Fate

Fate 6

 

Danyealle

 

(plot, no sex)

 

 

By Sunday there was something akin to organized havoc going on, threatening to spill over into uncontrolled chaos as time when on.  Last minute preparations, and double checking to make sure that everything they were taking was either already gone and on the plane or packed, assured that all were kept busy.  It wasn’t until about 3:00 P.M. that they finally made it to the airport.  Since everything was already aboard and ready to go by the time they got there they didn’t have to wait long to take off. 

 

As Darious had predicted, it was close to midnight when they finally landed in South Carolina.  One of the first things Dani did after disembarking was to ring Raven.  They agreed to meet at the Pussycat once things were taken care of at the airport so they could grab something to eat and pick up the license.  Before hanging up Dani made it a point to tell Raven that they had a human with them and she was to be allowed in the backroom as her personal guest.  She was assured that those in the club would be given a heads up and that Nyssa wouldn’t be bothered by anyone.

 

It took almost another full hour to unload the plane into the moving van that had been waiting.  Darious insisted on staying to supervise and make sure the utmost care was taken with her things, just Darious being Darious and his meticulous nature coming through.  Once it was all loaded he gave instructions to the workmen to just put it all in the foyer at his house, they would take care of things from there.  Finally, they all piled into a waiting limo and headed towards the Pussycat.  Dani assured a nervous Nyssa that no one would say anything to her after she had expressed concern about going into the backroom, citing the no humans’ policy.  Calmly, Dani pointed out that, traditionally, Sunday night/Monday morning had always been a slow time for the club, so all likelihood they would probably have it mostly to themselves other than a few beings here and there.

 

When they pulled into the back parking lot of the Pussycat there was only one other car visible, a seemingly telling sign that signaling they, probably, would have the place pretty much to themselves as Dani had predicted.  All of them were a bit lagged by the flight but were also hungry so the though of a good meal then sleep pushed them onward.  Opening the door, Dani stepped in first then stopped cold, causing Darious to bump into her.  “Oh fuck me!” she moaned, scanning the room.

 

The massive room was packed tightly with bodies, decorated with banners that said ‘Congratulations Lady Danyealla’ on them.  At the sight of her a thunderous applause erupted.

 

 Looking around and seeing the sheer mass of beings made Darious tense up a bit and he became quite wary.  Since it was a sure bet that Nyssa was probably the only human in the place he was certain that the minute he and Modega stepped inside everyone here would be able tell what kind of beings they were, putting him on his guard instantly, keeping a keen eye open for signs of trouble. 

 

Grabbing Mayhem, who was bouncing at the end of his leash excitedly, babbling a mile a minute, she then put him in the pale and shaking Marcus’ arms.  Looking at the cat seriously she said, “Mayhem, there is something very important I need you to do.  No matter what happens or what is said to you I need you to stay in Marcus’ arms.  Pretty soon you’ll be able to get down and go see all your friends but right now I need you with Marcus so nothing happens to him, alright?”

 

Nodding, his eyes grew bigger and his ears stood straight up, whispers poofed out a bit, “Will do Lady Bosh!”

 

Stepping closer to the big werewolf she said softly, so no one other than their group could hear, “Keep a hold of Mayhem.  No one in here is going to do anything or pick a fight with you if you have a hold of him.  They all know what would happen to them if they did something and he got hurt.  Stay close to me and/or Darious and things should be alright.”

 

Licking his dry lips, shivering a bit still, casting more worrying looks around the room, he nodded, “Will do.”, he said softly, a slight quiver in his voice.

 

As if by magic Zarah appeared next to them and linked her arm through Darious’, looking at Dani, “I’ll take them over to the bar and sit with them until Zsuzanna is through with you.”  She said calmly.

 

“Good idea.”  Dani said, seeing the black-haired gypsy weaving her way through the bodies, heading their direction.

 

Darious, as well as the rest of them, were grateful to head to the far end of the room where they would be less noticeable.  He could feel all the eyes on him and scrutiny of that nature always made him jumpy.

 

Zsuzanna, the president of the entire North American She-Devil council, smiled brightly at Dani as she stepped up then gave her a hug.  “It is wonderful to see you again!  We’ve all missed you and were thrilled to hear the news that you were finally returning.  Plus you had finally taken a mate!”  Taking her elbow, Zsuzanna steered Dani towards a small stage on the opposite wall from the bar, the crowd parting for them.  Once on the stage Zsuzanna handed her a champagne glass and took one herself, tapping on it for quiet. 

 

Almost instantly a hush fell over the room and all eyes were locked on the two women.  Clearing her throat, Zsuzanna looked over the crowd, smiling, her brown eyes sparkling.  “As President of the N.A.S.D.C., as well as being one of her children, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Lady Danyealla, after all her centuries of existence, has finally taken a mate!  Now, if you will…” she said, raising her glass.  “A toast!  To Lady Danyealla, the oldest and wises of our kind.  May life with your mate bring you the happiness you so richly deserve!”

 

Shouts of “To Lady Danyealla!” filled the room and echoed off the walls followed by my more applause.  After it quieted down a bit Zsuzanna once again raised her glass.  “To Darious!”  She said, looking across the room at him, nodding.  “I wish you all the happiness. “  Again, there was a few shouts and applause, though not nearly as much as there had been for Dani.

 

Looking at the woman on the stage Darious smiled and nodded, raising his glass in recognition, surprised that he was mentioned at all.  Though he wasn’t comfortable with all the attention that had come his way when she mentioned his name, the stares and looks shot his direction made him ill at ease, however he was pleased at her recognition. 

 

Grinning broadly, Zsuzanna shouted, “Let the party begin!  Drinks and food are on the house!”  That was greeted with a roar of approval and applause.  Quickly, the juke box was kicked on and the party began. 

 

Quietly, Darious, Nyssa and Modega talked among their selves as they ate.  Mayhem was eating and talking to everyone, getting kisses and attention from everyone he knew, those that were of the female persuasion that is.  Marcus, however, sat quietly, trying to unobtrusive and keeping a close eye on all those near them, being jumpy as hell.  There had been several glances his way and he was positive that a couple of the werewolves knew who he was.

 

After a bit he started to relax somewhat, sitting there picking at his food and talking to Mayhem quietly.  All of a sudden he heard a low growl coming from behind him, causing him to jump slightly, startled by the sound.  Swiveling around, he found himself staring at two rather large garou warriors.  His stomach plummeted downwards when he recognized them as members of the Werewolf Councils’ shock troops, their elite assassin squad that hunted rogues and eliminated them.  They were the best of the best when it came to fighting, well trained, powerful and cunning.  Once they were on your trail you were done for, eventually they would get you; even if it took them a hundred years to track you down they wouldn’t stop until they accomplished what they set out to do.

 

“So it is you!  You must have a helluva lot of nerve to be showing your face around here.”  Blade said, snarling, eyes flashing.  He was the taller of the two, about 7’2”, muscular and powerful.  One of the sons of the clan leader of the Razorclaws, he had been brought up to fight and was a master at it.  Strong, quick and fierce he was one of the youngest that worked for the council but his strengths more than made up for his age.

 

“Did you honestly think no one would recognize you?”  Sneered Titan, yellow eyes locked on Marcus.  Though he was as tall as Blade, he was much willowy and not as thick.  As a member of the Nightwalkers, one of the largest of the clans in the US, he had been trained almost from birth to fight.

 

Hearing the growl, Zarah looked the direction the sound emanated from.  When she spied the source of it, she made an educated guess about what was happening then dropped everything and cut off the conversation with Darious in mid-word then took off into the crowd, fast. 

 

After a moment’s puzzlement at her behavior, Darious glanced over at Marcus and came to the same conclusion she had.  While he watched the situation intently he made to no move to get involved, not wanting to anger anyone or overstep any kind of protocol that might be in place to handle such things.  Because he hadn’t learned anything about the clubs beyond the business end of things he wasn’t sure how the she-devils handled situations like this but he was sure, with his knowledge of werewolves and how violent they were known to get from time to time when it came to clan relations, that they probably did have something in place to deal with these kinds of situations.  He assumed Zarah had taken off to alert the staff about the situation that was playing out and had the potential to become violent.  After a bit of mental debate he felt his best course of action would be to just keep an eye on the situation and not let it get out of hand, stalling things until someone came along to stop it.  He very much doubted two werewolf assassins, no matter how well trained they were, would relish getting into a fight with a demon.  But he doubted it would get that far because Marcus, he knew, was more than capable of taking care of himself, even against two younger werewolves no matter how well trained they were.  If those two youngsters thought that he had softened over the years that had passed since the annihilation of his clan and today they would quickly, and painfully, learn otherwise.  He also made a mental note to check with Dani about these things in the event something of this nature my crop up in the future. 

