A New Champ (Multi Chars)

[Lovely]

October 23, 2008
8pm


The past few weeks in the Veinna household had been chaotic and hectic -more than usual. Comings and goings of various family members as well as thier interactions with each other had set the place into a frenzy of sorts. Tonight was about getting out and blowing off some steam, a boys night out for some of the pack and a couple of the 'brothers'. Now and then the wilder boys of the pack liked to get in the ring and tear it up.. it was a good release for them and since that is what the fights were for there weren't questions or problems.

There was a friendly teasing banter between the boys as they gathered to get on their way. Mitch and Caleb discussing the possible effects of blood and feral senses.

Mitch mentioning how the blood could make him "wicked crazy.."

Caleb countering in a sing song voice, with. "An underground ring without blood, now that's neat.."

"I'll be crazy -just walking through the door.." Mitch admitted, his 'trouble' with the scent of blood being no secret amoung the pack.

Caleb handed him two pouches -an herbal mix to help control and counter the reaction to the overload on his senses.

"Make 'em smaller next time, bud... I'll just stuff one in each nostril... good to go.." *pats his shoulder and leads to the door*... "You coming along?"

"Sure, if just to tackle you to the floor, when you get all crazy.." Grins and follows out the door.

"You sweettalk me like that, I'll take you in the ring," he warned, teasingly, pausing to lean back in the door. "Ror! You coming? We're leaving without ya!"

"Aww baby.. I love your pillow talk.." Caleb teased back, fully at ease with Mitch and the other boys, though he was known as the mellow one.

"Get outta... just go start the car. Let me see what keeping Junior. Right back," Mitch said, disappearing back in the door.

Spinning around the swiftly low-flying hound that was Mitch, Richie came out, tucking his cell away and giving a quiet nod to the others. "Nothing yet."

Caleb's eyes flicked to Richie and he nodded slowly, his lips turning to a frown.

Marcus's lip curled in a half-sneer out of amusement. "Shoulda let me... then you'd know right where she is."

Caleb, tapped his arm lightly. "Shut up..." He turned back to Richie. "I'm sure you'll hear soon... she'll be found."

Richie stayed calm, but his ice colored eyes sharpened coldly on Marcus. He said nothing to him but returned Caleb's understanding. "Thanks... hope so. The boys coming along?" He switched gears, painting a thin smile over his worried features and waivered a thumb back toward the door.

"Back.. told you would only be a moment," Mitch yammered, running up to others, looking like a short-haired rastafarian in his cap and herbal pouches strewn over his neck.

In an unusual step of casual flair, Rory came out in a black t-shirt and coal-colored jeans instead of the usual suit he favored, though he still tugged at the sleeve of a jacket he was still shrugging into as he caught up with the others.

Caleb glanced at the others and nodded as the limo was pulled around. The black car rolled to a stop, at the steps and Caleb pulled the door open for the other boys to get in.

[Lovely]

A hoot was heard as Charlie came running from the side of the house. Just finished his shift, in time to head out to the fights with the other guys. His hair in a wild array of spikes and a loud shirt as always. He raced up, pulling his black leather on and dove into the car, just in front of the other men.

Rory looked at him and shook head, "Good god... how many flamingoes had to die to make that shirt?"

"Twenty three" He replied in a chipper voice.

Richie chuckled lightly and counted heads. "All ashore who's going ashore... we're off. I've been out of the loop the last week. Anyone know of anyone new cutting into the scene?"

Marcus chuckled. "What's the matter Rich-man... been in bed all week? Thought even you'd know about the new piece that's been layin' 'em flat in the ring."

Caleb shook his head, Marcus had to push things didn't he? His eyes went from one man to the other, resting on Marcus for a longer moment. "Heard the new fighter is pretty tough... the losers are being carried out."

"Yeah some tough ass... just showed up.. no one knows from where... Not a 'sponsored' fighter." Charlie piped up from inside the car. Some of the regulars had 'backing' or were paid for or of the 'clients' that went to these things.

"Losers being carried out? Must have been some pretty good fights," Richie mused. He'd been out of touch with it all over a week.

"No sponsoring? What, so no paycheck? What's this guy doing it for, just for laughs?" Rory's attention was grabbed briefly at the thought of someone putting themselves in the ring, seemingly without 'insurance'. "Or is he just that good?"

"That good.. whatever," Marcus turned to the glance out the window. "Put me in the ring with 'im.. I'll show ya."

Charlie laughed. "They still get the prize money.. not as much as sponsored guys.. and no perks.. no cut of the bets.. but eh.. whatever.." He blew a kiss to Marcus. "Of course you could.... " He was still chuckling.

Mitch couldn't help but slug him. "Show who, shiner boy? You got bested by a stinkin' girl."

"Hey... cool it, guys. I just asked a simple question.. you leave her out of this," he glowered at Marcus with a piercing glance.

Charlie laughed again at his brother's comment, in his usual jovial, boisterous mood. He cleared his throat hearing Richie's words, knowing the subject of the girl was a sore spot. He didn't know much more than she'd been brought in.. given to Richie.. she left.. or something and now they were searching for her.

Rory kept the amusement to a minimum, certain his brother in-law, "cousin", was in no better spirits than he had been the night she vanished from the house. "C'mon boys, give it a rest. Save the fighting for the kids in the ring. Unless Marcus wants a matching pair of goggles."

He growled at Rory. "It healed, thank you... shut the f*...," he murmured, not finishing the sentence, his hackles raised that a snip like that girl got her digs in on him.

"Aww.. come on, Marc.. lighten up. We're just out having a good time. Why you all wound up?" Mitch said, still poking at him a little.

[Lovely]

"Stow it Mitch, leave him alone.. just drop it, a'ight? We'll just go watch the ring a while and see for ourselves," Richie said quietly, checking his phone again for messages.

Caleb caught him checking his phone and sighed again, leaning back in the seat. He hoped they would find the girl soon, he'd never seen Richie like this. Something about this girl.. she'd gotten to him.. that never happened...

The pale look of disappointment was evident on his face, but he did his best to hide it, tucking the phone away again and curling his fingers on his chin, leaning against the door as he thought. If he hadn't have been... if he hadn't done a lot of things, he scolded himself.

