A beautiful young woman. That’s what she was. Alice was of course, many other things but her features and overall appeal were at the far end mankind’s spectrum of attractive. She was also troubled. The wedding was in a week. One week. Yesterday she was given the news, and today she sat shaking in front of the mirror. The Peace Council had selected the first two humans and she was the second unlucky female.

“Maybe I will die quickly.” She thought with a certain amount of fear, but a glimmer of relief. Then she could be with her father. Dead Daddy.





***

Motto paced in his cave until his mind got too full and he had to stop and punch the ground. His fists were torn and bleeding. He didn’t spend much time around his kind and dwelt alone on the mountain. He never spent time with men..aside from hunting them and eating them. His last meal had been a year ago, a month before the Tincture Decree. It was hearty and sustaining; the tincture. It tasted empty. His lack of social immersion in made him a scandalous choice of vampyre for the Unity Merge Treaty, but the Peace Council insisted that it was the best way to convince doubtful parties.

“A meeting in two hours.” He muttered. “What’s there to talk about? Hi, I’ll be your husband. Try not to be afraid of me because it’ll trigger my instinct to hunt.” Motto punched the ground several times. This whole thing was a very bad idea.

Gregory paced running a hand through his shaggy hair he hadn't let it get this wild in ages. He had always been fine trimmed and pressed, dressed to impress and draw in the unsuspecting when he got the urge to feed. Getting into hot water by feeding off the wrong human was what had gotten him into this mess. Once again he was in debt to a man of power and frankly if it wasn't for the man's other half he would've simply left town and started a new like he had before. But Kaia was quite possibly an even scarier woman than Elizabeth, the woman who had sired him into this life. Looking in the mirror he combed his hair back into lace the best his fingers would allow and decided it was time to start resuming his look. His brown eyes after the change had gone almost black to match his ebony hair. "Jeremy would you mind giving me a trim like last time? I'd hate for my new bride to see me after a visit with clippers from Amy." He called to the other room, with confirmations of an acceptable cut promised he went about searching for his ceremonial clothes for the first official meeting tonight and then those for the coming events.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cassandra had been shocked at the announcement, her world had been spinning for the last three hours she had curled up in a ball on the couch barely registering the coffee her roommate Jenn had placed in her hands. If she had offended the council why not just kill her on the spot? Instead whatever she had done had gotten her selected as one of the human to be practically sacrificed to those monster under the charade of an arranged marriage for peace between the races. One week and her life would be forfeit why they chose her she would never know, all she did was work at a small coffee dinner during the mornings, visit a coffee shop on her way home and take online classes in the evening for a degree. Sipping her drink she couldn't help but give a small thank you smile to the girl beside her. Jenn, she would miss the most.
"Don't you and the other girl have to meet with the council and the vampires before everything happens? I mean you know the council, if you don't go willingly they send the enforcers to collect you." Jen said holding up a cute outfit than was one of Cassandra's favorite. "Come on Cass, it shouldn't be that bad, besides with a husband that strong you wouldn't have to worry about getting robbed on the streets." Jenn joked once again trying to make the best out of a bad situation.




((would've added pictures but nothing i did was working...))

_________________
I am Pagan and I'm proud, Say it long and sing it loud! I'm a healer and a witch, it does not mean that i'm a b!tch.
Don't judge me by fears of the past, A witchy curse I shall not cast! I want to change what people say, I will not hide myself away.
I am Pagan, I am here. Not someone for you to fear.

The Hall of Kings was where the chosen pairs stood assembled, vampyr on one side of the room and humans on the other. Three Council members sat at the far end with both groups in full view.

“Escorts may leave now.”

“But… there was nothing said of this.”

“We humbly request to stay and obser-”

“This shall be a sacred and private ceremony. Do what is asked of you, and usher in a new era of peace.”

Alice’s escort wasn’t pleased and many others reacted as well, even on the side of the vampyrs. Motto’s in particular, although the high-ranking vampyr was perfectly composed, he spoke up immediately. There was a strong possibility Motto might not make it through the ceremony at all before succumbing to his thirst. No one but him and the Council members knew the situation. Motto’s escort found no cooperation however, and reluctantly gave Motto’s naked shoulder a squeeze before turning and walking out. Earlier that hour he had nearly torn Motto’s arm off and beat him with it when the stubborn vampyr refused to wear formal attire, but Motto’s argument was reasonable.

“I will come as I am!” He shouted, covered in sweat from their fighting. “Isn’t this why I was chosen? Because I’m the crude representation, right?” And now he stood sweating for a new reason in the King’s Hall. Motto’s naked chest rose and fell while he stood with his head down and eyes on the floor. It was humiliating, being the raw spectacle of his kind. He wanted to hurry up and get the marrying over with so he could go back to his cave.

