Carol chewed on her nub of a fingernail, watching the car approach the south entrance. The heat signatures showed three bodies in the car. Closing her eyes she ignored the noises around her, but more specifically, the voice in her head.
Carol?
Cocking her head to the side, she waited for the voice to continue but kept her eye on the moving car on the monitor.
Carol, can you hear me?
The blond was alone in her office, her back to her desk, watching the monitors on the wall. She couldn't see Simon in his quarters, only his heat signature. Still, it could only be him trying to talk to her and she had been ignoring his bonded voice since he returned from Duibne Industries. Alec was fairly quiet after her outburst in his hospital room - the kicking and screaming was a bit much, she realized that now but at the time it seemed only prudent.
Her mind was silent again.
Carol had avoided speaking to Simon. She just wasn't sure what to say or how to feel. Simon loved her, she knew that, but how could she compete with fifteen hundred years of memories, good or bad?
'You can't.'
With a slow sigh she watched Ellis exit the car and the two Mercs escort her to the elevator. Carol checked her nubby fingernails and walked out of her office.
Realize
((Continued from Everyday is exactly the same.
It's not that the same
No it's never the same
If you don't feel it too.
If you meet me half way
If you 'd meet me half way.
It could be the same for you.
If you just realize what I just realized
Then we'd be perfect for each other
And we'd never find another
Just realize what I just realized
We'd never have to wonder now
-Colbie Caillat
The open window was blowing Ellis' hair back, occasionally flying in front of her eyes and itching her nose. Her hand came up and tucked the errant hair behind her ear and she reflected on familiar things.
She looked down at her jacket and smiled a little. It was worn soft and had distressed scratches at the elbow joints and wrists. She hadn't seen it since she died, so imagine her surprise when she saw it after dying...again.
Waking up from the hyper blood lust coma was like waking from the best sleep you ever had. A soft bed, a dozen thick pillows and the heat of someone else's body warming the sheets. Only minus the other person. Still, Ellis woke with a deep sigh and a giggly yawn. Her eyes fluttered open and the stark whiteness of an unmistakable hospital ceiling greeted her. With a chesire cat grin she mentally ticked off one more life off of her nine.
One Doctor Hansen had refused to let her smoke in the room or leave to have one until he had checked her over thoroughly, but she knew what that meant. She was in Duibne Industries and they didn't want her to leave just yet. 'They' being Tacharan. So, she let Doctor Hansen 'check her over' with a smile and a hankering for a quick cig. Being in an unusually good mood had put the good Doctor in a nervous state, she figured, since he quickly fumbled through the examination and then exited.
She felt right as rain. Super fine. As good as it got. Everything had completely regenerated and she was able to reach out with her perception, wide and far. So the two men approaching her room were no surprise as she prepared to leave DI. Her clothes were gone so a pair of scrubs had to do. Her shoes were cleaned, at least. Boots like hers were hard to come by and she was smiling down at them when the knock at the door came.
'Come on in,' she said happily, still looking at her boots.
Their heartbeats were slow and calm, not at all like the hospital staff's. She knew exactly who these two men were. Without looking up she addressed them accordingly.
'Not everyday I get two Mercs to escort me safely to my car.' She lifted her boot and checked the tread - they had even cleaned out the bits of flesh stuck in between the ridged lines.
One Merc set down a stack of folded clothes on her bed and backed up. 'When you're ready, Miss Duban, if you would please?'
'If I would please what?' She looked up into the faces of the two men as they held the door open for her and held a hand out, showing her the way. That could only mean one thing.
So as they drove down the dirt roads of the old slaughthouse district she reflected on her situation. Another errant piece of hair crossed her face and she plucked at it, giving her two escorts seated up front a cursory glance.
A debriefing probably, she thought to herself. What's the worse that could happen?
Carol
15 years ago
Ellis Duban
15 years ago
'One sec.'
Ellis stopped a few steps behind the two Mercs who turned and looked at her.
'I need one before we go in.'
The ventilation system in the Domicile had always prevented Ellis from smoking while inside and she wasn't sure when she'd get another chance to smoke one. She raised her eyebrows, looking at both men. The taller one on the right reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a red and white pack of cigarettes. Tucked in the cellophane was a book of matches.
'Keep them,' he said handing her the pack.
'Much obliged.' She pulled out the match book and looked at it. It was red and black with the words Babylon written across in white. Tapping out a cigarette, she slipped it in between her lips and pulled a match from the book lighting it.
There were cameras at at least two dozen angles zeroed in on her right now, she figured. The slaughter house district was under constant surveillance at all times, day and night. She wondered who was watching down below as she inhaled deeply on her cigarette.
Four minutes passed and she finished the last of her cigarette, flicking it to the side. 'Okay.' She followed the Mercs to the hidden elevator and stepped in as one of the Mercs used his hand print to activate the doors.
Ellis rolled her shoulders as she stood in front of the two Mercs, staring at the steel doors. There was no point in asking them anything, they probably knew less than she did. They were strictly henchmen with orders to bring her directly to the Domicile. Not even a little small talk. A few moments later the elevator slowed to a stop but the door did not open.
Movement behind her indicated that the Merc was in contact with someone inside. She could hear the tinny voice in his ear piece but chose not to listen. Instead she continued staring at the steel doors trying to remember just what had happened in that fruit cellar. Her dreams were muddled and full of pain. Michaels, the rogue werewolf's face kept taunting her, laughing at her and the stink of his breath pungent in her face. She had endured a lot in her time but with that bit of nightmare being so recent it was fresh in her mind. Her dreams had been in color with all five senses present. Lucky her.
'Copy that.'
Ellis almost jumped at the Merc's voice, instead she looked to the side waiting for them to open the doors. They slid open quietly and she walked into the lobby of the Domicile. She hadn't expected to see anyone there. Doubtful anyone would be greeting her for just a simple debriefing, but she wasn't surprised to see Simon walking down the opposite hallway toward her. He was always just on the edge of her senses, she noticed. Maybe she just assumed he'd be there.
The two Mercs stayed in the elevator and as the elevator doors closed Ellis turned to watch as they disappeared. Looking back at Simon she gave him a bored face.
'Theater or conference room?'
Conference room, he replied and held a hand out toward the hallway he had just come from. An escort from the big boss.
Lucky her.
Ellis stopped a few steps behind the two Mercs who turned and looked at her.
'I need one before we go in.'
The ventilation system in the Domicile had always prevented Ellis from smoking while inside and she wasn't sure when she'd get another chance to smoke one. She raised her eyebrows, looking at both men. The taller one on the right reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a red and white pack of cigarettes. Tucked in the cellophane was a book of matches.
