Worth It

[Lovely]

July 29, 2007
the day after Justice Knows No Bounds....

The soft whimper was beginning to annoy him as he searched for the sound only coming to realize as he moved to the door that the sound was his own. The hole in his side was deep and wider than he'd first thought but as he stretched and moved his way across the room it made itself larger and more painful than he'd ever known. His father, his sire, lay dead in a pool of mixed blood and debris, some of it was his own blood. The scent was overpoweringly intoxicating yet nauseating. His own brother even left him for dead or at least to deal with the mess he dragged himself through.

A few belongings of his father's were gathered into a pile and tucked in a box he fished from the trash and litter in the building, sealing it with wire and hooking one uninjured finger through the loop to carry with a sagging arm. Marcus was alone with his thoughts that centered on a single theme of revenge on this creature. Justice, he spat. Justice was blind, he heard and it was that blindspot he'd find to take advantage of... once he healed up. He emerged into the late afternoon air. How long had he been asleep? He sniffed at the air and trudged his long way toward home.

The sisters had seperated for some time apart, living together all their lives and working together as well sometimes put a strain on the otherwise close siblings. Every now and then they need time to gather thoughts, hunt, or engage in some activity -alone-. Ariane chosen to 'wander' -something she enjoyed, which at times resembled hunting. She didn't go out looking for anything -more she let whatever would find her, find her. She was prepared though -armed beneath the seeming peaceful exterior. The day would soon be fading but had kept her warm as she wandered. now only a light jacket kept the wind from her and her knives mostly concealed.

The footsteps were uneven, one foot dragging followed by the heavy thump. He'd stopped once in a while to catch his breath and make the walk ahead stop spinning. His mouth was dry and what water he'd had from the drains and gutters was pouring out of him in fevered sweat, but he wasn't stopping, not out here. His side was sticky and heavy, trying to heal but working loose with each step. The blood in him, his family, was too strong to simply let him fall and die. He'd go miles and would likely have to starve to death first. As he leaned against the wall in the alley, he smelled the air again and for the first time in two days a smile cracked his lip upwards. Maybe he wouldn't starve afterall.

Ari turned down the alley, looking down at the scattered puddles and bits of trash that lined the sides along the buildings. It wasn't exactly classic beauty but there was something about it, perhaps the familiar and the simplicity of it all. She sighed, listening to the soft sound of her boots hitting the ground with her steady pace. She stopped midstep, her expression changing as the hair on the back of her neck prickled up, still looking down, her eyes travelled along the sides of the alley further ahead of her stopping as she saw a foot. A normal human looking limb and it was still daytime, though that didn't promise it wasn't something less than savory.

"Nice day," he graveled out behind the smile with a nod as he started up again, moving toward her. He had every appearance of a drunk man, unable to stand up straight or walk straight, his lame side making his foot drag behind him in labored steps.

"Gorgeous day." She agreed, giving the man a soft smile, nearly shy as she wasn't so good with dealing with 'real people'. Fighting, hunting -those things she could do, but talking to people, she avoided when possible. She watched the way he walked, almost asking if he was okay, but starting to walk again herself. Ari noticed the dragging of his leg and at first thought he might be drunk, but she couldn't smell any alcohol. "Are.." She started and licked her lips, she was asking for trouble -people always were. "Are you alright?"

Unlike the slow and uneven steps, his head turned sharply and directly, his eyes steady and dark. Marcus looked her over, squinting as if trying to focus but he was instead reading her scent, the signature, her own and her soaps and perfumes that made the dryness in his mouth fade and his tongue run over his lip. He may have appeared that he was going to shout, but his voice was low and quiet. He nodded. "Getting better, thank you. Rough night... and a long walk. Missed my bus," he chuckled, but realized quickly what a bad idea that was. The shriek of pain pulled his gaze upward and inward with the sharp breath and he straightened against it.

She felt his eyes on her and it sent a chill through her, something about his dark eyes was unnerving and fascinating at once. "Must have been to carry over into the next afternoon.. nearly evening now. Do.. do you live near here?" She bit her lip, why didn't she just keep walking? Because if she left him like this and something attacked him, it would be her fault. She sighed, folding her arms around herself, she worried about his body language.. it told her he was not drunk.. maybe hurt.

He nodded again. "Hell of a night. Really busted up the place," he smiled though it wasn't much warmer than his gaze. "Not far from here. A mile, maybe two. Like I said... nice night. You hang out in alleys a lot or am I just lucky?"

He got a soft laugh from her -a sound not usually heard by anyone other than her sister and uncle and even then it was not often. "A little of both.. lucky that I like alleys?" she managed a bit more of a smile for him, something about him seemed oddly familiar -like kin but she knew she didn't 'know' him. "I think you might have gotten busted up a bit yourself.. are you really alright? do you.. maybe.. need a hand making it home okay?"

"I'm fine," he snapped sharply, though it wasn't loud. The sneer alone would have put some off though he wasn't trying to be rude or scare her off. He just didn't want to be reminded of the pain. "I gave up my nanny when I was a pup."

"Sorry.. " She held her hands up slightly in front of her chest. "I didn't mean any disrespect.. just trying to be nice is all.. teach me to make that effort." She muttered the last under her breath. "Just thought you might like a ride.. my truck is a block away and that's a lot closer than a mile or two."

He stared, unwavering a moment, though the thought of taking the bottle of buck-fifty moonshine from the stiff behind the dumpster was looking like his only other alternative. "Not your disrespect. I just want to know why." He'd heard her clearly. "A pretty girl offers a guy she just met in an alley a ride? Aren't you afraid? Or should I be afraid of you?" The smile was warmer and he was amused.

She smiled just a little more, for just a moment -lighting up her bluer than blue eyes. "I talk softly.. but that doesn't make me timid or meek. Take the offer or don't.. be afraid if you want to.. I'm not afraid of you." Her voice was soft as she said, calm, even and semi sweet in it's tone. Most of the time she just didn't speak, but when she did it was in such a quiet way.

"I can see that," he agreed, though he actually could smell it and that amused him more. Maybe she'd do him a favor and knock him out for the rest of the night and take all his worldly possessions, which seemed to be seeping out of the wound again. He carried the small, wired box still like some forlorn birthday gift that had been dented and bent from falling a few times and grasping against the walls and rails to hold himself up. "I'll take the offer. Thank you." His father had always told him the importance of 'please' and 'thank you' and that made him chuckle slightly now.

"Come on then." She turned to head back in the direction she'd been coming from, offering him her arm tentively, to lean on her if he wanted or needed, though a bit unsure if he'd snap at her again for that offer. She liked that he was polite and he was kind of rough at the same time -an interesting mix. "Left out of the alley and straigh nearly to the corner -you'll recognise it.. it's the really beat up one."

[Lovely]

"Sounds familiar," he quipped. The more he spoke the more she might realize the hint of a faint accent in his words. He didn't lean on her, keeping his hand to the wall until he reached the end and watched. Instinctively, he watched the corners and shadows, smelling the air as inconspicuously as he could. This close to home, Biff could be anywhere, but so could the rally-man that released his prize to the wilds out here. She'd been bitten, but would she be afraid and where would she go for help to learn? He hoped he'd find her before Biff, but right now there was no trace for him to pick up. The night was just beginning. "Where were you going down here? I've heard it's nothing but a den of murderers and thieves. Don't you read the paper?"

The accent was picked up on, faintly there and it made her wonder where he was from, but she didn't ask. She let her arm curl back around herself as they walked, he declined the offer to lean and she wouldn't press him. Her eyes flickered around in the growing shadows, she hoped whatever Tasa was doing, that she was alright. Something about tonight felt odd.. like things were happening. Ari's sharp gaze kept watch for the things that would begin to slink and crawl as night came over them. Her hand slid under her jacket and curled around the handle of her dagger, ready if needed but still hidden. He might pick up the fierceness about her, the protective instinct, anything came for them, she was ready to defend him. "Murders and thieves? Guess it's a good thing I'm getting you out of here quicker.. it's getting dark. And good thing I found you, I was just walking.. could have ended up right in the middle of them.. and we wouldn't want that." She told half lies, she was walking, but she wouldn't mind a good romp to blow off some steam, maybe she'd head back that way later.

