InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "beavers and ducks!"

tao_ (tao_) wrote,
@ 2010-11-13 18:54:00

Who: Nikoli, Tao, and Riley
What: caught in the cross fire
Where: Tao's city office

Taking a turn around the club, Tao made sure things were going well. The DJ was happy, the dance floor was crowded, the bar was occupied. He kept to the edges, not feeling the need to play host, to mingle. He'd gotten the call that there was trouble, easily taken care of of course, and on it's way. So he only caught the eye of his staff, gave the signal to carry on without him and moved on. The back rooms he didn't even bother walking through. A quick check in showed that things were under control, but then again things always ran a bit more smoothly back there. They had to, and the rules were much more strict. He was not in the mood to deal with another issues. Not when they had plans to catch the pastor in the thick of things this week yet. Finalization of plans were underway and they could not delay. It would look too suspicious.

On his way back to his office a drink was offered, he took it and then closed the door. They knew enough to leave him be until he came out again. He was sincerely hoping that this issue was a small one. He had a sort of reputation. Oh for the most part it was quiet, the council had no idea. He worked to keep it that way. Still, his reputation had enough 'strays' finding their way to his territory. They still had to swear fealty, many had to be under watch and a usefulness found, but there it was. His territory was unique in that there was no core family to make it up, it was a menagerie of families, of those without, and those needing the safety of strangers. Now was not a good time to work on helping yet another stray to fit in and find safety, work and home.

Taking a seat behind the desk he took a long drink of his mixed blood and alcohol and looked over the notes he would need for the meeting with Riley tonight. He didn't bother to answer the knock at the door, knowing that Marcus would simply bring in the troublemaker anyway. He did look up and out of habit lock the computer screen, as the door opened.

Marcus was a man that got away with being intimidating simply because he did not look it. Affable, was the best word to describe him, and he only got involved with the shifter because he knew that there was a current ban on the pack allowing the young ones into the city by themselves. There had been disappearances, of both pack and vampires. Everyone was being more careful. Still, no vampire wanted to deal with pack if they could help it, so it was Tao's job to get him sent back for his punishment. A hand at the scruff of the shifter's neck was only to remind him that Marcus, was much stronger, and faster, than he looked. He pushed Nikoli forward and then closed the door behind them.

"Here he is. Was out alone, pretty sure that's a big no no right now. Not very talkative, figure you could get more out of him. For the record, the dog here didn't start the trouble, just made sure to finish it."

A small, very small, token of respect in his voice had Tao raising a brow. "Well, isn't that the complete obvious of most of the pups. Thank you Marcus, I'll take care of it. See Renee at the bar on your way out." He lifted a chin to the door and Marcus gave a small shake of the head to the shifter before leaving the office and closing the door. There was someone not far of course, so not a worry of the shifter trying something. Once it was just the two of them Tao pointed to a chair in front of the desk. Waiting for the young man to take a seat he looked him over, not bothering to hide his summation of him.

"Let's start at the beginning. Why are you on your own?"

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nkli
2010-11-14 01:04 am UTC (link)

Nikoli hadn’t been out for trouble that much he had been certain off. It had been about three months since he had set off on his journey, except it wasn’t so much of a journey as it was him trying to escape and run until he found somewhere safe. Things hadn’t exactly been easy since his own pack had disbanded after their numbers had dropped. It hadn’t been safe to stick together with no pack leader and no one willing to step up. Nik wasn’t fit for the job; none of the males had been so it had simply been safer to split. Of course that decision hadn’t exactly worked in Nik’s favour who soon found himself on the run from humans and other packs. It had forever proved difficult to find safety, everywhere was either a no go zone or belonged to a pack who didn’t seem that comfortable by a packless shifter in their midst.

The city had provided a place to grab something to eat, to move through crowds hopefully unnoticed, until someone, an idiot that didn’t know when to mind his own business, decided to make Nik’s presence his business. The altercation hadn’t gone well, sure Nik had defended himself but he had lost out perhaps because of exhaustion or merely being the weaker one and in the end found himself being dragged off like some naughty school boy. He’d have laughed at the thought if he actually found anything funny these days.

The club wasn’t a welcome change of pace or scenery, the loud music, the crush of bodies had Nik cringing, turning his face away from any light, his body tensing at the feeling of music vibrating through him, the brush of another being against him. He was marginally grateful when he was dragged into an office, away from the noise and the bodies.