'Keep them,' he said handing her the pack.
'Much obliged.' She pulled out the match book and looked at it. It was red and black with the words Babylon written across in white. Tapping out a cigarette, she slipped it in between her lips and pulled a match from the book lighting it.
There were cameras at at least two dozen angles zeroed in on her right now, she figured. The slaughter house district was under constant surveillance at all times, day and night. She wondered who was watching down below as she inhaled deeply on her cigarette.
Four minutes passed and she finished the last of her cigarette, flicking it to the side. 'Okay.' She followed the Mercs to the hidden elevator and stepped in as one of the Mercs used his hand print to activate the doors.
Ellis rolled her shoulders as she stood in front of the two Mercs, staring at the steel doors. There was no point in asking them anything, they probably knew less than she did. They were strictly henchmen with orders to bring her directly to the Domicile. Not even a little small talk. A few moments later the elevator slowed to a stop but the door did not open.
Movement behind her indicated that the Merc was in contact with someone inside. She could hear the tinny voice in his ear piece but chose not to listen. Instead she continued staring at the steel doors trying to remember just what had happened in that fruit cellar. Her dreams were muddled and full of pain. Michaels, the rogue werewolf's face kept taunting her, laughing at her and the stink of his breath pungent in her face. She had endured a lot in her time but with that bit of nightmare being so recent it was fresh in her mind. Her dreams had been in color with all five senses present. Lucky her.
'Copy that.'
Ellis almost jumped at the Merc's voice, instead she looked to the side waiting for them to open the doors. They slid open quietly and she walked into the lobby of the Domicile. She hadn't expected to see anyone there. Doubtful anyone would be greeting her for just a simple debriefing, but she wasn't surprised to see Simon walking down the opposite hallway toward her. He was always just on the edge of her senses, she noticed. Maybe she just assumed he'd be there.
The two Mercs stayed in the elevator and as the elevator doors closed Ellis turned to watch as they disappeared. Looking back at Simon she gave him a bored face.
'Theater or conference room?'
Conference room, he replied and held a hand out toward the hallway he had just come from. An escort from the big boss.
Lucky her.
Alec Devereaux
15 years ago
Events were still swimming through his head when the summons to the debriefing occurred. Typically, he would go casually and lightly armed, but this was almost certainly a special occasion. He wore his trainer's gear - the white leather with the reinforced armor. Generally, he disdained firearms, but he also selected one of the Browning Hi-Powers to take along with him. Cradling it lightly, it came to mind that Ginnie was the last to hold this particular weapon. Inhaling deeply, he let the emotion wash over and then behind...he would examine it later. Now was not the time.
Checking all of his killing blades in their sheathes, he loaded a few other nasty little toys designed to inhibit the senses and control an opponent. Just in case. He knew it would not come to that, but he could wish. Having Ellis in house for any reason was more than enough to make anyone involved with security more than slightly unmanned. Looking at his array of irritants, contact hallucinogens and injectables, he knew that they would simply not be enough if necessary. Of course, there was a compound that would level the playing field...but the reconstruction was not yet complete. Lovely. Just one of those little darts would have done the trick.
Of course, there had been yet another opportunity to end Ellis while she was unconscious and in recovery. Shaking his head, he wondered if not taking it would be one of those decisions to come back and haunt him later in life. Of course, just walking up and stabbing her would clearly not do anything. It was quite likely that hospital security may have thought something amiss if they saw him coming in and setting up an industrial cutting laser in her room, over her bed. Chuckling at the ridiculousness of the image, he felt somewhat better. This was something squarely in Simon's hands. No one else could be expected to figure it out.
But was Simon truly objective in regard to Ellis? It seemed a bit of an unfair question. Was ANYONE truly objective in regard to the woman? Taking the mental step back, Alec knew he was not. He feared her. Reasonably, sure, but since the emergence of the man-dogs into their lives, she had proved a valuable ally, smokescreen and shield. She had confirmed the silver myth and provided a significant distraction to them, drawing their fire away from Tacharan. Also, they had captured the darts, and their wondrous contents. If she had not been around, perhaps none of these things would have mattered...but he suspected that issues may have surfaced eventually between species.
Something to consider.
Checking his goggles and gloves, he headed to the conference room. He elected to stand along a wall near an exit. Just in case.
Checking all of his killing blades in their sheathes, he loaded a few other nasty little toys designed to inhibit the senses and control an opponent. Just in case. He knew it would not come to that, but he could wish. Having Ellis in house for any reason was more than enough to make anyone involved with security more than slightly unmanned. Looking at his array of irritants, contact hallucinogens and injectables, he knew that they would simply not be enough if necessary. Of course, there was a compound that would level the playing field...but the reconstruction was not yet complete. Lovely. Just one of those little darts would have done the trick.
Of course, there had been yet another opportunity to end Ellis while she was unconscious and in recovery. Shaking his head, he wondered if not taking it would be one of those decisions to come back and haunt him later in life. Of course, just walking up and stabbing her would clearly not do anything. It was quite likely that hospital security may have thought something amiss if they saw him coming in and setting up an industrial cutting laser in her room, over her bed. Chuckling at the ridiculousness of the image, he felt somewhat better. This was something squarely in Simon's hands. No one else could be expected to figure it out.
But was Simon truly objective in regard to Ellis? It seemed a bit of an unfair question. Was ANYONE truly objective in regard to the woman? Taking the mental step back, Alec knew he was not. He feared her. Reasonably, sure, but since the emergence of the man-dogs into their lives, she had proved a valuable ally, smokescreen and shield. She had confirmed the silver myth and provided a significant distraction to them, drawing their fire away from Tacharan. Also, they had captured the darts, and their wondrous contents. If she had not been around, perhaps none of these things would have mattered...but he suspected that issues may have surfaced eventually between species.
Something to consider.
Checking his goggles and gloves, he headed to the conference room. He elected to stand along a wall near an exit. Just in case.
Simon Huntington
15 years ago
Carol wasn't speaking to him, at least not in the bonded way. She was formal and polite in person but she absolutely refused to answer him when he spoke to her in his mind. He understood why though - the hospital staff being fairly forthcoming when he awoke and asked for her. Wiping his face with his hands he tried once more to speak to her but there was nothing but silence.
