The Crow: Unforeseen Duet (Alvis Alendran & darkangel76)

Muffled pants and gasps resonated from Lucy's lips as they continued to taste, search and explore Jacob's. Her hips gyrated against his, increasing the tension that had built between them to a feverish pitch. She was lost, completely and utterly lost, swimming in all that was him as she swirled in sensations that made her body shake and shiver, trembling as her cunt began to seethe. She was ready for him, wanting to fall into that sweet oblivion that only he could ever provide. Her body was screaming in agony, begging for sweet release as she bucked wildly, her legs spread as she tried to help him drive deeper.

Lucy's hands trailed up and down Jacob's back, frantically touching, searching. Every thrust brought her closer, made her dizzy! She couldn't get enough. She didn't think she ever would! Crying out, she let her legs encircle his, pulling him closer, closer... Her juices gushed as her body responded, clamping down upon him as her cunt pulsed with orgasmic bliss again and again. Head tilting back, she let out another cry, her body arching hard as another wave washed over her. Sweat and passion filled the air, its scent heavy as she held onto him, relishing the feel of him as her body continued to ride out her orgasms.
 
He'd had the thought that Lucy might be getting close, but then she confirmed everything by all but exploding under him. Feeling her legs around him, her ahands along his back, he felt them pressed so tightly together that there was utterly no space between them, a closeness that would be missed when it was gone. In most cases he would have wanted to ease off of her a little, let her rocevoer a moment, but there was no pause, no mercy.

He drove on, faster still, almost a frenzy of motion to him. As her head tilted back, he bit down on the base of her neck, dragging his teeth across her skin without a moment of pause. Red marks stood out on her pale skin because of it, but he didn't notice, didn't care, planting a kiss on her jaw, then giving a sharp cry of his own as he felt himself swell within her, releasing in a wave within her, no thought of any other result.

A shivering wave rode through him, feeling drawn, wrung out from everything that they had done. He relaxed, resting his weight on Lucy, taking in the sight of her sweat dappled form beneath him. He'd come back for vengeance. But maybe there was something to be won for himself in the world yet after all.
 
Body trembling, legs shaking, Lucy just held on. Her hands moved all over Jacob, his hips thrusting fast, crashing against hers with great fury and ferocity. She whimpered her approvals as she nuzzled his neck, lolled her head so that he could kiss her everywhere. Each kiss he gave her was one to remember. She could feel his lips, his teeth...and it was heaven! A flash of her dream flitted through her mind and she thought of his mouth, that decadent, masterful mouth that seared her to her very core. How she loved his kisses, his taste, just everything.

As Jacob thrust faster and faster, a frenzy of motion as he finally found his rhythm before reaching his own blissful end, Lucy couldn't hold back the tears. So much unbridled passion, raw emotion. It had been bared for this man alone. She was his in mind, body and soul, his marks covering her flesh while his thick cum had filled her up to overflowing. There was no turning back now. As if she would've turned away before. But now, beneath his weight, his warmth enveloping her like a soft blanket, there was no way she'd ever leave his side. Not for anything or anyone.

Lucy clamped her eyes shut, letting the tears of overwhelm subside a little. Her fingers lightly traced circles over Jacob's back and she placed a gentle kiss against his jaw. Slowly, the sound of the music, the crowd began to return, the reality of where they were. She wished it wouldn't, that they could somehow remain in their moment just a bit longer. But she knew they couldn't, not with so many watching on. Her cheeks reddened at the realization that they probably had an audience, but she pushed it from her thoughts. She was with Jacob, her fated, her angel.

Lucy trusted Jacob in every way, her green eyes gazing up at him as her body shivered beneath him. She gave him a smile, her heart full of love and longing. Gently, she cupped the side of his face with one of her hands. The music was getting louder, the lights flashing as she looked into his eyes. "I won't wake from this dream," she said, her smile broadening, her cheeks flushing just a bit more. "I can't now. But I'm glad."
 
Jacob felt his breath shuddering slightly as he panted over top of Lucy. He heard what she said, saw that she was coming back to herself, coming around to her normal way of thinking. With one notable exception. The smile was honest, genuine, and that she would never wake from the dream. And she was glad of it. His hand cupped the sid of Lucy's face, a thumb running along her cheek affectionately.
"I'll always be here for you." He promised her. He could hear no small amount of movement behind him. With some reluctance, he disengaged from Lucy, though not before he leaned in to give one last kiss of the moment, letting it be just that little longer.

He pulled his pants back up before turning around to see what was behind him. Four or five leering men. Jacbo fixed them with an unamused glare.
"Something I can do for you?" He asked coldly.
"How much for a turn for us with her?" One asked eagerly. Jacob nodded, and simply punched the leer off of his face. There were a lot of things that he could stand, insinuating Lucy as a whore was not one of them. One of the other men hit him back. Jacob staggered a moment, hand going to the impact spot. It...hurt.

You are doing nothing for your vengeance, and I can't protect you from this. Sorry kid, but you know there's no free rides. He heard the crow in his mind, and felt a thrill of fear. As another man came close, a bouncer showed up to break it up. Jacob swept up Lucy's discarded shirt, and tossed it to her, grabbing his own, and then shrugging his coat on, but keeping it open to give Lucy the privacy to dress without an audience.
 
Always. It was a strong word and she knew Jacob meant it. Though she wondered if he truly had 'always' or if powers greater than them would find a way to rip them apart. The thought frightened her terribly. Pushing it aside, she chose to forget about that, to live in the 'now'. He meant what he said and that was what mattered. Love and desire coursed through her veins, but they had to get back to reality. The music was loud and she could feel the eyes.

Jacob got up and tossed her, her shirt. She'd almost forgotten her state of undress in such a public place. It was so unlike her. But with Jacob, she couldn't help herself. He unleashed a dark and deep passion, something she was only too happy to explore. He was a gift, unexplainable and she wasn't about to let him be taken for granted.

Lucy heard Jacob address some of the onlookers, her face reddening at the realization that they'd had an audience. Jacob hit one and another hit back. Startled, she pulled on her shirt and went to adjust her shorts. Fortunately she only had one leg to get back into them. Putting them on was far easier than getting them off and as she stood, she could feel Jacob's seed filling her, coating her insides as some spilled out. She reached her arms around him as the crowd gathered, scared yet protective of the man she loved.

