painting the night with brush strokes of gray: (Closed thread)

[The_gladiator]

“To protect anyone that needs it,” Byron said, “Though Morgan is pretty good at taking care of herself, without my help,” Byron said as he nuzzled her breast again, she seemed to enjoy that the first time. His eyes still rolled up to look at her.

------

“To be honest with you, sometimes it turns out like that Nicholas said with a small chuckle. “But only to those that are willing. I’m not one to force a woman to do anything she’s not interested in.” he assured her.

“That was all part of the mystique,” he said, “It explained why we never aged.” His smile was genuine, “You will be pleased to learn that the others will be here tomorrow, then. Morgan asked us to come play a show. I have not performed with the rest of the Travelers in years, it will be nice to play with them once again.” As he spoke, he guided her through a dance that had absolutely nothing to do with the music they were listening to, though he was able to feed off the rhythm to make it work, leading her through the steps.

-----

Gabriel growled his pleasure as she came in a wave of pleasure and psychic release. He was caught up in the blast of her power. He threw back his head as it hit him, picking up his speed, his eyes closing as he lost himself in his own release. “Cum for me little one,” he urged aloud, in that growl she liked so much.

 

[SandS13]

Andrea let her hand move up Byron's neck, pressing his face into her breasts. "If Morgan needed it..you would help her?" She was trying to gauge his loyalty at the same time keeping him enticed in her body.
------
"You don't seem like the type to take advantage." He was almost literally sweeping her off of her feet as he guided her, moving her in the dance she did not know. He lifted her a little and Lillian wondered if he even realized he was doing it.

"The others..in truth? I only really knew of you. It is that thing where you know a band but only really know the name of that one member...the one that stands out. Like Queen and people only knowing Freddy Mercury or Aerosmith and people only recognizing Steven Tyler." Lillian laughed. Her head went back a little as she laughed. "I guess that makes you my Steven Tyler. I am sorry for that."
------
He was moving faster, harder and the growling command was all it took to make Imogen cum again. She arched her back as she cried out. It was as if it came from the very core of her being. Her mind opened, the barriers she had put up to stifle the feelings gone. She didn't feel them though. Instead they rushed out of her with the force of a storm. A huge crack formed in the wall as the building trembled.

Imogen wasn't even fully cognizant of how much energy she actually emitted. Car alarms went off. Windows broke in the apartments upstairs. Vermin ran away from the area around the building. Cats yowled.

Meanwhile, Imogen panted and could not open her eyes as it washed over her.

 

[The_gladiator]

“Of course, I would,” Byron said distractedly. “After all I am a visitor in her territory.” He was working on tugging up her shirt, wanting access to her breasts. He wondered if she’d allow it.

-----

Nicholas chuckled at her words. “I get it. It didn’t help that they called me the traveler. That nickname became synonymous with the band. Though trust me, Ehlana has the same issue, though with every male fan of the band. I can guarantee you most of the male fans have no idea who I am, or, if they do, it’s the guy that sings sometimes to give her a break.” He chuckled, clearly not bothered by it, appreciating the beauty of her laugh. “You know there are worse people to be compared to than Freddy Mercury, I’ll take that as a compliment.” He had unconsciously pulled her closer as they danced, so her breasts were now almost rubbing his chest, and to meet his gaze she had to look up further.

----

Even as Gabriel was swept away in the pleasure that her body as well as her power gave to him, he was also just a tad frightened. For the first time in his existence, he believed the stories that some of their princes over the years had been able to cause earthquakes with the force of their power alone. Imogen packed a lot of psychic power. And that had sent out a psychic alert greater than perhaps they should have. He had not thought to put up a psychic shield to contain her power. Throughout the building it touched everyone.
-------
In his bed in his apartment Marcus stared at the suddenly broken window across from his bed, shivering at the feel of the power.
-----
Byron started feeling the jolt of power sweep through him. He looked up at Andrea, pausing from his ravaging of her breasts, “What was that?”
------
On the dancefloor, holding Lillian close, Nicholas actually missed a step at the feel of the psychic wave. He frowned for a second, just a flicker of almost pain in his eyes and then he was back to smiling at her. He suspected it was Imogen. It spoke to him of inexperience and pain. Do you need assistance? He sent to Gabriel. When he received the negative, he returned his attention to Lillian.
------
Just returning to her club, Morgan felt the sweep of power pass over her. She wondered what was going on. She took off heading for the source of the power, heels clicking firmly on the pavement, not even waving to Zeke as he drove off obediently.
------
Across the town, Dimitri felt the surge. He growled with his fury It felt of her sexual pleasure. The interloper was with her again. He snarled his rage. The table he sat at did not survive, turning into so much kindling with his rage.
-------
Back in the room with Imogen Gabriel pulled Imogen close, clothing himself with a thought and helping to straighten her dress even as he cuddled her to his chest. He wanted to revel in the afterglow, but knew that kind of power display would bring unwanted investigators, Morgan, her staff, someone.

