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dark romanticist
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Prologue: Murder of Teresa Smythe
SheLuvsMusic
Senior Member
The first few moments after the transition back were not unlike waking up after a long night of drink. The head felt foggy, muscles ached, and sometimes you woke up in pool of your own vomit. Also not unlike a long night of drink, sometimes it was difficult to remember where you had placed your trousers, or why you had taken them off in the first place. You could not recall parts, if any, of the previous nightβs activities, and you smelled like something akin to a wild animal.
It was this very predicament that Elijah found himself in now, although it only took him a few moments to realize that this time, he had not gotten drunk the night before. He smelled like an animal because he had been animal β briefly β during the one night every month he could not escape his curse. The full moon.
Taking a moment to collect his bearings, Elijah rolled over onto his back, groaning with discomfort, to survey his surroundings. Like most wolves, he did not dare stick too close to the city on a full moon. He found himself instead in a field on the outskirts of the very edges of London, near the river, but far enough away from any roads to be easily spotted. It was morning, early morning, for the sun had not fully risen, but he could hear the chattering of the first few birds beginning to wake.
He reached up, checking to see that the iron band heβd placed around his neck the night before was still there. He found it, cool and hard against his clammy skin, and traced around the edges until he found the chain it attached to, relieved that it had not broken. He had a pack no more to rely on during his transitions, so heβd taken to chaining himself up, his own way of assuring heβd stay put and able to find his way back home when he woke up. If somebody happened to stumble upon him as a wolf, better that they kill him than end up being killed. And if they came across him in his current stateβ¦ he could always claim that a lunatic had kidnapped him. Still, there was always a sense a relief when he woke up, alive, undiscovered, and chained to the same tree heβd tethered himself to the night before.
It was only when he gathered himself to his knees that he noticed he was not just covered in the usual dirt and grime. His eyes caught a glimpse of sticky, thick red, and followed it down his shoulders, arms, and torso. He cried out, stumbling backwards, before surveying himself for injuries. Had somebody or something found him last night after all? Could he really be so unlucky to be have been discovered, but lucky enough to escape death? He ran his dirty along his skin, but could not find any wound to indicate heβd been hurt. Realizing the alternative, he diverted his attention from his own body to the space around him, and there he saw her β laying limp at the base of the tree β and he knew her β because the animal instinct in him did not need to see her human face to recognize her.
Teresa.
βNoβ¦ no!β he said, at first quiet, and then almost a shout. He moved closer, hovering over the young, wolf body. In his heart he knew what his efforts would reveal, but he was praying to God if there even was one that what he was seeing was not real. Pulling her body around, his stomach sank with horror. She was cold. Bloodied. Mutilated, was more like it. And she was dead.
Elijah grimaced, his breathing quickening as he began to panic. Did he do this? He was covered in blood, and he could not recall a thing of the night before. But this was Teresa. Dear, sweet, Teresa. And although he knew her from another lifetime, he could never imagine that he would hurt her β besides the obviousness of not wanting to hurt an innocent child, Teresa was special because she was Evaβs.
Eva.
Elijah quickly pulled himself together and began digging in the grass and dirt around him, looking for the key to unlock his chain. He found it, and with fumbling fingers, unlocked the collar that held him to this spot.
Next, he frantically searched for his change of clothes. He always kept them nearby, neatly folded for easy access. The only thing worse than being discovered walking around the city as a wolf was to be walking around naked, which was the unfortunate side effect of changing bodies. If it were not for societyβs obsession with modesty, Elijah would not mind all that much, but to blend in with a world that would otherwise want to kill you, one had to maintain some sense of sensibility.
Now that he was decent, or as decent as one could get covered in dirt and blood, Elijah made his decision as to what to do. Scooping the small, cool body into his arms, he began walking towards the old, familiar territory that he knew he would find the pack this time of year. He didnβt understand what happened here, but he did know one thing. Eva deserved to know.
It was this very predicament that Elijah found himself in now, although it only took him a few moments to realize that this time, he had not gotten drunk the night before. He smelled like an animal because he had been animal β briefly β during the one night every month he could not escape his curse. The full moon.
Taking a moment to collect his bearings, Elijah rolled over onto his back, groaning with discomfort, to survey his surroundings. Like most wolves, he did not dare stick too close to the city on a full moon. He found himself instead in a field on the outskirts of the very edges of London, near the river, but far enough away from any roads to be easily spotted. It was morning, early morning, for the sun had not fully risen, but he could hear the chattering of the first few birds beginning to wake.
He reached up, checking to see that the iron band heβd placed around his neck the night before was still there. He found it, cool and hard against his clammy skin, and traced around the edges until he found the chain it attached to, relieved that it had not broken. He had a pack no more to rely on during his transitions, so heβd taken to chaining himself up, his own way of assuring heβd stay put and able to find his way back home when he woke up. If somebody happened to stumble upon him as a wolf, better that they kill him than end up being killed. And if they came across him in his current stateβ¦ he could always claim that a lunatic had kidnapped him. Still, there was always a sense a relief when he woke up, alive, undiscovered, and chained to the same tree heβd tethered himself to the night before.
It was only when he gathered himself to his knees that he noticed he was not just covered in the usual dirt and grime. His eyes caught a glimpse of sticky, thick red, and followed it down his shoulders, arms, and torso. He cried out, stumbling backwards, before surveying himself for injuries. Had somebody or something found him last night after all? Could he really be so unlucky to be have been discovered, but lucky enough to escape death? He ran his dirty along his skin, but could not find any wound to indicate heβd been hurt. Realizing the alternative, he diverted his attention from his own body to the space around him, and there he saw her β laying limp at the base of the tree β and he knew her β because the animal instinct in him did not need to see her human face to recognize her.
Teresa.
βNoβ¦ no!β he said, at first quiet, and then almost a shout. He moved closer, hovering over the young, wolf body. In his heart he knew what his efforts would reveal, but he was praying to God if there even was one that what he was seeing was not real. Pulling her body around, his stomach sank with horror. She was cold. Bloodied. Mutilated, was more like it. And she was dead.
Elijah grimaced, his breathing quickening as he began to panic. Did he do this? He was covered in blood, and he could not recall a thing of the night before. But this was Teresa. Dear, sweet, Teresa. And although he knew her from another lifetime, he could never imagine that he would hurt her β besides the obviousness of not wanting to hurt an innocent child, Teresa was special because she was Evaβs.
Eva.
Elijah quickly pulled himself together and began digging in the grass and dirt around him, looking for the key to unlock his chain. He found it, and with fumbling fingers, unlocked the collar that held him to this spot.
Next, he frantically searched for his change of clothes. He always kept them nearby, neatly folded for easy access. The only thing worse than being discovered walking around the city as a wolf was to be walking around naked, which was the unfortunate side effect of changing bodies. If it were not for societyβs obsession with modesty, Elijah would not mind all that much, but to blend in with a world that would otherwise want to kill you, one had to maintain some sense of sensibility.
Now that he was decent, or as decent as one could get covered in dirt and blood, Elijah made his decision as to what to do. Scooping the small, cool body into his arms, he began walking towards the old, familiar territory that he knew he would find the pack this time of year. He didnβt understand what happened here, but he did know one thing. Eva deserved to know.
SheLuvsMusic
Senior Member
There was a camp, around the outskirts of the city, in a clearing large enough to accommodate a few dozen horses and a caravan of people, that the pack liked to stay in while they were here. It was close enough to city life that the men could secure decent enough labor jobs for a time, while providing a quick in and out of the city for the full moons. But London winters were not kind to wolves, and this particular camp would have been abandoned long ago in favor of travel to someplace south, where it was warmer, had it not been for Curtis falling ill.
He almost hadnβt survived this last transition. They found him when the sun came up, sprawled out in the snow, having a fit. The poor man was not lucid, and despite the bitter cold in the air, he was covered in a layer of sweat. It had taken four men to calm him enough to get him dressed and loaded into the wagon that would take them all back to camp.
He lay on his bed now, more lucid, but looking worse than he had ever looked before. As she sat wiping his brow with a warm, damp cloth, Eva was sure she had never resented a man as much as she did in that very moment. This man, however indirectly, had cost her so much. Tom should have let them leave him behind. If he had, she wouldnβt have had to warm up in front of the fire for the better half of an hour before the chill in her bones finally went away. If he had, she wouldnβt be here, wiping this manβs forehead while a search party looked for her sister.
βDo not look so worried,β Curtis said, awake and coherent enough now to speak. He reached up and gave her wrist a pat as she moved the clothe along his hairline. βIβm sure little Teresa will be found soon enough.β
She narrowed her eyes slightly, imagined what it would feel like if she grabbed the pillow from underneath him and smothered him with it. Instead, she continued with her tending, silent, but secretly aching she were with Tom and his men helping to look for her sister.
It wasnβt right, that sheβd been delegated to this task when she should be out there. She was all Teresa had, and all Eva had, really, was Teresa.