The doors shut with a loud sound and a lock activated . The building’s design mimicked the style of an 18th Century Castle , with large rooms and towering walls. Statues, marble floors, chandeliers, paintings, and for this particular occasion, and small ensemble of musicians. Strings mostly.


********************

“This shall be a sacred and private ceremony. Do what is asked of you, and usher in a new era of peace.”

Alice didn’t hear it. She was mesmerized by the vampyr across from her. She’d never seen one in real life. Sure t.v. and E-zines..on the cybernet. Things like that. But never actually in the same room with them. He was more attractive than she expected. Alice had tried to prepare herself by thinking about the uglier vampyr she’d seen pictures of but this guy was exceptionally attractive. She looked at his hands, and the way he stood..his face and clothes and hair. He was way out of her league, and Alice felt a little embarrassed but mostly taken aback. But his kind had eaten her father. EATEN. Taken him from her when she needed him. She loved her father more than anyone else, and those monsters hunted him down and ripped him to pieces. It was gruesome and tragic. She felt hatred in her heart for the man across the room, but guilty strangeness also.

He could hardly remember the last time he had felt so, right. His hair was washed combed and cut, he wore his crimson dress shirt with black slacks that were tailored to fit his form. He could stand even Elizabeth's overly obsessive controlling inspections with how he stood tonight. waving off Jeremy as the council made their demands he glanced across at the young women and wondered how they had been selected. One was practically drooling as if he were trying to draw her in and the other perhaps she knew the danger she was in, glancing at the man beside him and his escort who seemed more than hesitant to depart. "Are you going to make it through this brother?" He asked lightly wondering if the man who looked as though he was fresh from the change would be the fastest end to a treaty in history.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walking into the room had felt like walking down the hall to death row like in the movies, but as the escorts were asked to leave he held on to Cole's hand a moment extra, Jenn had asked her brother to act as Cassandra's escort as a comfort. Releasing his hand as the council made it clear, she said a soft thank you before once again glancing across the room to the two men, one seemed well put together and ready to actually try to make the treaty work, the other if she wasn't mistaken he looked like he was suffering, and the fact that he only seemed interested in the floor was odd as the other man was studying them. one looks at us as though we are his next meal the other acts as though he wishes to avoid us to keep from eating us, are we dead already? Trying to hide her trembling hands she locked her fingers behind her back standing proud in her favorite blue jeans and long sleeve shirt with flared sleeves so her hands were almost hidden. she turned her attention to the council at the front of the room.

_________________
I am Pagan and I'm proud, Say it long and sing it loud! I'm a healer and a witch, it does not mean that i'm a b!tch.
Don't judge me by fears of the past, A witchy curse I shall not cast! I want to change what people say, I will not hide myself away.
I am Pagan, I am here. Not someone for you to fear.

"Are you going to make it through this brother?"

Motto glanced at his fellow vampyr and saw that he was a fine sort. Handsome and well groomed. He stood nicely. Without realizing it, Motto adjusted his posture to mimic Gregory’s. Nodding slightly, Motto answered, “I will.” He was nervous, but he could do a better job of concealing it for the sake of the rest. Maybe he would be fine. Maybe Motto would never thirst again and find bliss with the human female across the room. She was pretty so that was good. ‘She’s not the type I would typically hunt.’ he privately mused, ‘that might help alot. She probably tastes sweet rather than savory without the higher iron levels..I can tell by the color..I can smell her from here...she is very sweet. mmmmm..’ He stared at Cassandra with a soft smile forming on his face. Not accustomed to socializing, Motto was easy to read with his open expressions and body language.

“You may approach your betrothed and join hands now.” A council member announced with a kind voice. She was pleased with the couples and nodded to the musicians. They began to play an ancient tune once renowned for its romantic appeal. In a flash Motto was inches from Cassandra. He was nervous but smiling. The damn ceremony was almost over! As practiced, he bowed low before holding his arms up and out for her to take. She probably had warm little hands..and soft.

If Cassandra were to take Motto’s hands, he would wait for the appropriate time signature to begin leading her into a tender waltz. Motto didn’t normally dance, but he’d rehearsed this waltz thing many times and felt confident at it. His steps were solid and strong, brimming with passion but his hold on her would be extraordinarily gentle. The last thing Motto wanted was to break the human mid-ceremony.

******************

“You may approach your betrothed and join hands now.”

Alice inhaled and lifted her chin before walking to the room’s center. She would join hands with the stupid demon and dance the stupid waltz with him. Just as one might guess, the high society girl was a graceful dancer. Trembling but graceful. She would allow Gregory to lead her and let her steps be guided by his as the music played. Her skirt wasn’t long enough or loose enough to swish about if they were to spin, but it didn’t matter. She kept her eyes from meeting the creature’s and silently thought about how to kill him and avenge her father.