Even Mitch felt the temperature in the car drop as Richie's mood chilled down the others. "Hey.. sorry, Richie. We'll find her, okay?"

Caleb turned towards Richie and nodded. "We will..." He whispered, under his breath. "Soon.."

He glanced back and offered the thin smile again with a quiet 'thanks' he didn't need to say. "So, Charlie, I heard you lost the bet so you're buying the beer tonight," he said, pulling any old thing out of left field to change the tone.

"Shit.. did I?" He looked back from staring out the window and blinked. "What? Shit... you're trying to sucker me into paying.. f*ck you.. buy me beer." He grinned. "I'll buy you some good drinks... get ya rocked tonight."

"Sounds like a plan," Richie chuckled. The trek to the warehouse wasn't a far trip for them and they were getting close. He pushed the cold expressions away except a grimace he saved in return for Marcus if he felt he had anything else to say about the past week.

"Doesn't it though?" Rory mused, watching out the window, reaching beneath his jacket to be sure it was there. He rarely used it, but the cold metal reassured him it stood by for back up if it was needed. Richie was as much his concern to aide and protect as he was for the boys. "Looks like we're ready. Get us some good seats this time?"

"Yeah, don't mind me, I'll be in the back, so you all do what you want," Mitch shuddered and pulled one of the pouched to his nose to fill it with the herbal scents as much as possible.

"Yeah... he'll be dancing through the flowers in the back row... freaking flounce," Marcus growled low and quiet, but he knew Mitch could hear him. "Maybe they'll have a nice white wine for you and you can talk about the curtains while we watch the fight?"

"Marcus... shut your mouth.. or you and I will be stepping in the ring.." He winked and said with all seriousness. "Speaking of.. do you guys think we should change the color scheme in the main parlor?"

Mitch moved his slug from Marcus' arm that he almost hit for the comment and turned it playfully on his brother. "Your sympathy is overwhelming... shut up about the damned curtains."

Rory chuckled, "Yeah they could... thinking blood red, maybe? C'mon you guys.. leave the fighting to the ring, alright? Or maybe I'll give the master a $20 to take you all up there against that new contender and have him knock sense into all o' ya."

Charlie fell into tittering laughter, sounding much like a hyena. He abruptly stopped as he opened the door to step out.

Caleb shook his head and spoke softly. "Can I pretend I don't know him?"

[Lovely]

Charlie poked back in and laid a slobbering kiss on Mitch's cheek. "I love ya bro." He wiggled his brows and bounced back out of the car.

"Only if I can," Mitch said with a grimace, wiping his face off with his sleeve. Kidding aside, he was alert and already keeping his keen senses open to trouble, looking around as his eyes flared a pale red.

Rory kept his eye on him and alternately on Marcus. Where Mitch would sound the alarm if necessary, Marcus would be after it, whatever the alert was about. The boys appeared calm and he motioned for Richie to get out and move with the group.

He sneered. "Don't know whatchyer looking at me for," he murmured. "Didn't do shit. C'mon 'Petunia'... let's get these boys inside."

Caleb followed, bringing up the rear in a calm stance. "Cause you're such a dink." He murmured to himself, in response to Marcus's words. He nodded to Rory and Richie, his hands held lightly in his pockets. Outwardly he appeared relaxed, though he was quite alert, taking in sight and sound all around him.

Before entering, he checked one last time. Text messages, voice mail, anything, but his phone had been silent and still. He shut it off and buried it in a pocket out of immediate reach in hopes he'd stop looking at it every five seconds. He couldn't fathom how she could just 'vanish' like that. The doors ahead of them burst open with a make-shift stretcher of tarp material holding up a limp and bloody body of someone being escorted out the hard way by his friends, being taken to a car that pulled up behind them. He looked at the handy work and frowned an approval. "Looks like your boy's alright, boys... nice work."

Charlie shook his head at the sight, a low whistle of appreciation as he watched the guy get taken out. "Oh you know where my money is going.. damn.." He grinned and his pace quickened.

Somewhere in the heart of the cheers and screams, the fighter had stepped out of the ring, a moment to have a small cut under her eye wiped. She stepped back in, pacing slowly. There was a hard cold look to her eyes and a calm but fierce set to her shoulders and expression. She circled waiting for the next challenger to step in. The crowd loved her and hated her, they cheered and screamed as she pummeled the guy in the ring, yet watched her warily, and as coldly as she watched them.

Caleb's head turned to watch them pass and a slow shake of his head, followed as his attention turned back to the group. "Damn.." He whispered.

Smiles and sneers were met as the familiar faces wandered in, seeing other frequent nameless visitors. It was less of a who's who realm, though many big 'who's were in attendance tonight. Richie leaned to Caleb, "I missed all this in the last week? Who is this guy?"

"Shit... damnit... damnit," Mitch was sent to hopping, seeing the loser of the match and catching the whiff of blood and warm excrement as the guy apparently shit his shorts when he went down. He stepped widely around the group, frantically pulling a pouch to his face to try and stay calm, though from the bristling and alteration of expression, the miracle herbs were not helping a great deal.

Caleb, put a hand to Richie's shoulder and was about to ask if he wanted him to go attend to Mitch, when Charlie ducked over to his brother.

Marcus chuckled, "Whatsa matter, Petunia?" He watched as Charlie dove to the brother's rescue and followed, goading further. He could stand a round or two in the ring. He was bored enough.

Mitch sneered, fighting the change, trying not to give into it since they were in a relatively public place. His shoulders were already hunched, stretching his dark tee as much as the fabric would allow and his feet had slid free from his boots that he rarely laced for this reason. A slobbering snarl whipped at Marcus, unable to form the word he wanted, but his angered intent was clear.

Charlie, covered Mitch with his jacket and spoke in a soothing voice. "Easy boy.. come on.." He glared at Marcus. "You and me.. that's it.. we're going.... help me get him into the car first." His hand patted Mitch's back lightly as he grabbed the pouches and made sure they were kept close to Mitch's nose. He dug into the pockets of his jacket for the emergency tranq stick.. which was kept just for this reason. He hated to use it and only would as a desperate measure if Mitch could not be otherwise calmed.