 

[SandS13]

Andrea straightened up and was about to remove her shirt when the wave hit them. She was up and on her feet. "I don't know. The whole building shook though. Stay here." She was in hunter mode. She needed to assess the situation.

She stepped out, back into the main part of the club. Some bottles had fallen, glasses. Staff were cleaning up but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Her first thought was small earthquake but she had felt it in her body like a mental call. Andrea growled and then her eyes fell on Lillian and Nicholas. She smirked. They looked cozy and undisturbed by what had happened.

Byron was at her back. "I am not a trained dog..."

Andrea turned, smiling. "Sorry, I get protective and turn all bodyguard like..." She went to slide her arm about his neck and that was when the woman appeared.

"I was looking for you sugar." Melany walked over to them and Andrea backed off.

"I need to go talk to someone. Maybe we can find some time alone later?" Andrea smiled at Byron.
--------
Imogen pressed her head into Gabriel's chest. She was still panting, her climax not quite out of her system. She clutched her dress to her chest. The straps were broken by her own hand and not holding would result in her breast bared to all.

The sound of the door opening drew her attention.

"An office, on a desk. Slightly cliche is it not?" Morgan was clearly not amused. "Tell me sentinel, did you not think that perhaps allowing her to broadcast to the world that she was here and wielding so much power was a bad idea? It will become clear that this was the epicentre and it will draw many...many of our kind, others here to learn the origin. This could start a war as people will want control of that beautiful woman you hold to you."

She stepped in and closed the door. She licked her lips and looked to be containing her anger. "What are you going to do now that you have allowed this? You were so eager to empty yourself into her that you do not consider her safety."
------------
Lillian felt him pull her closer. Her chin lifted, neck elongated so she could keep looking at his face. He was dangerously charming.

She noted the misstep, the tremor of the building but as quick as it happened it was gone. Lillian smiled, "Seems you have made the earth move under me...that's never happened before." She laughed lightly. "Did you feel it too?"

Before Nicholas could answer a hand gripped her arm and Andrea was pulling Lillian away. It was clear that Lillian was stunned and she stopped, wrenching the limb away. "You do not need to be rude."

She looked at Nicholas. "Excuse me for a moment. My employer wishes a word." Her tone was professional. She was not impressed with Andrea at the moment.

"Will you let me buy you-" Lillian shook her head. "Never mind. How about, can I come see you maybe we can have another dance when I am done with her?"

 

[The_gladiator]

Byron shrugged at Andrea giving her a friendly wave, his attention turning to Melany. “Is everything ok?”

“Be careful of her sugar,” Melany said softly. She rarely questioned Byron’s dalliances, there was no jealousy in her, she never doubted her place in Byron’s life. Byron lifted his eyebrow but said nothing, only nodded. “Can you come help with the stage reset? As you know the whole crew isn’t here.” She continued asking him for the favor. Byron nodded and the two moved off.




Gabriel snarled as Morgan confronted him. She was right, and his defenses of he didn’t know felt hollow. He should have known. He also did not want to tell Morgan it was her pleasure he had thought of not his own. He should have acted with more caution. However rather than be cowed he went on the offensive, “How exactly was I to know that she had such power?” he growled, still cradling her to him, but tensing with his own anger. “You’ve been in her mind as much or more than I have. How is it that you did not know she could do such a thing. Maybe you should have warned me and then I would have known,” he said throwing it back on Morgan.



Nicholas nodded to Lillian, that he had felt it. Before he could elaborate someone was pulling her away. Nicholas refused to let go at first. He recognized the woman in the mask, one of Morgan’s people. At Lillian’s words Nicholas stiffened his expression darkening. She was an employee of Morgan? He didn’t like that. He didn’t know why it surprised him. Perhaps because of which of Morgan’s employees was interacting with Lillian. He suspected that the woman in the Mask was part of the Underworld. Nicholas worked to keep his concern off of his face. “I am sure we will see one another again,” he said smoothly.

Turning Nicholas headed towards where he could sense the reverberations still from the psychic blast. He could sense turmoil. The link to Gabriel was fraught with anger. Slipping in through a door, he watched the standoff between Morgan and Gabriel. “Is there a problem here?” he asked smoothly.

 

[SandS13]

Morgan inhaled. Nicholas was in the doorway behind her. "No problem other than you young one here cannot seem to take care of the one he chose to bond to."

She licked her lips.

"I told you I was suppressing her power. I had plans if you will remember. You converted her without any forethought. Do you know why I have been in her mind so much? Because that power needed suppressing. To stop the killer, to protect her...do you have any idea how many are going to come looking for her now? Not just Dimitri." Morgan was barely containing her anger. "I worked for years to protect from this world, including myself. I wiped the memories of me. I wanted her to know nothing until I could bring her here, protect her. I had hoped Isabela would help train her, the two together...protected and safe from the monster out there. She was so head strong..."

