𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝒦𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓎 𝑀𝒶𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝒯𝒽𝓇𝑒𝑒 [ᴬᵐᵇᵉʳʸⁿ, ᴮᵘⁿⁿʸ & ᴸᵃᵈʸ ᴶᵃᶜᵉ ᴮᵉˡᵉʳᵉⁿ]

[Amberyn]

​

 

[Amberyn]

The bookshop cafe was quaint, Caoimhe decided, making her way through the establishment to the shelves lined with books. For the size of the place, there was a surprisingly substantial variety of books available to purchase, and she lifted a fingertip to brush along the spines. Books were something of a passion of the former whores, a luxury that she could never have afforded in her mortal life. It was a passion that bordered on obsession, her vivacious appetite for knowledge and stories leading to an overwhelming amount of books. One book per outing was the limit her Master had set some hundred odd years ago, and she had diligently abided by it. Upon spotting a selection of vampire biographies, she paused, one particular book jumping out at her. The cover was turned forward to display the new release, and the illustration was very familiar to her. Picking it up, she read the blurb, releasing a delighted peal of laughter that drew attention to her. The beautiful woman didn't blink at the looks that were sent her way, sending a wink and a dazzling smile to the onlookers. Dressed down in a loose off-the-shoulder cashmere sweater and jeans, she was still a sight to behold, and she knew it. Forever frozen in her late twenties, her porcelain skin was radiant and stood out against the dark hair styled into a messy fishtail braid. For this particular venture, she had forgone her usual makeup, not that she needed it. A smear of lip gloss accentuated her lips, and there was a touch of mascara on the thick lashes framing her cobalt eyes. Cosmetics and fashion fascinated her, and she kept up with the trends over the years. They had changed so much since her youth, when women dabbled with danger to enhance their looks. Oh, her Master was going to love this book! Laughter danced in her eyes as she reread the summary and shook her head in amusement. The vampire in question was an idiot who could barely hold his sword correctly, never mind manage all the heroic tales that the biography claimed he had done. Maybe she could pick this one up as a gift for him and... No, that wouldn't work. Caiomhe had tried that one, and she shivered at the memory of how he had reacted to that. But it had been a while since she had pushed back... A wicked smile curved her lips, followed by a sigh. Now wasn't the time to add more to her Master's plate, not after his recent rise to Master of the City. Plus, she was here on business, and it wouldn't do to get distracted with other ideas. Slowly, deliberately, she placed the book back on the shelf. She could circle back to it later if nothing else caught her eye. Despite learning that vampires, lycanthropes and all manner of creatures were real, the fantasy and supernatural book industry was booming. Humans were even more fascinated with the preternatural now that they knew it was real. Vampire biographies were one thing, but she knew there were vampire strip clubs and the like out there. There were very strict rules about what vampires could and couldn't do, although she knew that the lines were smudged fairly often. Humans had yet to realise that some vampires could feed on emotions and that let them do so openly at establishments they owned. Heading past that section, she continued to browse, appearing to be solely focused on finding a book. It was an act, and one perfected over centuries. She was looking for someone, and according to her information, they would be here. The wereleopard Alpha, a woman by the name of Danyi. Her face, along with relevant details, had been memorised, and Caoimhe had been sent to see her in her natural element before her Master formerly approached her. Considering the previous Master of the City's behaviour, caution was warranted, and as her Master's human servant, it was her job to be his eyes and ears during the daytime. He was still dead for the day and would expect results when he woke. She knew better than to disappoint him. There was a chance that the lyancathrope would spot her first, her unique scent of human and vampire giving her true nature away. Expensive perfume would only do so much to disguise her scent, which was why she was hiding in plain sight when the store and cafe were at their busiest. An abundance of other scents did more to hide hers than anything else. Passing one older woman who smelt like she'd bathed in her perfume, she wrinkled her nose and paused, using the woman's floral stench to hide. C'mon, where are you.... here kitty kitty.

 

[Bunny]

It had been a long time since she’d been in this form for so long. She felt like a child learning to walk. Two legs were less graceful than four and her senses seemed dulled. Yet both complications aside, she wouldn’t have gone back to being under the Master of the City’s thumb for any price. Five years, five long years of being his pet leopard, to protect her people even if she couldn’t protect herself. It was worth it. Under her protection and leadership, her pard had thrived, grown even. It was rare for pards to be so large, their kind often forming smaller groups. The protection though was a strong lure. Vampirism was legal in the states and all the big bads were slipping from the woodwork. They had been for a while now. Vampires, werewolves and lions oh my.. In their city, unlike many others, it wasn’t the wolves who ruled the roost so to speak, it was Danyi and her pard. Unusual but not unheard of. Wolves and rats tended to be far more prolific than the cats when it came to lycanthropy and infection rates. Stretching, she felt the bones along her vertebrate pop and she purred, a throaty, inhuman sound. Her eyes closed as Danyi let out a yawn, delicate fangs flashing. To most humans, the fangs and her eyes were cosmetic. It was easier to believe than she was something else, even knowing what they did. Pushing off the wall she ran her nails through her inky black hair and sighed. Her break was over and it was time to go back to slinging coffee for the masses. Slipping through the back door, her faded bell bottom jeans whispered along the tiled floor. A cutout flashes near her knee, flaring down to where her dark boots peeked. Stitched flowers cascaded down the fabric. Her top clung to her slender frame, a zipper parted to show off her small breasts and delicate lace slipped over her shoulders and met between them in the back. Her lips were painted an inky black and she flashed a smile at the elder woman who stood in line, watching her flinch at her appearance. Low laughter left her and she tilted her head. “Come now, I don’t bite.” The words were not menacing, though they could have easily been so. She watched the woman's eyes flick from her hair, to her lips, to the small flower that rested just below her septum. Inhaling she steadied herself and moved closer. A part of her wanted to applaud her bravery, but something told her it wouldn’t be wise. As the woman listed out obscene milkshake in a cup, her neat handwriting wrote it all down. “That will be twenty even.” Money was traded and fangs were flashed once more. Be up in a jiffy.” As she made the drink, her eyes wandered through the crowd. The cafe had a few new faces, the elder woman and three others. It was habit more than suspicion; to know her surroundings. As to people knowing what she was? That was less of a worry. She was very very good at hiding. As she worked, her mind wandered absently as she mouthed along to the lyrics pouring out above her head. Sliding the creation of sugar onto the counter she lifted her voice. “Marjorie, your coffee is ready.”

 

[Amberyn]

By the time the perfumed woman stepped away, Caoimhe was close to passing out from the smell. If it wasn't clinging to her skin and clothes, she would be surprised. A useful trick, but one she hoped not to need again. Gulping down fresh air, she subtly twisted to the shelf behind her and caught the staff-only door open. She reached for a book, turning it over to read the summary, peering around it to watch a woman stride back into the front of the store. She allowed herself a small smile, watching the oriental - no, that wasn't the correct word in this day and age. What was it...? Asian, ah, yes, that was it. The Asian woman approached the counter, and Caoimhe ducked her head, hiding a smirk. So she had some spark, that was good. Her Master would like that. Popping the book back on the shelf, she meandered closer to the cafe, casting an occasional glance at the wereleopard. It would appear to anyone watching her that she was checking out the queue, waiting for the line to go down before joining it. The section of books she had wandered into was crime, and with a child-like-excitement, she approached the cosy crime section. There were so many genres now! Horror and fantasy were only starting when she was young, and now the amount of sub-genres boggled the mind. There was something about cosy crime that always drew her in. She didn't mind that the plots could be predictable or that the story was filled with tropes. That was all part of the fun! "Oh!" she murmured, spotting a new title by one of her favourite authors. Snatching it up, she grinned as she turned it over in her hands, studying the cover design. The vampire biography would have to wait, although she suspected she would be back here soon enough. It would keep until next time. Plus, her Master would much prefer if she brought him something else instead of another book. Speaking of which.... Making her way over to the counter, she found herself second in line. Perfect. Idly reading the back of her book, she kept an eye on Danyi. The first flash of fangs went too quickly, but she caught it a second time. Caoimhe had spotted the kitty eyes right off the bat, and the small fangs confirmed it. Someone had spent too long in cat form. That confirmed one bit of information they had on her. The person in front of her stepped to one side to wait for their order, and she stepped up, a polite smile on her face. "Hi! Can I pay for this here or....?" she asked, smoothly dropping into a generic American accent, hiding her Irish roots behind a well-practised accent. Letting her eyes wander up to the menu, she pretended to get distracted while waving the book around. "Oh gosh, so much to choose from! What do you recommend?"