[Lovely]

Even at his own brother, he whipped and lashed with sharpened teeth as he lost the control. The group that had just passed them paused at their car, turning at the sounds. Flaring red eyes glared at them from a less-than-human face briefly as he fought to maintain his appearance and struggled with and against his brother. If only the others weren't there, he'd just change full on to wolf form and run off to wait. Breaking free of Charlie, he turned on Marcus in an instant, bounding onto him and knocking him back to the wall.

"Get off me," Marcus growled in return, more peeved than afraid.

"Son of a.." He moved to try and seperate the two or at least block the view from other's eyes.

Caleb's nostrils flared as he watched the others. "Damn it!" He muttered looking to Rory. "You two alright for a minute?" He asked only out of respect as he bounded to rip Marcus and Mitch apart. "That's enough!" He barked at them and pretty much ripped Marcus away and shoved him towards Rory and Richie. "You.. go.." He spun to block any 'attack' the wound up Mitch might have coming at him and hoped there would be none.

"Didn't do shit," Marcus sneered, his own eyes flaring copper, tempted to change here and have his fight like he wanted. He shrugged his shirt back in place around the holes Mitch's razor-sharp claws managed to make. He looked up at Richie and Rory, grinning behind his contempt. "What.. I'm supposed to wait in the car now?"

"No.. we may need you, just stop being a f*cking prick for ten seconds," Rory murmured, nodding to Richie to move on ahead. He watched the group at the car tend to their friend and finally move off when the show that started ended just as quickly. Satisfied that there wouldn't be more trouble outside, he motioned to Charlie to take care of his brother. "Take him home if you have to, but don't let him be seen like that," he murmured past Caleb as he took Marcus with him, flanking Richie.

Charlie nodded and set to tending Mitch as best he could, trying to calm his brother again. As he did so, the doors opened again, another opponent laid out and being carried away.

The last one had gone down easier than the first and quicker too, she felt almost cheated as they carried him out. There was another pause in the matches and she stepped from the ring, to make her way to get a drink.

Mitch struggled still, his hands gnarled into paws that swatted and struck at anything they could reach like a rabid animal avoiding capture. In a moment, he would be fine, but would resemble nothing human. The new victim passed him and he took a purposeful whiff of the heady perfume of rust, his eyes flaring brighter as he kicked his brother off, landing to all fours and snarling.

Richie stopped not far inside the main door, looking over the crowd. There were not less than 100 people gathered in the small area waiting for their champion to return. He looked at Rory and the crowd, waiting for the others to come in. "Marcus, come with me.. and just keep your trap shut," he warned, heading off in search of cell service and stiff drinks, hoping they sold them by the gallon.

Charlie looked up and grinned at those coming out, who looked as Mitch landed, snarling. "Hey.. sorry guys... my dog got a little excited.." He chuckled, giving Caleb a nod and keeping his eyes on Mitch.

Caleb waited for the 'strangers' to move on, without much fuss as they were busy attending their injured friend. He eyed Mitch and Charlie, making sure they got off okay before he turned off towards the doors.

She moved away from the 'bar' a bottled water in hand, which she sipped enough to wet her mouth. She scanned the crowd briefly and turned towards the ring, a bit of a frown on her face.

[Lovely]

Whatever remnants of clothes he had were shredded and shrugged off, his boots off to the side, Mitch didn't attack, but stayed at the door, nostrils flaring, watching his brother warily. He'd go inside, but not right now. It wasn't like this was the first time this had happened. He circled his boots then ran off, bounding up the side of a dumpster and around over the fence with his strong leap. He'd be back to watch the rest, but right now, he was on a mission. He just didn't want to lose his damn boots.

Charlie leaned down to scoop up his brother's boots. "I'll put your boots in the car." He called softly, not sure if Mitch heard him before he was off. Charlie gathered what was left, salvagable and not, of his brother's clothes and put them in the car. With a quick look around he moved to the doors and went in with Caleb, to join the others.

Rory let the other two move off in search of drinks and slid back to the door to wait for the boys. His eyes watched the crowd more than he watched the ring, catching a glimpse or two of something even more interesting to him as he circled back around. She hadn't seen him yet, not that it mattered. She was with 'him' and couldn't afford to let her eyes wander, he was pretty sure of that. He moved around the outside wall and ducked behind a thicker group that seemed to swell and converge with the sound that rose, the champion floating through the middle. He saw the face. "Well I'll be damned," he murmured, looking from the champion to the girl in the audience he'd been watching. "Going to be an interesting night, boys," he murmured.

Wes rolled her eyes at whatever the man next to her had said and looked like she would rather be anywhere but beside him. When his gaze fell on her, she smiled pretty for him.. hoping to have a semi peaceful night and for the beatings to remain in the ring. She already had quite a few nasty marks she was doing her best to hide in the 'sl*ts are us' outfit he chose for her. She excused herself from him and his crew to go fetch drinks at the bar, anything to get away from him... for five minutes.

Charlie slid up beside Rory and grinned, not catching where his gaze was, as the younger man was bouncing with excitement. He turned to scan the crowd, looking for Marcus.. he was hoping for a chance to blow off some steam in the ring, if the could.

Caleb seperated from Charlie and made his way to Richie, following his scent. He pulled up quietly beside the other man and gave him a respectful nod. "The crowd is pumped up tonight."

"What did you do with Mitch? Everything okay?" He asked with a due amount of concern, but his attention lay elsewhere, seeing her break off from the 'man in charge'. "Hey, do me a favor, you see him.. keep an eye on him and if he moves from that spot, I don't care what it takes, come find me and tell me, okay?" He didn't wait for an answer, following a few casual steps behind the girl, heading to get drinks himself.

Charlie nodded and didn't get a chance to say a word as Rory scooted off. He found himself a good vantage spot to watch the man and the ring. He folded his arms and leaned against a 'column'. Occaisionally his eyes flickered over pretty faces and what nice tits and ass that walked by, but his sharp eyes kept the man in view for Rory.

Richie had more or less dismissed Marcus to go do whatever he needed to, to behave, as long as he came back before the next match, leaving Richie in a peacefully quiet and unguarded moment alone with his thoughts. Caleb came up to him without any trouble and he nodded to the comment, walking silently to filter in with the crowd. He was curious about the champion, and equally curious as he saw Rory at the far end of the group skirting off after someone. "What's that about?" He nudged Caleb and pointed out what little they could see of Rory and the 'skirt' he followed. "That's a first."