"No, we wouldn't," he agreed, watching her now and pulling away from the wall. The hole had sealed again somewhat, his body fighting to heal quickly and keep him going. He had little control this way, but he needed to get home, to his real home, not the shabby underbelly of the industrial sludgepit they'd been guarding their girl in. Warmth and comforts and a bottle of whiskey he was thirsting for awaited his return and he in turn would await his brother, hopefully with more surprises than their father's trinkets. "What would you do without me to protect you," he teased, suddenly beside her in a burst of energy. The same gaze that met her moments before was even clearer and sharper, playful in a dangerous way. "I'll have to find a way to thank you for your kindness."

He surprised her and her fingers tightened on the handle of the knife, but she let go instead of pulling it out. His eyes were very intense, something like a glimpse into a highly passionate man. The sharp breath that she took in was not out of fear but excitement, her own eyes dancing playfully and meeting his gaze. "You don't have to thank me." She said in honesty, she was helping him because she wanted to, not to gain anything from him. He was closer now and she inhaled a faint hint of his masculine scent -maybe she'd stop for a drink after she saw him safely home.

"Yes, I think I do," he insisted, though softly, for helping him in more ways than she may have realized. "Get me there and we'll talk."

"I'll get you there." She agreed and let it drop, she didn't need thanking and she wouldn't take anything from him. "Here we are." She said softly, reaching to open the door to the truck for him and pulling the ignition key from her pocket. She never locked the doors, saved time fumbling if she had to get in quick.

He was again curious, watching her movements carefully. Though she appeared strong and aware, her actions gave no hints of hiding or preparing other actions, no sneaking or jerking and nothing in her scent told him she was even nervous though she had every right to be. Did she know and if she did, didn't she care that he could rip her throat out in an instant? He tucked that thought away. He wasn't hungry. He'd been smelling blood all day and it had worn the hunger out of him. He held the door as she moved to her side and slowly lifted himself into the seat, tossing the box between them. He had to pull the door closed with his other arm, causing him to twist more than he wanted. His head rested back and his eyes closed. If she was simply going to cut his throat for his money, he didn't want to see it.

Ari climbed in on the other side and watched him a moment, he was good at faking it, but he wasn't alright. The way he moved, told her more and more though there was much more left in question. The key slid into the ignition and the engine rumbled quietly to life in a smooth motion. "Are you sure you don't want the hospital?.. you don't look like you're doing so well.." Her hand reached over to rest against his cheek, feeling his temperature.

"Ever a kind soul. No hospitals. No doctors. Everything I need is at home." He was warm, but he usually was, the very nature of his metabolism though she'd likely not see it that way without knowing. He turned only a little under her touch before opening his eyes. The clarity remained but there was a softness to his gaze now. "You should have seen the others," he teased and it was hardly a lie.

"That's what I usually say after a rough night." She smiled a bit again, brushing her fingers over his warm cheek and shifting to cup his face gently with that hand. "Home it is then.." She murmured, letting her hand remain a moment as she looked into his eyes. "You'll have to tell me the way.."

"You're already going the right direction," he grinned. He was feeling tired again and sitting still pulled more of his strength to the wound and away from his ability to stay conscious. "Straight and turn on Harbor. It's a one-way. Middle of the lane, a red and white house on the left. They're all red and white. Any will do. I'll get the right one eventually."

"Is there a house number? Your neighbors might not like you stumbling into their house by accident." Her fingers seemed to caress his cheek for a moment before dropping away to the steering wheel. "Rest.. I'll see you home safely." She whispered, barely loud enough for human ears to pick up.

"You already have," he said, turning back to rest his eyes again. "There's a sickly bush in the yard and a large green planter on the porch with a ridiculous flamingo perched in it. You can't see the number from the road anyway."

She didn't understand the first part of what he said but nodded to the description of the outside of the house. "Alright. I'll find it.. should just be a minute." She was near the turn onto his street. she made the turn as smooth as she could, so he didn't jar or slam and bump in the cab of the truck. She drove slowly, looking for the house he described and pulling up in front of one she thought was his, lifting an eyebrow at the flamingo that was indeed in the planter on the porch.

Once the truck was stopped his eyes again opened. He hadn't slept but simply rested and focused on healing the wound more. It would take several more hours for it to go away enough for him to function unless he ate soon and sped it up. His appetite was beginning to come back but as he tried to open the door on his side it again pulled open and he was nearly helpless against the sudden wash of pain between the hole and the lame arm. There was little he could do to act tough at the moment trying to catch his breath.

[Lovely]

She was working her door when his movement caught her eye and his gasp for breath. Her eyes narrowed and she was out of the truck and sliding over the hood to land on his side in a few seconds. She pulled his door the rest of the way open and reached to him, to catch if he teetered and to check on him. The damp side of his shirt touched her hand and arm and she swore under her breath. "You're bleeding.. geez.. alot.. What the hell are you thinking hiding this?" She scolded him lightly, reaching under the seat for her medical kit. "Let's get you inside, I might be able to patch you up."

He was in no condition to argue or fight her at the moment but noted her strength in holding him up. A horizontal surface was all he was aiming for if even the driveway but he couldn't chance the neighbors viewing a sudden change if he couldn't control his baser instincts of defense. He half-propelled her to the door, kicking the mat aside to show her the key.

She propped him against the door, keeping a hand on his waist as she bent down to get the key. "You know that's one of the first places.. nevermind." She muttered, getting the key into the lock, her arm looped around his waist again. "Ok.. place to get you down and get a look at you." She ordered quietly with concern in her voice and no real harshness, as she pushed the door open.

He grinned a little, understanding what she was going to say and liking more what she said afterward though he wasn't in a position to take advantage of that. The room they entered was less than flashy with an old, ripped couch and every indication that 'boys' lived here with bottles and debris scattered around though it was only untidy, not unclean. He glanced at the stairs and shook his head, steering her to the kitchen. The floor was clean and cool and suddenly inviting.

She saw him glance at the stairs but followed as he pulled her to the kitchen instead. She smiled a little at the 'decor' of the house -boys! Her med kit was set on the counter as they came onto the cooler tiles of the other room, which she help ease him down to. She pulled her jacket off, not even caring that two of her knives would now be visible where they were strapped. The jacket was folded and she reached her hand to his neck to lift his head and slip the jacket beneath it to cushion from the hard floor while she worked on him.

"Dad would blow a gasket if I bled on the carpet," he mused. Dad had made his own share of burns and stains and rips in the furnishings himself, but it seemed an odd joke now that the man was gone. He reached up to the knives and tapped one. "My luck... a surgeon," he smiled, finding even more to be amused about. Let her try and fix him, he thought. He'd been worse than this and never seemed to change. Changing was becoming a concern the closer she stayed and the more the pain gripped him in his weakened state. He had a strange new appreciation for life at the moment and didn't want her to kill him if he got frisky and fang-y. "Whiskey... second shelf."

"Personal protection." Her fingers slid down over the knife. "You'd be surprised the jerks I've had try to pick me up." She reached for the kit, bringing it down next to him and nodding about the whiskey. "Don't drink too much, Dad might freak out if he comes home to find you passed out and bleeding and me with the knives.. is he a reasonable guy?" She did get up to retrieve the bottle for him, kneeling back down beside him and opening the kit so she could reach whatever she needed easily.

"He's never been reasonable a day in his life," he said, finding that the funniest thing he'd said yet and chuckling at it as he reached for the bottle. He took a swig and set it down roughly to roll up his sleeve on his arm though it didn't go far enough. "Screw this, help me off with this. Can you do something about that too?" She would notice the lack of strength in his arm now and why he'd not leaned on her before. That arm, the opposite side, he was a mess, but still cordial, though his eyes were full of warning and worry for her safety.

"Woah.." She whispered as she helped him peel the shirt off, he was fairly mangled but she could see beyond that to the muscle and strength he possesed. "I sure as hell can try.. are you positive you don't want a hospital?" Her hands were quickly being covered in his blood as each move seemed to pull the gap open more. "I don't think I have enough bandaids.." She let a slight worried chuckle out, already reaching for the stitches. Her fingers nimble and quick to get started piecing him back together, holding the flesh together where she could.

"I told you.. all I need is here. They won't treat me. I have a rare blood disorder," he mused, trying to find a way to give her hints, playing now with a sort of 20-questions to see if she'd figure out what she was pawing over and why he didn't seem as concerned as she was.