He had been watching the car containing Ellis speed toward the Domicile. Standing he exited his quarters to meet her at the lobby. Having her walking around alone or even with Mercs still made him nervous so he took upon himself to keep an eye on her. Pulling at his waist band, he fidgeted with his black slacks which only annoyed him more. He didn't like the situation he was in with Ellis. He didn't know how to even act around her now after they shared what they thought was their final moment together. Declaring his undying love to a woman that brought him nothing but misery had been a surprise, but it wasn't a lie. Telling Carol exactly what happened wasn't even an option. He'd lose her in more ways than one if he did.
The matching black polo he wore tucked into his black slacks was beginning to itch and he pulled at the short sleeves as he rounded the corner to the elevator that brought him up to the entry level. Still half a mile underground he met the entry elevator from the south entrance and watched as Ellis exited it, giving the Mercs a final look.
'Theater or conference room?' She asked.
'Conference room.' He held his hand out back down the hallway he had come from and she walked toward him silently with her head looking down at the ground.
They were both quiet as they walked the long hallway back toward the elevator. The tension between them was thick and awkward. He knew that all eyes were now on them and his nerves were starting to get to him. He reached up and ran his hands through his hair and as he lowered them he looked over at Ellis who was watching him with a small smile. He felt his stomach twist and flip but he kept his face neutral.
They entered the elevator and he palmed the panel on the wall. Simon stepped to the back of the elevator and leaned on the wall with his left shoulder. He soon discovered that acting relaxed and being relaxed were two very different things. Ellis elected to stand just slightly in front of him and she kept her hands busy by pulling out her pack of cigarettes, flipping it over in her right hand and then putting it back in.
Simon rested his head on the wall. We'll tell them the truth, he thought as he looked at the back of her head. There's nothing wrong with the truth. We'll just tell them what happened. He then reached up and rubbed his eyes with the palm of his hands when something interrupted his train of thought.
Ellis was mumbling, nodding her head.
He opened his mouth to ask her what she had said when the elevator slowed and opened its doors. There was a Merc standing outside the conference room door, waiting for their arrival. The Merc stepped in front of the doorway, causing it to open. Simon pushed off the back of the elevator and ushered Ellis out.
He paced himself to be a step ahead of her but still let her walk in first. Running his hands through his hair again, his agitation rising, he followed her in.
He had been watching the car containing Ellis speed toward the Domicile. Standing he exited his quarters to meet her at the lobby. Having her walking around alone or even with Mercs still made him nervous so he took upon himself to keep an eye on her. Pulling at his waist band, he fidgeted with his black slacks which only annoyed him more. He didn't like the situation he was in with Ellis. He didn't know how to even act around her now after they shared what they thought was their final moment together. Declaring his undying love to a woman that brought him nothing but misery had been a surprise, but it wasn't a lie. Telling Carol exactly what happened wasn't even an option. He'd lose her in more ways than one if he did.
The matching black polo he wore tucked into his black slacks was beginning to itch and he pulled at the short sleeves as he rounded the corner to the elevator that brought him up to the entry level. Still half a mile underground he met the entry elevator from the south entrance and watched as Ellis exited it, giving the Mercs a final look.
'Theater or conference room?' She asked.
'Conference room.' He held his hand out back down the hallway he had come from and she walked toward him silently with her head looking down at the ground.
They were both quiet as they walked the long hallway back toward the elevator. The tension between them was thick and awkward. He knew that all eyes were now on them and his nerves were starting to get to him. He reached up and ran his hands through his hair and as he lowered them he looked over at Ellis who was watching him with a small smile. He felt his stomach twist and flip but he kept his face neutral.
They entered the elevator and he palmed the panel on the wall. Simon stepped to the back of the elevator and leaned on the wall with his left shoulder. He soon discovered that acting relaxed and being relaxed were two very different things. Ellis elected to stand just slightly in front of him and she kept her hands busy by pulling out her pack of cigarettes, flipping it over in her right hand and then putting it back in.
Simon rested his head on the wall. We'll tell them the truth, he thought as he looked at the back of her head. There's nothing wrong with the truth. We'll just tell them what happened. He then reached up and rubbed his eyes with the palm of his hands when something interrupted his train of thought.
Ellis was mumbling, nodding her head.
He opened his mouth to ask her what she had said when the elevator slowed and opened its doors. There was a Merc standing outside the conference room door, waiting for their arrival. The Merc stepped in front of the doorway, causing it to open. Simon pushed off the back of the elevator and ushered Ellis out.
He paced himself to be a step ahead of her but still let her walk in first. Running his hands through his hair again, his agitation rising, he followed her in.
Carol
15 years ago
Carol stood with her arms crossed trying not to fidget. If she stayed in one position, she was fairly certain no one would see her hands shaking. She could not stop chewing on her lip and she did this enough to draw blood. Running her tongue over her bottom lip she shifted her weight from one heeled combat boot to the other.
Her blond hair was tied back in a high ponytail with her bangs dusting over her forehead, covering her right eye. She had elected not to wear her usual see through shift and heeled sandals. Feeling less and less like the old, happy, psychotic Carol she began wearing darker colors and fitted leather pants. She was half inclined to wear white pants with muddied bottoms but thought that was just a bit too dramatic.
Carol inhaled deeply as Alec walked in and took his position near the door. He was outfitted for a fight and she supposed she was too. She fought the burn in her cheeks as she avoided eye contact with Alec.
Nova had been invited but she wasn't sure if she'd make it or even want to for that matter. Simon was her father but that had nothing to do with why they were there.
The door slid open quietly again as the Merc stationed by the door stepped in and then out of the doorway. Carol held her position facing the large oval conference table in the middle of the room with the door on her left, shoulders square, arms folded but her head turned toward the door. She hoped her stoic stature gave her credibility but as Ellis entered the room she felt her legs almost buckle and the breath was sucked out of her.
And behind her, just like old times, was Simon.
Her blond hair was tied back in a high ponytail with her bangs dusting over her forehead, covering her right eye. She had elected not to wear her usual see through shift and heeled sandals. Feeling less and less like the old, happy, psychotic Carol she began wearing darker colors and fitted leather pants. She was half inclined to wear white pants with muddied bottoms but thought that was just a bit too dramatic.
Carol inhaled deeply as Alec walked in and took his position near the door. He was outfitted for a fight and she supposed she was too. She fought the burn in her cheeks as she avoided eye contact with Alec.
Nova had been invited but she wasn't sure if she'd make it or even want to for that matter. Simon was her father but that had nothing to do with why they were there.
