Charles left Count Longden?s private quarters and moved through the hallways of Longden Castle with unnatural speed and silence. He knocked upon Gaida?s door and Lucille answered. ?She?s not quite ready,? Lucille said without waiting for the question.

Charles sighed and responded, ?Have her go to Count Longden?s private study and not the library. He desires her to be with him when he goes to welcome our guests. I assume she?ll look and act her best.?

?Of course, Charles.? Gaida could be a handful, but Lucille had made sure that she understood the importance of this night.

?Okay. Please hurry. Our guests are getting restless and it?s never good to have Baron du Lac remain too long in the presence of vampires without the Master being there to keep things in order.?

Charles left the entrance to Gaida?s room and descended the stairs to the first floor. It was a dark night, and the light in the castle halls came from numerous candles in sconces that lined the walls. He picked up a bottle of 75 year-old port wine and entered the library where du Lac, Dupres and Salvatore were in a rather loud discussion. Perhaps some fine port would diffuse the tension.

Lord Stefan Salvatore rose up from the couch; the smug look had completely faded.

That was a cheap shot that I wasn?t going to take sitting down. Dupres and everyone else in the room knew that I was Fire?s pomme de sang. I would feed her whenever she needed it, and the more she fed the better I liked it. It was an honor that often led to the most amazing sex I ever experienced. I loved her body, her mouth, her power; but I knew my place very well. She was in love with Count Longden and the Count with her. Oh, I suppose she loved me in a way, but that was not what it was all about. She had chosen me to be available for feeding, and I couldn?t think of a better position to have ? unless it was to be in Count Longden?s position.

?Why yes, he does have a way with the women; I can?t argue with you over that, David.? I looked over to Charles who was now standing near the entrance. The Valet seemed to have all the answers. ?Speaking of his way with women, I wonder when Fire will make her appearance.?

Talomar sensed Gaida?s approach. He was standing at the window, looking out and adjusting his bow tie at the same time. There were several carriages in the drive. Their drivers were mingling in the courtyard, thinking they were hidden by the darkness of the night that was cloud covered and threatening to rain. He smiled at their deception and then turned as Gaida entered his study. His smile grew. ?You are a vision of loveliness, my dear.? He approached her and placed a kiss upon her cheek so as not to smudge her red lipstick. He was indeed impressed with how beautiful and sexy she looked. If there weren?t guests waiting down in the library, he would be tempted to feed this very instant. ?Will you help me with this damned tie? I just can?t get it right.?

She smiled, ?Of course.? It didn?t take her very long to make it perfect. ?There, you are now quite perfect.?

Talomar smiled and gave her a wink. ?Well, since we?re both perfect, let?s go see our friends.?

?They?re not my friends, Talomar.?

He gave a nod. ?Well, once Fire arrives the meeting will start. I don?t think the meeting will take too long.? They walked along the upper hallway hand in hand.

?It can?t end too soon for me. I don?t trust Merrick at all, and David is creepy.?

?David is loyal, mon ami. Merrick, well, we just need his support and I think he?ll give it if all goes well.? He paused for a moment, then added, ?I might need your help with him.?

?You don?t mean. . .?

?You know how he likes you. I think you might be able to give him a little incentive.?

?I?ll not sleep with him. Please don?t ask me to do that.?

?It may be necessary, Gaida.? He saw the look she gave him. ?It'll only be a last resort, I assure you. I don?t like it any more than you do.?

?Want to bet??

He smirked and gave her hand a squeeze. She was right. It was her body that Merrick wanted, not his. Talomar knew that Gaida would do this for him, but she wouldn?t like it.

They descended the stairs and entered the library. All heads turned in their direction.

Talomar Longden greeted his friends warmly and seemed to diffuse any tension amongst them just by his presence. He kept Gaida close to his side so that she would not be pawed over by Merrick ? at least not unless it was going to be necessary to get his cooperation.

He signaled Charles to have the staff bring in the hors d'oeuvres and to attend the small bar that had been set up in the library. The five of them chatted for some time, and Talomar admired Gaida for the way she successfully kept the conversation alive and flowing with four men at once. Charles, being always two steps ahead of everyone else, had made sure the serving girls were all in short black skirts with tiny white aprons. He had selected the more beautiful ones and the selection did not go unnoticed by David and Merrick.

Longden would have been amused if he was not so concerned about Firesong?s delay. He didn?t want to start the meeting without her, but if she delayed much longer, he?d be forced to.

Talomar and Gaida were doing a tap dance trying to keep everyone happy, but not too happy. Merrick?s only interest was getting into Gaida?s pants. David?s only interest was in feeding before the morning arrived. Stefen?s interest was divided between feeding and being in the presence of the still absent Firesong. Gaida?s interest was in getting this meeting over without having to give her body to Merrick. Charles' interest was having the meeting end without having the library torn to a shambles or finding some of the serving girls dead and bloodless.

Talomar?s interest was something else altogether. He had sensed that it was time that the vampires and shapeshifters of RhyDin were finally organized, and it had to start with those who were loyal to him. If this little gathering agreed on the mission of unification, then they could work together to bring others into the vision. He could try to do this on his own, but with Firesong?s participation it would be so much easier.

The Count was about to give in to the pressure of time and begin the meeting when he began to feel the warmth of power being generated at the library door. He had allowed only one exception to the wards that protected the castle, so he had no doubt where that power emanated from.

Talomar looked to Gaida and gave a nod that she would understand. He then looked at the men who were gathered around him, ?Excuse me, gentlemen. We have a guest arriving." He turned to the library door, head slightly bowed and dark eyes looking toward the opening in expectation and a desire that was bridled - at least for now.

All eyes had turned to the arriving Firesong and conversations immediately faded to silence. Only Count Longden moved. He bowed and smiled, admiration flooded his expression. ?The eve has just become far more beautiful now that you are here, mon cheri.? Talomar moved to Firesong; he took her hand in his, turned her inner wrist to his lips and placed a kiss there in that place where blood was so close to the surface.

Then he did something that no one else would have dared to do. He slipped an arm around her waist and slowly leaned in and placed a kiss on her neck, just below the ear. He did this purposely to let her feed upon his power in their closeness, strengthening what the Gate had drained from her. ?I?m so glad to see you. You had me worried for a while,? he whispered very low and close to her ear so that only she could hear his words.

The Count then turned to the others and held out his arm to Firesong, ?I?m sure the other guests are waiting their turn to greet you.

Lord Stefan Salvatore approached first and gave a slight bow. ?Good eve, Lady Firesong. It?s so very good to see you again.? His smile conveyed that his welcome was heart felt, however he would not offer his hand or step in to give her a kiss. As Fire?s pomme de sang he was subservient to her and would wait for Fire to make any move to great him in a more personal way. ?You are looking magnificent.?

Stefan glanced to Charles, then back to Firesong. ?May I get you a drink? The Port is excellent. Of course, if you prefer whiskey or another drink, I?d be pleased to get it for you.?

Serving Firesong in any way possible made him happy, and offering his blood and body to her was ecstasy. ?Or. . . anything else you might desire?? He grinned, almost pleading.

The Power gathered in this one room had struck her like a physical blow when she stepped across the threshold of the Gate. A primal, instinctive urge for survival, had her opening a channel between herself and the Count the instant his arm went around her waist for support and lips touched the side of her throat. That he knew the condition she was in she had no doubt for many was the time she had taken them between her home and his.

Her aura shifted to the visible spectrum as the inner Beast?s claws sought purchase and fangs burst to life. The Hunger rose swift and deadly to any that dared interfere in the duet of two. Lust slammed through her digging spurs into a body already on sensory overload. Greed entwined with a need so compelling a slight tremor raced through her as her inner reserves of energy were replenished through the channel.

From somewhere far off she heard the Count speaking again. The word ?guests? captured her attention against her will. The drain stopped as the purpose was remembered. It mattered not. Fire had taken what was offered to be strong in her own right again.

A sultry smile played over pale pink lips while a hand rested palm flat upon Talomar?s chest. Her skirts swirled around his legs as the seductive silk and jewel adorned form molded to his side. She left no doubt where her loyalty lay.

A nod was given to Stephen at the offer of a drink. (s) ?The port this eve.? She then turned her attention to the introductions.

Lord Stefan Salvatore bowed and smiled. ?I will be but a moment, my love.?

He backed out of the gathered circle of unalive and turned toward Charles who, to no one?s surprise, already had the glass of Port waiting for him on a silver tray. What did surprise Stefan was that Charles looked distracted, and Charles never looked anything but attentive before.

?Thank you, Charles.? Stefan carefully picked up the glass and brought it back to the circle of vampires and Merrick, and handed the glass to Firesong. ?M?love, your Port.? He glanced to Count Longden and noticed the look of approval. It brought another smile to Lord Salvatore, Talomar?s second in command.

?Well, it looks like we are all here and ready, Count. So, when does the meeting officially begin??

?ENOUGH!? The Count spoke the single word and power shook the room, rattled the windows, and knocked Merrick back a step. His eyes flashed red and then quickly died back down to their deep black as he brought his anger back under control. It was necessary that everyone would remain calm if this meeting was to have any results that would be favorable, and Talomar knew that included himself most of all.

His voice returned to its normal soft tone. ?No one is unduly bowing down to anyone else here. Lord Salvatore is merely showing the proper respect and his loyalty to our special guest; something that you might well want to emulate, Baron, . . . if, of course, you wish to get what you desire this eve.? He cast the briefest of glances to Gaida and back to the Baron.

Talomar looked to each of his guests. ?We?re all friends here, so why don?t we all just take our seats in front of the fire. We?ll be more comfortable and the servers can continue with the hor d?oeurves and drinks. We have much to talk about this eve.?

He looked to where two couches and five cushioned chairs had been set-up before the fireplace. They were all upholstered in deep burgundy velvet, and the dark wood of the furniture matched the deep mahogany paneling and woodwork within the library. The carpeting in the library was a well-padded Turkish woolen carpet with designs in deeps shades of red and black. There were small drink tables between the chairs and couches to hold the drinks and plates of hor d'oeurves.

Talomar held out his arm for Firesong as the guests moved toward the seats. He smiled to the beautiful vampiress, but then noticed the look upon Charles? face. Tal stopped and allowed his senses to search the castle. Although no sound was detected, something else was. Count Longden gave an imperceptible signal to Charles, and the valet left the room.