βYouβll be more useful if you stay at camp,β Tom said. βWe canβt go losing you, too.β
βI know my way around,β she argued. βAnd sheβs my sister. If anyone has the best chance of finding her, itβs me.β
βI know youβre worried, love, but that is exactly why youβre better off here. You need to occupy your mind with something else, like looking after pa for a little while. Youβll only drive yourself mad out here. We have this handled.β His words were supposed to reassuring, but to Eva, they were patronizing. As if looking after his father wasnβt an incredibly dull task. As if she wasnβt worrying more, sitting here and feeling useless, than if she were out there actually doing something.
βI need some air,β she told Curtis, setting down the cloth and exiting the wagon. Outside, she leaned with her hands on her knees, wondering how Teresa had even managed to sneak off so far from the group in the first place.
She wasnβt sure how long sheβd stayed there like that before she heard the commotion. A couple of men who had stayed behind in case trouble arose shouted, and the women began to chatter, sticking their heads out of doors and windows. Were they back? Had they found her?
Eva rose her head towards the entrance of camp. A couple of the men had stepped forward, blocking her view.
βYou sick bastard!β One of them shouted, shoving at a figure in front of him that she could not make out. βWhat have you done?β
βPlease, I donβt mean any harm, I-β A punch was thrown, knocking the hidden figure back a few steps and it was only then that Eva could see who the mysterious visitor was.
Elijah?
A small crowd had gathered, and she started to push her way through them, her heart pounding as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. Elijah was exiled a little over a year ago now. He shouldnβt be here, he shouldnβtβ¦
She froze, suddenly having had come close enough to get a better understanding of what exactly was going on. As shocked as she was to see her former friend, it was a pale comparison to the shock of what he held in his arms. If she didnβt know better, she would think it was a fur blanket, but there was only one wolf she knew with that color coat.
Eva grabbed at the man who had punched Elijah, shoving him aside as she moved to inspect her sister. The other man who had stepped up, willingly stepped aside, recognizing Evaβs need to investigate for herself. The crowd behind her quieted to mere whispers, waiting to see what she would do and how she would react. Likely, many of them were still trying to process the scene themselves.
Slowly, she reached out and sank her fingers into the pile of soft fur before her. Unbelieving, she found it to be cold, and the body beneath it stiff. Upon closer inspection, she was horrified to see how it was also stained red. Up until now she had remained composed, hopeful, thinking that Teresa was only lost. That she would be back in her own bed, tucked away safely, by the time night fell. However, now she could see Teresa was not just lost. She was dead.
A sob bubbled up and out from within her.
βEva, I am so, so sorryβ¦β Elijah said, but she ignored him and pushed him away, gathering the body of her deceased sister in her own arms instead and pulling the cold body against her own as she sank to her knees on the ground.
She was human now, but that was when she let out the most animalistic scream.
He almost hadnβt survived this last transition. They found him when the sun came up, sprawled out in the snow, having a fit. The poor man was not lucid, and despite the bitter cold in the air, he was covered in a layer of sweat. It had taken four men to calm him enough to get him dressed and loaded into the wagon that would take them all back to camp.
He lay on his bed now, more lucid, but looking worse than he had ever looked before. As she sat wiping his brow with a warm, damp cloth, Eva was sure she had never resented a man as much as she did in that very moment. This man, however indirectly, had cost her so much. Tom should have let them leave him behind. If he had, she wouldnβt have had to warm up in front of the fire for the better half of an hour before the chill in her bones finally went away. If he had, she wouldnβt be here, wiping this manβs forehead while a search party looked for her sister.
βDo not look so worried,β Curtis said, awake and coherent enough now to speak. He reached up and gave her wrist a pat as she moved the clothe along his hairline. βIβm sure little Teresa will be found soon enough.β
She narrowed her eyes slightly, imagined what it would feel like if she grabbed the pillow from underneath him and smothered him with it. Instead, she continued with her tending, silent, but secretly aching she were with Tom and his men helping to look for her sister.
It wasnβt right, that sheβd been delegated to this task when she should be out there. She was all Teresa had, and all Eva had, really, was Teresa.
βYouβll be more useful if you stay at camp,β Tom said. βWe canβt go losing you, too.β
βI know my way around,β she argued. βAnd sheβs my sister. If anyone has the best chance of finding her, itβs me.β
βI know youβre worried, love, but that is exactly why youβre better off here. You need to occupy your mind with something else, like looking after pa for a little while. Youβll only drive yourself mad out here. We have this handled.β His words were supposed to reassuring, but to Eva, they were patronizing. As if looking after his father wasnβt an incredibly dull task. As if she wasnβt worrying more, sitting here and feeling useless, than if she were out there actually doing something.
βI need some air,β she told Curtis, setting down the cloth and exiting the wagon. Outside, she leaned with her hands on her knees, wondering how Teresa had even managed to sneak off so far from the group in the first place.
She wasnβt sure how long sheβd stayed there like that before she heard the commotion. A couple of men who had stayed behind in case trouble arose shouted, and the women began to chatter, sticking their heads out of doors and windows. Were they back? Had they found her?
Eva rose her head towards the entrance of camp. A couple of the men had stepped forward, blocking her view.
βYou sick bastard!β One of them shouted, shoving at a figure in front of him that she could not make out. βWhat have you done?β
βPlease, I donβt mean any harm, I-β A punch was thrown, knocking the hidden figure back a few steps and it was only then that Eva could see who the mysterious visitor was.
Elijah?
A small crowd had gathered, and she started to push her way through them, her heart pounding as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. Elijah was exiled a little over a year ago now. He shouldnβt be here, he shouldnβtβ¦
She froze, suddenly having had come close enough to get a better understanding of what exactly was going on. As shocked as she was to see her former friend, it was a pale comparison to the shock of what he held in his arms. If she didnβt know better, she would think it was a fur blanket, but there was only one wolf she knew with that color coat.
Eva grabbed at the man who had punched Elijah, shoving him aside as she moved to inspect her sister. The other man who had stepped up, willingly stepped aside, recognizing Evaβs need to investigate for herself. The crowd behind her quieted to mere whispers, waiting to see what she would do and how she would react. Likely, many of them were still trying to process the scene themselves.
Slowly, she reached out and sank her fingers into the pile of soft fur before her. Unbelieving, she found it to be cold, and the body beneath it stiff. Upon closer inspection, she was horrified to see how it was also stained red. Up until now she had remained composed, hopeful, thinking that Teresa was only lost. That she would be back in her own bed, tucked away safely, by the time night fell. However, now she could see Teresa was not just lost. She was dead.
A sob bubbled up and out from within her.
βEva, I am so, so sorryβ¦β Elijah said, but she ignored him and pushed him away, gathering the body of her deceased sister in her own arms instead and pulling the cold body against her own as she sank to her knees on the ground.
She was human now, but that was when she let out the most animalistic scream.
SheLuvsMusic
Senior Member
They locked him in a literal dog cage. It was so small and cramped that Elijah could not stand. He sat instead, crouched and curled up against the cold iron bars. It would have been amusing, the irony of a pack of werewolves locking another werewolf in a cage meant for dogs, but his back was starting to feel like it would never recover from this and he had the jagged edges of a few stones digging into his arse. Still, being locked inside a dog cage was probably preferable to whatever was waiting for him outside of it.
He sat up straighter, or as straight as he could given the limited space he had, when he heard a pair of footsteps approaching. Looking up he was surprised to see Tom's pale face and dark eyes glaring down at him. He thought Curtis, the pack leader, would have come instead of sending his middle son to do the job.
"See you've come to kill me, I presume. Eye for an eye, right?" Elijah asked, raising an eyebrow. He wouldn't be surprised. The fact that he'd been exiled instead of executed the last time he found himself in this predicament was nothing short of a miracle.
Tom let out a short laugh, though there was no humor in it. "God knows you deserve it, but no. It'd be doing Eva a disservice if I killed you without first getting answers."
So it was because of Eva again that he was spared.
"How is she?" he asked, knowing full well there was only really one answer to that question. He'd been trying, though failing, not to think too much about the expression on Eva's face when they'd escorted him away. Her screams rang had been ringing over and over again in his ears for the last few hours. They were the kind of sound only a mourning mother could make, which, seeing as although she did not birth her herself, made sense given that Eva had practically raised Teresa.
"How do you think? Old Lady Mira is still trying to convince her to let go of the body. Which brings me to the reason I'm even deigning to speak to you." Tom bent down so that he was more level with Elijah's face. "What sort of sick game are you playing? Was this your idea of revenge?"
"I'm not playing a game. I have no interest in revenge."
"Then why come here? Why murder an innocent child?"
"I didn't," Elijah said, pinching the bridge of his nose, then wincing at the pain it caused from the punch he'd gotten earlier that day. "Or at least, I don't really know that I did. I came here because I thought Eva deserved to know, damn the consequences." Tom regarded the man in front of him with skepticism. When he didn't say anything, Elijah sighed and added, "Look, Tom, I know you and I will never be friends again... in light of what I've done. But regardless of our issues, you must believe I would never willingly harm a child."
"I don't now what you're capable of anymore, to be honest," Tom said.