Relieved that the man seemed to have a better hold on himself that Gregory had thought he almost chuckled as the man seemed to try and copy his own posture, only when the announcement came to join hands did he want to hang his head for the male as he seemed to almost scare the poor thing to death. If he was right the poor woman had terror written across her, he hoped that wouldn't put a damper on their future. Shaking off the other man's jump he patiently walked across at a pace that hopefully wouldn't scare his own bride to be. The music took him back to his first years as a fledgling, wonderful times, easy hunts and no, no, no! This was not the time to think of these things. Forcing his fangs to retract he gave a gentle smile the the woman as he met her in the middle and gave a small bow that if she knew her history could possibly date him. "Have you ever danced a formal dance my dear?" He asked softly knowing his voice could never again be without its velvet touch. As the tempo hit the time he led her gently the way he had so many through the ages.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

As the council asked for them to join hands she swore she had heard a trade of words between the men, were they going to do as asked of were they planning their attack against the council like the news had said some humans and vampyres alike were against any form of truce. Turning to face them she barely had time to register the movement before he was inches from her. Her heart dropped and she felt herself go pale in realization of how fast these beings really were, there would be no escape if things went wrong. As he bowed and the music started she reminded herself that the council was here and surely there would be some hope for her if the men were plotting an attack. With a half breath she took his hands in hopes that he wouldn't accidentally crush her if he was in this for the right reasons. Hopefully her childhood dance lessons had taught her something, it felt like it had been another life as she tried to remember.

_________________
I am Pagan and I'm proud, Say it long and sing it loud! I'm a healer and a witch, it does not mean that i'm a b!tch.
Don't judge me by fears of the past, A witchy curse I shall not cast! I want to change what people say, I will not hide myself away.
I am Pagan, I am here. Not someone for you to fear.

She was afraid. He could hear her heart hammering and feel the blood pulsing in her little hands. They were soft just like he guessed. Motto felt sorry for her. If anything he wanted to do well for her sake alone. Motto would do his very best not to eat her. With that happy vow in his simple heart, Motto unfettered his wings and lifted their dance ten meters up into the air. One council member was about to speak when another touched their arm and shook their head. Motto watched his bride-to-be carefully as he led her around in graceful circles.

He wanted to smile at her and comfort her, but he wasn’t very good at conversation. The best he could do was to keep his touch gentle while remaining very strong and alert. Her scent was very delicate and it had spice! A hint of heat within the sugary red life food. He imagined there were probably three parts to her taste; an initial sweetness both overly so yet lacking in one area to hold his attentions longer..into the second part where the spice probably made itself known. Probably a deficiency or small irregularity in her body caused this unique trait, but there would be a faint moment when both honey and savory warmth blended together to create a new part. Sometimes...there were those with a fourth taste. Was she one? Motto’s eyes were already half-lidded and fangs descending at the thought. He was dipping his head. It was all automatic..he had never had to deny himself like this before. Somehow he caught himself and pulled his head back. Wide-eyed and trembling, he felt immensely sorry and embarrassed. Had anyone noticed? He needed to do better! For the sake of his kind. For the sake of the poor girl. Slowly he lowered himself and the small woman down to where they could touch the floor and resume dancing on their feet.

He softened his hold even more and would look into her eyes with hopes that she might look at him. She might see that he was just as scared. That he wanted to not mess up and stuff. She had a small body. He would protect it!

“If I’m your slave guardian, would you be less afraid?” He asked, clearly unaware that this was his first spoken word to her. Motto was simply caught up in his thoughts and eager to put them to use. “Of course we must marry as the Council decreed, but yeah. If you are my Queen then you wouldn’t have to worry about …...things.” Motto smiled nervously. He waited to hear her answer. “I vow to protect you forever.”



******************

"Have you ever danced a formal dance my dear?"

Alice moved smoothly along with each step of Gregory’s. “I am not your dear, Hell spawn.” She tired to sound airy, but it came out as forced and edgy instead. Hearing herself, she opted to shift to her normal tone. “I have danced many traditional styles in my single lifetime.” Her icy blue eyes bore into his. “There’s something rather authentic about that, wouldn’t you agree? Because in all honesty what haven’t your kind done?” She restrained her rage but barely. Alice wanted to belittle the monster. She wanted to insult him and mock him. She also privately wondered what his abs looked like as well as his back.

Taken back by the little woman's bite as she called him Hell Spawn he chuckled lightly. As she seemed to glare at him he sighed as they twirled across the floor. "Well little mortal, while it's impressive that anyone of your years even knows traditional style dances I'm afraid my dear, will be what I call you until we are a little less, cold." He said taking in her last statment. "And as far as my kind are concerned I couldn't tell you what they have or have not done, but what I have not done, is sadly not that long of a list. You can blame my father for my condition." He said wondering if she had even wondered if he had chosen to turn. "You however are a beauty, your soul is in your eyes." He smiled gently.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

His hold was gentle enough and his lead seemed well practiced. With a small sigh she started to try to relax until something moved behind him. "Wha~t?" She asked shocked as their feet left the ground. Her grip tightened and she found herself practically clinging to him trying not to look down.