"Let's go," Lucy whispered in Jacob's ear, her green eyes fixed on the leering men who now eyed Jacob, ready to fight. "This isn't worth it. You're better than this."
 
There was a part of jacob that wanted snarl, leap back at the men involved, and start swinging. Lose himself in the wild joy of the fight. He hadn't known that he had that side to him until this whole thing had one down, but he managed to rein himself in, mostly becaue he had had the concern of what might happen to Lucy if he left her alone for too long in this pace after what they'd done. There was goign to be a certain expectation now, and if nothing else, that hair of hers would make her stick out very clearly to most men. He nodded to her.
"Yeah. Let's." He agreed, walking away from the men, seeing that there were bouncers involved now. The weight in his coat reminded Jacob that he was still carrying the gun that Artemis had given him. If he had remembered he'd had it, he'd likely have used it.

Ben had always said that having a gun provided options, but it usually ended up feeling too much like a first choice that would settle most anything. And that was why Jacob had never owned one. Still, having it now might be for the best, if he could keep his temper and his mind in place. He felt a little bit of chill working into his body, which he took as a good sign. The colder he felt, the more...dead, the more likely he was to have the gifts that crow seemed to grant. That the crow could withdraw them made the whole situation very curious to him. What more did the bird know that he didn't let on?
"Hey." A voice behind them said plainly. Jacob turned around a moment, looking to see who was there. A thug for certain, his face worn and weathered from years of violence.
"Something I can do for you?" Jacob asked.

"Not here for you. But someone who looks a lot like Aleena was supposed to fucking a guy on the floor? That's got me all kinds fo curious." The thug answered. Jacob felt his blodd all but freeze. The thought hadn't even occurred to him that Aleena might have very well told the two men she was going to see here how she might be dressed, and Lucy was her twin. What had they walked into. Jacob cocked his head, looking at the thug, who actually mirrored the motion. "But you look familiar..." The thug trailed off, trying to place Jacob in his mind. Jacob reached a hand out, catching the man's face and-

Fire behind glass, staring down the poor dumb bastard on this side, seeing the knowledge in the man's eyes that he knew it was over, that his end had found him. What was more, all the men held fire, letting that moment really sink in. no reason for it, none that made any sense other than they all liked it when they showed that they knew it was over. Thunder of gunfire, hammering in, the man twitching as the bullets tore his body up, one man using hollow points and bloody pieces coming out the back of the man when-

Jacob staggered back, the man shoving him away. It took Jacob away from Lucy, and the aftereffects fo the vision robbed him of his balance, dropping onto his back a moment. As he made it to a sitting position, he looked at the thug before the other man could make a move for Lucy. Both men stood still a moment, lining it up, making the connection. Jacob waited for the eyes to widen, knowledge to flood in, making the connection. Jacob felt cold, focused, and knew that the crow was with him in spirit. A gun cleared the holster, and the thug shot Jacob in the chest, the sound breaking over the music, and the screaming began as people either pancked to run, or a few other drew out guns to support the man. Jacob grinned as the bullets passed through him, but didn't slow him. Then the ground around him was chewed up by rounds. He dove, tackling Lucy as the gunfire filled teh air. Killing this man might be a high priority, but he neded to make sure she was clear.
 
They knew who she was? Or, they at least knew her sister! Aleena! Oh god! Panic washed over Lucy as she realized that these men wondered how Aleena's doppelganger—her twin—came to be in Industry! Far as they all knew, she'd died. Yet there she stood, looking just like her, identical due to the genetics they'd shared. Oh, her father was going to take care of this and not in a way that was comforting or soothing. No, she knew the kind of man that bastard was. He'd made it clear when he'd sent the thug to trail her down the other night. Just what was going on? And...why?

Terrified, wanting to run, Lucy didn't even have a chance to react. Before she knew it, Jacob and the man were at each other. Jacob's hands reaching for the man's face, grabbing hold as they stood there locked together, eyes staring into eyes. She sucked in a breath, her mind spinning as they broke apart and Jacob fell back. She rushed to his side, so many questions running through her mind. But she couldn't get answers. Not now, not when the men were looking at him like a cross between pissed and horrorstruck. They must recognize him, she decided. They must KNOW!

The moment the gun went off, the bullet moving straight through Jacob's body, causing him to grin evilly, Lucy knew those men were aware of exactly who Jacob was. And Jacob knew it was time to 'play'. She expected him to leap upon them, to rain down his assaults much like he did in the alley when she was about to be raped. But...he didn't. Instead, he focused on her, moving her out of harm's way as bullets fired and people rushed, screaming as they tried to exit the crowded club. It was as if all hell had broken loose, the flood unleashed with nowhere to run or hide. But she was determined and she wasn't going to get in the way.

Lucy rolled to the side with Jacob, her eyes finding his as chaos rained down upon them. She cupped his cheek gently, her green eyes soft as her red hair sprawled out beneath her like blood. "Go," she whispered. Tears suddenly filled her eyes. "Go, I'll be all right."
 
Jacob smiled down at Lucy, pulling himself partway up. He felt a bullet ripping through him, heading for her by virtue of mometem, and he threw an arm up. The bullet lodged in the limb instead of her chest.
"Head for the bar. They're usually reinforced. Hole up until I finish things." He told her. "Be careful." He reached a hand out, stroking her cheek faintly before he rose, his hand going inot his coat and withdrawing the gun within.

The pistol roared in his hand, spitting rounds into the club, causing more mayhem. The man he was looking for had sought cover somewhere. He wasn't sure where exactly, but he was going to find him. Bullets where flying everywhere, and anyone that wasn't shooting was getting out of the place. That meant that there was a limited amount of time before police arrived in force, and Jacob had no issue with them. He didn't want to hurt anyone that didn't have it coming to them. And taht meant getting things done quickly. There was a flutter of regret as the bullets kept hitting him. It was doing unholy things to his coat, and he'd always liked this coat.

The man he was looking for popped up, fired three rounds in rapid succession that hit Jacob in the chest and neck. Two in the heart made him falter, drop to one knee a moment, before looking back up. The man paled at the realization that Jacob wasn't going down. The bark of the pistol in hand sent a bullet into the leg of the man he wanted. He flicked the safety on the pistol on, and tossed it behind him, letting it land behind the bar. With a little luck, Lucy would find it, have something to protect herself. He was going to be busy.
 