"Alright. Fine. Then you know I would never willingly harm Eva."
This gave Tom some pause. "If not you, then who?" he asked. He wasn't ready to believe anything just yet, but if he was going to be alpha when his father's time passed, he needed to make decisions like an alpha would. That meant considering all possibilities. As much as he wanted to enact his own revenge upon the exiled wolf, he'd paid the debt for his life already. If he killed Elijah now, and it turned out he was not the guilty party after all, then as much as it pained him to admit, Tom would be the evil one.
Elijah tilted his head. He never left London once he was exiled. It was not easy to travel alone, and he decided he would rather take his chances living the city life year round on his own than bother traveling like he'd once done. That meant he'd been around these parts for over a year now. He'd had some time to observe the city folk.
"There's vampires in London, as you know. I know the treaty is supposed to protect us, but let's just say... I've noticed them getting messy. While I can't prove it was one of them, or that they would have been involved, I'm just saying if not a wolf, what else could do damage like that? There's also the fact I found her outside of your normal territory. You may choose not to believe me, but I do not dare choose to venture near your neck of the city anymore, much less the old usual rendezvous points. Not while I'm a wolf. That's a suicide mission, and as miserable as I am these days, you know me well enough to know I'm not a quitter."
Tom stood, wiping his palms on his trousers and giving Elijah's cage a little kick with his boot. "Hmm. Well. It's... a possibility, I suppose," he said. "One I'll look into. But Elijah, do not mistake me. If I find out that you did this, there will be no second chances. You have no life debt to turn in this time." And with that he walked away. The first real alpha decision he had to make was weighing heavily on his shoulders and he had a terrible feeling that no matter the outcome, they would all lose in some way.
He sat up straighter, or as straight as he could given the limited space he had, when he heard a pair of footsteps approaching. Looking up he was surprised to see Tom's pale face and dark eyes glaring down at him. He thought Curtis, the pack leader, would have come instead of sending his middle son to do the job.
"See you've come to kill me, I presume. Eye for an eye, right?" Elijah asked, raising an eyebrow. He wouldn't be surprised. The fact that he'd been exiled instead of executed the last time he found himself in this predicament was nothing short of a miracle.
Tom let out a short laugh, though there was no humor in it. "God knows you deserve it, but no. It'd be doing Eva a disservice if I killed you without first getting answers."
So it was because of Eva again that he was spared.
"How is she?" he asked, knowing full well there was only really one answer to that question. He'd been trying, though failing, not to think too much about the expression on Eva's face when they'd escorted him away. Her screams rang had been ringing over and over again in his ears for the last few hours. They were the kind of sound only a mourning mother could make, which, seeing as although she did not birth her herself, made sense given that Eva had practically raised Teresa.
"How do you think? Old Lady Mira is still trying to convince her to let go of the body. Which brings me to the reason I'm even deigning to speak to you." Tom bent down so that he was more level with Elijah's face. "What sort of sick game are you playing? Was this your idea of revenge?"
"I'm not playing a game. I have no interest in revenge."
"Then why come here? Why murder an innocent child?"
"I didn't," Elijah said, pinching the bridge of his nose, then wincing at the pain it caused from the punch he'd gotten earlier that day. "Or at least, I don't really know that I did. I came here because I thought Eva deserved to know, damn the consequences." Tom regarded the man in front of him with skepticism. When he didn't say anything, Elijah sighed and added, "Look, Tom, I know you and I will never be friends again... in light of what I've done. But regardless of our issues, you must believe I would never willingly harm a child."
"I don't now what you're capable of anymore, to be honest," Tom said.
"Alright. Fine. Then you know I would never willingly harm Eva."
This gave Tom some pause. "If not you, then who?" he asked. He wasn't ready to believe anything just yet, but if he was going to be alpha when his father's time passed, he needed to make decisions like an alpha would. That meant considering all possibilities. As much as he wanted to enact his own revenge upon the exiled wolf, he'd paid the debt for his life already. If he killed Elijah now, and it turned out he was not the guilty party after all, then as much as it pained him to admit, Tom would be the evil one.
Elijah tilted his head. He never left London once he was exiled. It was not easy to travel alone, and he decided he would rather take his chances living the city life year round on his own than bother traveling like he'd once done. That meant he'd been around these parts for over a year now. He'd had some time to observe the city folk.
"There's vampires in London, as you know. I know the treaty is supposed to protect us, but let's just say... I've noticed them getting messy. While I can't prove it was one of them, or that they would have been involved, I'm just saying if not a wolf, what else could do damage like that? There's also the fact I found her outside of your normal territory. You may choose not to believe me, but I do not dare choose to venture near your neck of the city anymore, much less the old usual rendezvous points. Not while I'm a wolf. That's a suicide mission, and as miserable as I am these days, you know me well enough to know I'm not a quitter."
Tom stood, wiping his palms on his trousers and giving Elijah's cage a little kick with his boot. "Hmm. Well. It's... a possibility, I suppose," he said. "One I'll look into. But Elijah, do not mistake me. If I find out that you did this, there will be no second chances. You have no life debt to turn in this time." And with that he walked away. The first real alpha decision he had to make was weighing heavily on his shoulders and he had a terrible feeling that no matter the outcome, they would all lose in some way.
Chapter One: Within The Undead Manor
SheLuvsMusic
Senior Member
βWell, sβpose itβs your lucky day,β Tom said, leaning on the dog cage while he grinned patronizingly at Elijah. He held a letter in his hand, which he tossed through the bars at the other wolf. Elijah reached out and reflexively caught it between two hands. βThis arrived this morning from our vampire βfriendsβ in town. Perhaps your little theory may have some truth to it.β
Elijah rose a curious eyebrow before opening the letter. Invitation was the more accurate word for it, he realized, as he read the sprawling script. It was curious timing. Was it coincidence, or was it evidence? In any case, it made Elijah feel uneasy. There had not been a formal meeting between vampires in werewolves inβ¦ well, in decades. At least not since heβd been alive. Come to think of it, Elijah was not even certain heβd met one face to face.
βIf it was them, you think they would be smarter than to send something like this out so soon,β Elijah commented. βSeems a bitβ¦ obvious.β
βI thought you wanted us to consider them a possibility. Sounds to me like youβre backtracking. Do you not want us to indulge our friends? We could hold an execution instead. Iβm game.β
Elijah frowned. Tom was toying with him, and maybe he deserved it, but it didnβt mean he liked being in this position. βNo. I think itβs wise to consider the possibility. Did you ever consider perhaps maybe Iβm eager to solve the mystery myself?β
βDown, dog. No need to be so defensiveβ¦ yet.β Tom grinned that slow and teasing smile again, and Elijah fought off the urge to roll his eyes. Best not piss off the pack leaderβs son anymore than he already had. He remembered when their banter had been stupid, meaningless fun, but this had an entirely different tone.
βSo, whoβs going to attend this gathering?β he asked.
βWell, obviously thereβs me. A few more of the men β for protection. Eva. I wasnβt going to let her at first, but then I figuredβ¦ she could use the distraction. Besides, if it was them, I think she should have a say in the matter,β Tom said. βOh, and uh, you.β
This surprised Elijah. He thought for sure they would never let him out of this cage unless they planned to kill him. He wasnβt even allowed to take a piss outside β theyβd given him a bucket. It was humiliating. βMe?β he asked. βYouβre taking me, but Curtis isnβt going?β
βCurtis is indisposed. As his eldest surviving son, Iβm acting as proxy tonight. Did you think I would dare let you out of my sight?β At this explanation, he produced a bag from behind his back that he had been keeping out of sight until just now. Elijah recognized it as his own β the one he carried with him when he retreated outside the city for full moons. From it, he watched as Tom produced the chain and iron collar he wore to keep himself from running rampant. He felt his stomach sink, having a terrible feeling he knew where this was going. βBut in lest you thought this was a good opportunity to run, do not fret. Tonight, you will be my little pet.β
------
βThis is humiliatingβ¦β Elijah murmured to himself as he was loaded into the wagon that would take the small group to the estate the vampireβs little get together was being hosted. He wore the collar around his neck, the same dirty clothes he had arrived in yesterday. His back muscles were aching something else from his night in the cage. Meanwhile, his companions were freshly clean and dressed in their best dinner clothes. Tom looked as charming and dapper as ever, and Eva was beautiful as always despite being dressed in a mourning gown and the aura of loss that hung around her.
βTom, is all this really necessary?β Eva whispered, sparing concerned glances toward the exiled and the chain he wore around his neck. She was having trouble making much sense of the night before, but Elijah was an old friend and it felt wrong to be treating him this way. For reasons she could not speak out loud, she could not confess that she knew Elijah was unlikely to be the culprit.
βYes, Eva, it is. Heβs our prime suspect. Canβt have him running about all willy nilly, now can we?β Tom replied, giving the chain a tug for good measure.
Eva locked eyes with Elijah for just a moment, hoping it was enough to communicate that she was sorry. He looked away, opting to stare out the window instead.