 

[Bunny]

“It will be down at the end, Calvin.” She flashed the man a friendly smile and looked toward the delicate female who approached the register. The thick, cloying scent of roses and powder clung to her, but there was something else beneath it that made her head tilt. The action was entirely cat-like. A curious little quick to one side and had she been a house cat and not a werelopard, she might have chittered to the pretty little bird, unable to reach it, but with the desire all the same. That look vanished and the slight alienness was replaced with a mask of humanity as she nodded. “You can, yeah.” Watching as the book wavered in the air, she looked over her shoulder distracted from what had drawn her attention. “Well, if you like tea, our Earl Grey is really nice. I like it as a London Fog, personally. If you prefer coffee and have a slight sweet tooth the Apple Butter and Teddy Graham cold foam is nice. I know it sounds like a lot, but the apple butter adds a nice fall touch to the vanilla latte and the cold foam is basically cinnamon and honey flavored.” Looking back to the woman she smiled faintly. “Did you want a drink?” Shifting her weight, Danyi watched the woman with those unusual eyes. Not many would clock her for what she was, even with her looks. It was somewhat of a sore spot for her as it was. Danyi had loved being a cat, but being forced into that form? It had been dehumanizing and it was something she was still struggling with. The old master had slowly been stripping away her humanity and the effects it had on her human form were a constant reminder of it. Not that she hated her eyes or her fangs. No, Danyi had always wanted fangs. That little emo goth girl phase something she’d never grown out of and sure, she’d wanted something other than brown for her eyes. Not that they hadn’t been pretty.. But it was different when you hadn’t a choice. When the choices had been forced on her. Though on the outside she appeared calm, something have broken inside her and Danyi was still trying to figure out how to fix it, if it could be fixed that was. “What is your book about?” She’d been staring and the words came out with a slight flush of her cheeks.

 

[Amberyn]

The brief peek at the kitty beneath the human exterior would have been missed by most humans. Alas, Caoimhe was not most people and knew the signs of a lycanthrope - especially one who had been kept in their animal form for so long. The dark-haired woman noticed the glance and briefly wondered what had changed, then mentally shrugged. If it were important, it would come back up. The Irish woman kept an interested expression on her face, listening intently, while inside she was rolling her eyes. Thank goodness she hadn't used a British accent. The irony of telling someone who had lived in Victorian London about a tea named London Fog was amusing, and she had every intention of bringing that point up in the future. If things went according to plan... She had drunk enough tea in her lifetime, especially Earl Grey, so the second option the leopard offered was much more appealing. There was nothing fake about the way her eyes lit up, her head nodding along with the description. That sounded much more like her cup of tea, the pun making her lips twist in a small smirk. There was a distracted air about the young woman, something that could have been put down to a bored server longing for their shift to end. Caoimhe wanted to prod at it, wanted to know more, and reminded herself to be patient. Her Master needed the kitty kat, and so she let her smile warm, exuding friendliness. "Oh yes, please," she replied, lifting her eyes back to the menu before shrugging and placing her book down on the counter, "I think I will go with that one you suggested... the coffee one. I do have a bit of a sweet tooth, and I could do with the energy boost." She smiled indulgently at the mention of her sweet tooth, and beamed when Danyi inquired about her book. "Oh! Don't you know the author? She writes these incredible cosy crime stories. This is the latest in a series, actually, and I just love her characters. They're so genuine, and the mystery is intriguing enough, but not too difficult. Sometimes it's nice to just sit down with something easy, especially after a hard day. Ya, know?" There was an element of a rambly book lover in there, which wasn't exactly far from the truth, but every word was chosen with purpose. Something was going on with this woman, and she wanted Danyi to feel more at ease. It didn't look like she had picked up on her scent, and Caoimhe was throwing enough truth into her words to stop her facade from screaming 'liar' to any discerning preternatural. "Sorry, books are something of an obsession for me," she added, more subdued as if embarrassed by her outburst and gestured around the shop, "I was so excited when I found this place. I'm new here and was so relieved to find such a lovely place!"

 

[Bunny]

Had she mentioned being over Earl Gray, she might have made friends faster. In truth, Danyi couldn’t stand the flavor normally.. London Fog made it palatable, but only just. She knew many who loved the drink and in truth, she lamented her dislike for the drink. See, the kitty was a bit of a geek. Picard had been one of her earlier crushes and Earl Gray hot had created a longing that could never be fulfilled. There was something odd about the woman, but Danyi couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Rather than linger on it, she doubted her instincts. Some damage had been done that would take time to heal. That was one of many. “Alright.” Tapping the buttons, she listened to the woman talk about her book. This, this was honest and true. A peek beneath the surface and it made her smile faintly. “I do not,” her husky voice purred slightly. “Cozy Crime?” As there was no one behind the woman for the moment, Danyi picked up the book, eyes skimming the small blurb within the cover. Biting the corner of her mouth, she worried the skin as she closed the book and offered the woman a crooked smile. “Maybe I will need to pick it up. I have been looking for a new series to sink my teeth into.” That smile grew and she wrinkled her nose at her, playfully.. Her words mimicked that playfulness. “I hadn’t noticed. But this is the perfect place to share that excitement.” Danyi meant to soothe the woman and her words, if they were taken badly. Amethyst eyes flickered around and she nodded. “I have always loved this shop.” It was owned by a pack member and Danyi had helped finance it when they’d just started. It was cozy, warm and inviting. “That will be twenty-seven even. A name for the order?” Writing her name on the cup, her elegant, looping handwriting spelled out her name perfectly. “Always loved how Irish names were spelled,” Smiling she turned to make the drink. Danyi liked this drink, it made her think of fall.. Cozy and warm with the spices and apple butter. A few minutes later it was Danyi that called her name. “I hope you like it.”

 

[Amberyn]

The purring response caressed her skin, and Caoimhe suppressed a shiver, eyes lighting up as Danyi considered picking up the series. The more she learned about the kitty, the more appealing her Master's plan became. The thought of him having to deal with the two of them gushing over books made her smirk, and it grew into a grin as she nodded. "I'm completely biased, but you can't go wrong with that author. I adore her work!" Reining in her desire to gush more, she noticed the playful demeanour before the teasing response came. There was a flicker of annoyance at the sarcasm, the lycanthrope pressing a button that Caoimhe still had after all this time. The Irish woman had made a point of becoming something more, of devouring knowledge, to prove the ghosts of the past wrong that she wasn't a fool or someone to be overlooked. Not a dumb whore who had risen to prominence as a Master Vampire's human servant by opening her legs. It didn't matter that the words were said in jest; it stuck in her claw when someone implied she had missed something. It didn't help that the person was someone her Master was interested in. For centuries, it had been just the two of them, and now he wanted to add this little girl? Caoimhe understood the reasons and would never deny her Master anything, especially power that would keep him safe. That didn't mean she was happy about it. It didn't help that nothing she'd seen so far suggested that the Alpha lycanthrope was unsuitable. That was probably why she found something so petty to complain about. Tugging her purse out of her bag, she laid thirty dollars on the counter before fishing out another twenty and popping it in the tip jar. Americans were obsessed with tipping, and she wasn't above bribery. Twenty dollars was nothing to her, well, to her Master. Caoimhe received a stipend for anything she needed, and provided she didn't go overboard, her Master didn't care what she spent it on. If anyone understood the necessity of making a good impression, it was vampires. "Caoimhe," she answered, and raised a dark eyebrow as Danyi started writing before she had a chance to spell out her name. Pronounced Kee-vah, the Irish spelling was very different, and she was pleasantly surprised when Danyi spelt it correctly. The aesthetically pleasing hand didn't go unnoticed either, and impressed, Caoimhe offered a personal tidbit. "My family are very proud of their history; we can trace it all the way back to the Potato Famine." Of course, by that she meant she had been there. Danyi missed the memories that dimmed the light in her eyes, and Caoimhe shook it off, taking a moment to study the woman. Her dress screamed her desire for individuality, as did the piercings, which Caoimhe thought were a bit too much. She would need some work, some polishing, if their Master wanted to parade the kitty in public. Picking her book up, she stepped to the side, clearing a space at the counter for anyone else while she waited. There was no phone to occupy her; the device was left in her bag, a modern necessity that she used when she had to. She much preferred to send a letter or turn up in person, and her older sensibilities appreciated Danyi's penmanship. The girl was rough around the edges, but she could work with that. She'd worked with worse. Idly flicking through the first pages of her book, she kept her eye on Danyi as she worked, feigning surprise when her name was called. She stepped forward, the sweet, cosy spell of the beverage making her smile. "That smells delicious, thank you," she told Danyi, carefully scooping the cup up, "Perfect choice for a cosy book." With a wink, she tossed her glossy hair over her shoulder and walked away. She didn't go far, finding a cosy chair that faced the counter. Caiomhe had timed her visit a few hours before closing, knowing that her Master would be waking for the day at any time. Depending on his preference, she would leave and return another day, or approach the wereleopard tonight. For now, though, she settled in with her book, taking a tentative sip of her drink and making a contented noise. At least the drinks were as good as advertised.