It wasn't a request, but a simple command and one said with all the love of not a predator or a demon. But a mate, lover...an angel. Green eyes closed, Lucy leaned her face into Jacob's palm, relishing the feel of his skin and reluctant to lose that contact they shared. Life was so cruel always taking things away. But, she knew there was no choice now. This was life or death and she wanted life...with Jacob. Without any further hesitation, she stayed low, crouching as she ran across the vast expanse of floor toward the bar. Bullets were flying all around, pinging off walls, lodging in chairs and who knew what else. But she had no time for that as she skidded around the corner and all but threw herself behind the massive thing, tucking herself into a tight ball and giving herself a moment to think.

It was chaos everywhere! People were shouting as they pushed through the doors. They place almost empty the save Jacob, the thugs and herself. She hoped no one had spotted her dramatic getaway. Not that she'd gone very far. There was no way she'd leave Jacob's side. Not if she could help it, not ever! Glass was shattering everywhere! Worried for Jacob, she chanced a peek over the edge of the bar. Her green eyes widened as she saw him get shot. A scream bubbled up in her throat, but he didn't go down. He stayed right where he was, though he stumbled slightly due to the force of the bullets striking his body.

Dead, but not. Her Jacob just stood there, grinning before he fired back and took his gunner down. A tear dripped from one eye as she looked on, watching him move with such grace as vengeance slowly became his and he claimed yet another name on the list. Just then, she saw him toss the gun her way. It skidded to a stop just out of reach. Biting down on her lip, she moved onto her belly and slithered to retrieve it, the thing quite warm against her palm.

Lucy had never really used a gun, something Aleena had scoffed at time and again given the troubled times they'd lived in. But she'd always thought of it as Aleena's world. Her father's world. Something separate from her and the life she lived. Only now, it was necessary as her family pulled her into the fray, this needless mess that they caused as they ruined innocent lives. She held the gun awkwardly in her hand, trying to remember the way Artemis had shown her how to use the thing a time or two in the past. The spunky girl had told her she was going to teach her even if she didn't want it. It had made her laugh, that girl's determination and concern. Artemis hadn't teased her for her lack of desire. It had always been about care. Even in the short time they'd gotten to know each other. Yeah, she was the sister she should've had.

Lucy let her fingers grip the handle, remembering what she was supposed to do. She peeked once again to see who was who and where they were. She set her sights on one of the thugs scoping out the perimeter of the room, looking for an in to charge forward. She raised the gun and shot. There was a kickback she'd forgotten would happen and it caused her to stumble slightly and land on her backside with a soft thud. Scrambling to get up, she felt a shadow looming next to her.

"Well, well...Miss Boyd's enigmatic double," the voice bellowed. "Hot damn, you look just like her."

Lucy's mouth went dry, her hand trembling as she held the gun and moved to point it at the silhouette beside her. She tried to make out the face, but the lights made it hard to make out his features.

"Down to the hair, the eyes and..." He reached out and let his fingers touch Lucy's neck, trailing along and letting them linger as they moved across her chest. "Yeah, even the skin." An approving growl reverberated in his throat as he grabbed her wrist and forced the gun to fall. "Mine now, bitch."

Frantic, Lucy felt the panic rise. Not knowing what else to do, she screamed. "Jacob!"
 
Jacob felt his face split into a grin that promised that not only would there be vengeance, but it was going to be slow and terrible, and the most painful moments of this thug's life. He started to move when he heard Lucy, her voice cutting over the din. He turned around to see the crouched form of someone else behind the bar with her. He didn't think, he was already moving. Distance vanished, and stregnth sang in his limbs. He jumped. He had thought to land on the bar, let his momentum carry him into the man. Jacob was going farther, knees hitting the man in the ribs, throwing them both into the back of the bar. The whole cabinet of booze rattled from the hit, and Jacob slapped at his forearm, the hit breakig the grip on Lucy.

He wanted to toss the man away, deal with him where Lucy couldn't see, ut the man was good in a scrap, keeping the grapple going. Jacob didn't have time for this. His hand snapped up, clutching the face of the man, and he started to press his tumbs into his eyes-

"Don't take the job tonight. I've got a bad feeling about it." The speaker was a young woman, maybe sixteen, dark hair, bright eyes, though she looked worried.
"You always have a bad feeling Charlotte. Trust me." The man replied.
"Dad-"
"No. We gotta live, and that means I gotta get paid. And this is how I do it. I'll make mroe tonight than most make in three months. I do this, maybe one other milk run, and we can take off for awhile, get out of it all. How about Italk? You always wanted to see the vineyards?"
"You mean it?"
"Absolutely." Charlotte hugged her father, and-

Jacob looked down, his thumbs buried up to the hilt in the eyes of the man. The man who no longer struggled beneath him. Jacob withdrew his crimson stained thumbs.
"Sorry, but Charlotte isn't going to see those vineyards afterall." He said with a waver to his voice. Bullets hit the bar, and he turned a half wild, half despaired and almost entirely inhuman. He vaulted over the bar, leaving the dead thug where he lay.

His target was dragging himself away, and Jacob swept up a fallen gun, picking his shots properly now, three bullets into a man on the catwalks over the stage, two more into a man who rushed out at him. There was nothing normal in his action, he was running on instinct, picking a target and ending it. The bullets had slackened, ended. And his target was just pulling himself backstage. Jacob was in quick pursuit.

"What the fuck is your damage? Go! Just leave me alone!" The thug protested, spitting with anger as Jacob approached.
"And how many asked you to do the same? Did you hesitate? Even once?" Jacob asked. The man was silent a moent, letting Jacob speak again. "Don't despair. Thy fate is the common fate of all; Into each life some rain must fall." He grinned and pounced on the man.