"What?" She gave him a shocked look. "What hospital.. won't treat someone? What the hell.. what kind of blood disorder?" She looked at her hands though she still held onto him.

"It's not catching," he reassured. "And I'm not dying from it. Quite the opposite. Stitch away, please. Pour yourself a glass if you need to steady your nerves. I"m not going anywhere."

Her gaze drew slowly up from her hands to his eyes. He was very calm.. too calm. "Are you f*cking with me?" She asked softly, he'd been out during the day -he couldn't be a vamp could he? "You are.." Her eyes didn't leave his, she wasn't scared really -confused now, trying to figure this out.

His good hand reached from the bottle to her hand that rested still and pulled it to his chest. "Beating strong, never better," he said though she might feel the skip in the beat as he watched her expression latch more sharply on his own. "I told you, I'm fine. Not my fault you didn't believe me. Please, have a drink. You may need one in a minute."

Her eyes stayed with his as he spoke, though she shook her head at his offer of a drink. "I don't really drink." Her eyes closed for a moment, she could smell the blood now, she'd been close to it long enough for it to fill every breath she took. Lots of blood had always affected her in strange ways, she blamed it on what had happened when she was young, not aware of the deeper basic instinct it triggered in her. When she opened her eyes again, they were slightly different -paler yet sharply focused on his. "Are you going to turn into something yucky and slimey? Cause I might not be able to deal with the fact that I was attracted to you if you're some kind of booger thing."

[Lovely]

"No," he whispered, shaking his head to reassure her, though his smile was still chilling. "But you're getting warmer."

She realized her hand was still on his chest and she pulled it slowly off. "I don't want to play guessing games.."

Her eyes were intriguing and her reaction to her own movements was just as interesting. She did want to play. "Maybe you just don't want the answers," he whispered with a soft flare in his gaze. "All the medicine I need is well within reach," he grinned, intending to spark a nerve for a moment before glancing to the refrigerator. "A dark bottle, looks like a Scottish Ale, but it has a loose top. It will make your job easier, I think."

"Maybe you're right.." she admitted softly, watching the flare of his eyes -she'd never seen anything like that.. or had she? It was oddly familiar -again. His comment sparked a nerve but maybe not the one he intended as she took it as a challenge rather than fear. If he was planning to attack her, she'd much rather have him bring it on than cower. "What does Scottish Ale look like?" She glanced at the fridge as she came lithely to her feet to get the bottle he wanted. Why she didn't just slice his throat or even try to -at the moment she couldn't answer.

"Like a fancy beer. It's probably all there is in there. My brother never drinks his cold," he snickered. She was on to him and even admitted it directly though he wasn't sure she heard her own words.

"Brother?" She paused at the fridge and turned her head to look at him. "When should I expect him to join us?" The door swung open and she pulled the only bottle in there out and held it up to ask if it was the one he asked for.

"I wouldn't expect anything of him. He doesn't know I'm home. From the looks of it he hasn't been either," he nodded at the bottle. It was a small reserve meant for after-party scuffles and this surely counted amongst the best. With the loose top she could likely guess the contents herself.

"You ever listen to Meatloaf?" She asked, seeming off hand but suddenly reminded of the intro to a song. She held the bottle in her fingers, stepping back towards him and dangling it above him a bit rather than handing it down to him...Would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?

He shook his head and watched her more closely. As she stopped a bit out of reach his smile brightened in a dark fashion. "Or she doesn't want to play guessing games because now she's found her answer and doesn't know what to do? Throw it, spill it, drink it yourself... it won't change what I am."

She looked at the bottle and then held it out to him, looking back to his eyes and taking a deep breath. "But will it change what you do? Do I give you this and have you attack me?"

"No. It will save you some time. If I wanted to attack you, I would have already. Hair of the dog, as they say... works on wicked hangovers, too," he was sincere and made no move to do anything of the sort.

"Fair enough." She murmured, taking a couple steps toward him to let the bottle ease down to his hands as she brought it into his reach. "Do you even need me to stitch that or will you just heal up?"

"It would be a nice gesture, but it isn't necessary. I just need to lay still a while and ask myself how long it is before I find one of those knives adding to the damage. You don't carry metal like that for your average groper, do you?" He took the bottle and eased himself up against the cupboard to drink it.

She sighed softly and shook her head. "No -they're for the above average gropers." Her arms wrapped around her middle and her eyes lifted to the ceiling as she pondered a moment. "I suppose it depends on how long before you decide to attack me.. I'm having a little issue with thinking about slicing up someone I'm having a conversation with."

"It's Marc. There, and more personal still. Keep having that issue, alright? I'm not going to attack you except with the best of intentions for us both," he offered her a nod, his approval and then some, making no attempt to hide the roaming gaze from his vantage on the floor. He raised the bottle in her honor and took a healthy swallow from it, letting it slide down as his head tipped back.

[Lovely]

Her mouth dropped a little at his comment and she chuckled, tapping her knife with a finger. "Are you hitting on me?" She shook her head and found a bit of counter to lean against, stretching her legs out a little. "Marc huh? shoot.. now I know your name -that is more personal. crap.. that wasn't fair." She folded her arms in a slight 'hmmph', looking sideways at him with a slight smirk. "Ariane.. Ari.." She motioned to herself as she gave him her name in return. "Would you like me to wrap you up at least.. so you don't tear yourself back open moving around?" She wouldn't waste the sutures but some gauze might be enough to keep the pieces of flesh together and make things a little less messy.

"I've been hitting on you this whole time. I must be losing my touch," he sighed. He patted the cool bottle over his face and showed her the gash on his arm as it had started to fade with the influx of fresh fluids. "The tape would help, yes, thank you. But I still insist you have a drink... not of this, though."

"You have not!.. have you?" She tilted her head to the side and dropped down to crouch more on eye level with him now. "I think I was distracted with trying to put you back together and then figuring out.. what the heck was going on. Really all my fault for missing it." She let her arms hang over her knees. "I'm not much of a drinker." She shrugged, but didn't completely refuse the offer.

His arm was knitting far quicker than his side, a slightly older injury by minutes and not nearly as deep. He reached up stiffly for her hand. "Come down here so you don't miss much more. I'll be a good dog. Dad's not coming in to find you with your knives and I can bet my brother is spending time someplace far, far away. There's whiskey there and probably gatorade or the like, but it's not cold. If you stay here talking to me long enough, I'll walk you to your car, good as new."

Ari let him tug her down to sit beside him, curling her fingers around his for a moment. "Alright.. just don't get weird and ask me to put a leash on you for the walk to the truck." A bit of her smile peeked out as she reached for the whiskey bottle. "Is this stuff good?"

"No woman's put a leash on me yet. I don't expect to start tonight. And I suppose it's good... for being Irish," he teased a little and laced tighter into her hand.

"Yet? So you're not opposed to it, just haven't found the right fit and strong enough tug?" She took a big swig of the whiskey, closing her eyes after and giving a little gasp. "Mmhmm good.. Irish.. what should it be then?"

"Something like that," he smiled. "From Scotland is better, but it'll do. I can't complain since I haven't been there myself in years."

"You've been to.. is that where you're from? ... you have a faint accent -made me wonder.." She smiled a little envious of such travels, she'd never been to another country. Ari took another swig of the whiskey, not as large as the last and there was less gasping after. "I can't leash you.. I don't have a leash.. I'd have to buy one.. or steal one."

"Maybe I'll just have to pretend, then. I must be tired. It rarely comes out at all. Closest I get to sounding charming, so enjoy it while it lasts. Hm.. for a light drinker you know how to slam them down, don'tcha?"

"Well I was going to say you're safe from me for now... but if you want, I'm sure we can find something to use." She teased, chuckling lightly and taking another swig of the alcohol before looking at him with her lower lip caught in her teeth. "Umm I probably shouldn't be slamming them... huh?" She might have leaned her head to his shoulder if he hadn't been injured.

"Relax Arianne. I'm not going anywhere and threats won't scare me, nor promises. Though you're well on your way to relaxing. Can I ask again about finding some way to thank you? I may have an idea or two now."