Morgan looked lost in thought. "What are you going to do now, hmm? How are you going to stop those that will come bang on my door and protect her from Dimitri?"
--------
Lillian watched Nicholas go.

She hufffed. "That was rude."

"That's your target."

"What?"

"Nicholas. He needs to agree to do whatever Morgan wants in whatever shit is about to go down. Your job is to find out where his loyalties currently lay and report back. You were doing a good job of cozying up to him. Maybe let him have a taste and-"

"You know I don't do that."

"I know...no body, no teeth. I am telling- no, you know what? I am ordering you to."

"You can't just order me to let-" The hand on her throat, the push backwards that was so fast her hair was blown into her face, spoke otherwise.

"I can and I will. You owe me."

Lillian felt Andrea squeezing her neck. She tried to nod.

"Good." Andrea let her go and the woman dropped to the floor. "Pick yourself up and go find him."

She was beyond frustrated now and she left Lillian in a heap on the floor in the back corner of the club.

Lillian got to her feet, her hand went to her neck and she made off for the bathroom. Her eyes were blurry and she couldn't find it, instead making her way backstage. She stumbled into the empty green room and sat on the couch. Her head was in her hands as she tried to stave off the panic that was bubbling up.
-----
Andrea needed to find Morgan. She was in the back hall and spotted Nicholas' frame in the door way of an office. She could smell Morgan. Andrea stopped, her back against the wall of the hallway and waited.

 

[The_gladiator]

Nicholas’s tone was reasonable, “You were young once. I believe that he is doing the best he can with the knowledge he has.” He said firmly.

“You had plans to sell her like a whore or a slave,” Gabriel snarled. “I thought it through, I converted her to protect her from you. From selling her. But also, because I have had the epiphany, I knew she was mine, that we were destined for one another.” Gabriel stroked her back. “You think hiding things from her protected her? Knowledge and forethought would have helped her remain safer. Now she is like a toddler learning how to walk, she has no knowledge of how powerful she really is. It is you that has failed her,” Gabriel was forceful in his words, yet so gentle as he stroked Imogen’s hair. “I will do what ever is necessary. You expect me to have a completed plan. Why don’t you have one. You’re old enough adapt to the new situation. How will you protect us as people residing on your land,” he fired back?

Nicholas frowned this situation was getting out of hand. “Peace,” he said in a soothing tone his eyes locking with Gabriel’s. “Though the lady Morgan is a might shrewish with her words, she speaks only out of the same concern that you have for your love Gabriel. Morgan, I am sure that Gabriel and all of us will do what ever we can, nay what ever is necessary to protect her. Once assembled the group you have called here is formidable. Though if we keep this blaming and infighting, we will only fail.”

-----

It was Byron that found Lillian in the green room. He didn’t ask her why she was there, no; he was more concerned if anything was wrong. “Are you alright sugar?” he asked bustling into the room sitting beside her. He paused, catching the scent of Nicholas on her. “You’ve been around Nicholas.” He said, completely not caring that he had just admitted in no uncertain terms that he was a vampire with heightened senses. “Tell me he didna hurt you. Please tell me I don’t gotta kick his ass.” His frown darkened as he saw the marks on her neck. His face darkened from playful to serious. “Bastard better not have been the one to put those there.” He said no longer the foppish playboy, but showing the hunter he truly was under all the makeup.

 

[SandS13]

Morgan's eyes narrowed. "I have plans and back up plans to protect my people. This is my city and I will not let chaos erupt on my territory. Mind your tongue young one."

Nicholas' power radiated calm into the room. Imogen felt it as she clung to Gabriel.

"Dimitri has taken control of my lion pride. He hunts and he kills without my permission. There is no telling what else he has planned. As much as I am displeased at what has happened I do want to see Imogen protected. Her power is considerable and now we must consider the implications of this." Morgan sighed. She rubbed her forehead. "I must go and prepare some things. There will be repairs to see to now and my wards are weakened."

Her eyes looked to Imogen. "You beautiful flower are proving quite trying on my energy."

Morgan looked at Gabriel. "Next time, perhaps your bed and not my manager's desk?" There was amusement in her tired eyes.

Imogen's fingers gripped Gabriel's shirt. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to- I didn't know.
-----
Lillian looked up. She wiped a hand across her face. "Ye-yeah I am fine."

She swallowed and nodded. "Yes I was dancing with him and no, no he didn't do this. I work for someone and she didn't take too kindly to me taking a stand on things. Look, do you know where Nicholas is? I need to talk to him."

 

[The_gladiator]

Gabriel snorted at the young one comment. However, he supposed he earned it from one such as Morgan. However, the waves of soothing energy that were radiating off of Nicholas seemed to have touched Morgan, or else she understood the logic of his words, for she turned to a tired amusement. “Yes, ma’am,” he said in response to her comment about not on her manager’s desk.

As Morgan swept out past Nicholas, Gabriel gave Imogen a solid squeeze. Her words sounding in his mind, frightened and apologetic. You did not know little one. Neither did I. He kissed her forehead softly.