The hand resting upon Talomar?s chest didn?t lift to reach for the offered glass. It glided downward in a languid caress of sculpted muscles that delineated the expanse of his chest along with the defined ridges of his abdomen. Her fingertips made the return trip and it was only then, after tactile sensation had been suitably fulfilled, that she bothered to extend her hand for the unsuitable substitute.

(s)?Gestana, Stephan.? Fire?s thank you for the drink was cool at best and more complete dismissal in tone. There was more Power standing at her side than the other could hope to gain and she wanted it all.

As Merrick dared his insults to something she considered to belong to her she was not amused. The air around her snapped and crackled as flames leapt into being. Her posture in an instant was no longer that of a siren lounging indolently against The Count?s side as though awaiting his pleasure while taking her own. In her place stood one currently extremely angry Brujah quite ready to rip out Merrick?s throat.

She smirked as the Master Vampire knocked the whelp back a step with his voice alone. Only slightly satisfied with being named a ?special guest? when she wanted blood spilt for the insult she tossed her head arrogantly at the Baron then refused to acknowledge his existence. Fire remained within the flames that played lovingly across pale skin caressed by crimson silk listening to the pretty words being spoken.

The plan. She had agreed to this Gathering and all the things that would be born from this night?s work. She was inwardly outraged, the beast longing to break free to feast upon the weaker, outwardly the fire melded to soft skin as though never there. A hand was set to the arm offered as a smile relocated itself to her lips.

Lady Firesong Sunstrike Aldrack Haze did the last thing she wanted to do but the first thing she had need of doing. She glided toward the seating area as though untroubled by any occurrence. She held a gracious smile upon pale pink lips that wanted to smirk, or better snarl. Most of all she didn?t set anyone on fire. . . yet.

Charles had a way of blocking his thoughts tighter than a lead safe. It was a special gift, and it?s one of the reasons Longden had so valued him as the Valet of Longden Castle. Talomar never had to worry about another vampire catching any thoughts or mental conversations coming from Charles Dukette. What was inside Charles? mind, stayed in Charles? mind, and no one was the wiser. He was as impassive on the inside as he was on the outside.

When Charles opened his thoughts to the Count, Talomar listened.

?Master. I sense an intruder.?

?Intruder, Charles? Are you sure? No one dares come to my castle uninvited. Who would come here tonight of all nights??

?I don?t know, Master. But I am sure. See for yourself. Search the premises.?

Tal stopped and allowed his senses to search the castle. Although no sound was detected, something else was.

?You are quite correct, Charles. There is an intruder.?

?Shall I go eliminate the intruder??

?Yes, Charles, and dispose of the body as usual.?

?Your will be done.?

?No. . .wait. I?m curious who would be so bold and what their reason might be for being here. Bring the intruder here to the library.?

?I will go at once.?

Count Longden gave an imperceptible signal to Charles, and the valet left the room.

Lord David Dupres had remained unusually silent since the Count?s arrival in the library. He had given Firesong a cordial welcome along with the others, but then stepped back and watched as Merrick made a fool of himself.

David held no particular fondness for shapeshifters. They were too unpredictable and much too highly strung for his tastes. It was his opinion that they all operated too much on instinct and their animal drives to be trusted. David preferred calculable consistency within his associates, and that?s why he had aligned himself with Count Longden. The Count always spoke with a silky, deep voice that seldom showed any emotion; that is, of course, unless someone did something stupid and pissed him off ? like Merrick, for instance.

Lord Dupres couldn?t help but smirk as they all went to relax on the Count?s fine furniture. He took a seat on the opposite side of the semicircle from Merrick and Gaida. The seat was chosen not so much to be away from Merrick, although that was certainly a calculated factor, but more to put Gaida?s legs in perfect view of his casual glances. He was naturally curious if the Count?s pomme de sang was wearing underwear, and he hoped that his choice in seating would give him ample opportunity to prove his theory that she wasn?t.

Thus far it appeared that the Count had miraculously managed to keep some order to this auspicious gathering, and David wondered if that order would last throughout the evening. He doubted it. He was a true subscriber to chaos theory, and the opportunity for more surprises was just delightfully high.

David smiled, crossed his legs, laid his hands on his lap, and waited for another glass of port to be brought to him.

Charles was swiftly heading to the rear exit when he heard the heavy rap of the knocker upon the front entrance. He stopped short in the dark castle hallway and wondered if this could this be the one that he and the Count had detected? He turned and went to the front door, straightened his tuxedo and white gloves, unlatched the locks and opened the heavy oaken door.

The sight of the Nimir-Ra had caught him by surprise. Talomar?s Creature Call to the feline Lycanthropes was either far stronger, or far more seductive than Charles had imagined. Charles smiled at the werepanther, ?Mihaela, we are so glad you could make it to the gathering. We were worried that prior engagements might keep you away. Please, come in.? Curiosity evidently got the cat, Charles thought, keeping those thoughts well locked and shielded. The Count can sure attract the pussies. He would not let Mihaela see anything in his expression that would give away his thoughts.

Once she was inside he closed and locked the door behind her. ?They are all gathered in the library. Please, follow me, Mihaela. I know that the Count will be so pleased to see that you have come.?

When the arrived at the library Charles stood at attention and announced, ?M?lord Longden, Nimir-Ra Mihaela joins your gathering.? He held out his hand so that she might give him her wrap should she so desire.

The Valet knew that Mihaela was not the presence that he and the Count had felt. He would have been able to feel the power of the Alpha of the Blood Claw Leopards. No, there was someone else around the castle, and he would soon discover who would be so bold ? or stupid.

Talomar and Firesong sat together on the long couch that faced the fireplace, the Count on Firesong?s right side. It was the center of the semicircle and the place of prominence. Gaida and Merrick were on the couch to their left, perpendicular to the fireplace. David was in a chair to the Count?s right, and Stefan was in a chair located to the Count?s left at the corner of the two couches. There were still two empty chairs on Count Longden?s right, and room on the couch if absolutely necessary.

The Count?s mind was on many things, but you would never know it by looking at him. Outwardly he looked comfortable and warm, as if this might have been a holiday dinner with special family. He picked up a new glass of the 75-year old Port and lifted it in a salute to those gathered. ?I want to thank you all for being here tonight at my invitation. I realize you all have much to be doing, so I?ll try to make this as brief as possible. But for now. . .? he lifted his glass higher, ?I salute you all and wish you the best in health and success.? He sipped his drink and set his glass down.

?Now, let me tell you the reason you all are here . . .?

He stopped in mid sentence as Charles announced Mihaela?s arrival. ?M?lord Longden, Nimir-Ra Mihaela joins your gathering.?

Talomar smiled a most satisfied smile. His Creature to Call was the felines, and he had sent out a seductive call to Mihaela. It would do no good to have commanded her to come. The werecats were always so independent and stubborn creatures. You had to coax them; get them to actually want to come.

He stood up, turned to her and spoke in that soft, dark, silky voice of his. ?Mihaela. It?s so good to see you here tonight. I was hoping that you would be able to join us. You look beautiful, as always.? He waited for her to come forward to him. He was the Master Vampire, the one who called, and she was in his domain. He wanted some sign that she?d submit to his authority at this meeting.

The touching of cheek to cheek was about as much a greeting as he had expected from Mihaela, but the fact that she didn?t offer her wrist to him did not go unnoticed by any in the room. Talomar politely smiled and indicated the chair next to Lord Dupres, but the lack of the simple gesture of acknowledgement of his position of authority was going to cost her in the end. He had little trust of werewolves, and even less of the alpha werepanther, nevertheless she would be useful in delivering the message to her Pard.

?Well, it does look like we are finally all here and ready to begin.? He walked back to his couch and sat down. He immediately touched Firesong?s leg with his hand to say ?it?s alright?.

Our intrepid little reporter feels rather pleased with herself as her eavesdropping pays off! The party inside have moved closer to her window and although she can?t see them through the thick stained glass she can hear them much clearer now.

The Count is speaking and Sharon avidly listens. Talomar admits that he?s invited them here for a reason. Very promising! The Count?s toast however offers her no information, other than he is polite, something Sharon already knew.

?Now, let me tell you the reason you all are here . . .?

Oh, yes, this is the moment she?s been waiting for! Her heart begins to race, skipping a beat or two with growing excitement. Sharon presses her ear ever harder to the pane, not because she?s having problems hearing but because this is the crucial moment, ?the big reveal?, and she would not miss it for any reason!

?M?lord Longden, Nimir-Ra Mihaela joins your gathering.? Unfortunately, the unknown male voice cuts Count Talomar off, introducing yet another arrival to this odd party.

Sharon is pleased to have been granted another name from those in attendance, but the suspense is getting to be nerve shattering. The tension is beginning to take a toll on her as her left leg begins to feel a bit numb. Very cautiously she shifts weight from her left leg to her right, attempting to ease the discomfort somewhat. Stones and twigs crunch beneath her foot, the sound loud even to her human ears in the quiet night chill. Sharon notices but dismisses any worries that try to assail. She is otherwise fixated.

?Mihaela. It?s so good to see you here tonight. I was hoping that you would be able to join us. You look beautiful, as always.? Sharon couldn?t mistake that silken voice; he?d used it with her during their interview. The Count seems to be greeting the latest arrival.

"So good of you to invite me, Talomar." An unknown female voice practically purrs in response to the Count?s greeting. The lady had not bothered to address Talomar with a title. All the others have been rather formal in comparison. The transaction makes even Sharon outside the castle and unable to see inside the room speculate at the magnitude of this potential faux pas.

Sharon nips at her lower lip scowling with growing frustration. Her mother would have chided her about how patience is a virtue. But patience isn?t standing outside a window of a scary castle in the middle of the night trying to be quiet and not get caught!

?Wish they?d just get on with it?? she thinks to herself, hating that the tension feels as if it is mounting, and mounting, and mounting. It is already thick enough to cut with a knife! It is also beginning to break our intrepid reporter.

The cold, the tension, are making Sharon?s knees weak and her head spin. But ever determined to get her story, Sharon forces herself to stand steadfast and keep that ear pressed to the stained-glass pane. She?s going to find out why they have gathered come hell or high water!

Nothing is going to keep her from a headline-worthy article! Not her, not Sharon Gossip!

?Steady on, ole girl? she murmurs ever so softly as she forces herself to breathe and listen?