While having his captor gone was a bonus, Nik was pretty certain he was in for trouble unless he talked himself of this. Although he wasn’t really in the talking mood, one thing he had learnt from his father, talking never did anyone any good, especially a packless shifter. Taking the seat motioned to by Tao, he glanced at the man for a moment, sizing him up before he looked down, shrugging at the question. He wasn’t after anything, that he had decided on, he had just wanted to make his way through, no trouble, no fuss.

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tao_
2010-11-14 01:15 am UTC (link)

His senses were probably not quite as keen as a shifter's, still, they were strong enough. Something didn't smell right. The boy, and he did look barely more than that, smelled almost transient. That smell of someone that didn't stay in one place long, that didn't have a place to call home and bathe, and change, eat and rest.

Tao narrowed his eyes at the shrug but didn't yet move. "A shrug, is not an answer. Are you unaware of the curfew or the reason for it? It is not safe for any of us to be on our own." His voice, was emotionless. Flat steel. He didn't have time to waste on an idiot pup but even the pups that came out to play were a bit more defiant than this one.

Tao was used to the dark eyes, flashes of temper that they barely kept concealed. Youth often had them acting up without realizing how quickly they could be put back into their places. "Your answer could mean the difference between my punishment as well as your leader's, and dealing with my punishment and sent on your way. So, for the last time, why are you out on your own?"

Something caused an itch at the back of his neck. Something that made him think this wasn't just a wayward pup starting trouble at the absolutely wrong time. Riley was good about keeping the most boisterous under some sort of guard, and those that weren't a handful didn't need the city lights or drink to entertain themselves.

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nkli
2010-11-14 01:36 am UTC (link)

Nik couldn't stop the frustrated sigh that left him, picking at the dirt under his nails as he found his voice, hoarse from not being used that much and tired from physical exhaustion. "I'm not looking for trouble, I was passing through." He explained simply.

That was all he wished to give. Who ever this man was, he wasn't someone Nik had the time to get to know. Sure he had made threats, probably could do some damage, that was if Nik cared or there was a leader to punish for Nik's bad behaviour. The whole thought was laughable but again, Nik wasn't in that much of a mood to laugh. Right now his mind was more concerned with sitting this spot of bother out and getting back on his way. Surely there was somewhere he could go that would get him out of the way of the trouble that was brewing, somewhere he'd be safe and on his own and not worrying about who was after him or who's toes he was stepping on just by being around.

He shifted in his seat, muscles tense, ready to react to anything, everything. The creature unnerved him, perhaps because he seemed to have power, to have enough to make him seem intimdating. He certainly had Nik on edge, his body shifting uncomfortably. He had no idea how things worked around this place, they seemed different from what he was used to but either way, it wasn't something he wanted to be part of.

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tao_
2010-11-14 01:48 am UTC (link)

Finally an answer, and it perked Tao up right away. There had been no word of him, no prior permissions asked for or given. He was, for all intents and purposes, declaring war on his territory. Worse, the idiot seemed to not even realize it. Tao wondered what he did realize.

A quick lick to his lower lip and he folded his hands in his lap. "Passing through was it? You are aware that you needed to procure permission from, at the very least, the Master of this territory before you attempted to pass through at all? That the Master of this territory is a member of council and is responsible for everyone in what the humans call this and the next three counties?"

He smiled slowly then. He was betting the boy knew none of that, let alone that he had a chance for sanctuary if he'd bothered to ask for it in advance. Tao might have actually been able to help the idiot, except for the fact that he just walked into pack land. With his position still new, there was no way Riley could let something like this slide, even if Tao might have.

His eyes slid to the box on the desk. A replacement he was taking home with him, and suddenly had other possibilities. "Your name." It wasn't a request, or a question, and he brought eyes back up to the boy's. Pressing just slightly at his mind to see if it had been glamoured at all in the past, his own eyes went black as obsidian with small flashes of what looked almost like stars.

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nkli
2010-11-14 02:02 am UTC (link)

Something seemed to please the man before him about his answer, perhaps it was because he'd gotten one or perhaps because Nik had been honest and admitted he wasn't out to cause trouble, just pass through with out disturbing anyone or anything if he could help it. However it soon became apparent that what had the man so pleased was that Nik had no idea about the laws of the land he was in, or the trouble he had caused and was in by being hear. It was enough to have Nik shifting nervously, looking to the man to try and figure out what he was thinking but failing. All he read was amusement and not the best kind either.

