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Leaning against the kitchen counter when he heard footsteps approaching Kai listened, obviously it was Perstephone since no one else was in the house right now, he would know if there were after all. Still, he sipped his blood in silence, not commenting or speaking. Simply watching quietly through his peripheral view. It seemed Perstephone had taken a shower, her skin and hair looking much cleaner for it.... though her outfit left a lot to be desired Kai made no comment on it. She was at least looking at the food as if indulging the possibility she might eat it and not ranting at him.... not yet at least, though he was sure it was to come.

Still, Kai waited until Perstephone broke the silence with her quietly spoken permission to lecture her... lecturing would do no good, he had realised that at some point this morning, his thoughts much clearer after a little distance and some rest. Of course, that didn't mean she could simply be allowed to get away with her behaviour either....

At first Kai said nothing, simply drank from his mug and licked his lips before allowing his red eyes to drift to look directly at Perstephone. "I trust you slept well Perstephone?" She didn't exactly appear to have, though he suspected the sofa was far from comfortable. "You shall sleep in..." He hesitated for a moment but swiftly regained his pace. "our bed this evening, I am sure that will provide a much more restful sleep." He frowned slightly, hiding it behind his mug and blood as he took another sip. Part of Kai was dreading claiming Perstephone, at marking her with his bite for all to see.... for some reason that almost seemed to make it more... binding. After all, he could never take his bite back! The venom of a vampire always scarred a werewolf's flesh after all. "As for last night...." He put his mug down and straightened up. His eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he recalled the humiliation that was his wedding night. "....from your wording I am sure you are more than aware of how inappropriate and embarrassing your actions were. Not only to yourself, or to me... but to your pack and your family." He shook his head slightly as if he was unable to figure something out. "All I ask is that you show a little respect in yourself." With that he picked up his mug again, downed the contents, missing a single dribble of blood that he used his finger to clear up and push into mouth... this was why he hated mugs, had hated something similar when he had been a human soldier and having soup for supper too.... messy things.

"If you excuse me, I have things I must attend to for a while. Oh..." He paused at the door and looked over his shoulder with an amused smirk. "...it's not poisoned. If you don't believe me..." He pointed to the new fridge. "Feel free to help yourself to more. Just clean up after yourself." With that he left to the upstairs master suite, having a quick shower, though he washed his hair fully considering how much the scent of wolf seemed to cling to the stuff. Oh to have been changed with short hair...! Too late now. Much too late. Done he dried off and slipped into fresh underwear, black slacks and a crisp white shirt that he left the top two buttons open on. Dressed he went back down stairs to the computer room, it was huge, a sofa of black and the largest television he had been able to buy along with every console imaginable and game of his fancy. It wasn't that he really liked this stuff, it was simply something to do when he had nothing else to do in the sunlight hours. Sitting at the computer in the corner he turned it and and instantly set up a conference call with his maker. It was because of him that Kai had been nominated for this, and it was also because of him that Kai would never have refused.... knowing that had he not already claimed a bride many years before he would have been the one in Kai's place... at least he hoped that was the case. "Leigo." He said with a smile, bowing his head in respect to the other. "I received the documentation you sent over, the company shall be placed into your control by the end of the week. The money has already been transferred, and I am pleased to say it went off without a hitch."

"Business as usual?" The guy said, his amusement clear, even as Kai heard the giggle of the mans wife. What would it be like to have such a close bond with your mate? It was pointless thinking about it, Kai could never achieve that with Perstephone! She was an uncultured dog after all. "I thought you would at least be spending time with your new wife?" Laughter. "You know, getting to know each other more intimately.... or have you wore the b***h out already?" Kai scowled at the screen, he had never been one to 'kiss and tell', not that there was anything to tell right now, but he certainly had no intention of starting either way.

"I am sorry to disappoint you Leigo...." He went to continue his previous conversation but found himself swiftly interrupted, the seriousness in the guys voice catching his attention.

"Don't wait too long Kai, you might think you have all the time in the world but rumour has it that the council will be there before too long to check that she wears your bite and that you have indeed done the nasty... even if that means watching you two go at it like bunnies... you understand?" Kai growled at the computer image. "As if I would ever indulge in anything so vulgar as a display! I gave my word and I shall not break it.... you of all people should know that my word is my law." With that he hung up, unable to look the guy in the face anymore... his heart racing, the memories painful. Still he had to fight to keep himself in the present... The council would come to check? Sure, he had known that, but hearing it again so soon seemed to hit everything home. Make it suddenly real! He stood up, brushing himself down before he turned to find Perstephone.

It didn't take long, and when he did he simply said. "Perstephone," His tone serious and his gaze focused. "We need to talk...." They most certainly did. He looked down at his ring for a moment and dropped his arm to his side, now was not the time to think about the danger of getting to close to his wife.... though Taylor's earlier taunts came flooding back too. He wanted to growl and snap at them all for polluting his thoughts! He needed to think straight, damn it!

He took a deep breath and watched her for a moment before eventually saying. "Since we are to be stuck together for.... an unforeseen time... perhaps you would indulge me by telling me a little about yourself, Perstephone." This time when he said her name he purred it like he had during the wedding.

As Kai had looked for Perstephone he had considered her earlier argument, he hadn't commented on it then, hadn't felt the need to retaliate to such defensive words... the fact was, he actually knew virtually nothing about her, which made him wonder what she knew about him...? He was more than sure there were tales and stories about him, not all correct... especially if told only from the wolves perspective, but he had lived so long that she could have heard practically anything about him. Slaughters, rampages, blood lust, hatred, violence, vengeance....? Still, he had taken her last snapped words as an apology.... or as close to one as he would ever get. Fine, he would accept the apology for now, but it meant nothing if she continued to act like an animal in public!

While he listened to her answer his question he had to wonder why she had wandered around his space while he was in the shower, purposefully making it so there was no mistaking the scent of her.... she had been so close to him naked, was that her point? That she was more than capable of being there when he was most vulnerable? Interesting. But he was not afraid. She was only forty-eight? So young? Born in the back of a van? Well, he supposed he couldn't complain about that given the place of his birth in a much less sophisticated time... but still, why had she not been born in a hospital? The reminder of her 'blue collar' stuff was less than appealing, especially since her cocky attitude seemed to say that she was more than pleased with past endeavours.