 

Puffing up, his fur standing up down his spine, Mayhem growled long and low, baring his teeth at the two werewolves. 

 

Looking at them Marcus’ face was blank but his insides had tightened into knots and his hackles were raised.  Overcoming his natural instinct to fight back and defend himself, he just looked at the two and said nothing, knowing that would stall things and not escalate matters.

 

“Put the cat down Demon Toy and come with us.  Make it easy on yourself.”  Blade said, fingering the hilt of the knife that hung from his belt.

 

Then, as if she had materialized there, Dani was standing in front of Marcus, glaring at the two, eyes narrowed and flashing dangerously.  “Back off mutts!”  She growled; voice cold and hard. 

 

Blinking, Titan looked at Blade then back at her.  In a calm voice, that was soft and projected the respect she deserved, he said, “No wish to offend you Lady Danyealla, nor will we break the rules of the club, but he is wanted by the council.  We just want to do our job is all.”

 

Growling long and low, like the warning a big cat gives before the fight begins, she glared at them, stepping closer. 

 

But, before she could say anything, a nervous Blade said, “This werewolf is a rogue and tainted, having had a demon owner.  I’m sure you understand why he has to come with us; you know our laws as well as we do.  We won’t cause trouble and nothing will happen here, you have my word on that.  Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ll take him and be out of your hair.”  He reached out to take Mayhem but the cat hissed and took a swipe at him, causing him to back away quickly.

 

Stepping closer to the two, who backed away, glancing at each other and unsure what to do, she looked up at Blade.  “You are going to be doing nothing of the sort pup!  One move towards him and you will have ME to deal with.  You may be a clan leader’s son, something that carries a great deal of power and influence when it comes to werewolves, but I’m no werewolf and it means exactly jack shit in my world.  Even if you’re as good a warrior as everyone says you are you’ll have no chance of beating me in a fight.  I will kill you in a matter of seconds then add your pelt to my collection; you know quite well that I can do it!  If you don’t leave him alone that is exactly what is going to happen, you have my word on it!”  She snarled, glaring. 

 

Glancing at each other, the werewolves were at a loss as to just what they should do.  While they wanted to follow the councils wishes neither had any desire to tangle with Lady Danyealla over it.  She was right; there was no way for them to beat her in a fight.  Even in a two against one they were no match for her skill and strength.  As a rule garou didn’t tangle with she-devils if they could at all help it.  While they didn’t have the build of a werewolf nor the strength they were fierce fighters, lightning quick and, as a rule, ruthless.  Even a young she-devil could easily dispatch a full grown male garou; there was something in their claws that seemed to mimic silver, the one thing that was almost universally deadly to all garou, young and old alike.  But Lady Danyealla was in a league all her own.  Fast, cunning and deadly, she had no equal.  As a tool of survival in the rough times of centuries past she had honed her skills until she was a deadly warrior, one that a werewolf was no realistic way of defeating.  Even the mightiest garou warrior or clan leader, those that backed away from no physical challenge or fight, would not tangle with her because it was well known that there was no change of survival or winning.  In a society where honor and reputation were everything, not accepting a challenge or fight was viewed with disdain and a sign of cowardly behavior but backing away from a fight with her was not seen in the same way.  As a matter of fact it was viewed as exactly the opposite; you were though foolish or ignorant if you DID. 

 

Unlike with most other species of dark creatures’ she-devils, Lady Danyealla especially, were respected by the garou.  In many ways they were seen as something akin to a cousin, being similar in many ways, unlike most other dark creatures that Garou held in disdain.  Because of the respect and the forthright way she had always dealt with them, Lady Danyealla was held in high esteem by most clans, as well as the council.  She understood their ways and laws, not interfering in their business or stepping into their affairs, avoiding clashes between the clans and political maneuvering by the council.  That’s why this whole episode was so strange and out of character for her. 

 

Giving her a puzzled look, Blade asked, “I don’t understand this Lady Danyealla.  You know our laws as well as any werewolf so you know why we are doing this.  You’ve never stepped into werewolf business in the past nor have you tried to put a stop to something before as far as I know.  Why are you doing it now?  One would think a mangy cur such as Marcus wouldn’t be worth your trouble or interference, especially knowing that the reason for our action is due to the fact that he’s a known demon associate.  What makes him so special?”

Stepping closer, eyes on fire, she growled, “Because I own Marcus!  He’s mine!”  She snapped; voice sharp and hard, like a deadly dagger whos’ edge was finely honed and razor sharp.  “You’re trying to harm something that belongs to me and I won’t let that happen!”

 

Both werewolves took a step back, blood draining from their faces.  Behind her a refined and aristocratic voice chimed in, “I assure you Lady Danyealla; a repeat of this will never again happen.  The council will be made aware, post haste, of the situation and the death sentence will be lifted.  We’ll also make all aware that Marcus is off limits from this point forward and is not to be harmed or bothered by anyone.  That you have my word on.”

 

Spinning around, she glared, “You had better make sure there isn’t Chronos!  If anything like it ever happens again I won’t be so nice to those who cross that line.  I will add their pelts to my collection.  Once I’m done with them I WILL take up my displeasure with the council, you in particular; that you can count on.”  She snapped, teeth clenched, eyes blazing.

 

Nodding, he looked at her, “I assure you I will do all in my power as head of the council to ensure Marcus will be left alone and that you are personally protecting him.” 

 

“For your sake this had better be an aberration!”  She glowered.  Jerking her head towards Blade and Titus she snarled, “Get them out of my sight before I change my mind about taking their pelts.”

 

Bowing slightly, skin pale, he replied, “Your wish is my command.”  Signaling to the two they all walked off, Titus and Blade shaking slightly.

 

When she was sure they we no longer within earshot, she looked at Darious and grinned, winking, “Scared ‘em, did I?”

 

Chuckling, a grin turning up the corners of his mouth, Darious replied, “Scared isn’t the word for it, petrified is more like it.  Those boys were so shaken I thought they were going to lose control of their bodily functions.”

 

Looking over at Zarah, who had slid back onto the stool next to Darious, she nodded, “Thanks.”

 

Nodding, Zarah smiled, “No problemo.  I figured you could defuse it better than anyone else.”  Nudging Darious with her elbow, she grinned, “I knew Darious would end up involved if it went any further than it did.  It wouldn’t have looked good for him to drop himself in the middle of a shit-storm his first night among all of us.”

 

“You know me SO well Zarah!”  Darious chuckled, winking at her. 

 

Dani walked over to Marcus and put her hand on his shoulder.  He was still very tense and nervous.  “You OK?”  She asked, softly.

 

Nodding, he let out a hitched sigh, “Yeah, just shook up is all.  I knew it would eventually come but…”  He trailed off, shrugging.

 

Nodding, she rubbed his shoulder, “I understand.  I’m quite sure by sunrise the word will have started to spread like a wildfire through the clans.  By the end of the week most of the clans will know about it.  There might be an incident here and there but that should be it.  The council doesn’t want me pissed at them.”  She said, winking at him.  “You should be fine from now on.”

Mayhem looked up at Marcus, tail twitching, “Da Lady Bosh got wid of dem poochiesh! “

Scritching the cats’ ears, Marcus chuckled, “She sure did!”

 

Taking the cat from him, she snuggled him close then took off his leash and sat him on the bar.  Smiling down at him, she winked, “OK Mayhem, you did you job, very well I might add, I’m proud of you.  So you can now go say hi to all your friends.”

 

Leaning over, he nuzzled her on the stomach with his head and purred, “Fanksh Lady Bosh!”  He crowed happily.  Running down the bar at top speed, he hopped off onto the floor, shouting happily, “Da Mayhem ish back ladiesh!”  Quickly, he vanished into the sea of legs.

 

Grinning, Dani hopped up onto the bar and sat by Darious, who immediately wrapped one arm around her waist, pulled her closer.  Marcus slid down next to them and started chowing down on a fresh plate of food Jolene had put in front of him. 

 

Modega looked around warily but the rumble in his stomach pulled him back to the excellent plate of food before him.  Looking up at Jolene, he nodded at her then said, through a mouthful, “This is some of the best food I’ve ever had!  Too bad I can’t come here on a regular basis.”