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Mori. There were so many who assumed his name was some kind of pun on his nature as a vampire. In reality, it was the last token of humanity he held on to. He had not looked back since he left Japan centuries ago, even before his first death. Now, it was like a souvenir he kept with him. A memory of a memory. Maybe he would have discarded it eventually. Now, that was no longer an option. Now, he was a someone. From an outsider with a human servant and a lineage you could count on one hand to a Master of the City. It almost felt like a joke. And now, as Mori rose from his sleep his senses were flooded with flavor. Sweet apple, coffee, and... cinnamon? The immortal, leader of a city and source of fear, sighed as he rose from his bed. Caiomhe was his oldest companion, his only companion. There was no one in this world he trusted more than he trusted her. She had access to all of his power, both magical and political. She was now one of the most powerful humans in the country. And she loved to play games with him. So, there was a sneaking suspicion that she had chosen to avoid her duties for the day in favor of tempting him into punishing her. Unlikely, given that they were in a delicate situation, but not impossible. He made his way into the bathroom, turning on the water for a searing hot shower. There were many reasons that he had been asked, begged really, to intercede when a playful little dictatorship had begun to turn into full authoritarian chaos. The first being that Mori was especially well equipped to deal with his own kind, or any other creature that thrived on magic. The second was his ability to call large cats. Not his specialty, but the situation with the dominant pard meant he had a better chance at finding peace. Third was his temperament. Who better to rule than someone who had avoided it at every turn? Everyone was happy. Everyone except for Mori himself. He hated these games, preferred to work from the shadows, have Caiomhe work her natural talents to guide things their way. As he stepped into the shower and closed his eyes, he took a moment to lament the loss of those days before he reached out to his human servant. It was second nature to see through her eyes, to connect to each of her senses and understand immediately. It was much to his delight that she had not simply gone out and amused herself at his expense. Instead, she was in the café mentioned by their sources, watching a particularly feline woman as she sipped her drink and enjoyed her novel. Danyi matched the description and gave away everything she was with little movements, with her eyes. Not that he doubted Caiomhe's ability to worm her way into any location and pick up every bit of information she needed. He simply felt relief at the idea of something going smoothly. The voice that spoke to Caiomhe was the same heavy gravel that she had known for centuries. Slow and precise, Mori never liked to twist words. That was why Caiomhe had become so vital, why he had taken her from that hole of a brothel all those years ago. He was sophisticated, intelligent, powerful, and blunt as a stone. It tended to rub people the wrong way. "You seem to be enjoying your evening, pet. Tell me how it went." There was a pause, a brief moment before Caiomhe shared her memories. Mori suppressed another sigh. She was better at this than he was, but he never did understand her games. "It would have been easier if you had just approached her directly. We had her name, knew where to find her. I doubt she would outright deny a meeting. Instead, she will know you buried the lead." Mori opened his eyes, running fingers through the slick sheets of his black hair as the water. There was some promise to what he had seen. A bit of chemistry between the two women he had not expected. Caiomhe had developed her relationship with him naturally, over a few years of companionship before he has given her the first mark and claimed her as his own. Danyi would not have the same luxury. Despite their best efforts, the noose was tightening. The various factions of the city, the same ones who had begged him to step in and cut down Rasputin Romanov before outside forces took their territory, were now questioning his capability to lead. Like he had ever asked to lead. He had a few progeny out among other cities, diplomats to keep him plugged in to the world, a human servant, and a very comfortable life. He never wanted all of this. It had been circumstance and the cowardice of others that led him here. And he could not keep the city safe on his own. He needed Danyi's pard, her influence, her raw muscle. He needed a Triumvarate. That would be enough to make the other vampires step back, to keep the other lycanthropes from trying to push into the city and start claiming territory. If they played coy games and let Danyi set the pace, everything might have slipped too far. The only issue was Romanov's history with the wereleopards. The fact that he could absolutely not force the woman to accept his terms. It needed to be her decision. So, he had led with honey. Caiomhe would get it done. "I expect you to have her here shortly after nightfall. And, pet? You may purchase the other book. Consider it a present for me." Mori turned the water off and stepped out of the shower, considering for a moment. They would have to put their best foot forward if they wanted to avoid scaring her off. "Make sure it is an invitation, not a command."

 

[Amberyn]

She knew the exact moment her Master woke, her eyes flashing with something indecipherable. Caoimhe attempted to focus on her book, but there was a nervousness to her demeanour that wasn't there before. Patiently, she waited for him to reach out, and when she felt the connection between them tighten, she shuddered and lifted her eyes over the top of her book. Her toes curled as she felt his approval, and she smiled, dropping her eyes back to her page. "Good Evening, Master." Centuries by his side, she knew what he wanted and welcomed him into her mind. She reached for her memories of the day, recalling the moment she entered the bookstore. Every observation and feeling was laid bare for his meticulous consideration. As was a flicker of irritation at his gentle reprimand. Despite feeling her caution was prudent, she offered no argument for her behaviour, offering the mental equivalent of bowing her head in deference. "Forgive me, Master, I was... overzealous. I will ensure that Miss Seo-Jun knows the error was mine." It rankled her to do so, but she would do what was needed, her mind already considering how to approach the wereleopard. Considering the signs Danyi was displaying, the information they had about her time with the previous Master of the City was not exaggerated. The last thing Caoimhe wanted was for anyone to compare her Master to that prat and find him wanting. She knew he was a good man, knew the side of him that he kept hidden from the public. This move was a necessity rather than a power play. Too many people were looking in their direction, sniffing around for the first sign of weakness. That meant getting the local lycanthropes in line, and while she was inclined to agree with her Master's approach, she hadn't supported him all these years by being sloppy. Getting a feel for the kitty had been a necessity. Delight flooded their connection, her eyes lighting up as if she had just read something exciting in her book. Her happiness was somewhat dampened by her Master impressing his wishes on her, and she swallowed at the tone. While she liked to test her Master's boundaries, she knew a direct order when she heard it. "Yes, Master. I'll get it done." Turning her attention to her task, she closed her book and laid it down on the small table beside her. She had observed multiple people leaving their belongings for short periods of time to browse the store or order a new drink. Standing, she stretched, grabbed her bag and headed for the stacks. Caoimhe didn't linger, heading directly to the biographies section and locating the book in question. A minute later, she returned to her table, tucked her book away and finished off her drink. She waited for Danyi to turn her back before approaching the counter. "That definitely hit the spot," she admitted, reverting to her natural Irish accent, each word spoken with a soft lilting intonation, "The Master of the City would like to extend an invitation to become better acquainted." A small smile, a look of contrition, "I apologise for my earlier deception, Miss Seo-Jun. I have been known to be... overzealous when it comes to protecting my Master. I hope you'll forgive me for my moment of paranoia. " The words were said with sincerity, and there was some truth to her words. More to appease her Master and follow his instructions than to placate the lycanthrope in front of her. Caoimhe didn't believe she had been paranoid for even a second and would have done the exact same thing every time. Her due diligence was one of many layers of protection around her Master, and she took that part of her duty very seriously. But if she needed to fall on her sword to get the young woman to accept the invitation, then so be it. There was no room for her pride in the equation.

 

[Bunny]

While she’d watched the woman for a while, others had demanded her attention. Danyi often smiled, even if that smile was empty and never quite reached her eyes. She was there to do a job, to help and honestly, it was good for her to be around people again. Even humans. It was helping her slowly acclimate. Frustrating as it was, it was helping her feel like a beast and more like a woman once more. The old Master of the city had no eyes for women, likely the only reason she’d be been spared further attention. All he had wanted was a dangerous.. Powerful pet. Not enough to bond with her properly. No, he’d used her for his own ends and the only thing she’d been forced to sacrifice was her humanity. In the end, she found the trade worthwhile. It had kept her pard safe. They loved her for it, their Nimir-Ra and were devoted to her now as she tried to re-learn. Small things like offering her work to fill her time, to help her be around others. They always made it seem like she was doing them the favor and not the other way around. It was sweet, if not obvious. Idly singing to the song overhead, she began to restock the shelf behind the counter. Swaying softly to the music. Distracted as she seemed, Danyi heard the other woman approach. The voice was not one she’d heard that day. At least not in that accent and she froze in place before slowly turning to face the woman. A soft, purring growl left her lips. No human throat could have produced that sound. “No.” The word was simple, clipped and she narrowed her eyes. So that had been the odd scent she’d picked up, beneath that cloying perfume that had clung to her. A small bearing her teeth, that might seem like a smile at first glance was anything but. A warning at best and a threat at worst. “I have no desire to become acquainted.” While she could sense truth, she could smell the underlying lie as well. While she might have cared once to understand the truth from the lie, there was no desire now. “So tell him, thank you, but no.” Anger and fear were a deadly combination and history told her that if the vampire wanted to meet her, he shared the same animal to call that the old master did. She couldn’t face living in her other skin, not like she had before and as much as she loved her pard.. Danyi was unsure if she could do it again when she was just beginning to find herself once more. Trembling finely, she shook her head again. Before all of this, Danyi wouldn’t have said she was afraid of anything. Years.. Years as a leopard had done damage and the fear bubbling up only served to make her angry. “I think you need to leave.” Her voice was still that purring growl, it vibrated with it and her eyes flashed angrily. Forcing the woman out would cause a scene, one she didn’t want to cause. It wasn’t that she thought all vampires were the same, or that this one would wish the same thing. Vampires though, in her limited experience were capricious creatures with only their own objectives in mind. Willing to use anyone and anything to obtain those goals. This one would be no different.