She was a wild card to say the least. Sensuality and power in one package. She knew the vampires would see her as insolent, but then they did not share power. She was a power in her own right, and she would not bare her throat to any of them. The lack of title was deliberate and calculated.

Talomar knew her temperament well. While she would not bare her throat, her pard had, on more than one occasion, aided him. He also knew, that aside from curiosity, her primary goal was to protect her pard, her family.

Firesong's heated looks were not missed by the panther. The cat in her lounged languidly awaiting the business at hand. Were she not so hot tempered, she might have been able to stroke the cat without the claws coming out.

She appreciated beauty in both male and females, she had known her share of both as lovers. She never chose someone that wasn't submissive to her. She refused to give up that power.

Alliances were acceptable to her, but she was Nimir-Ra...

Maria smiled softly at the Count as he greeted her, tilting her head to fully accept his touch, exposing her neck in respect to him. How she loved that touch and longed for it. She took his arm as he escorted her to the couch, lowering to the plush cushions on her hip just enough to be leaning into Talomar just slightly, and crossed her feet at the ankles as she nodded a silent greeting to the others, her eyes lingering only for a moment on Merrick, there was no love in the look only cold acceptance of his presence.

She did not speak of her interruption, had it been an issue she knew Talomar would have sent her away. Instead she sat back to listen, whatever was up, obviously Talomar wanted her apart of.

Charles pulled on his long, woolen, black overcoat and exited the castle through a side entrance, carefully locking it behind him. The keys went into the pocket of that coat and he moved through the night as silently as a shadow carried upon the bosom of the wind. He approached the front recess where the stained, leaded glass windows of the library looked out upon the estate.

He stood silently and watched, the blackness of the night being no impediment to his vision. He smirked at the sight of the ill-dressed youth. It was only one of the stable lads trying to see what is happening inside the castle, he thought. Every once in a while that would happen, where curiosity would overcome a capricious youth. They would always be caught and not seen or heard from again; the rumor always the same ? that they ran off to see the world on some merchant?s ship. Charles knew the reality, that their final moments were spent deep in the castle?s dungeons. Curiosity does indeed sometimes kill ? cat or lad alike. The Count had asked to see this one, so he would be brought into the library before being escorted below.

Charles moved to the ground below where the lad was stationed. His voice came out of the shadows behind Sharon, ?Perhaps if I were to bring you inside you?d be better able to hear the conversations. Besides, it?s dreadfully cold out here this night and we can?t have you be catching a cold.?

Charles held out his hand. His voice and the look in his eyes were quite compelling.

The lad was a woman!

The cry of ?Ouch? had revealed her gender, and Charles inwardly swore that he?d make no more assumptions this night. He was normally a man who made no assumptions, so to make one and be wrong touched a nerve in his striving for perfection.

He stood there in his warm overcoat and watched as she took his hand, and then came the second surprise within the last sixty seconds ? she fell toward him! Charles caught her against him and found himself looking down upon her face which was pressed against the front of his coat, waist high.

?Young lady, this is most out of the ordinary.? Charles was flustered. The valet who served the Longden?s for two centuries with a nearly unblemished record of perfection was suddenly confronted with a woman who was not behaving like a person caught at the Count?s window was supposed to behave.

Charles pulled her up and supported her against he chest. ?Are you going to have trouble walking, mademoiselle??

At this point the only thing that was keeping me in this meeting was the likelihood that I?d be leaving with Gaida and have her in my bed this night. I couldn?t believe the gall of that woman, that Maria, to come into the library knowing that I am here. The way the Count fussed over her was appalling. She's not one of us no matter how hard she tries to act the part.

Merrick watched the way Talomar brought Maria over to the couch and sat her there next to him. His blood was boiling and the werewolf inside of him was just below the surface screaming to get out. Maria had humiliated him once by leaving his castle and running away from the home he had given her. She humiliated him a second time by running back to her former lover ? the Count. Now she has the audacity to humiliate him a third time by showing up here at the gathering and offering herself to Talomar.

?"Un slut et une putain, mais toujours une dame, eh?" he mumbled beneath his breath as his cold, yellow eyes stared at her in disgust. She had lost none of her alluring beauty, and that just made the Baron hate her more.

The Master Vampire of the City of Rhydin snapped his head toward Baron du Lac and glared in anger. The Baron should have kept that thought to himself and shielded it well, but self-control and wisdom were never Merrick?s strong points. Talomar took a deep breath and made several decisions. The first is that Merrick just lost any chance of being in bed with Gaida - ever. The second was that he was about to be lowered in position in the circle.

He turned to Gaida and spoke in a voice that was silky soft, showing no anger at all. ?Gaida, ma petite coeur en sucre, it is not right that our dear Mihaela sits in a chair. She deserves a higher position in the circle, and it was my oversight to not anticipate her arrival. Would you please change positions with her.? It was not really a question, but a command.

?Of course, my lord,? she responded and immediately rose to her feet and crossed the distance to the chair. Talomar could hear the silent words she unshielded to him, ?Thank you.?

He turned to the Nimir-Ra, ?My dear Mihaela, please forgive me of my rude oversight, but you should not be in that chair. Please, let me escort you to the couch where you?ll be much more comfortable.? He stood and walked to her and held out his hand for her to take. He offered her the seat upon the couch to his left so that she would sit between Stefan, who was in the chair to the left of Firesong, and Merrick who was now on the far end of the couch, closest to the fireplace, and furthest from Firesong and himself.

It was like a game of chess, making all the necessary calculated moves to keep everyone happy and to move the meeting along. What concerned him was that these were those who could be counted as his friends. What would it be like when he would address the other vampires and shapeshifters in Rhydin, those whom he could not trust as friends? He would face that when the time came. For now, he just wanted to get through this night and get in bed with Firesong.

Maria was not deaf, she heard the words Merrick spoke, but said nothing. Instead she kept her place and watched the movement of the players in this game she had just entered and silently waited to find out exactly what was going on in this room tonight. She folded her hands passively in her lap and kept her eyes low, and yet continued to keep an eye on everyone in the room, least she need to defend herself this night from some unknown danger.

Count Longden took his seat back on the couch and patted Maria on the knee. It was a quick gesture, but it signaled to her that she was under his protection and care, and that no one was going to insult her or treat her badly again without answering to him. He had plans for her, but the revealing of those plans would have to wait.

Talomar could feel the raw power and desire creeping to the surface of Firesong. If she released her ardeur now any hope for a productive meeting would be lost. It would be ?productive? in other ways, for there would surely be an orgy that would eclipse anything seen to date, but that would not get the business at hand accomplished. He could also feel her impatience, and he understood it completely for patience was never one of his virtues.

He reached for Fire?s hand and held it in his own, providing a channel for what was building up within her ? much like a release valve. It was a tricky maneuver for even he could only handle a little at a time of what she could release. If he allowed her power and ardeur to be channeled too quickly, he would be taken over by it. It was a nice thought, but the timing is just not right.

Talomar managed to control his own voice, bringing it to that silky deepness. ?My Lady Firesong is right; we should not delay any longer. We have much to discuss here this night.?

In the back of his mind he wondered how Charles was making out.

The outside of the carriage only spoke of its distinguished passenger by the signature craftmanship and line of the vehicle. Also noteworthy was the distinct lack of general neglect or wear and tear. The color was natural wood inlaid with some minor amounts of metal, a blush of burgendy upon certain areas swirled with darker midnight blues. The driver was garbed in simple clothing denoting his station in the greater wheel of society. He wore a top hat and overcoat against the chill, his gloved hands manipulating the beasts within the reins ahead. His dark hair peeked out the back of his collar, flipping in the wind. The beasts that drew the carriage on its path looked enough like horses that they were not often given too much in way of second glance by most unless one was noted for observing the finer details. Their heads were perhaps a bit larger, manes a mixture of hair and crystaline feathers, bodies mostly covered in fine fur and some minor mixture of feathers and scales. Their tails were longer fur and dully colored feathers that slashed a bit more than simple random twitchings; the flicks were almost prehensile. Cloven hooves clattered as the carriage was whisked on its way from parts unknown to a destination infamous in the region. The carriage turned eventually and wound its way to the entrance of the Castle of Longden stopping with a sigh and faint musical nicker of one of the beasts.

The coachman stepped off his place at the rear of the carriage, the vehicle giving a slight creak as the weight shifted. He straightened his dark overcoat, dusted briefly at his arms as if to relieve the fabric of dust and then adjusted his vest before his gloved hand caught the handle of the carriage door. He opened it and stepped back so the single occupant could disembark unencumbered. The passenger emerged in a flutter of a heavy billowing midnight blue cloak. Initially the cowl hid his face from view but as the figure straightened upon stepping out, a pale hand lifted to push the hood back. The stark moonlight danced in his long hair giving it an almost ghostly aura. His skin seemed porcelain against the rich blues and golds of his tunic granting a certain ethereal nature to his countenance. He was not dressed to the hilt but was attired enough to convey a certain air of more than adequate means. His soft gray eyes flicked upward to the take in the structure before casting a glance about briefly to assess what he could initially see of the grounds. He did not take this as the sort of place she would call home so his interest was piqued as to why it was here that she asked him to meet. His curiousity on this matter gave way to something else; a sound brought his musings to a brief halt. It was the whisper of a breeze playing in trees somewhere in the dark distance that dared to flirt with his attention. For a brief luxurious moment he responded. With eyes closed he enjoyed the sound and the memories it brought to mind; his chin lifted with a faint parting of his lips as that gentle music of nature called to him. It sang through him and made the blood within to race. Almost reluctantly his eyes opened once more, attention focusing with more steel resolve on the entrance.

With that resolve mixed a certain eager light that glinted in his eyes. Recent events had unexpectedly awakened memories he'd long since put to rest. Some interludes were meant to be short and sweet and remembered with fondness. He had thought she was such. Perhaps that was not to be the case, however. He was not one to respond to summonings or the basic crook of a feminine finger. Yet after only a faint beckoning from this one and his past with her had danced to the fore of his thoughts bringing him to this moment wherein he stood regarding the entrance of this castle in a land far removed from his own seat of power. A familiar energy raced over his pale skin, He could almost imagine a quickening of his unbeating heart at the thought of her just within those massive stone walls, hidden from view but only for a short time more. His tongue danced over his lips in anticipation. Whispers of the past had returned to haunt him. Certain memories could not be ignored neither could some promises made in heated murmurs under a full moon with nothing but sweat between bodies. Perhaps it was time and just maybe this trip would prove more than a simple distraction to realign old ties. Hints had been dropped and more subtle enticements had mingled in those missives so cunningly sent carrying the aroma of her vitae. He steadied his thoughts with a sudden intake of breath, shoulders settling in a more resolute manner. With a brow arched as he stepped toward the entrance, he wondered if he were expected or if he would have to actually physically knock to announce his presence to those within.