A fist hit his cheek, but he didn't slow. He hammered a hand down on the upper arm of his foe, his victim, heard bone break, the plaintive cry of pain from the man. Jacob broke a rib, then another, his hand hitting the broken patch of flesh, and-

The thug laughed, shrugging his shoulders as Jacob died against the glass, the team of men walking out of the building. Police would be slow tonight, they'd made arrangements on that front.
"Lucky bastard. Mirrors behind us. he actually got to watch himself go." The thug groused to one of his companions.
"Brusier, you got fuckin' issues man." One of them pointed out. They all laughed a moment-

-Jacob drew in a breath, and grinned down at Brusier.
"Don't worry. I'll give you your wish." He told him in a whisper. As Bruiser looked on in confusion, Jacob reached up and tore a chuck out of his face. Bruiser howled, and Jacob tossed a piece of eye scoket away. Bruiser's eye fell loose, and Jacob gingerly lifted it. Bruiser was too far gone to struggle now, he just made whimpering sounds as Jacob aimed the eye lower, letting bruiser see his own torso. And then Jacob plunged his hand into Bruiser's chest. A moment later, his hand dripping gore, he pulled Bruiser's heart up into the open air, where it could be seen. He grinned at Bruiser, keeping the heart in hand a moment, before he simply crushed the organ in his fist, and let it fall.

Jacob stood, and raised his hands, giving a howl of triumph and release. Another step closer. But to what?
 
Everything was happening so fast. Too fast. Lucy felt her entire life flash before her eyes. Everything that had happened throughout her life, all the things that had been taken away...it now all came down to this point as she stared the looming man in the face. His eyes were wild with menace, his grip tight upon her wrist and then... He let go. She tilted her head back, her green eyes settling upon a shadow—no, Jacob...he'd come for her—he stood over her on top of the bar and looked down upon the scene. It was clear he wasn't happy, that he wasn't about to let this man do anything that might harm her. The moment she felt herself become free, she scrambled backwards, letting Jacob have room to handle the thug, to put him out of commission for good.

Lucy didn't see much, but what she heard was enough. As she moved away and tucked herself underneath the bar, she heard the thug scream out in agony. Just what had Jacob done? No, she wouldn't look. She couldn't! She covered her ears as more gunshots went off, more frantic shouts. How she wished she could be with her Jacob! She feared for him, worried about him even though she knew he had powers she couldn't even begin to understand.

Industry had emptied now. It was just them and the thugs—her father's people. Ugh! How Lucy hated her father! And why were they after Jacob in the first place? It made no sense to her given that he'd been involved with Aleena up until his death. She bit down on her lower lip, trying to make sense of things. Had her father killed Aleena? Why? She'd been so loyal! The two were cut from the same cloth. It made absolutely no sense at all.

Lucy turned her head when she heard one of the thugs address Jacob directly. He'd recognized him! Her blood suddenly felt so cold and she dared to peek over the top of the bar. Jacob and the one man were fighting, Jacob punching him without mercy. She shivered at the sight, her angel moving with fluid grace as each punch struck true. Suddenly, Jacob plucked out the eye of the man causing her to fumble backwards a bit. She gasped, but was unable to look away. Covering her mouth, she watched him rip out the man's heart next, holding up the two organs side by side before finally crushing the heart and letting it drop to the floor. He looked satisfied, triumphant. He stood up and howled like a vicious predator who'd victoriously killed his prey.

And he had.

A tear dripped from Lucy's one eye and she moved to stand up from behind the bar. She watched Jacob for a moment before running to him, her arms outstretched as she went to embrace him. "Jacob," she cried, holding onto him. "Jacob."
 
Jacob's head snapped around, a wild, manic grin on his face, looking for the one who was daring to address him, who would call the wrath of the immortal man that was here, the bringer of death and dismemberment. The bringer of pure righteous fury. Of justice. his hands crooked into claws a moment as he felt someone reach him, almost moving to strike, to rend and tear with all his savage power. But a split second later he knew who it was. Would always know. the feel, the scent, the presence. Lucy. Not Aleena. Lucy was there, and throwing herself into him, his name on her lips, dear sweet Lucy who had likely seen what he'd done to Bruiser. Dead and suffered Bruiser. And yet she was here, still with him. His arms closed around her, though he kept his hands from her body, not smearing the blod on her.

"I'm here. I'm here." He soothed, leaning his head down to rest on the top of hers. He held her, just keeping her there. She'd been in trouble, adn he'd been present enough to come for her. But if he hadn't known her so well, he might have done something violent and final when she'd approached him. he was glad on many, many levels that she had called his name. He got his breathing mroe under control, looking around a little at the utter ruin that the place looked now. Bullets had chewed things up significantly. And he knew that even if this place had been owned by someone on the wrong side fo the law, the police would be here soon. He might be able to evade them easily enough, after all, they couldn't hurt him. But Lucy was vulnerable. And he'd not stand by and see her hurt.

Still using his wrists, keeping the bloody hands from her, he pushed her back a half pace, looking into her eyes.
"We need to go. Police. We need to be somewhere else when they get here." He told her with an urgent tone.
They're coming. You have eight, nine minutes at most before they get here. The crow was in his mind, and Jacob closed his eyes, seeing the world from far above, flying over the buildings, seeing the flashing lights coming towards them. They had time enough to vanish. Jacob put an arm around Lucy's shoulder, and head past dead Bruiser, heading for the back door. It was locked, but a well applied boot popped it open, letting the out into the alley behind the club.
 
Jacob's arms were all that Lucy needed in that moment as she kept her eyes away from the blood and carnage that littered the floor. To think that moments ago the room had been filled with music, the two of them forgetting themselves, lost in their passion, in each other... Her eyes were damp with tears as she buried her face against him, let his words wash over her and soothe her soul. They were surrounded by so much death, so much violence, just...so much.

Lucy wasn't going to kid herself, she knew very well that Jacob had slaughtered the men on the floor and he'd enjoyed every moment. This was his revenge, his time to reign. But he was still him, the man she loved, her angel and not some demon sent from hell to wage war on his enemies and anyone or anything that got in his way. If that had been true, she'd be dead along with the corpses at their feet. But she wasn't. She was alive, breathing and so totally in love. Her arms tightened about Jacob, holding him closer for a moment before she felt him pull back so he could look at her. He was worried and she knew why. The police would be there. Her father would see to that and all of them would be on his own special payroll.

Nodding, Lucy licked her lips and then smiled. "I'm ready," she said, steeling herself to leave the bar and never come back. Jacob put his arm over her shoulder and escorted her out into the alley. The air seemed so crisp compared to the stifling heat inside the club. She glanced around, the alley seemingly empty. Tugging on a lock of red, she gestured they move up the alley toward one of the lesser used side streets. The other way seemed to lead to a more main road.

Lucy began to move toward the side street, her senses on full alert. It would only be a matter of time before Industry was flooded with cops and probably more of her father's men. A shiver ran along her spine. Just how far did her father's reach go and why would he go to such trouble over things that couldn't love him back? She supposed she'd never understand it. Then again, did she want to? The answer was simple—no.

