Sitting cross legged on the porch, I'm poring over a novel when I sense Law standing behind me. I continue reading, getting a couple pages out of the way when he speaks, bemused. "Sometimes you really surprise me."
I mark my page and set the book down in front of me. "Elaborate?" He comes to stand at my side, looking down on me with his fangy smile. Pointing to the book, which just happens to be Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I shoot him a cocky look, on the defense. "Got an issue with my taste in literature, tiger?"
His striped tail twitches as he laughs. "Just seems a little tame for a um...for you."
I huff, feigning annoyance, and grab his tail, using it as leverage to lift myself up. He yelps, but can't hide his smile. I pick my book up and hold it to my chest. "Little Women is a classic, for your information."
He shakes his head. "Sure, sure....Malkavians." He mumbles under his breath. "Anyway. I noticed you haven't set off for supper yet..." I look at him, eyebrow raised. "Care to double team?"
Hunting with another vampire? Heh, don't see that figuring out too well. "Dunno about that. I'm...not very good at sharing."
"Oh, trust me darlin', I've noticed. I'm sure we could find enough of a Kine accumulation so that your selfish ways won't be hindered. It is All Hallow's Eve, after all." Halloween. Oh, my. I forgot all about that. All the kiddies will be out trick or treating. My mouth practically waters at the prospect. Law must notice my look of longing, and gives me a smug look. "Mmhmm, knew that would spark your interest." Swinging the car keys around his finger, he gestures to his prized forest green Chevelle. "Onward undead soldier!" I can't help but laugh as I climb into the ostentatious machine.
I practically leaped from the car as we drove through the surrounding neighborhoods. Masked and costumed children paraded every sidewalk. Oh, all the little innocent ones. S'like a buffet! My fingers were on the door handle when Law clamped a clawed hand over my own. "Compromise with me, darlin'. No kids tonight. I know they're your.." He makes a face. "...favorite, but let's find someone at least out of grade school." I growl at him, quietly. When I make a nonchalant attempt to remove my hand from under his, he tightens his grip and shoots me a look. He may be stronger than me but is he faster? Maybe I could hop out and get my teeth into one or two before he.. "Give it up, Mad. You know I'll take ya down, and I'd rather not have to cause a scene in front of the trick or treaters."
The tension in the car is thick for a moment while I try to quell my own beast. I let my hand drop from the door handle and settle back into the seat. "Do you realize how close you come to evisceration on a nightly basis?"
He pats my hand. "Well aware, darlin'." I huff and sulk as I look out the window at all the delicious treats I must abstain from. Catching a stray thought from Law ..lord she's cute when she pouts.. I shake my head an infinitesimal amount. Something seriously wrong with that boy.
An hour later we're in the more urban part of town. The Kine on the street are predominately adult, haunting the various bars and taverns. He pulls in front of a nondescript building, set apart from the more bustling storefronts. A lone, rusted sign advertises the bar as Emerald's. Hopping out of the car, he comes around to the passenger side when he notices I'm still immobile. I glance at him skeptically. "Gosh, Lawrence. This is certainly a kickin' joint."
He bares his teeth at me in a smile. "Hmm...yeah not many people come here. Just a handful, or so."
I reach out with my mind, getting a feel of the activity inside the building. Half a dozen Kine in various states of inebriation. Plus the bartender. Oh! My eyes light up when I realize his scheme. "Law...you scoundrel. Do you mean to say that I'm...um..that WE are going to clear the entire establishment?"
"Glad you caught on, darlin'." He holds his hand out to assist my exit from the car, claws already sprouting from his fingers. I lift myself out of the seat, ignoring his assistance, but intertwine my fingers with his once I close the door. His face reflects the usual pleased surprise he shows whenever I reciprocate his affectionate gestures. As we walk into the gloom of the bar, thoughts of affection are replaced with the thrill of blood lust. I'm pondering who I want to take down first when Law tosses his head back in a ferocious roar of hunger. I turn to him in amazement. And here I thought I was the beast in this party. His eyes gleam red as he grins and leaps across a table, landing in between the couple whose faces are frozen in shock. As soon as his teeth break skin, the smell of blood hits me and I'm on my own course. I stalk towards the pool table, picking one of the cues up as I approach the two brawny men who brandish theirs at me. Throwing it like a javelin, I impale one of the men through the stomach. While the speared one moans and gurgles, I swat the cue out of the others hands and rip into him, tearing a chunk of flesh from his throat. The hot, ruby liquid sprays out like a fountain, soaking me before I latch onto him like a leech. As his heart slows I see a female trying to make it to the back door. I throw the partially drained body from me and take after her, getting a hold on her as she tries to slip past the jukebox. The Guess Who is cut of mid note when I smash her head through the front. I'm humming American Woman as I gut her with a shard of glass, before burying my fangs in my throat. I drop her body, and it hits the ground with a sick thump. There's still a heart beating in here! Of course. The bartender! My senses tell me he's currently cowering behind the bar. I make my way towards his hiding spot when I catch Law progressing in the same direction. I immediately assume a predatory crouch, snarling like a possessive dog. He grins at me, fangs colored red with blood. With a little bow he gestures me forward, his voice is a growl when he speaks. "Be my guest, darlin'."