 

A wide grin spread across Jolene’s plump features and she nodded, “I’m glad you enjoy it.  Just let me know if you want more.”  She said before bustling off to deliver drinks to a group of werewolves down at the other end of the bar.

 

Glancing around for Nyssa, Dani found her mid-way down the bar, in a conversation with two werewolves from the Shadowstalker clan.  After making sure she wasn’t with in earshot of the conversation Dani looked at Modega, “Why do you say you can’t come here?”  She asked quizzically, sliding off the bar and seating herself on one of Darious’ legs.

 

After swallowing a mouthful of food, Modega looked at her and shrugged, “Our presence usually isn’t welcome in dark creature enclaves.”  He said with a small shrug of his shoulders.”

 

Taking a long drink out of the glass of Werewolf Piss Jolene had given her, she looked at him, a small grin playing at her lips, “Modega, do you know why I created the Pussycat clubs?”

 

Shoveling more of the excellent food into his mouth he just shook his head.

 

“It used to be that if different dark creature races wanted to meet there was no real neutral ground for it.  Sure there were many clubs around owned and run by dark creatures, but they weren’t neutral.  They were run by different races for their own kind, giving them home turf advantage.  So, after all of us ‘came out’ there was a need for a neutral place where all races were welcome.  For a time we used human bars and clubs but that wasn’t ideal because we were always worried about them overhearing things we didn’t want them to know.  That’s why I created the Pussycats, to make a place for all dark creatures.  You and Darious are both dark creatures and are welcome here as well.  Demons are welcome as long as they follow the ground rules of no fighting and no starting shit.”  Standing up on the rung of the chair, she leaned over the bar and grabbed a business card from a big stack of them.  Sitting back down, she grabbed a pen out of Darious’ suit pocked and scribbled something on the back of it then slid it down to Modega.  “But, if it will make you feel better, give them that next time you show up.”

 

Picking it up, he read the back.  It was a statement that he was welcome as her guest any time.  Pocketing it, he nodded at her and smiled, “Thanks!”

 

Wrapping an arm around her waist, Darious nuzzled his cheek with hers.  “I had been curious about why you had started the clubs and meant to ask you about it.  It was a wise move!  Very sound decision.”

 

“It was a mess every time we had to deal with either werewolves or vampires.  We would end up in one of their clubs.  Plus the fighting between various clans of the werewolves made neutral territory a must have thing.  The infighting between some clans was bad and if they met at clubs run by rivals it usually ended up in a brawl with nothing getting accomplished.  This made it much easier to do things.  Since she-devils have always done a great deal of mediation between factions of the other creatures and have no real stake in any of their negotiation or problems they had no problem using clubs run by us.  We are mostly neutral in their various problems and the ground rules for the Pussycats insure a neutral atmosphere so they have no objections in using them.”

 

Nodding, Darious replied, “Very good idea.  I always knew you were one smart kitty cat.”  He said, winking at her.

 

Grinning back, she was about to reply when a tall, lanky werewolf with a shock of brownish hair, streaked with grey, stepped over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.  “Congratulations!”

Giving him a peck on the cheek, she smiled at him, “Thanks Travis.” 

 

Sticking out his hand to Darious, he said, “And you as well Lord Darious.  You have taken a mate that is a wonderful woman.  I hope you realize how special she is.”

 

Putting down his fork and swallowing a mouth full of food, he nodded and took the werewolf’s hand, “Thank you.  I’ve known she was special for a very long time and intend to treat her as such.”  The whole conversation was a bit shocking to him; he didn’t assume that any of the werewolves would have much to do with him, even with him being Danis’ mate, because of the type of being he was.  But he could detect no hint of unease or wariness in Travis, a pleasant surprise.

 

Before taking a seat, Dani introduced him around, “This is Travis, he’s a Dreadmore and Jolene’s’ mate.”

 

After shaking both Modegas’ and Marcus’ hand, he seated himself on the other side of the big werewolf and grinned, “That’s me.  Toss in bouncer, mediator, dishwasher, laborer and resident peacekeeper for the club.  Mix it all together and you’ll get the whole picture.”  He said with a wink and grin.

 

Darious was about to say something when that creepy, skin-tingling feeling washed over him again, signaling that Raven was nearby. 

 

She put her hand, gently, on his shoulder and smiled at him, “Hey Darious.”

Smiling back, Darious tried to shove that creepy feeling away, “Hello Lady Raven.”  He said, smiling.

She nodded at Marcus and Modega, saying a pleasant hello to them, then leaned over and kissed Travis on the cheek.  Looking back at Darious, she smiled again, “Would you mind terribly if I borrowed your mate for a few?  There are some people here from the various councils around the world that wish to pay their respects to her.  Most have known her for years and want to give her their congratulations in person.”

 

Giving Darious a quick kiss, Dani hopped off his lap.  Looking at Raven, he nodded, “No problem.”  Then Dani and Raven walked off.

 

Finishing what was on his plate; Darious put the silverware on it and pushed it aside, sipping at his snifter of Brandy.  Looking down at Travis, he asked, “I assume you’ve been around here for a while so is there any kind or rules or protocol I should know about and follow?  I don’t want to offend anyone or mis-step.” 

 

Normally, Darious was a bit reserved around beings he didn’t know well and would never have been that forward with them but the sense he got from Travis was that he was OK and that he could be trusted, well, trusted as much as Darious allowed himself to trust anyone that is.  To look at Travis was quite ordinary, a couple inches over seven feet, average height for a garou, and had thicket of brownish hair that was streaked with grey.  Unlike humans grey hair on a werewolf wasn’t a sign of old age; it was part of their coloring, most having it since birth.  When they shifted to lupine form their hair coloring matched the color of their pelts.  In the dim light his eyes appeared very dark but Darious, from past experience, took an educated guess and assumed they were a dark golden brown, like most garous.  He had a lean build, tall and appearing thin, but you also couldn’t miss the underlying power to his frame.  Also, he appeared to have that lean muscle strength so many werewolves seemed to have. Age was hard to determine when it came to garou because of their long life span; Travis’ appearance was similar to a human male in their twenties, which probably meant that he was around the 350-400 year mark, early adulthood for werewolves.  Those that were in the line of succession for clan leader always seemed to have a bit of arrogance about them; Travis showed none of this, leaving Darious to guess that he was just an average garou, trained to fight.  But his mating with Jolene had probably boosted him up the ranks within the clan structure.  Dreadmore was not a clan Darious had heard of before but that wasn’t at all unusual.  While he wasn’t familiar with all the many clans of garou he did know the biggest and most powerful of them.  With Travis’ manner and appearance he guessed that the Dreadmore was probably one of the smaller, more rural clans.  Probably one of those clans whose enclave wasn’t close to the city, hidden in the disappearing wooded areas.  The kind of clan that went out of their way to avoid humans as much as they could and carried on much as they always had been before modern times, staying steeped in the old ways of the garou.  There were still many, even all these years after the ‘coming out’, which still shunned humans and preferred to keep to themselves.  While he would appear to be human in the way he carried himself and his mannerisms it was obvious to other dark creatures, of all kinds, that he was indeed a werewolf, having much of the courtly manner and respectful tone that was a trademark of werewolf society, especially when it came to women.  Hence the reason many human women were bedazzled and enamored of the male garou, that courtly, old world manner combined with their size and strength seemed to ooze a sexuality that wasn’t present in humans.  His smell would also be a dead giveaway to the finely tuned senses of dark creatures whereas humans would smell nothing but a musky scent they would associate with those that worked outdoors for a living.

 

Switching places with Marcus, Travis sipped his beer then looked at Darious, “There really isn’t too much to know.  Most of it you probably know already.  Make sure you call the she-devils Lady then their name, something I’m sure you already know, until they tell you not to.  It’s just a title of respect, nothing more and not meant to elevate them above the rest of us.  It’s something akin to the Mrs., Ms. or Miss used for humans; just a polite moniker is all.”

 

Pushing his plate away and sipping his drink, Modega listened keenly, hoping to pick up some pointers.  “Why or how did that title come about, do you know?”  He asked, looking over at the werewolf.

 

“Best anyone can trace is to Lady D.”  Travis said, shrugging.  “But no one really knows for sure.  They say she was aristocracy when she was human and that was her title, I’ve never asked about it and she’s never said anything so I don’t know for sure.  Everyone has called her that since time immemorial and others picked it up for the other she-devils as a sign of respect.”

 

“She was a titled Lady, from England.”  Darious said, thoughtfully, thinking back to their prior meetings.