His expression seemed gentle enough until it appeared to shift to something more troubled as he lowered his head. Was it hard for him to be close to a human? As their feet touched ground again she felt a small wave of relief, she had never been a big fan of heights and tried a small smile up to him as the dance continued.

" slave guardian?" She asked confused. The words hit her harder than the sound of his voice. "The marriage is non-negotiable, but I would never consider giving my...husband, a title such as that." She said slightly stumbling over his title-to-be. "Although if you're protecting me you wouldn't hurt me yourself, right?" She asked softly wondering if the horrid title would be the only way that he would bother trying to protect her if any threats were to arise.

"I don't know what I could do for you, but I'd be willing to try to make this work, as long as I'm not food." She tried a light smile. Afterall the four of them would be the deciding factor on whether if peace or war would be their future. "We have to do our best, don't we?"

_________________
I am Pagan and I'm proud, Say it long and sing it loud! I'm a healer and a witch, it does not mean that i'm a b!tch.
Don't judge me by fears of the past, A witchy curse I shall not cast! I want to change what people say, I will not hide myself away.
I am Pagan, I am here. Not someone for you to fear.

“Your voice is too pretty.” Motto mused, assessing the human as he continued to lead their dance. The song was halfway through. “Already I've already had a serious urge to taste you and I'm pretty sure you're incredible but you're small and weak so this might be ok. You know? No worries about you attacking me hahaha!" he was nervous as hell and talking way more than he normally did.

Motto spun Cassandra around in a tight circle and gulped. She was nice-looking and seemed gentle. It was too bad she was going to be with him instead of a human guy. But maybe it would be ok. Maybe she could pet him once in a while. Motto really liked petting and stuff like that. "Do you like to be pet?"


*******************************************


“Ah yes flirting with your food...” Alice dipped and turned with Gergory’s lead. “How perfectly demonic.” Too bad she was flustered all the same. Such a petty and stupid thing to focus on..he was simply slathering words at her just as he did with all of his meals. Some liked to hunt in the fields and mountains, while this incredibly hot bastard seduced his prey. Probably men too. He certainly possessed the looks to do it.

"To be thrown in with demons would be a compliment were it any other situation, however as it stands little one, I'm not flirting. I was complimenting you. The idea that you refuse a compliment says that you are not very ladylike yourself." He said frowning slightly as she was dipped and twirled and thrown back into the smooth rhythm of steps. "I at first believed that your rapid heart rate was fear rising after escorts were dismissed now, I think you argue with yourself." He said pulling her slightly closer. Getting close to her ear he smiled lightly. "If seduction was my goal at the moment my dear you and your body would disconnect and you would have no choice, no thought, you would simply be mine." He said pulling back in time to catch a council member glaring no doubt at overhearing his half hearted threat.

Just as she was starting to think this wouldn't be so bad with his compliment she got a chill that he already wanted to drink from her. Where did the council find this guy he was playing her like a yo-yo! Would she be walking on egg shells the rest of her life because of her luck at being chosen for him? No worries at being attacked by him, he had to be joking! If being small and weak was what kept him from eating her than what happened if he got too hungry and didn't care how small she was.
Allowing him to spin her she wondered if he was planning on how and when to drain her, and where to hide her corpse from the council. "What do you mean pet?" She asked as her mind blanked on thoughts.

_________________
I am Pagan and I'm proud, Say it long and sing it loud! I'm a healer and a witch, it does not mean that i'm a b!tch.
Don't judge me by fears of the past, A witchy curse I shall not cast! I want to change what people say, I will not hide myself away.
I am Pagan, I am here. Not someone for you to fear.

‘At the moment.’ Alice set her jaw and said nothing. He was probably speaking the truth. Of all vampyr to get tangled with, it had to be this smoking hot one. It infuriated her. She just wanted her Daddy back. All she had left was avenging him. How was she going to manage it with this...THING?

“Do you call yourself something?” She finally asked through grit teeth, dancing closer than she wanted to. But she wanted to. “A title or name perhaps? Or shall I just address you as Feeder?”
___________________________________________

"What do you mean pet?"

“Oh. Touching.” Motto stopped dancing and reached up to place his hand on her cheek. His smile was gone and he seemed to be concentrating. If she allowed it, he would put his hand lightly against her skin and move his thumb in an awkward way before quickly bringing his hand back and holding it to himself. He was quiet for a second and the song came to an end. Still holding his hand with downcast eyes, Motto barely remembered to bow.