"Threats.. promises.. I wasn't.. " She just shut up for a minute and took another swig from the bottle. "You really don't have to thank me. this is cool.. the not attacking me and all that is good too. All I really did was give you a ride home since all other efforts really weren't needed with this healing you do on your own." One finger traced very lightly over his arm where things had already healed a bit.

"You didn't kill me. I think I'm very thankful for that." He turned his arm to watch where she drew over it. "It's not that it's not needed. I'm just a lousy patient. You can bet once I'm back up, I'll be cut up again. It was nearly worth it, though I deserved it for being stupid over a girl. Then again maybe not entirely stupid since you're here now."

Her eyes followed the lines her finger made, her touch was feather light over the freshly healed skin. "You sound like you enjoy getting rough.. hope it's not always this bad." Her eyebrow arched a bit and then her gaze drifted up to his face. "All this for a girl? you must really like her."

[Lovely]

"So does my brother," he admitted on both counts. "That's why I don't expect him to be here. He left me like this, so... here I am with you. Things work in strange ways in my family. I'm the far luckier one. I'd do all this and more for anything I think is worth protecting." His eyes were sharply focused, insisting softly that she understand his thanks and that he'd do the same for her for sparing his life and bringing him back into it more fully.

"I get that.. I feel the same with protecting what I care about. Do anything.. risk anything.. give everything." She nodded, looking back to his eyes and keeping her gaze with his, unwavering.

His arm had healed enough to hold his weight and he pushed himself up a little to dig for the pack in his shirt pocket. Now that most of the holes were whole again, he could enjoy a deeper breath and the joys his other vices brought him. Digging for his lighter was another story. Maybe it had fallen out along the way.

She watched him with a curious tip of her head and then chuckled as he found his ciggarettes but still dug for his lighter. "Hmmm.." She seemed to muse softly, smiling just a little amused at his trouble. "Having a smoke?"

"Would you rather I had a bite instead?" He grinned, holding up the trophied antique and ornate lighter, an old styling that stung the air with its tiny flint and billow of butane. It made a satisfying snap as he clipped it closed and inhaled happily.

Ariane couldn't hold back the light laughter as she shook her head. "depends on how the bite is intended." She couldn't believe she just said that, was she flirting with him.. like seriously? Looking over him again, she could not deny that he was very handsome in his dark and dangerous way.. or maybe those things made him more handsome?

"Either way, it's bad for someone's health," he said, his gaze narrowing as he offered her the pack if she wanted one herself. "Staves off hunger when I should be working."

"Ahh I see -so you never nibble affectionately?" Her gaze washed over him curiously, learning more about him each passing moment and making things that much more 'personal'. "Working?"

"Well until recently, I had a job," he mused, drinking down the rest of his bottle then using it for the ashes. "I worked for my father. Now I don't. It's complicated."

"Too complicated for me to ask and you to explain?" She shrugged. "Maybe you need to know me a little better before I pry too much." She felt a little restless and warm -kinda charged. After a moment's consideration she reached for one of the cigs from him, thinking maybe it would help. She glanced at her watch and gave a slight nod to her own thoughts, she'd missed her 'vitamins' a few hours before since she'd been out and now with him, she'd not had the chance to take them. She didn't know if it was a good idea to take the mixture in front of him, but was it wise not to take it at all? It helped to keep her alert and focused, something her uncle had made for them to give them an advantage in what they did. At least that' is what he told them it was for. Ari didn't know it but her scent was starting to change, something that had been masked was now shifting into her signature.

"Too complicated for me to know the whole story," he shrugged. He watched her still, how she moved, how she seemed to settle beside him still without fear. The flash of her eyes and now the scent made him wonder if she wasn't yanking his chain and wanting something she had yet to mention. His lighter was in hand, a second-nature movement, flickering in front of him and showing the deeper colors of his eyes, subtle shades of moss, royal blue and midnight spun in darker shadows that appeared to move on their own as he breathed quietly now. The pain he'd had that sharpened the gaze had receded as did the storms she'd seen earlier, though it was no less piercing. "I know what I need to know already," he whispered.

Again she nodded to his words, listening, watching -learning him quietly. "May I ask.. when you say dad.. who is that? Is he actually your father.. or is he.. I'm not sure what term you use, but changed you? I guess that leads into.. were you born or.. turned?" She gave a half shy smile, her eyes pale but still intoxicating in their gaze as she stared into his. She was somewhat amused, somewhat awed by his piercing gaze, how she liked his eyes and how she could easily stare into them indefinately. She leaned to light her smoke off his flame and took a small drag, exhaling slowly.

He pulled the lighter away and moved to tuck it in his back pocket. More able to move, he sat up a little more and lifted a knee to rest on. "I am my father's son. I've never known another life. My brother... he's blond-haired," he mused. "No less his son and no less my brother, but not borne into it as I was."

She was even more curious now, shifting the way she sat to face him a little more and leaning forward slightly. Her eyes though still the odd pale color seemed sharp, questioning, excited and full of shimmers. "Please.. tell me.. about you?" Her scent would reflect the wonder, the excitment, and her attraction to him, her interest was genuine in wanting to know more about him.

"Why?" He chuckled, taking another pull from the cigarette while he thought about her questions. "Now that it's dark I could show you, but I don't think you're ready for that. Are you hungry? Something you want?" He asked in such a way that he may or may not have meant food as much as information.

[Lovely]

She found herself studying him more intensely and leaning closer toward him though her expression clouded and she seemed at a loss to answer him why. "I don't know.. really I never imagined I'd be talking to.. well for lack of a soft way to say it, never thought I'd be talking to one of your kind.. and definately not on a first name basis with one. or.. " She licked her lips catching herself before she said even more to embarass herself, then she already had. She was nodding to the 'hungry' question, though it was subtle and she didn't realize she was. "I.. well I like you.. and I don't know.. I just do.. ok?"

The hole in his side had sealed enough to stay closed, but still looked rough and angry. His arm was less and less a worry and the smaller marks had cleared completely now. "Okay," he nodded, leaning forward closer to meet her face to face. He put the cigarette in the bottle to snuff itself out and rested on his hand, perched where he could smell the salt of her skin and nearly taste it.

Ari nearly shivered with him being so close to her, the draw to him even stronger with his scent drifting to her mixed with the wound which strangely she could 'smell'. She'd just about finished the cig but it didn't seem to effect her like she'd thought it might and she too dropped hers into the bottle. Her gaze raked over him in a manner that would suggest a bit of hunger. "Okay.." She echoed with a slight curve to her lips. "..so tell me more."

"I don't have to," he muttered, the quirk of his head showing he was measuring her up as he moved slowly, on all fours, nearly crawling or snaking carefully around her. He came away from the cabinet to sit beside her and reached to take the blades from their sheaths. "And you don't need these."

"..but I want you to.." Was whispered in return to his first comment, her eyes following him as he circled. His form though still battered -more on one side than the other- was impressive, the sculpt of his muscles and the grace of his movements. How could she not appreciate that? Especially without a shirt on and so close she could almost lick his skin. Her hands drifted down to lightly cover his though not stopping him. ".. is that because I can trust you or because they won't do me any good anyway?" Her gaze lifted to meet his with an intensity that showed her lack of fear -she still was not afraid of him, even if it would be so easy for him to tear her throat out.

The sound was a quiet chuckle, a stuttered exhale behind his grin. "I think you can tell me the answer... you know it don't you?" He barely spoke the words that were more the form of his breath across her shoulder. He delicately slid the blades from her, the first, then moving around her to reach the second, both set aside yet within reach.

Her face tipped and she followed his movements, leaning closer to him, but not touching him with anything other than her warm breath over his shoulder, neck and chest as he shifted around her. "Both?" She whispered softly, her cheeks feeling a little warm.

"Smart as she is beautiful," he murmured, closing the gap to kiss her check with his words.

Her sigh was so soft with the hint of noise in it -showing how she liked his attention. Her eyes closed for just a second and she leaned slightly to keep the contact lingering.

The kiss was light beneath his words. As she leaned his cheek brushed hers with a nuzzling warmth, a gentle passion of its own as he felt the softness of her skin against his thin whiskers and the ridge of her cheekbone saw gently across his own. The taste of her skin sparked more hunger in him, but caution pushed him back. He hadn't been mistaken that in the time she'd been here, something had become vastly different. His eyes searched deeper, wanting answers to questions he had not yet voiced. How could she be... and not recognize him for what he was at the start?