“We need to work on your memories and discuss things.” Nicholas said. He held up his hand before Gabriel could protest. “Peace,” he reiterated, “I will come to you first thing in the morning, before the others arrive.” He said and turned to go. “I’ll go make sure Byron is staying out of trouble.” Gabriel merely nodded as he scooped Imogen into his arms.

“You heard Morgan,” he said in Imogen’s ear, “I cannot disappoint her, I am to take you in my bed… you heard her, didn’t you?” his grin was mischievous as he carried her out of the office.

-----

As the first one out of the office Morgan had immediately spotted her huntress standing waiting and watching. She simply crooked a finger for the other woman to follow her. She liked the fact that she had had a backup weapon so close to Nicholas’s back, and the former sentinel had seemingly not noticed. Although he could have purposefully disregarded her presence as well, so confident in his own abilities. Her heels clicked on the tiles as she headed to her office. Only when she had closed the door did she turn to Andrea. “Report.” She snapped, all pretense of hiding her annoyance fading now that they were behind closed doors again.


Byron frowned at her words not liking them. “He comes,” he said reaching out to the guitarist, “He won’t be pleased to learn that someone hurt you. He is pretty protective,” he offered.

 

[SandS13]

Imogen curled up against him holding her dress to her body as he carried her to the room. Her mind was on what she had done, Daniel's death and what she had learned about Gabriel.

All that was put aside as he carried her into the room and towards the bed. Imogen lifted her head and kissed him. It was soft and full of emotions. She had so much she wanted to say to him about what she learned from his mind about how he saw her, how he had shown he cared and how she had missed it. She poured it all into the kiss.

Dimitri wanted into her mind and hoped she was still open after the release.

You are powerful. You need to be shown what you can do. The world will bow at your feet...

Imogen tensed and then pushed Dimitri away.
--------
"I have someone on Nicholas now and we should know more about his loyalties soon. Byron is a follower. He will do what the others do and say." Andrea knew it wasn't much but she had only had hours and the fight and concert had interrupted her time.
-------
Lillian frowned. "Why would he be protective of someone he doesn't know?"

She was still sitting, hands clasped as she realized they were shaking and she had no idea what she was going to say when he got there. His face had changed when she mentioned Andrea being her employer. That worried her. Plus, Andrea wanted her to do something she never did. She didn't use those tactics, it wasn't her style at all.

 

[The_gladiator]

Gabriel let himself flow into her mind. He returned her kiss, moaning softly, less of the growl of animalistic need, but more the needful moan of someone who wanted so much more than just simple sexual release. His mind deep inside hers. He heard Dimitri’s contact. He tensed against her, but felt her push him aside. He didn’t say anything but his eyes showed he knew her struggle.

He lay her down on the bed, hands framing her face holding her so his eyes could meet hers, his lips could meet hers. His eyes not glowing with his power, not the starry night sky, but just the azure of their normal color. They were soft with his emotion. “You are such a gift to me,” he whispered, his lips only a breath from hers.

-----

Morgan nodded curtly to her report. “Good, keep gathering information. I will continue to make plans, as well as deal with some normal business, time marches on despite the crisis.” And with that she waved dismissing the other woman.

------

“Don’t ask me, He does not stand for anyone hurting others. I’ve seen him take people under his protection for far less than a dance. If you granted him such a gift that will mean something to him.”

“I wouldn’t believe every story that one tells you either,” Nicholas said from the doorway, teasingly referencing the comment he had made of the groupies earlier in the evening. Nicholas moved into the room. Darkest eyes missing nothing. He traced them over the marks on her neck and then swung to Byron. There was danger in his eyes.

Byron immediately held up his hands palm out. “Don’t you give me that look, you know I didn’t do it.” Nicholas simply nodded.
Stepping closer to Lillian, he spoke in a low rumble, somewhere between seductive purr, and threatening hunter. “Who did this to you?” he asked, his eyes locking with hers, suggesting he wouldn’t accept a deflection either.

 

[SandS13]

Tears trickled down her cheeks. "I am not a gift. Death and hurt seems to follow me. I am scared for you." Imogen's hand stroked his cheek. "Just be with me. I want to keep the outside world out."

She kissed him. It was full of emotion and caring. Her mind opened and welcomed in to see her heart.
-----
Andrea nodded and left the office. She went in search of Byron. She was not happy about any of this. She just hoped Lillian was doing what she had been told to do.
---
Lillian shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Look, I need to talk to you." She stood and took his hand. "Someplace private."

She looked at Byron. She was about to do something very stupid but she knew it was right. "Stay away from Andrea. She isn't interested in you. It is her job to get information out of you."

Lillian looked back at Nicholas. "Please? Can we go and talk?"

 

[The_gladiator]

Gabriel stroked her face, wiping away her tears. He didn’t verbally disagree with her, he simply opened his mind to her surrounding her with his warmth, his love. He returned her kiss’s passion its depth. She was so quickly growing to mean so much to him in such a record time.