“Please step forward and sign the contracts of your bond.” The High Council members stood and waited for the newlyweds to approach. Two holographic parchments flickered into view on either side of the members. They were large and horizontal, the print was extremely small.

A chuckle escaped him, he couldn't help it he loved getting under the skin of the stubborn ones. There was a darkness in her that called to him and the longer he was around her the more he felt it. Was the council aware of her? "I have had only two names in my centuries, and while you may not learn my birth name until we are a little more comfortable my given name is Gregory Frost, and who do I have the pleasure of marrying today?" He asked stepping back to bow as in the olden days hoping she hadn't heard the horror stories of his Sire Elizabeth Frost, that woman made a feral vamp look tame.
As they were told to sign he approached and skimmed the document like he had thousands over the centuries and stopped at one portion. Wondering if anyone else would question it. "What is this relocation matter high council. I understand these young women may not live alone or in a place where he and I would be welcome, but I have held down the same lovely nest for the last forty years do you expect me to give up my securities not only for myself, but for what I could offer her so easily?" He asked pen in hand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Touching?" She had only a moment question before his hand came up. She moved one hand to the back of his and allowed the gentle touch, it was intriguing yet terrifying that he seemed to have to concentrate so hard for something so simple. "Yes, sometimes touching is nice." She said lightly as the song ended. She would take any positives between them she could get. As she did a light curtsy not knowing what else to do but follow directions as they were called out. Concerned on what all the tiny print said she knew they would never wait for her to read it all. As the other vampyre spoke up she wondered what he meant and tried to find anything about relocation in the tiny scribbles.

_________________
I am Pagan and I'm proud, Say it long and sing it loud! I'm a healer and a witch, it does not mean that i'm a b!tch.
Don't judge me by fears of the past, A witchy curse I shall not cast! I want to change what people say, I will not hide myself away.
I am Pagan, I am here. Not someone for you to fear.

Motto frowned at the onslaught of symbols. He knew how to read and write but only the basics. The numbered paragraphs overwhelmed him and his temper flickered. As soon as he signed that damn thing he could go back to his cave and be done with it. Well, he’d have a human wife that he wasn’t supposed to taste, but at least there would be no more councils and forms and things like that.

Motto marked an empty spot near the hologram’s bottom and backed away with his arms crossed. There. Done. It was then he heard the elegant vampyr’s comment.

"What is this relocation matter high council. I understand these young women may not live alone or in a place where he and I would be welcome, but I have...words words words…”

“Re….location?” Motto’s arms uncrossed. He glanced at the Council members and at his new wife before shooting a panicked look at Gregory. “Wait.”



“Yes. As it clearly states the bonded pairs shall be moved into the new housing complex in the city’s southern point. While humans have maintained the eastern portion of the city and vampires maintaining the western, it is only logical to have you in full view of both species. You are the hope of our future, after all.”

Motto’s hands balled up into fists. They were forcing him to eat supplementals and thrusting a delicious-smelling woman at him and now THIS? Hell no. It was all he could do to keep himself from having an outburst to that effect. As soon as Cassandra signed the thing he would take her and get as far from this nonsense as possible. He knew of a few unoccupied castles not too far away. A sudden image of Cassandra in a flowing red dress filled his mind, and Motto’s eyes glazed over. She would look very beautiful in a red flowing dress. It might be sorta nice to have a wife. A small bit of drool trickled down from the corner of his mouth. It could be one of those transparent dresses. She could come down the stairs and the wind would blow and fill his nose with her scent.

-----------


"I have had only two names in my centuries, and while you may not learn my birth name until we are a little more comfortable my given name is Gregory Frost, and who do I have the pleasure of marrying today?"

Alice squirmed at the thought of becoming “more comfortable” with the monster, but it intrigued her that he had two names. She had assumed they kept a single name, but it did make sense to shift one’s identity given the circumstances...after all he had once been a man, hadn’t he? Alice blinked several times. Was there ever a time this smug bastard had grieved his humanity? Perhaps that was why his human name was private. Still, he was too close and too smooth and too ….whatever.

“Gregory Frost.” She repeated, the wind clearly had been taken from her sails. “That’s… a pleasant name.” Snapping out of it, she stood straighter and narrowed her eyes at the gorgeous demon. “I expected something wretched or pretentious. My name is….” She didn’t want to hear him say it. Ever. His handsome mouth. His touch. Would he seduce her and murmur her name in the darkness? Would he bite her neck and eat her? Surely her name didn’t matter to this creature. But still...he had given his. “...Alice.” She turned her face away and felt warmth rising to her face. He was ridiculously attractive and it was cruel dammit.

Standing before the marital document she looked up at him with a mixture of wonder and fear. His NEST? Images of centipedes and dirt rushed in so fast that she found it difficult to breathe. Alice did her best to remain calm with inner terror closed up her throat; trapping any and all words that might come out.