The door slid open quietly again as the Merc stationed by the door stepped in and then out of the doorway. Carol held her position facing the large oval conference table in the middle of the room with the door on her left, shoulders square, arms folded but her head turned toward the door. She hoped her stoic stature gave her credibility but as Ellis entered the room she felt her legs almost buckle and the breath was sucked out of her.
And behind her, just like old times, was Simon.
Ellis Duban
15 years ago
There were things about Simon that had always made her smile. Little things like the way he stood, the sound of his quiet laughter coupled with his small grin and the way he ran his hands through his hair was when he was agitated. He was doing the latter as they walked down the hall in silence and she couldn't help but watch him with a small smile of her own. He caught her looking but didn't have any reaction at all. She continued to watch the ground in front of her, walking the familiar path to the Domicile elevators.
The trip down to the conference room level was a short one, but she still pulled her cigarettes out of her pocket and flipped it over onto its side over and over again. Secretly she had always used her pack of cigs to calm her nerves or give her time to think. It helped give her the ability to look like she had nothing but time and all the answers, really giving her time to just think. Lighting a cigarette was always so distracting to people, especially if you did it slow and methodical. It took her years to learn how to do it with that little bit of sexiness that was mesmerizing. After a while she couldn't be without her cigarettes, even in the domicile when she knew she couldn't smoke.
Ellis was uncharacteristically nervous about this debriefing. Being down in the Domicile after being put into a forced exile was unnerving, insulting and annoying. She wondered just how much of the truth Simon was expecting her to tell.
We'll tell them the truth. There's nothing wrong with the truth. We'll just tell them what happened. And that's exactly what she thought he'd say.
'Yeah, I suppose,' she mumbled just below a whisper as the elevator doors opened up. A Merc was standing in front of the door and he opened it as they approached. With a deep breath Ellis prepared herself to enter, just as Simon stepped aside to let her in first. Always a gentlemen.
And with that, she entered.
The trip down to the conference room level was a short one, but she still pulled her cigarettes out of her pocket and flipped it over onto its side over and over again. Secretly she had always used her pack of cigs to calm her nerves or give her time to think. It helped give her the ability to look like she had nothing but time and all the answers, really giving her time to just think. Lighting a cigarette was always so distracting to people, especially if you did it slow and methodical. It took her years to learn how to do it with that little bit of sexiness that was mesmerizing. After a while she couldn't be without her cigarettes, even in the domicile when she knew she couldn't smoke.
Ellis was uncharacteristically nervous about this debriefing. Being down in the Domicile after being put into a forced exile was unnerving, insulting and annoying. She wondered just how much of the truth Simon was expecting her to tell.
We'll tell them the truth. There's nothing wrong with the truth. We'll just tell them what happened. And that's exactly what she thought he'd say.
'Yeah, I suppose,' she mumbled just below a whisper as the elevator doors opened up. A Merc was standing in front of the door and he opened it as they approached. With a deep breath Ellis prepared herself to enter, just as Simon stepped aside to let her in first. Always a gentlemen.
And with that, she entered.
Alec Devereaux
15 years ago
Some people felt that waiting was the hardest part of any endeavor. Alec disagreed with this sentiment in most cases. Even when all formal and necessary preparations had been made, and it was just clock watching, he found it somehow soothing. During that time, he would frequently reexamine things that had happened to reach their state of imminent activity. The time could be filled with mental exercises to keep the emotional out of the equation, and approach the activity with the detachment necessary, to review essential information, to focus the mind on the task at hand...anything.
Waiting for Simon and Ellis was not one of those times. He found that he was conflicted emotionally, and that took the forefront. He did not want to have to balance his current need for Ellis and her knowledge against his years of mistrust and loathing. He did not want to examine the undercurrent of respect that flowed along with the fear. He certainly did not want to consider that she may be back in some capacity. Simon's mind would not allow for her return. Alec did not wish to consider that Simon's heart may feel very differently. Even with the need for knowledge, she was too dangerous to let back inside the walls.
When Carol arrived, Alec was careful not to be invasive of her space or attention. She did not seem to be taking the return of her former leash holder very well. Pondering for a moment, he considered how terrible it must feel to be owned, truly possessed. He had always wondered why, when she had the opportunity to become undying, that Carol set it aside for the promise of old age and decay. Since he had no recollection of being a juicebag himself, he could not speak to the benefits that being mortal would provide. Deciding to remain fragile in a world full of pain seemed reckless. Of course, that was one word that you could use to describe Carol...though imprecise. Either way, the emotional turmoil must be very difficult. Even disregarding the fact that the same keeper had been her lover's former companion.
As the door opened, the time for musing ended. Ellis entered first. He hoped that it was Simon's good sense not to give her his back, but he doubted it as those opportunities had presented themselves several times in recent months. Hopefully Simon had noticed some of the other implications involved, and would realize the current temporary power that he had. He hoped it was simply manners. He prayed that it was not a prelude for a shift in power.
Waiting for Simon and Ellis was not one of those times. He found that he was conflicted emotionally, and that took the forefront. He did not want to have to balance his current need for Ellis and her knowledge against his years of mistrust and loathing. He did not want to examine the undercurrent of respect that flowed along with the fear. He certainly did not want to consider that she may be back in some capacity. Simon's mind would not allow for her return. Alec did not wish to consider that Simon's heart may feel very differently. Even with the need for knowledge, she was too dangerous to let back inside the walls.
When Carol arrived, Alec was careful not to be invasive of her space or attention. She did not seem to be taking the return of her former leash holder very well. Pondering for a moment, he considered how terrible it must feel to be owned, truly possessed. He had always wondered why, when she had the opportunity to become undying, that Carol set it aside for the promise of old age and decay. Since he had no recollection of being a juicebag himself, he could not speak to the benefits that being mortal would provide. Deciding to remain fragile in a world full of pain seemed reckless. Of course, that was one word that you could use to describe Carol...though imprecise. Either way, the emotional turmoil must be very difficult. Even disregarding the fact that the same keeper had been her lover's former companion.
As the door opened, the time for musing ended. Ellis entered first. He hoped that it was Simon's good sense not to give her his back, but he doubted it as those opportunities had presented themselves several times in recent months. Hopefully Simon had noticed some of the other implications involved, and would realize the current temporary power that he had. He hoped it was simply manners. He prayed that it was not a prelude for a shift in power.
Nova
15 years ago
The world carried on whether Nova was there to see it turn or not; she could not hold down everything, everywhere. And so, quite naturally, events had transpired in her absence. Unlife would not wait for her to swallow down all the repercussions of what came before – it persisted in moving. Not forward, necessarily, but moving.