She felt a little light headed, what was happening to her? It was like he was intoxicating her with his closeness. Every breath she took in was him and she found herself anticipating the next. Her lips trembled lightly as she started to nuzzle back, turning to press a light kiss near his ear. "What are you doing to me?" She barely whispered, slowly running her hand up his healed arm.

"Nothing you haven't asked me for," he said, closing his eyes to the feel of her hand on his arm. Following the feel of her breath, he turned to answer her differently. "What your scent asks me... tells me what you want," he sighed out, reaching for her kiss.

She nodded gently, a slight movement of her head to what he told her, she leaned to meet him. Tasting his lips with the softness of her own, gentle, tentative at first -a slow awakening of further desire. Her hand moved across his shoulder and to curl at the back of his neck, he was so warm -she wanted to be wrapped in that warmth. Her own inner heat was slowly rising -the alcohol she'd consumed along with the lack of her mixture was lowering her 'resistance' to her inner animal. He was adding to this with his very attractive and strong male pressence, every touch calling and reaching deeper than she realized and awakening things further.

"If you weren't afraid, maybe you should be now," he smiled. "I just might attack." His movements were aggressive but not dangerous, seeking more of her kiss and pulling her closer into his lap.

She curled and shifted to find herself in his lap, wrapping around him with a slight smile. "Maybe I am a little.. feel me trembling?" She brushed the words over his lips, more excited than afraid. It was herself she was afraid of -what was happening o her and the level of desire and passion that stirred within.. she'd never felt this way before.

[Lovely]

"I do. Maybe I should just hold you here until you relax," he teased, sounding like it was an order or perhaps a simple request. Holding her like this, her scent was strong and nearly undeniable, ever-changing and sweet like a wine he could drink every drop of. "You still have my blood on your hands. What would the neighbors think?"

Her eyes flickered to her hands which she drew down to her own lap between them, staring quietly a moment. "Are you expecting the neighbors to show up?" She asked him softly, bringing her eyes slowly to his. "I'd forgotten.. was so distracted by you."

"No. I was wondering if you might want to wash up. I may need your help," he grinned.

Her gaze dropped to her hands and she seemed to study them in wonder that she'd not realized or cared about the blood that coated them. "I.." She began and smiled a little. "Yes.. of course.." Her eyes rose again and she leaned in just a little to seek a small kiss from him.

"No hurry," he murmured, holding her in the kiss a while longer. "I like what it does for you... puts a color in your cheek that's amazing, hm?"

Her hands gently walked up his chest to rest on his shoulders as she kissed him softly. "Must have put some in yours as well.." Her fingers rested on the sides of his neck as she looked over his face, his color had improved since she'd first come upon him. He was very handsome, even though he seemed somewhat dark, it simply added more depth to the attractiveness.

"You didn't taste it, did you? The ale... well, not ale, but do you want to know what it's like? The taste, the feel of it? You smell it. I know you do. Even when it was cold and you're hungry for it..." His words were quiet, taunting, alluring yet kind, offering her more. His own hunger was returning with his strength. "Affectionate nibbles, you asked? I just might."

Her tongue ran over her lips and though she hesitated in her answer -she did want to know. He was right.. how did he know? Every fight she'd been in, especially the more brutal, the scent of the blood had enticed her. She licked her lips again and nodded, keeping her eyes with his -her gaze piercing and inquisitive. "You'd show me..?"

He took her hand up in his, kissing her fingers softly and licking a bit of the blood away. It wouldn't take much. Holding the essence on his tongue, he offered her another kiss.

Ariane tilted to take his kiss, simply a kiss at first until the taste of his blood was passed to her gently exploring tongue. Her fingers shifted to grip tightly in his hair and the kiss deepened -sparked with desire and hunger. She made another soft noise and leaned into him, nearly pushing him back.

Marc was more than pleased with the reaction, sliding down as she sought and pushed. If she wanted more than that taste, she was welcomed to take and try and explore. He could see her strength and feel it now though he didn't fight her. She wasn't fighting him, a first for him and his expression revealed that wonder.

He went down gently beneath her and she smiled as they fell back to the floor. She pulled as much of the taste from his tongue as she could with hers. Her lips tugged at his, pouting a little as she lingered, taking the last of the flavor from the kiss. "More.." She whispered, sinking into another deep kiss, enjoying just the taste of his kiss this time.

"You sure? Murderers and thieves... doesn't that scare you?" He hardly gave her the chance to answer as he tangled gently in her hair, bringing the amused smile back to her lips. "Help yourself," he whispered.

Her kiss could have been answer enough with the barely there moan that accompanied her pushing him flat on his back with the insistant exploration of her mouth. In a husky whisper she teased over his lips and then neck. "I'm not scared of you... even if that's what you are." And she wasn't, right now it didn't matter to her what he'd done before she'd met him in that alley, all that mattered was since then.. and now. Now mattered most, with her heart beating faster and her skin warm under his touch.

[Lovely]

"It's what we both are... isn't it? Give me your hand," he insisted, feeling her trembling slow down but the beat of her heart racing faster and her skin warming against his own.

She lifted above him slightly, shaking her head a little, though she let him take her hand. "I'm not like what you are.." She spoke with a high regard and admiration for his strength and form, and a little awe at the way he healed.

He grinned and wouldn't argue though he would give her time. He kissed away the darkening stains on the back of her hand and turned her palm to clean as well, passing his tongue lightly over her skin. The heat within her was building more and enticing him to continue over every inch. He let her hand go and pulled her kiss back to his own.

Her breath caught as he tenderly cleaned her hand, her eyes fluttering closed, his tongue was so light and yet sent such shivers through her. She was even warmer than before when he pulled her back to his kiss and hungrier -her tongue dancing with his to lap the taste from him again. Her kiss growing bolder and more insistant as it continued, her passion rising to the surface and wanting to be set free.

The straps at her shoulders slid under his fingers and his kisses teased and strayed from her exploration for him to kiss her neck and follow where the fabric curled away. The scent was maddening, driving him deeper into instinct and further from rational thought, the warning he'd tried to give her. She seemed to spur him on purpose, driving him to become rougher and demanding to match her whim that was becoming stronger with each taste he gave her. He wasn't one to argue such a fate. The flaring spark in his expression appearing playful, dangerous and sharp again, this time he was driven by storms of desire instead of pain.

She leaned over him, letting him pull the fabric and straps of her top away to kiss her warming skin. Her silken hair dripped over him where it pulled free from the clip that held it out of her face. That he was getting rougher and more demanding in his attention over her only enticed her more, causing her to rock against him as she sought more from him. He fed her hunger but kept her wanting more, kept her passion flowing as she tried to curl and catch his kisses, her fingers begining to slide over him more as well.

"Ariane... this floor is cold and hard. We should move," he grinned. "We should maybe close the door before we catch flies or worse."

Her eyes flared softly as she sat back, staring at him, looking like she might 'devour him' any second. The center was blacker than black and dialated while the blue seemed nearly alive -electric for a moment then simmered to a pale ice color. Ari nodded slowly as if she didn't want to or quite understand why he was making her stop.

Marcus was moving more easily now, though slowly to be sure his energies were directed where they could best be used. He rolled from her and rose to standing far more nimbly than he'd moved earlier and seemed taller when not bent against his pains. He reached down for her hands to help her up as well, nodding toward the stairs and door.

Though she reached up to take his hands, she didn't pull against him to stand, rather she used the strength of her legs to push her up. She held his hand and nodded that she'd follow him, glancing at the door as well. She wasn't usually so careless, but when they had come in her concern had ben his wounds, then of course he'd done well at distracting her. She was still very distracted by him, wanting more, hungry in ways she couldn't explain and had not felt before. Mainly instinct had her reaching back to grab her knives in one hand, the other still laced with his. She had the need to keep them close, though not as defence against him, but for any surprises that could spring upon them.

"Worried?" He grinned, catching the shine of metal in her hand. He wasn't. He was bold enough to turn his back to her to shut the door and bolt it. If Biff did come home, he'd have to climb in his window again. His other hand didn't leave hers, rather clenching tighter as the outside world was shut further away. Turning back to face her, she was met with the piercing gaze of steaming ocean blue. "Everything I need -is- right here," he whispered, chasing after her kiss again and nudging toward the stairs.