"As much as I'd love to barge in on Artemis, that's a no go," Lucy whispered. The two were probably already in jeopardy if their gun was found and analyzed. But knowing Artemis, she probably already knew that and had a plan. But still, they were running out of options. They needed a plan! Just then she cringed. "Selene." She turned and faced Jacob and let out a sigh. "We can go to Selene's. We aren't each other's biggest fans, but...she hates my dad. We can go there."

Selene had been a fling. The kind of girl Lucy's father had dated merely to distract himself and nothing more. The girl wasn't much older than her and Aleena and she'd tried to act like a pseudo-mom when she'd been nothing but a 'child', a mere girl her father used as a plaything. The realization had hit Selene hard when the truth came out, though Lucy had tried to warn her several times. Yeah, Selene hated her father to his very core. And though she harbored no love for his daughters, the hate she had for the man ran deeper. It would work. They could go there. For now.
 
Jacob nodded, looking around in the alley, and seeing a collection of rainwater from the earlier weather. He crouched down and washed the blood from his hands. The last thing he needed at this point was to look too terribly obvious in that he'd killed a man with his bare hands.
"It's a good plan Lucy. The enemy of my enemy..." he didn't bother to finish, but he heard the voice of the crow.
Is still my enemy. Don't trust someone's hate alone to carry them through to your advantage. It's a good idea still, but keep your guard up kid. The words weren't bad ones, but if he was going to get this done, he still needed to trust Lucy's judgement, and get it done that way. He needed ehr help. Else he had to abandon her, and that thought didn't appeal to him. At all.

He let Lucy lead. She knew where they were goin, and he closed his eyes now and then, using the crow to see if there were any signs of pursuit. And so far they were safe. Jacob did let himself relax a little, and on an instinct, reached out and and took on of Lucy's hands.

"Does someone want to explain to me why the Industry just had a gunfight?" The voice was calm, smooth, seeming to be perfectly content, as though asking for something simple, like what the weather was like out. The men in the room with him swallowed nervously, knowing that this tone rarely ended well. "Anyone?"
"There's...reports A guy. Shows up, kills some of our people. People say stuff, crazy stuff. Say they all but blew his head off, but he got back up, head all good, adn killed the guy. Something weird is goin' on boss." The man answered.
"Get me information. I want to know what we have here, and how we can use it."
 
Lucy nodded and smiled, her tear-stained face still pretty despite the smudges under her eyes. She took a hold of Jacob's hand, her fingers entwining with his. Inhaling deeply, she turned in the direction of Selene's place. Her father had set the woman up well after he'd tired of her. After all, he didn't want the girl creating a scene or come sniveling back. So, he'd situated her in a rather comfortable brownstone. As always, the man never did anything small. He gave the girl a two-story with all the luxuries and amenities a person could want. She even had access to the community spa, which had a small gym, sauna and pool.

Must be nice to be so cared about.

Too bad it meant not being of the same blood...or the right blood...or...

Lucy felt her chest tighten for a brief moment as her heart twisted and her lungs constricted. What she wouldn't have given for just a single moment of love from her father. But she wasn't Aleena and never would be. And now that Aleena was gone, the man sending his men after her like she was a wanted criminal... It was all just too much to bear. She squeezed Jacob's hand and tried to focus—they needed to get off the streets.

It wasn't long before Lucy had led both she and Jacob to Selene's brownstone. She hoped it would be one of the last places her father would think to look. At the very least, it would buy them some much needed time. "We're here," she said softly, raking a hand through her wild mane of red hair. She bit down on her lower lip and rang the bell. The hour was ghastly. No doubt Selene would be pissed.

Lucy tried not to think about it, her hands trying their best to straighten out her clothes—no, Aleena's clothes. But there wasn't much she could do. She was rumpled and looked trashy, like a whore on the streets. Ugh, Selene wouldn't let her hear the end of it. She just knew it. Just then, the door flung open and a petite blonde with big blue eyes and curves in all the right places stood in the entryway. She wore a filmy nightgown, the thing practically see through. When her eyes focused on Lucy, she groaned.

"Not you," Selene whined, a hand moving through her blonde curls.

"Yes, me," Lucy said, her green eyes darting about. Her hand held firmly onto Jacob, urging him closer.

"Ohh, but you have a friend?" Selene asked, her gaze suddenly turning to Jacob, her pout becoming a smile.

Lucy just frowned. "Please, can we come in?"

"He certainly can," Selene said, extending a finger and tracing it down Jacob's chest.

"Selene, please," Lucy said, agitated and upset.

Selene just rolled her eyes. "Oh fine, come on. You're dad will hate it that you're here," At that, she yanked Lucy in through the door, Lucy's hand still holding tightly to Jacob.
 
Jacob fought hard to keep the rising disdain off of his face for Selene. The touching bothered him, even if it was a shirt with numerous holes in it now. So did the coat. Which was a shame, he'd liked this coat. Less important now that he knew he was here for a purpose. Still, her finger on his chest, her dismissal of Lucy made him want to break that finger off as a warning. Perhaps disproportionate retribution, but there it was. He'd not been a violent man by nature.

He wasn't so sure that was true any longer.

The phrase of having a hammer and everything starting to look like a nail was beginning to sound true to him. And that worried him. What happened if he got too far along, and Lucy started to look like a target? He'd leave. That was that, if he ever got to the point of feeling like Lucy was a legitimate target, he'd leave. He would not have her pain, her blood on his hands.

As they were entering the place Jacob spoke up.
"Her father. He can't know we're here. Not now anyway." He said firmly. "If he knows we're here he will kill you. And he'll try to kill Lucy."
 
Selene snorted and then laughed. Glancing over her shoulder, she let her cool blue eyes linger on Jacob's chest before working their way up to his eyes half hidden in the shadows. She smiled at him and shook her head. "Silly boy," she scolded. "I hate Mr. Boyd more than you do." She arched a brow and smirked before turning back around, having shut the door and locked it.

Lucy looked up at Jacob and then back at Selene. "Thank you," she said softly.

"Don't thank me," Selene scoffed. "I'm not doing this for you, little girl."