She wore her hair down, streaming over her shoulders save for a little pinned up on each side. The reddish brown mass trailed and tangled as she hurried down the corridor, determined as always to defy stereotypes and show up on time.
She wasn’t late, but she was last. Simon, Ellis, Alec, Carol. She registered them all with varying weight, lingering a little on Alec, mostly because she couldn’t look at Ellis long without feeling something tug in her guts, but also because she’d never...
…well, now wasn’t the time.
Simon got barely a glance – her brain to mouth filter had always been crap and she didn’t want to blurt out something stupid to her creator. ‘Hur, what the fuck dude?’ Yeah, that sounded like something she’d say, especially if she’d been drinking, which she hadn’t. She felt a little drunk, dazed, all the same.
What did you say to Carol? She was always the one to diffuse uncomfortable situations by saying something disarming and hilarious. Pretty, charming, funny Carol…
She’d missed them all, she realized with a slow blink. The smell of Ellis’s cigarettes was almost nostalgic. Ellis, who’d tried to have her bumped off while she ripped off Simon’s head, but damn, it was so freakin beautiful to be back among her own kind, even if her kind leaned toward eating their young. A thousand years from now, they’d still be alive, and would any of this matter?
Too much time in the desert, getting perspective. She wondered if her trip had shaken loose a few screws.
Someone had to talk, but Nova took an uncharacteristic moment to think before she opened her mouth. In that second, she felt the twist in her stomach crawl up to her throat, and realized she was staring at Ellis. The craziest thought entered her mind, then, and she nearly laughed with relief when she didn’t say it out loud.
‘You look good.’
Yeah, definitely a few screws loose.
“Is that everyone?”
She wore her hair down, streaming over her shoulders save for a little pinned up on each side. The reddish brown mass trailed and tangled as she hurried down the corridor, determined as always to defy stereotypes and show up on time.
She wasn’t late, but she was last. Simon, Ellis, Alec, Carol. She registered them all with varying weight, lingering a little on Alec, mostly because she couldn’t look at Ellis long without feeling something tug in her guts, but also because she’d never...
…well, now wasn’t the time.
Simon got barely a glance – her brain to mouth filter had always been crap and she didn’t want to blurt out something stupid to her creator. ‘Hur, what the fuck dude?’ Yeah, that sounded like something she’d say, especially if she’d been drinking, which she hadn’t. She felt a little drunk, dazed, all the same.
What did you say to Carol? She was always the one to diffuse uncomfortable situations by saying something disarming and hilarious. Pretty, charming, funny Carol…
She’d missed them all, she realized with a slow blink. The smell of Ellis’s cigarettes was almost nostalgic. Ellis, who’d tried to have her bumped off while she ripped off Simon’s head, but damn, it was so freakin beautiful to be back among her own kind, even if her kind leaned toward eating their young. A thousand years from now, they’d still be alive, and would any of this matter?
Too much time in the desert, getting perspective. She wondered if her trip had shaken loose a few screws.
Someone had to talk, but Nova took an uncharacteristic moment to think before she opened her mouth. In that second, she felt the twist in her stomach crawl up to her throat, and realized she was staring at Ellis. The craziest thought entered her mind, then, and she nearly laughed with relief when she didn’t say it out loud.
‘You look good.’
Yeah, definitely a few screws loose.
“Is that everyone?”
Ellis Duban
15 years ago
Ellis did a slow circle of the room, giving all the occupants a prolonged stare before turning to the next.
Alex looked armed, ready and a little tense.
Carol just looked unhappy. Ellis made a mental note of her wardrobe, apparently she broke into some other grown woman's closet to dress for the meeting.
Simon had moved over to stand next to Alex by the door. He crossed his arms and with his right hand began pulling softly at his bottom lip. She couldn't read the expression on his face.
There were two Mercs at the opposite end of the table standing on either side of a single chair. Apparently she was meant to sit there. There was a Merc stationed outside the door, all three she did not recognize. It had been two years since Simon had taken over, she hadn't expected to see familiar faces.
Nova seemed to have a case of nervous chatter. Was that everyone, Ellis wondered. No, someone was missing. With a smile she answered Nova's question.
'We appear to be missing Ginnie.'
Alex looked armed, ready and a little tense.
Carol just looked unhappy. Ellis made a mental note of her wardrobe, apparently she broke into some other grown woman's closet to dress for the meeting.
Simon had moved over to stand next to Alex by the door. He crossed his arms and with his right hand began pulling softly at his bottom lip. She couldn't read the expression on his face.
There were two Mercs at the opposite end of the table standing on either side of a single chair. Apparently she was meant to sit there. There was a Merc stationed outside the door, all three she did not recognize. It had been two years since Simon had taken over, she hadn't expected to see familiar faces.
Nova seemed to have a case of nervous chatter. Was that everyone, Ellis wondered. No, someone was missing. With a smile she answered Nova's question.
'We appear to be missing Ginnie.'
Simon Huntington
15 years ago
Simon leaned back against the wall of the conference watching Ellis do her predatory look around the room. She couldn't just enter a room, she had to "arrive". He rolled his eyes briefly and exhaled slowly. At her mention of Ginnie's name, he could not help but wince. Alec was standing next to him and he wondered if he should let the fallen vampire's lover respond or do it for him.
He tried to catch Carol's eye to ask her privately but she was keeping a steady glare on Ellis. Her usually soft features were rigid and her appearance the exact opposite of her normal self. Carol wasn't taking Ellis' presence without jealousy rearing its ugly head. He wished Carol would speak to him, especially now but he could not even get her to look at him.
Simon decided to wait and see if Alec spoke up. If not, he'd answer for him.
He tried to catch Carol's eye to ask her privately but she was keeping a steady glare on Ellis. Her usually soft features were rigid and her appearance the exact opposite of her normal self. Carol wasn't taking Ellis' presence without jealousy rearing its ugly head. He wished Carol would speak to him, especially now but he could not even get her to look at him.
Simon decided to wait and see if Alec spoke up. If not, he'd answer for him.
Alec Devereaux
15 years ago
As Ellis played the room, sized up the audience, she mentioned that Ginnie was missing after Nova's query. For a moment, Alec flushed, rage welling deep from within to destroy or be destroyed. Whole body tensing, he began to blurt
"Of course we."