"These aren't for you." She mumured as she held the knives to bring with her wherever they were heading. She curled to him to catch his kiss and tangle up with him as he guided her towards the stairs and up. More time was passing and she'd still not taken her mixture, she was feeling more 'wild' inside, warmer and with a need to release pent up energy and passion.

Strength and speed returning, he dipped suddenly to pull her feet from the floor and carry her any way he could. Instinct was winning and he would let it even if it meant more holes and scars, though these would be won in a type of battle he much preferred.

Ari gasped softly as she was suddenly off her feet and being carried up the stairs, she didn't struggle but nipped at his shoulder as he 'hauled' her up the stairs. A small part of her cried out that she needed to stop this, but it was burried by the deep need that filled her. A need for him, for a strong male to take her and she wanted him.. bad.

[Lovely]

**********************
The alarm was still set, though for a seeming random hour that was still dark....

Hello, I love you, will you tell me your name...
Hello, I love you, let me jump in your game...

He sang along a moment, not really aware that he was. "... like a dog that begs for something sweet..." He sighed and laughed with the hand that ran over his face, feeling her next to him. Marc's arm slipped over her shoulder. "Great. I think I may have you humming that in my ear all day," he chuckled, kissing her shoulder.

She opened her eyes slowly to the sound of the alarm and him singing along, "Aww.." She murmured to him, shifting into the feel of his shoft kiss on her shoulder, she ached all over but was very comfortable with that. "..but will you still love me tomorrow?" She sang back softly, not entirely sure where that had come from. When she'd opened her mouth she hadn't expected that, but she meant it none the less.

"I'll think about it," he chuckled though the sound of her voice certainly made his real answer easier.

"Hmm so it's love me and leave me.. such a wicked boy." Her fingertip traced over his lower lip.

"Why can't I do both? You... afterall.... have dark alleys to go exploring and I think I'd ruin your fun."

"Or have fun with me.. you know.. murderers and thieves.. not the sort of friends a fellow usually wants his girl to play with.. " She quirked an eyebrow inquiring softly about more than one possibility. She knew what he was.. but how did he play? Where did he play? How would he play with her beyond the tangled moments.. would he even?

He chuckled again. "Those are my friends... if I really had any. Though I think I could play with a certain girl if she doesn't mind getting rough. Last night was an exception. Usually it's worse."

Her fingers played lightly over his arms and she gave him a bit of a smile. "So if they aren't really your friends.. you wont really mind if they cross me?" Her eyes studied how the shadows played over his form. "Exception? how so.. how much worse?"

He grinned. "A joke. Usually they end up like I was, but the night went a little wrong. Unexpected and ungrateful guests." Marcus reached for the drawer for a fresh pack of cigarettes and a light.

"I think you've lost me.. either that or you want me to go.. I'm confused.. am I unexpected and ungrateful?" She propped up on her elbows, her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she regarded him, not sure whether to move away from him or not.

"No," he shook his head as it rattled with the memory of the events. His anger was shielded only by a thin veil now that he'd recovered from his pain and shock. The lighter cast flickers over crimson-tinted and turbulent seas in his eyes. He'd been thinking and planning... perhaps she would play if he asked her to, but it was a much more dangerous game he proposed. "I usually don't lose. Before I won..," he turned a teasing grin to her to reassure her she was fine. "I had lost a great deal more than chunks of my own flesh. Which I intend to get back three-fold before I'm done."

He was confusing her with the way he looked at her and how he spoke in near riddles about this, Ari did her best to keep up but he did have the advantage of knowing what she didn't. Her eyes flickered over his side and she wondered more, maybe she just didn't understand because she was out of the loop -she wasn't what he was. "What.. else did you lose?"

"My father," he exhaled slowly, letting the smoke flow out between his teeth as he rested back and closed his eyes. "My job.. perhaps a few things more. I lost sight of a man I intend to find, though I'm not sure how I can kill a man more than once."

It was instinctual, how she curled around his shoulder, to be close and comforting -tipping her head to kiss his bare skin. She understood in some ways as her parents had ben murdered in front of her and she'd been old enough to remember more of it than Tasa did. "This man.. he's the one who hurt you.. he killed your father?" She whispered, her tone and slight movements all meant to console yet not coddling. Understanding in strength and giving a slight support to any anger he felt.

"It was more than that. More than I know, but he hunted him down. He came for him and did this. He stole something that belonged to us... well, to my brother now."

Her fingers brushed down his side gently and she rested her head against his shoulder. "But you don't know why? What reason this man had for coming after your family and taking what was yours.. your brother's?" Oh how she understood that side of anger, that kind of question that drove one to relentlessly seek answers and vengence.

[Lovely]

He nodded and rested the cigarette to his lip. The smoke furled up over his features, around his sharp cheeks like some firey demon. "I intend to find out and take something back in return."

She nodded, feeling a bit of urge to help him rising up in her. "Make him pay for what he did and what he took from you." She sighed softly drifting betwen her own desires for such and feeling it 'for him' as well. "What did he take?"

"Besides my father's life?" His gaze turned to her, questioning if that wasn't enough. Perhaps it wasn't fair to play the card he held no matter the truth it carried. "He turned an innocent girl... not to have her or keep her, but to make her suffer. We were protecting her."

"I.." She trailed off looking away and closing her eyes. "I didn't mean it to sound.. as if that wasn't more than enough, I understand.. " She opened her eyes and swung her gaze back to him. "The girl.. she'll be like you now?" Ari bit her lip, thinking it over a little. "..and he took her.. you tried to protect her.. thats how.. You're planning to get her back.. to make him pay for what he's done?" Her eyes narrowed a bit, the anger starting to show a little and the resolve as she decided this 'him' deserved what was coming to him.

"It didn't sound...," he said, his gaze narrowing as her scent changed again, darker, richer. "She'll be hungry, confused and lost unless my brother finds her. If the others find her first, she'll be no better than a ragdoll with a rotweiller. If she's with him... I don't know. He didn't kill me. Said it wasn't my fight," he said, distantly, wondering why and what it meant. He slipped the cigarette back to his lip and pulled himself away to get up. "If you want a shower..."

Her eyes narrowed as he pulled away and got up, she wasn't in tune with scents and senses to be able to read him or his. Her arm curled the cover around her as she suddenly felt exposed without him there and as if she'd done something. Perhaps she offended him with her lack knowledge to know how to act or maybe he was done with his fun. It felt like he was kicking her out of bed and more, isn't this what men did when you let them have their way with you? Who was she to know other than what she'd heard from other girls she'd known distantly. "No.. it's alright. I won't keep you." She ran her fingers through her hair, glancing around for where her clothes had ended up. What was she supposed to do?

"Keep me from what? I was offering, while the water's hot," he grinned, padding back to take her hand. He was fully unashamed of standing bare, though without his fur, he would admit it was cool in the room. "Unless you weren't actually planning on coming with me to help."

She looked up at him and blinked a few times, for a moment she was disoriented but it passed away and she smiled at him. "I'd forgotten.. I'm coming with you." Her eyes seemed in a semi permanent state of feral, with their pale color and dark dialated centers. Her scent probably told him more about what was going on with her than she realized or knew of herself.

"Come on," he prompted more gently, coaxing her from the covers to follow him at least to clean up, though he planned on taking his time if she was coming with him. "I need to go back before the trail gets too cold."

"Right.. gotta get your girl.." She murmured, her head swam a little and she tilted her head to look at him -swearing she could smell him differently now. "I need my jacket.." She whispered, she'd missed two .. three.. was it more now, doses of her mix and she needed to take it so she could be sharp to help him.

"Already have her... maybe..," he said, looking her over as she swam in her thoughts. "Are you alright? Ill? If you're cold, I .. I imagine there's heat I can turn on."

"Already.. then why.." She chuckled softly, curling towards him as she came to her feet. "You meant me..?" Her head dipped to his shoulder and she closed her eyes a moment. "I'm not cold.. I just feel a little.. off. I haven't taken my 'vitamins'.. missed them a couple times at least.. just feeling it, since we take them so 'strictly'... thats all.. I'm fine."