 

Looking at him, quiet, Travis then nodded, “That’s right; Raven said that you knew her long ago.”

Smiling a bit, Darious nodded, “Yes, I did.  Indeed, she was a titled Lady.  Things were different then and there was no way to pose as one in high class circles, you would have been figured out.”

 

Nodding, Travis grinned, “With her language now it rather boggles the mind that she was once a titled lady, courtly, polite and demure.”

 

Chuckling, Darious’ eyes sparkled, “I have noticed her language has become rather colorful since we were last together.”

”  Colorful isn’t the word!  She could make a sailor blush!  Too much hanging around on college campus’ with the humans.”  Travis said, laughing.  “Anyway…” he continued on, “if there are problems you let the ladies handle them.  Usually they can do it easily and without any physical violence.  Most of other creatures will back down when they are confronted, not wanting to get into any kind of physical altercation with them.  If it’s another she-devil that’s giving you a problem, just tell her you belong to Lady D.  That should end it right there.  Most of them won’t mess with her and will knock it off.  If it persists let Dani handle it.  It’s mostly young ones that do that business as a kind of a dominance thing I guess you would call it.  They have to try to knock her off the top of the heap from time to time, even if they know they have exactly no chance of succeeding.  It’s something akin to trying to find their place in the society.”

 

Bristling a bit at the ‘belong to’ bit, Darious bit his tongue and just nodded.

 

A side-ways glance at him made Travis grin, “Don’t let the ownership thing bug you, all know mating has nothing to do with being owned and that you do it for love.  It’s just the she-devil term for husband is all, nothing more.  As far as I know there aren’t many she-devils out there that do the ‘toy’ thing anymore.  That kind of fell by the wayside long ago but it’s one of those things that still lingers on among other beings as the way things are.  Also, the reality of what it was and the urban legend of it were usually two different things.  From all I’ve heard, from both werewolves and she-devils, it was a mutual thing, not an ownership deal.  I guess it would be comparable with what they call ‘fuck buddies’ today.  From the time I’ve spent with these ladies I can’t see most of them being cold-hearted enough to dump someone they’ve been with for years just because they got ‘bored’ with them.  They are a passionate lot but 99% of them are not cold-hearted or even capable of something like that.  But it’s one of those things that is juicy enough to not die like it should and is still passed around as fact by those who have no first-hand knowledge of it.”

 

Hearing that did lower his hackles and Darious nodded.

Stroking his chin, Travis went on, “Those are the only real ‘rules’ there are.  But there are a couple more things, just advice.  If Zsuzanna is in a bad mood avoid her at all costs.  She can get real snarly from time to time and will lash out if annoyed.”

 

That sounded like a good piece of advice to Darious.  Although he hadn’t met her in person yet when he saw her on TV from time to time the look in her eyes told him that she was one person you don’t fuck with.  One particular memory stood out, loud and clear, on that topic.  In the turmoil after all the dark creatures had outted there had been Congressional hearings about their rights as well as what should/shouldn’t be done with them.  When the topic of their assassins and how they dealt with those who crossed them had come up there was a suggestion made that they should all be forced to register and perhaps their past ‘crimes’ should be investigated.  All the different councils of the dark creatures had been in attendance so they could explain how things were done among them.  But when that line of discussion had been brought up there had been an immediate outcry against it.  As the hearings progressed they gradually got more heated until it was little more than a shouting match.  When Danis’ name had cropped up in the discussion, it had been inevitable that someone would drag her in to it, Zsuzanna tried to keep her cool.  But as things went along you could see her temper rising.  Finally, enough was too much and she let the Congressmen have it with both barrels, tearing into them and comparing it to what the Nazis’ had done.  The whole matter had turned into something like a verbal autopsy with the end results being the humans backing away from the suggestion quickly.  Even to those who had watched the whole thing on TV and hadn’t been there in person were able to tell that she was someone that it really wasn’t wise to mess with, that she was quite capable of giving back what she got, in spades. 

 

“Then there is Jade.”  Travis said, shivering a bit then taking another long pull off his beer.  “If that woman comes around be polite and don’t let her bait you.  Don’t get into any type of confrontation with her no matter how much she goads you or tries to pick a fight.  Just ignore it and let Dani handle her.  Whatever you do, DO NOT mess with that woman; she is bad news from the get go.”

 

The she-devils didn’t have nearly as much of a bad rep as most of the other dark creatures did.  The worst thing they had to deal with when it came to humans was Danis’ legend and it was more colorful than bad plus humans tended to think of it as just that, a legend, because Dani had never revealed herself to them.  But Jade was their albatross when it came to humans.  Arrogant and spiteful, that woman had earned all the bad press attributed to her.  Even humans knew that she was the she-devils assassin and that it was a job that she not only loved but was good at.  Quickly after the she-devils ‘outted’ Jade had done a hardcore BDSM movie in which she had violently beat and tortured the human male co-stars unmercifully.  It was very apparent to anyone that had watched it that she enjoyed what she had inflicted upon the men.  Even from Darious’ perspective she wasn’t a being that he would relish tangling with.  “That bad eh?”  He said, looking at Travis.

 

Shaking his head, Travis stared at him, “Let’s just say that is one woman that could go bear hunting with a switch and bring back a grizzly with no problem.  She is mean to the core.  No one messes with her, NO ONE!  She likes to play king of the mountain with the younger ones and usually wins because no one will tangle with her.  She’s Zsuzannas’ child and it seems that she has to spend an inordinate amount of time reining her in.  There is one problem with her king of the mountain shtick, she isn’t and she knows it.  She might be tough and dangerous but that particular distinction goes to Dani as everyone is well aware and it galls Jade to no end.  Many times she has deliberately picked fights with Dani; knowing full well she can’t win and will probably end up beaten within an inch of her life in the process.  But still she tries.  Stupid women even tried hurting Mayhem one night.  She got her head twisted around backwards and disemboweled for that stunt.”  Shuddering he shook his head.  “Lady D isn’t exactly known for her patience with the young and stupid, she very quickly puts them in their place and lets them know whose boss.  None of us has ever been able figure out why Dani hasn’t put a halt to the whole thing, even if she did kill her no one would be inclined to do anything to her because it’s been clear for years that Jade has gone out of her way to start shit.  I guess she has her reasons.  If she shows up, which isn’t too often thankfully, Jolene usually has to call either Dani or Zsuzanna to come in while she is here, to keep thing under control and make sure she doesn’t start shit.  So, if she is here and you see me bail over the bar and hide follow suit because a war has begun!”

 

Sitting there, quiet, Darious just looked at him, his mind playing over what had been said.  It didn’t make much sense to him, especially knowing Dani the way he did from times past.  Before he could formulate a question Travis grinned at him and winked.

 

“There is one other thing, not a rule but it’s followed.  Lady D is NOT allowed here while wrestling is on.”

Chuckling deeply, a wide grin crossed Darious’ face, “That one I can understand!  Hurt the TV, did she?”

 

Roaring with laughter, Travis shook his head, “Seen her in action, have you?  Hurt the TV wasn’t the word for it!  She picked up a barstool and threw it through the screen when a ref made a call she didn’t like!  Since then Jolene has forbidden her to come in when wrestling is on.”

 

Shaking his head, Darious grinned bigger, “She does seem to have an affinity for it.”

 

“Obsession is more like it!”  Travis said, roaring with laughter.  Calming down a bit, he looked over at Darious and Modega.  “Every Monday night we have a standing poker game here, starting around midnight.  You both are more than welcome to attend if you want to.  It’s the slowest night so they do inventory and figure out what needs to be ordered.  It can be a big job if they’ve had a busy week so those of us attached to them used to come in and give a hand if they needed it.  Since then it’s became a bit of a tradition to play poker while we hang around.”

 

Nodding, Darious replied, ‘Sounds good to me.  Thanks for the invite.”  Looking over at the gangly werewolf, his brow furrowed a bit in confusion, “With what I know about garou, and how they feel about demons, it strikes me as a bit odd you would even think about including or inviting me to anything.”

 

Grinning bigger, Travis winked, “I see it this way, you might be a different species but you’re just like the rest of us that have an interspecies mating with she-devils.  Besides, if you’re good enough for Dani then you’re cool with me.  I’ve know her since I was a pup and she’s known my family for hundreds of years now so I trust her judgment.”

 

It was a simple, fairly straight forward response that Darious had no problem understanding.  Before he could respond, Raven joined them, sitting down on the other side of Marcus.