The shifting status and allegiances were part of the dance she'd just as soon forgo. Everyone assembled had ties to another except her, making her the loose canon. A wild card, and more than a bit isolated within this august gathering. Oh sure, Talomar "promoted" her station within this circle, but what did that really mean other than to shame another.

Such was the vampire's way. She waited for the preamble to be concluded. She had patience, but she was uncomfortable with this gathering. She hid it well, however. If anything she was looking for something to sharpen claws in just to be Perverse.

Truth be told she preferred shifter politics to this infernal dancing and shifting of power. Even then, she had little patience for fools.

?Oh, MY! I?m Sharon. Sharon Gossip, a reporter for the Oracle.?

Why did she have to say that?

Why couldn?t she have simply been an overly inquisitive neighbor coming for a cup of sugar? Perhaps then he could have persuaded the Count to let her go, or at least put her to work in the kitchen or as a maid. But a reporter? Charles didn?t let on, but he was sure this young reporter was walking into a library from which she would never exit alive.

?That?s why I need to go home, now. You see, before I hear something someone might not want me to. I?m sure you understand now, why you don?t want to take me in to meet the honored guests? I?m not one of them, obviously.?

?Nonsense, Ms. Gossip, we are all friends here; and we surely wouldn?t want a reporter from the Oracle to leave without experiencing the Count?s hospitality. If word ever got out that Count Longden was not the most gracious host in all Rhy?Din, my job would be terminated on the spot.?

If he continued to chat with this delightful lady, Charles knew he might be tempted to let her go and advise the Count that the vagrant disappeared before he got there. But the Valet was the consummate professional, so without another word he brought her into the library, cleared his voice and spoke loudly enough to get everyone?s attention.

?Count Longden, friends, may I announce the arrival of an unexpected guest to your gathering. Ms Sharon Gossip.?

Lust wasn't always a bad thing. A delicate seeming hand moved to drape in his hair, playing lightly. She purred softly to his words, "(vq) Let us see how the Count's business will effect our people, then we can go find a secluded spot."

Her concern would be her people, but that did not preclude an alliance with the Wolf Ulfric. She knew he was rebounding from being denied the Count's Pomme de Sang but she was in a mood it seemed.

Still his power was a match for her own. Would be interesting to see how much could be raised this night. Though if she wanted to be perverse, she might have scratched behind his ears, just to see what would happen.

The light touches on her part were a sign his hand would not be unwelcome.

Merrick was pleasantly surprised by Mihaela?s response to him. The powerful and sexy Nimir Ra did not turn him down, and she had spoken wisely. She was concerned for her pard, and he was concerned for his pack, and if Count Longden was going to suggest anything that might concern them, they would be wise to hear what it was.

He leaned into Miha?s touches and settled his hand upon her leg, drawing comfort from her closeness.

And then came Charles? announcement, and the Ulfric werewolf looked upon the newest arrival.

Surely the Valet was jesting.

Sharon wanted to object to Charles insistence that she join those gathered but he never gave her the chance. Instead she finds herself whisked into the library and briskly announced.

Even with the dull senses of a human, the power in the room is felt.

Sharon has lived too long in Rhy?Din not have developed a knack for recognizing such things. Wide green eyes sweep over those gathered as her right hand gropes inside her pant pocket for her glasses. Nearsighted as our intrepid reporter may be it doesn?t mask the fact that whoever these people are they are not human.

?Here there be Monsters?? resounds loudly inside her head as her belly flips with fluttering wings of sheer panic. ?Steady ole? girl!? A firm chastisement, for now is certainly not the time for her to lose her head! If she plans on surviving tonight, perhaps even the next few seconds, she?d better be in top form!

The fear is obvious in the rapid tattoo of her heart, the rush of her blood and wide staring eyes but courageously she swallows it down. She may be one of the biggest cowards in Rhy?Din, but she is also smart and full of common sense.

?Behaving like food equals food.?

Her chin lifts as she forces a smile to trembling lips. All thoughts of the dreamboat Charles fly away as she draws in a deep breath, rapidly thinking of the best possible thing to say. She puts her glasses on, and is now able to make out all their faces? Their individual expressions speak volumes and none of it good. A hand smooths at the second-hand breeches self-consciously, all the other ladies are dressed elegantly and look beautiful and radiant. Sharon... looks like a peasant boy. If only she had dressed more appropriately, she might have had a chance to talk herself out of this. However? Her current attire screams ?Up-To-No-Good?.

?Good evening everyone. I hadn?t realized this was a formal affair?? No, she?s not off to a good start. ?I bet you?re all wondering why I?m here?? a nervous little laugh; yes she?s rapidly losing ground. She had better come up with something tangible and fast!

?I? I? You see,? Sharon has never been a good liar, she knows this. ?I saw the carriages. I thought I might investigate. I have a nose for news, you see?? random information they don?t really need to know, but she?s buying time. Hoping to find *it*, the thing to say that will get her out of this hot seat. And then, like a light bulb going off over her head, she seems to come to some kind of silent decision.

Shoulders square and her head lifts a wee bit more with sudden determination and is that a hint of confidence?

?Let me be perfectly frank with all of you.? She looks through those thick ugly glasses at each ?person? in turn, her gaze direct but not confrontational. ?I?m a reporter for the Oracle. I can be a very useful tool for any one of you. You give me this story, of course, I want exclusive rights, and in return I will be sure to give you the best PR you could possibly get in Rhy?Din.

?You may not think that means much, but I can assure you, good press goes a long way in influencing the masses.

?Whatever is going on here, we are all very aware of the importance. All of you look like business oriented folks; intelligent, powerful, wise. You should see the wisdom in what I say. I can be useful in my influence as an Oracle reporter. I want the story, all of you will only benefit by our mutual association.

?Sure you can make me dinner, but that will only arouse suspicions? and bring the authorities down on our Host here. You see, witnesses know where I am. Being a reporter has some perks, if I go missing? They will look for me. Do you really want that kind of attention and trouble, when working together we all win?? Her gaze stopping at last on Count Talomar, he is after all the force behind those gathered. Even Sharon can sense that.

Sharon feels a surge of pride. Not only has she spoken up for herself and not tumbled into a lump of shivering jelly on the floor, but she?d been utterly honest and direct. Her mother would be proud!

Maintaining her courageous fa?ade, Sharon stands quiet now, awaiting their answer. Too bad she?s still shivering from the cold and possibly shock is setting in? it could ruin the effect our intrepid little reporter is trying to have.

Our intrepid reporter is completely aware of her dire situation, but Sharon doesn?t miss a beat. She allows the Count to lead her to the chair by the fire, but she isn?t buying the sweet talk in the least. Obviously, she?s said something wrong. She can feel it in the tension hanging in the air. Nipping at her lower lip, Sharon resorts to the only thing she has left going for her: Her Gadgets.

No one had thought to check what?s she?s carrying in her pockets? good for her, not so much for them. A hand slips into the pocket of her second-hand breeches and the tiny little device is pressed, activating it. Sharon has lived too long in Rhy?Din not to have found ways to defend herself. This room full of Monsters may think they can get one over on her, but others just as strong and just as nasty as them have tried before and failed.

The tiny device makes no sound; it is a manna driven object with a direct connection to two other souls. It will tell them her exact location immediately. Soon enough the Count and all his friends will have more company. Phy and E.E. know to bring the Calvary when she summons them this way, just as she would were they to summon her. For the briefest of moments she wonders if they will get here soon enough. Pushing the thought aside, she reassures herself that Phy and E.E. won't take long. They know better!!

Sharon sits the port aside; she wouldn?t drink anything any one of them gave her! Again? she?s not that stupid. Looking rather innocently at the fire already warming her, she clicks the image orb in her pocket on as well. As small as a marble, again, it makes no sound, nothing out of the ordinary save Sharon looking rather pensive and lost in her thoughts.

There will be no image, but the orb records sounds as well. It works in a pinch and that is certainly what this is. Sharon doesn?t bother glancing at the others, she?s perfectly aware of their presence, and she?s already committed their faces to her memory. Their faces and the insignias on the carriages? outside is all she needs. They will be easy to unearth once she gets back to the archives. Hopefully they won?t mind her scathing expose.

Surely? they can?t expect her to be nice after this?! Sharon gnaws on that lower lip. Next time, she?s dragging someone with her!

The storm of ?If only?s? assaulting her mind is stilled as she focuses her thoughts to the barest minimum. If anyone in this room is psychic, they will only receive the shallowest of concerns from her head! Sharon isn?t about to roll over and die for this crowd, not tonight, not ever. She keeps as cool as a cucumber in an icy box.

Waiting... for help... to arrive.

Behind him Targon's carriage stood as the one carriage that held no crest familiar to RhyDin. His beasts shifted with a subtle dance of cloven hooves. Another almost musical whinny joined the night sounds as did the creak of leather and rustle of chain. The driver remained in his seat while the coachman closed the carriage door and returned to his place at the rear of the carriage, the sound of his footsteps giving way to the faint creak of the carriage itself as the weight again changed. Targon's long cloak billowed around him whispering on the breeze as he moved toward the entrance of Longden Castle. His wondering about the protocol of obtaining entrance was sated when he noted the opening of the massive door that marked the front entrance to the castle. A pleased flush rose briefly within his chest. Excellent. Most excellent. His gray eyes took in the man standing in the entrance sizing him up with a glance. Targon did not know the Master of the castle personally but Fire did therefore Targon gave his trust to the others within based on her merit alone since he did not count her a fool. When the man bowed his head in greeting, Targon paused briefly just outside to let the man speak.

?Good eve, sir. You are expected by those gathered in the library. Please, enter.?

Well said. Neither whimpered in fear nor spoken out of turn; the words of the man carried a certain respect and eloquent control that Targon enjoyed. With the whisper of Targon's cloak the only sound as he strode forward, Targon made good use of the open invitation. The wind held an icy kiss this night and he was pleased to be out of her chilly playful touch. His chin lowered slightly to acknowledge the man then he turned as he swung his cloak from his shoulders in a practiced move that billowed the cloak briefly before being draped over his arm. At the movement of his cloak his hair shifted then swept down his back settling in waves of white against the rich blue of his tunic. He offered the man the heavy cloak to tend to as his eyes swept over the interior of this first hall that he found himself in. Impressive. Quite impressive. It wasn't home but it was pleasant enough.