Taking a seat on a nearby stool, he sets his eyes on me and waits for me to make my move. His attentiveness spurs me to put on a little show. I wrench the pool stick from the stomach of the now dead biker and vault onto the bar top. Still humming to myself, I walk down the wood, kicking glasses and bowls over, listening to the crashes. When I up end the napkin holder, it lands with a soft thump, rather than a crash. I smile wickedly, crouching down to peek under the bar. "Foooound you!" The bartender screams and I take advantage of his open mouth and jam the pool stick into it, giggling when it rips through the back of his skull, shattering a bottle of brandy. I lift the stick and his convulsing body and flop it onto the back counter, shattering more bottles before I bite into the bartenders thigh, tearing open his femoral artery in another gush of blood.
Briefly forgetting my audience, I stretch, eyes closed, and let out a contented sigh. Licking my fingers clean, I pull my blood soaked hair off my neck. I feel a whisper of movement behind me and tense up. I open my eyes and in the bar back's mirror I see Law at my back. His yellow eyes gleam with a different sort of hunger. He takes my hair out of my grasp and sweeps it over my shoulder. I watch as he lowers his face to the crook of my neck. The rasp of his tongue sends shivers down my spine. I focus on his reflection as he methodically licks the vitae from my shoulder, my neck. His claws softly press into my skin as he grips my shoulders. When he lifts his head to meet my gaze again, I bite my lip, conflicted, unsure how to respond. He slowly turns my body to face him. Using his claws he gently releases my lip from the confines my teeth. Oh, god. I....oh. I don't know...how...what. When his mouth meets mine in a kiss, I have no choice but to reciprocate. His soft lips are a stimulating contrast to the rough abrasion of his tongue. He reaches behind us and sweeps his arm over the counter, sending bottles crashing to the floor. Without breaking the kiss, he grasps my hips and lifts me onto the table. He pulls away, leaving the taste of his mouth and sweet vitae in mine. His eyes are on mine as he unbuttons my shirt, sliding it down my arms and tossing it to the floor. Nestling his face between my breasts, he gently nips at my skin. Voice like a deep purr, he asks. "Is this ok?"
My head is spinning from these unknown sensations. "...o...k?" His hands slowly tease from my calves, past my knees, pushing my skirt up as he exposes my skin. Nudging his way in between my legs he kneels until he's level with my waist. Running his tongue along the inside of my thigh, he turns his head up to peer at me. Yellow eyes shining, his teeth elongate. Still holding my gaze, he buries his fangs into my thigh. I gasp, my hand creeping forward to grip his hair. My response incites him, and with a growl he bites in deeper. "Aah..." I whimper in pleasure...or confusion...I can't figure out.. My senses are in an incomprehensible tangle.
Law rises from his kneel. His mouth is smeared with my blood, and I savor the taste when he kisses me. This I understand. Blood. But what is...what am I feeling? What is he feeling? HOW is he feeling? His hands slip under my skirt, fingers skating along my skin as he slides my panties down my legs. I feel the faintest twinge of misgiving. I place my hands on his chest, initially to put space between us, perhaps take a minute to get my bearings. Instead I find myself exploring the planes and muscles under his shirt. My reciprocation seems to entice him more. His claws trace a pattern along my throat as his moves his hand to grip the back of my neck firmly. His tongue continues to explore my own as he deepens our kiss. His other hand runs down my body, before relocating to his own. His lips make their way from mine, grazing my jawline as he nibbles his way along my collarbone. I hear the snap and jangle of his belt as he works it open. The quiet purr of his zipper as he pulls it down. Oh. Oh, god! No! The sounds push my psyche into unwarranted hysteria.