 

[Amberyn]

Watching Danyi react to her invitation, Caoimhe knew what was coming. Bugger. Her Master was not going to be happy, and his I told you so's tended to come with a punishment. She stood her ground as the Alpha growled at her, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. It didn't even make her top ten of scary growls. The kitty used her words at last, and the polite decline didn't go unnoticed. Despite her obvious anger, Danyi was able to muster some manners. That, she could work with. Her sapphire gaze remained neutral, although she noted the trembling that had started. The woman was terrified, and considering what Caoimhe had heard, that was understandable. The human servant understood how lucky she was that her madam had tried to con Mori rather than another Master Vampire. Back then, vampires didn't need to worry about their public reputation. People died all the time, especially whores, and she'd met enough vampires to know they would have used her up and dumped her exsanguinated corpse in the river. Her Master had seen something in her, and she would forever be grateful for that. Understanding passed through her eyes, and she nodded, placing both the cup and book on the counter slowly, careful not to spook the lycanthrope. With exaggerated slowness, she reached into her bag for her purse and produced a couple of notes and a business card. The card was matte black with silver embellishments and font with the name 'Caoimhe Donnelly' and her contact details. She dropped the card and the notes on the book, "Understood, I'll pay for this and be on my way." Caoimhe wondered if a more direct approach would have made a difference. The visceral reaction Danyi had to meeting a Master Vampire suggested it wouldn't have, and that might appease her Master a little. Romanov had done a number on the poor girl, and in an ideal world, she would have been happy to leave her to it. But Danyi was the Nimir-Ra, and life was not that simple; it rarely was. She considered saying more, trying to convince the younger woman that her Master was different. In her experience, actions worked better than words, and hopefully, by not pushing the issue, she was illustrating just that. Danyi would need to deal with Mori at some point, and hopefully, she would come to that conclusion on her own. If not, Caoimhe would just have to get creative.

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Mori, of course, saw everything. There were a few things he needed to get done promptly. A few vampires he needed to get in line with his plans that could be swayed with ease. A few remnants of other packs he had to reach out to. But, Danyi represented the most important project that they had. Her pack was the second biggest force in the city, and if you did not count titles possible the biggest. As Master of the City, he was technically the biggest fish in the pond. He also had the ability to flay most magical beings to the bone with just his eyes, but that only helped so much in politics. He hated politics. Right now, he needed decide how to convince the wereleopard that this was going to be different. Based on how thoroughly Caiomhe had been turned away, a woman with infinitely more charm than himself, there was only one way to go about it. He needed to make a big scene. Force her into accepting the invitation to speak, at the very least. So, he opened the connection to his servant as she left the shop. "Stay in the area, pet. I'll be coming as soon as the sun is fully set." Mori was powerful enough, old enough, that he could rise a little ahead of schedule, which meant that he would have nearly an hour to kill before he could be at the shop. It was frustrating, but he spent most of that time picking what to wear and conversing with his servant about her choice of books. The biography was more of a discussion topic than anything. The stupidity of humans to believe the drivel being sold as fact. Caiomhe could have had anything she wanted, but both of them had come to enjoy a certain amount of control in their relationship. Ironic that he never wanted to rule, yet his personal relationship had become something so much about the balance of power. She was contrite over the failure to lure in Danyi, but Mori had a feeling it had brought a little excitement for the woman. Punishment was such a confusing term when it came to the two of them. When his car arrived at the front of the café, Mori stepped out looking like midnight itself. Black on black on black, he wore suit pants that fit immaculately and a shirt made of fabric so black and sleek it was like volcanic glass. Normally, he was a little more put together, favoring a tie and jacket for his public appearances, but today he had an unbuttoned collar that added a touch of casual to the blatantly tailored outfit. Even the shoes were reflecting the rising moonlight as he closed the distance to his servant, now waiting at the doorway. "You look so tense, pet. You did as you were told. You did fail, but I know you tried. You'll be punished accordingly." Mori lifted a hand to her chin, brushing the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip. Then, he dropped that hand to his side and walked into the front door, knowing full well Caiomhe knew where she needed to be. A respectful step behind him, but never further back. She did not follow, but walked with him. Public disrespect for his servant was unacceptable. In private, it was their favorite game. When Mori stepped inside, there was a silence that spread across the café. Not everyone took part at first. Only the lycanthropes who worked there and the few patrons who were not among the humans. Mori was hiding nothing and was so clearly vampire that they were all wary. The fact that he had the dark haired woman behind him only confirmed his identity to anyone who Danyi had informed of the encounter. Those she did not were subject to the echoes of power that fell off him. A master vampire was easily noticed in most places. He stepped forward with a calm confidence of someone who could cut down any threat with a glance. Then, he moved to stand in line behind the patrons waiting to order their drinks and pay for their books. His eyes were wandering, taking in the business around them. Casual, he turned to Caiomhe. "It is a rather cute store. I see why you liked it." Even as he spoke, he turned forward, meeting eyes with Danyi as she took order after order. When they finally got to the front, he was standing with his hands in his pockets, a friendly smile on his lips. Mori hated these games, but he still knew how to be polite. "I'll take another of the drink Caiomhe had before. The name is Mori. More importantly, I would like to speak with you about youself and your pard. I know my predecessor was a bit of... a piece of shit. I would prefer if we could leave him behind. I'd even go so far as to say I need your help, Danyi. We'll be browsing." The Master of the City gave her a slight incline of his head before walking off into the row of books and turning to his servant, speaking into her mind to avoid being overheard. "If that doesn't work, I'm afraid we might have a problem, precious." It was a sign that he was stressed that he was using that nickname. A sweet reference to the translation of her name. Mori only got sentimental when he expected something to rock their proverbial boat. ​

 

[Bunny]

Scary? It might have amused her to know that the woman didn’t find it scary when she wasn’t trying to be. No, that growl was a warning, not a treat and not meant to intimidate. A warning that if pushed, she could, in fact become scary or rather.. Violent. The small trembling had started and Danyi hated it, hated the weakness and just how broken she had become. It felt unforgivable. It seemed she understood, as her tanzanite eyes took in the flash of understanding. It was perhaps meant to be kind, but it just made her want to claw the woman’s face off. Not some frightened kitten. She was the Nimir-Ra of her pard. The shield of her people and their strength. A human servant and her master should frighten her this badly. Inhaling deeply she swiped the card, pocketed it and let the woman pay for her book, watching her leave with narrowed eyes. Once she’d left, Danyi closed her eyes and slowly counted to ten. She was safe, Romanov was dead. It took her a while to calm down and yet her nerves felt frazzled and raw after the encounter. It made her.. Twitchy and her temper was easily provoked. More than one simpering human had been snapped at and more than one of her own people had felt the sharp end of her tongue. The latter she felt bad for, the former? Not so much. She didn’t mind humans, but she didn’t care for them either. Night had well fallen when she felt him. The power that pressed at her skin and made her want to run her nails along her arms to rid herself of the touch. In his wake came silence. The humans felt something, if they were sensitive, otherwise, they fell silent to some unknown power, unaware that they’d ever made the choice. Her eyes lifted to the the man, noticing the pale, beautiful woman just a step behind. Dismissing them both with a look, she went on taking orders.. They’d meet in a few minutes.. As the leach had joined the queue and would be at the front soon enough. Closer and closer, each order drawing the creature and his servant closer. When it came to his turn, she met his eyes without fear. She was a master in her own right as the Nimir-Ra of her pard. His eyes were.. Just eyes. Beautiful, to be sure, but she felt no pull, even if he were trying. “And I believe I told Caiomhe I had no desire to speak with you, Mori.” The words were softly venomous as she lifted a cup, wrote his name in her elegant script and set it down. A sigh left her and she watched the pair walk toward the books. Ignoring him would have been her preferred choice, but it seemed she wasn’t destined to have her way. Watching them, annoyed, she began to make their drink. Felicity moved up, having heard the conversation, knowing that her Nimir-Ra would need a break. She began taking orders, the transition flawless. Taking her time, Danyi tried to center herself. Dink in hand she slipped from behind the counter and made her way to the pair. The drink was shoved in his direction. “On the house..” It wasn’t so much a peace offering as much as it was a bribe of sorts in the vain hope he’d just.. Leave.