?I will escort you to the library. Please, follow me.?

Targon did not feel the need to speak just yet. Nothing the man did seemed aimed at starting conversation and truth be told, Targon neither freely conversed with servants nor conducted business in their presence. Neither did he make a habit of offending other masters staff for only a fool under estimated the bond between master and servant, master and slave. A polite silence was indeed wiser than brash words. He followed the man with an alert eye taking in his surroundings as they traveled to this library the man spoke of. He was curious as to who exactly 'those gathered' were that the man referenced as being in the library. What sort of individuals would Longden surround himself with? The best and brightest .. the most beautiful and powerful? He wagered something of the sort.

Maria watched the young woman with interest, then slowly looked over all that we're in the room. This night could get very interesting indeed, that is if the power in this room didn't make her head ache to the point of driving her back to her own room in escape.

Count Talomar Longden had turned from Sharon when Charles announced Targon?s entrance. Talomar could be a charming as he could be deadly, and at this time he chose to be the perfect host ? charming, proper, outgoing and friendly.

?Lord Targon Nye! Come in, please! We are delighted that you could be here with us this night.? He quickly walked up to their guest and placed a kiss on each cheek. He then placed a hand upon the man?s shoulder and accompanied him over to the couch where Fire and Maria had been sitting. Fire had already risen to receive the latest arrive. Talomar smiled, ?I know that I don?t need to introduce you two.? He refrained from adding ?lovers?. ?Fire, mon coeur, your special delight has arrived.?

Talomar stepped aside so that Firesong could greet Targon in whatever way she might so desire. He didn?t trust elves who had become vampires. There was something about them that in his opinion just didn?t mix quite right. Nevertheless, Targon was the Master Vampire of d?Darrke, powerful and respected. The fact that Firesong accepted him as one of her lovers was a bonus. Her influence could be the deciding factor in establishing an alliance. A quick look to Stefan and the Count could immediately tell that his second in command was not very happy about the prospect of Firesong having yet another here to share her bed. He would have to get over it.

Tal looked to Fire, ?Your guest may have my seat after you greet him,? he said in his deep, silky voice. ?I need to be standing over by the fire as we talk business.?

Talomar walked up to Maria and held out his hand. ?Please stand with me. I get the feeling that Lord Stefan would love to sit upon the couch with Fire and Tagon.?

The chess game continued with all the major pieces being positioned for the hoped for checkmate. It was time to turn his attention to the one guest who had not be expected.

Maria slipped her hand into Tal's, the lace fring of the silk braclette brushing Talomar's fingers as she stood without a word or sound, her movements perfectly smooth, as she allowed Talomar to direct her movements. She was still very curious about what this whole meeting was about tonight.

The arm around her shoulder was indeed a comfort on many levels. It was a shame he was a different breed altogether from her. His strength would have been a welcome addition to the pard as Nimir-Raj. However, she was certain niether his pack or her pard would agree to that.

Wouldn't stop her from asking him to become an ally, though. Indeed, the comfort and other things she was feeling from him demanded more. Politics and other things forbade it. Or she could make her own rules and accept that fate had other plans.

She relaxed against him, curling up on the couch they occupied. Talomar may have tried to decrease Merrick's status in the Circle, she was of a mind to show her favor to him and undo some of the "damage."

She inhaled his scent, committing it to memory. He smelled of nature and of power. It was easy to relax as they waited to hear the reasoning behind this meeting, though it appeared to be delayed again.

Still, her beast stretched and curled up comfortably next to his own. The surprise was that they recognized each other and did not fight for dominance. Cat and Wolf laid together, watching and waiting.

I looked down upon Sharon and smiled, but the smile did not come easily knowing what had to be done. I made my voice compelling, ?Come with me, Sharon. We shall get you home now.? I wasn?t happy about this, but the meeting had to begin before everyone lost patience, and I just can?t have an Oracle reporter sitting in on such business. If I let her go there?s no telling what would get out to the public.

Charles stepped up to the Count and opened his thoughts to him alone, ?Master, may I please have a word.?

?Not now, Charles. You know what I must do.?

?Master, I have been with you as your valet for one hundred and twenty years. I would not ask if I didn?t feel it?s important.?

I paused and nodded, ?I?m sorry Charles. Of course you may. What do you have to say??

?We have planed this meeting together for several weeks now. I believe Ms. Gossip could be quite useful to us. Please, sir, may I speak for all to hear. It might solve,? his thought paused just slightly, ?. . . the problem.?

I never knew Charles to be one for idle words. He had indeed been in on the planning of this meeting and he knew what I was going to be presenting. Taking care of Sharon wasn?t going to take much time, but if Charles had a solution to ?the problem? it would be most welcome. ?Please go ahead, Charles.?

Our intrepid reporter is not oblivious, however when the Count extends his hand, speaking in his soft cultured voice, she reaches out to take it. Yes, she knows it isn?t wise, but Sharon feels such a draw to the Count. Then from seemingly out of nowhere, Charles, the dreamboat, speaks out in her defense.

Sharon is caught between the two males. Sharon would like to stare in adoration at her unexpected defender, her dreamboat Charles, but a darker, more nefarious compulsion keeps her attentions on the Count and the alien feelings he is inspiring.

One is a feeling of the heart, the other of dark lust. Sharon feels terribly confused!

She cannot help but to remind herself that the Count is not what meets the eye; pleasing as he looks. He is a power to be reckoned with, even with all his seductive charm and handsome good looks. However such attentions directed on her are more than a little bewildering.

It is obvious that many of the ladies present tonight are already in some way bound to the Count. Surely, in the midst of so many other beautiful ladies, Sharon pales in compassion. If she were asked, she wouldn?t even try to compare herself to them. She is far beneath them but the thought doesn?t bother or disturb her.

What does is this sudden, unexpected attraction to the Count. She really doesn?t want to go with him? so why is her hand out for his taking? Why are her thoughts suddenly full of naughty things to do with him?!

Green eyes blink between the Count and Charles. Sharon can?t help but wonder if Charles felt the same draw to her as she to him? Neither can she help wondering just what Charles is? She had assumed human, until now, of course. His speech, though thought provoking and rather touching, places him in a position at this Gathering Sharon simply had not anticipated.

She should be listening intently? thankfully the image orb in her pocket is. She will be able to listen later. Right now she needs to figure out what the heck is going on with her?!

Sharon is not a fickle girl. She doesn?t ?date? like Phy does. In fact, Sharon has never really dated at all. She?s been waiting for the right guy; he just never seems to come along. That is until earlier this evening when she?d literally fallen into Charles? arms. But now she has to question if what she thought was real isn?t? In a blink of an eye, she?s reaching expectantly for the Count, her mind flooding with rather embarrassing ideas!

Sharon worries at her lower lip, casting green eyes behind thick ugly glasses back and forth? back and forth? between the two men. All the while wondering how her life has gotten so incredibly complicated in such a short time! A soft sigh falls. She has never been in this position before and right now, she is sure of only one thing: She doesn?t like it.

Fear, lust, and other intense emotions war through her but she keeps her shoulders? squared, her chin held high and a polite smile as she can muster on her lips. She?s trying very hard to keep what?s going on inside her head from showing in her face. But the hold of her slight body betrays her in tense lines and minimal movement. She?s literally standing statue still, heart and blood racing, wishing she were anywhere else but here.

Too bad our intrepid little reporter doesn?t realize that her sudden, compulsive attraction to the Count does not come from within, but rather is stimulated by the Count and his vast repertoire of talents. Sharon isn?t losing her mind, she?s being otherwise influenced. But remaining ever unaware, Sharon is in a quandary, thinking she?s just become the most fickle girl in Rhy?Din!

He stood outside. Waiting. It irked him to wait. Politics and subtle maneuvering were so often a waste when a few well placed bullets could handle things so much easier and with more economy of time. Her words came back to him in thought, a flicker of memory. 'No shooting the pard or allies.' At the time it had been a warning of a different sort to begin with but the spirit of the words were reinforced later in the same conversation. She actually meant it. Things were different with her around and he was still watching her for signs of weakness; for signs that perhaps she was not up to the long term task of leading the pard. He let his eyes drift away from the castle where she had gone. He held his tongue in certain things to let her do the Alpha thing she seemed so intent on doing. She was so full of ideas - an idealist perhaps. It was almost charming. He took her for a dreamer. A strong one but still a dreamer. Was this the reason she had agreed to this little meeting with the bloodsuckers? He had to admit it was less 'want' and more 'called' but either way, he was still annoyed. He did not like being at the beck and call of anyone and trusted few. Especially those who could do the beck and calling. His lip curled slightly. Something inside that castle bordered on wrong; very wrong. It hovered, boiling and shifting in the night. Power. Raw. Strong. He could almost scent it on the natural plane. The stone walls housed a good deal of it this night. The curious in him itched to know the who of it. It was not just a singluar or even dual presence per the norm. It was a symphony of power, hovering like an unseen predator lying in wait for the hapless prey to wander by.

The night wind caught his hair and tousled the red strands as he waited, hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket in defense of the cold. Patience might be a virtue but he did not believe he was not known for his virtue. At least, not to many. And then certain rumors did seem to have a tendency to cling well after actual events were so much history. He remained where he stood out of discipline. The clock ticked with each passing breath marking time before he would feel propelled forward to investigate the delay of her return to the pard. His chin ducked inside the collar of his jacket, the heavy leather coat enough to keep out the worst of the cold that threated the night. His brow furrowed, beast within stretching briefly before once again falling into the uneasy 'wait' mode. The rumble of power within coupled with his own inquisitive nature tickled at his patience. Could the clock move any slower? He thought not.

His eyes lifted for a moment as the clouds shifted away their ghostly fingers to reveal the moon in all her silvery glory. She was not yet full but soon. Very soon. A smile touched his lips. The beast within moved again, flexing with the anticipation of a heated run. A hunt even. His gaze shifted from that brief flirting with his lunar lover to once again linger on the form of the castle. His eyes flickered between human and feline, remaining feline for the time being. His chin remained tucked in the collar of his coat, brooding eyes caressing the castle and her shadow. How much longer would he wait? He drew in a breath then consulted his watch. Not too much longer.