Lucy frowned, her muscles tensing. She always hated how Selene talked to her. She wasn't even that much older, but the condescension in her tone was just the absolute worst! She could endure such things from Aleena—barely—but from a stranger who hardly knew her, who took no time to bother? It was a bit too much to swallow sometimes.

"This is merely because I can't stand your father. And anything that could possibly ruffle his feathers..." Selene's voice trailed off and she shuddered as if a chill passed through her. "Makes me tingle." She winked and then let her gaze move past Lucy and fall directly onto Jacob.

Selene brushed passed, pushing Lucy aside. The gown she wore shimmered in the dim light, revealing her body to both as they stood there. She did absolutely nothing to hide herself, clearly not ashamed for them to see. The air was cool as it danced over their skin, pulling Selene's tight about her breasts. Her nipples were hard as they poked the filmy fabric of her nightgown. Lucy just stood there and hung her head. She wasn't about to play these games that Selene was trying to dangle in front of her. Those were the sorts of things her sister played, not her. Aleena would have taken the bait, but...

She was not Aleena.

"Well, I'm glad we're at least on the same page there, then," Lucy said quietly, her gaze averted. She turned slightly and moved toward a window to peer outside.

Selene just grinned as she watched Lucy move away. Looking at Jacob with predatory eyes, she stepped closer. "You can spend the night." She let her hand touch his chest and toy with one of the holes. "You can change into something...decent."

"Thank you," Lucy said from over by the window, her eyes fixed on the black pavement outside.

Selene looked up at Jacob and smiled. "Or, perhaps you prefer indecency?" she asked tilting her head, her body brushing up against his. She had to stifle the moan as her pert breasts rubbed against him. "I see you prefer something a bit trashy," she whispered so that Lucy wouldn't hear. "When she falls asleep, come find me."
 
There was so much about this woman that Jacob didn't like, she was very much the kind of person that set off more than a few alarm bells in his mind. Not able to be trusted. But they needed a port of safe harbour for now, just a little while, until the storm that he'd kicked up in the club died down. But how long, and when would it be a good time? He let himself relax just a little, not borrow trouble from the future. Selene was doing all she could to draw him in, and he knew it would quite easy to succumb to what was asking for. He steeled himself, fighting off the rising urge to do something about this woman that was all but throwing herself at him.

What could a man do? Was he not only human? He smiled at that last thought, though the timing might have given the impression that he was smiling at her invitation. He was not only human now. And he knew that there was a reserve of will in him to press on and not let himself get mired in the random advances of the local floozy. Or at least he sincerely hoped so. He'd been with Lucy now, and that meant something, it meant a great deal, he knew that for him, and certainly for her as well. He wouldn't let himself get dragged along, or do everything he could to try and make sure that he followed that idea.

He moved away from Selene, heedless of the fact that doing so dragged the material of his coat across her chest. On some level, depending on how she had taken the smile, it could be seen as a promise, an invitation. But his eyes were on Lucy's. He got behind her, and placed his hands on her shoulders, just like he had back in the diner. His thumbs worked into her skin, working a new knot loose. he couldn't blame her. She'd been shot at, almost killed, attacked again, and now they were in one on the places she likely wanted to be in the least. Nothing for it then.
"We should probably keep clear of the windows. Don't want anyone to see us." He murmured to her faintly. He placed a quick peck to the back of her ear as he finished. That feeling of warmth, of being alive was coming back, and he knew it was everything to do with Lucy at this point. "I'll make sure that nothing happens if you want to get cleaned up."
 
Lucy kept her eyes fixed on the pavement outside the window. She feared that if she looked elsewhere she might shatter and that was the last thing she wanted to do. She wanted to be strong, needed to be. Jacob needed to know she trusted him, believed in him...in them. It was her own insecurities and worries that we're getting the better of her now with Selene dredging up memories. The woman knew all of her weaknesses, her desire to be loved and accepted. She'd watched her sister, her father push her away before she too was cast out like a used toy. But she got her rewards for being a good little doll.

Unlike Lucy.

Lucy just never fit the mold that her father had desired. She wasn't Aleena and never would be. Now that Aleena was gone, he was taking out his grief on the one thing that reminded him of his loss—her. It was sick, so very wrong. What she wouldn't give to hear soothing words from her dad...just once! But that bastard was too far gone in his business to give a damn and he'd taken Aleena down with him. And Selene...pitiful Selene...

Lucy had seen her father use women countless times. But Selene had been a hard favorite. Maybe it had been her determination that had set her apart. Who knew! But the girl had it good and she didn't deserve any of it.

Selene smiled at Jacob as he smiled at her, her skin flushing a rosy pink. Oh yes, things were going just as she'd hoped. She could already feel herself getting wet at the thought of him between her legs, Lucy cast aside as he fucked her hard. He'd come to her. They always did. She watched Jacob walk over to Lucy, his hands slipping over her shoulders to gently rub them. She sniffed, but then smirked. What a deviant mind to lure the bitch in, make her feel comfortable and at ease. Then, when she least expected it... Oh, it was so delicious she could hardly stand it!

Lucy turned slightly as Jacob approached and set his hands on her shoulders. She sighed softly and leaned back into his touch. She was glad he was there, by her side. Closing her green eyes, she focused on the feel of his hands as he worked her muscles loose.

"You're always right," Lucy stated softly, a small smile playing on her lips. Opening her eyes, she glanced back at Jacob and smiled. "A shower would be great. I...I'd love to change."

Selene rolled her eyes. "I suppose that means you'll need clothes. Fine. I've got plenty. I've got some tucked away in the guest room. Take whatever. I don't care."

"Thanks," Lucy said with a smile.

"Don't thank me. Like I said, I'm not doing it for you, sweetie." Selene winked and then looked at Jacob. Her glance said it all before she turned on her heels and headed toward her bedroom.

Lucy looked up at Jacob and smiled, doing her best not to think about Selene. "Well now. Shower. Let's go to our room first shall we?"
 
Jacob nodded, smiling at her.
"Yes. Let's." He told her softly, a hand brushing along her cheek gently. He went down the directed hallway, finding the door that would give them a place to rest, to recharge, adn for Lucy to not be stuck looking like Aleena in the club. He let out a breath as they got in, feelign marginalyl better just to not have Selene's eyes on him. She made his skin crawl really, and he trusted her not at all. There was clearly some kind of level of attempt to start some kind of pissing contest with Lucy, as though she'd try and get Jacob just to deny Lucy that much comfort. It didn't endear her to him in the least. There was a flare in his chest that was more than not appreciating it, it promised swift and certain violence.