"I...I didn't mean any harm. I'm trying trying to get to the coast, that's all." He explained, hoping it helped. "I didn't know I needed permission otherwise I wouldn't..."

He wouldn't have what? come this way? of course he wouldn't but no doubt he would have found trouble on another route eventually. Why not just get it over with? Yet something about this man struck fear into him more than any consideration for trouble. He wasn't sure he was liking where this meeting was going.

"Nikoli." He replied quietly, wetting his lips. "Look please, I just want to get out of here. I didn't mean to break any laws or rules and I'm really sorry about that."

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tao_
2010-11-14 02:12 am UTC (link)

Nothing. His mind was clean, so at least he wasn't sent as some sort of trap or test. Not that it mattered. It wasn't technically his problem to deal with. Still, he could smell the fear in waves. The boy, Nikoli, was doing a very poor job of even trying to cover it.

His mind worked quickly, politics were something he excelled at. He wouldn't have survived, let alone risen, without them. He could balance the human and vampire politics easily, it was the pack's that would be the problem. Still, he had a slight upper hand in that. He knew how he could diffuse a possible problem with Riley. Considering the time crunch they were dealing with and the relative danger any preternatural creature was in right now, an idiot pup from another pack was minor.

"Nikoli. Well then, I should warn you, I do believe handing you over to the pack is the preferred course of action. Unfortunately for you, their sentence would be death. However, you've come to me and I have been known to give safe passage and even sanctuary for those without a family of their own. For certain acts of loyalty and sworn fealty of course."

He stood up and his fingers brushed the box, pulling it from the desk to behind his back as he walked to stand in front of the desk and stare down at him. His eyes bled to normal and he nodded. "I will need to know, what is your pack? Do not think of lying." If he was from the West there was no option, he knew that much. A message would have to be sent and Riley would be sure to be the one to send it.

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nkli
2010-11-14 02:21 am UTC (link)

What was this guy on about? What did any of this matter? All he had to do was let Nik walk out the door and he'd be no more trouble, he'd be gone from everyone's lives easy enough. Why was this creature making such a big issue over a small mistake? He shook his head, frowning in confusion finding himself becoming agitated and more unsure about what was going on. It seemed the more he said, the more he got into hot water. He should have kept his mouth shut.

"I don't know." He replied. "I don't have a pack, they split ages ago, I don't even know where I am so I couldn't tell you anything. Just let me go would you?"

Nik found himself standing up, frowning at the man. "I'm sorry, I broke your rules but it wasn't intentional, I was just passing through, please, just let me go. I'll never trouble you again, I swear it."

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tao_
2010-11-14 02:28 am UTC (link)

The box set down again behind him on the desk, Tao didn't flinch. Packless. He was pretty sure there was a name for that. He knew other packs disliked it. Immensely. He must have been raised without a pack completely to not even think there would be rules to be wary of.

"So you belong to no one." Again it wasn't a question. It was simply another fact to keep in mind if he was going to do anything other than hand the boy over to a death sentence. He gave a short nod.

"Well then, you have, from what I can see, three options Nikoli." He slipped some sort of accent on the boy's name, one he'd let go of a long time ago. "You can try and run. Just leave, but I don't think your chances are good. You can wait for the local pack to claim you and most likely kill you. Or you can ask for sanctuary from the Master. I'd give it some consideration." He glanced to the chair again.

"Something to drink or eat while you consider?"

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nkli
2010-11-15 01:41 am UTC (link)

Nik eyed the man, wary and careful of what the other was suggesting or even representing. This wasn't anything he wanted. He had his plans, none of which concerned a pack or seeking sanctuary in a plce he knew nothing about or cared for that matter. He hands tenses, knuckles flexing as each option was given to him. He belonged nowhere and with no one, he knew that, he was a loner, destined to seek out his out life on his own. It was safer that way, easier to hide that way.

"I'm fine, thanks." he replied to the offer and sank back in his seat.

He already knew what he wanted but he wasn't dumb, he could see the risks with each option, his preferred choice would land him in as much trouble as anything else.

"if I chose to ask for sanctuary, what would that require?" he asked carefully. Nik had made no decision as of yet, he simply needed to know what each option entailed.

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tao_
2010-11-15 03:16 am UTC (link)

Tao hadn't backed down with Riley no matter how much power flickered over him, so he was not going to back down from this one. He didn't even seem to realize he had any power, because nothing flickered over his skin but the fear and nerves. So he didn't move until Nikoli sat again.