The way she called him 'hun' grated against his nerves, but he chose to ignore it, realised he was ignoring a lot around this woman. Something he wouldn't be able to do forever. Before he answered he raised a hand to his forehead and massaged his temples, "You are going to make me fight you constantly aren't you Perstephone? You and the world.... great." His words were spoken more on a low hiss than an actual statement for her to hear, not that he cared if she did or not. Simply, Kai had to wonder if he had the strength to constantly fight with her and the rest of the world.... sure, they both knew this was 'fake', merely delaying, the imaginings of a mad council who knew little of their kinds.... but here they currently stood, and there was no taking it back at the moment. He had made a promise to cherish and honour her, had promised his maker to marry her.... but she was not going to make that easy on him, was she? As if she was the only one forced into it... how little she knew!

In the end he dropped it and decided to answer her words even if it wasn't actually a question or a show of interest. "The Roman's did have indoor plumbing," Of a sort. "...and underground heating... it was only after they were forced to withdraw from the world before their empire collapsed that the world was plunged back into the dark on such things." Not that vampires had such bodily functions, the blood simply used and dying in their veins before they needed more. By this point his arms were crossed over his chest, his red eyes watching her and noticing that she had on a very poor excuse for clothing... could you even count that belt as a pair of shorts? Let alone her stretched legs as she showed off more flesh that he would be comfortable with others seeing.... yes, it seemed he was as possessive of her as he was his other things. Great. He was doomed. "I was there when Claudius invaded Briton.... in 43 AD I believe." He had been sixteen during the invasion, had stood on the side of the Roman's. Seven years later they had found Londinium, and it was during a great fight there that he had lost his life.... twenty-three years of age. Though after watching the world for so many years he now knew that people aged much slower and differently to how they once had. Woman no longer finding it acceptable to have children so early, in fact, they would still be considered children themselves had they given birth the same age his own mother had.... suddenly he felt very old. Very old indeed. There were very few who were older than him... his maker one of them. Of them all, Kai was the only one who had never taken a bride.... until now, it seemed. He had his reasons, reasons he had no intention of divulging with a dog.

"Last night," He found himself saying, leaning against one of the bookcases and allowing his fingers to run over the spines until one caught his interest. "You accused me of choosing this existence.... for the record. I did not." That was all he would say on the subject, but for some reason it was important to him that she didn't just make assumptions of him. Opening the book, Avestan Gathas, an Iron age literature of poetry and short stories, written in old English.... very old English, he began to read. He chuckled slightly at the first one he read, closed the book carefully and returned it to the shelf. "I shall not pretend to like you Perstephone, but know that I will honour my vows to you...." He straightened up. "Have you seen the indoor pool?" He was attempting to placate the beast, to bring forth the wolfen curiosity. An olive branch of sorts. "If not... I shall show you." His eyes darted to the windows, each locked tightly shut with thick shutters during the day -like now. "The shutters are down during all sunlight hours.... however, if you wish it, I can provide you a room where they can be removed for your indulgence." After all, for the time being, this was their home.... he frowned a little at that, suddenly feeling like he was working far too hard for this fake marriage, especially since his partner was not doing the same. Perhaps he really should just f*ck her, bite her and ignore her for the rest of their time together? It would probably make it easier on them both.... he would bring it up later, he supposed, after all speaking so plainly so early in the morning was far from civilised. Plus, Leigo's words were still raw in his mind.

Yes, Kai supposed, he was ancient. It was also for that reason that he was so powerful, why he could go so long without blood and even tolerate certain amounts of sunlight before his flesh began to burn and blister and turn to dust. Not that there was any reason to reveal that little secret. Kai's thoughts soon shifted as he listened to Perstephone, pleasantly surprised that she wasn't a completely uneducated and unintelligent fool, in fact, as she spoke he found himself wondering what else she knew.... or what was she trying to achieve while here? Was she sent for information on him and his kind? After all, he hadn't expected her to actually have a brain after her brutish behaviour the night before. Was she a spy? It would do her no good, he mused, for there was nothing he would say that would reveal anything of use to her and her kind. Since there was likely never a day when he would trust Perstephone not to betray him, well, there would always be things they never spoke of. Togo and Tivu? Ancestors of the weres? He hadn't known that, but then again, at the time he had been human and hadn't known much about anything outside of the Roman belief system, he would slaughter animals and pray to the gods for fortune just like the rest after all.... it made him wonder how far back the races went, he had never thought to ask before, and now... well, there were likely very few left alive who knew the answers, who knew more than stories that had been passed on by word of mouth and warped over the centuries. Shame. After all, Kai was fascinated by history.... and preventing it from repeating.

Died knowing he could have fought back? But he really hadn't had the chance, had been as weak as a lamb, already dying when Leigo approached him... a dark angel offering his life and immortality in return for eternal fidelity. It hadn't seemed like too much of a bargain back then... but had he known what he knew now, perhaps he would have thought harder, even as blood had already started to drip in his mouth before a single word passed from his lips. A hand on his neck forcing him to swallow. His eyes glaring up with menace and the promise of death..... a death, he would never be able to deliver.

He shook himself to shake the thoughts, the memories. He never thought about the past, yet it seemed Perstephone had stripped him of the plaster that had kept everything at bay, kept it locked away.... out of sight and out of mind. No longer.

Once again Perstephone took him by surprise as she approached, her body suddenly too close, her soft curves pressed against him, arms on his chest, her scent suddenly in his nose even as his red eyes narrowed in caution at her odd and sudden embrace. What was she playing at? He could only guess what game she was suddenly playing, knew he would be wise to want no part of it... but Kai didn't push her away, simply observed her in a silent and predatorial way that most vampires possessed. It took a moment for her words to sink in... pool? Bikini? He found a flash memory of what appeared to be an army print thing in her luggage the night before. Fitting design, he supposed, since she indeed was a soldier for the weres, here to fight Kai and his kind. He was about to open his mouth and comment on her wanting out of this house when she continued to move, her movements almost seductive despite her words. Leigo? How did she know his name.... what did she mean do what he tells me? WAIT! Realisation clicked, she had heard his conversation, there was nothing damning in it, at least not to his thoughts, but the fact she had heard didn't sit well with him. He would have to consider installing soundproof shielding to one room to ensure that things that needed to stay private remained that way. After all... like she was hinting, he was a vampire and she was a werewolf... and never should the two cross, unless it was with tooth and claw. He was about to push her away, moved to do just that, when she started to withdraw as well. He growled low, his words under the sound. "You know nothing Perstephone." No, very few knew the reason why he was here, the real reason.... and if it hadn't been for the threat against his clan, he might not be. No, Kai didn't fear werewolves... but there was something he did fear.