He pushed that down. He didn't need that kind of thing right now. Right now Lucy needed him, needed him to be there, and he needed to rest his mind from the violent urges that ran rampant through him when he found people that had killed him. And the others. he knew he'd killed people at the club that hadn't done anything to him, other than being in the wrong place and opened fire to fulfill some sense of loyalty to their employer. He let out a breath, letting himself grapple with all the death, all the murders. Lucy was alive and unhurt, so that was a victory in and of itself. Though he'd learned that Lucy was also a risk, since her being around seemed to limit his access to his gifts. Or was that the Crow? Had the Crow withdrawn it's gifts intentionally? And if the Crow withdrew them at the wrong moment...could he die again? And if he did, would it stick this time?

Too much to think about, too much to take in. He couldn't process it all right now. He needed more time.
 
Lucy felt like a weight instantly lifted the moment she and Jacob entered the guest room and shut the door behind them. She really felt sorry for Selene. Why the girl carried on as she did, she'd never understand it. Yes, her father had been an asshole. A downright dirty bastard! She'd tried to warn her, had even gotten herself into a bit of a spat with Aleena over it too. But, she'd tried and where had it gotten her? A whole lot of nowhere. At least she and Jacob had a place to stay for the night, buying them some time while Industry was mobbed with police—no doubt under the influence and pay of her father. Ugh, that man disgusted her. He always found a way to get his fingers into everything!

But Lucy didn't want to think about her father or even Selene. She was just glad that she and Jacob had somehow made it out of the club unscathed. Breathing. Alive. There was a lot of irony now when she thought on that word. Was Jacob truly 'alive'? She liked to believe so even if he was able to dodge bullets. Biting down on her lower lip, her eyes rested on the holes that riddled his jacket his shirt, his body completely whole and unharmed. Dodging bullets? No, he didn't have to dodge anything. But that hardly mattered. She was his now. After everything that happened, that they'd shared...she regretted none of it and would do it again.

"I'll be glad to get out of this thing," Lucy said trying to make light of things. "Hopefully I'll find something decent." She smiled a little and then giggled. Finding anything decent among Selene's clothes would be difficult indeed. But, she'd do her best.

Rummaging through the dresser in the room, Lucy managed to find a pair black yoga pants and a thin lavender t-shirt. It would work even if it was active wear. Better that than some of the other unmentionables she saw.

"I'll take these and go shower. While I do that, maybe you can scope out the closet," Lucy suggested. "I'm betting Selene's had a man or ten spend the night. And if any of them are like the one's my dad employs...well..." her voice trailed and she made a face, which only caused her to giggle a little bit more. Heading toward the door so that she could go to the bathroom, she stopped for a moment and looked at Jacob. "Jacob," she said. "I'm glad you're here." She smiled warmly, her eyes glistening slightly. "That you've kept your promise."

At that, Lucy opened the door and headed to the bathroom, clothes in hand. She hoped Jacob knew just how much it meant to her that he hadn't left her behind, that he was there for her. For the first time in her life, she finally felt like someone truly cared, like someone finally wouldn't be ripped away from her life leaving her to fester in a world without love. Love. That was what she was feeling. And for a man who was neither alive nor dead.
 
Jacob lightly cupped Lucy's cheek, his thumb running along it, and he smiled at her.
"Always. And don't you forget it." He said softly back to her, winking. As she left the room, she left him to his own devices.

He looked in the closet, knowing that really it was just busy work. Still Lucy hadn't been wrong. If the way she'd greeted him was any idication, it was not a stretch to imagine that there were a large number of men that had moved through this space. Shirt. Something not so filled with holes. Yet. That surely couldn't last. He'd been shot far more than he cared to think about, but there it was. He let out a breath, settling himself a little more. He rubbed his jaw, found it was tender again. That punch he'd taken after he'd been with Lucy, it hadn't completely gone away. it hadn't been noticed when he was running hot, chasing his vengeance, but now, it was back. The limits...and whether they were withdrawn intentionally...he needed more information.

I don't take it from you kid. I tried to warn you that you were losing it, but you were...distracted. The Crow was in his head, telling him what he wasnted to know, and he looked to the window of the room, and the large bird was standing on the sill. Don't bother opening the window, I'm not coming in there. More useful out here. And I don't trust this woman.
"Neither do I." Jacob whispered back.
Good. Glad we're on the same page. Keep your guard up kid. I'm going to have a look around. The Crow took his leave, and left the sill. Jacob closed his eyes, saw the world through the eyes of the Crow, knew that they would have warning.

Now he just had to keep his head on straight while in this place.

The killings he'd done had an effect on him, a kind of savagery was seeping into his thinking, and not just when it came to fighting someone. He wanted things, primitive things. Lucy helped balance it out, remind him reasons to be human. Otherwise he wasn't sure what he'd be by now. He might just be a half feral monster by now, killing without thought or regret. He needed time. He shucked the coat from his shoulders, and pulled a red button down shirt out of the closet, shrugging it on, and doing it up most of the way. It felt good to be dressed properly again. Something that didn't invled bullet holes. He leaned a hand on the wall, rested his weight there, concentrated on keeping himself steady.
 
The heat from that soft caress still lingered on Lucy's cheek as she made her way to the bathroom. Just one touch, one glance from Jacob and she knew everything would be all right. Once she found the door leading to the bathroom, she gently twisted the knob and entered. The room was dark, so she flipped the switch letting the harsh fluorescent light flood the room. Glancing up, she squinted and wished that the lights weren't so bright. Turning toward the wall where the switch was, she saw the dimmer and adjusted the brightness of the lighting. Just like her dad to make sure that the place had all the little luxuries...nothing was ever too little to ignore.

Except maybe her. Funny, even Selene got better treatment.

Lucy raked her hand through her wild, red curls and looked at herself in the mirror. She looked absolutely ghastly. How Jacob could even stand to look at her in the get up and make up she donned, she wasn't even sure. Gently, she placed the clothes aside and then turned on the water in the sink. When the water steamed, she reached for the soap and washcloth and began to scrub. It felt good washing away the grit and grime that wasn't her. She wasn't even sure if it was Aleena. But it hardly mattered. It was coming off and she could be Lucy again. She wondered what Artemis would think and that made her smile.