-----


Nicholas nodded to her request to talk somewhere. Byron cracked a smile at her warning, “Of course it’s her role sugar,”

“I’m pretty sure he likes grabbing tigers by their tails,” Nicholas said dryly.

“Joking aside, thank you for the warning my dear,” Byron said, “I make a habit of trusting very few people. And the ones I do trust I’m not sure I trust them farther than I can throw them.”

“You’re a super human vampire,” Nicholas said exasperatedly, “Stop picking up human cliché sayings that honestly don’t fit you. You could probably throw me the length of a football field.”

“Can I try it boss? Please?”

“I’ll think about it…that would be a no.” As he spoke Nicholas slid his arm around Lillian and steered her out of the green room. “This is not a proposition, but we’ll go to the room I was given, no one will interrupt us there. You did say you wanted to be somewhere private.”

Nicholas wended his way to the elevator that lead into the depths of the complex. He punched the button and then waited, studying her. “Have you worked for Morgan for a long time?” he asked as the elevator opened.

 

[SandS13]

Imogen reached out for his shirt and she tried to lift it up and away from him. She wanted nothing between them. “Please.” Her eyes locked onto his. “I just want to feel you against me.”

Her mind was filled with him, and it wasn’t just desire for her. Imogen tilted her head and bared her neck to him, an open invitation.
---------
Lillian nodded to Byron. She was glad he wasn’t falling for Andrea’s tactics. She tensed, just a little when Nicholas put his arm around her to steer her down the hall. She nodded to him. She wanted the privacy, it never occurred to her that he was making any sort of move or that she was in any danger from him.

“I don’t work for Morgan. Never met her.” Her tone was matter of fact and there was nothing that would say she was lying if he was inspecting her in any way.

In the elevator, Lillian didn’t look at him. She was busy working out how she was going to take off when she was done telling him her information. She was about to really fuck herself over. It didn’t matter. She would pick up and move. The advantage of never letting them feed on her was that even Andrea couldn’t find her through that sort of link. She was indebted to her, not bonded to her. Though Lillian was beginning to think this was worse. Her hand unconsciously went to her neck.

“I work for Andrea. She hands off jobs to me that she doesn’t want or can’t do. She has her style and I have mine.”

They stepped out and she followed him to a room. Once the door was closed Lillian faced him. “Apparently I am supposed to find out where your loyalties lie. I don’t know why, I don’t care. My job is to get you to talk and then relay what I learn to her. However, Andrea has decided that my tactics of simple communication aren’t good enough this time around. I don’t do what she does. I don’t get physical- in any way. And I don’t let vampires feed on me. She was to take care of Byron and I was supposed to talk to you. I didn’t know that when you- with the song. I didn’t know until she dragged me away. I swear.”

She ran a hand through her hair. “I don’t know Morgan. I just know that is who Andrea works for. I know what I was asked to do and I am telling all this to you because Andrea took things one step too far. My debt to her is done as far as I am concerned. I don’t want any part of whatever the hell is going on here.”

There was fear in her large eyes but also determination to get the hell out of this mess.

 

[The_gladiator]

Gabriel quickly rid himself of his clothing and returning to her helped her out of the dress. He lay down beside her, his hand caressing the length of her body. His lips found their way down the curve of her neck. She could sense his need to claim her, to reaffirm their bond.
He cradled her to his chest, her full breasts pressing to the firm muscles of his chest. I want to taste you little one, feel you in every way. His words brushed through her mind as his tongue swirled over her pulls, once, twice. His teeth pierced her neck as his fingers, which had walked down her belly slid between her slick folds. He tasted her even as his fingers danced through her pussy, spreading their mingled juices from his earlier claiming of her. He painted strokes on her clit, even as he pulled at her neck. Her orgasm continued as long as he continued to feed, an endless loop, spurred on by his fingers.

He finally pulled back. He lay back exposing his chest for her, cradling the back of her head, a wicked invitation, his rumble of possessiveness sounding through him. His hand was in her hair. “I provide for you little one,” His voice was low, seductive, tempting her, promising so much.



Nicholas listened as she denied having met Morgan. He watched her stroke her neck and his frown showed his displeasure that anyone had hurt her like that. Her words confirmed it had been Andrea that had hurt her like that. He resolved that healing her would be something he would do before she left his room.

He listened as she spoke. “My loyalties are to the vampire race, and to my moral code.” He knew she didn’t ask him to answer that, but he told her anyway, answering her honesty. “If you and I did anything sexual my dear, that would be because we wanted one another.” He looked at her quizzically. “It surprises you that Morgan and this Andrea would stoop to such means to achieve their ends?” It certainly did not surprise him. He did not know much about Morgan’s huntress but he knew the type. He was familiar with the concept of a doer of evil deeds, most vampire Kisses and most were animal packs had one too, someone who could do things the leader couldn’t. “You need not convince me of the truth of your words,” he assured her. He stepped closer, “I did appreciate the dance and appreciate your honesty with me,” he offered softly. He could sense her fear and tried to sooth her with his words. He was a bit surprised at how surprised she was that a shady employer could do shady things. Had she thought her employer was on the up and up?