 

[Amberyn]

The first time her Master had connected with her, Caoimhe had found it disconcerting and violating. Centuries later, she sometimes didn't notice when her Master her Master was watching through her eyes. It was an extremely useful part of the Master and Human Servant bond, and on more than one occasion, it had caught out chancers who tried to play them against each other. It didn't surprise her that he had kept an eye on her exchange with Danyi. She hated that her failure meant that her Master had to do the job himself, and there was a note of displeasure in her mental voice as she accepted his orders. A glance at her watch told her that there was about an hour to go, and she turned her attention to the area around the bookstore. She chatted with her Master as she explored, taking note of a few restaurants that looked appealing. Most of the stores were closing or already closed, and she was disappointed to come across a boutique lingerie store just as the shutters closed. She would definitely be checking that one out. The time passed quickly, their discussion covering the two books she had picked up. As much as she wanted to settle in a warm bath with her new book, they had work to do, and Caoimhe was going to enjoy every minute of whatever her Master had planned. She understood the young lycanthrope's fear, but did the Nimir-Ra actually expect a Master Vampire to accept her refusal of the invitation, even one as polite as hers? Waiting near the bookstore, she stepped up to the door when she felt her Master draw closer. It didn't matter how many times she saw him, Mori had the same effect on her every time. He'd forgone his usual tie and jacket, his shirt unbuttoned to give a glimpse of pale flesh that she itched to run her fingers over. The closer he got to her, the tenser she got, her sapphire gaze dropping to the pavement as he approached. His reassurance lifted some of the weight from her, his touch calling her to meet his eyes. The promise of a punishment was received with a flash of heat, his touch far too brief for her liking. Stifling a sigh, she turned on her heel and followed her Master inside. Head held high, she watched the change in the inhabitants as power walked among them. Silence fell, and confused humans looked about before finding Mori with their gaze. Many of them glanced at her, noting that she accompanied the strange man. Some of them knew what he was, and the lycanthropes present certainly did. There was no mistaking the feel of a Master Vampire's power, especially one as powerful as Mori. She met their gazes with a knowing smile, a look that acknowledged their questions and said yes, he was that good in bed. Better, actually. Some of them swayed a little, and she held back a laugh. There was no jealousy; if her Master wanted to take a lover, he would. It wasn't her place to complain. But Mori had more important things on his mind at the moment. When he stood in line, she hid her mouth behind her hand, coughing delicately. Giving him an amused smile, she nodded at his comment. Hopefully, she hadn't burned any chance of returning by revealing herself to Danyi. It would be a shame not to take advantage of the bookstore, especially when the drinks were of such a high calibre. Her eyes glossed over the menu, considering what she wanted to try this time. It seemed that her Master had taken a liking to the previous drink, and she simply smiled, content to drink it again. Caoimhe's eyes widened a fraction at her Master's description of his predecessor, her delicate sensibilities wincing at the turn of phrase. Without another look at Danyi, she went with him into the stacks, feigning indifference. In truth, she was vibrating with excitement, eager to see how the lycanthrope would take her Master's opening volley. It was always a pleasure to watch her Master work. Lifting a book from the shelf, she inclined her head to her Master. "What is it they say about cats and curiosity? she asked, giving him a reassuring smile. "She can't help herself." Caiomhe felt fairly confident in her assessment of the kitty; she'd seen the fear for herself. "She let herself be kept in cat form, and now has to live with the reminder of that cruelty every day," she pointed out, casually browsing a shelf, "She may want to avoid you, but she's not stupid. Make her an offer she can't refuse, one that gives her back her power rather than tries to take it from her." Her prediction came true moments later, and Caoimhe turned to face Danyi, scrutinising her from behind a neutral facade. Positioned behind her Master, she waited, noting the bribe in amusement. Bribing a vampire with coffee... an interesting approach, to be sure.

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Mori could almost feel Caiomhe vibrating with excitement. While she had the air of a refined lady, and very much lived up to it from the perspective of most, he knew she liked to see the world. They had traveled for a time, but his desire to remain neutral had kept them out of most cities for the last few decades. It was a major faux pas for a Master Vampire or their Human Servant to set foot in another master's territory without invitation and contacting any one master might result in offending another. The internet had been a balm to her pain, but she liked to wander. Mischievous and curious, more like a cat in that regard than he suspected Danyi might be. More than that, though, he could sense her eagerness to be punished. Punishment was a very loaded phrase in their relationship. He could not remember when they had slipped into this situation, dominant and submissive, BDSM, whatever one wanted to call it. Mori would not say he had any regrets, but the saying about the dynamic vs reality was true. He was dominant, but his submissive held all the power in her own way. Pushing him further into it, dragging him along as they discovered that, with the safety of her master as a buffer, she enjoyed turning everything she hated about her old human life on its head. Being forced and controlled. The way she so clearly anticipated it brought thoughts to his own head, unbidden. They would have much to discuss at home. Or on the drive there. Or both. The wait in line was all strategy, of course. To disarm himself in her eyes. A peace offering. He would not even use his influence to cut in line. And, her rejection was what he expected. It was all pageantry. Each of them knew Danyi could not ignore him. Ignoring his servant was bad enough. There were Masters of the City elsewhere that would literally kill her for the offense. Romanov likely would have if he kept a servant. No, he had been greedy with his power and now he was dead. So, he had simply inclined his head after his order and they had disappeared into the stacks. Mori would always love his servant for how she replied to his words. Only she knew that the vampire was less than confident about handling others. She always assured him he did well, though half of it was learned from her, but Caiomhe was a vital sounding board for ideas. Their mental connection had bailed him out in dire situations before. So, while she was laying out mostly what he had been thinking, it was reassuring to have it said. To know she was thinking the same thing. One could practically hear the smile as he replied. "Pehaps I should let her borrow you. You could be her mouse. A show of good faith." Mori accepted the coffee with a small, polite nod when Danyi offered it. He passed it to Caiomhe without a thought. Some part of him was excited to enjoy the flavor again, but they had business to do. "I appreciate the gesture, but taking anything from your pard for free isn't part of my intentions. I know what was done to you, Danyi. And I think I should tell you now that I am capable of calling large cats. I have no intention of doing so." He gave a small pause, a moment to let that sink in. "No, I have been thinking something quite the opposite." Mori was not the best as negotiations. He had never really needed the skill when it came to his kind. He could strip flesh from bone without a touch. Caiomhe was his negotiator. Danyi, it seemed, was not interested in second-hand promises. So, he laid it out. "Regardless of what you say today, your pard is free. From what I can tell, they did more for this city than Romanov ever did. But, I want an alliance. A friendship. That is the minimum. Agree to that, and we never have to meet outside of business again." This was the tricky part. How much did he offer up front? Caiomhe had said to return her power. So, he would simply lay it out. Give her all of the power to say yes or no. No surprises. "But, this city is a mess. Splinter factions of vampires, smaller groups of lycanthropes trying to take over, outside pressure. My lineage is small and spread thin. I need help to make things better. So, I want to bond you. Not immediately. I'd never be that reckless. But, I am inviting you to join me, as an equal, with the intent of forming something stronger. And, if that fails, we go back to the beginning. Alliance. Friendship." The phrase "no strings attached" nearly escaped his lips, but that somehow felt like it might make her more angry. ​

 

[Bunny]

Taking anything for free from your Pard isn’t part of my intentions The words hung between them and after a moment she lifted a brow and Danyi didn’t bother to hide her suspicion. Why bother? So when he told her that he could call large cats, the fear came unbidden to her eyes and she hated it and him and all those like him in that instant. That hate replaced the fear that she felt and she held onto it. Hate.. anger were easier emotions for her to accept rather than fear. “Is that so?” The words were ground out, a growl threaded through her voice. Widening of her eyes showed the surprise. A combination other Pard being free and the fact that a vampire was willing to acknowledge all she and her people had done for the city. It hadn’t been Romanov that had kept the city safe, policed the other shifters and to an extent the lesser vampires. That had made it a safe haven of sorts. Many would have assumed it was all his doing, not knowing that Danyi had been the one long before him to make it so. “Alliance.” The word was seemingly rolled around in her mouth, as if tasting it. “An alliance would mean I get something out of this and I honestly fail to see what you offer.” As he spoke, Danyi listened and managed to not roll her eyes as he laid out what she already knew, “You took out the man in power, it created a vacuum.” While she could have pointed out it was his problem, it had also saved her, so Danyi didn’t bother to mention it. Shocked laughter left her and she shook her head. “No.” It was a knee gut reaction to his offer to bond. While Danyi didn’t understand the implications fully, the idea of tying herself to another vampire? It was so deeply unappealing. Even if he didn’t try and force her or trap her in her animal form. Exhaling she shook her head slowly and closed her eyes. Simply rejecting him wouldn’t do and she had to be more than a victim of the previous Master. She was a Nimir-Ra for her Pard. Their protector. Slowly her lashes opened. “We may.. Try an alliance to start. I will not deny whatever else may come, but I will never bend a knee or be anything less than equal.” Her agreement solidified his promise. It wasn’t a demand, but an acceptance of the offer. Even if she didn’t like it, she would accept because it was needed for her people and their safety and it was clear there was very little she’d not do for her people. Her eyes flickered to Caiomhe and she inclined her head to the woman. A small forgiveness for the lies she’d told without telling them. The deception. “I will meet you later if you like or you may browse..” She offered, now that it had been more or less settled for the moment. All that was needed was their choice. Stay and wait for her shift to end or leave and await her elsewhere.