Caleb shrugged and shook his head, he saw everything but always 'knew nothing'. His eyes moved across the crowd, flicking back to Rory once and over Charlie. His expression registared shock or as much shock as Caleb's face could registar, which wasn't much. His gaze caught a glimpse of the 'champion' and he swore the sighting was so brief that he must be mistaken.

[Lovely]

She moved through the crowd, with small smiles and polite greetings, making her way to the bar as a few others filtered away from it. She placed her drink orders to the gal mixing drinks and waited, knowing (thankfully) that it would be a few minutes at least.

Icebreakers were usually his downfall. He was horrible in the small talk department and usually far too honest for the normal crowd, but he took his chances, clearing his throat behind her as he came up, looking around warily in case the man saw him follow her. "Looks nicer without the bulldog," he murmured.

Richie's eyes followed Caleb's altered attention, "What? What are you looki..," he paused, catching glimpse of her as she slid through the crowd. She been cut on the face and looked a little worn, but walked proudly, like he'd expect less of her from what he'd seen. His hand rested on Caleb's to steady himself as balance left him and his knees wobbled a moment.

She turned her head, with the customary smile, which brightened as she looked at Rory. "Hello... what looks better?"

Caleb shifted slightly to steady Richie, without being obvious about it. His eyes tracked the girl through the crowd, as they shifted and scanned, following and catching glimpses. "Told you we'd find her soon." He whispered, not wanting to call any attention to them, should the girl get spooked and try to bolt. He wanted them to be able to find her and catch her if need be.

She was circling back to the ring, keeping to the crowd and blending the best she could, which was hard now that she was 'known' amoung them. She'd missed Richie and his crew as she'd moved away from them, near the outside of the ring, she waited for the next challenger.

Marcus reappeared, carrying out the threat he'd given earlier. He was bored and Mitch's little attack fired him up. He didn't bother to change, feeling smug enough that his fight would end quickly, undoing only his button down shirt, but still wearing jeans.

"You do.. without the leash and bulldog," he said, nodding back to the crowd and specifically to the man. "Having a nice night, all things considered?"

"Yeah, I see her," Richie murmured, letting go of Caleb's arm. "I mean I believed you, but this isn't what I'd had in mind.'

"Not what I had in mind... go talk to her. I'll circle around so she can't run out without at least hearing you out." Caleb gave a small smile, ready to move through the crowd at Richie's ok.

She shook her head with a disheartened chuckle. "Oh I still have a leash.." She said quietly. "It just hasn't been stepped on yet.. I guess I get a little slack tonight." She sighed and a more genuine smile appeared. "All things considered the night is not horrible... it just got a little better." She shifted her shirt unconciously trying to cover marks from his eyes, though more than likely it would call attention to them. She glanced out towards 'her keeper' and then back to the girl who'd gone off to mix drinks. "What about you... good night?"

Fauve's attention moved to the man who was stepping up.. finally another opponent. She nearly chuckled as she saw who it was, and nearly ran. It wasn't that she didn't want to have a chance to do more damage, or that he wasn't a decent challanger... it was the possibility of the others who might be with him. She handed her water bottle to a 'kid' beside the ring. "Hold this for me.." She murmured.

[Lovely]

Richie gave the nod and was moving toward her casually, somewhat indirectly, giving Caleb the moment to get between her and the main door. As a voice hollered over the heads, he looked up a moment to Marcus waiting in the ring. "That sonuva... I'll tan his ass myself," he grumbled quietly, forsaking the man to his fate and trying to reach Fauve before she stepped up. Pushing his way through people to reach her he was within sensible speaking range, acting like an adoring fan. "Oh my gosh, you're fantastic, I can't believe you laid those last two out like that. Can I have your autograph?" He was sincere about the 'fantastic' part and having listened him enough, she might hear the tone enough to understand, he hoped.

"Maybe you'll want to wait till I lay this..." Her voice trailed off as the realization that it was his voice.. it was him, hit her. She half turned to gaze at him, a bit of shock, a bit of anger, a bit of hurt, and a little fond affection rolled over her face in an instant as her eyes fell on him. Her eyes travelled over him slowly, her face softening a tad.. She didn't want to admit it, but she had missed him.. and his kids.. but mostly missed him. She squared her shoulders and shrugged, nodding back to the ring. "Has to be quick, I have stuff to do." She'd meant it to come out harshly and was surprised how gentle her voice came out. "You have a pen?"

"Yeah," he said, taking out a pen and 'testing' the ink in a quick circle on the back of a business card. The 'circle' looked like a small heart that was circled again. "Make it out to Cassie, please?" He handed her the card and pen and looked at the faces of the others around them who were waiting for her. "How ya doin'?" He murmured to a rough looking man that hovered over him.

"Tonight? Going well, again, all things considered. Friends of mine decided to have a little fight of their own on the way in... you know how it goes," Rory smiled softly. "Saw you here last week. I mean.. not like I was here for that.. for you... I wasn't, I mean I was.. um.. let me start over. You come here often?" He tried to ease back into the casual, grimacing that his words were coming out all wrong. "How about I buy you a drink? Not here. I mean.. you.. without them.. sometime?"

Her fingers ran over the card and her eyes lifted to him. Grabbing his arm and lightly spinning him so she could write against his back she neatly wrote in small letters on the card. ~To Cassie, can't wait for the white streak like Cruella. Hugs for you and the boys, Kisses for your dad. Take care of him...See ya soon -F~ In his 'circle' she drew another heart overlapping his and this is where she signed the -F-. Stuffing the card in his hand, she held his fingers for an extra second before moving off to the ring.

Wes smiled a very sweet and pretty smile at Rory. "Thanks." A moment later she frowned and sighed. "I don't really get much time without them.. you know pets have to be watched." She glanced towards the men and turned to get her drinks. "Only alone time I get is when I work..." She shrugged and her eyes looked terribly sad. She hinted without saying, not knowing if he'd be able to find out where she worked.

"So can you drink on duty? Maybe just an iced tea or something? I'm serious. Where do you work? Don't be shy, now."

Richie turned, feeling the soft touch against his back as she wrote and then clung lightly to his fingers. "Thank you... good luck," he said, not sure she'd heard him. He couldn't help but worry since Marcus didn't often hold back and he was already pretty wound up. Richie slipped back through the crowd to find a better vantage point where he could see more of her and hopefully not as much of Marc.