Kai let her go. Replacing the book she had pulled out earlier so that it was aligned exactly with the ones next to it, all the while he tried to organise his thoughts, tried to figure out how he felt and what he should do. He couldn't fail here, yet he wouldn't simply let her walk all over him either.... fighting constantly didn't appeal but it was better than always ignoring the things that pissed him off. GAH! He couldn't think straight. It was for that reason that he paced to the kitchen, opened and closed his fridge before abandoning it untouched and leaving for the computer room once more. He was eyeing the games for something mind-numbing, something that wouldn't allow him time to think, wouldn't allow him to let the she-wolf get under his skin! She was just a dog. Just a dog. While she may now bear his 'name' (though Kai didn't come with one) she was not his, he would not keep her, she was not his true bride. No, his true bride had yet to be made.... the first and only vampire that Kai would make.

His ears picked up the clink of metal even as he turned to see her standing unashamed in her bikini. His eyes didn't wander, simply remained stoic and almost bored as he glanced at her face. If she was trying to get a reaction out of him she was going about it the wrong way, her earlier actions cementing in his mind that it mattered very little to him if she was happy or not, all that mattered was his clan just like all that mattered to her was her pack. He could not forget the reason he was doing this in the first place. She was nothing. Collateral damage.

He inclined his head a little and stepped past her, his eyes mildly registered that her flesh was marred with scars... yet another reminder of the war that stood between them. Each scar like a valley that could never be crossed or conquered. Kai needed to quit before it was too late. "Indeed Perstephone, this way." His voice was cold, distant even as his long strides ate up the distance to the pool, uncaring if she was behind him or not -even as he knew she would be, wouldn't allow him the advantage of losing her.

It was a stunning place, one of his favourites in his home. Considering how he didn't have to worry about germs and simply the water growing a little stagnant he used the minimum amount of chlorine, still the scent was strong to his nose. "There is a sauna over there." He pointed to a set of glass doors. "Beside it you will discover a shower." His eyes wandered to the hot tub, "If you require the hot tub I would recommend allowing it ten minutes to warm up before use. The controls are hidden behind that black tile upon the wall. Simply lightly press it and it shall open up. The settings are already in place so you simply need to press the green button on and the red button off." Even a fool could do it, though he remembered something. Wolves had hotter blood, "the thermometer dial is there should you wish it to be hotter."

Absentmindedly he moved towards the pool, knelt down and felt the temperature of the water. Perfect. He almost closed his eyes and allowed himself to indulge in the liquid warmth. He looked back towards Perstephone, "I know several excellent masseuse's," He wanted to chuckle, "all vampires of course." He smirked at that, "but they have both female and male should you wish to indulge in one." Not that Kai was sure they would actually willingly touch his wife, especially since she didn't bare his mark, and given her attitude likely never would. He frowned at that, they needed to talk about this, needed to clear the air and ensure they were on equal terms in this. For the first time since she stood before him in a bikini his eyes roamed gently to her toes, his mind already thinking of what to say as he straightened up and wiped his sleeves smooth. He knew there was a mark on his chest where her nail had traced earlier but he ignored it. "Perstephone, you are aware that the council shall expect certain things of us, are you not?" She had overheard his conversation with Leigo, he was sure of it, there was no need beating around the bush. His red eyes burnt with focus. "I swore in front of my own kind that I would honour and cherish you... and I shall keep to that, I shall not touch you or do anything against your will... however, you will have to come to me sooner rather than later unless you wish them to..." He actually growled at the thought, snarling slightly in frustration. "...make a spectacle of the... act." He used the word, unable to think of a better one.

There, he had said it. Given her something to think about, and he was sure that she would come to him eventually. Until then, he would simply behave like normal. Regain his control and keep it, no little she-wolf was going to take that away from him. "Enjoy your swim." He smirked a little, "And Perstephone, for the time being I would abandon your dream to leave this house for a few hours. At this time it is simply... not possible. I am not a fool who will allow you to run home or to feed information and things from my home to others. Do not make me replace the silver in my home."

Kai had been watching her since they entered the room, she seemed... impressed, good, for some reason that pleased him. Except she had no manners, using those feet of hers to activate the controls... did she have no manners? It was for that reason that he allowed himself to laugh when she finally jumped into the water and shouted and a sputtered; "Geez, this water is fuh-REE-zing!!" That would teach her for not checking it first, had he not just mentioned the temperature gauge on the hot tub? Then again, he hadn't mentioned the differences in their temperatures and suspected that most didn't think about such things.... whatever the cause the result was certainly worth hanging around to see. He grinned to himself long after his laughter died down. At least until she spoke again, answering his offer in that snapped way of her's, crossing her arms... he was pretty sure she was lying but decided to give her enough respect so as not to embarrass her needlessly over it, something he was sure he would not receive should their roles be reversed.

What was wrong with saying the act? He was simply attempting to make a vulgar topic more palatable this early in the morning, but what surprised him more was her reply... something that showed with the slight gaping of his mouth. Wait, she was ok with them watching? Well, Kai wasn't! He wasn't as loose as these werewolves apparently, while he could be as adventurous and dominate in the bedroom as anyone -if not more so- what he did in private remained private. He was still trying to grapple with her wording when he shook his head and left. Being gimped? What the hell was that? He ran his fingers through his hair, paused just outside the pool door to think about it.... being jumped? Her on top? Being made a fool? Showed up? Put to the test? He really didn't know what that meant, nor where to start to figure it out... great, how could you retaliate when you have no idea what she was even talking about? That was the only reason for his silence or he would have spoke up, would have told her that it was never going to happen as a show and she should get that through her thick skull now because Kai simply wasn't like that, never would be!

If Kai had lingered for a moment longer he would have noticed the sudden change in Perstephone and followed her, as it was he was already heading to his game room and the phone. Though this time he was calling Taylor, needed to check on him after the incident last night. He had hoped that Perstephone would stay in the pool long enough to be distracted and not overhear this conversation. Number dialled. Second ring and the familiar voice of his friend picked up. "Kai. Wasn't expecting to hear from you today."

He smiled at that, but didn't waste the precious time he had stolen. "I wasn't expecting the little show we got last night. You ok?"

His friend didn't even hesitate in his answer. "Fine. Been in worst situations. She wasn't as strong as I would have expected." He frowned at that, wasn't as strong? Now that he thought about the attack the previous night... she should have been able to snap Taylor's neck, yet despite not holding any obvious restraint she hadn't.... where she-wolves weaker perhaps? After all, Kai hadn't exactly met any in the past, very little was known about the rare and elusive creatures. "Hmmmm.... I do not know. Do we know anything about her?" There was a pause on the line and Kai knew that his friend was checking their database. "We have a copy of most of her dealings with the law, lots of them, she seems very destructive... makes you wond---.... ah! It seems she was banned from shifting by Gilda." Something didn't make sense but Kai didn't know what. "Ok. As long as you're ok." He was about to hang up when he heard a rather hesitant "Eh... wait..." from his friend.