She was silence personified. A silent shadow in the night as made a check of the grounds, the only thing that gave her away was the near full moon and occasional cloud that floated by. Akiko had been trained from birth to be one of the silent assassins, trained in Ninjitsu and Akido, she had years to study and practice. Until that fateful day when she ran into the rarest of the rare werecats, the snow leopard. Now with her own natural abilities, enhanced with that of the cat, she was down right lethal. Years in government service taught her tactics as she quietly combed the grounds.

She thought about Damon, she got the impression that Miha wanted her to get along with him. The problem was she didn't care much for him, something about him bristled her, but he was a part of the pard, she would let him be, unless he got stupid and a) pissed her off, or b) hurt Miheala.

Damn, it was cold out here, the wind blew through her like a knife. She thought as she stopped briefly looking around, dressed from head to toe in black,she was glad she wore tights underneath her garb to help keep the cold at bay. Her ninja to strapped to her back, and other surprises concealed on her body withing the clothing.

Akiko could feel the power emanating from the castle, like a beacon in the night saying, "Here I am." Why was she here when she could be safe and warm? Oh yea, Mihaela needed someone she could trust implicitly to watch her back. The things one does for a friend... for family.

Count Longden impassively observed the interaction of their latest arrival with the Brujah vampiress while Charles paused for a moment so that everyone might be seated and give their undivided attention to his forthcoming proposal. The Brujah looked pleased with the arrival of her old flame, and that was just what Talomar was hoping for. He really didn?t care if they screwed six ways to Sunday as long as peace was maintained and this meeting went according to plan. This was business, and one more male in her bed mattered little ? except perhaps to Lord Stefan who was shimmying next to her on the couch and looking like he wanted to exert male dominance in the contest for Firesong?s affections; or at least for her bed this night.

Talomar was still holding Sharon?s hand in his own, and when the room was settled he turned to Charles and with a slow nod of his head, he gave his valet permission to say what was on his mind. The physical contact with the reporter reinforced the hold he had upon her. He looked into her beautiful green eyes and smiled as they both listened to the logic that Charles was setting before the guests; and of course, before the Count who held the final decision.

When the discourse had ended, Talomar turned to the valet, ?Well said, Charles. You make a very good argument for us to receive our surprise guest into our plans.? He looked about the room and detected the approval in Firesong, Mihaela, Stefan, and Merrick. That was enough for him.

?My dear Sharon Gossip,? he said in his dark, silky voice that held no obvious emotion, ?it appears that your presence with us, while unexpected, might be quite beneficial to us. I would like to propose that you relax and listen to what transpires; then, if the plan seems good to you, you will have the choice whether or not to join us.? He looked to Maria and smiled. ?This is Maria, and she?ll be your companion while you are here, and will keep you company in the midst of so many strangers. Charles, you?ll be ultimately responsible for Ms. Gossip?s welfare. How does that sound, Ms. Gossip? Is that acceptable??

Talomar still held Sharon?s hand, so there was really no option of a negative response to that question. However, the choice to join them or not at the end of the meeting would be a decision entirely of her own free will. It had to be.

Talomar sincerely hoped that she would just say ?yes?.

Lord David Dupres looked to Gaida and smiled warmly at Talomar?s pomme de sang.

He had one thought on his mind - Firesong was now here.

If he could get Talomar and Firesong together after this meeting, that would leave Gaida with no bed partner. This was just the opportunity he was hoping for.

The only obstacles to his plan were the two vampires sitting on the couch with the Brujah, drooling over the prospect of being her chosen bed partner. He had to thwart their plans.

But how?

David tapped his chin . . .

. . . thinking . . .

. . . devising a plan.

?Yes. Of course, Count Longden, I am happy to oblige in any way!?

Talomar smiled and lifted Sharon's hand to his lips and placed a kiss upon it, not removing his eyes from hers.

"So kind of you, Ms. Gossip," he replied in that deep, silky voice.

He released her hand and motioned for another chair to be placed next to Sharon's so that Maria might sit with the reporter. Tal knew that Sharon was about to get one of those "exclusive" stories that reporter's always fought for and drooled over. The real question was, would she be willing to sacrifice the desire for a single exclusive story in order to participate in something far more significant and newsworthy?

He guessed that she would.

When Maria was seated with Sharon, Talomar walked behind Maria and laid his hands upon her shoulders. He brought his mouth to her ear and whispered, "Thank you, mon petit oiseau des iles." He placed a kiss upon her cheek.

Maria was special to him. Her loyalty to him was pure. There was nothing complicated in it, nothing self-serving, no ulterior motives. It was love. Because of that, he decided that following the meeting he would give her anything she wished.

Talomar then stood up tall and looked about the room. Sharon was in good hands with Maria and Charles protecting her. Charles had strength that went beyond his appearance, and Maria was a skilled fighter.

There was nothing else to attend to.

It was time.

She was far from concerned as to her so-called status within this circle. The meeting would effect her people and that was enough to hold her attention, even if she was growing impatient with the endless preamble and distractions.

Talomar was the Master of Ceremonies for this t?te ? t?te. But even he was running the risk of losing control over his *guests* if things continued they way they were. Merrick's earlier outburst and subsequent proposition were proof of such.

Not that Talomar could control either shape changer. He might have something of a hold over Merrick and the strength to take one or the other down singly, he would not be able to withstand a concerted effort of the two Alpha's. His cadre would have to step in and make things very messy indeed. No, she would not be so foolish either.

She had to approve of the choice of Maria to watch over Sharon. She didn't trust any of Talomar's cadre to do it without harming her. She wasn't so sure that Sharon would accept help from herself or Merrick, though if things went south, she would probably be the one leaping into shield Sharon. Once a cop, always a cop...

Gaida was stuck on Talomar. That much was obvious from her scent. She recalled how Merrick was panting over her and had to wonder how he could reduce himself to the Count's leavings.

Stefan was hooked on Firesong. Again his adoration was apparent to anyone with two eyes and a working brain..

To her estimation the dangerous ones were David, Firesong and Targon. David was actively plotting. The glance and the thoughtful tapping on his chin gave him away. Firesong was volatile at best, and rather unpredictable. Targon was a compete unknown and therefore a danger. He was careful and not given to excessive flash or show.

Hades, The room was alive with the tension... Sexual Tension. She was not immune to it, though she would either end up with Merrick or one of her Lieutenants tonight. Merrick was the odds on favorite in this race.

She just wished they would finish with the foreplay and get on with the main event.

As the shock of the Count?s confession wears off, our intrepid little reporter can?t keep the scowl from her face. Of all the articles she?s ever written, never once has Sharon laid blame upon any one race or culture. Not the vampires, the weres or any other meta-humans. Sharon?s mother would be appalled should she behave in such in impolite manner! Mrs. Gossip has brought her children up believing in racial tolerance.

It is true Sharon?s written much about the lawlessness of Rhy?Din and was once strong-armed by DCH to attack the Rhy?Din Mafia, (a.k.a. The Bloods). But other than the upsurge of Slavers in her fair city, her articles have been rather action oriented. Like the Northside explosion, or the downfall of the Dockside. She?s even tried to push good news into the spotlight with her report on Jodiah Ayreg who had cold-bloodedly slaughtered Amthy Oak but in the end was found out and exposed. (Of course, Amthy was miraculously back from the dead and Jodiah Ayreg never did pay for his heinous act of violence? But carrying out the law isn?t Sharon?s job!)

Sitting here, sandwiched between the beautiful Maria and the devastatingly handsome Charles, Sharon can?t help but wonder why she?s been singled out by Talomar. It is true; she?s focused on crimes, but never on the racial aspects of them. Besides, she?s not here to report of horrors? rather she had been anticipating another type of article; one that might offer hope and aid to many of the citizens in Rhy?Din. That is? if the Count can actually pull it off and it really is what she was suspecting it to be all along.

He?s right, of course, about the rampant feeding-fests that do indeed happen in many of the public places. There is even a candidate for Governor whose platform seeks to have all weres and vampires placed in quarantine. She must wonder who would be next on that one?s list. Personally, she won?t be voting for such a prejudicial candidate, it goes against her upbringing and ethics. Besides, Sharon doesn?t understand how that would even be possibly legal, but then again, law in Rhy?Din is fickle to say the least.

What she does know is that too many in Rhy?Din aren?t human, to attack them because they are otherwise is detrimental and unreasonable. Everyone deserves the same: innocence until proven guilty, human or not.

Yet? in all honesty, Sharon is often the target of those more powerful than she. Demons, incubus, vampires, you name it, have all tried to make her their lunch. She would like there to be some kind of control over them. Someway to keep them from thinking they can munch down on just anyone anywhere at anytime!

Sharon is hoping that is what the Count intends to do: consolidate the various preternatural races under one umbrella and apply some form of law to keep things under control. Have them work together for a better city, for a safer city, not just for her but for everyone, themselves included.

Our intrepid reporter carefully looks over the faces of those gathered, trying to decipher what their thoughts might be.

Having them band together would give them a lot more power, yes, but it may also be the answer to everyone?s problem. And Sharon can?t see a better time for this to happen; before the governor?s election. If the wrong guy wins all hell will be breaking loose in Rhy?Din. Sharon would rather be reporting good news, than worse news.

Charles watched the events taking place. It would normally have been his position to take care of any visitor, but Talomar had told him to remain with Sharon. It was a command he was all too happy to comply with.

Our intrepid reporter has known for sometime that the Count is a man of some standing and wealth. His most recent confession to being one of the many meta-humans that reside in Rhy?Din however has left Sharon somewhat off kilter.

She wonders?

?Just what is he? What powers does he possess??

And? the worst of the worst:

?Is he using them on me?!?

Green eyes behind those ugly thick glasses flicker over each of the guests gathered as Sharon attempts to puzzle out who may be what. Sure, she senses the power; it fairly radiates throughout the room, the ambiance is thick with it. But Sharon can?t tell what any one of them is! They all look just like regular people!

?This being human thing?! It?s getting old.? She thinks as she can?t help but recall Perish?s fifth, or was that sixth husband?

?What was his name?? She can?t seem to remember it.