It was hard to tell how he managed to find his way around, but Mitch located the open window and pushed it open further into the back area of the warehouse, unseen by the gathering. He leapt nearly silently to the crates below and padded off to the ground, staying in shadows. Whatever hint of alley cat remained was licked gracefully off his lips and he appeared calm and collected now as he moved.

"I could drink.. ice tea.." She looked over at him. "You'd be wise not to.. visit... the bulldog wouldn't like it very much." From her tiny purse she pulled a card with the name and address of the massage parlor she worked in. "Just ask for Wesley.... " She set the card on the 'bar' so that she would not be seen handing it to him.

Fauve stepped into the ring, with a dark look in her eye. She pulled off the tee shirt she'd been wearing, opting for the less restricting spandex tank top. She tossed her shirt to the kid who was holding her water for her. "Thanks." She winked at him and turned to regard Marcus cooly.

[Lovely]

"Pleasant surprise, Sunshine. You're gonna regret you ever tried to bust me and my boys up. I owe you... and you owe me big," he taunted in a low, menacing growl.

"Well I'm already regretting that I ever had to see your ugly face again... I'm okay with regret."

Richie turned the card over in his hand, realizing she'd written more than just a scribble. He looked it over, running a finger over it before pocketed it securely with a soft smile. He watched, realizing that they were talking to one another, but not able to hear as he stepped closer.

Marcus looked out of the ring at Richie and looked at her. "Yeah, I can see that. Assuming you have any... left my boy high and dry out there... guess that means you owe me twice."

Her eyes narrowed as he mentioned Richie and glared darkly as he said she owed him for that. "Yeah... how do you figure I owe you?" She looked towards the 'ringmaster' and hoped that bell would ding, she was going to beat the f*ck out of this asshole. "What's between him and I.. does not concern you."

"S'where you're wrong Sunshine. I look after him like he's my own brother, kapishe? He hurts, I hurt... but I guess a wh*re like you wouldn't understand that, would you?"

"Right." She shook her head, "this coming from the guy who tied me up and delivered me?" Her eyes turning ice cold as she glanced to Richie and then back at Marcus. "Well if thats the way you two want to play it..." She hissed the words out, the only part of his words that cut her, was calling her a wh*re. Not so much from him, but that perhaps that's how Richie felt too.. just some wh*re who didn't play like they wanted her to. She'd done very little with guys... and had gone the whole way with Richie. Maybe that made her wh*re... but she wasn't going to let them take her. No way.. screw that, she thought, this guy was leaving in a bag and so would any of the other guards if they made a move on her.

-Ding!- the bell rang out to start the fight.

The fighting in this place was meant to be as filthy and low as the thick, smoke-filled air. The bell sounded and Marcus was at her, taking a fist to her precious face, aiming for the cut that had already been started.

Richie's expression remained flat and unyielding to the fury within, only the spark in his eyes igniting with the slight narrowing of them to focus on Marcus. This was no longer a fight to fight, but a fight for vengeance on Marcus' part, for whatever reason he felt this was necessary. He tucked his hands in his pockets to hide the angry fist that pulsed and stepped closer to the ropes.

Fauve felt the cut split open more and ducked down to drive a blow into his sternum, hoping to wind him enough to be able to knock him back. Her arm came up to press on his chest and the other fist flew at his jaw.

The first blow was stronger than he expected, forgetting that the last time she was tied and somewhat still drugged. He fell back, stopped by the ropes behind then by her hand on the front as the other came at him. His arm was up and grabbed it, ducking under with an elbow toward her ribs as he peeled out from her grip.

She spun as he shifted and ducked and moved away. Her elbow drove to the side of his face as he moved away.

Checking his lip, his hand came away clear at the moment, but she'd still managed to make it sting. He growled up at her, "C'mon Sister Sunshine... show us your tricks... I'll give you a fiver to blow me." He didn't hesitate long, sending a punch and kick combination at her. This was obviously not the first ring fight he'd been in.

"I'll give you five if you can find your undersized cocktail weiner.." She sneered, swiftly dodging his attack and blocking his punch. She held his arm and smirked. "Got alot of aggression.. is that from all the girls laughing at your little dick?" She shoved him back and readied to block his next attack.

The growl was likely audible beyond the ropes now and was sounding less and less human. "You won't be laughing when I shove it down your f*cking throat, b*tch. He wouldn't let me take care of you then, but I think the story's changed a little, hasn't it?" He sneered, throwing another punch, faking it to grab her pull her into a thrust knee if he caught a hold of her long enough.

[Lovely]

Some may not have heard the growl or made the distinction of the sound, but his ears caught it and he moved closer to the gathering, still in shadows. A slow sneer curled his black, leathery maw away from the still-bloodied teeth in a mocking smile. Familiar red eyes blinked slowly in the haze, focusing solely on one figure in the ring.

She grunted as the knee collided with her middle. She lashed out in an instinctual rage, snarling as her elbow slammed sharply into his stomach. High enough that it just missed his 'jewels', but low enough to cause some pain. "Shove what down my throat?" She spoke loudly in an angry voice to him. In pain, but moving to attck with a flying fist and a low kick. As she came up her arm was held close around her middle.

"Fa...," he almost called her name out, but stopped as he clambored to the side of the ring. "Call it.. stop the fight! Stop!"

Marcus hit the floor, hearing both her and Richie, then laughed as he came around from the kick. His own cheek was abraded and cut nicely from hitting the mat as his feet flew from beneath him. Acting 'down' for the moment, he moved slowly as if having trouble getting up, then spun a windmilling kick at her as he righted himself, blood spitting off to the crowd from his face.

Mitch heard the voice and the concern in it, trotting as if called to heel. Thick fur rippled over the full, solid mass that sped up as he caught the whiff from Richie that he was trying to protect something. He just needed an opening or he'd take another ten people down in the crowd as he barreled through.

She turned, hearing his voice and the concern in it as he came to the edge of the ring. She was distracted from Marcus when he began his attack. "Richie?" Behind him a few shrill screams were heard as Mitch came through the crowd. A few men started shouting and panic began to spread.