 

[Amberyn]

Not much got to Caoimhe, and she took most things in her stride, locking away her reactions behind a neutral expression. Mori was, of course, the one exception, and he teased her with the idea of being Danyi's mouse just as she was putting a book back. Fuck me, she thought, taking a moment to steady her shaking hand, and inhaling slowly. The images that filtered through her mind were unadulterated filth, and naturally, her Master had thrown that curveball at her right before the cat in question joined them. Her arousal lingered through their bond, and she tried to focus on what Mori was saying, aiming to be a steady support at his back. It worked, sort of. She radiated confidence and reassurance as her Master stated his business, taking sips of the coffee and offering an appreciative smile to Danyi. The other woman was not quite as adept at hiding her feelings, although Caoimhe got the distinct feeling that Danyi didn't care if they saw her suspicion and irritation. The fear, however, was an involuntary reaction, although she was impressed with how quickly Danyi recovered. It seemed to be going well until her Master invited the Nimir-Ra to bond with him. To join them. Caoimhe couldn't quite help letting her gaze run over the lycanthrope's body, imagining what it would be like if Danyi accepted the offer. Dirty thoughts broke free, and she hastily slurped down some coffee, hiding her growing flush. It took a handful of heartbeats to slam that door closed, and she apologised to her Master through their bond. It was unprofessional of her, but it was his fault, she noted. Throwing such a suggestion at her in the middle of all this? He knew her well enough to know what such things did to her. Danyi's questioning of an alliance rubbed on her nerves, and her fingers dug into her cup, making the cardboard creak. Maybe she'd underestimated the kitty; surely she wasn't so stupid as to not see what an alliance got her. Or was she being awkward for the sake of it? The desire to lecture the lycanthrope bubbled up, her eyes flashing with annoyance. It wasn't her place to educate Danyi, even if she left it wide open for someone to point out the obvious. Without Mori, she'd still be stuck in cat form, and she wouldn't even be in a position to consider an Alliance. The laughter made her seethe, and her fingers itched to smack the insolence out of the young woman. Decorum and years of obedience stilled her hand, as did something in Danyi's behaviour. Eyes closed, the Nimir-Ra took a deep breath, and Caoimhe's heart beat frantically. Yes! Triumph soared through her, and she smiled, genuinely happy with the outcome. "Well played, Master," she told him, pride coursing through their bond. The silly kitty was going on about being an equal, and Caoimhe mentally shook her head. Clearly, the younger woman knew nothing about the bond that she had just refused. As an Alpha, especially the leader of her pack, it was unlikely that Mori would be able to control her. Bonding with him was the safest way to protect her. But the first step had been taken, and she could work with that. It surprised her when Danyi's attention switched to her, the slightest of nods given to smooth things over between them. Her smile widened, and she returned the nod. It seemed that the kitty could be professional when she wanted to be. Perhaps this would work after all. Her attention shifted to her Master, waiting for Mori to make the decision. It was a little unbecoming to expect the Master of the City to wait for her; however, it would likely reassure Danyi that he meant what he said. There were worse places to wait.

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Mori knew Caiomhe well. They had been in each other's head for centuries now. He was aware he could send her tumbling down rabbit holes of filthy thoughts with a few words. That did not mean he understood every corner of her thoughts. He had not, for example, known how attracted she was to the wereleopard. The things that flitted through her mind were indeed filth. It was also the kind of thing he expected from her desires. That would certainly be a good incentive for Danyi if things ended up going down that road. After all, his servant was... talented. The second time it happened, though, he mentally squeezed across their bond. That was an unwelcome distraction. It was very difficult to remain collected, maintain his aloof exterior when she was practically undressing their potential ally with her eyes. Unfortunately, he was forced to keep it open to receive her observation of Danyi's body language. So mercurial, his servant. He kept that same placid expression when she said no with an instantaneous distaste. He got what he needed for now. An acceptance of an alliance at the very least. If only he were capable of shutting his mouth when he felt someone was prodding him intentionally. "The benefits of an alliance seem obvious, Danyi. Romanov was a short-sighted fool who fell face first into his place here. Don't let your image of him distract from what Master of the City can mean." The little tilt of his head a moment later was a betrayal of his thoughts as much as the amusement he shared with Caiomhe over their bond was. Mori was thinking not of Danyi when she mentioned equality. No, he was thinking of his servant and the fact that these two women were very different. "But, the bond isn't subjugation. Despite Caiomhe's personal choices, it is about sharing, not controlling. Mutually beneficial. We can discuss that later, however. Do enjoy the rest of your shift. We will be here." Gave her a polite inclination of his head and let her leave the conversation without any attempt to hold her there, with words or otherwise. And a few seconds later, he turned on his servant with clear heat in his eyes. This woman was as much trouble as she was vital. It was not that Mori found Danyi unattractive. No, that was very, very far from true. It was that he now could not stop thinking about what Caiomhe had put into his head. Thoughts of mouths and hands and teeth. He was tempted to drag her to the restroom and punish her then and there, if only because he wanted it as well. If not for a wereleopard's keen sense of smell, he might have. Having Danyi scent sex on them seemed a bit reckless, though. Instead, he captured her wrist and pulled her deeper into the books. The café was not so large that they could really be hidden, but he still flashed his teeth in something like a snarl. Mori was rather even-tempered among his kind, but Caiomhe had trained him just as he had trained her. She wanted the reaction, craved it. He pushed her to the wall, boxing her in with his arms as he leaned over her. This time, he did not bother with their mental connection. "Caiomhe, my servant, my pet... I would prefer you not daydream of fucking our potential ally when I'm speaking to her." One hand moved to her chin, tilting it up. He stared into her eyes, some unfathomable mix of annoyance, lust, and affection. "I am not without blame, given how I teased you. But, a modicum of self-control would be appreciated. What is it you are trying to do? Be punished in front of her? Have her help? Are you trying to bribe our new friend with all those talents?" The words were out before he thought them over, as much an admission as accusation. Clearly, her thoughts had brought him there all on his own. If only he knew Danyi well enough to guess if she might bite at the offer. "Behave. Read your book. Understood?" Once Mori had his answer, he walked back to that comfortable reading area they had found before, sitting down and closing his eyes. Caiomhe would entertain him with her book while they waited. He was, after all, curious what embellished lies that biography held. ​

 

[Bunny]

“Do they?” She mused quietly. Far from stupid, Danyi struggled with the idea all the same. Without them, vampires, their lives would have been fine. She’d held a city, kept it safe. It was allowing them the chance that had ruined everything and broken parts of her that the leopard was unsure could be fixed. The man had a point though. Her only real interaction with his kind was the bastard that had forced her into cat form and left her there to rot.. Fool me once, shame on you. Twice, shame on me. She’d give Mori a chance.. Even if liberating the city had not been for her or her people, he had in fact, liberated them all the same. Giving up power seemed counter productive to securing it, but there was little point in questioning it at the moment or picking at him or his pet. Dismissal didn’t bother her and she bid them enjoy their night till she was free to discuss the issue further. They were welcome to stay within the cafe or to go elsewhere till her shift was over. In the time between, Danyi found herself on auto pilot as she filled orders. Mind wandering to the problems laid before her. Before the vampires had gained a foothold, it had been easy to keep them out to a point. They were stronger, more powerful than her own kind and while she hated it, Danyi was forced to accept that Mori could force her. He’d asked. It was perhaps luck that had him and not someone else in his place. They could simply take and what could she do? Powerful as she was, it was hard to compete with the power of vampires. The offer had appeal, even if she was unsure of the creature and pet that offered her it on a golden platter. It seemed too good to be true. In the end though, what choice did she have. That was perhaps what bothered her the most. Not having a choice. Sure, they’d presented it like one, but in reality? Sighing she rubbed her temples. That was life though, often unsavory options laid out and it was on everyone to make the best choice they could. Occasionally, Danyi found her eyes falling on Mori or on Caiomhe. His eyes closed, her own locked on the book in her hands. Three hours seemed to both speed and crawl by the time the last of their regulars were packing up to go. Making another coffee for Caiomhe, Danyi made herself one. Cold brew with caramel. She liked the sharp bitterness that mingled with the sweetness on her tongue. The cup was placed before the woman before she collapsed into a chair across from the pair with liquid, feline grace. Curling on the spot, she looked to Caiomhe first. “I suppose I owe you an apology. While I do not.. Appreciate the deception.. I understand on some level.” It was said cautiously, but with a softer warmth than she’d shown the woman thus far. Her eyes flicked to Mori and she inclined her head. “So, what now? I have agreed..” Curiosity and the cat. Light dimmed as her pard member closed up, silent on their feet as they moved around. Knowing that Milo was there was comforting. Her second in command, he was the closest thing to family that Danyi had.