Leaning back against the desk he crossed his arms over his chest and let him mull things over. He was on a time crunch of course, with a meeting still that evening, but he wasn't going to let that deter things.

"It's different for everyone. Depending on how much trouble I personally have to go to in order to ensure sanctuary. First, let me explain what it offers you." Rising he turned to go behind the desk, pulling out a small file.

"Sanctuary, gives you certain rights. You are allowed to go anywhere in this territory that is not by treaty pack lands. You can travel from this territory if requested in advance so I can get the proper information out to others that you travel under my protection. You are allowed to hunt, again not on pack lands, you are free from persecution or danger. You can work, and live freely. Obeying the simple rules set out. No hunting of humans. No turning or infecting of another without prior permission. Any problems are brought to my attention. Under my protection means you are not to be touched without a grievance being brought before me. I am sole judge and punishments are up to me. The only exception, is the local pack. That is all put forward in the treaty."

He smiled and slid the file over. It had all that information as well as places that were considered safe to live and were free to live if working at any of Tao's businesses. Work there was always open and pay was adequate, with the free rent.

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nkli
2010-11-16 07:07 pm UTC (link)

it all sounded good, it even appealed to part of Nik but he knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. He could deal with pledging loyalty to this man but still, something just didn't sit right with Nik.

He looked over the file before him, all the points made before he sank back in his seat, tilting his head a little suspiciously. "And what's the cath?" He asked.

Maybe he was being overly cautious or paranoid but this creature had no reason to offer sanctuary to him, not when apparently he had broken rules and laws. In all honestly, Nik wasn't convinced by the whole thing or sure he had any reason to trust the man, in fact he did, he didn't even know his name.

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tao_
2010-11-16 08:04 pm UTC (link)

He would have to negotiate with the pack of course. That would not be easy but depending on how quickly Riley had brought the new treaty up, he might be able to use that. He'd let go of tribute after all. Even if it had truly only been fair, if he disliked it himself more than he let on. The point was, he bent, he should expect some bending in return.

"First of all, to do anything other than hand you over immediately, will cost me. Therefore, it is only fair that it cost you." He glanced to the file himself and thought. His usual was to take a new person somewhere safe. Those that needed the most work or attention were brought to his place outside of town. Some stayed indefinitely, like William. However, he could most likely kill two birds with one stone.

"One year. You will serve one year. Your housing and food will be taken care of, you will be allowed a hunt on the grounds twice a month. You will not leave the estate to the city in that time. You will respect the other servants and once the year is up, you will have whatever life you choose. Any job I have within the organization, any schooling, any apartment in the city. As long as the usual rules are followed and pack left on it's own."

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nkli
2010-11-16 08:39 pm UTC (link)

Nik listened. Something about it sounded more like a prison sentence and frankly, Nik didn't like it. He had spent too long on his own, following his own rules, dealing with life his own way to have it changed and to conform easily to someone else's rules. Of course he found it all funny, insulting and funny, but he neither smiled or frowned. For a while he simply sat there, as if making up his mind, but that was already done. One year for one mistake that could be fixed easily? no way, Nik prefered his freedom.

"Thanks, but I'm not interested." Nik finally said, getting up. "That might sound like heaven to others, probably because it is but I've looked after myself for a long time and frankly, I don't need some rich pwoerful stranger to help me get by. Not to mention, servant? No thank you, it's a nice offer but no thank you. I'll my chances on my own."

Nik's one issue was stubborness. It wasn't because he was young, he'd been surviving just fine on his own to know that reckless behaviour got him nowhere. He had grown up fast, he had his wits about him, he had knowledge to get him by. He didn't need to be given lessons by a stranger.

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tao_
2010-11-16 08:59 pm UTC (link)

Tao rose as well, slipping his hand into his pocket and shook his head. "That's really too bad, because you see, there's the shifters, or me. Such a shame really." He walked around the desk and knocked at the door to let Marcus come back in. He stood to the side and pulled out the collar from his pocket to hand to Marcus.

He gave a nod to Nikoli and Marcus frowned. He wasn't too disappointed, if anything it at least saved him time. "I like this collar. Careful of the silver. Put him in the trunk, I have a meeting tonight and he can simply be put on the agenda."

Marcus was enforcement in the most literal sense of the word. Tao pursed his lips and stood blocking the door. "I really am on a tight schedule, and we'll see what the pack has to say then. Conscious or unconscious makes no difference to me. So be a good boy and we'll be on our way."