"Marcus... back the f*ck off and get out.. now!" He spoke uncharacteristically loudly, directly at Marcus and motioned to Fauve to get out of the ring. His attention was diverted by the change in the sounds from the crowd, turning to hear the snarl and see the blur.

The snout was pure wrinkled fury, diving at the contender's throat. Mitch knocked him back to the ropes beneath nearly 200 pounds of angry wolf, keeping him from throwing another punch. The animal's head turned in a human-like gesture to the girl as if making sure she was clear before he started ripping limbs off.

"f*ck." Richie murmured, reaching for Fauve's hand. "Get the hell outta there... c'mon." He was already getting swept aside by the mass the tried to move past or around him to the door.

Rory looked up from the conversation, the swarm of people and the surge of noise getting his attention. "What in the h...," he glanced to the ring at the far end and saw the animal. "Damnit... c'mon... we gotta go... don't ask.. just come on. Bulldog'll have to deal." He pulled the drinks aside and reached for Wesley's hand.

She turned and fell back against the ropes as the blur of fur dashed past her. Richie's hand grasping hers brought her around, eyes wide. "Shit!" She gasped, surprised and moved to duck under the ropes. Her hand went to her middle again and she winced, but tried not to let it show.

Marcus's punch went to the side of the animal's head, tossing a fair amount of pink slobber to the mat below before he tried to push the thing off. "Get the f*ck off me you piece of fu... I'll kill you myself when we get home." He growled, struggling to get out from beneath the beast this time since he was already winded.

[Lovely]

The crowd was in panic and Wes looked around as Rory was grabbing her hand. "What? wait.. no.." She protested as she followed and was pushed along with him. She knew just how the bulldog would deal with her. She tugged on Rory's hand as they moved to the door. "Please.. you don't know.." She looked as if she was on the verge of tears.

Rory stopped, pulling her behind a crate to let the wave pass, holding her still to calm her. He looked around quickly then hooked her collar gently. "Tell me I don't know," he said quietly but sternly, regarding the marks she tried to hide. Let him deal with me later.. just come on."

Mitch turned over his shoulder again, letting out a rolling, barking snarl to the crowd. Inwardly, he was having a blast, but the outward appearance was that of a mad dog, a mad wolf, possibly rabid from the look. He turned back and snapped at Marcus' arm, grabbing hold.

"Fauve.. c'mon.. leave them.. we have to go."

She opened her mouth to protest, her lips trembling as he pulled her collar aside. Instead of the words of denial that would so often automatically come from her, she spoke with soft finality. "If I leave with you... I can't go back."

Her fingers curled around his and she huddled to him slightly, her head turning to glance back at the ring. "Where are we going?" She asked as they moved out the doors, the cooler air hitting her damp skin.

"Someplace safer than this... the car's over here. And we need to get you checked out... possibility you're bleeding," he said, not trying to scare her this time, but make her understand the two levels of urgency indicating that they be anywhere but here.

The crowd thinned, leaving the ring master and a few other souls curious enough to watch. If one could tell whether a wolf was smiling now differently than any other time, they'd understand that Mitch was toying with prey he intended to kill. Maybe not tonight, but the warning was clear. His teeth sank sharply to the bone in Marcus' arm. Nothing the uncles couldn't fix up, but he'd have to suffer until he got home.

Finally succumbing to the sudden and intense pain, Marcus' cry to the hollow room echoed as loudly as the sirens that were coming up the road to clear the place out. He crumpled to his knees as Mitch let go, "You f*cking DON'T EVER USE THIS.. your ass is mine at the house you f*ck...," he sobbed, holding his arm.

Where in the hell was Charlie with that dart, he wondered, looking around at the doors for the others as he held Wesley closer to smuggle her away to the car. "Then don't go back... you can stay with us. It's all good... or will be.. I promise," he said, pulling his own gun out to his hand to have at the ready.

"No hospitals.." She whispered to him as she went with him to the car. She let herself lean into the comfort of his arms, wanting to say it... but not wanting to at the same time. Perhaps in her closeness and the arms that wrapped around his middle he would feel the caring, and that she had missed him.

"No hospitals... I promise. But you do have a warm and comfortable bed if you want it, a'ight?" He turned to smile gently as he helped her to the car that was waiting in the shadows, ready to peel out.

Wes curled close to Rory, following and keeping herself turned into him and hopefully going unseen in the confusion.

[Lovely]

Charlie moved towards the other boys as the crowd cleared. He was grinning and shaking his head. "Don't worry boys... I'm the dog catcher by day.. let me handle this big guy." He waved the others out, to head towards the doors. As Caleb came up beside him, he nodded and moved towards Mitch, waiting for the others to clear out.

She folded into the car and closed her eyes as she leaned in the seat. "Tonight... no promises for tomorrow... That prick brother of yours comes near me tonight and not only will he get a beating, but I'll be gone fatser than you can spit."

"He's not my brother... he's a misguided, son of a f*cking b*tch bodyguard on his last warning tonight before he's turned into dogfood," he snarled, not at her but about the situation. He realized and his tone and softened. "I'm sorry... sorry you've had to put up with him twice.. had to put up with my temper. You don't deserve that."

"mmm not who I meant... but him too... We'll be going 'round and 'round.." She muttered, opening her eyes to see his expression, her hand reached to cup his cheek, lightly.

"No.. you won't.. they'll leave you alone. I can run the tests if you'll let me and Armand will do the rest. Aberto won't come near you."

Her eyes softened and she gave a small appreciative smile. "What tests?" Her expression turning quizzical.

"In case...," he paused, not wanting to discuss it in the car with the others and the chaos. "Just in case... make sure you didn't really bust a gut back there."

Not positive they'd escaped the sight of the bulldog, Rory straightened up at the car to usher Wesley into a seat quickly and leaned to follow behind.

Still having strength in his other arm, Marcus pulled himself to standing in front of the wolf that stood at the challenge, letting the red drip slowly from his tongue and teeth, panting gently. "What the f*ck.. you wanna kill me, Petunia? Now's your chance... got witnesses'll give you all the glory...go for it... bite my f*cking.. ass.. head... off," he yelled, using the leverage of pain in his voice as he approached, throwing an off-hand punch to the dripping jowls.

Mitch's head spun to the side, only his eyes shifting back to size him up. Don't think I won't, he thought, sorely tempted to finish him now. The head slowly turned and the growl of fury rose from a low rumble to another snarl that rattled the mat and floor beneath. His hind legs tensed, ready to spring him forth.