 

[Amberyn]

The mental warning was received and understood, and Caoimhe tried to distract herself with the matter at hand. Amused triumph flickered in her eyes as her Master corrected the young lycanthrope. It was replaced with surprise when she was brought into the conversation, and she gave Danyi a lazy smile. She watched the woman carefully for her reaction to her Master's admission. She wasn't sure what to make of Danyi's response and was fairly impressed with how much she loaded into just two words. Puzzling over what that meant, she was equally surprised when the kitty slunk off without another word. Left alone with her Master, she swallowed at the sight of his heat-filled gaze. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her into the stacks, sending a thrill of excitement tinged with fear running through her. Her back hit a wall, her coffee slopping in her cup, and she smirked, enjoying the way he cornered her. Shame at losing control at such an inopportune moment flashed through her, and she pouted, biting her lip. It wasn't her fault that he had dropped such a delightful scenario right before Danyi showed up. His fingers caught her chin, and what she saw in his eyes made her melt. At first, she thought he was going to play with her right there in the store, then he spoke, and she blinked, the accusations hitting hard. Her gaze dropped to his shirt, offering silence in contrition. "Yes, Master," she murmured, accepting his orders as he strode away. Caoimhe trailed after him, feeling confused and disappointed. Had she been trying to do those things? She liked to believe that she took change in her stride, but there had been so many changes in their lives recently. Perhaps a little bit of her did hope that Danyi was of the same inclination as her Master. The Nimir-Ra was a beautiful woman, and there was something about her that fascinated Caoimhe. She understood why her Master wanted to bond with Danyi; politically, it made sense. Personally, she was a little scared of what it meant for her relationship with her Master. More than a little, she admitted reluctantly. Sighing, she dropped into a seat next to her Master, placing her coffee on a table. She would need to be more careful. For now, though, she had orders to follow, and she quickly tugged out the biography. Her Master's curiosity leaked through the bond, and she tucked her legs beneath her. Opening the book, she flipped to the start and let out a startled chuckle as she read the first line. If that was any indication of the rest of the book, it was going to be equally hilarious and irritating. A glance towards her Master told her that he had not even twitched in response to her outburst. With a sigh, she settled in and started reading. The hours always passed quickly for Caoimhe when she was reading. She was over halfway when Danyi reappeared, right in the middle of a fabricated story about how Salvatore, also known as Gary by those who actually knew him, had single-handedly saved the day with diplomacy. Considering Gary had the tact of an inquisitive five-year-old, it was unlikely that he had ever saved anything, never mind with diplomacy. It tickled her that the dimwitted vampire had chosen a moniker associated with a well-known fictional TV show about vampires. Danyi placed another cup in front of her before dropping into a chair with a level of grace that she could never hope to match. Reluctantly, she placed a finger on her page and closed her book, giving the other woman her full attention. Caoimhe blinked slowly, surprise thrumming through her. Not only was Danyi apologising to her, but there was actual warmth in her tone. Recalling her faux pas, she offered a smile and a nod, "I should have been upfront about who I was," she admitted, resisting the urge to glance at her Master, "I was concerned I would spook you before I got a chance to meet you properly." Danyi's attention turned to her Master, and the human servant took the moment to lift her bag into her lap. Riffling around in it with one hand, she found a bookmark and carefully placed it between the pages to save her place. The lights dimmed as she put the book into her bag, and she glanced at her Master, waiting for him to choose the next move.

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

An almost imperceptible twitch of his eyebrow at the way Danyi spoke to him. That was all the wereleopard received at her blatant attempts to challenge him, to avoid him, to do whatever it was she intended. It made him hesitate. If she was being difficult, just making an alliance might be pulling teeth. If she was genuinely unaware of the way the framework of order was starting to fray, how useful would she be? They were left to wait before he could make a decision either way. No, instead he was left with Caiomhe and her shift in mood. That was always a strange part of their dynamic. His human loved to get into trouble. She poked him and did things just to have him punish her. He had seen it in her eyes the moment he pinned her. That desire to be used. This time, she only got genuine displeasure and the way her face fell was enough to wound him. Mori would not describe their relationship as romantic love. It was both more complicated and so much simpler. She was a part of him, and hurting her, at least this way, did bother him. So, once they had settled into their new location, he opened up the bond and spoke to her as she began to read the book. Gary was insufferable, but he could wait a moment. "I am not upset with you, pet. I simply need you to focus on the words, the body language, not what you want her to do to you. We can approach that later, if you like. She may be interested." And then he settled in, relaxed and let himself enjoy the book through her eyes. He had to admit it did make him crack a smile on occasion. He could practically feel Caiomhe mocking the man through their connection. When Danyi approached them, Mori straighten in his seat, politely keeping quiet at the two women dealt with things on their own. That was a good step toward the long-term. At least he knew the both of them could get over a poor first impression. He understood why his servant had erred toward caution, given how far they had stayed disconnected from the goings on of the world. She was more spy than politician, though she still outstriped him in both. He was the better blunt instrument. Power and a dark charm opened doors faster than sly smiles on occasion. When the Nimir-Ra turned to him, the smile he gave her in return was a little weary. At least they were relatively alone now. "Now? We can discuss terms, I suppose. You know as well as I do that Romanov was more or less a figurehead at the end, but that still gave stability. Things are getting messy and I need your help to clean it up. The open secret among my kind is that I don't want to be here." Mori gave that a moment to sink in. Danyi seemed to have a very understandable distaste for despots and tyrants. It might sound like sweet lies, but saying it was better than keeping secrets. "In fact, I am only master of the city because I was practically begged." He sat up straighter, looked the cat right in her eyes. "They picked me because I could deal with Romanov without effort, and because the council was very close to taking drastic action. This city is a shit show and I need muscle. No strings attached, just a genuine alliance. We both want this city to stay together. This is your home and, despite my misgivings, my responsibility. What now?" This time, Mori paused for longer, seemed to think it over. He bounced a few things off his human while he did it, seeing if she trusted the wereleopards' intentions. Then, he laid out the full offer. "Complete freedom, within reason. Your pard has my blessing to do what you think you need to keep the peace. If anyone confronts you, you send them to me. we share intelligence and keep communication open. In return, you answer when I call, metaphorically speaking. I won't use my power to force you, but I need you to listen when I reach out. And, I'd like you to consider the idea of bonding, once we know each other. To say it would simplify things is... an understatement." Mori relaxed into his chair a little. "You are invited to come to my home and discuss this further, if you like." ​

 

[Bunny]