Pausing with a frown he just waited, knowing that his friend would know what it meant, that he was waiting for him to continue. "Are you ok?" Kai frowned at that.... was Taylor seriously worried about him? He actually chuckled a little, slightly flattered that the other would care about him, if only a little, an odd sensation for a man who usually kept himself to himself unless he was leading a battalion in a war or fighting for the rights and wishes of his clan.... it was probably because of them that he would forever be doomed. Stuck in a loveless marriage that showed no signs of ever getting better. He actually growled down the phone, his thoughts wandering from the original question. "I'm fine." He eventually spat out. Needing a distraction he added, "Keep your eyes and ears open. Anything new contact me immediately. You know what we're looking for." Signs of any movement within the wolves that might indicate betrayal or worst.... war. They wouldn't be caught with their pants down just because they were playing nice at the moment. "Keep an eye on the council too." Again he went to hang up when Taylor made an agitated clicking noise with his tongue. "What?" He hissed down the phone, quickly losing his patience. "Well, it's just a rumour... but we heard that there were some issues after we left last night. Between that human Lillith and some wolf that is an ex-lover of Perstephone. No idea what's going on. Or where they are now though." He frowned, considering it for a moment.

Eventually he said a quick, "Thanks. Good bye Taylor." He hung up then, not waiting any longer for more new developments. No, instead he wandered back to the pool to seek out Perstephone, wanted to see if he could lightly question her and see if she knew anything. It was wrong, he knew it, but he wasn't actually expecting to get anything out of her unless he pushed her to the point where she would explode and rant and accidently say something... was that his plan? Probably. Anything for him to take the advantage, a moments extra warning... well, he would grasp it with both hands and fangs!

Of course, when he returned she wasn't swimming, wasn't in the hot tub or the sauna or the shower.... but they were all still on! Where the hell was she? Suddenly he wondered if someone had come and took her...that human and wolf perhaps.... took her from under his nose? He growled in anger, storming over to the control and turning everything off before he went in search of her. Nothing indicated that there had been anyone else had been there...... which meant.... she left him? His hands fisted, even as he started to search the rest of the house... he had to make sure she wasn't here, had already noticed that those ridiculous excuse for 'shorts' were gone. Twenty minutes of checking and double checking came up empty until eventually he found himself wandering back towards the kitchen.... sh*t! What was he meant to do now? She had left? Where the hell did she go? The council would hate him... but worst... Leigo... he would likely exterminate his clan over this.

The smell of blood hit him. His eyes flashing liquid red as he followed it, preditorial grace swishing in his movements as he hunted.... what he saw was the last thing he would have expected... Perstephone! Clawed marks upon her chest and side, blood down her shoulder and arm. She didn't look good.... he rushed towards her, even as his fangs automatically lengthened. What the hell had happened? He opened his mouth, about to ask just that when she groaned out his name. What she said next made his eyes narrow and his blood go cold. She was shot by Bret with silver? Bret... was he a vampire? No, Kai didn't think he was, something seemed familiar, something about him from her pack... right? Maybe. He didn't know, couldn't think with all the blood... and then that kiss.... he was knocked completely off guard, his arms wrapping around her even as she started to fall to her knees. Kai blinked... Perstephone had come back here to ask for his help, even though she had no idea if he would even help her or not? He didn't know what to make of that, his lips still swollen from her kiss and his mind a little delirious.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he used his other arm to lower her to the ground. He was running out of time. Hesitating no longer he moved her so he could bite directly over her bullet wound, thankful that the bullet wasn't still in her, his teeth clamping down hard and fast before he started to draw the blood into his mouth. He could taste the silver.... not a lot, the concentration not as high as he would have expected... then again, now that he thought about it, the amount in his ring had to be very little yet it was meant to kill her if he had to....? Who would have thought such little silver could effect werewolves so harshly?

The silver slowly started to work its way through his system, doing nothing more than circling harmlessly around inside of him. It took more blood than he would have guessed but eventually he stopped tasting the silver. Good. He hoped that was it. He pulled back, licking the wounds to seal them before licking his lips....her body still tasted like chlorine and... sweat? Had she been running? He shook his head, not wanting to think about that right now... or about that scorching kiss. No, instead he picked her up like she was just a rag doll and carried her upstairs, cradled in his arms. He knew he hadn't taken too much blood, but he hoped she wouldn't stay out for too long, how long would the silver ruin her system...? Kai didn't exactly have any experience in this area though, usually he was the one using silver to poison them. Kicking open the bedroom door, something he didn't want to admit actually felt strangely liberating, he took her to the bed and lay her down. Wandering to the bathroom he brought back a bowl of cool water and a few wash clothes, soaking them all and wringing them out before folding one onto her forehead, with the other he started to clean up the blood on her body. He frowned... some of these wounds were deep. He could see all her scars. Had to wonder how she got them..... were they all fights with vampires? Or more internal fights like this one? After all... this was definitely a wolf claw mark, he had seen enough to know.

While he tended to her he spoke soft nothings. Rambling really, just needing to breaking the silence. "What am I going to do with you Perstephone? You shouldn't have gone alone.... " He frowned, silently pleased that she couldn't hear him. "If you had asked I would have taken you anywhere you wanted to go..... ! But look at this, your injured and I could do nothing to protect you. I am meant to protect you you know... and I know that's not just because of the time I was brought up in. You might think I am ancient. Might think that I am unreasonable and heartless." He rung out the clothe and started the slow and meticulous wash of tender pinkened flesh. "You're wrong." He whispered before continuing with a resigned sigh, "I've got my work cut out for me, huh? You're not exactly what I had expected.... of course, I had no idea what to expect...." he growled. Really not sure what he was getting himself into he just looked at her. Her strange blond hair and skin much more tanned than his. He sat back, suddenly exhausted though strangely exhilarated as her blood bounced around his blood stream, he leaned back and looked up at the ceiling mumbling a last... "I'm doomed."