Alarm bells rang in his head, and he considered them. He had been about to heed a very old Tacharan impulse that, given the circumstance, had been blessedly absent after his creation. The blood rage was very conditionally useful, but also could prove to be the possessor's undoing. Ellis would have smirked, he would be dead and none of it would increase the body count of the enemy. As reason chimed in, he shook his head once. Of course she would not know. Ellis was outside the fold, fallen by the wayside. Obsolete. Banished. Supposedly. Looking directly through her eyes, Alec coldly stated
"Ginnie has been dead for some time."
Tension was replaced once again by anger. Though he had learned the secrets that silver held from watching Ellis, he also wondered how it was she knew, and how her actions had brought things to their present state. Taking a deep breath, he released the frustration and heat that would get him nowhere. There were more than enough reason to be angry - seething over ancient history was pointless. Staring at her without emotion, safely cold, he waited for whatever would come next.
"Of course we."
Alarm bells rang in his head, and he considered them. He had been about to heed a very old Tacharan impulse that, given the circumstance, had been blessedly absent after his creation. The blood rage was very conditionally useful, but also could prove to be the possessor's undoing. Ellis would have smirked, he would be dead and none of it would increase the body count of the enemy. As reason chimed in, he shook his head once. Of course she would not know. Ellis was outside the fold, fallen by the wayside. Obsolete. Banished. Supposedly. Looking directly through her eyes, Alec coldly stated
"Ginnie has been dead for some time."
Tension was replaced once again by anger. Though he had learned the secrets that silver held from watching Ellis, he also wondered how it was she knew, and how her actions had brought things to their present state. Taking a deep breath, he released the frustration and heat that would get him nowhere. There were more than enough reason to be angry - seething over ancient history was pointless. Staring at her without emotion, safely cold, he waited for whatever would come next.
Ellis Duban
15 years ago
Ellis raised her eyebrows in surprise. She hadn't heard about Ginnie's death, not that she even knew her that well. Ginnie did invent that awesome pen bomb she used in the Hillman raid, and from what Ellis could remember, was quite a gifted demolition expert.
'Hmm,' she said. 'Shame.'
Ginnie hadn't been part of her small circle of acquaintances, Ellis was a snob in that regard. Anything beyond that would have been a lie but it certainly was a shame.
Alec responding was interesting though. Ellis seemed to recall hearing something between Alec and Ginnie...maybe. Again it wasn't something she kept up with but his extra tense behavior at Ellis' mentioning Ginnie's name was a rather good indicator that they were more than just people who fucked. Ellis gave Alec an appraising look and lowered her eyes with a slight nod.
Reaching into her pocket she pulled out her cigarettes and began flipping the box in her hand as she walked over to the chair between the two Mercs. She settled down into the black leather conference chair and made herself comfortable.
With an curious but open glare, she looked across the room at Simon and shrugged her shoulders.
'So what is it that I can do for you all?'
'Hmm,' she said. 'Shame.'
Ginnie hadn't been part of her small circle of acquaintances, Ellis was a snob in that regard. Anything beyond that would have been a lie but it certainly was a shame.
Alec responding was interesting though. Ellis seemed to recall hearing something between Alec and Ginnie...maybe. Again it wasn't something she kept up with but his extra tense behavior at Ellis' mentioning Ginnie's name was a rather good indicator that they were more than just people who fucked. Ellis gave Alec an appraising look and lowered her eyes with a slight nod.
Reaching into her pocket she pulled out her cigarettes and began flipping the box in her hand as she walked over to the chair between the two Mercs. She settled down into the black leather conference chair and made herself comfortable.
With an curious but open glare, she looked across the room at Simon and shrugged her shoulders.
'So what is it that I can do for you all?'
Carol
15 years ago
Carol could barely contain the seething hate brewing in her veins as Ellis casually settled down into the chair and talked directly to Simon. Simon hadn't called this meeting. Simon hadn't wanted them to interrogate Ellis. In fact, Simon had wanted to do it himself. No, looking at Simon was the wrong thing for Ellis to do - vampire or not.
Being short and blond meant nothing to Carol at that moment. She leaned down, planting her hands on the table, her knuckles turning white but her breathing slow and calm. Carol was far from it, though.
'We want to know what happened up to you both being taken at the house.'
She stopped herself from saying 'the house on Juniper Hill' although part of her wanted to say it in hopes of it hurting Simon as much as it hurt her. Carol blinked slowly, trying to keep her nerves in check as Ellis' gaze moved toward her. This was stupid, addressing Ellis like that, without the respect a vampire her age thought she deserved.
It was stupid but right then Carol didn't give a fuck.
Being short and blond meant nothing to Carol at that moment. She leaned down, planting her hands on the table, her knuckles turning white but her breathing slow and calm. Carol was far from it, though.
'We want to know what happened up to you both being taken at the house.'
She stopped herself from saying 'the house on Juniper Hill' although part of her wanted to say it in hopes of it hurting Simon as much as it hurt her. Carol blinked slowly, trying to keep her nerves in check as Ellis' gaze moved toward her. This was stupid, addressing Ellis like that, without the respect a vampire her age thought she deserved.
It was stupid but right then Carol didn't give a fuck.
Alec Devereaux
15 years ago
Alec blinked. The response from Ellis had been completely unexpected. He had not realized that he had even HAD expectations toward a potential response from her. How...strange. Stunned into silence for a moment, he simply returned her slight nod with one slightly more curt. He was still angry, but unbalanced - this would require further processing to fit into his world view.
Winding through the avenues of his own private thoughts, he was somewhat startled when Carol blurted her question. Realizing that it was a response to a query, Alec smirked darkly. Why not.
"A few months ago I would have said that you could have fallen into the fiery pits of hell and burned...but I hear that it does not work so well on you. So instead I think we should figure out what is going on and get back about the business of committing genocide on the wolf-men. For fun and profit, of course."
Winding through the avenues of his own private thoughts, he was somewhat startled when Carol blurted her question. Realizing that it was a response to a query, Alec smirked darkly. Why not.
"A few months ago I would have said that you could have fallen into the fiery pits of hell and burned...but I hear that it does not work so well on you. So instead I think we should figure out what is going on and get back about the business of committing genocide on the wolf-men. For fun and profit, of course."
Ellis Duban
15 years ago
Ellis would always be impressed with the size of Carol's balls. Slowly she blinked, moving her gaze across the room at Carol.
They must have clanked.
The cigarette pack in her hand stopped moving as Ellis gave Carol a sidelong glance. The tension in the air was palatable, if not painful. Her eyes snapped back across the room at Alec who had something more interesting to say and, at the very least, was a little more respectful. She'd get to Carol in due time.