"I meant you," he assured quietly. "Go ahead. The steam should help. I'll bring your jacket up. The whiskey... the rest... are you hungry?"

She stayed curled to him for a minute longer and nodded her head as she lifted it off his shoulder. "Should probably eat a little something before we head out. Thank you." She blinked but it didn't help her eyes to return to their 'normal' appearance.

"I'll bring you something. Go start without me. You won't even notice I'm gone," he grinned. Watching her eyes, he knew differently. She'd know the moment he stepped out of reach and just how far, though she might not understand it. He reached for her kiss to assure her again he wouldn't take but a moment or two. "I'll join you shortly."

[Lovely]

Her arm snaked around his neck as she 'mmm-ed' and stole another kiss from him before slowly pulling away to head to the offered shower. "There are two pouches in the inside pocked of my jacket.. those are what I really need, with some water to mix them with." She watched him, noticing things about him that she wouldn't normally see in a person, hearing the sound of his breathing though it wasn't louder than normal.

"Alright," he nodded, prying loose reluctantly. His movements were strong but also fluid and fast, his steps taking him to the door and out of view. Water and a few sandwiches on slightly stale bread would have to do or he'd be taking her out, something he wasn't sure he remembered how to do for having been working so long without such a break to occupy his time.

Ari didn't want him to go and pouted a little as he went out of view, her hand curled to her chest and she inhaled. Pulling his lingering scent in deeply which reawakened her desire for him.. making her hungry in other ways as well. She moved slowly to get into the shower, getting the water on and warmed up then stepping into the stream. Her eyes closed and she leaned her arms against the wall in front of her, her head dipping a little as she let the warm spray beat over her shoulders and back.

Food, such as it was, was thrown together to eat or refuse. It didn't matter, it would need to be thrown out soon anyway, but it would get them by. He picked up her jacket and checked the pockets for the things she asked for. Acrid, bitter and wholly off-putting... his nose wrinkled at the scent on the pouches and he even felt a little nauseous from it. He looked at his side in the green-hued kitchen light, wondering if it was that making him ill, but it was clearly a healthy pink, fully sealed, but still there to remind him it had happened... and by whom. Unknown as to why, his lip curled and the growl rattled out, a sense of threat and confusion working through the scents as he brought the pouches to a plate with the mediocre fare he had to offer. He juggled the plate with the glasses he wore over his fingertips to fill when he returned. Setting these aside, he had more important things on his mind now, finding her stretching and reaching out in the steam. Stepping in beside her, his hands slid up her back to rub her shoulders.

To her it was odd, that she'd sensed him coming closer even before she realized she could hear him, then smell him. Marc had been quiet -he seemed naturally to move with stealth, she wouldn't have normally heard him coming like that. He did not startle her as he slipped into the shower, his touch welcomed as she shifted under his hands. His fingers would find her mostly loose, with strong muscles though her frame was semi-petite and not bulky. Small ripples and firm tone as she moved and a strength that her apperance disguised. "Hello." She murmured.

His 'hello' was slid over her shoulder with a dampened kiss and light lick, pulling his caress down her arms to her hands on the wall where he rested his over them, blanketing her with himself in the steam.

Her response was a delighted sigh and the way her form curled back to fit perfectly against his as her body craved his warmth. Her eyes opened as she leaned her head back, turning her face to kiss his cheek, she's missed him quite a bit for the short time he'd been away from her.

He reached over her shoulder, turning into the kiss to meet her lips, hungry for her, delightedly overwhelmed with her scent that filled the fog that surrounded them. His hand came back up her arm and smoothed the water over her, kneading and caressing while he nestled and nudged behind...

[Lovely]

************

Ariane was out of the shower toweling dry, she was sore.. She'd even curled up on the bed for a minute, and now got up, taking her time to get dressed, slowly to let the ache fade a little.

*galloping tackle, tumbles her back to the bed* "Hi there." *lick*

*laughs and stretches beneath him* "Hello.." *she smiles and reaches for a kiss*

"I've been thinking," he said, not telling what about yet, pausing to linger in the kiss. He'd not bothered to get dressed yet.

"If this is how you think.. feel free to think 'alot'.." Her arm curled around his neck and the other ran over his arm.

"I already do," he warned, a dark charge in his eyes and determination setting his jaw in sharp lines. The kiss was welcoming and warm, his mind in two places, distinctly separated, part with her and part on his mission to bring down a man.

Ari smiled a little but the set of his jaw made it fade some as she wondered what he was thinking. His face was set and determined and she had yet to learn him enough to be able to read him as well as he might be able to read her.

He reached to kiss her soft smile. "You're worried. Don't be. I would love nothing better than to stay right here and... think... all day. I want to know... how did you feel... when you tasted it... the blood."

She licked her lips, studying his face to learn as much as she could about his expressions as she tried to find the words to explain what it had felt like. "I.. I'm not sure I can explain it." She admitted quietly, her fingers brushing over his bare arm as she did her best. "kind of.. wild.. charged.. kind of a rush..I don't know.. like I'd been craving it yet I was hungry for more.. I probably sound so stupid to you right now." She shook her head lightly, she was just a 'silly human girl' who'd been given a taste.. it was nothing compared to what he was.

His expression darkened with a certain sadness that she'd think that. "No. Far from it," he said, taking his hand to his mouth and biting into it, leaving a raw mark at the base of his thumb. "More. Where we're going, you'll need it."

She licked her lips again and reached to brush her knuckles over his cheek. "I'm sorry.. I just feel.. like I'm a little girl playing dress up or something and that you'll think .. I don't know. I'm not strong like you.. what you are is kind of amazing.. and I'm just.. a girl with a few moves and knives, well you haven't seen me with my cross bow but still.." Her lips trembled as she trailed off, the scent of the raw mark tugging her attention towards his hand, he really didn't think she was silly? Was her mouth watering? Her neck and head lifted from the cushions and she tilted, reaching with a soft tentative tongue to lap at the mark he'd made and offered her.

"I hope I'm behind you when I do... and I will," he grinned briefly, turning his hand as the mark welled enough to drip down his skin for her. "This is no dress rehearsal, no dolls and no time for tea. Only this and you should feel better soon. Well, somewhat." He chuckled, knowing entirely what being with her was doing to himself.

[Lovely]

Her tongue started gently and then became more insistant over his hand as she cleared the drops away. That feeling returned again, the one she'd described to him, but it was so much more than she'd been able to describe for him. Her body responded to the sensation, shifting beneath him and her eyes closed for a moment. When she let herself lay back after cleaning his wound thoroughly, she blinked up at him, her eyes full of questions. "Why.. why am I.. is this doing this to me?" She touched his hand gently, her other hand curled more firmly around his arm.

"Strange medicine," he whispered with a grin, showing her how the mark faded quickly now that he was full strength, but also with her help. "Watch. I'm giving part of my strength to you, to help you heal, help make you more alert, faster. I saw what it did to you, but I needed to be sure... not that several glorious hours weren't proof enough."

Her eyes sparkled playfully and her smiled curled at the mention of those hours they had enjoyed together. "Better than the tea my uncle makes us drink?" She already knew the answer somehow, the tea had never come close to making her feel like this. She watched his hand and was amazed again at how he healed, faster now of course than he'd done before.

"I haven't tried it. Certainly smells better to me. Whatever that is makes my head spin," he admitted, glaring at the pouches on the table and staying away from them. He bent down to whisper over her ear and take in the sweetness of her strengthening scent. "How do you feel now?"

Her eyes followed to the pouches, but she only glanced at them, wondering what was in them that caused him to glare and 'shy away' from it. The thought did not carry too far as his breath was felt in her ear and she arched against him, her eyes fluttering. Damn.. her entire body responded to him, was drawn to him like it had been called, found where she belonged and was trying to tell her. "Alive..." she answered in total honesty, the word coming out with the simple truth of how she felt.

"Learn that feeling and study it well. It will help you recover faster. Take a deep breath. Like hearing it with your ears, listen to that scent, learn me. If you're separated from me, you'll know where I am, when I'm close, where I've gone. Breathe," he murmured over her skin, moving and bending to meet her as she stretched and writhed in her awareness.

Ari didn't question him, she felt it.. deep within -she trusted him at least with herself, she knew he wasn't going to harm her. Her eyes closed as she did what her told her, still shifting and wrapping her arms around him, her face tilted closer to his neck and shoulder. She inhaled deeply, bringing him to her senses, feeling him, learning his scent, taking in more with every breath.