But he?d tried to swallow Sharon?s soul! Or the Rhy?Din Police Chief from a few years back. He?d wanted to keep her as his own personal house pet. He threatened to steal her brain and keep her empty shell. Or the Helstons, demonic every one of them! If it hadn?t been for Lars however, Sharon would now be brainless and in the hands of the evil RPD Chief. She realizes well enough that heroes come in many forms.

She hates to think that her desire to remain here is being driven by anything other than herself. Under the circumstances it seems wiser if she remain alert, aware and at least a little suspicious.

?It sure is taking Phy and E.E. forever to get here!? Even as Sharon is thinking this the maid shows up in the doorway. The poor girl looks as if she is about to cry. Sharon feels very badly for her and wishes she could say something reassuring? that is? without interrupting the Count.

Straining to catch the girl?s words she feels a stab of disappointment for certainly this latest visitor is not Phy or E.E., they would have arrived together and with reinforcements. She wonders if this new caller is going to disrupt the meeting as she herself had done just a while ago.

The distraction however allows time for Sharon to peek over at Charles. She offers him a shy smile while wondering why the Count hadn?t sent him to attend to the most recent guest. Perhaps the Count doesn?t trust her and wants Charles to keep his eyes on her? Or perhaps the Count doesn?t trust his assembled guests? Either way, Sharon finds herself relieved that Charles hasn?t been sent away. She rather likes him staying close. Oddly enough it offers her a sense of comfort and safety.

It is as she is mooning over Charles that the idea dawns on her; an epiphany of some magnitude! Perhaps inspired by the unusual attraction she feels for the Count?s Steward, or even for the Count himself? She can help those gathered here and she?s even figured out a way to accomplish it!

Bad press may have been their bane in the past but she has the power to change that. In fact, any within the media has the power to alter public perceptions. All one has to do is tell the good stories, to point out the advantages rather than the obvious and oft scary flaws.

One or two bad apples? doesn?t mean the entire batch is spoilt! Sharon?s heard that often enough from her mother, it?s become engrained. Surely everyone in this room, or those under their care, has a story to tell, and they can?t all be horrific! Statistics alone prove that some must be noble and courageous as well. Now, there?s a scoop!

Green eyes fairly sparkle with excitement as Sharon looks upon those assembled with her newly discovered insight. She feels a surge of exhilaration as her thoughts continue to whiz furiously through her mind. So many options and all focusing on the good stories! Yes, news to inspire the masses rather than only the awful, dreadful stuff.

Hey? Maybe she can even make friends with them? It would be a boon to have them on her side? and a heck of a lot safer all around!

Yes, our intrepid little reporter now basks in the dawning hope of better times ahead for all as her green eyes once again come to rest somewhat adoringly on Charles.

Interruptions we're never one of the Counts strong points, and Maria was actually shocked that her Lord would react so calmly, yet still the girl beside her would warrant some restraint. Maria's gaze took in the report if only for a second before moving on and returning to Talomar. How she longed for only a few moments alone with him. She needed to talk to him, to have just a few minutes alone to let him know how she felt. For now though she would have to remain silent and patient.

Slowly her gaze swept the crowd the people sitting on the couch, and those in the encircling chairs. She could see the obvious attractions in the room, the way each play bristled at the others in this game of politics, some with lust, others with hate. At the thought her gaze fell on Merrick and an involuntary shudder ran up her spine, she was just happy the beasts attention was else where then on her.

Maria felt a shiver rush up her spine at Talomar's touch. Of course she supported the Count in his ideas but this seemed particularly involved, and she had to wonder if the others would agree. She also wondered silently weather or not the others in Rhy Din would bow down to such policing.

Lady Firesong Sunstrike Aldrack Haze canted her head slightly to the side and back at the delectable touch of the familiar hand of Talomar. She was not in the least disappointed in the way this little Gathering was progressing any longer. The feral nature sheathed it?s claws and fangs retracted.

Her aura calmed to a warm glow that resided beneath the surface of her smooth skin. The hues of red and yellow less pronounced with business close to hand. She sought to judge the temper of the room. The undercurrents eddied and shifted like smoke from a chimney in a midnight breeze.

The scent of food had struck her causing her to rest a hand with what could have been tenderness from another on Stefan?s thigh. The gesture by her, with a faint yet discernable coppery fragrance wafted by the opening and closing of the door by the servant, spoke of need, Hunger, and ecstacy.

The leaning of Targon was temptation incarnate. His scent drew as did the sweet beckoning of moonlight and shadows. The flames could rise to overtake yet like a phoenix rebirth was certainty here. Fire moved without seeming to in order to take advantage of that touch to make it more. It was as it had been. A quest to quench rising tides of thunderous waves that sought to drag one beneath them. She offered a dainty hand by resting it palm upwards upon his thigh.

Yet now the plan was laid upon the table for all to examine and remark upon. The time had come for the majority of her attention to remain focused upon who would agree and who would disagree. She was fully prepared to stand back-to-back with Talomar should need demand such.

She gave a polite smile over to Sharon deciding that was the place for her to begin. Her voice was soft, yet free of compulsion, although it was a pleasing low contralto of sound in it?s natural state. ?Sharon, allow me to say ye have my endorsement as a member of our alliance. The Count is correct that good reporting would be an assistance in our endeavor to bring some peace and relief to the streets and citizens of this city. Ye may have my name. I am Lady Firesong Sunstrike Aldrack Haze and should ye join us ye may call upon me if ye have need.?

He listened to the Count very carefully.

What Talomar said was true. Werewolves were often mistrusted, mistreated, and even persecuted in town. The members of his pack often returned home with tales of horror. Sometimes they returned bloodied. Occasionally they didn't return at all. The Pack didn't take this laying down. They retaliated and took revenge, but it would be nice to not have to be doing this alone. If Miha and her Pard was in, he and his Pack would be in too.

"I'm in, and therefore so is my Pack. I do have two questions. What candidate do you think we'll be endorsing, and who else will be joining us in cleaning up this city?"

As Talomar's second in command, the Count had no doubt where he stood, but Stefan Salvatore, the vampire lord and former commander of the armies of the unalive knew it was his place to voice his decision.

This was not the time to be fawning over Firesong. She knew he was at her disposal if she should want him.

He stood and made a slight bow from the waist up. "My Lord Longden, I believe I'm not in error when I say that your plan brings some hope and excitement to all of us here. As always, I'm at your service to bring this plan to fruition."

Instead of retaking his seat, he moved over to the library double-doors and stood here with his arms folded across his chest.

He was ready for action.

Our intrepid reporter sits calmly enough, however it doesn?t take a rocket scientist to notice that the direct attention makes her a little nervous. Sharon smiles to the Lady Firesong, nodding to her introduction. But before Sharon has the chance to reply, the Lady Mihaela is also offering her name up. Sharon can barely believe her ears! Not only are they beautiful and something other than mere human, but the kindness afforded to Sharon is touching. So few in Rhy?Din would be as honorable, which says volumes about those present and a lot less about the rest of the city?s population.

She shares her smile between the two ladies as she blurts out ?Thank you!? Sharon doesn?t want to interrupt however so she falls immediately silent. She has decided to wait until all the invited parties have had their chance to speak. Since she wasn?t an invited guest it is the least she can do to appease the voice of her mother inside her head: ?Be Polite!?

Instead Sharon ponders over what the Count has said.

Talomar?s comment about how Sharon too should be safe is one that hits home. She would indeed prefer to have the privilege to walk unmolested throughout Rhy?Din. It would be better if public places were made safe for everyone too. Like the inn, for example. But Sharon isn?t sure how it can be accomplished. Well? She can?t see how through the thickness of the trees, because the forest is somewhat buried in all the greenery.

It is still rather vague to her what Lord Nye?s nature may be. He obviously holds a prominent position in his lands? a land Sharon knows little about. However, the handsome man seems rather taken by the beautiful Lady Firesong which affords Sharon comfort. Since the lady has spoken in support of Sharon, it seems safe to assume Lord Nye will respect that.

The Lady Mihaela?s ?pard? has Sharon reeling with curiosity. Sharon?s never heard of a ?pard? before? She wonders what it is. What she does understand is how dangerous it is for this ?pard? to wander around Rhy?Din unprotected. This is something Sharon can more than relate to and she vows silently to herself to watch over them as much as they her.

The Lord Merrick and his pack, on the other hand, are more familiar. Sharon?s known a few people who have been turned either by a werebeast or by vampires. She couldn?t blame them really. In Rhy?Din being human can be a death sentence. Yet, there is something sinister about Merrick that gives Sharon pause. Sure, he?s sitting all sweet and romantic-like beside the lovely Mihaela, but will the lady be enough to temper the evil that seems to emanate from the man? Sharon hopes so for Mihaela and her pard?s sake at the very least.

As to the suggestion of picking the best candidate and backing them? well, Sharon must wonder if there is such a thing as ?the best? choice. So many have stepped up to run this year, it begs to question which of them would be more reliable when it comes to creating a safer environment. Which is likely to do something?

Kitty Helston did as fine a job as any could have, yet often times her hands were tied by bureaucratic nonsense. Isn?t the same likely to happen to any who ascend to the position next? Sharon frowns at the thought as it whispers of how things cannot be changed.

The Count is also right about the rise of a certain Slaver and his cadre. A Slaver Sharon works hard to avoid! But how much longer will she be able to keep away from him? Lord Travanix once told Sharon that he takes what he wants and that no one can stop him. Sharon can?t help but worry. What if he decides to take her next? Something has to be done! It doesn?t seem fair in the least that one individual should have the right to do whatever they want to whom ever they want whenever they want to do it!

As the last of the properly invited guests have spoken, Sharon lifts her hand and once the Count is looking her way she speaks.

?I would be happy to help in any way I can, Count. However, I do have a question. How can we be sure that the Governor, any Governor will work towards a safer Rhy?Din? Of all the candidates, there are very few who stand worthy of backing. But the few who are; are equally qualified. How do we whittle it down to merely one?

?Also, Sir, how do we know they want our backing?? To Sharon this is the most significant of questions. There are many in Rhy?Din who would rather spit in the faces of the meta-humans than share lunch in the same park. If they attempt to back a candidate the repercussions could be rather scary. There will be some who will vote against such a candidate because of their backing. Others may see this as a coup to grab power. In fact? Rhy?Din wouldn?t be Rhy?Din if there weren?t at least a handful of others nay saying anything anyone does.