Placing the pack on the table top, she centered it perfectly in front of her. Nudging it this way and that as Alec spoke. She smiled at his mention of the fiery pits of hell and its less than effective killing of her. However the word 'genocide' coming out of the normally quiet young man was interesting.
Ahh, she thought. That's how Ginnie must have died. A thought did occur to her, though.
'So the killing for fun and profit...does that apply to Marthinus, too?'
A little detail like that, she was sure, hadn't been overlooked.
The sharp scraping of nails caught her attention again from back on the other side of the room and table. Carol was standing prone again, her hands at her side. Oh...so brave, Ellis thought.
'I didn't answer your question did I, Carol?' This time she turned fully and faced the blond, her smile pulled back over her fangs and a not altogether pleasant smile crept up toward her green eyes.
With her hands up turned, she spread her fingers out and shrugged. 'Forgive me.'
Ellis crossed her legs, enjoying the comfortable chair and again reached out to center her pack of cigarettes in front of her.
'After Simon and I had our talk down in the sewers...or rather as it was drawing to a close, Simon was attacked with one of those cute little dart things. It escalated from there, forcing us above ground.'
Ellis stopped at that point, wondering if Carol would ask the inevitable question. One that she was going to be more than happy to answer.
They must have clanked.
The cigarette pack in her hand stopped moving as Ellis gave Carol a sidelong glance. The tension in the air was palatable, if not painful. Her eyes snapped back across the room at Alec who had something more interesting to say and, at the very least, was a little more respectful. She'd get to Carol in due time.
Placing the pack on the table top, she centered it perfectly in front of her. Nudging it this way and that as Alec spoke. She smiled at his mention of the fiery pits of hell and its less than effective killing of her. However the word 'genocide' coming out of the normally quiet young man was interesting.
Ahh, she thought. That's how Ginnie must have died. A thought did occur to her, though.
'So the killing for fun and profit...does that apply to Marthinus, too?'
A little detail like that, she was sure, hadn't been overlooked.
The sharp scraping of nails caught her attention again from back on the other side of the room and table. Carol was standing prone again, her hands at her side. Oh...so brave, Ellis thought.
'I didn't answer your question did I, Carol?' This time she turned fully and faced the blond, her smile pulled back over her fangs and a not altogether pleasant smile crept up toward her green eyes.
With her hands up turned, she spread her fingers out and shrugged. 'Forgive me.'
Ellis crossed her legs, enjoying the comfortable chair and again reached out to center her pack of cigarettes in front of her.
'After Simon and I had our talk down in the sewers...or rather as it was drawing to a close, Simon was attacked with one of those cute little dart things. It escalated from there, forcing us above ground.'
Ellis stopped at that point, wondering if Carol would ask the inevitable question. One that she was going to be more than happy to answer.
Alec Devereaux
15 years ago
Frowning, Alec shrugged.
"He was Tacharan before he was stolen. Even in his compromised state he has been useful to us - your little interaction with him is what confirmed the silver myths for me, plus his intervention allowed us to get Simon back in a more expedient manner. He is in a unique position to provide us with the information we need to dismantle enemy systems and communications, in addition to learning all of the unique weaknesses of their physiology. Discovering whatever hold is on him, and how to break it is of prime strategic importance. But yes. If that control is unable to be broken, he needs to be under lock and key, if not destroyed. He has too much operational knowledge of us to be allowed in the enemy camp should they continue to undermine his loyalties. With luck, the observation teams tasked to follow his new group will uncover the data I require, and the issue will become moot."
As Ellis turned her attention back to Carol, he wondered if he had given too much insight into his feelings. Someone could read what he had said as 'Hey, Marty is okay, we should help him out' or 'once he has outlived his usefulness, fuck him'. Well, damage done.
Her response to Carol left out more than it provided, but it did remind Alec to find out what the hell was in those darts and how to get some reverse engineered for his team. It also reminded him to think of other ways to weaponize silver for more destructive potential.
"He was Tacharan before he was stolen. Even in his compromised state he has been useful to us - your little interaction with him is what confirmed the silver myths for me, plus his intervention allowed us to get Simon back in a more expedient manner. He is in a unique position to provide us with the information we need to dismantle enemy systems and communications, in addition to learning all of the unique weaknesses of their physiology. Discovering whatever hold is on him, and how to break it is of prime strategic importance. But yes. If that control is unable to be broken, he needs to be under lock and key, if not destroyed. He has too much operational knowledge of us to be allowed in the enemy camp should they continue to undermine his loyalties. With luck, the observation teams tasked to follow his new group will uncover the data I require, and the issue will become moot."
As Ellis turned her attention back to Carol, he wondered if he had given too much insight into his feelings. Someone could read what he had said as 'Hey, Marty is okay, we should help him out' or 'once he has outlived his usefulness, fuck him'. Well, damage done.
Her response to Carol left out more than it provided, but it did remind Alec to find out what the hell was in those darts and how to get some reverse engineered for his team. It also reminded him to think of other ways to weaponize silver for more destructive potential.
Carol
15 years ago
Carol felt the muscles in her neck tighten all the way down to her stomach. She knew exactly what Ellis was saying, even if she didn't say it. Even if no one else understood, Carol did.
You can't surprise Ellis or Simon, not really. As vampires, specifically Tacharan vampires, they aren't built that way. It takes a special kind of situation to surprise either one and that kind of distraction is one that Carol did not want to think about. Instead she listened to Alec explain his take on Marthinus being a werewolf. An explanation that caused a look of annoyance to pass over Simon's face. Looking into Alec's face she saw the pain of loss and the undying need for revenge. Two emotions she was quickly becoming familiar. Carol had tread on sensitive ground and Ellis called her on it.
Defeated Carol sighed and looked into Simon's face but he was too caught up with whatever he was going through with Ellis and the werewolves.
This was a battle she just couldn't win.
You can't surprise Ellis or Simon, not really. As vampires, specifically Tacharan vampires, they aren't built that way. It takes a special kind of situation to surprise either one and that kind of distraction is one that Carol did not want to think about. Instead she listened to Alec explain his take on Marthinus being a werewolf. An explanation that caused a look of annoyance to pass over Simon's face. Looking into Alec's face she saw the pain of loss and the undying need for revenge. Two emotions she was quickly becoming familiar. Carol had tread on sensitive ground and Ellis called her on it.
Defeated Carol sighed and looked into Simon's face but he was too caught up with whatever he was going through with Ellis and the werewolves.
This was a battle she just couldn't win.
Ellis Duban
15 years ago
Ellis listened to Alec with renewed enthusiasm. Her smile grew as he detailed Marthinus' existence within the clan and outside of it. It was fucking poetry.