"Speak for yourself" He looked over at her, slipping back into his stoic nonchalance as he sat up straight and acted as if he hadn't just uttered a word. She was alive? Good. He tried to tell himself that it was good simply because he wouldn't be held accountable for her death, that it was simply part of the transaction between them that had been agreed upon. Still, his eyes darted for a moment to the spot he had bitten, the memory of her blood still coursed through his veins, a heady concoction of hatred and lust and possessiveness that nearly had him acting outside of his expected behaviour. He stood up, straightened himself out with fluid movements even as he listened to rant. She spoke so openly about killing Bret that it actually had him frowning, so much so that he wasn't sure what possessed him to actually comment. "You should not act so rashly, death can be delivered at any moment but life can never be returned." A truth he had learnt the hard way.

Still he looked away from her, even as she groaned and tried to sit up. He glanced momentarily over his shoulder, telling himself it was not to check that she was ok but to ensure she didn't stab him in the back. "This kind of sh*t always happens to me." His eyes flashed liquid red for a moment, betraying a burst of emotion even as he kept his voice and expression flat. "Indeed." Of course, the moment she started ranting on about someone telling her to 'Be mine', this 'Bret' he assumed, he couldn't bring himself to continue look at her, instead he turned away once more and straightened up some of his pillows and furniture, not that it was actually messy. Quite the opposite.

The way she spat out the words 'good for me' and 'here' had him wincing slightly, even as he heard heavy footfalls and knew they were headed towards the window. He turned then, crossed his arms and just watch her, something that could be described as anger flashing across his eyes. Did she really think that Kai wanted to hear any of this? That she was simply the only one who was suffering or forced to do anything? Well, she was wrong, acting like nothing more than a spoilt brat who had had their favourite toy taken away from them. Selfishly thinking that she was the only one suffering. There was a bigger picture in play here, and it seemed that Perstephone was completely blind or ignorant to it. A child. A fact that was fast grating across Kai's nerves, mixing with the confusion he already felt. The desire to growl was building and it was a miracle that he remained completely silent as she continued with her little tirade.

As Perstephone described the first Vampire she had encountered his eyes narrowed. Red eyes, white skin and the reek? Did she have a death wish? Was this her way of insulting Kai while not mentioning him directly? Kai could so easily kill her, she was far from her strongest right now... especially since she was weak from her loss of blood and injuries, the threat of silver. It wouldn't even be a chore to destroy such a vile mouthed creature.... of course the moment such thoughts floated to the surface they were joined with memories of those two kisses, of holding her slight form, of the fear he had felt at the blood and silver.... of course he was snapped from his thoughts when she admitted that she hadn't been able to kill the vampire. Why? Very few werewolves showed mercy. Very few vampires conceded. They were as bad as one another in that regard. Mostly, at least. "Tristan?" Kai and Tristan had run in different circles but he was more than aware of the lady killer. He used his charm to lure and bait, but from what Kai had heard on the web of rumour he had fallen before he fell to his death.... was Perstephone responsible for that? And why did that idea irritate him so much? His eyes narrowed as she continued to talk. He didn't like her saying that Tristan was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen, liked it even less when he suddenly he found himself being compared to him. Black hair? Was the only comparison between them? Was Kai suddenly unfit to be an equal to a dead man? Of course he found his thoughts stupid when she spoke once more after a brief pause. "Guess that's what you guys are like." "I guess so." He said under his breath, revulsion obvious in his tone, even as he didn't really commit to the words, his arms shifted until they were crossed the opposite way over his chest. His body language anything but open and accepting. So, Perstephone had had a voluntary relationship with a vampire... but she couldn't even stand to look at Kai? Was he so lacking in her eyes? And why the hell did he even care! She was his wife, end of conversation. A marriage of convince.

He quirked a brow at her next words. He hadn't been expecting them. "Point being, you've earned yourself a favour from me. So.... don't waste it on sex, like Bret did." He supposed it was a little tempting to do just that, especially with the idea planted in his head, but he knew he would eventually get her into bed... had to after all, to consummate the marriage and all that business. Still, he suddenly wondered if charming her into bed would leave him forever compared with Tristan? It was hard to compete with a ghost, especially a ghost who had in the end betrayed her. "Acknowledged." He said dryly, even as his red eyes watched her heading for the door. She was wobbling, looked weak to Kai's eyes, and the desire to rush to her side and hold her up, to silently offer support while she regained her footing was almost too much to bare. He fisted one of his hands and just watched her, at least until her attitude changed and she started rushing. "Careful!" He cautioned, even as he found himself following her

Work? Was she crazy? He actually did growl this time. "Work? Are you insane?" His words closely echoed his thoughts, and his frustration at continuously being overlooked and overruled was unsettling and annoying, no one in the vampire world ignored him... not even Leigo. Then there was the contract to consider. This she-wolf seemed to not care at all about it while Kai had accepted it as the law to govern his life by for the time being, he was being left with an unfair advantage. He didn't like that. Still he found himself following her, noting lightly as he moved that there was blood on his shirt. Not thinking about it he started to undo the buttons to remove it. "The agreement is that I will support you. You do not need to work. Plus... you have just been injured, poisoned with silver, nearly died, and you expect me to..." He copied her words and even attempted her accent, surprising himself by showing a high proficiency for it... obviously he had lived too long and changed his way of speaking too often to be phased by it now.... "either pipe down or saddle up." He removed his shirt and tossed it over the bannister for later, the muscles of his chest nearly flawless except for a rather jaggered scar that marred the pale flesh. Stretching from his left pectoral to his right side. The blow that had killed him. His back had more scars, older scars, but they were smaller, single entry wounds. Kai could still remember how he had received each one, the way his body burnt under the sting of steel, the way he had fought back, unable to accept that now would be the day he would die.... The only evidence of his human life that really remained, all the items and artefacts had been cruelly taken from him long ago. He wandered to a cupboard that pulled out one spare shirts he kept there.... after all, he sometimes did have to dress in a hurry for guests or hide blood or worst from his attire. Always the image of perfection. He slipped it on, not at all worried about what Perstephone thought or wanted, even as he did up the buttons and turned to face her. His expression cold for a moment as he took her in. "Fine. I will let you go to work... but..." And Kai wouldn't shift from this point, "You will eat first, ensure that you eat vegetables and meat high in iron to replace what you have lost. Understood? Weak is dead. I will not see you dead." The way he said it might simply have been as someone who didn't want the hassle that came with Perstephone's death, but there was also something that flashed so quickly through his eyes that it was easy to miss, there for less than a heartbeat.

The law laid he went about his business with efficiency, grabbed his wallet and keys and then noticed the envelop that Taylor had given him a few days ago. He picked it up and tossed it to Perstephone. Inside it was her new 'married' ID. Since Kai was currently going by the name 'Cooper' so would Perstephone, the ID matching all of her current details except for the change of address and name. He had also order her a bank card for his account but would not reveal its location or existence until he felt as if he could trust her more, it was locked in a vault that even Perstephone would never crack, let alone find.