Amazingly enough, thoughts of Charles hadn?t haunted Sharon for the past twelve minutes. But as our intrepid reporter waits for the Count to answer her eyes fall on Charles standing beside her. She offers him a warm smile. ?Charles sure is a dreamboat.? And as she had already contemplated the others, she finds herself now wondering what his story might be? Sharon determines to find out. Whoever Charles is, whatever he might be, somehow he?s managed to capture Sharon?s attention and affections, in such a short time too. Nothing like this has ever happened to her before? but she has to admit, she?s finding it all rather pleasant.

The meeting was obviously over and the staff was doing their job of cleaning up the glasses and dishes from the library and standing ready to offer a drink or anything else to the guests. The Count appeared to be busy, so Charles took the opportunity to approach Sharon.

He stood at attention in front of her and addressed her most properly. ?Ms. Gossip, may I show you around the castle?? He could tell that she was interested in the Count?s dwelling by the way her eyes had searched the room during the meeting. Besides, she was a reporter, and what reporter would not want to see the inside of the castle. In fact, she would have the distinction of being the very first reporter to ever step inside the castle.

Charles leaned closer to her and couldn?t help but admire her beautiful green eyes, so much so that he almost forgot what he was going to ask ? almost. He lowered his voice, ?Of course if you would rather retire for the night, I will personally make sure you have the finest guest room available.? He expected that all of those involved in the meeting would be staying overnight in the castle, but then it occurred to him that Sharon might not wish to do so, even though any good reporter would salivate at the opportunity.

?On the other hand, Ms. Gossip, if you would like to return home, I?ll immediately request a coach for you and escort there myself.? Why was he offering to do that? He never escorted anyone unless the Count specifically requested it. He needed an excuse, or perhaps even a legitimate reason. ?After all, if I?m to work closely with you, it may be appropriate that we would know each other a little better.?

Upon hearing Charles? inquiries? the first thought our intrepid reporter has is: ?Wow that was easy!? The second is: ?Know each other a little better!? An echo of his words that pleases Sharon immensely, she very much wants to know him better indeed!

For you see, Sharon had just been mulling over how she might strike up a conversation with the handsome Steward when mercifully he?d stepped up and gallantly took the lead. However she now faces a quandary.

Sharon silently debates over accepting Charles? offer of a tour, which indeed sounds tasty, or whether to allow him to escort her home. (There is something wickedly naughty about the last but still it holds much mysterious and enticing appeal!) Either way it suggests time spent alone in Charles? company. Sharon can?t keep the beaming smile from her face, no matter how hard she tries.

As a hot blush rises to stain fair cheeks, Sharon bobs her head in agreement. Although to what she?s agreeing may not yet be plain or easy for the striking Charles? to decipher. ?Thank you so much! I was hoping for the opportunity to talk with you.? And so far, she?s not making it any easier for him to understand. ?I want to thank you for? ah?? One can almost hear the wheels whirring inside her head as she contemplates what to say next.

?Saving my life? sounds lame even to Sharon?s ears. She draws in a deep breath, she feels delighted on one hand and self-conscious on the other. She fights back the urge to smile and fails, yet again. ?For? another obvious pause before she finally manages to blurt out ?everything!?

For an awkward moment green eyes peer up at Charles over the rim of those thick ugly glasses as she struggles to remember what her options had been. Too bad the only thoughts in her head are about Charles. It makes it difficult to find the appropriate response when all she can think about is how much she likes his eyes, they are so dark and dreamy, very easy to lose her self in. Heck, she?s finding it next to impossible to think clearly about anything else! Who could have known that a man would steal away Sharon?s tongue and, while on the subject, her brain too?

Sharon has faced many situations. She?s feared for her life throughout most of them. Yet even in the maw of terror, her life hanging in some stranger?s hands, she?s always kept her nerve, always kept a clear head on her shoulders! The difference now is that rather than fearful of him, she?s attracted to the gentleman and can?t seem to get her thoughts out of the proverbial gutter. (As her mother would take great pleasure in pointing out was she here.)

Never has Sharon been faced with such desires, such lust. She isn?t sure what a girl should do to catch the gentleman?s attentions. But that is the small of it. For Sharon doesn?t know what to do with a gentleman?s attention once she has it. That is far more Phy?s expertise than Sharon?s. Feeling at a complete loss, Sharon simply opens her mouth and says the first thing that comes out.

?Just having time with you would be wonderful actually!?

If nothing else could be said of our intrepid little reporter Sharon sounds intensely sincere. Rather than answering him with her preference, Sharon leaves it up to Charles to decide. Besides, a girl daren?t be too forward or she may scare him away, her mother?s voice inside her head reminds. Sharon concludes that, for now, Charles should do the leading; she?s beginning to think she?ll be much safer that way.

Leaving it up to her?! Oh, dear! Such temptation she?s finding hard to resist!

Maria glanced towards Talomar, her eyes meeting his if only for a moment before she nodded. "Yes my Lord, privately if possible, and when you have time of course," she added not wanting to hold him up, she had not missed the glace towards the other woman in the room, if he had other commitments she would not keep him.

Gaida watched all that was going on, in some ways amused, in other ways more than a little annoyed.

Merrick and Milaeha were going off together. So were Charles and Sharon. Gaida had never seen Charles go off with anyone, so that was truly a significant event.

David seemed to be absorbed with someone he met at the door. He was gone and left her alone.

Stefan and Targon seemed to be waiting for Firesong to make up her mind. Talomar was being seduced by Maria, or at least it seemed that way. She knew their history and wondered what was on Maria's mind.

That left Gaida to herself. She shrugged and thought about that for a minute. Talomar knew where to find her. He often came to her room at night and took whatever he wanted. Of course she was only too happy to give it to him.

She doubted her sleep would be disturbed this night.

They walked up the stairs and at the top of the stairs was a servant who was handing out the room keys. "Baron du Lac, room 7." She handed him the key. "And Nimir-Ra Ashante, you're room . . . " she paused a bit checking the registry Charles had given to her. "Ah...room 6." She handed Miha the key.

She took the key from the servant with a nod and arched a brow. "Are these rooms next to each other?" She looked over to Merrick thoughtfully.

"I would presume that they are, but we'll just have to go see." He was hoping that they were. He would not be too surprised. Maria and Gaida were here all the time, and Stefan and David stayed here more then in their own homes. He had no doubt that Firesong has spent much time in Lord Longden's bed. Charles would have a room on the servant's quarters on the third floor. It would leave himself, Miha, Targon and Sharon as the only guests who did not actually reside here. The castle was not looking so large after all. The rooms 1-4 were on the hallway that led to the Count's study, 5-8 were down a hallway that turned to the left. "Hmm...it does seem that our rooms are together with 5 and 6 being on the right side of the hall and 7 and 8 being on the left." Merrick grinned, "We could purchase this castle and make it into a hotel."

She laughed softly and murmured, "And here I was hoping for adjoining rooms. The little door makes it convenient.?

"Yeah, well tell you what, you go in room 6 and I'll see if I can get mine changed to 5. Be right back." He headed down the hall smiling. She actually wanted to have adjoining rooms!

She chuckled softly. She was looking forward tonight. As he was arranging his room, she sent a message off to Akiko and Damon telling them to head home.

It was only a few minutes later when he returned. It was fortunate that they had left before everyone else. Room 5 was to be Targon's but he was able to make the switch. He went inside his room, locked the door behind him, then poured two glasses of brandy and went to the adjoining door and knocked.

She opened the door, having gotten comfortable. She smiled gently and allowed him entrance.

He was standing there with his shoulder leaning against the door frame, a glass of brandy in his hand. "Hello there, neighbor. Just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood with this glass of the Count's finest brandy."

She chuckled softly and accepted the glass from him, "Right neighborly of you." Those eyes could not help but roam the line of his form in appreciation of the view.

He picked up his own glass and entered. He noticed that each room was different in subtle ways, but each was furnished with fine furniture, canopied bed, woolen dyed rugs, a fireplace, and liquor and food provided on silver trays. "Well, it's easy to be neighborly when I have such a beautiful neighbor." He moved closer, raised his glass to hers and took a sip.

The glasses clinked together lightly and she took a sip. "Indeed especially coming from one so handsome."

That comment made him smile. He placed his hand on her forearm and rubbed up and down. "Because of you, I'm glad I came here tonight".

She took a step closer to him, "I almost didn't come, however the night has definitely improved." She smiled up at him.

His hand moved to her face, moving back a little strand of hair as he looked from her eyes to her lips. "Yes, it has," he said softly.

She set her brandy aside and leaned up to him. She boldly placed a light kiss on his lips. It didn't bother her one bit that she only had just met him.

He was surprised and delighted with the kiss, and was not about to let this opportunity pass. He set his glass next to hers and took Miha into his strong arms, and this time he initiated the kiss.

She purred into the kiss, lacing her arms around his neck. She pressed even closer to him. This night has been very interesting. She certainly did not expect anyone like the werewolves Ulfric.

He deepened the kiss, his mouth opening upon hers, enjoying her taste and closeness, feeling her trim, and shapely body against his. His hand that was on her back lowered and pulled her in tight against him.

One of her hands laced into his hair as she parted her lips to him. She savored his taste and breathed in his scent. The wolf was intoxicating to her.

Who would have ever thought, in a million years, that he would be with the Nimir-ra of a pard, and finding her the most beautiful, desirable, sexy woman he could ever imagine. He knew she could feel his arousal press against her, but he didn't want to hide his desire for her, or what she was doing to him. His tongue tasted hers, pressing against it and exploring around it as soft sighs of delight came from deep within.

Her purr mingled softly with soft mewls of pleasure. She knew he could scent her arousal. She felt his desire and it spurred hers onward.

He broke the kiss on her mouth only to explore her neck with his lips. "Mmmm...maybe we don't need two rooms after all," he hummed against her ear.

She purred softly, "If nothing else, for appearances sake. Though with this assemble, who cares." She nuzzled into his cheek.

He laughed and picked her up into his arms. "You have a very good point there, my sweet." He brought her to the bed and laid her down upon it and began to kiss her again.

She purred as he laid her down in the bed. Her lips met his hungrily. Her hands exploring him through the cover of his clothing.

Just being in bed with Miha was worth sitting through a thousand such meetings. He kissed her deeply and moved his hand down her leg, nearly to her knee, and then back up, over her hip and to her breast. Even beneath the clothing her body felt firm and delicious.

She was returning that kiss as her figure found the buttons of his shirt. She purred as nimble fingers started opening those buttons.