--
A short while later the small group of them, about eight in total , arrived in front of the large estate of vampires. They all looked out the windows of the wagon with curiosity and awe, none of them having known quiet what to expect. Vampires were unholy, unnatural creatures. Then again, so were werewolves. Perhaps they were all naΓ―ve to think that the manor would appear to be anything out of the ordinary on the outside.
One by one they exited the wagon β five of the most high ranking wolves in the pack, followed by Eva, followed by Tom, who pulled Elijah out behind him like he was a pet dog on a leash. Together they approached the property in silence, each of them not daring to speak.
They stopped outside the gate, hesitating. One of the other wolves, a man named Gregory, looked to Tom and asked, βDo we open it?β
βYes, dear Greg. How else would we get inside?β Tom said, though in truth, he was nervous himself. He was wishing his father were able to be here with him. Or Jack. Jack would have known what to do.
Stomping down the pit of fear in his gut, Tom opened the gate and lead the eight of them up to the house. There he took hold of the knocker, pulling it up and letting it thud against the heavy wooden door three times.
Elijah rose a curious eyebrow before opening the letter. Invitation was the more accurate word for it, he realized, as he read the sprawling script. It was curious timing. Was it coincidence, or was it evidence? In any case, it made Elijah feel uneasy. There had not been a formal meeting between vampires in werewolves inβ¦ well, in decades. At least not since heβd been alive. Come to think of it, Elijah was not even certain heβd met one face to face.
βIf it was them, you think they would be smarter than to send something like this out so soon,β Elijah commented. βSeems a bitβ¦ obvious.β
βI thought you wanted us to consider them a possibility. Sounds to me like youβre backtracking. Do you not want us to indulge our friends? We could hold an execution instead. Iβm game.β
Elijah frowned. Tom was toying with him, and maybe he deserved it, but it didnβt mean he liked being in this position. βNo. I think itβs wise to consider the possibility. Did you ever consider perhaps maybe Iβm eager to solve the mystery myself?β
βDown, dog. No need to be so defensiveβ¦ yet.β Tom grinned that slow and teasing smile again, and Elijah fought off the urge to roll his eyes. Best not piss off the pack leaderβs son anymore than he already had. He remembered when their banter had been stupid, meaningless fun, but this had an entirely different tone.
βSo, whoβs going to attend this gathering?β he asked.
βWell, obviously thereβs me. A few more of the men β for protection. Eva. I wasnβt going to let her at first, but then I figuredβ¦ she could use the distraction. Besides, if it was them, I think she should have a say in the matter,β Tom said. βOh, and uh, you.β
This surprised Elijah. He thought for sure they would never let him out of this cage unless they planned to kill him. He wasnβt even allowed to take a piss outside β theyβd given him a bucket. It was humiliating. βMe?β he asked. βYouβre taking me, but Curtis isnβt going?β
βCurtis is indisposed. As his eldest surviving son, Iβm acting as proxy tonight. Did you think I would dare let you out of my sight?β At this explanation, he produced a bag from behind his back that he had been keeping out of sight until just now. Elijah recognized it as his own β the one he carried with him when he retreated outside the city for full moons. From it, he watched as Tom produced the chain and iron collar he wore to keep himself from running rampant. He felt his stomach sink, having a terrible feeling he knew where this was going. βBut in lest you thought this was a good opportunity to run, do not fret. Tonight, you will be my little pet.β
------
βThis is humiliatingβ¦β Elijah murmured to himself as he was loaded into the wagon that would take the small group to the estate the vampireβs little get together was being hosted. He wore the collar around his neck, the same dirty clothes he had arrived in yesterday. His back muscles were aching something else from his night in the cage. Meanwhile, his companions were freshly clean and dressed in their best dinner clothes. Tom looked as charming and dapper as ever, and Eva was beautiful as always despite being dressed in a mourning gown and the aura of loss that hung around her.
βTom, is all this really necessary?β Eva whispered, sparing concerned glances toward the exiled and the chain he wore around his neck. She was having trouble making much sense of the night before, but Elijah was an old friend and it felt wrong to be treating him this way. For reasons she could not speak out loud, she could not confess that she knew Elijah was unlikely to be the culprit.
βYes, Eva, it is. Heβs our prime suspect. Canβt have him running about all willy nilly, now can we?β Tom replied, giving the chain a tug for good measure.
Eva locked eyes with Elijah for just a moment, hoping it was enough to communicate that she was sorry. He looked away, opting to stare out the window instead.
--
A short while later the small group of them, about eight in total , arrived in front of the large estate of vampires. They all looked out the windows of the wagon with curiosity and awe, none of them having known quiet what to expect. Vampires were unholy, unnatural creatures. Then again, so were werewolves. Perhaps they were all naΓ―ve to think that the manor would appear to be anything out of the ordinary on the outside.
One by one they exited the wagon β five of the most high ranking wolves in the pack, followed by Eva, followed by Tom, who pulled Elijah out behind him like he was a pet dog on a leash. Together they approached the property in silence, each of them not daring to speak.
They stopped outside the gate, hesitating. One of the other wolves, a man named Gregory, looked to Tom and asked, βDo we open it?β
βYes, dear Greg. How else would we get inside?β Tom said, though in truth, he was nervous himself. He was wishing his father were able to be here with him. Or Jack. Jack would have known what to do.
Stomping down the pit of fear in his gut, Tom opened the gate and lead the eight of them up to the house. There he took hold of the knocker, pulling it up and letting it thud against the heavy wooden door three times.
SheLuvsMusic
Senior Member
It was almost eerie how quickly the door opened after the last knock. Tom blinked, looking up into the face of the footman. He had never been face to face with a vampire before, but he could tell the footman was not one of them. He must be one of those deranged blood servants he heard tales of β men and women who were addicted to the effects of vampire blood, and like opium addicts, would do anything to get their fix. βWell, they surely do not waste time, do they?β he mused to the rest of the group before motioning for Greg and the other men to enter. There was no way he was going to go first β best to employ the protection first.
Only when he was sure it was safe β as safe as one could presume a vampire layer could be, anyway β did he and Eva enter the manor, poor Elijah reluctantly trailing behind them. The heavy door closed behind them with a thud.
The group of them collectively took a moment to observe their surroundings, each of them curious or disturbed in their own way. It was a rare occasion that a werewolf would have need to visit a place like this, vampires aside. Their pack never lingered in one place for more than a few months. They traveled with a small caravan of wagons and some horses; their living quarters were just large enough to accommodate a simple, humble lifestyle so that they could travel comfortably as they needed to. Many of them had not ever even stepped foot inside a manner such as this.
Tom and the men stared in wonder at it, while Eva tried to hide her distaste. She had never been the materialistic type, and this was possibly the living quarters of her sisterβs murderer. Meanwhile, Elijah was the only one who seemed to notice the vampire at first. Chandeliers, marble, and tasteful wallpaper were all wonderful, sure, but they were not here to appreciate the dΓ©cor and architecture of their enemyβs home. They were here on business.
When the strange man winked at him, he let out a quiet, frustrated sigh. Humiliating. He was starting to regret ever purchasing that damn collar.
It was only when the vampire tapped the railings that the rest of them turned their gazes from the decoration of the entry hall to the man on the stairs. It was the first time any of them had been so close to a vampire. He would have seemed like any normal human if one cared not to look too closely at the details. It was hard to put a finger on what exactly it was that separated Mr. Grey from living β maybe it was because he appeared almost more animated than alive. The pale color of his skin. The lack of light in his eyes. It was subtle, but it was there.
βI hope it is not we who are for dinner, Mr. Grey,β Tom said, thinking the other man both fascinating and disturbing. He was eager to stand out as a confident leader, and while he was still nervous of what this visit might lead to, he made a conscious effort to erase any note of fear from his face and his voice.
He stepped forward to introduce himself, but the man was already on his way to the dining hall. Irritated, he slid his hand to the small of Evaβs back so he could keep her close to his side while they were escorted deeper into the manor, and passed Elijahβs chain off to one of the other men for them to keep a watch over instead.
From behind the vampire, Tom introduced himself anyway. βI am Tom Howard. My lovely female companion here is Eva Smythe. You need concern yourself little with the rest of them. They are simply here for support should our evening turnβ¦ sour. Oh, and uh, I hope you donβt mind that I brought my pet along to dinner. We do spoil him so, donβt we, dear?β This last question he directed to Eva, who gave him a side long glance.
βElijah,β she emphasized, βIβm sure will be on his best behavior.β She glanced behind her, sparing a glance at her old friend. She did pity the collar, but there was nothing she could do. If she tried sparing her old friend the pain, then a new kind of suspicion would fall upon her. Bless the exiled wolf for his heart in willing to do all of this for her still, even after a year.
Only when he was sure it was safe β as safe as one could presume a vampire layer could be, anyway β did he and Eva enter the manor, poor Elijah reluctantly trailing behind them. The heavy door closed behind them with a thud.