 

After saying a pleasant hello to all of them she slid a document sized manila envelope down to Darious.  “There’s your marriage license.  If anyone asks you were married in Vegas.”

 

“Alright.  Thank you Lady Raven.”  He said, pulling the document out to look at it.  One glance at the names on it showed something quite odd.  Puzzled, he looked over at her, “Kats’ name isn’t spelled right.  Her names spelled Danyealla DesLoup but on here it’s spelled Danielle DeWolf.”

 

Winking at him, she grinned.  “Please, if you would, make it Raven from now on.  As we all know that isn’t a real, legal document so there’s no problem with fudging the name.  We thought if we modernized her name a bit it would throw anyone who was sniffing around for something on you off and they wouldn’t be able to connect the she-devil Lady Danyealla with you since their names are different.”

 

That was something he hadn’t thought about and was grateful someone had.  “Makes sense.  Thank you Raven.”

 

Nodding, she smiled at him, “Anytime.”

 

A couple minutes later Dani back and slid into his lap once more.  Smiling, he put an arms around her waist and kissed her softly.  Following behind her, Zsuzanna slid into the space between Darious’ and Travis’ chairs.  Holding out her hand, she nodded to him, “I’m Zsuzanna.”

 

Nodding, Darious took her hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

 

“Likewise.”  She said, a small smile turning up the corers of her mouth.  Taking a drink of the wine Jolene had placed in front of her, gauging him a bit out of the corners of her eye.  When the news of Dani taking a mate had been announced there was a general uproar among the she-devils.  Very quickly the word spread to all corners of the world. 

 

To most she-devils Dani was regarded as the closest thing they had to royalty.  Because of the way they did things, they were loners with no clans or any other kind of close-knit groupings, they didn’t have the rich legends and lore’s of the other dark creatures, Dani and the legends about her, were the only real, verifiable history of their race.  Before the dark creatures outted the she-devils, unlike the others, had to exist with humans and blend in so nothing was ever written for fear it may fall into the wrong hands.  The chaos and violence of the past, plus the fact that women were thought of as property, had made existence extremely tough.  There were small factions of humans here and there that DID know they were real, for the most part though humans thought of them a myth that had sprung from ancient times, something akin to the stories that came from Greek/Roman mythology.  While names of other she-devil had been passed down century after century the reality of it was that nothing was known of them or what they did.  In all honesty, no one could say for sure if the names of those women were true or if they were just another myth.  

 

That all changed when Dani came along. Now, because of her age, she could remember many of those that seemed to be mere legend and tell you about them.  She also possessed the books of the Ancients that gave some clues as to their history.  Slowly, their networks were formed to deal with problems amongst themselves as well as opening dialogs with the other dark creatures.  However, it wasn’t until the birth of the US that things began to be put on paper.  Slowly, they began to write down and gather the stories of their kind.  Preserved by the council, those stories were a rich tapestry of many things, stories of their kind entwined with many momentous events and people, history told through the eyes of the women that had seen it.  It was at this time that the legends of Dani had been recorded, those old myths about her from the past that had been passed down word to mouth over centuries weaving colorful tales about what she had done.  Inevitably, like all old legends, the numerous retellings had distorted the facts and embellished them until Dani became an almost mythical creature that inspired awe, almost as if she was one of those great historic fables from the past and not a real, living creature.  While most knew those legends were just that, legends, they also knew there were real facts mixed in with the fables. 

 

 

All dark creatures knew that there were those among them that professed to have been royalty or gentry when they were human, trying to make themselves seem more important than they were.  Knowing that, for all intensive purposes, no real records existed for some of the people they claimed to be so no one could check out the facts.  Unlike others Dani had tangible proof as to who claimed to be, aristocracy from the English isles and a titled Lady.  Holy books with family histories, correspondence from the time period as well as writings of the gentry all confirmed what was known about her.  But, by far, there was one thing that had erased any doubt about who was; a painting.  It had been commissioned by her father when she came of age and it was time for them to find a suitable man for her to wed.  It had hung on the wall of her ancestral home for generations, long after her family had passed on.  Hundreds of years after she had been changed Dani has returned to what was once her home.  To her astonishment that painting still hung on the walls with all the rest of the family portraits.  A jesting comment from the owner of the house as to the resemblance between her and the woman in the portrait had spurred Dani to buy it then store it away.

 

 Her reasoning for the action had been a sound one, while most humans would just chalk it up to a doppelganger or just a coincidence there were others who would know better. It was about that time in history that secret societies had begun to form to hunt dark creatures, of all kinds, and kill them.  They were sponsored by many people, from royalty to religious, who saw them as a danger.  These were men that had been schooled to know all there was, from the human perspective, about the creatures most saw as little more than a myth.  They considered themselves at war with creatures they regarded as demonic, something from Lucifer who did his bidding, and would doggedly peruse any of them until they accomplished their task.  It was her battle with those societies that had given birth to most of the legends about her. 

 

As attacks on them became more frequent and a plethora of similar groups began to be spawned, alarm among the non-humans grew.  Something, they knew, had to be done to stop the wholesale slaughter of their kith and kin.  It had been that concern that started what would be the dark creature councils.  Meetings between all the factions went on here and there as they could meet up, with the world not being like it is now travel between places was a bit harder and more time consuming, trying to figure out just what had to be done to put an end to it all.  Slowly a network of dark creature correspondence was formed so that communication would be easier.  With a cool head and diplomatic patience Dani helped draw up the guidelines of what to do, she was chosen because she was the best known and most respected of her kind.  Rather than diving into a whole sale slaughter of all the members of such groups a small band from each faction, clan or family group would handle their territory and deal with the problem on a case by case basis.  Then there would be another group, all of them volunteers, which would go after those who headed the groups.  Before this time it was done only on a fight or die basis, the groups picking off dark creatures one by one.  Implementing that plan worked, slowly the groups started dying out or their ranks thinned down to the point they were ineffective against the now organized enemy.  With a grim determination, Dani and others tracked down and chased their quarry around the world, eliminating them one by one.  It was her honed fighting skills, learned for self defense over the years, and steely nerves that started earning her that reputation and the legendary statues she now had. 

 

To many of their kind, as well as creatures of other races, this was the foundation that had given birth to their views about her and how she had become a heroic figure.  Tales of her hunt of those that wished to eliminate all non-humans was what gave birth to some of the legendary tales that were woven around her mystic. As the world grew smaller and communications as well as travel grew easier those tales passed around easier, growing and embellished as they were written down and retold. 

 

While much of her historical exploits, when it came to the physical aspects, were little more than fables with grains of truth in them, that couldn’t be said of other things she did.  Recorded history showed that it was her that helped set up the she-devils councils around the world and organized how they should be run, keeping in mind what was best for all of them.  It was also her that had mapped out the structure for the world she-devil council, drawing from her classical education and what she had seen from her time on earth, taking what worked and what didn’t then combining them to form what would become in the future one of the powerhouse entities when it came to the dark creatures.  It was also she that had sat with the most powerful of all the other creatures, from vampires and werewolves to the fae and goblins, to form the dark creature councils.  While they were a body that mostly dealt with squabbles and spats between the different factions of the non-humans what was put into place was also what had given them the stability when they were finally revealed to the humans.  Because of the organization and the rules that they had put into place to deal with almost everything that could or would crop up their transition into all of society when they revealed themselves was much easier.  In showing they had in place a system to deal with their own kind when laws were broken and they were very capable of keeping things in order made an already leery human race feel much more at ease about the creatures that were the things of horror stories in the past.  It was her that had helped to make tough decisions about how to deal with such things as the death penalty for their own kinds when certain lines were crossed.  She’s the one that helped set up their networks for information before modern times made such things a phone call or e-mail away.  Time and again it was her that had logged hundreds of hours in travel time to go and sit down with various factions to work out problems that had arose during the process of pulling it all together.  She was the one that had brought up the touchy subject of assassins and that they were needed for various things.  Almost all the networks that were in place now for dealing with almost everything were in place because of her proposals, from dealing with insanity among their kinds to criteria for dealing with humans that were a risk to the dark creatures. 