 

[SandS13]

Imogen was crying out in pleasure though no sound escaped her lips. His fingers played her like she was an instrument as his mouth drew her blood from her body. She was left gasping as he rolled, taking her with him.

Gabriel held her to his chest. The vibration of his words filled her. Imogen's eyes lifted to meet his and she moved to straddle his stomach. Her backside rested on his manhood as she lifted her head just a little. Her teeth elongated and Imogen leaned in to lick his skin. Her teeth sunk in, just above his heart.

I am yours.
-------
Nicholas stepped towards her and Lillian didn't move but she did hold her breath. She let it out slowly. "I don't know Morgan. I don't know what she is like. Andrea..." She sighed. "I owe Andrea my life. I was indebted to her. I talked to people, I got information. What she does with it was none of my business. Part of settling my debt was never asking, never questioning. I refused today to do what she wanted how she wanted and I paid for it."

Lillian looked up at Nicholas. She smiled a little. "You presume a lot by suggesting we might want each other.."

She pulled her eyes away. "I have to go. When Andrea finds out I told you and warned Byron. I realize now he didn't need it but I am risking my life. I need to leave and get far from her."
-----
Andrea found Byron. "Well now, I was hoping we could resume our activities. What do you say?"

 

[The_gladiator]

Whips of pleasure swept through Gabriel. Her bite was becoming stronger. Converted by him and exchanging with him she was taking on his ability at least to a point. He growled his pleasure at feeding her, her granting him that honor. However, his body’s arousal was building and he wasn’t even inside her. He flexed his hips, rubbing against her. The longer she fed, the higher he rose.

He didn’t have time to lift her, to enter her before the pleasure she was generating in him peaked. He spilled himself in a rush over her bottom, unable to control the pleasure coursing through him. As she pulled back from his chest, when he urged her not to take too much his eyes met hers. His smile was a mixture of sheepish and satisfied. Their bond was only growing and this time fully connected she had granted him an orgasm similar to the ones he gifted to her when he fed.

Gabriel’s fingertips stroked her cheek. It was a gentle touch that said what his mind spoke, she was his and he cherished her.

-----

“I do know Morgan,” Nicholas said softly, “And not everything any ancient vampire does is on the up and up. But I understand. Tell me, what does she hold over you, how did one so selfish as Andrea get someone like you to owe her a life debt?” Nicholas’s expression was somewhat intense. He had ignored her plea to leave and her almost chastisement on his sexual inuendo, focusing on the first part of everything she said. She had said a lot, all in a rush, he found it necessary to slow her down.

-----

Byron was helping the rest of the crew reset the stage and work on the more complicated set up they would need for the next day. He heard Andrea’s voice behind him and he shrugged. “You don’t do subtle, do you?” he asked as he looked up from where he was lying under a riser on the stage plugging in some chords. His tone was still playful, flirtatious, but there was just a hint of an edge behind it. His eyes did not reflect the smile his lips displayed.

 

[SandS13]

Imogen moaned as she felt Gabriel cum on her backside. She closed her eyes and leaned into his hand as he stroked her cheek.

She slid from his lap and quickly moved to the bathroom, a soft giggle escaping as she cleaned up. She padded back to the bed and draped her body over his. Imogen began to slowly kiss him. She kept her eyes open as her fingers moved over his face and her lips kept pressing to his in lazy, gentle kisses.

She inspected him, looked him over and pushed out the memory of the painting and how much he looked like Dimitri. He was not Dimitri.

"I am sorry for earlier. When I was angry. I was overwhelmed with feeling of being used and controlled." Her mouth met his, this kiss deeper than the others. "I realize now that you have given me all of you already, you risk so much for me and you barely know me. I do not know what this epiphany is but Nicholas has explained it as best he can. I am sorry I judged you so harshly. I should not have. It was fear and confusion keeping me from seeing the truth."

Her body moved, rubbed against his gently. "I was also fighting my own instincts...I shouldn't have."

Her other hand moved down to hold his cock gently.
----------
"No time or patience for subtle." Andrea crouched beside him. Her hand moved over his chest. "Do you really want me to play coy and innocent? Didn't think that was your style."

She needed to get him alone, get him talking and then see if she could get him to agree with what Morgan wanted. Andrea didn't care what the deal was, she was paid to do what Morgan wanted, no questions, no ethical conflict, no moral quandary. It didn't matter to her at all.
-----
Lillian frowned and looked down. "She saved my life. Literally. It is a long story. One you don't really want to hear and one that is going to keep me here. Andrea already-" She gestured to her neck. "When she finds out I told you what I was supposed to be doing instead of doing it she is going to kill me. She has a bad temper. Seen it. Just the first time I have been on the receiving end."