Wes slid into the car and she glanced at the other two timidly, feeling out of place and worried. She managed a nice smile and a nod as she scooted over for Rory to slip beside her. The windows were darkly tinted and no one would be able to see her inside the car, as long as they hadn't seen her get in. She was pretty sure that they had not.. most likely wouldn't even notice she was missing until later after things settled.

Caleb looked to Marcus and shook his head. "Marc come on... lets cool off... and you want me to look at your arm before you bleed to death?"

Charlie chuckled and headed towards Mitch. "Hey boy.. come on... easy.. don't chew my balls and shit." His voice was low and calm as he hoped to soothe his brother back so they could get to the car.

[Lovely]

"I'm fine.. I heal quick... just get some rest, I'll be okay.." She reassured him, glancing to the girl and to Rory as they got in. Her head turned to Richie and she smiled a little. "Looks like it may be crowded going ho.. back..." She shifted, moving slowly with the bruising and tenderness. Fauve slid onto Richie's lap and settled to rest her head on his shoulder. "Hope you don't mind my weight on top of you." She murmured, close to his neck, soft breath tickling his ear and skin.

Rory's smirk said all it needed to as he watched Fauve slide into Richie's lap. He quickly diverted his attention to Wesley. "Don't worry, okay? You're good.. it's all good," he said, his voice gentle to her and his hand grasping for hers. His hand jolted away briefly and he settled his fingers again. "Sorry... static... something."

"Not at all," he said, leaning into the whisper, feeling her breath move down his skin. He turned slowly to face her. "Welcome back," he whispered lightly in return, kissing her neck with his words. He turned away a moment, "Ror... where're the others? They coming? We have to move."

Charlie's voice pulled his attention for a moment as did Caleb's. No, let the sonuva f*cking bleed, he thought. He snarled again, launching forward to knock Marcus to the mat, this time flat beneath his weight, letting the steam from his breath fill the bastard's face.

"Bloody f*cking hell," he gasped, unable to move, nearly unable to breathe as he writhed under Mitch's weight. "Get off me.. you pansy.. assed.. freak." It was all he could do to get the words out.

"May have to leave 'em.. pick them up around the block. The cops are already down the front road. Let's go... they'll catch up."

Wesley's fingers tightened in Rory's, she glanced out the window as the door closed and the car started to roll away. A small sigh of relief escaping as she leaned to place a light kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, for looking out for me." She whispered to him.

Charlie readied the tranq and came closer. "Mitch.. back off bro.. we gotta go... you know it wont be long now.... we have to meet up with the boys."

Caleb returned from the door, he'd watched the car pull away and knew they would have to meet up with them out there. "Okay guys... cut the shit.. it's time to go!"

Marcus' breath was becoming more shallow as he fought less and less, getting less air into his lungs to fight off the beast.

Mitch acknowledged Caleb's warning. Leaping free of Marcus, he would leave him for them to deal with. He leapt out of the ring, past his brother, stopping to turn with a growl and a shake of his head. He didn't have clothes to put on anyway. He bounded off the way he came in.

Reflexively, the man curled from the weight like a rag doll pressed in the middle. If not for his own feral make-up, he'd likely have nothing left unscrambled within his ribs and abdomen. Marcus moved slowly, blood pouring from the gouges on his arm as he curled into himself in pain.

Charlie started to follow Mitch but held back, spinning on his heels to go help Marcus. He dropped down next to the man, a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Come on.. lets get you home, bud.."

[Lovely]

Caleb was on the other side of Marcus, scooping him up under the arms. "Sorry man.. but we got to move.. they are already leaving. Out the east side.. down the block, we should catch them at the corner. Charlie move ahead... I got Marc."

"Not even a little?" Her neck craned a bit as he whispered his words over her skin. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders and she snuggled into him, letting the tough front slip. "How do you do this to me?" She whispered for his ears only.

"Cheap bastard.. didn't have the... f*ck... balls to... shit," he tried to form a thought as Caleb helped him up.

"Mind... isn't the word I'd use," he grinned, his eyes sparkling almost as brightly even in the dim light. "Let's just get you home." He stated it without hesitation or doubt.. 'home'... hers.. with him.

Rory listened to her voice, the level of fear mixed with the sincerity, though the fear was less now that she was out of the bulldog's reach. "You're welcome... more than. You deserve a helluva lot more than that shit.. s'cuse me, but you do."

Caleb pulled off his shirt with one arm, while he supported the man with his other arm. Taking the shirt, he wrapped it tightly around Marcus's arm. "Alright.. up we go." He grunted and lifted the man to carry him while Charlie ran ahead to meet the car down the street.

Wes looked away and shook her head, in denial that she deserved anything more. She sank into the seat, and leaned back, seeming to shrink into the corner by the door.

"You promised a warm and comfortable bed..... Are you going to keep me warm and comfy?" Fauve murmured to his ear, folding into herself a little to try and ease some of the pain.

He smiled to himself, hearing a little of the wordplay. Trying his best to ignore them, he turned to Wesley as she shook her head. "Hey... all that..," he motioned out of the window. "All that crap stops now, okay? You get better, live better, live like a person, dress how you want to dress... starting now, okay?" He leaned closer, sliding an arm behind her for comfort.

He looked up through the window and saw Charlie trailing after them at full clip. "Stop.. stop the car.. it's the boys.. we got 'em."

"If that's your definition, then yeah," he grinned. "I mean, I hoped, anyway, but I won't make you."

Her head lifted from Richie's shoulder and she sighed softly, her expression hardening. She hid the wince as best she could as she straightened up a bit, her defences coming up at the possibility of Marcus joing them. She would not let him see her leaning on Richie or being soft. At his words she turned to Richie and nodded, a bit of shine in her eyes, that faded as she withdrew from him a bit. "We'll talk about it at ho.. the house." She said quietly.

Wes watched his face with a nervous expression, she nodded to his words. "You springing for a plane ticket to paradise?" She half heartedly joked, knowing if the bulldog got ahold of her, what he'd do... she might have been better off getting ripped apart by the rabid dog.