 

Before all that was in place the darklings had stayed out of human affairs as much as they could, feeling the problems were started by humans so they were theirs to deal with.  Her insistence and historical lessons from times past is what changed that view.  When the Second World War started her view and foresight is what had saved many of their kind from the clutches of the Nazis’, something that could have changed the course of the war and become humanities worst nightmare.  Her memories of the past and observations throughout the centuries had shaped those councils and made them work.  But once they were set up and functional, after the first elections, she had withdrawn from it, saying her job was done and she wasn’t meant to be in politics, much to everyone’s surprise.  Unlike so many from all races, Dani had no desire for power, political or otherwise.  All she wanted was to be allowed to live as she always had and be left alone.  While all the councils had respected her decision they had managed to talk her into a minor role here and there as she was needed, such as negotiations with other races or what would be called a ‘special consultant’ now days, someone to call in when times were tough and an independent view was needed.  It was also her that was made the first she-devil assassin, an appointment she did not relish in the least but understood why it needed done.  World War 2 and her role in Germany had ended that.  After all the bloodshed and violence she had seen in the name of power, she had resigned as assassin, no longer wanting to deal with that sort of thing even if it was needed or in the best interests of the majority.  While she had handed the mantle over to Jade, one of the councils least popular appointments but one all understood, she had agreed to do a few here and there if her special skills were needed. 

 

When the ‘great revealing’, the outing of all the dark creatures, had come she had chosen the odd path of staying hidden from humans, not wanting to be revealed for what she was.  Even when their lore and legends had been written about, or showed on TV, and who she was and all she had done had been distorted or was out and out false she ignored it and chose to do nothing to correct anything, letting the council handle that end.  Before fully retiring from most things political, she had once more proven that she had insight far beyond most humans and dark creatures.  Even after the ‘outing’ there was a need for a neutral place to meet for all dark creatures, one where no human could overhear what was being discussed.  It was because of that need that the Pussycats had been formed.  While humans were welcome the backroom was for the darklings and only them.  Quickly the neutrality of the Pussycat became a necessity for all creatures, the place that they could go to be on an equal level with all others.  Once things were all in place and it was being run how she wanted it done, she had withdrawn and left it in the hands of those she felt were best equipped to do what as right by it and slipped quietly back into retirement.

 

As the first she-devil Dani had created, Zsuzanna probably knew here as well as anyone yet she would tell you she really didn’t either.  Like to most others, Dani was still very much a mysterious being about so much. They had met in Paris when she was with her gypsy clan.  Dani was one of the well-dressed ladies that had come to watch some of a performance they had done but was intrigued with the dark eyed young gypsy that told fortunes for a few pennies.  Even that far back in time the nomadic tribe had the reputation as thieves.  While there were many of their kind that did indeed do those things the young Zsuzanna didn’t, nor did the rest of her clan/family.  They tried eking out an existence they best they could, wandering Europe and doing what they knew best.  Like most of their kind, they were a superstitious lot, knowing that most of what people considered legend wasn’t.  From the first glace at the high-classed lady that had taken an interest in the young, dark-haired woman, Zsuzannas’ great grandmother, the matriarch of the clan, had nodded in approval.  Counseling everyone that this lady wasn’t human, she then encouraged the young Zsuzanna that her destiny lay with this woman and that great things were in store for her. In six months, when the clan left Paris, Zsuzanna wasn’t with them.  Having gone to the old woman, Dani had asked for Zsuzanna to stay with her.  After compensating, the normal thing with gypsies, the clan Zsuzanna was put into her care.  Before they had left, her grandmother had sat her down and counseled her that many great things were in her future.  Weaving a tale, she explained to the young woman what Dani was and what to expect.  Before their departure, as tears were shed, the young gypsy was told she was always welcome with their clan that a being such as Dani was considered the best of omens and that fortune would shine on them and her.

 

Paris, at that time, was an exciting place.  Busy and full of people, there was always something going on.  While it was dirty and usually smelled badly, it also seemed to be the center of the world to Zsuzanna.  After moving in with Dani, she began learning all about things in the world she had never known.  While basic education, the three ‘R’s’ and all the other standard stuff, was taught to her she also learned about culture and how to appreciate the better things in life.  While she would never pass for the aristocracy like Dani did, her ethic background was very obvious to all, but what she could pass as was a superior servant to the blonde, something quite acceptable at that time.  For the first time in her life she no longer had to worry about traveling around or helping the family make money.  She could come and go as she wished, eat when she like and generally do as she pleased.  Also unlike her upbringing, sex was not forbidden.  As a matter of fact, Dani encouraged it as well as dating.  In the time they spent in the ‘City of Love’ she had fallen for several men, having affairs and enjoying herself. 

 

A couple of years after leaving her family Dani announced they would be moving on.  It was then that Zsuzanna had to make a life changing decision.  She could come along with Dani and, once she feels she is ready, create her into a she-devil or she could stay behind with enough money to support herself until she could find a suitable partner.  To her, it was what was referred to today as a ‘no brainier’, she would go with Dani and become like her.  From the vantage of hindsight she now understood what Dani had done, by giving her a choice, was odd, most were not given that choice but changed by the woman without thought to what they may have wanted.  When Zsuzanna agreed to be changed, Dani made it very clear about the negatives that there was to it as well as what life was like for a she-devil.  She hadn’t glossed over the bad parts nor tried to sugar coat any of it.  It was about a year after they left Paris that she was changed.  Dani made very sure she knew what she was in for, showing her, warts and all, what life was like as a she-devil and just what you may have to do to survive.  While it was sobering to know and wiped away many illusions she had, Zsuzanna never wavered. 

 

Before moving on to what is called Russia today Dani had taken her to see her family.  Camped in what is now modern-day Austria, Zsuzanna and Dani stayed with her family for a week.  While she played catch up with all that had gone on since she had been away she realized, for the first time, the true magnitude of the gift that Dani was offering.  In the couple of years she had been gone most of her family seemed to have aged decades rather than years.  Their life was a rough one and took its’ toll on them in ways she hadn’t seen when she was among them.  While she was growing up it was all she knew and never thought there was anything beyond that nomadic life.  But now she couldn’t see herself going back to it.  Without her really realizing it Dani had already given her one of the greatest gifts anyone could have, a hope that there was something beyond the world her relatives lived in. 

 

When she was leaving her great grandmother stoked her cheek and smiled, telling her that they considered her, and what was going to happen, as a good omen for them.  Then she reassured her that she would always be welcome and that they would make sure that the future generations were aware of who she was so that promise would be kept.  As they were traveled to their destination she was a bit sad to be leaving those who loved her, knowing that she would probably never see some of them again.  But the elation she felt about what was coming pushed it aside.  Rather than perceiving things as an ending she saw it as a new beginning, a chance to make a completely new life for herself.

 

After she was changed Dani had her stay with her for a couple of years to make sure she knew all she needed to.  It wasn’t until she started meeting others of her kind and hearing them talk about what happened after they had been changed that she realized how odd it was to do what Dani did, nor did she realize at the time that she was Danis’ first ‘child’.  Usually once they had been changed they only stayed with the one that did it for a couple of months before going their separate ways.  Most of them had to figure out on their own what they had to do, receiving only the briefest explanations about what she needed to know.

 

As time went on the both of them kept in touch the best they could, using the networks Dani had helped create.  It wasn’t until centuries had passed that she began to understand what it must have taken for Dani to survive as long as she did.  To live as long as Dani had and not to have taken a rest most did, including herself, took a great deal of mental toughness.  When the modern age had finally been ushered in and things had changed drastically, making everyone’s life much easier, most of the loneliness many of her kind felt because of the nomadic lifestyle that was required to ensure they wouldn’t be exposed , had ended.  Because of that they were now able to be around their own kind or other dark creatures.  While most had formed attachments of some kind here and there Dani never did.  Instead she still hid in the shadows of the human world, blending in with them as she always had.

 

Each passing year, as Dani crept closer to the 1000 year mark, most of them began to worry about her.  From what information and lore they could find, no one had ever attained that mark.  They all had gone ‘ground’, never again emerging from their sleep.  That anxiety intensified when she had returned from Germany.  The sadness and haunted look in her eyes caused alarm, many thinking that it was a sign that she would be gone before long.  As time crept forward that look stayed with her, her sadness visible for all to see. 

 

Glancing over at Dani, she could see that spark was back in her eyes and the blanket of sadness has vanished.  It seemed that the Dani of old was back, finally.  It seemed the part of her she had left in Germany had finally returned, once again she was whole.   