“Well, I think that was fair, based on how I did react.” She was trying and it showed, though it was hard to erase the uneasiness she felt sitting before them. Danyi felt broken.. She’d heal in time, but it felt like life was throwing things at her too quickly. In the end though her choice was to adapt or die. Both metaphorically and quite literally. Her focus shifted to the crux of her problem. The vampire himself. Terms. It made sense and she nodded, but stayed silent for the moment. What he laid before her was known, but she’d been the one to ask. They’d not had any powerful vampires for a long time and because of that, her Pard had been the policing force for the undead. It had been manageable.. But once Romanov or.. Whoever had set their sights on her city, that had come to an end and there was no way for her or her Pard to police them any longer. They needed Mori, like it or not. He wanted this less than she did, it seemed. Or at least that was the story he was presenting her with. While she could smell lies on her own kind and humans, vampires were trickier beasts. “Begged by whom?” The curious little kitten couldn’t help but ask. It wasn’t like she or any of her people had. Which meant someone else had. Lips pursed, though not at his words or even him.. “If I could police the streets as they are now, I would have no need for an alliance.” She pointed out softly, not growl in her words. “Romonov attracted a unique crowd and with him gone, they are running free.” This he knew and Danyi frowned slightly. “Short of attacking in a group with great losses on my end, corralling these vampires.. Is beyond my people’s power and I have no desire to then my Pard to do so. We would need help from vampires to help stamp out these errant members of your society.” She needed people with power to help her take out the threats. “I can manage the threats, if you provide people to aid us.” She offered. His own offer was considered before she slowly nodded. “I see no issue with this.” All her initial resistance was gone or so it seemed. What really was happening was she had little choice in the matter. There was a fear that if she’d not come willingly he’d force her. Beyond that, she knew how people treated her own kind. One bad experience and she was willing to say all his kind were monsters? It wasn’t an uncommon feeling.. But giving him the chance to prove her right or wrong.. Shifting her weight she looked at him for a long time. “I will answer the call.” It was the last little bit that she’d left up in the air. “As to the latter.. We.. will see.” It was the best Danyi could offer. Inhaling she inclined her head. “Very well.” It felt like a trap, only because of Romanov and she was trying to ignore that feeling to the best of her ability. Looking over her shoulder, the male who was cleaning, Milo paused to look at his Nimir- Ra. “I can finish on my own.” His gaze fell on the others and he frowned for a moment before glancing back at her. He didn’t like this and as her second hand, she understood it. The look said it all and he didn’t bother to hide that worry. Turning back to the pair she rose, setting down her glass down she stretched, arms above her head letting out a putting little sound that was akin to a moan as the vertebrae popped. “Shall we?”

 

[Amberyn]

Still somewhat subdued, Caoimhe's acknowledgement of her Master's clarification could be felt through their bond, although she said nothing else. Feeling a little off-kilter, she focused on the book, letting Gary's fictional exploits ease the tension in her body. Until Danyi approached and she reluctantly had to face the music, so to speak. Her head inclined at the wereleopard's admission, allowing the other woman to save face. Danyi was still on edge, and while she looked comfortable curled up in the seat, Caimhe recognised it instantly as a defensive position. She knew the lycanthrope was ready to bolt at any moment, and sent a gentle warning to her Master to take it slow. She felt for the girl, reminded of her own introduction to the preternatural world. How confusing everything had been, how desperate she had been to run from the monster that had caught her. That night was forever etched into her memory, and she had to carefully extract herself from it. Never in a million years would she have thought she'd be sitting here, hundreds of years later, the servant of a new Master of the City. It occurred to her that their file on Danyi didn't cover how she had become a lycanthrope, and it wasn't something that one asked. Dismissing it from her mind, she focused on the conversation taking place, her eyes flicking to the other lycanthrope still present. She wasn't sure she approved of Mori talking so openly while an unknown was present, but her job was to advise, not lecture. Caoimhe had to begrudgingly admit that it wasn't a bad play when Danyi immediately leapt on the information that he had been begged to take over. She allowed herself a small smile, recalling how she had reminded her Master about cats and their curiosity. Her demeanour changed swiftly at the mention of the Council taking drastic action. She'd seen what that meant, and despite how long she had spent in the world of vampires, she would never be quite at home with their cold disregard for life. Unfortunately, removing Romanov and taking over didn't solve all the problems, as Danyi was now pointing out. She nodded in understanding, speaking to her Master as she did so. *It would be helpful to have a... list to compare to our own records.* She was good at what she did, but no method was ever foolproof, and some always fell through the cracks. There was a wariness in the gaze that regarded Danyi as she agreed to the terms Mori set out. It felt a little too easy, and while she wanted to believe that the Nimir Ra had come to her senses and got over her fear, it was her job to keep an open mind. Accepting the bond of animal to call would keep her Master safe from Danyi in more ways than one. It was the main reason Caoimhe accepted the idea. Danyi's acceptance appeared to be genuine, and she felt some of the tension drain from her when she agreed to come if Mori called her. For now, anyway. She was quite sure that if Danyi felt she and her pard were not getting anything from the arrangement, she would back out of any obligations. The other lycanthrope spoke up, and she took the opportunity to study him. Not every member of the pard was known to them, with some keeping their identity a closely guarded secret. This one she knew of, at least his face was familiar, even if she couldn't recall a name. She would need to check her files and update them. The way he looked at them with open dislike told her a lot. Someone high up in the pard, she suspected, someone who wasn't afraid of the new Master of the City or at least, not afraid to let his Nimir Ra know he wasn't happy about the situation. Making a note to find out more about him and work on winning him over, she gave him a polite smile. Caoimhe had yet to find someone she couldn't win over if she put her mind to it. Danyi had almost ruined that streak, and well, things seemed to be working out nicely. Reaching for her cup, she downed the last few mouthfuls, sighing. It really was a good drink, and she was eager to try more of the menu. She noted that Danyi left her cup where it was, and she followed suit, not wishing to show the other woman up. Her older sensibilities itched at her to pick up both cups and take them to the counter. Standing, she froze at the sound that came from Danyi, accompanied by the satisfying pop of a good stretch. But damn, that sound. Swallowing, she coughed a little and glanced at her Master. "Do you want me to have the car come around, Master?" she asked softly, keeping her thoughts strictly on business. It occurred to her that Danyi might prefer to get there herself rather than be stuck in a vehicle with a vampire, and she sent that thought to her Master. Better if he were the one to ask, to help make the lycanthrope feel at home. The last thing they needed was a panicking wereleopard stuck in a car with them. They'd both heal, but it would not be pleasant, and it would sour their burgeoning relationship considerably.

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

This time, Mori was prepared for her to question his words. It was a strange place to be, being questioned. Caiomhe would often question him, but she tended to phrase it as a suggestion or even as if she needed clarification. It was unnecessary precaution, at least these days. He would not sooner lash out at her than he would cut off his own hand. All of their power dynamic came from desire. Maybe his human could not control herself. Maybe she treated him like a god because she truly believed it. Either way, Danyi was a fairly unique experience for him. Vampires feared him a healthy amount and it meant they never just... asked him things. "My own kind. The ones who weren't under Romanov's thumb in the city and those nearby. The council would have brought a genocide and a regime that would make the dearly departed fool look like a kitten, no offense to kittens." Mori managed a small quirk of the mouth at that. Maybe it was a tasteless joke, but he found himself feeling surprisingly candid and free with the cat. She did not take shit, as it were. Her own problems with the deal were an easy way to answer a question that would likely follow. What made him so special? "We'll support you, of course. My own bloodline is small and spread thin, but I have enough others who want the same thing that we can provide aid. If anyone is particularly dangerous, myself or Caoimhe can assist. If you don't know about my particular gift, I can explain in more privacy. For now, all we require is that information be shared. If this is my home now, I'll see that it runs smoothly." Because Mori was trapped here. Having a city to live in was not the worst thing. It was novel compared to most of his long life. One did not invite the vampire who could kill his own kind with his eyes over for dinner. Most masters kept him at arm's length, until they needed him. He chose not to press about the bond. As much as sharing his abilities with the lycanthrope would ease the difficulties, he did not know Danyi well enough to try it. Forever was a long time. Instead, a much more temporary kind of bond came to mind when he watched the Nimir-Ra stretch, heard the voice that escaped her. This time, he could not blame his human servant. They were very much on the same page. Things would have been much easier had the wereleopard been unattractive. Maybe he could encourage his human to turn her charms on. She was, after all, a professional. "Yes, I think we should take the car. I had them stay close. They should meet us at the door. Care to join us, Danyi?" It was a polite offer even as he reached down to claim Caoimhe's hand in his own. Between her intentional mischief and the way they were both now looking at the wereleopard, they had a night ahead of them. If they were alone for it, he had no complaints. If they were joined by a lovely lycanthrope? That would certainly make it easier to trust each other. After all, the type of fun Caoimhe enjoyed required quite a bit of it. He opened the bond, knowing he was going to be dangling a treat in front of his pet now. Trust went both ways and he knew she would do what she needed, even if he gave her another assignment. Or, more accurately, permission. "You have my permission to turn your full charms on to Danyi, pet. I admit that I have an equally filthy mind." His internal voice was a little more confident now, not that he lacked for it before. They had gotten over the hard part, had secured what they needed to keep the city from turning into a charnel house. Maybe all three of them deserved to relax a little. The car was, of course, waiting for them when they left the café. If you were close enough to the new master of the city to be his driver, he trusted you with his life. Keeping schedule was a simple task. It was a small car as far as luxury vehicles went, but it still had a double rear seat and a hollowed middle section with significant sound proofing. It could almost pass for a normal car from the outside. A little too long, too little trunk. He pulled his human in alongside him, letting her lean fully against him. Once the leopard joined them, he tried to conjure a polite smile. It mostly succeeded. "How long have you been in charge of your pard, Danyi?" ​