"Come." He ordered, already making his way to the car without so much as a backwards glance, without even seeing her reaction to his 'gift'. Gentleness was not something he was going for right now, his mind in chaos, a chaos he wanted to blame solely on her blood but was not fool enough to do so. "So, what is it that you do?" He glanced at her for a moment, seriousness lighting his features. "For if it is something indecent like prostitution or stripping I shall be dragging you back into the house without a moments hesitation. You do not need to do such things to survive here." The idea alone actually made him sick, and he knew it was greedy possession of a vampire wanting to claim his bribe that was riding him hard. The idea of her doing such things for others enjoyment was wrong on so many levels. Still, he knew that she held no bond with him, wanted nothing to do with him in the grand scheme of things. Kai was simply deluding himself. The words Bret had told him on his wedding day came back to haunt him, the prediction that in less than a week she would once again return to the wolf -or another wolf- to gain her sexual gratification.

In the car he found himself asking the last thing he ever predicted he would, "What do you know of me Perstephone?" He knew there where stories and legends about him, not all true either considering how time had twisted and warped them... history, after all, was always wrote by the victors and the vampires had used him as a status symbol and an icon to drive back the werewolves in fear. He had never cared before but had to wonder how much Perstephone knew.... he was not fool enough to believe she had heard anything of the internal affairs of the vampires, the things that he had done for his clan and the true reason why he was now stuck in a loveless marriage with a bride who clearly wanted nothing to do with him.... when had he started to want more? To want the impossible? From the start perhaps? Had he always help a hope along side his hatred?

An idea formed, he had a boon from her did he not? Perhaps he should ask for the chance to court her properly? Or would she consider such an idea too archaic?

"This isn't the first time this has happened to me..." He turned to her for a moment and sighed even though his eyes continued to shine with a strength and obvious loathing for the situation. "Do not remind me." He said sternly, maybe more so than he had originally anticipated. He supposed he should be thankful that at least the marks wouldn't be displayed, not that anyone who knew what he was would try to claim that he had done them... instead they might wonder what he had done to drive Perstephone to do it to herself. Which was a much worst outcome in his mind.

Kai ignored the mocking tone, perhaps he did care, perhaps not, either way he would not argue about this now, especially since she did in fact seem to be willing to follow through on his order on this, and actually get some food. His disappeared only to come back and see her stuff raw meet and lettuce into her mouth, the expression on her face reeked of defiance and dare, and perhaps in any other circumstance he would have rose to the bait.... instead, he simply walked to her side, purposefully slid his finger over her lip to steal some of the meat that still hung clumsily there and brought it to his mouth, a wicked smirk upon his face, as he licked it from his finger and sucked almost delicately and appreciatively on his own finger. "Delicious. Good choice. Seems you do not need to hunt after all." With that he turned away and prepared to go out into the sun. The truth was he could tolerate the sun for longer than younger vampires, but that didn't mean he needed to display that fact, instead he simply played along. Coat, hat, gloves and shades. Most of his pale flesh covered, he marched to the car with elegant grace, clicking the button to bring up the roof and waited for his wife so he could open the door for her. Habit, chivalry whatever you wished to call it didn't matter, all that did was that it was practically inbreed into him. Nothing Perstephone said would change that fact. "Cold?" He rolled his eyes at the question when her back was to him but said nothing, she knew full well why he wore so many layers, and the weather had nothing to do with it. No, Kai was rather comfortable in the cold, more so than Perstephone if her reaction to the pool temperature was anything to go by.

It was clear from her words that she knew very little about him, though he had to smirk at the thought of Gilda calling him evil and narrow-minded considering what he had done to help her last spring. Not that he would mention that now, and probably never to Perstephone who seemed to hate her so. Push over? He rolled his eyes again and huffed a little. She might have a point, but that was simply because Kai was playing the long game. A risk, and a dangerous one at that, but one that might pay off if he played it right. "You should take your own advice Perstephone, do not pretend to know me just because of your misconceptions of my kind and of me.... and I do not automatically offer my trust or respect either, both things you are highly lacking in currently. As you can see... I am only playing nice." He glanced her way, his red eyes narrowing ever so slightly as if to make a point before he watched the road once more. "You can pretend all you like that you are this big bad wolf... but right now, your tirades and whining sound more like a petulant child." After all, she ranted, raved and simply expected Kai to do as she wanted, to always bend to her will, to let her always have her way without anything in return. She didn't look past herself, her selfishness seemed to have no limits, and despite the fact he had helped her even when he didn't have to, there seemed to be no sign of acceptance of any kind... not even minute tolerance. If anything, he suspected that things were actually worst.

Silence trickled over him as he tucked himself into the car and removed his hat and shades to drive, making easy work of the route under Perstephone's direction, of course the way she spoke about her job had his eyes snapping to her for a moment. Contemporary cabaret dancer? His hands squeezed the steering wheel tighter, the sound of twisting leather almost deafening in his ears. She couldn't be serious? He had been there when Cabaret dances, show girls and the such had all come in an out of fashion. Had unlaced more than his fair share of corsets with his teeth... the very idea that she did that was actually as bad as stripping, worst even. His eyes snapped back to the road, a desperate attempt to distract himself given the turbulence of what he was thinking. Was it too much to hope that she was simply messing with him? God he hoped so.... but for some reason he knew that was too much to hope for.

As they got closer and closer to the destination realisation dawned. The Baxter Club. Not a place he frequented regularly, but he had come to drag a member or two of his clan back in the past, had even broken up his fair share of vampire fights... in fact, his number was stored in the vault for just such 'emergencies'. Of course, he had never spied Perstephone here before... though perhaps that was simply because his eyes had never strayed from the objective at hand, his focus unwavering when he wanted it to be so. Donning his hat and shades once more he parked up and followed her in, crossing his arms and glaring at the human who questioned Perstephone with far too much familiarity for his liking. He didn't recognise the man, so at least that worked in the guys favour, but still... This Christian was now on his watch list, something he suspected would grow exponentially given where they were, one night and he would have a mile long kill list! He was going to hate every second of this, and was already regretting his decision to come here, to bring her! As Perstephone continued to speak, and in some mild way almost defend him by saying that he wouldn't bite anyone, though he assumed her he's real cultured was actually an attack more than a defence, he simply remained silent and removed his hat and glasses, his nimble fingers already undoing his coat before he slipped off one and then two of his gloves to stuff them into his pocket. He flashed his fangs ever so slightly and simply said, "Yes. You have my word that I shall... behave." For whatever that was worth.