The group of them collectively took a moment to observe their surroundings, each of them curious or disturbed in their own way. It was a rare occasion that a werewolf would have need to visit a place like this, vampires aside. Their pack never lingered in one place for more than a few months. They traveled with a small caravan of wagons and some horses; their living quarters were just large enough to accommodate a simple, humble lifestyle so that they could travel comfortably as they needed to. Many of them had not ever even stepped foot inside a manner such as this.
Tom and the men stared in wonder at it, while Eva tried to hide her distaste. She had never been the materialistic type, and this was possibly the living quarters of her sisterβs murderer. Meanwhile, Elijah was the only one who seemed to notice the vampire at first. Chandeliers, marble, and tasteful wallpaper were all wonderful, sure, but they were not here to appreciate the dΓ©cor and architecture of their enemyβs home. They were here on business.
When the strange man winked at him, he let out a quiet, frustrated sigh. Humiliating. He was starting to regret ever purchasing that damn collar.
It was only when the vampire tapped the railings that the rest of them turned their gazes from the decoration of the entry hall to the man on the stairs. It was the first time any of them had been so close to a vampire. He would have seemed like any normal human if one cared not to look too closely at the details. It was hard to put a finger on what exactly it was that separated Mr. Grey from living β maybe it was because he appeared almost more animated than alive. The pale color of his skin. The lack of light in his eyes. It was subtle, but it was there.
βI hope it is not we who are for dinner, Mr. Grey,β Tom said, thinking the other man both fascinating and disturbing. He was eager to stand out as a confident leader, and while he was still nervous of what this visit might lead to, he made a conscious effort to erase any note of fear from his face and his voice.
He stepped forward to introduce himself, but the man was already on his way to the dining hall. Irritated, he slid his hand to the small of Evaβs back so he could keep her close to his side while they were escorted deeper into the manor, and passed Elijahβs chain off to one of the other men for them to keep a watch over instead.
From behind the vampire, Tom introduced himself anyway. βI am Tom Howard. My lovely female companion here is Eva Smythe. You need concern yourself little with the rest of them. They are simply here for support should our evening turnβ¦ sour. Oh, and uh, I hope you donβt mind that I brought my pet along to dinner. We do spoil him so, donβt we, dear?β This last question he directed to Eva, who gave him a side long glance.
βElijah,β she emphasized, βIβm sure will be on his best behavior.β She glanced behind her, sparing a glance at her old friend. She did pity the collar, but there was nothing she could do. If she tried sparing her old friend the pain, then a new kind of suspicion would fall upon her. Bless the exiled wolf for his heart in willing to do all of this for her still, even after a year.
SheLuvsMusic
Senior Member
Tom was sure he was not alone in his disgust at the thought of his blood running through a vampireβs veins. It was not the pain, for werewolves were used to that, rather the unholy thought of your own life force being used to fuel that of a thing that should have succumbed to death long ago. βHilarious as you are, Mr. Grey, I am sure you know as well as I do that us werewolves take our own blood very seriously.β He was referring to blood figuratively now. The pack was everything. To harm one of them was to harm them all. βAnd we are not so fond of sharing.β It was not only a jest to answer the vampireβs own, but perhaps a not so subtle hint about Teresa. He watched the vampire closely to see if heβd react, but Mr. Grey was already observing Eva now.
She was not, as one might expect at first glance, an easily disarmed woman. Werewolf women often by nature of what they were, had tougher skin than most. Still, as the vampire attempted to compliment, then insult her, she narrowed her eyes and very nearly recoiled at the touch of his cold lips against the warm skin on the back of her hand. More insulting than his insinuation that she was less than him, was the assumption that she would even care about the unsolicited opinion of a walking corpse, or that her value as a person directly correlated to whether she was desirable by men or not. Sheβd blame the arrogance on him being a vampire, but history had taught her that it was an unfortunately common affliction that disproportionally affected the male persuasion.
βHmm. Charming,β she said sarcastically, pulling her hand away. As disturbed as she was by that, however, it paled to what their intolerable host did next.
Elijah had never felt so degraded. Having his hair ruffled like he was a child or some kind of animal was one thing β he did not enjoy it, but he could not do anything about it. However, when the man deigned to lay a hand on him, he clenched his jaw, and his hands balled up into fists. He jerked away only to find that the vampire had encircled him in his arms now, and he felt the vampireβs icy lips just inches from his neck, he tensed up, ready to start fighting if he had to. Gregoryβs hold on his chain would not last if he turned here and now.
Then as suddenly as it began, it ended. Elijah turned a hard, glaring stare to the vampire, then to Tom, who for his part also looked a bit surprised. Maybe even a bit displeased. Like he had said earlier, werewolves did not like to share. Likely Tom believed Elijah was his and his alone to torture as he wished.
The group continued, and as Mr. Grey pushed the door open into the dining room, Tom could decide exactly what he thought of Oliver. βMaybe,β he echoed, leading the rest of his pack inside behind him.
Inside was a smaller group than Tom expected. Bringing a party of eight now seemed a bit⦠overzealous. At least he was prepared, however, should anything go wrong. They had the upper hand in numbers. He did take a glance around the room to look for his exit points, however, because one could never be too prepared in the end, he decided.
The group was not only surprising in its size. Tom had to raise an eyebrow at the one who spoke. His height, build, and the boyishness to his face at odds with the way he carried himself and the heir of authority with which he voiced his words. Then, he could not hide his amusement as he watched Mr. Grey, who he had thought this entire time was the big chief in power, position himself to the right of the boy. Of course he knew a vampireβs physical appearance could never be an accurate representation of their true age, but he found it absolutely hilarious to see this mature looking man taking a second seat to a teenager.
He made his way around the table to his own spot at the invitation to do so, stopping only briefly to pull a chair out for Eva beside him. Across from him sat Gregory, as he was the next highest ranking, and the rest of them spread out accordingly. The only one who was denied a place at the table was Elijah, who stood awkwardly against the wall behind Tom and Eva.
Tom inspected the table, admittedly a little curious to see what exactly vampires would have prepared for dinner. βItβs a lovely place you have here, Misterβ¦?β he drawled out, addressing who he could see was the true leader now, although he did not yet know his name.
She was not, as one might expect at first glance, an easily disarmed woman. Werewolf women often by nature of what they were, had tougher skin than most. Still, as the vampire attempted to compliment, then insult her, she narrowed her eyes and very nearly recoiled at the touch of his cold lips against the warm skin on the back of her hand. More insulting than his insinuation that she was less than him, was the assumption that she would even care about the unsolicited opinion of a walking corpse, or that her value as a person directly correlated to whether she was desirable by men or not. Sheβd blame the arrogance on him being a vampire, but history had taught her that it was an unfortunately common affliction that disproportionally affected the male persuasion.
βHmm. Charming,β she said sarcastically, pulling her hand away. As disturbed as she was by that, however, it paled to what their intolerable host did next.
Elijah had never felt so degraded. Having his hair ruffled like he was a child or some kind of animal was one thing β he did not enjoy it, but he could not do anything about it. However, when the man deigned to lay a hand on him, he clenched his jaw, and his hands balled up into fists. He jerked away only to find that the vampire had encircled him in his arms now, and he felt the vampireβs icy lips just inches from his neck, he tensed up, ready to start fighting if he had to. Gregoryβs hold on his chain would not last if he turned here and now.
Then as suddenly as it began, it ended. Elijah turned a hard, glaring stare to the vampire, then to Tom, who for his part also looked a bit surprised. Maybe even a bit displeased. Like he had said earlier, werewolves did not like to share. Likely Tom believed Elijah was his and his alone to torture as he wished.
The group continued, and as Mr. Grey pushed the door open into the dining room, Tom could decide exactly what he thought of Oliver. βMaybe,β he echoed, leading the rest of his pack inside behind him.
Inside was a smaller group than Tom expected. Bringing a party of eight now seemed a bit⦠overzealous. At least he was prepared, however, should anything go wrong. They had the upper hand in numbers. He did take a glance around the room to look for his exit points, however, because one could never be too prepared in the end, he decided.
The group was not only surprising in its size. Tom had to raise an eyebrow at the one who spoke. His height, build, and the boyishness to his face at odds with the way he carried himself and the heir of authority with which he voiced his words. Then, he could not hide his amusement as he watched Mr. Grey, who he had thought this entire time was the big chief in power, position himself to the right of the boy. Of course he knew a vampireβs physical appearance could never be an accurate representation of their true age, but he found it absolutely hilarious to see this mature looking man taking a second seat to a teenager.
He made his way around the table to his own spot at the invitation to do so, stopping only briefly to pull a chair out for Eva beside him. Across from him sat Gregory, as he was the next highest ranking, and the rest of them spread out accordingly. The only one who was denied a place at the table was Elijah, who stood awkwardly against the wall behind Tom and Eva.
Tom inspected the table, admittedly a little curious to see what exactly vampires would have prepared for dinner. βItβs a lovely place you have here, Misterβ¦?β he drawled out, addressing who he could see was the true leader now, although he did not yet know his name.