 

While there was a joyful uproar when they all found out she had finally found her life partner, that happiness was quickly replaced with alarm when what kind of creature her mate was emerged.  Almost immediately the councils had met to discuss the possibilities that could arise from the situation and how they would handle the shit storm that they were pretty sure was inevitable.  While they issued a statement about her mating to the other dark creatures they left out what Darious was, and his name, trying to bide time to figure out how to handle that issue.  While most other dark creatures would raise an eyebrow over the situation, they wouldn’t raise much stink about it, taking it in stride and not really caring beyond the initial gossip over it.  The werewolves, on the other hand, were a nightmare to deal with.  It was well known how they felt about demons because of things that had gone on in the past between the two, almost a war at times.  As the council had expected, the cacophonous din that had erupted from the four corners of the world when what kind of being Darious was emerged was almost deafening.  Immediately, the werewolf council demanded that measures be put into place to ensure that Darious, and others like him, couldn’t interfere with any of them nor have any chance of gaining an upper hand.

 

While she was shocked, and a tad upset, by Danis’ choice in the matter, she quickly quashed it, knowing that there really wasn’t anything any of them could do about it or change the situation because mating was the ultimate ‘til death do you part’  situation, one that no being could do anything about.  Looking at the two mates she came to the conclusion that even if she did have the power to change it or interfere she probably still wouldn’t do it.  A short glance at Danis’ face was all that was needed to see that she was very much in love with him.  Who was she to take that away from someone that truly deserved it after such a long life without it? 

 

 

While Dani was turned away from her, talking to a werewolf from the Night Chaos clan, she leaned over and looked at Darious.  Looking into his eyes she could detect no deceit or a spark that would indicate he was up to anything.  “Congratulation Darious.”  She said softly.

Inclining his head a bit, as a sort of bow, he replied, the smallest smiles turning up the corners of his mouth, “Thank you Lady Zsuzanna.”   He was, by nature, suspicious of everyone, wondering what their motives could be since most people had an agenda of some kind or other.  Considering the power Zsuzanna had and the position she held in dark creature society he thought it best to be on his toes until she reveled what it was or that he was sure there wasn’t any kind of agenda behind it.

 

Taking a swallow of her drink, she looked at him, “May I have your assurances on a couple things?”

 

There it was; the motive.  So she did what something.  “What are those?”  He asked warily, looking into her eyes.

 

Shaking her head a bit, she smiled, “They aren’t anything too outrageous or cause for worry.  I just want to make sure that you don’t have designs on the Pussycat or have a takeover plan.  But most of all, I would like your word that you will do nothing to Dani or hurt her in any way.  There are many of us, both those that are her children and the ones that aren’t, that care for her a great deal and don’t want to see her hurt.  She means a lot to our society as well as many others around the world.”

 

Nodding, Darious relaxed a bit, it appeared that this was the only motive she had, nothing more.  From his perspective, it was one he something he could understand and would almost expect.  ”  I assure you, Lady Zsuzanna, that I have no wish to take over the Pussycat nor any kind of plan to try and buy it out.  I have my own business to run.  Since that consumes most of my time and energy, taking on a massive operation such as D2K wouldn’t be a wise thing to do.”  Winking at her, he grinned roguishly, “Adding to that equation the fact that the business belongs to my mate, so I wouldn’t think of trying such a thing.  Since I’m well aware of what Kats’ temper’s like and just what she is like when riled up.  To even make an attempt or suggestion in that direction would surly lead to a quite unpleasant situation on the home front.  Not something I would relish!  Honestly, I would rather go back to hell and deal with the head being himself than have Kat that mad at me over an extended period of time.  Lucifer can be reasoned with, even when angry, Kat can’t.”

 

Grinning bigger, she chuckled, “Very true!  When her temper kicks in forget reason and talking it out, you’re in for a battle!”  Looking back at him, into his eyes, there seemed to be nothing in them to indicate deceit or trickery.  In fact, once Danis’ name was mentioned, they took on a light that she had seen in so many other beings when they talked about the person they loved.  While she didn’t attribute THAT particular emotion to him, after all that was impossible, but she was seeing what Raven had talked about; something was there and, indeed, he did feel something for her.  What that was she didn’t know, but more than anything that had happened or what had been said since this whole thing hit the fan; she was put at ease.  What she saw, felt and the message she got from him settled any conflict she had with it.  Then Danis’ reaction, what she saw earlier, sealed it all within her.  Whatever anyone might say, or any doubts they may have, could be put aside, there was nothing more to it than her ‘mother’ had finally found her soulmate.  As a rule no one in she-devil society said anything or interfered with their private lives or about whom they chose as a mate.  Dani was going to be no exception in that, she would send that announcement out the next day.

 

Once her mind was at rest, she settled back and had quite a pleasant conversation with him, talking about current events as well as times past with Dani.  That soon had her rolling with laughter and holding her sides.  Zarah also joined in, telling about some of the lighthearted moments in Germany.  When she got to the story about beating Darious unmercifully with a cast-iron skillet, thinking he was intruder, Travis, Marcus, Modega and Zsuzanna were rolling with laughter.  Shaking his head, Darious chuckled, “I’m here to tell you, that woman swings a mean skillet!”  Everyone roared with laughter at that.

 

As they were discussing the current state of things in the world Nyssa appeared at Darious’ shoulder.  Telling Darious she was headed for home because she was exhausted, she then bid everyone else a goodnight.  Leaning over, she asked Dani to walk her outside, a look of puzzlement on her face.

 

Glancing down at the two werewolves she had been talking to, Dani saw they were getting their jackets on, preparing to leave.  What was going on clicked into place and she nodded, “Sure thing, hang on.”  Telling everyone she would be right back, she gave Darious a peck on the cheek then hopped off his lap.  Walking outside with the puzzled Nyssa, she stood there and waited for the two Shadowstalkers’ brought their vehicle to the door.

 

Looking at Dani, still bewildered, Nyssa asked, “Why did I have to ask for someone to escort me out while I waited for them.

”Werewolf tradition.”  Dani said.  “That’s the way they do things.   They go by an old honor code, as humans used to.  To ensure that a woman’s honor isn’t compromised, for a certain amount of time after they meet, they need an escort or chaperone with them, both the woman and man.  In this case, with Dawin being a clan leader’s son, those things are a bit more strictly enforced so that his reputation and the reputation of the clan aren’t compromised in any way.”

 

Nodding, Nyssa understood.  “It is safe to ride home with them, isn’t it?”

Grinning, Dani nodded, “Safer than with any human.  Dawin will be the one driving you and Erlic won’t be in the car.  But Erlic will be close by to ensure that you are safe and Dawin behaves himself.”

Alarmed, she looked at Dani again, “So alone I wouldn’t be safe?”

 

Shaking her head, Dani said, “No, you will be.  It’s just a measure put in place to ensure that there can be nothing done or said that would compromise him is all.”

 

As the car pulled up and Dawin got out to open the door for her, Nyssa said a goodnight to Dani.  Getting in, Dawin then pulled out of the parking lot, followed at a bi of a distance by a large black wolf, Erlic.

 

When she slid back into Darious’ lap she was holding Mayhem in her arms.  When Jolene set a bottle of beer in front of her, Dani asked her for the ‘Mayhem kiss rag’.

 

Arching an eyebrow, Darious looked down at the cat and immediately understood.  His whole face had lipstick marks all over it of various colors and shades.  After Jolene handed her the rag, Dani held the protesting cat and gently wiped off his face.

”But Lady Bosh!  I dun like dat!”  He protested, wiggling around a bit in her arms.

 

“You’ll like it even less if we wait until we get to Darious’ house and you have to take a whole bath.”  Dani said mildly, continuing to wash his face off.

 

While he didn’t stop complaining, Mayhem did quit struggling as much and grudgingly let her wipe the lipstick off him.  Once she let him loose, he ran down the edge of the bar and hopped off then disappeared in the crowd again.

 

Leaning back against Darious’ chest, she sipped the beer.  As he wrapped his arm around her waist out of the corner of his eye he saw the biggest woman he had ever seen passing behind him.  Turning his head, he followed her progress down until she sat down by Marcus.  From his estimation she had to be almost seven foot tall, weighing a solid 230 lbs at least, all of muscle from the looks off it.  Taking a battleaxe out of its’ holster on her back she handed it to Jolene then sipped on the bottle of beer Jolene put in front of her.

 

Within second of her sitting down Mayhem was running down the bar at top speed, yelling at the top of his lungs, “Shhpooooooooookkyyyyyyyyyy!”  With a massive leap he landed in her arms and licked her face happily.

 

Grinning, she nuzzled his face and petted him.  “I missed you too Mayhem.”  She chuckled.