My memories flash to him. My maker. His knife point pressed into my throat as he yanks off his belt. Grunting and thrusting on top of me as he robs me of innocence. The painful pressure of his intrusion. Too terrified to move. To fight. His hands roughly forcing my arms above my head, the belt wrapping around my wrists. The knife as it traces a torrid line down my body. Down my chest. my stomach. Further down. The blade as it penetrates...
In a panic, I roughly push a bewildered Law away from me. He hits the bar with a yelp. I pull my legs up onto the counter, wrapping my arms around them protectively. Placing my head on my knees, I whimper when I feel his tentative touch. "Mad, what..."
I jerk away, not looking at him as I blurt out: "Don't! Just...give me a minute. Please..." It's more like twenty minutes as I struggle to gain purchase on my insubordinate thoughts. When I'm mostly sure I've pulled myself out of a potential episode, I loosen up a fraction, raising my head. Law's pants are gratefully fastened, concern the dominant emotion on his face. "...sorry." I say in an uncharacteristically small voice. Am I sorry? I know he's disappointed, but his voice is steady and sympathetic when he speaks.
"Darlin'...it's...don't worry 'bout it." I uncurl from my position and slide off the counter. Picking my shirt up off the floor, I slide it on and re button it. What the hell is this. Am I embarrassed? Ashamed? Am -I- disappointed? "We should probably make an exit before anyone comes in and notices the...mess."
I nod and we head out to the car. The streets have emptied out a bit, and the lot is shrouded in shadow. Good thing, since I'm still covered in a fair amount of blood. He opens the passenger door for me, his hand brushing my back as I get in. I reactively flinch, looking away so I don't see his reaction to the slight. The car ride home is quiet, save for the thunder of the Chevelle's engine. Ever the masochist, I satiate my curiosity over his silence by taking a peep in his mind. His thoughts are full of...me. I can barely comprehend it. The affection and desire send me scampering into my own brain. I don't get it? How can he feel for me? Doesn't he realize I'm a...monster. Incapable of returning the sentiment? I puzzle over this until we reach the house.
We both exit the vehicle. I slowly amble to the porch until he speaks. Leaning against the hood of the car, he carefully picks his words. "Mad, I know you've gone through some serious...shit. You don't have to tell me about it unless you want to, and from what I'm gathering you don't. That's fine, darlin'. I still want you...uh, want you around. But..." He taps his claws on the hood distractedly. "...I can't help but feel the way I do 'bout ya." He meets my eyes, and in them I see his beast yielding. Showing me his belly.
Oh, no. I can't, I don't know how to deal with this. I can't tell him something I don't feel. Do I not feel? Isn't there something? Do I care enough to try to be something for him? Do I care at all? I open my mouth, unsure of what's going to come out of it. "Law, I...I don't think you really understand what you're getting involved with here. But, knowing you, you're not going to let that hinder your mindset." He nods in assent. "So the best you're going to get...the best I can provide...is a good old fashioned try." Can I do that? Can I try? I answer my own question by stepping up to Law. I can. This is me...trying. Leaning forward, I place my hand on his cheek, pointedly ignoring the slight tremble to my movements. Pressing my lips to his, I try to put some sort of feeling in the kiss. It isn't that hard, is it? When I pull away, he looks gratified. I guess it worked. Catching a glance of my reflection in the windshield I see an oddly similar look on my own face. "I'm gonna go clean myself up." Gesturing to my bloody clothing. "Maybe finish my book." I say with a half smile.
He returns the smile. "I'm going to go for a...run." His tail flicks back and forth and he looks every bit like a restless feline.
Finding myself curious, I cock my head to the side and ask. "As a tiger? I've always wondered what it looks like when you change."
He grins. "Happy to oblige, darlin'." He pulls his shirt over his head, doffing his pants as well. I'm briefly stunned by the exposure of his skin. His body is rippled with muscle, various scars and a few crude tattoos. He catches me staring and raises his eyebrow.
I shake myself out of the distraction. "I was always under the impression nudity wasn't necessary to take on the shape of an animal."
Smirking, he replies. "It isn't." With a flick of his tail, he transforms. One minute it's Law, the next a gorgeous tiger. The graceful animal lopes towards me, moonlight stippling his striped fur. A whiskered head nudges gently at my hand, and I respond by petting it tentatively. Law purrs and stalks away from me. I watch as he bounds into the woods, taking off with a pleased cry. Retreating into the house, I disrobe and step under the hot water, letting it clear my thoughts as well as my body.
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