SheLuvsMusic
Senior Member
The tension in the room was palpable, although every member of the dinner party was doing their best to maintain an outward appearance of peace and pleasantness in the name of diplomacy. Tom thought it amusing how Mr. Barrington, as he had introduced himself, could announce so confidently to those here that he cared so much about peace, protection, and the treaty. Teresa Smythe was just murdered, and horribly at that. If the vampires were not somehow suspect, then why call this little meeting at all?
He had been so sure it was Elijah before. An easy case, open and shut. What better act of vengeance was there than to take an innocent life belonging to the former pack he belonged to? The kind of vengeance a lover scorned was also capable of. It was no secret that Elijah had been pining for Eva since they were children β but then, those children grew up and Eva was betrothed to Tomβs brother, Jack. It was not impossible to imagine Elijah could have turned that kind of passion into violence. But then arrived that letter, and he was not so sure anymore.
He forced a slow and easy smile upon his face. βYes,β he answered. Mr. Howard was a formality he was not used to β werewolves being rather informal amongst themselves, and they were not often in the throws of company. βYes, I am quite curious to see how our night together will progress.β What was that saying? Know thy enemy? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?
As the servants brought out the food, there was not a wolf in the room who did not eye it with suspicion. A dinner party was indeed an odd choice for a get together when the hosts did not themselves actually eat food. Naturally, there was going to be some speculation as to howβ¦ real it was. Oddly, Mr. Greyβs choice of going straight for the obvious goblet of blood was somehow less offensive than the look alike meals that were placed in front of vampires, though Tom was sure it was meant to be an act of intimidation.
Eva simply stared down at her plate much in the same way that William looked at his. She noticed his hesitation with curiosity, but did not say anything, instead reaching for her glass of wine and taking a large sip of liquid courage. Dare she not be the first one to try it, and she turned her attention to Tom to see what, exactly, he would do.
The soon-to-be pack leader simply pushed at the meat with his fork for a moment, before grabbing a knife and cutting a bit of meat up into small pieces.
βGregory, do you mind passing me that small plate to your left? That a boy, thank you,β he said, before placing a few pieces onto the plate and then reaching behind him to hand it to Elijah. Elijah took it, albeit with some confusion. βDonβt be rude, my pet. Eat up,β he urged, and then Elijah realized the offer of food was nothing more but a test to see if the food had been tampered with in any way.
He gave Tom a great, sarcastic grimace, and due to a lack of silverware, placed a piece of meat into his mouth and chewed. It was nothing more than what it seemed. A perfectly fine scrap of meat.
When no adverse side effects occurred, Tom dug in and encouraged the rest to do so as well. The men, happy to have any meal at all, took this as all the encouragement they needed. Eva on the hand, took the smallest bites she could. She still didnβt trust it. Even if she had, she did not have much of an appetite since the night before.
βVery lovely,β he said. βMy compliments to the chef.β He raised his wine glass in a toast before drinking. No doubt some poor chap had exchanged his culinary talents in exchange for some vampire blood. Tom couldnβt quite stomach it himself β the thought of living forever, or in the case of the servants here, even a prolonged life. He had known a few women in his day who yearned for eternal youth but eyeing the child-like vampire across the table, he failed to see how that was anything but a curse.
βSo, Mr. Barrington,β he said. βWeβve obviously had the pleasure of meeting your friend here, Mr. Grey.β Displeasure, perhaps being a more accurate word. βBut who might be your other guests tonight?β He looked towards Jesse and William, wondering what their role in tonightβs negotiations might be.
He had been so sure it was Elijah before. An easy case, open and shut. What better act of vengeance was there than to take an innocent life belonging to the former pack he belonged to? The kind of vengeance a lover scorned was also capable of. It was no secret that Elijah had been pining for Eva since they were children β but then, those children grew up and Eva was betrothed to Tomβs brother, Jack. It was not impossible to imagine Elijah could have turned that kind of passion into violence. But then arrived that letter, and he was not so sure anymore.
He forced a slow and easy smile upon his face. βYes,β he answered. Mr. Howard was a formality he was not used to β werewolves being rather informal amongst themselves, and they were not often in the throws of company. βYes, I am quite curious to see how our night together will progress.β What was that saying? Know thy enemy? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?
As the servants brought out the food, there was not a wolf in the room who did not eye it with suspicion. A dinner party was indeed an odd choice for a get together when the hosts did not themselves actually eat food. Naturally, there was going to be some speculation as to howβ¦ real it was. Oddly, Mr. Greyβs choice of going straight for the obvious goblet of blood was somehow less offensive than the look alike meals that were placed in front of vampires, though Tom was sure it was meant to be an act of intimidation.
Eva simply stared down at her plate much in the same way that William looked at his. She noticed his hesitation with curiosity, but did not say anything, instead reaching for her glass of wine and taking a large sip of liquid courage. Dare she not be the first one to try it, and she turned her attention to Tom to see what, exactly, he would do.
The soon-to-be pack leader simply pushed at the meat with his fork for a moment, before grabbing a knife and cutting a bit of meat up into small pieces.
βGregory, do you mind passing me that small plate to your left? That a boy, thank you,β he said, before placing a few pieces onto the plate and then reaching behind him to hand it to Elijah. Elijah took it, albeit with some confusion. βDonβt be rude, my pet. Eat up,β he urged, and then Elijah realized the offer of food was nothing more but a test to see if the food had been tampered with in any way.
He gave Tom a great, sarcastic grimace, and due to a lack of silverware, placed a piece of meat into his mouth and chewed. It was nothing more than what it seemed. A perfectly fine scrap of meat.
When no adverse side effects occurred, Tom dug in and encouraged the rest to do so as well. The men, happy to have any meal at all, took this as all the encouragement they needed. Eva on the hand, took the smallest bites she could. She still didnβt trust it. Even if she had, she did not have much of an appetite since the night before.
βVery lovely,β he said. βMy compliments to the chef.β He raised his wine glass in a toast before drinking. No doubt some poor chap had exchanged his culinary talents in exchange for some vampire blood. Tom couldnβt quite stomach it himself β the thought of living forever, or in the case of the servants here, even a prolonged life. He had known a few women in his day who yearned for eternal youth but eyeing the child-like vampire across the table, he failed to see how that was anything but a curse.
βSo, Mr. Barrington,β he said. βWeβve obviously had the pleasure of meeting your friend here, Mr. Grey.β Displeasure, perhaps being a more accurate word. βBut who might be your other guests tonight?β He looked towards Jesse and William, wondering what their role in tonightβs negotiations might be.
SheLuvsMusic
Senior Member
βOh, spare me the dilly-dally, dear Charles!β
Oh, yes, please! Finally, somebody who was not willing to drag things so painfully out. Tom would had done it himself, but they were guests here, after all, and despite his impatience, he was not an animal (figuratively speaking, anyway). Thank goodness Mr. Grey had as little patience as he and far less tact. Rather alike they were, it seemed, despite the fact they were entirely different species.
He grinned in amusement, bringing his wine glass up to his lips while the two vampires bickered. Did he sense some disagreement, some tension, among the still hearted brethren?
The amusement all but disappeared, however, when Mr. Grey pointed to Elijah and pointed out his exile status. Beside him, Eva tensed in her seat. When Tom turned to look at Elijah he was met with the bewildered stare, the lone wolf as surprised as he was.
When the finger was pointed at him, however, Tom felt a bit of anger stir within him. βI never claimed I was,β he countered. But he soon would be. It was a thought that nearly consumed him these days. A future which both thrilled and terrified him. He was never raised to believe he would become Alpha, but then Jack died, and Tom was the next wolf in the line of succession. He thought he would have more than a year to learn his duties, but then Curtis fell ill. And now here they were, him still trying to figure out how to lead a pack, his father on his death bed, and he was having dinner at a vampireβs manor so they could discuss how to keep a centuries old treaty intact. A werewolf cub had turned up dead, and that cub just so happened to be Evaβs sister, the woman his very own brother had been set to marry before he was murdered. No pressure.
As if all that wasnβt enough, of course there had to be something more. Tom followed Oliverβs finger towards the man, the thus far quiet, timid, and confused looking one he had yet to learn the name of, and when he heard the word fledgling, his fingers tightened around his wine glass with such force that his fingertips turned white.
βYou dare say?β he mused, staring down the fledgling with such hatred and accusation in his eyes.
Oliverβs surprised reaction to Mr. Barringtonβs proposed course of action would have made Tom chuckle, however, beside him, Eva suddenly pushed back her chair and stood up. She looked around at the table without really looking at anyone and fumbled to get herself steady on her feet. βExcuse me,β she mumbled breathlessly. βI need some air.β Hurriedly, she made her way towards the exit, fighting the tears she had managed to hold in up until now. Somehow the revelation of the vampire fledgling was all it took to push her over the edge. She could not help but imagine her sister helplessly laying in a patch of snow, a man crouched over her, plunging his fangs into her fur.
βGregory,β Tom said, nodding at his second in command and then towards to door. The wolf wordlessly stood and followed after the woman. Elijah itched to chase after them as well, but he was helplessly chained to the spot.