“The housing area may be re-furnished.” A Councilman answered. “As long as you dwell in the designated area, you are free to make approved changes.” Another council member touched the other’s shoulder and whispered into his ear. “...I suppose there can be an exception made for you.”

Alice fainted.

Alice, what a lovely name, he had met a few women named Alice in the past, however none had him so curious as this little bird. "Well Ms. Alice, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. Such a beauty in name and form." He couldn't help but notice as he had confronted the council how she seemed to shiver as he spoke of his nest. Looking up to the council member that filled them in. "Well you may be pleased to know that even if an exception is made, my territory is the most southernmost of the western district. That being said my home is nearly in the southern part of the city." He said wondering just what Alice thought his nest was.

Looking over Alice looked pale, just as her knees gave he moved laying her down gently rather than allowing her to bang her head on the elegant tile floor. "Perhaps she doesn't understand my nests' current state. He chuckled stepping away in hopes she wasn't a swinger when she wakes. He wasn't allowed to mess with her head given the agreement they were about to sign given a loophole that he could take a peak inside up until he signed it, but he was trying to get her to trust him and actually build a relationship with him rather than scaring her away. As he often did during his hunts he called softly to her telepathically calling her back to the surface. Just her name lightly enough that if she didn't think to hard on it she believe to have heard him speak for everyone. Alice He leaned forward looking down at her form she seemed as innocent as a babe.



As the council explained the relocation portion she thought her husband to be was going to explode. He had signed bold and clearly from what she could see. His anger was frightening however short lived it was as his attention turned to something else, was he drooling? At the continued exchange between the others she listened here and there wondering if the other woman was feeling alright, she was changing colors. Before she even realized the other woman was going down her vampyre had been there making sure she landed softly. Looking between the two she wondered how their dance had gone that had him ready to save her already.

Looking at the possibly drooling vampyre across the room she couldn't help but be curious about what his normal dwellings were like. What would her room mates think of her leaving them and moving in with a vampyre, not that she had much of a choice, but it would be odd not waking up to the the smoke alarms going off as Jenn tried cooking breakfast burning everything as she went.

_________________
I am Pagan and I'm proud, Say it long and sing it loud! I'm a healer and a witch, it does not mean that i'm a b!tch.
Don't judge me by fears of the past, A witchy curse I shall not cast! I want to change what people say, I will not hide myself away.
I am Pagan, I am here. Not someone for you to fear.

Motto hauled his human into a tight embrace with one arm as a pair of powerful leathery wings spirited from his shoulder blades. The other female had fainted and seeing his fellow vampyr’s emotional color, Motto hesitated. He had been about to shatter through a high window and get the hell out of there but….she was fragile. His wife. That would harm her probably.. bursting through glass would injure her and then bigger problems. Drinking her blood type of problems. He loosened his hold on Cassandra’s waist and glanced toward the large doors. They’d just go the human way and walk. ...But it would take a long time to walk to the nearest ruins... Just as he decided that he would take to the air as soon as they were out of the building, it occurred to Motto that she hadn’t signed yet.

“Sh*t..” He let go of her entirely and crossed his arms. That was awkward of him.. What a pain in the ass. This whole damn thing was ...ridiculous!!! “Just… sign it, will ya?” He shot an angry set of eyes at Cassandra. Whether or not she did, Motto wouldn’t stay for another minute. He would take her hand and stride quickly to the nearest exit if unhindered.

----------

Alice

She felt it. And stirred. Ornate and distant ceiling. Candles. People. Council members, glowing document, and Gregory Frost. Her husband or else. Or else the unspeakable consequences for failing her species. Or else losing her father forever. Avenging him was the only way to keep him with her and tell him how much she loved him. More than anything. She had lost him… but NOT ENTIRELY. Still weak from the crushing reality of her situation, Alice quietly rose to her feet with dignity and signed the contract.