When the make up was gone and Lucy's face flushed a rosy pink, she moved to the shower and turned on the water. As the temperature warmed, she slowly peeled off the clothes. She threw the boots into a corner, the tile floor felt cold against her bare feet. Then, she slid the shorts down along her thighs. How different if suddenly felt as they moved along her body. For a moment, she remembered Industry and the things she and Jacob had done in the heat of passion. She suddenly blushed and kicked the shorts over to join the boots. Finally, she pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it into the growing pile. Naked, she stared at herself in the mirror. There were marks along her neck and chest—Jacob's marks. She let her fingers touch them, trace them as she remembered their union. To the onlookers, it had looked like two people having a quick fuck. But to her...they'd made love.

Lucy bit down on her lower lip, letting the memory swirl about her mind. She then turned toward the shower and entered, letting the hot water roll over her body. It felt nice. Yes, she needed this. When she finished washing and rinsing, she turned off the water and dried herself off. Reaching for the borrowed clothes, she pulled them on. Selene wouldn't like it, but she had to admit that the yoga pants and t-shirt actually suited her, not to mention lavender didn't look half bad. She smiled to herself and toweled her hair a bit more before running her fingers through the wet mass of red. She then folded up the towel and grabbed the old club clothes of Aleena's and headed back to the room.

Selene peeked out of a tiny crack in her door as she watched Lucy head back to her room. She sneered at the sight of her wearing her clothes. At least she'd chosen something simple, something she'd hardly miss. Yes, the girl could keep that. Now that it had touched her skin, she no longer wanted them back. But she couldn't let Lucy Boyd cloud her thoughts. She was a mere distraction as well as a minor annoyance. She had other things to think on...like the man she'd brought into her home. He was far more interesting and she could imagine exactly what it must be like to have him between her legs. Oh, the very thought made her ache! As she watched Lucy enter the guest room, she closed her own door. She could wait this out. Jacob would come to her...they always came.

Lucy knocked on the door as she opened it and entered. "All done," she said softly, letting Aleena's clothes fall into a heap on the floor. "I feel so much better." The thin t-shift hugged her frame and the yoga pants accentuated the curves of her hips, her legs before flaring slightly at the ankles. "Though it's a bit chilly," she admitted as her skin broke out in goose bumps. She gently rubbed her arms and grinned sheepishly, her nipples hidden beneath the shirt poking the thin material. "Maybe Selene has a sweater or hoodie somewhere."
 
Jacob looked up as Lucy walked in, and he had to smile. That was...better. It looked like Lucy again. Not...whoever she had been. Though he ahd to admit, whatever she ahd looked like, it had been enough to provoke a pretty important reaction from him. Sure, he'd been drinking, which apparently still effected him, or at least it did while he was losing out on some of his gifts, and he ahd been playing a role, but he wasn't about to lie to himself. He'd wanted what happened. On some level, it had been a desperate need of his, to be that close with her, to get that...feeling. It was the most alive he'd felt since coming back.

And that seemed to be the problem.

he was dead. But Lucy wasn't, and Lucy cared for him deeply enough to be a problem. But he cared for her, compounding the problem. But there was nothing he could do to change that, the heart wanted what it wanted, and they both wanted one another. When she mentioned the chill, he turned back to the closet. He found a large hooded sweater, one that zipped up the front, adn handed it to her. It'd be almost comically oversize, but it'd be warm.
"Here. It's good to see you...back to being you." He said with a smile. It was easier thatn he'd expected, to push aside that instinct to do violence. Lucy made that sort of thing easier, simple even. His hand rest on her shoulder, his thumb gently brushing along one of the red marks on her neck, the mark he'd left there. He grinned. "I'd apologize for the mark, but...it might sound disingenuous." He told her with a wink. "No regrets Lucy." He told her softly, a confirmation that yes, he knew what they'd done, and no, he was not having any kind of second thoughts about it.

"Get some rest for now Lucy. I'll be around, keep an eye on things." he told her, leaning in to kiss her gently, but with more than a little affection. When he pulled away, he was still smiling, just a man who was enjoying the company of someone that he cared greatly for.
 
Lucy watched on as Jacob found her a sweater and then smiled as he began to put it on her, helping her slip it on over her slim body. The thing was large—overly so—but it was warm and that was what counted. Her cheeks flushed slightly under his steady gaze and her green eyes finally dared to meet his. Oh, she could stare at him forever, get lost in those eyes that had haunted her dreams. They were full of mystery questions still unanswered and oh how they made her insides melt. His fingers traced along her neck, lingering on the mark he'd given her when they'd made spectacles of themselves at Industry. No regrets. None. She was glad that things had happened, that she'd let go and given into the passion she'd felt burning deep inside. From the moment he'd invaded her dreams...she knew he was 'home'.

A tiny smile tugged at the corner of her lips and Lucy giggled softly. Jacob's words, his wink, they said it all and it was just what she'd needed to hear in that moment as she stood there before him in Selene's brownstone. Giving Jacob a nod, she reached out and let her hand gently trail down his arm. Her fingers found his and she gave his hand a squeeze as he leaned forward and gently kissed her lips. Feeling safe and content, she leaned her head, her red hair still damp from her shower, against his chest and wrapped her arms tightly about his waist. She hugged him tightly and then pulled back and looked into his eyes.

"I am sleepy," Lucy said a bit groggily. "Go on and shower. I'll stay right here. Promise." She gave Jacob a smile and nodded he head to the bathroom.

Meanwhile, across the way, Selene peeked out her door again and smirked. The two were more than likely trading places. How convenient. She knew Jacob would come to her. All men did. She had a certain appeal that drew them like bees to honey. Once that bitchy Boyd was asleep, he'd let his guard down. She just had to accept that. But there was no harm in giving the man a sample of what he could get later. Closing her door, she took off her filmy nightgown, her body completely bare underneath. Opening her closet she found a sheer robe and flung it over her slender body. Of course, it left nothing to the imagination. Every curve was visible beneath the shimmering white fabric. Selene smiled as she adjusted the robe, happy with how her breasts looked beneath the material. The rosy buds were perfectly erect, just waiting for him to notice and every part of her flesh was smooth and beckoning for his hands to touch and explore. Oh, she'd give him an eyeful...maybe even a tiny mouthful...if he wanted it.

And Selene was confident that Jacob would want everything.
 
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