[Lovely]

"Don't have to spring.. we have the plane.. anywhere you want. I'm serious," he insisted, adjusting himself as his fingers tingled in her grip. "You're safe with... well with me, anyway," he paused, noting that the victim of said dog was being dragged, bloody and ripped to join them in the car.

Charlie caught up to the car after it slowed and stopped, he knocked on the window, grinning as always. "Hey boys.. . boys boys.. didn't think you could get rid of me that easy.. did you?"

Richie nodded. "When we get home," he agreed, letting her slip away, understanding the front she was putting up. He couldn't help the chuckle at Charlie. His nephew always seemed to have that affect. "We'll keep trying... c'mon.. get in.. Caleb's got Marc? What about Mitch?"

"Hey.. Richie did you tell them to leave without me again?" Charlie chuckled sliding into the car, his grin widened at the sight of the girls. "Well heelloooo... " He wiggled his eyebrows. "guys... where's mine?" He teased, with a mock whine.

He grinned. "Looks like Caleb's knocked one out for you to play with," he nodded at the mostly limp slag that was Marcus draped over Caleb's arm.

Wes chuckled at their banter, though it was a light sound. She scooted over and tugged Rory's hand as she saw the other two men coming up. She glanced at Rory and leaned in. "If.. for more room... I could.." She gestured to his lap. "If you're okay with that?"

Richie punched Rory's knee. "Shut up.. just get them in the car. I don't feel talking to Mrs Pearson down at the station for the next four hours. She's a nice lady and all, but I really don't want to waste her time, a'ight?"

"What?" He shrugged it off like he'd said nothing in particular and blew him off. "Yeah, I'm okay... c'mon," he smiled, adjusting his long legs for her to cradle into his lap.

Charlie puckered towards the door where Caleb was coming up. "Aww but they're much nicer to look at then Marc... mm hmm... please girls don't hurt me.. I mean no offence.. I just can't help myself."

"You're right... you can't help yourself to either one, now help Caleb get Marc in here."

Wes chuckled again and shook her head. "Interesting friend, you have..." She moved and eased onto his lap, fidgiting with her clothes to try to cover herself a bit more.

Charlie sighed and leaned to get out of the car. "I always get the crap work!" He joked, heading to help Caleb.

"Hold up a sec," Rory said, shifting his hand from hers and contorting his shoulders to let his jacket slide free without dislodging her too much. The gun was laid on her lap as he draped the jacket over her shoulders.. "Sorry.. you mind holding my gun a moment?" He grinned.

"Oh my... " She smiled a little and curled his jacket around her. "Nice gun."

Fauve curled back to Richie and whispered. "I can hide out in your room.... right?" She raised an eyebrow towards Charlie's antics and smiled a little.

He hoped he didn't scare her more. "Sorry," he said, taking it back to slide in place at his back again. "Better at least?" He looked up and marveled at the amazing color of her eyes now that he saw them up close, bluer than Richie's and far brighter.

"Long as I can hide with you, absolutely," he nodded, giving the others a wary look. At least Marcus was out for the count, likely til they got home. He might need to do some minor repairs here if Caleb wasn't prepared.

"Thanks.. yes." She smiled a bit, hugging the jacket around her and leaning into his chest a bit.

"It's Rory, by the way... Rory Dunne," he whispered, realizing that the chaos had kept him from proper introductions.

"Nice to meet you Rory." She smiled and shifted back to look at him. "Wesley... Wes Massenia."

[Lovely]

Caleb shifted with Marcus to have Charlie help ease him into the car. "Grab my bag from the trunk." He murmured as Marcus was laid back against the seat. Caleb sat next to him. "Evening Ladies.. gentlemen..." He nodded, starting work on making sure Marcus's wounds were covered well.

Fauve looked to Richie and gave him a smile, seeing as Marcus seemed to be out, but she did not let her guard down fully. "Sure... maybe we can work something out..." She winked.

"Good to know," he smiled softly. He instinctively reached a hand over to Marcus's neck, checking his pulse. He'd lost a bit of blood and being pounced on probably did him no good. Richie appeared to look overly concerned a moment, his eyes closing, though his hand stayed where it was. He didn't want Marcus to wake up just yet, but he didn't intend for him to die. Caleb could do the rest.

"C'mon boys.. I know you're thorough, but we gotta move. We can have you all home in about twenty minutes... take care of him there."

Fauve glanced at Marcus and then away, she'd wanted to pound the crap out of him, but not see something else tear him up.

"Sorry to say, he'll be fine in the morning. Doubt he'll be playing volleyball though."

Charlie jumped back in the car and slammed the door closed. "Okay.. we are ready to go... sorry." He handed Caleb his kit and leaned back in the seat.

Fauve nodded to Richie, remaining quiet, her feelings towards the man were hostile to say the least. But she tried to remain impassive.

Once the car was moving again, Richie moved his hand and let Caleb work his magic on the wounds. "Hey.. he's just an ass... he's not worth the soap we wash his mouth out with.. let it go. I don't know what he said up there, but let it go."

Her jaw tightened and she looked out the back window, trying not to let Marcus's words echo in her ears. Her hand clenched into a fist and she whispered through her teeth. "Right."

His hand curled around hers and he spoke softly. "Oooookay then.. how about you tell me later what he said and maybe I'll have Caleb just patch him up enough for you to finish knocking the stuffing out later. I'm sorry... I didn't know that you... if I'd known...if I hadn't have said what I did... I'm sorry."

"If you'd known what?" She asked softly, her eyes still staring distantly out the window. Her hand moved slightly under his, not quite curling with his, but loosening up a bit.

"If I had any idea you would be here, I would have kept him home, that's all," he whispered, apologetically. "I really want to talk when we get back, okay?"

She nodded. "Alright.. we can talk..." She whispered softly, resting her cheek against his as she faced the back windshield, watching the dark road stretch out behind them.

He turned briefly, resting a soft kiss to her cheek, then turning back to let her lean. He closed his eyes, speaking softly being so close to her ear. "How are you doing with that arm, Caleb?"

Caleb patched Marcus up decently, enough in the twenty minute ride, that he would not have to be 'repatched' when they arrived. He packed up his kit, knowing Marcus would need rest and possibly an tranfusion. As they pulled up to the gates and passed through, he checked Marcus's pulse again and nodded, satisfied. "He's good.. rest, some IV fluids.. maybe some blood.. he'll live."