Feeling her consciousness respond he smiled lightly as her eyes twitched and then opened. "Welcome back little Alice." He said ready to catch her again if she stumbled he watched carefully as she moved. There was a war in her eyes and a fire that seemed to push her, what would she think of his nest when she found the well stocked kitchens and guest room he would welcome her to use until she wasn't as strong willed against his affections. He could spoil her until her time came to pass on and she would never have a want in the world. Having touched her mind he had gotten very faint hints as to the shadows of her heart but nothing made sense to him quite yet. As she signed he moved back to his post satisfied that she was stable and signed his and looked over at her before glancing up to the council for further instruction.

~~~~~^^^^^~~~~~~


One moment she had been staring at him across the way, nearly drooling on himself at some inner thought, and the next she had felt something tighten around her firmly A whisking sound surrounded her before a slight jolt as if someone had hit the pause button on a roller coaster. As the grip loosened she realized that her vampyre had wrapped around her as if he would steal her away from the nightmare they had fallen into. Whether she would like the outcome or not she wasn't so sure. His temper was burning brightly as he cursed and urged her to sign as he glared. "What will you do when I do? Are you not interested in what they're giving us? I'm leaving my friends my family, my entire life to move into new territory with a man I've never shared more than a few short traded words with all in hopes that you don't lose what little control I see in your eyes and eat me." She asked standing next to the document. "We are the last hope for peace between our people, if we fail the city falls into war and chaos. If I am sacrificing everything to be with you, what are you willing to sacrifice for me?" She asked pen in hand cross his arms all he like, she signed the document hoping he understood what this all meant for her.

_________________
I am Pagan and I'm proud, Say it long and sing it loud! I'm a healer and a witch, it does not mean that i'm a b!tch.
Don't judge me by fears of the past, A witchy curse I shall not cast! I want to change what people say, I will not hide myself away.
I am Pagan, I am here. Not someone for you to fear.

Cassandra’s words startled Motto, and he squirmed visibly as she laid out her thoughts. He looked shocked at first, but it slowly turned to shame. She was super intelligent and he hadn’t expected it. Everything she said was true and he was being selfish for acting the way he did. He was supposed to honor….wait. She was signing it. Holy **** he was trapped. He restrained himself from grabbing her hand and stopping but only barely.

“Sacrifice…. I .. am being forced into this...you mention peace like it’s a thing….well you’re wrong.” Motto was shaking with anger. He pointed at the council. “They just puppeted you into marrying a vampyr. Yeah. a VAMPYR. Not a man.”

“That’s enough.” A figure spoke from where he sat away from the other High Council members. He was the only vampyr present aside from Gregory and Motto.

“Just.. tell me what you want and I’ll do whatever.” Motto scowled at nothing in particular and shifted his feet. Although he wanted to get away from the fancy building and Council jerks, he was willing to stay a little longer. He wasn’t exactly sure why.

“I am so sorry for you, honey.” Alice shook her head at Cassandra. It looked like her new “husband” had the emotional maturity of an infant. "It’s sadistic to send this girl to her death.” Alice narrowed her eyes at the High Council woman.

“Shut up.” Motto flashed the blonde an aggressive warning; his eyes reddening briefly.

Alice moved closer to Gregory and grabbed his sleeve.

“Transportation is provided just outside. The media and protests are vast, but this is a historical moment so you will conduct yourselves with the utmost dignity.” The High Council’s vampyr was still sitting and closed a small book in his hand. “We cannot force you to begin a new era with smiling faces, but every one of your kin will be executed if you don’t. It’s up to you.”

“Pshh” Motto rolled his eyes. He didn’t have any kin.

Watching the trade between the other couple had him wondering just how well this was going to work. He had a short temper and a flight mentality that Gregory had the urge to compare to that of a feral cat. Having half a mind to ask the council if the other vampire had, been tested for stability before being chosen for something this important he withheld himself as their elder called for the banter to cease. He continued watching the exchange surprised as his new wife chimed in only to receive the expected glare, given the insult she had given the man.

Amused as she clung to his sleeve he smiled down to her. "You do realize he can do one thing that I cannot don't you?" He asked curious if she truly thought he would save her or if she only clung to him because he was the only one on their level of the room not glaring at her. "He can fly. I could possibly spear him but that would require a spear and me not gaining the death sentence for killing one of our own in the city and getting a clear shot as to not hit you as well." He teased liking that at least part of her was willing to trust him to keep her safe.

As the announcement was made about the transportation he wondered if they had informed the drivers that he was returning to his current home with his new wife. Hopefully Jeremy didn't think he was taking over the house because of this arrangement.



Holding her tongue for the simple reason that the other strangely graceful man in the room had cut off her new husband before she could bite back at him. The mans voice was cold, harsh, and nothing like she had expected from the vampire race. [i/]"I am so sorry for you honey." [/i] the blonde seemed to pity Cassandra as if she knew what they were getting into by the detail. As if she had drawn the short straw in the lottery.