The human female held little to none of his interest, his eyes giving her a quick once over before he looked to Perstephone instead. He wasn't sure what a familiar was, and something told him he really didn't want to... but he would ask later all the same if an opportunity arose. When the human started to threaten Perstephone with coming after her he found himself subtly moving to stand behind her, a silent threat and a promise of retribution and destruction to anyone who might try, the venom clearly directed at Nexus... of course the moment Nexus left he silently stepped back and pretended to oggle the place instead of paying any attention to what his wife might be doing or saying. Her words earned her a tilted look that simply said Please, as if I would disgrace myself with something like her. But he didn't comment on that, simply pushed forward with the conversation. "Watch myself? Perstephone, I am rarely in the habit of hunting in such a place." He moved close for a moment, his movement fluid and eerily graceful, whispering a quick and hot, "When I do, I like my sources hot and willing." He straightened then, acting unaffected and unashamed of his advance even while he licked his lips playfully and watched as she rushed to where ever it was she was going. Left alone he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, once more looking around, though this time actually seeing the place. The human male seemed to be lingering as if wanting something and so Kai decided to use him... for now at least. "Bring me something special.... and clean. I will know if anything taints it." A simple request. Untouched blood. Some liked to drink 'dirty' blood, that was blood that held a high drug or alcohol content. Neither had ever appealed to Kai, the taste alone made it hard to stomach and the effect was not something he strove for right now when all he needed was a clear head an a steady hand. He wandered towards the bar, not paying Nexus any notice until she seemed to spot him alone and came closer, too close for his liking. He had to admit that she did almost seem like a vampire in human form, but wanna-be's never made good vampires, never lasted past ten. No, he didn't need babies in the war he was fighting.... a war against the system itself.

Not that the human seemed to acknowledge his disinterest in her, if anything that seemed to make her display her cleavage to him even more. As if he could be bought by the two mounds of flesh so easily. "He sexy. Why you wasting your time with a whore like Perstephone? You know..." She dared to bring a finger up towards him as she was about to stroke his cheek in invitation, it was the last draw for Kai and without thinking he grabbed her hand and pushed her away, enough pressure to make his point. He didn't harm her though, didn't break anything, simply made it obvious that touching was not allow. "Do not mistake me for someone who will allow you to call my wife a whore and then do as you wish. I do not know or care about what creatures you have come to associate with, but know that I will not tolerate such actions..... nor am I interested in creating a baby." He leaned forward, purposefully allowing the red of his eyes to swirl. "If you are not careful, if you place one finger on my wife out of place...." He smirked, the thing holding no amusement but instead a lethal and deadly purpose. "....I will mark you so that all vampires know that you are never to be touched or converted." A threat that he knew would work on the wanna-be human, it always did. Sure enough she shrunk away from him and disappeared. Still, his eyes noted the scar of a bite upon her flesh.... so, she was a blood pet then?

Music caught his attention and he turned to see Perstephone and group of girls setting up on stage. Nexus swiftly joining them. He took a deep breath..... it was going to be a long night.

Time Skip

At some point he had moved to a table with a central view of the stage, if the rehearsal was anything to go by then he knew he would have to watch his wife like a hawk... or rather, anyone who would dare attempt to touch her. She was his, for now at least, and he wouldn't allow anyone to consider otherwise. Least of all the babble that had gathered here. Several vampires had spotted him, went to say hello before seeing his expression and shrinking away to the darkest corners away from him. As if to escape his attention completely... foolish... anyone under this roof was currently under his surveillance. In his mind he saw it so easily, saw exactly how he would kill everyone in this place before they so much as took a breath to stop him. Dart left. Snap of a neck. Crash of two heads together. Bang. Crash. Snap. Tear. Rip. He could see it. Could smell it. The river of blood until he knelt before Perstephone in offering before dragged her away from this place forever. A simple plan, and one that his sick mind indulged in, revelled in, wanted with a madness that was almost uncontrollable. The conversations that whispered towards him didn't help. At least it seemed that the truth of Perstephone's marriage had reach the cohort here, though he still suspected it wouldn't be enough.

The introduction was made, his eyes of glistening anticipating red darting to the stage and finding the back of Perstephone with ease. Her body was different from the other woman, and not just because of the scars she seemed to wear like a badges of honour.... but because of how she held herself. The music started, a boom of noise that irritated his sensitive ears.... but for a moment all he could do was watch as Perstephone came to life on the stage. Her body spinning and twisting with ease, her hair flowing around her like water.... she was a nythm, a spirit who was designed to do just this. As he watched he realised that. Even as he found his attention pulled away from her as several of the punters attempted to touch her, this grated on his nerves, and had she allowed it he likely would have done something he would later regret.... like break their hands while gently reminding them that she was not their's but his..... not that in reality she was his either, after all, she had made it clear that he was nothing more than a 'Bloody' to her. It took him a moment to realise that someone was trying to get his attention on stage, he looked her way for a moment, nothing more than a heartbeat before his attention automatically returned to Perstephone in flat out rejection to Nexus.

Perstephone floated towards him, her movements sharp and sexy as she seemed to push Nexus out of the way with a curled and coordinated movement that had her 'partner' reacting on her own and moving to pole. His red eyes were captivated, but only on Perstephone, watching her movements as if they were the only two in the room... before he could stop the impulse his hand reached out, delicate feather light touch ran up her leg before he leaned back and brought the hand to his mouth seductively and licked his fingers. His eyes narrowing in invitation and offering. Not at any point did his eyes leave her, not even when he heard the grumble of the crowd around him. No Perstephone held his full attention in that moment. Completely. Utterly.

It was only as the song died down, the applause and wolf whistles rising up, that Kai moved again and clapped. No, Kai didn't like the idea of everyone seeing his wife like that... but he had to admit that she was sexy while she was doing it. He rose, walked around the stage and without listening to the protest of staff he slipped through the edge of the curtain and backstage. If anything they should be thankful he hadn't simply stolen her from the stage and dragged her away like the caveman she believed to him to be.