When Gregory was gone, Tom leaned back in his chair. It was a lot to digest, but at least now they could have a productive conversation and say what was on everyoneβs mind. βWell, now I suppose is as good as time as any to get it all out in the open. I must say, this isβ¦ unexpected news. I thought you might have called us here for another reason, but now I can see that perhaps the two issues may be intertwined.β He looked towards Charles now, wanting to address the leader head on. βYou see, last night, on the dawn of the full moon, it was brought to my attention that one of our own, Ms. Smytheβs seven year old sister, Teresa, had not returned to the rendezvous point. My men and I comprised a search party. Several hours later, when we returned without finding a trace of her, we discovered our pack in mourning over the dead body of our cub. She was found miles away from our territory, by none other than Elijah here.β He gestured behind him at the exiled wolf in chains.
βYes, he is exiled, for reasons I do not currently wish to discuss. Naturally, my original suspicions lay with him. But then your dinner invitation arrived andβ¦ well, you cannot argue that it isnβt suspicious timing.β Tom looked over at the fledgling once more, the possibilities of this mystery now endless, and his mind working overtime to imagine the consequences of vampireβs creation. βI am not my father, but I can say with confidence that he will be expecting there to be some form of recourse for violating the treaty. The werewolves have held up their end. Forgive me for being brash, but I must ask, what are the chances you would be willing toβ¦ exterminate the mistake?β
Oh, yes, please! Finally, somebody who was not willing to drag things so painfully out. Tom would had done it himself, but they were guests here, after all, and despite his impatience, he was not an animal (figuratively speaking, anyway). Thank goodness Mr. Grey had as little patience as he and far less tact. Rather alike they were, it seemed, despite the fact they were entirely different species.
He grinned in amusement, bringing his wine glass up to his lips while the two vampires bickered. Did he sense some disagreement, some tension, among the still hearted brethren?
The amusement all but disappeared, however, when Mr. Grey pointed to Elijah and pointed out his exile status. Beside him, Eva tensed in her seat. When Tom turned to look at Elijah he was met with the bewildered stare, the lone wolf as surprised as he was.
When the finger was pointed at him, however, Tom felt a bit of anger stir within him. βI never claimed I was,β he countered. But he soon would be. It was a thought that nearly consumed him these days. A future which both thrilled and terrified him. He was never raised to believe he would become Alpha, but then Jack died, and Tom was the next wolf in the line of succession. He thought he would have more than a year to learn his duties, but then Curtis fell ill. And now here they were, him still trying to figure out how to lead a pack, his father on his death bed, and he was having dinner at a vampireβs manor so they could discuss how to keep a centuries old treaty intact. A werewolf cub had turned up dead, and that cub just so happened to be Evaβs sister, the woman his very own brother had been set to marry before he was murdered. No pressure.
As if all that wasnβt enough, of course there had to be something more. Tom followed Oliverβs finger towards the man, the thus far quiet, timid, and confused looking one he had yet to learn the name of, and when he heard the word fledgling, his fingers tightened around his wine glass with such force that his fingertips turned white.
βYou dare say?β he mused, staring down the fledgling with such hatred and accusation in his eyes.
Oliverβs surprised reaction to Mr. Barringtonβs proposed course of action would have made Tom chuckle, however, beside him, Eva suddenly pushed back her chair and stood up. She looked around at the table without really looking at anyone and fumbled to get herself steady on her feet. βExcuse me,β she mumbled breathlessly. βI need some air.β Hurriedly, she made her way towards the exit, fighting the tears she had managed to hold in up until now. Somehow the revelation of the vampire fledgling was all it took to push her over the edge. She could not help but imagine her sister helplessly laying in a patch of snow, a man crouched over her, plunging his fangs into her fur.
βGregory,β Tom said, nodding at his second in command and then towards to door. The wolf wordlessly stood and followed after the woman. Elijah itched to chase after them as well, but he was helplessly chained to the spot.
When Gregory was gone, Tom leaned back in his chair. It was a lot to digest, but at least now they could have a productive conversation and say what was on everyoneβs mind. βWell, now I suppose is as good as time as any to get it all out in the open. I must say, this isβ¦ unexpected news. I thought you might have called us here for another reason, but now I can see that perhaps the two issues may be intertwined.β He looked towards Charles now, wanting to address the leader head on. βYou see, last night, on the dawn of the full moon, it was brought to my attention that one of our own, Ms. Smytheβs seven year old sister, Teresa, had not returned to the rendezvous point. My men and I comprised a search party. Several hours later, when we returned without finding a trace of her, we discovered our pack in mourning over the dead body of our cub. She was found miles away from our territory, by none other than Elijah here.β He gestured behind him at the exiled wolf in chains.
βYes, he is exiled, for reasons I do not currently wish to discuss. Naturally, my original suspicions lay with him. But then your dinner invitation arrived andβ¦ well, you cannot argue that it isnβt suspicious timing.β Tom looked over at the fledgling once more, the possibilities of this mystery now endless, and his mind working overtime to imagine the consequences of vampireβs creation. βI am not my father, but I can say with confidence that he will be expecting there to be some form of recourse for violating the treaty. The werewolves have held up their end. Forgive me for being brash, but I must ask, what are the chances you would be willing toβ¦ exterminate the mistake?β
SheLuvsMusic
Senior Member
Tom flashed a satisfactory, predatory grin towards William β Mr. Mortimer, as Mr. Barrington had called him. Whether he or his maker or even Elijah was responsible for this, somebody had to answer for the injustice. He could not lie β a small part of him hoped it would turn out to be Elijah, if only to have an excuse to tear him apart. However, should it turn out to be a vampire who was responsible, he would take equal satisfaction in ripping them limb from limb or watching them burn up in the sun.
βBut of course,β answered the wolf, agreeing to the terms.
Elijah, however, having met the other suspectβs eyes across the room, was growing increasingly overwhelmed by how things were developing. When he brought Teresa back to the pack, it was not as though he was expecting to be welcomed back with warm, inviting arms. He knew he was going to be met with suspicion, and he would even argue rightfully so as he could not remember anything from that night, but what he did not expect was to become so heavily involved in vampires and treaties. And what was this about him staying here? The dog crate he had been stuffed into last night was a cramped, damp, and bleak affair, but it was heaven compared to the thought of staying under the watch of vampires.
βDo we have any further objections?β
Elijah had been quiet thus far, but damn it all if he did not speak up now. βYes? I have many, actually.β
Tom let out an audible groan, accompanied by an exaggerated eye roll. βElijah, dear, please do shut up.β
Elijah shot a glare at Tom. If only he knew how misplaced his anger in him was, so alike he was to his brother, but the lone wolf bit his tongue from saying so and continued. βI realize that I am a prisoner whether I go with you or stay here, Tom, but how exactly are you to guarantee my safety while I am being held under their watch?β He motioned to the rest of them. So far there was a lot of talk about maintaining this treaty and by extension, peace among their species, but Elijah did not trust for one second that he was safe here. βThat one already took a good sniff at my neck. If Iβm to be executed, Iβd like my neck to remain fang free, thank you very much.β
βYou forfeited the right to the packβs protection when you betrayed us, Elijah. Iβm afraid I do not really care about your neck. That being said,β he looked towards Mr. Barrington. βIf we find Elijah did have any part to play in this, I would prefer to do the punishing myself. If his head is harmed without my knowing I would take it very personally.β
Oh bloody hell, was there really no chance of him getting out of here alive? Elijah leaned his head back against the wall and sighed, closing his eyes for a moment while he tried desperately wishing this was all just a terrible, vivid nightmare he would wake up from. When he opened his eyes, he was disappointed to see it was not. He was being tortured for doing the right thing, and he silently swore at himself for thinking he had to be so god damn chivalrous all the time. It didnβt seem to do anything but get him into trouble.
After a few more moments, Tom stood, pushing in his chair. βVery well, then. Now that it appears we have come to an agreement, Iβm afraid I must be skipping the desert. Ms. Smythe will be in need of my comforting, it seems.β He gave a wink especially for Elijah at this, hoping it would bug him, and patting the man on the cheeks. He took the end of the chain and walked with it to Mr. Grey, who, despite him still needing to discuss the details with his father, he was sure was going to be his new partner.
He stuck the chain into the annoyed vampireβs palm. βPlease do take care of my pet. Iβll return on the morrow.β And with a motion to the rest of his men to follow, he put on the cheekiest smile he could muster. βI look forward to working with you, Ollie boy.β
βBut of course,β answered the wolf, agreeing to the terms.
Elijah, however, having met the other suspectβs eyes across the room, was growing increasingly overwhelmed by how things were developing. When he brought Teresa back to the pack, it was not as though he was expecting to be welcomed back with warm, inviting arms. He knew he was going to be met with suspicion, and he would even argue rightfully so as he could not remember anything from that night, but what he did not expect was to become so heavily involved in vampires and treaties. And what was this about him staying here? The dog crate he had been stuffed into last night was a cramped, damp, and bleak affair, but it was heaven compared to the thought of staying under the watch of vampires.