As her vampire snapped at the woman she smiled, even as his eyes seemed to flash a different color. Stepping towards him she put her hand in his. "There is no reason to be sorry for me princess, I just get the better adventure. Yours is already behaving tamed and broken in, it's the ones you least expect that strike first don't you know?" She said hoping that ...wait they still hadn't exchanged names had they? She had read the document with a first name but she wasn't sure if it she remembered it right, how to ask. He already didn't seem to be in a happy mood. "My names Cassandra by the way..Cassandra Matrone." She said softly knowing that if he wanted to hear her, he would hear every breath.

At the mention of the media and protests she could practically feel herself go pale. Her mother her brother and all of her friends they had all been listed in the part of the document she hadn't showed to Jen, her name and her brother Cole were both included. The council had done their research and knew that her friends were her family. If he didn't smile for the camera, would her family suffer for his temper?

_________________
I am Pagan and I'm proud, Say it long and sing it loud! I'm a healer and a witch, it does not mean that i'm a b!tch.
Don't judge me by fears of the past, A witchy curse I shall not cast! I want to change what people say, I will not hide myself away.
I am Pagan, I am here. Not someone for you to fear.

"You do realize he can do one thing that I cannot don't you?"

Alice caught herself eyeing his jaw and blinked out of it; genuinely bewildered at her own poor timing. Gregory had said something...he couldn’t protect her?

"He can fly. I could possibly spear him but that would require a spear and me not gaining the death sentence for killing one of our own in the city and getting a clear shot as to not hit you as well."

“.....” Embarrassed beyond words, the blonde heiress shifted her body back to a centered posture clasped her hands together. She had fainted and now this. Ah yes and a nest awaited her. Alice shut her eyes and took a slow breath while the others spoke. She would compose herself and survive until the time was right. After she’d seen him naked of course. Because dammit he was hot.

Had he been joking about not saving her?


__________________

Motto stared at Cassandra dumbfounded when her hand took his. No mortal had ever dared to touch him before..let alone when he was angry. It confused him and surprised him. Holding hands was nice.

".....Yours is already behaving tamed and broken in..."

Motto blinked. ...Broken in? Like a pet or something? He was his own Master! He didn’t like that idea but she was holding his hand so ...Motto scowled at the floor and nodded when she told him her name. “I was called Motto.” He avoided looking at his new bride whose little warm hand was still touching his. Until Cassandra’s blood began to shift.

Hearing the raw threat made to all she loved, Cassandra had paled; her circulatory system swiftly altering the balance of blood. This was felt and understood all too well by the barbarian vampyr, his own body fluttering in response to hers. The warm honey beneath her delicate skin rose up to caress his hand and send a pulse of deep want resonating through his entire body. Privately swooning, Motto closed the gap and eyed Cassandra’s shoulder hungrily. He couldn’t help it. She was so easy and delicious and in his arms.

“....You like the unbroken ones, do ya?” Motto lowered his face for a rich inhale of her scent. “I like this dangerous game...looks like we both win.”

His hold tightened and ..settled into something decidedly more intimate. Motto’s fangs would fully descend if he wasn’t careful. Man she felt super tiny and yummy.

With how Alice stepped away he doubted that he scared her, she looked even more vulnerable if that was possible. "Don't get me wrong Alice, if he so much as thinks of putting a hand on you I'll tear those wings to ribbons." He said with a small grin. "The moment you signed that document you became a part of my little coven if that's what you want to call it." He chuckled wondering what the correct terminology was in this era for the cluster of vampyre he had beneath him in their branch. "You are now probably one of the safest women in the city if you're willing to trust me and those who follow me." He said as a question come to mind.

"How many lives hang in the balance for you on our way out these doors?" He asked wondering if she had as many on the line as he did. The council had threatened his line, at his age, his line was all he had aside from the memories of the past. They had become a family over the centuries.




She couldn't tell if she had quelled the fire in his eyes or started an entirely different fire by taking his hand. It was nice to know that even a vampire could be surprised. The media had painted them to be soulless, heartless, careless creatures who lived only to drain the very life essence from every mortal form around them. "Well Motto, I hope everything can work out well between us." She said wondering why he wouldn't look at her, it confused her until he spoke up.

"You like the unbroken ones, do ya?"
If anyone had asked she was sure her voice had left her the moment he lowered his face towards her. Heavens Mercy had she just invited him to challenge her strengths and fears? As he breathed her in she had a faint side thought wondering if he did this to all of his prey. "I like this dangerous game... looks like we both win." She would've sworn her heart had stopped if it wasn't trying to beat out of her chest that was tightening like a vice.
Her voice seemed foreign to her own ears. "Would you be so quick to break me already?" She managed to say much more calm than she felt. The better adventure wasn't always the safest, and fear anxiety, caution would all be a normal part of her new life if he was to continue toying with her like the yo-yo she was beginning to feel like.

As a thought came to mind she calmed herself and felt her heart relax a little as she smiled softly to him. "Motto, you may not care about smiling for the chaos and cameras outside, but will you help me save those I care about by smiling on the way out? I don't care if you think of our little game as we walk, I just really need to my loved ones to not get a visit from the enforcers." She asked softly wondering if he would understand.

_________________
I am Pagan and I'm proud, Say it long and sing it loud! I'm a healer and a witch, it does not mean that i'm a b!tch.
Don't judge me by fears of the past, A witchy curse I shall not cast! I want to change what people say, I will not hide myself away.
I am Pagan, I am here. Not someone for you to fear.