 

Looking down at her, Darious sized her up, as he normally did most people.  One word came to mind; Amazon.  While most swore they were little more than a legend, he knew better.  They, indeed, were very real and had earned those legends about their fighting ability.  From her accent and sheer size he made the logical guess she was one of the South American Amazons from one of the so-called lost tribes.  Dark hair, dark eyes and an olive complexion, she had an exotic look that drew your eyes to her, entranced.  But, as Darious well knew, to mess with one of these women was courting death.  While this one might be a she-devil and bound by the laws of a civilized world he doubted that had changed her much at all.  While humans may not have heard of her, he had and was well aware she was the she-devil equivalent of the Lord High Executioner.  Beings that had a job such as that in the past, himself included in that number, were NOT beings you wanted to mess around with.  Somehow or other that instinct never left them, even in every day situations. 

 

Quickly, she introduced herself to those she didn’t know and joined in the conversation with them.  Shortly after that Raven joined them again with a large, scruffy looking man she introduced as Mortichi.  Immediately he gave Dani a long, lustful kiss and whispered his congratulations in her ear.

 

That kiss raised Darious’ eyebrow but Dani grinned and winked at him, “Don’t worry, he does that to all of us.  He doesn’t mean anything by it.  That old pirate in him remains is all.”  She said, giggling.

 

“Pirate?”  Darious asked, grin spreading across his face, one eyebrow arched.

 

Sticking out his hand, the big man nodded, “Mortichi at your service.  Once a member of Lafayette’s’ crew, now resident stud for the ladies.  A job I love I might add.”

 

Shaking his had, Darious grinned bigger, “Darious Mooksoon, pleased to meet you.  A pirate?  I’m liking you already!”  He said, chuckling deeply.

 

Shaking Darious’ hand, Mortichi laughed, a wide grin showing through his reddish-brown full beard, “The tendencies do remain I will say but I keep them under control.”  Taking Ravens’ hand, he walked down and seated himself on the other side of Ghost, who Marcus was flirting outrageously with, and pulled a grinning Raven into his lap.  Wrapping one of his beefy arms around her waist he sipped at the drink Jolene placed in front of him and whispered hotly into Ravens’ ear, making her blush and giggle a bit.

 

As Jolene was about to refill Modegas’ and Darious’ drink Dani stopped her and winked, “Why don’t you get them some of the brandy from my stocks.” She said, grinning from ear to ear.

 

Nodding, Jolene grinned then looked at Travis, “Will do.”  Travis downed the last of his beer and hopped over the bar then headed into the back.

 

Looking at each other, Modega and Darious thought the same thing; with what she was drinking they weren’t sure they wanted some of her personal stock of anything.  But they were both very pleasantly surprised when Travis returned with a very old and aged bottle of brandy that was almost priceless.  After taking a sip of it and looking at the bottle, Darious nodded his approval, “Very good!  With your taste in booze I’m surprised you have something like this.”  He said, looking down at her and winking, a grin turning up the corners of his mouth.

Giving him a playful swat on the bicep, she stuck her tongue out at him, “I have a whole room full of that stuff here and more stored elsewhere.  I’ve collected it over the centuries.”

 

Wrapping both arms around her, he kissed her on the top of her head and chuckled, “Smart, sexy, beautiful and has good booze: the prefect woman!”  He said, winking.

 

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head, “Still full of shit aren’t your Darious?”

 

“As always.”  He said, winking and kissing her again.

 

After laying out some appetizers, Jolene leaned against the bar where Darious and Modega were sitting, talking softly to Zsuzanna.  For the first time Darious was getting a good, close look at her.  Since they had met during the negotiations he hadn’t been closer than a big table-length away from her.  But even at that distance there had been a nagging feeling in him that he had seen her before.  Sitting there he realized where it was, not from a real meeting but a picture.  All along the turban she wore and some of the jewelry she had on told him she was a Vondu practitioner but now he was sure of it.  Holding Dani close, he leaned back and looked at her, a smile breaking his features.  “I knew I had seen you before!  I was just now able to place where it was.  You’re Marie…”

Putting a finger to his lips to silence him, she winked, “Yes and no.  I’m not her but I’m her daughter.  Or was in a past life, so to speak.  I left all that behind years ago.  I’m Jolene now and have been since Mom created me.”  She said nodding at Dani.

 

Nodding, Darious understood that she didn’t want to talk about the past now.  The reputation of her mother, the infamous Marie Laveau Voodoo queen of New Orleans, still lived on and would be hard to deal with, even in this day and age.  He could understand why she didn’t want to talk about it so he changed the subject.  Looking around at the cluster of women, all powerful in their own way, he grinned again, “Are all over you Kats’ children?”

 

“Yes, all of us sitting here are.”  Zsuzanna said with a big grin.  “Mom had an instinct about picking those that were to become her kids.  Other than a couple who died before they were 500 and truly immortal, all of us are still around and have our own kinds of power.”  She said, nodding to Dani and raising her glass as if to toast her.

 

Groaning and rolling her eyes, Dani just shook her head, a grin on her face.  “And every last one of them is a royal pain in the ass in some way!”  She said, winking at Darious.

 

Before anyone could retort a huge man, at least seven foot tall, with thick, shoulder length blonde hair, the color of corn silk, dressed in a thick fur coat appeared in their midst and plucked Dani off Darious’ lap and hugged her tightly.  “Lady Danyealla!  It has been far too long since I’ve seen you!”  He exclaimed, hugging her tightly. 

Watching this intently, Darious’ hackles started to rise in a way that they hadn’t with the others.  Something wasn’t right and he didn’t like it. But, before he jumped to any conclusion and did something rash, he decided to wait it out and see what went on.

 

 After giving her a kiss and a bear hug, he sat her down and stepped up to Darious, hand outstretched, “Congratulations Lord Darious.  I’m Arkady Danelaw, She-Devil Council Werewolf Liaison.”  He said.

 

Over the centuries Darious has gotten quite good at reading voice tones but he needed none of that skill to hear the ice that dripped from this mans voice.  Shaking his hand, Darious nodded then replied with a curt and short, “Thank you.”

 

After taking off his furs, revealing a massive, toned frame, he handed them to Jolene then stepped closer to Darious and lowered his voice so the others couldn’t hear, “If I hear, or become aware in any way, shape or form, that you have done anything to anger or hurt Lady Danyealla I will come after you and do all that is within my power to avenge what was done.  Even if it means my own demise in the process.  Heed this warning, you will treat her with the respect she has earned, and so richly deserves, or you will be taking that slight up with me.  While it may not be within my power or capabilities to end your existence I will make sure you know the error of your ways and will repent for them.  Mark my words on that.”  He growled, sky blue eyes snapping dangerously. Before Darious could think of a comeback, Arkady glared at him one last time then stalked off to sit by Raven and Mortichi, greeting Mayhem.

 

All Darious could do was sit there, mouth agape, staring at the man as Dani slid back onto his lap.  Looking down at her, astonished, he said, softly so that the others couldn’t overhear, “Did you catch that?  What in the bloody hell is going on?”  While he was a bit miffed over it, he wasn’t angry.  He had expected it from someone at some point during the night but anticipated it from one of the council members, not a lycanthrope.

 

Kissing him on the cheek, she then whispered in his ear, tone a bit sad, “Don’t worry about it.  He won’t do anything.”

Nodding, that came as no real surprise nor did he expect the man to really try anything.  “What brought that on?”  He asked, genuinely puzzled by it.

 

Shaking her head sadly, she whispered, “It’s a long story, I’ll explain it later to you.”

 

“I can’t wait.”  He replied sarcastically and sipped his drink.

 

Most had taken a good guess, know Arkady, as to what went on but ignored the uncomfortable situation and pushed it aside, going back to enjoying themselves, laughing and talking.

 

Quickly, Darious slipped back into the jovial mood and pushed what had happened aside, enjoying the conversation and joking around.  Although, every so often he could feel the mans’ icy star and had to resist the urge to glare back.

 

 

It wasn’t long until he was back into the groove of things, enjoying himself, as he hadn’t for such a long time.  But, when his watch beeped, signaling it was 5:00 A.M. he realized they had to go.  Unlike the majority of those in the club who were nocturnal, he and Modega were ‘daywalkers’, having to exist in the normal world of humans and go by their time schedules.

 

After collecting Mayhem, not an easy task in its’ self because he didn’t want to leave his ‘ladies’, and assuring him they would return the next night, and Dani having a short, hushed conversation with Jolene, they said their goodbyes and left, piling back into the limo.