βDo we have any further objections?β
Elijah had been quiet thus far, but damn it all if he did not speak up now. βYes? I have many, actually.β
Tom let out an audible groan, accompanied by an exaggerated eye roll. βElijah, dear, please do shut up.β
Elijah shot a glare at Tom. If only he knew how misplaced his anger in him was, so alike he was to his brother, but the lone wolf bit his tongue from saying so and continued. βI realize that I am a prisoner whether I go with you or stay here, Tom, but how exactly are you to guarantee my safety while I am being held under their watch?β He motioned to the rest of them. So far there was a lot of talk about maintaining this treaty and by extension, peace among their species, but Elijah did not trust for one second that he was safe here. βThat one already took a good sniff at my neck. If Iβm to be executed, Iβd like my neck to remain fang free, thank you very much.β
βYou forfeited the right to the packβs protection when you betrayed us, Elijah. Iβm afraid I do not really care about your neck. That being said,β he looked towards Mr. Barrington. βIf we find Elijah did have any part to play in this, I would prefer to do the punishing myself. If his head is harmed without my knowing I would take it very personally.β
Oh bloody hell, was there really no chance of him getting out of here alive? Elijah leaned his head back against the wall and sighed, closing his eyes for a moment while he tried desperately wishing this was all just a terrible, vivid nightmare he would wake up from. When he opened his eyes, he was disappointed to see it was not. He was being tortured for doing the right thing, and he silently swore at himself for thinking he had to be so god damn chivalrous all the time. It didnβt seem to do anything but get him into trouble.
After a few more moments, Tom stood, pushing in his chair. βVery well, then. Now that it appears we have come to an agreement, Iβm afraid I must be skipping the desert. Ms. Smythe will be in need of my comforting, it seems.β He gave a wink especially for Elijah at this, hoping it would bug him, and patting the man on the cheeks. He took the end of the chain and walked with it to Mr. Grey, who, despite him still needing to discuss the details with his father, he was sure was going to be his new partner.
He stuck the chain into the annoyed vampireβs palm. βPlease do take care of my pet. Iβll return on the morrow.β And with a motion to the rest of his men to follow, he put on the cheekiest smile he could muster. βI look forward to working with you, Ollie boy.β
SheLuvsMusic
Senior Member
Elijah paled to realize that he really was being left in the hands of the vampires, away from possibly his only ally, his chains placed directly in the hands of the one he trusted the least. He felt a sense of dread lurch up from the pit of his stomach, both at the thought of staying here, but also of what may become because of this investigation. Two can keep a secret only if one of them was dead. He already sacrificed his involvement with the pack, but if he wanted to keep that secret, then it was he who would wind up dead. Oh, the things he had done for her. He would not take it back, but a year ago neither of them thought that this is where things would end up. They were not even supposed to see each other again.
He snapped back to the present situation when they spoke her name. Of course Mr. Grey would belittle her based only on her sex. It was a grave mistake to underestimate her, but it was sadly common that men had been underestimating women for all of history. No doubt a man like Oliver could live to see centuries of powerful women and he would still suffer at his own ego so greatly that he would never admit he could be outdone by a female. Elijah found satisfaction in it only by knowing that one day that could be the very thing that causes his undoing. Eva would have been dealt a difficult hand having to deal with Oliver, but she was smart enough to know how to use his underestimation of her to her advantage.
So yes, it was disappointing that she had not been chosen for this task, but not entirely unsurprising. Eva would have been ideal because she was the more levelheaded, intelligent one. But Tom was arrogant and try hard. He wanted so desperately to prove himself to his father but he was not as fit for the role as Alpha as Jack had been. Despite all of Jackβs flaws, he knew how to command a pack. Tom only liked the idea of leading, but anyone who looked close enough could see he was going to do a poor job of it. The pack would only survive if Curtis did, and by the looks of things, that was not going to last for much longer. Elijah did not have much faith that Tom and Mr. Grey would work well together β their egos would forever be fighting for dominance.
It was a sad reality, but he could not change it. Eva had her work cut out for her now, to figure out a way to solve her sisters murder, and how to save him and herself in the process, all behind Tomβs back.
Elijah sneered as Oliver planted a kiss on his cheek. Would everyone stop touching him? He leaned away from Mr. Lancaster as he reached close, thinking the teenaged one was going to try it as well, but was pleasantly surprised to feel the collar loosen instead, then fall to the ground. Rubbing his neck with his hand, he gave the man a look of mixed gratitude. Like was a strong word when referring to a vampire, but Elijah immediately thought he preferred this one to the abomination that just left.
There was little choice left now but to follow. He no longer wore chains, but he was still a prisoner. As Jesse said, to attempt escape now was more or less an admission of guilt. So he fell into step behind the other vampires, reluctantly letting himself be led to his prison cell, which he was surprised to found out was actually a room.
It was large, at least by werewolf standards. Elijah had spent majority of his life living in tents and wagons. It was only recently that he had taken up residence in a small flat inside the city to give a more sedentary lifestyle a go. He had no idea whether this was the sort of thing William might be comfortable with β a glance at the other prisoner told him that William probably came from an affluent family. Likely he had been used to people serving him, fancy balls, fancy clothes. That sort of thing. If he was uncomfortable, it was probably for the exact opposite reason Elijah was. To him small was comforting. He only enjoyed wide open spaces when he was in his animal form. This room was almost too large, too empty, to feel cozy. Then again, it was a prison. Best not get too comfortable.
He noted that there were two beds as well. No windows. He and William would be sharing this prison cell, it seemed, and there was absolutely no chance of escape. Elijah hoped that the fledgling vampire had enough sense to control himself. He had no idea if he could trust him. He may be looking at Teresaβs killer, after all, and he knew from stories that fledging vampires could be uncontrollable at times.
βWeβre to share a room?β he asked Jesse as he stepped inside, just to be sure. Maybe there was another prisoner he was not aware of, or maybe he was just lucky enough to get two.
He snapped back to the present situation when they spoke her name. Of course Mr. Grey would belittle her based only on her sex. It was a grave mistake to underestimate her, but it was sadly common that men had been underestimating women for all of history. No doubt a man like Oliver could live to see centuries of powerful women and he would still suffer at his own ego so greatly that he would never admit he could be outdone by a female. Elijah found satisfaction in it only by knowing that one day that could be the very thing that causes his undoing. Eva would have been dealt a difficult hand having to deal with Oliver, but she was smart enough to know how to use his underestimation of her to her advantage.
So yes, it was disappointing that she had not been chosen for this task, but not entirely unsurprising. Eva would have been ideal because she was the more levelheaded, intelligent one. But Tom was arrogant and try hard. He wanted so desperately to prove himself to his father but he was not as fit for the role as Alpha as Jack had been. Despite all of Jackβs flaws, he knew how to command a pack. Tom only liked the idea of leading, but anyone who looked close enough could see he was going to do a poor job of it. The pack would only survive if Curtis did, and by the looks of things, that was not going to last for much longer. Elijah did not have much faith that Tom and Mr. Grey would work well together β their egos would forever be fighting for dominance.
It was a sad reality, but he could not change it. Eva had her work cut out for her now, to figure out a way to solve her sisters murder, and how to save him and herself in the process, all behind Tomβs back.
Elijah sneered as Oliver planted a kiss on his cheek. Would everyone stop touching him? He leaned away from Mr. Lancaster as he reached close, thinking the teenaged one was going to try it as well, but was pleasantly surprised to feel the collar loosen instead, then fall to the ground. Rubbing his neck with his hand, he gave the man a look of mixed gratitude. Like was a strong word when referring to a vampire, but Elijah immediately thought he preferred this one to the abomination that just left.
There was little choice left now but to follow. He no longer wore chains, but he was still a prisoner. As Jesse said, to attempt escape now was more or less an admission of guilt. So he fell into step behind the other vampires, reluctantly letting himself be led to his prison cell, which he was surprised to found out was actually a room.
It was large, at least by werewolf standards. Elijah had spent majority of his life living in tents and wagons. It was only recently that he had taken up residence in a small flat inside the city to give a more sedentary lifestyle a go. He had no idea whether this was the sort of thing William might be comfortable with β a glance at the other prisoner told him that William probably came from an affluent family. Likely he had been used to people serving him, fancy balls, fancy clothes. That sort of thing. If he was uncomfortable, it was probably for the exact opposite reason Elijah was. To him small was comforting. He only enjoyed wide open spaces when he was in his animal form. This room was almost too large, too empty, to feel cozy. Then again, it was a prison. Best not get too comfortable.
He noted that there were two beds as well. No windows. He and William would be sharing this prison cell, it seemed, and there was absolutely no chance of escape. Elijah hoped that the fledgling vampire had enough sense to control himself. He had no idea if he could trust him. He may be looking at Teresaβs killer, after all, and he knew from stories that fledging vampires could be uncontrollable at times.
βWeβre to share a room?β he asked Jesse as he stepped inside, just to be sure. Maybe there was another prisoner he was not aware of, or maybe he was just lucky enough to get two.
Chapter Two: The Wolf and The Demon