Marcus reached for the scruff of his neck. "Not a member of pack then? Shame, seems a rather intelligent pup."

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nkli
2010-11-16 09:17 pm UTC (link)

Nik frowned, not liking this exchange, as if he wasn't even in the room. He reacted to the hand coming towards him, smacking it away before his other hand came up sharp in the form of a fist, connecting nicely with Marcus's nose. He heard the crunch, a sound that Nik wasn't fond of, he was fond of violence or anything associated with violence but there was a difference between that and defending himself and that was what he'd do. He'd fight to the death if he had to.

"Now listen here," He growled, his eyes darkening with annoyance. "I'm sorry I broke your stupid rules, but it was an accident, so just do me a favour and let me go. I'll be gone before you know it and you can go back to your cozy life playing big boss."

It wasn't so much a suggestion as it was a demand. Nik could sense the hotwater he was in, the hair on the back of his neck standing on end as he watched both men. If he had known this was the kind of trouble he'd find here, he'd have gone north, not wandered into this place.

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tao_
2010-11-16 09:39 pm UTC (link)

He was being honest when he said he was on a time schedule and he had gone out of his way to be nice. No one appreciated it anymore. At least he didn't have to worry about a reputation for being too nice. Not when there was blood now on his carpet. His eyes went black as obsidian and he glanced from the blood to the boy.

"I just replaced this carpet." His hands were out of his pockets as he rushed forward. Palms out to push Nikoli back over the desk. His elbow came up next and he let Marcus deal with his nose and if necessary, get his gun out. He really hated guns. He preferred things to be simpler.

"These stupid rules are the same everywhere. Be lucky Marcus isn't one to hold grudges. Silver." He growled and held out a hand for the collar to shove the silver at his throat.

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nkli
2010-11-16 09:58 pm UTC (link)

Nik had and hadn't expected the attack but he barely had time to react before he found himself on the desk, held down by the man before him. This wasn't exactly going to plan but Nik would prefer this over going willingly. Seeing the collar, he struggled, growling in frustration. This situation was simply going from bad to worse.

"He might not but I do." He hissed back.

He could handle the pain, although it no doubt would slow him down, but he wasn't going to give up easily. If it meant this guy was late for his meeting then all the better, if anything it amused Nik, he hoped it went to show that not even the most powerful had all the control.

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tao_
2010-11-16 10:18 pm UTC (link)

He caught the clasp and got it around his neck. Holding onto the back of it to keep it near choking with the silver pressed tight. "So do I." He snarled.

Yanking back he flung Nikoli into the side wall. "Especially when it comes to my office. I dislike having my good will thrown back in my face. We tried being nice, now we do it the old fashioned way."

He really just needed him unconscious and then bound and he could finish his meeting before dealing with him. He wasn't in the mood to deal with him now. A look at Marcus and the man nodded, wiping at his face. Tao paced just a moment before going to pick Nikoli up again.

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nkli
2010-11-16 10:29 pm UTC (link)

Landing against the wall wasn't exactly a mild thing, Nik's head having smacked against the wall in the process. He let out a soft groan and slumped, his vision blurred as the room seemed to spin. He knew he needed to focus but it was hard when his head was pounding and he thought he was going to pass out at any second. The man was talking, going on about his hospitality and Nik wanted to say something back, say something about his hospitality had never been wanted by Nik.

He felt himself being picked up again and he forced himself to focus on the man, his skin burning and itching from where the collar had been held tight against his skin.

"You and your good will can go to hell." He breathed, managing to move his hand to backhand Tao.

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tao_
2010-11-16 10:38 pm UTC (link)

He wasn't out yet, but he was pretty limp in his grasp, a good sign he thought. He wondered if the pup would make it through the night now. Just when he thought maybe there was a way to save the headstrong idiot, he smacked him. Marcus' warning growl had him smiling.

Tao licked at his lip. "Blood. Oh, poor thing. That, is going to cost you." He slammed him back into the wall a few times before tossing him to Marcus. "Cuffs, in silver, I don't want him able to shift, or move. And fix the fucking carpet."

Marcus had the gun out and would have happily put a bullet in him but would live with just beating on the kid until he was out. Then maybe another hit or two while getting him in the car.