She stepped towards him. She opened her mouth to say something but the stopped herself.

 

[The_gladiator]

When she went to clean up, he took a corner of the sheet to wipe himself clean, not as messy as she was. When she returned, he was more than willing to return her kisses, curving an arm around her holding her close to his chest. Her apologies touched a tightness inside him that he did not realize was still there. “This is all new to you little one, hiccups are to be expected,” he said softly. “I hope that Nicholas was gentle to you, I have always found him to be a firm but fair teacher. He is protective of his own.”

He gasped as her small hand slid down to circle his shaft, which rapidly swelled under her touch. “Trust your instincts, generally they will not let you down,” he said softly, even as he clearly responded to her delicate touches.

----

“My style is authenticity,” Byron commented dryly as he finished his work. “I find its lack in you fairly unappealing to be completely honest,” Byron offered as he finished his task and made no move to stop her from touching him or get up, just pale sky blue eyes looking up at her with a slight smirk, curious how she might respond to his gentle jab at her character. Byron had always been the one who could get away with saying things others couldn’t because of his charming smile. He looked completely relaxed as he lay there, but anyone thinking he was helpless would quickly be outed as the fool they were.

He didn’t push her away, he in fact doubled down on her touch, his hand trapping hers against his body as his other reached up towards her face. “Maybe it’s the mask that makes you come across as insincere. I wonder, if you’d let me take it off you?” he asked a dangerously mischievous look in his eyes.

----


Nicholas considered her for a moment. “You have much less urgency than you think you do,” he commented, “Think about it. You’re here, in my room. If this Andrea comes looking or wonders where you are, she will figure you are in here allowing me to ravage your lovely body. However, if you leave and then I am spotted she will know irrevocably that you have disobeyed her orders and she will hunt you. So just relax, you’re much safer here. If she does come here with an attitude, I think I can handle her anger problem. I have absolutely no compunctions about killing her, I would not lose any sleep over it, trust me. So, sit down, and tell me this story. The more I know, the better I can protect you.” Nicholas said, his voice a mix between shameless seduction and honest practicality.

His hands on her shoulders were gentle yet firm as he backed her to the couch and gave her a little push to urge her down. He then moved to sit on the other side of the couch, sprawling on it facing her, one leg pulled up, a predator at rest, one who’s dark eyes watched her constantly, waiting for her story.

 

[SandS13]

"My instincts are to run away most times. With you it was to get closer and that frightened me." Imogen pressed closer with her body. Her hand moved slowly, leisurely stroking his cock. "I was quite drawn to you and then things just got...chaotic. I need to remember that you are the steady point in this storm." Her fingers moved over the head of his cock.

----------
Andrea ran her tongue over her teeth. She let the remark slide.

He put his hand over hers and Andrea offered him a smile. "Not that mask but I would let you take other things off of me. And I offer that sincerely. Just as I offered my neck to you."

She used her other hand to grab his wrist to emphasize that she would not, in fact let him remove her mask. Her grip was strong.
-----
Lillian's pulse picked up as Nicholas put his hands on her shoulders. She flinched, just a little as if afraid he was going to strike her. She sat but she was not at all relaxed. "I don't need you to protect me. You don't owe me that. And don't need you killing anyone. I am not a lady trapped by a dragon and you are not a knight."

She looked up at the ceiling. "I don't know you well enough to go and tell you my life story." Her voice shook, the first time there was a real crack in her confidence in front of him.

 

[The_gladiator]

Her words were a compliment to him, that’s what he wanted to be, her calm in this storm. He gasped at her touches. His eyes watched her hand, watched her pleasuring him. He had already claimed her quickly. He was content for the moment to let her play.

------


Byron smirked at her. “You really want to get naked with me, hmm?” he asked. He used the grip she had on his wrist to pull her down atop him. Her right hand and his left trapped between them and his right the one she’d grabbed now over his head which he had used to pull her down atop him. His lips met hers, right there on the stage, in front of everyone. Byron loved the shock factor, no matter the situation. He loved doing exactly the opposite of what someone expected.

------

“No, you aren’t. Though I do seem to have a white knight problem.” He said shrugging, completely unrepentant. “Fair enough you don’t owe me your life story. So, what do we do then, play chess? I’m serious it will be too dangerous for you to leave now, so you’re sort of stuck here for a bit.”

 

[SandS13]

Imogen's eyes were on Gabriel's face as her hand moved over her erection slowly and with purpose. She wanted to watch his face as her hand touched him. Imogen shifted, straddling his thigh so her sex was pressed against the muscle. She moaned softly and rubbed against him.

Her lips parted and she kept her eyes on his face as her hand moved, fingers brushing over the head of his cock.

--------
Andrea faked a smile. It didn't reach her eyes under the mask. She kissed him back. "Let's go somewhere private hmm?" She shifted, pulling away from him and off of his body. She reached out to pull him up.
--------
Lillian smiled. "I am going to leave. That is what is going to happen. Leave and get as far as I can before she tries to find me."