His eyes didn't care or linger on any of the half dressed woman, no, his goal was someone in particular as he marched with purpose towards Perstephone. Boldly he put his hands on her shoulders, gentle massaging little circles into her heated sweaty flesh from behind, while he leaned in to her ear to speak, keeping their conversation private. He assumed that due to their location she wouldn't cause too much of a scene... especially if she wanted to try and convince him to allow her to continue this in the future. "Come. It is time we left." His breath was hot and heavy on her ear, perhaps ticklish if she was sensitive there. The temptation to dart his tongue out and caress the lobe stole his thoughts for a moment before he refocused on his purpose. "You will come with me, or I shall turn into a caveman and toss you over my shoulder and drag you out. Your choice Perstephone." Either way.... he was done sharing for the night in this place.

Yes, Perstephone's dance had been stunning, animalistic and raw.... sending him back to a time when everything hadn't been so controlled and structured. His back hadn't stood so straight and controlled, he had sweated and lived and breathed in the fumbling way that humans did.... consumed by the wants of the flesh, the desires of life and pleasure... but that was so long ago, the memory in his flesh all but forgotten until the moment that he watched Perstephone with a raw passion and unhidden interest. She was beautiful. What a shame she didn't offer herself as much respect as she deserved, she treated herself and those around her as immaterial and that was something that Kai found unacceptable.

The words of the other dancers as he had stalked backstage to reclaim Perstephone hadn't gone unnoticed, but the words didn't seem to distract him from his task. His want. His need.

"Looks like someone had fun." He smirked a little at that, but only for a moment before the stoic expression slipped into place once more. Kai didn't comment as she readjusted his collar, simply allowed it and watched her almost distantly, almost cautiously.... yet at the same time with a lingering smouldering desire flickering behind his eyes. Almost absently he looked over towards Nexus and shrugged, "I simply reminded the human of her place." In his mind his thoughts whispered, I swore to be faithful to you, and I shall Perstephone. There was no need to say that outloud, no need to reveal just how much control she had over him without even knowing or trying. After nearly seeing her die today he was almost positive that he would do anything to keep her alive.

As Perstephone moved with an almost tired grace to the screen to get changed he found his eyes wouldn't leave, couldn't. Transfixed and possessive even if they were locked in their expressionless place. Without words he found the clothing she requested and handed it to her. When she came out and spoke again he found himself quirking an eyebrow at her words... he only mildly remembered the other vampires, he had scared them off with a glare, though his intention hadn't been directed at them for such a purpose... after all, he had glared at everyone. The fact that Perstephone was topless and seeking her shirt distracted him... but he was sure of one thing. He had been acting very much like the jealous vampire husband he was.... no one stood between a vampire and their bride, and even if Perstephone wasn't officially his bride... until the ring was removed from his finger and their marriage officially destroyed he would see her as such.

Her words trailed off, she believed that because they 'knew' of the marriage they where simply leaving her alone? If only it was so simple. He looked to the hand on his shoulder for a moment, claimed it in his own and brought it swiftly to his lips, purposefully running his fang over the flesh... even though he did so so gently that it would do no damage, simply a silent reminder of exactly what he was. He was a vampire too. He kissed her knuckles. "Not friends. But not fools either. I swore to your father I would protect you. I shall." He released her hand, even as he knew there was more to it than that, more than he was really willing to accept or explore, he didn't wish to reveal too much to Perstephone. Duty was so much easier to explain, to accept. She surprised him then, practically curled into his arms and closed her eyes, her cheek placed upon his shoulder as if she was built be be just there, to remain there forever, the perfect piece to a puzzle that had always been missing it's other half. It was all Kai could do to stare at her with an almost gentle warmth. He spoke softly, moving his head slightly so that his mouth was close to her ear. "Still, you are welcome. None shall touch you again Perstephone.... if only you will allow me to help you." The raw honesty danced and sparkled in his voice.

She pulled away, too soon for his liking, but he didn't protest, simply let her go as she grabbed her duffel bag and started heading for the exit. He followed her almost snappy command to 'come on' wordlessly, the night air didn't effect him as it did Perstephone, again reminding him of the differences between them. Still he took off his jacket and placed it upon her shoulders, his hand reaching for her bag and tugging until she released it. He said nothing simply walked side by side with her to where he had parked the car. It was an uneventful walk, something he was thankful for, though he was aware of lingering eyes upon them, could tell from a combination of scents and heartbeats that two were vampires and at least one was a were... the remaining three humans... though the smell of sex was in the air around them. He could care less about the humans, they posed no real threat to him, never would. In an effort to distract himself, Kai opened her car door before tucking her bag away for later and getting in himself. "I imagine you are hungry after that performance, are you not?" He was trying to be considerate, knew of a place that served excellent food -something he knew from the blood he had drunk from there, not that he would openly advertise that to his wife. "I know a place..." He glanced at her for a moment, knew she was far from dressed for such an establishment but that they would not argue with him if he requested a seat.... but would that make Perstephone feel as if he was trying to put her in her place, remind her of the difference although that was far from his intention? He mused about it for a moment and frowned, his attention on the road once more. "Of course, if there is somewhere else you would rather go.... now is the time to tell me." He wasn't sure he could handle another 'wolf' surrounded location but he would bare with whatever he was given.... and he would smile, act as if nothing phased him, as if being surrounded by so many wolves posed no threat to his life....

Yeah, he could almost feel a chill running down his spine just thinking about it. He decided to change the subject.... something he knew he couldn't put off forever. "Perstephone." His tone was serious, though he didn't take his eyes off the road, "I know you enjoy performing, I could see it in the way your eyes sparkled.... but..." He grit his teeth a little and looked over at her for a moment and then back to the road again. "...I have a condition." He knew that asking her to stop would be a battle, and likely impossible... she would find a way to escape the house, to do something, anything to escape to the ecstasy he was sure she felt up on stage... and, despite not liking that other men were looking at her like that, desiring and drooling and likely using her for hidden dreams and visions... he found he wanted her to be happy. Truly happy. That was likely where this insane idea had come from, it was a dangerous game he was playing. Plus, he did slightly like the idea that she would return to him at the end of the night... "I will allow you to continue dancing, but I must be there." He took a deep breath, not ready to look back at her yet. He imagined that she was already starting to fume and bubble with anger, her eye twitching ever so slightly, the almost adorable and stubborn line between her brows... was she even aware of her little tells? "Also. I request that you take... whatever this is between us... seriously," He looked to her, his red eyes flashing with a river of lava snaking through them. "No matter how short or long our time together lasts." There was almost a sadness at the idea but he returned to the road and with it slipped his normal persona back into place. All business in a world that pleasure seemed long forgotten. "Do we have a deal." He wasn't really asking, if she said no he knew he would have to insist that she didn't dance... even if she had to get her fired, have her watched, something.... anything. The idea of playing dirty didn't appeal but he would do so in a heartbeat.