It was a sensual dance against his skin, feeling his effect move through her as if they were solidly entwined again. "Just like that. Keep learning, every moment, every breath and it will become clear enough that words won't mean enough to say what you'll know," he sighed quietly as he nuzzled over her shoulder, wanting her to purely feel what he was feeling for her that he had no words for, either.

Her movements stilled for a moment, as she took another deep breath and 'soaked him in', then her arms curled tighter and she nuzzled back. It was instinct, knowing without having to ask, learning, feeling.. understanding. Her lips brushed his neck as she tasted his scent as well, binding them closer still as her feelings would be refleced in her scent that he took in. All she was learning, the trust that rooted along with a loyalty that she felt deeply towards those she cared for, which now included him. Her heart humming his name quietly and her body that craved his, she'd never felt as whole, as complete as she did now. Her senses were awakened, though she felt strange, she was more aware than she'd ever been. She nuzzled further till she shifted her face away to search his eyes deeply. "Marc." She whispered his name hardly louder then a breath and then she brought a kiss to his lip that was as sweet as it was passionate and so tender it could nearly make you cry.

"You're stronger than you know," he whispered adoringly, chasing the tenderness and wrapping up in her. The mark on his arm was only a pale pink spot now, but he tore at it, wider than before. "It's Marcus. That's how they know me. Drink." He brought the cut to her lips.

[Lovely]

She shook her head, denying that she was that strong, but his kiss met her instead and she shared the tenderness with him again, savouring the feelings he sparked within her. Her eyes lifted to his as he brought the fresh cut to her lips and she 'obeyed' his soft command, parting her soft pink lips and cleaning his wound. As tender as the kiss they shared she lapped hungrily at the drops that met her eager tongue, the fire lighting sparks in her eyes. She took as much as he was willing to give her, losing herself in his taste and his strength, finally pausing for a panted breath. "Marcus.. is that what you would have me call you as well.. is that how you wish me to know you?"

"How you know me... there is no name, but you can call me what you want," he smiled and lay down beside her, coaxing her to take more. What she took only increased his hunger, a sharpness he was going to put to good use. "Go on. It doesn't hurt."

She turned her head to face him as he lay beside her, the hint of a smile touching her lips. She reached with one hand to brush her fingers over his cheek and trace his eye brow then his lower lip. "What about mine?.. can I call you that?" She whispered, lacing her fingers with his on the hand he kept close to her mouth. She lapped a few more drops, keeping her startling blue eyes on his.

His fingers tightened and he turned his wrist to keep the cut open to her as he grinned, his eyes shining in multiple hues of adoration mixed with a darker and darker cunning. "I think you can," he said, a little astonished, but agreeing. He nipped her finger into a gentle bite.

She smiled and giggled as he bit her finger, tugging her finger gently over one of his naturally sharper teeth. "Mine." She nearly purred for him now, turning her head slightly to drink more deeply from the hand he offered, her hunger and her need for him shutting out the voice of reason that told her not to do this -that is was crazy and that she shouldn't... that this was all wrong. The voice was barely a faint whisper to her, pushed further and further away, unheard and unheeded. The animal within her stirring and awakening more and more, she didn't even realize the soft growling purr that sounded quietly from her as she cleaned the drops that ran down his hand and tending to the tear that seeped them out.

"That's it," he said quietly, cutting off the supply to the wound and pulling his hand away in favor of licking the tainted sigh from her lips. "We're going soon. Bring your blades. You will need them now. We're going back where you found me. I'll take a ride again, but I'd prefer to ride in the back. Just a moment." He nodded to the wash room and started to pull himself away again. "Think of a number between one and twelve and run it over and over again in your thoughts, hold tightly onto it. I'll be right back."

Ari started to pout when he pulled his hand away again but the pout was wiped clean as he licked at her lips. She chased back a little and then rested back against the cushions watching him above her as he started to pull away. "A number?" She questioned softly, wondering what he was doing, but she thought of the number as he asked her to. It was a simple six and she held onto it, kept it running in her head, waiting for him to come back as she slowly got up and started to get dressed. She realized that she wasn't sore like she'd been earlier from their vigorous romping for hours through the night.

He returned quickly and had run a quick splash to cleanse his wrist and dry it and a little water through his hair again to smooth it back from his eyes where it had hung loose. He'd made no further attempt to get dressed, instead pulling a few items to put in a bag instead. He held the bag out to her. "Keep this where I can find it. Six. You're ready... and so am I." Before her his gaze was locked on hers, the blue fading to pale ice as his brow-line changed and his cheeks became sharper. She'd soon realize the true strength of his gift as he transformed inch over inch. There was a mysterious grace to it even with the stretching sinewy tendons warping and rippling with his taut muscles. Within moments a large peppered grey wolf stood where the man was, his eyes still fixed on her.

[Lovely]

She turned at first playful, but something in his gaze subdued her in an instant, not that she was afraid or upset, but that it was time to be serious and she knew it. She took the bag from him, about to ask him why when his gaze locked on hers. She had never in her life seen anything like the change he 'preformed' before her, it was staggering. Her mouth dropped and her eyes widened as the impressive display played out and when it was done she brought her jaw back to close and stared at him for a moment longer. "Damn." She whispered, not only was that the wickedest thing she'd ever seen -he was one large wolf. "damn." She whispered it again, that was going to take some getting used to. She kind of smiled at the thought of her wanting and needing to get used to it though. "Okay.. I'm just about ready too." She set the bag down for a moment to finish strapping her sheathes on and sliding the knives into them, she had more weapons in the truck that she'd add to her arsenol on the way. She turned slowly away from him, not wanting to take her eyes off the handsome creature. Ariane reached to grab the pouch and the water, intending to down her tea quickly and get them on their way. Her nose crinkled up a little as she pulled the pouch closer to her to mix it, that had never happened before. Had it gone bad or something? She frowned and held it a moment, something telling her not to take it, but years of training and structure telling her she should. She bit her lip softly and let the pouch fall back to the tray.

The sound of whimper behind her was him pulling her attention from the tray. He'd come closer behind her to nip and tug at anything he could grab to tell her to step away, but she put it down on her own. He brushed up alongside her, his shoulders pushing her hand up a little over and into his thick fur.

She heard the whimper and her gaze dropped down to him as he brushed along her side. "You don't want me to take it do you? Remind me later to ask you why." She felt his thick fur under her fingers and she smiled a little, curling her fingers into it more and stroking over his back some and then up behind his ears. "If there's nothing else we need, I think we're ready to go." She glanced around the room, picking up the bag he'd asked her to bring with her other hand and turning for the door. She fully expected if he wanted or needed anything he'd find a way to let her know.

He turned to look through the room, though nothing was left he needed besides her readiness and a change of fresh clothes. Heading out the opened door, his form moved like shadow and rippled like a breeze-kissed lake of silver. The hours they'd spent had passed the day back into the evening twilight. Few would question a husky, shaggy dog being happy to leap in the back of a truck for a ride and the low, dim light wouldn't show him as much different than a family pet as he stayed close to her and seemed carefree and lappingly dense as a labrador.

She followed him out, closing the door behind them and watching him bound to the truck and jump in the back. Ari couldn't help the smile that curled her lip, thinking of what people who would see them would think. She shook her head a little and lifted his bag into the bed of the truck, unlocking a box and setting the bag into it, she held the key up and showed him where she tucked it, so he could get to it when he needed it. While she had the box open, she pulled out a stash of arrows and her cross bow, both wrapped loosely with rags. She leaned to set them on the seat of the truck and her hand reached to stroke his muzzle lightly as her eyes glanced around at the houses on his street. "So heading back to where I picked you up and then?.. you'll let me know, right?" Her voice was a low whisper as if she were cooing to her pup.

Marcus licked her hand and shook from nose to tail to straighten his fur that shone more and more silver in the thickening moonlight. He was smiling a canine smile, though his eyes reminded as crystalline cold and sharp as the expression she'd seen on the man, serious and layered in determination. He would tell her, but the key now was to keep her close to him or the boys might get the wrong impression. He moved back and circled to settle himself down in a balanced ball for traveling and waited.