She stood. "It was nice to meet you Nicholas. I am sorry it turned into this. I really did like our dance and your song."

It felt like she should shake his hand or something given how intimate the dance had been and he had kissed her but Lillian suddenly felt awkward. She gave a strange little wave and headed to the door.

 

[The_gladiator]

Gabriel said no words but growled his need as Imogen stroked his cock, and ground herself against him. He kept his eyes locked with hers as his hand slid up her cheek and into her hair. He tugged her head down, a silent request, a plea without words, making it very clear through his touch what he wanted.

------

Byron took her hand and sprang to his feet. “You know Honestly it’s getting late, perhaps another time.” He bent and kissed her hand.

-----

Nicholas stood slowly. Again, the predator. He subtly put himself between her and the door. “I am older than dirt’s older brother my lady, you will not win a competition of wills with me. Now please sit back down. For one, you know I will not let you leave this room with bruises on your throat like that when I have the power to heal them.” His hand touched her cheek, tilting her face to look up at him. His eyes boring into hers. They were not full of his power, he was not mesmerizing her, yet, but he was showing with his expression the seriousness of his words.

 

[SandS13]

Imogen leaned in, guided by hand. Her mouth slid over his cock. She took him deep and held him there. She swallowed around him as best as she could and then started to pull back. He remained in her mouth, the head of his cock poised between her lips for a moment before she began to slowly bob her head up and down.

Her other hand reached out to cup his testicles. She let them gently roll in her palm and lightly squeezed them.
----
Andrea was left shocked and annoyed as Byron sprang to his feet and then kissed her hand. He was turning her down.

"Late? Really? Is that a joke?" She let out a slowly, barely controlled breath through her nose. Her eyes raked over him and Andrea shook her head. "Bitch went and told you. Perfect. Well then let's drop the facade shall we?"

She yanked her hand from his and crossed her arms. "Morgan wants to know, when shit goes down whose side are you on? This is her city and she needs to know you will back her play."

-----

Lillian froze, unable to even back away as Nicholas came to stand between herself and her exit.

His hand touched her cheek and she immediately tried to look away. She had seen this before and knew vampires could hypnotize people into doing what they wanted.

"Don't. Don't do that." Her face was tilted up but she was actively trying to look away. "I don't know that you will heal them. How can I know that? I don't know you Nicholas. I met you a couple of hours ago while you sang. And that isn't really meeting." A part of her wanted his protection. A part of her wanted to put her face in his chest and just let him hold her, let herself be a scared woman with a strong man protecting her but that wasn't a luxury she had.

 

[The_gladiator]

Gabriel’s growl of need was low in his throat. She willing came to him. Willingly drew him into her mouth. His hand twined through her hair. He couldn’t describe how it felt.

As her hand cupped his balls rolling them gently, he let out another groan for her. She was talented, to say the least. He wasn’t sure there was a more arousing sight than her in that moment. Her hair tumbled down to the side brushing his skin. It vailed her from view on the right side of her face, but he could see the other side, could see her take all of him into her mouth each time. “Have you always been this good little one, or are you in my mind borrowing from pictures there of things I like?” his words were playful, a seductive purr.

-----

Byron smirked at her words. “No one told me anything I didn’t already know. Who exactly did you take me for?” He leaned forward on the balls of his feet, knees bending. He was in a ready stance for some form of martial arts, though he was clearly trying to look like he wasn’t.

Byron snorted at her next question, “I’m a visitor to her city. Did Morgan neglect to tell you exactly who I am?” He tapped his own chest. “Seems to me he could have answered her own question if she had merely recited my title to herself, or is there something all don’t understand about being Nicholas’s second? “He gave her a look like she was exceedingly dense. “I will always back his play.”

-------

Nicholas fought not to laugh at her protests. She knew just enough about his kind to get herself in trouble, not enough to truly understand, yet. “I am not trying to use my powers on you, foolish woman. You think I need them in this situation. Just what do you think I plan to do to you?” He lifted an eyebrow. “I can prove to you I plan to heal them.” His left hand slid up her back and into the dark chestnut waterfall of her hair, the one on her cheek sliding lower, fingertips tracing her throat in a gentle exploration, a mix between sensual exploration of her skin and practical examination of her injuries.

He met her eyes briefly before she looked away again. Without further warning he used his hand in her hair to hold her chin up. He tilted and bent his head to her neck, kissing down from her jaw. His lips trailed down her skin. He could feel her tense, but He didn’t stop. He knew she would think he was going to bite her. Though he relished the thought of savoring this beauty’s blood, no, his plan was far different. His tongue brushed over the pale skin of her throat. He subtly bathed it over where he knew at least one of the bruises was. He kissed and licked her there and then pulled back.

He released her slowly, “Go look in the mirror Pequeñita.” He said softly, a slight smile playing at the corners of his lips. “See that is healed, and then return to me, allow me to take away the rest of them.” He urged, in a seductive purr.