have been kind enough NOT to call what is my right of a culling of any who might not support my command of this town but I dare each and every one of you who have a problem with this to give me a reason to call a culling. Know this I know each and every one of you who have sought my brothers title and head. Yes one of my advisers is a wolf... there is a wolf population in this city and the wildlands around it. We have pacts and treaties with them and for those of you who have missed rubbing two braincells together He can be our voice with them as can one of the Ghosts My late husband Batai. Ahh yes two of my advisers are ghosts... Get over it or I may test ways to make you join them.

I would love nothing more than for this city to run just as smoothly if not more so than it has under my brothers reign and if that has to come with the cost culling... SO BE IT. Do I make myself clear?

With that she turned to mother her tone softening only a little.

I will meet with anyone else you require me to meet with later this evening. I am going to leave this den of sniveling relics. I will return when I return. I am taking one of my advisers with me to talk with and attempt to calm myself. If any follow me that are NOT any of my advisers... will pay dearly is that clear?

Mother simply nodded and looked to Greg

Aid her in calming this rage I will deal with any that may cause it again... personally.

Mothers eyes fell on all gathered with their own cold brutal stare as she watched as they were still shrinking back from Rayna's rage only to now have to face mothers rage.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

"Rayna, let's get out of here. Just you and me, okay?"

She smiled up at him peering deep into his eyes, but didn't answer him. Instead she walked over to the vampires at the banquet table.

"Assemble ALL of the vampires who are permanent residents of Boston..." She announced to them, "...NOW!"

Greg followed behind her a little taken aback at the abrupt shift from soft and tender Rayna to the new tough imperial mistress in her skin now.

Soon all the vampires in the hotel and the surrounding area came filling the banquet hall. Mother and Emily came up beside him behind Rayna.

"There is not one of you that should seek to hide your displeasure in MY chosen family but they are family and you will either accept that like it or not or you may leave Boston. I have been kind enough NOT to call what is my right of a culling of any who might not support my command of this town but I dare each and every one of you who have a problem with this to give me a reason to call a culling." She said to the gathered crowd, "Know this I know each and every one of you who have sought my brothers title and head."

They looked at eachother. Those that had plotted against Bishop's reign here in Boston grew nervous.

"Yes one of my advisers is a wolf... there is a wolf population in this city and the wildlands around it. We have pacts and treaties with them and for those of you who have missed rubbing two braincells together He can be our voice with them," She continued.

"Me," Greg said shocked. The last thing he wanted was to meet and talk with actual werewolves.

Some of the Vampires' faces screwed up at the notion of forging any relations with the mongrel dogs in the area.

"As can one of the Ghosts My late husband Batai." Rayna continued, "Get over it or I may test ways to make you join them."

The Vampires with the screwed up faces softened then, thier hard prejudiced faces replaced by ones of sudden worry or fear.

Rayna's voice was hardening with each word anger and outrage and an ominous danger dripped off her tone. "I would love nothing more than for this city to run just as smoothly if not more so than it has under my brothers reign and if that has to come with the cost culling... SO BE IT. Do I make myself clear?"

She turned to Mother. "I will meet with anyone else you require me to meet with later this evening. I am going to leave this den of sniveling relics. I will return when I return. I am taking one of my advisers with me to talk with and attempt to calm myself. If any follow me that are NOT any of my advisers... will pay dearly is that clear?"

Mother nodded, but looked to him and said, "Aid her in calming this rage I will deal with any that may cause it again... personally."

Greg's eyes widened but he nodded to her as he took Rayna's hands, "Come on let's get out of here, Rayna." His hand held her firmly but gently, with a confidence he didn't feel at full. He led them out of the hall and to some elevators. "The roof should be some place quiet and private enough." He turned to her, "Come on, it'll be just you and me."

 

[Asa]

Rayna

She let Greg lead her from the room and up to the roof. She closed her eyes feeling the night air and squeezed his hand with a smile.

Tank you... I... I could hear them and see their stares and... I guess perhaps the madness even touches me. At least the rage that comes with it. I had little time to think on it all when mother made her announcement and Emily jumped to be an adviser. I chose not to call for a culling... hunting down and wiping out any and all that might have been a problem or a threat. I want things to be different since the family I have brought around me is different.

She shook her head unsure of what to think right now. She liked that cold venomous side that backed them all down and she hated it. Maybe she really was both predator and innocent... or was the kindness brought out by the family she had brought around her. What was real and what was just beginning to reveal itself.

Mother

Her expression was cold and brutal as she looked at each and everyone of them.

Each and every one of you WILL stand before me as well as our new family members and Bishop. If you refuse... I doubt any would be that foolish as to refuse.

With that she smiled hearing the opening of the grand ballroom doors and knew the pack had returned. Turning she smiled to them watching their mated leaders drop to bended knee followed by the others bowing to her.

Perfect timing... While your new commander is in conference with one of her Advisers you and your Mate will assist myself and her other advisers question all present. Any who require it will be placed into the custody of your pack until The new commander of Boston is ready to deal with them.

Ember

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Ember pushed open the doors her temper already amped up at the arrogance of the young wolves who are coming into their own pack command within the hierarchy of the tribe around Boston. She was werefeline and at times short fused with her temper and the embrace did little to temper that. However upon entering the Grand Ballroom and seeing mother there and smelling the rage billowing from her as well as the scent of... wolf... she calmed and bowed before mother ignoring all others in the room knowing her mate and her pack would do the same.

She listened intently to mother as she stood up and nodded. Her eyes now once mother made her orders clear traveled over each vampire present as well as a Ghost? What was going on in their absence... her attention fell to a few problem vampires and then to others who had a strong scent of fear. This scent always tickled her senses as a feral cross between a purr and a snarl rumbled from her.

We will aid as you and the new commander's advisers wish Mother. We are willing to wait to meet our new commander and are honored to aid you in making sure this town is presentable to our new commander whoever that may be.

Her eyes passed over the vampires present as she smirked still for now in human form there was a trace of blood about her fingernails and lips adding to the feral and deadly appearance of this young woman.