'Alec. Alec, Alec, Alec.' Ellis clapped her hands happily. 'Sir you do this clan much justice. That is exactly what I would do. Marthinus has always been a valuable asset to the clan, both in business and in extenuating circumstances, no offense of course Simon. What a wealth of information he must have about Hammerthynn and his pack. Imagine, a man caught between two loyalties is ultimately a useless man but bleeding him dry, so to speak, is strategically the smartest move. Hell if you're lucky, he'll self destruct out of guilt!'
Ellis nodded her head and a thinly veiled sinister grin touched her lips. 'Where you lack in experience, compared to my old Merc Trainer, you certainly make up for in creativity and leadership. Well done, Mr. Devereaux.'
Leaning back in her chair she let Alec take in her ill suited praise. Hate had a way of twisting your agenda and overlooking the needs of the many. It had taken Alec in a strangle hold, that if properly encouraged, would turn into a horribly foul thing.
God, she just wanted to know where to set up the camera.
Looking back over at Carol she saw the color drain out of her face. Little, blond, happy, stupid Carol. The realization must of hit her and oh...in such a sensitive spot. Recent events were random at best but she could not have planned this any better.
'Alec. Alec, Alec, Alec.' Ellis clapped her hands happily. 'Sir you do this clan much justice. That is exactly what I would do. Marthinus has always been a valuable asset to the clan, both in business and in extenuating circumstances, no offense of course Simon. What a wealth of information he must have about Hammerthynn and his pack. Imagine, a man caught between two loyalties is ultimately a useless man but bleeding him dry, so to speak, is strategically the smartest move. Hell if you're lucky, he'll self destruct out of guilt!'
Ellis nodded her head and a thinly veiled sinister grin touched her lips. 'Where you lack in experience, compared to my old Merc Trainer, you certainly make up for in creativity and leadership. Well done, Mr. Devereaux.'
Leaning back in her chair she let Alec take in her ill suited praise. Hate had a way of twisting your agenda and overlooking the needs of the many. It had taken Alec in a strangle hold, that if properly encouraged, would turn into a horribly foul thing.
God, she just wanted to know where to set up the camera.
Looking back over at Carol she saw the color drain out of her face. Little, blond, happy, stupid Carol. The realization must of hit her and oh...in such a sensitive spot. Recent events were random at best but she could not have planned this any better.
Alec Devereaux
15 years ago
Alec blinked. He had never been addressed in a particularly positive manner by the former Clan leader - barely acknowledged, really. To hear her give praise was...well, pretty fucking creepy. On the one hand, part of him felt exalted and accomplished for achieving something that had eluded him for so long. On the other hand, the part of him that was good and unsullied screamed in protest. Praise from Ellis Duban could only mean one thing - that he was truly on a dark and downward path, and best wake up before it took hold for good.
But how do you balance a need for vengeance with a need to provide a better way for those around you? Provide a solid example of effective motion and give support, praise where necessary and try not to train your biases into the next generation? Giving up the hunt was something he simply could not do at this point. Bringing in pelts was something he would have to reward. Where could he find the middle ground? Was there really a clean way to commit genocide?
Of course not.
Wait...while he was pondering...had he nodded once and smiled slightly at Ellis? Did he not even have the good grace to blush? Shaking his head once to clear the roiling emotions, he looked away.
But how do you balance a need for vengeance with a need to provide a better way for those around you? Provide a solid example of effective motion and give support, praise where necessary and try not to train your biases into the next generation? Giving up the hunt was something he simply could not do at this point. Bringing in pelts was something he would have to reward. Where could he find the middle ground? Was there really a clean way to commit genocide?
Of course not.
Wait...while he was pondering...had he nodded once and smiled slightly at Ellis? Did he not even have the good grace to blush? Shaking his head once to clear the roiling emotions, he looked away.
Simon Huntington
15 years ago
Simon listened carefully to the cold and calculating tone as his Merc Trainer described Marthinus as some sort of resource that, when he ceased to be useful, would be thrown to the way side. What horrified Simon more was the realization that Ginnie's death had affected Alec more than he himself had noticed. Vengeance laced his every word and Ellis ate it up with a spoon.
Simon narrowed his hazel eyes at Ellis as she applauded the young man. Stepping away from the wall and turning to face Alec he saw the look of pride cross over his face. Ellis showered him in her praise, encouraging the black thing that had taken up residence in Alec's heart to grow. Simon watched as Ellis dug her claws into him in hopes of festering that hate and quietly he mourned Alec Devereaux's soul. Simon knew the path that Alec was contemplating and he hoped to God that his need for vengeance didn't consume him.
Lifting his chin defiantly, Simon looked down his nose at Ellis who noticed him again and her smile faltered, her eyes dropping.
'He's not a resource and he is certainly not lost.' Simon gave Alec a hard stare. 'He could have let us die there in that cabin, but he didn't. Whatever he is now, the part of him that is us is still in him but more importantly he is MY blood and no one touches him but me.'
Simon looked back at Ellis and shook his head. She was on her way to hell and taking whoever wanted a ride with her. With contempt he thought, 'One soul at a time, eh Ellis?'
She was still looking down at her pack of cigarettes, reaching out to center it, but it was as if she heard his thought and her smile widened again.
In a softer voice Simon added, 'I will deal with Marthinus personally.'
Simon narrowed his hazel eyes at Ellis as she applauded the young man. Stepping away from the wall and turning to face Alec he saw the look of pride cross over his face. Ellis showered him in her praise, encouraging the black thing that had taken up residence in Alec's heart to grow. Simon watched as Ellis dug her claws into him in hopes of festering that hate and quietly he mourned Alec Devereaux's soul. Simon knew the path that Alec was contemplating and he hoped to God that his need for vengeance didn't consume him.
Lifting his chin defiantly, Simon looked down his nose at Ellis who noticed him again and her smile faltered, her eyes dropping.
'He's not a resource and he is certainly not lost.' Simon gave Alec a hard stare. 'He could have let us die there in that cabin, but he didn't. Whatever he is now, the part of him that is us is still in him but more importantly he is MY blood and no one touches him but me.'
Simon looked back at Ellis and shook his head. She was on her way to hell and taking whoever wanted a ride with her. With contempt he thought, 'One soul at a time, eh Ellis?'
She was still looking down at her pack of cigarettes, reaching out to center it, but it was as if she heard his thought and her smile widened again.
In a softer voice Simon added, 'I will deal with Marthinus personally.'