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nkli
2010-11-16 10:58 pm UTC (link)

Nikoli was out after his head was smashed against the wall so anything that came after he wasn't aware of at all. He had a passing thought that maybe the smack hadn't been worth it but at least he hadn't backed down, even though he knew he was pretty fucked now.

The darkness was a welcomed, protection from the pain and trauma inflicted on his body. There were no dreams just darkness and no concious awareness of any handcuffs or car trunk.

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tao_
2010-11-16 11:13 pm UTC (link)

Tao grabbed the last of his things and went to the car. Marcus handed him the keys and nodded. The boy was in the trunk. Thankfully. Hopefully he'd stay unconscious until he got him into the house. He'd hate to have William shoot him. William, had no qualms about doing so. The drive out of town was winding, he never took the same way twice and checked to be sure of safely getting there without prying eyes. Once there he opened the trunk and pulled the boy out shoving him over his shoulder and headed to the room. There was a hook in the floor, and the room offered all kinds of tools, but he simply put the chain through the collar and cuffs then locked it to the hook in the floor so he could get to his knees only. Closing the door behind him he left him there and headed to his office.

William brought him a drink and he told the man to let Riley straight in as soon as he came. He didn't need to mention leaving the boy alone as no one went into that room but Tao, and his guest of the night. Lately that had been Riley, and even that had been over a week ago.

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amulius
2010-11-17 02:26 am UTC (link)

Heightened security on pack lands meant that traveling to Tao's house on four paws was a luxury and a comfort that Riley could not afford. He had taken to driving his old rusty four by four to meet with the vampire. His truck was loud and obnoxious, but it was a decidedly human machine, and the smell of gasoline and exhaust masked his scent. He pulled up the driveway a few minutes before the time he was scheduled to meet with Tao, anticipation growing in the pit of hs stomach as he shut off the engine, stepped out of the truck, and climbed the stairs to enter the building. The place was very familiar now, he could smell himself in it, smell the absence of scent that spelled out Tao's presence, and the dead blood that had once unnerved him now only registered on the farthest edges of his perhipfery. He passed through the hallways with ease, and entered Tao's office confidently. Once inside, his lips parted and then widened into a toothy grin.

"Tao." He said, striding to the vampire, the excitement clear in his eyes and bubbling up in the warm aura of power that surrounded him. Without another word, he reached out one of his broad hands, wrapping it around the back of the vampire's neck, drawing him in. He licked a drop of his drink from the corner of his mouth and then pressed a searing kiss to his lips. "Mm." He groaned and inhaled deeply, eyes closing briefly and then opening when he realized that there was an unfamiliar scent on the vampire. He pulled back slightly, leaving mere inches between their faces. "Tao.." He repeated, his eyebrows furrowing. "You smell like silver." He inhaled again, "-and shifter. But-" Confusion crossed his face. "Another dead? I hadn't heard anything."

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tao_
2010-11-17 02:50 am UTC (link)

A frown pulled at his mouth. There was enough to deal with, without adding in some packless pup with that much of an attitude. It could have been worse of course, but that didn't mean it couldn't be better as well. His tongue slipped over his lower lip where he'd taken a backhanded smack. It upset him more that he let him get it in. He stood as soon as Riley came in and felt some of the tension leave his shoulders. He shouldn't be allowing anyone get to him this much but he already knew it was too late.

A moan reverberated in his throat at the kiss, the slight sting of lip and the feel of teeth. He might have forgotten about the seemingly brain dead pup when Riley smelled him and he sighed. With a nod he backed up a step. "There was an, incident. A shifter was brought in for getting into a fight. Around humans no less. The problem is, he's packless."

The problem was he was stubborn, and now in a difficult position. Tao's lips twitched. "I do have an idea of what to do with him though."

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amulius
2010-11-17 04:44 am UTC (link)

"Clanless?" Riley echoed the word with a throaty growl, and not the pleasant kind that he usually uttered when he was around Tao. There was no lust in that sound. There was passion, yes, but that passion was for the duty that Riley had to follow the ancient rules of his pack that transcended even clan. Clanless. Just saying the word made Riley want to spit, let alone thinking about it.

"Where is it?" The shifter asked, raising a hand to squeeze Tao's upper arm. "Did anyone see? Any of the cubs?" He would have continued, except that all at once there was a very interesting expression on Tao's. "What are you talking about?" He asked, feeling the hair stand up on the back of his neck, "I know what I have to do. A clanless trespassed on my lands. I have to kill him." His mouth felt dry. "But, what did you have in mind?"