The familiar scent of blood filled Cesare?s flaring nostrils as he and his cohorts stood among the mangled bodies of some of their kin that had dared to challenge his authority. Antonio had not gotten out of the fierce combat unscathed so he barked an order to see to it that the silver was removed from the wound before it could cause any serious lasting damage. He needed his ?driver? and lieutenant in working condition.

The dead would be dealt with and the wounded tended to regardless of affiliations. The combat was concluded and a decisive victor declared mostly considering all but one of the usurpers had been slaughtered for their transgressions.

He wasn?t terribly concerned for his brothers or the repercussions of the alleyway brawl currently, they could wait, it was the blood of the young warlock woman that made his heart continue to pound a rapid rhythm making whooshing sounds in his ears. Another of his pack tossed him his shirt as he walked past him at a brisk pace in pursuit of the girl. His arms were shoved into the shirt and he began buttoning it up as his long stride took him down the twisting alley, tracking the blood tinted with magic and calling her name. The Alpha kept tight control on his voice despite the anxiety building in his chest, showing too much concern was a weakness. She had been targeted in the fray because he had let his meticulousness slack when it came to her. Laughing too often, smiling too much when she was near, showing too much care for the girl. He silently cursed himself as he walked, it could have cost Phinn her life had the aim been more true.

He should have expected those particular wolves to turn on them as soon as they had secured the item, but it was always a sad affair to lose kin to greed. He was buttoning his shirt when he rounded the corner and saw Phinn?s form silhouetted in front of the stark light the portal cast. The portal she had summoned.

Cesare?s eyebrows pinched at the centre between his eyes causing wrinkles to appear on his brow in a questioning look without actually having to put words to it. What was she doing? ?Bella..? He felt his heart sinking when he realized what she was doing. She was running. After close to a year of being with him, she was running. Turning her back on everything he?d done with her, for her.

He felt his teeth slam together and his hands ball into fists when she pulled the fine silver chain and promise ring from her neck and drop it so carelessly on the ground. His golden orange eyes narrowing at her words and glowered at her back as she turned and disappeared into the magical gateway without a second look.

Cesare snarled, his upper lip curling back from his teeth a bit as a rage began to build to replace the hurt, or perhaps simply to mask it. His eyes readjusted to the natural light of the moon and the ambient light cast by the city a few moments after the portal snapped closed. He moved to the spot she?d been just a moment before, the crackle of latent magic still prickly in the air caused the fine hairs on the back of his neck to rise. He crouched and scooped up the silver chain, gritting his teeth and hissing as the pure metal burned his flesh when he closed his hand tightly around it.

Roberto, Cesare?s other Lieutenant rounded the corner, huffing to catch his breath to find him standing alone with his hand tucked into his pocket. ?Signor?? He cast a glance over his shoulder, his gold orange eyes gleaming, his face returned to a stoic mask that could be mistaken for a scowl. Cesare gave the necklace now hidden in his pocket one last tight squeeze before letting it go and unbuttoned the cuffs of his sleeves, rolling them up carefully and neatly as he spoke in his native Italian to his brother-at-arms, ?Quite the night.? He mused, once again and from now on if he could help it, tightly controlled emotion in his voice. The Alpha took a deep breath and let it out in a harrumph, ?Find me a Warlock. Preferably one with tracking abilities, Roberto. We?re going hunting.?

No one stole from Cesare Torvancai and got away with it.

Thursday - Dec 1st - 10:58PM - Rome, Italy - Club Stregoneria

Cesare hated meeting in clubs. He had business at them every now and again unfortunately; protection collections, back room 'bargainings', the odd poker game, that sort of thing but agreeing to meet an unknown warlock in the club where he?d have to spend more than ten minutes annoyed him. He didn?t fit in at these places and it showed. People were generally having a good time dancing to the thumping beat or drinking with friends. He didn't do either of those activities so he moved around the dance floor to a cornered off area that Mario, the bar's owner, had set up for VIPs that rarely came through or folks that wanted to spend some extra cash. It was settled away from the speakers and dancing folks, where he could conduct business without having to shout his private matters everywhere. Antonio had located a warlock that claimed prowess with the required tracking ability Cesare had demanded. Now, they just had to wait for her to show up and he would see if there was any weight to her words.

Sophie had been surprised, truthfully when she received a call from one of Cesare?s men. It wasn?t often that she was contacted by such people of standing, so either he was desperate, or word of mouth had informed him of a specific service of hers that he needed. Either way, she was never one to turn down an opportunity. Especially one that may have large dollar signs attached. Once the bouncer had received her name, he whispered a couple things to her. Like where to find Cesare. With a quiet thanks, and a dazzling smile, she breezed past him and into the club dressed in a pair of jeans, a crop-top tee with a black pea coat tossed over top. Her near platinum hair pulled up in a messy bun, she too, didn?t exactly blend in with the rest of those that had come tonight to lose themselves in the bass pounding from the speakers, or the booze and drugs the place had to offer. Conscious to follow the instructions given, she was sliding into the seat across from the man soon enough.

?Heya, handsome. What troubles can I help you with??

Being the old fashioned gentleman that he could be, Cesare stood when she arrived, giving a nod, ?You must be Signorina Sophia, yes?? He arched an eyebrow at the way she addressed him and her question, he certainly had to be thankful she was getting right to business so he took a seat, ?I require a warlock such as yourself to find something for me. How difficult is that sort of thing??

?Sophia, yes. And you. You are Cesare, oui?? Her brows ticked up just a touch as she settled herself into the booth, and rested her hands, one on top of the other on the table. She considered him as he spoke, a faint light in her near neon blue eyes when he spoke of her finding something. ?It depends on the something that you want me to locate. It is easier to locate a lost living being if I have something of theirs. Items, if they have a strong personal pull, or energy signature. And even still, some are harder than others to locate, especially if you take into concern that there may be wards in place to protect and conceal. There are many things that can come into play, Cesare. So tell me. What is lost, and can?t be found for you, Monsieur??

He pursed his lips a bit as he thought, he knew it would be difficult...or at least more difficult for anyone that he had at his disposal, thus the need to contract an outside source. ?I see.? He scratched at his scruffy jaw as he thought, he wasn?t going to divulge any information about the object to her...the stone was sought after by werewolves most of all but any magical creature or Downworld up-and-comer would want such a thing. It?s uses were innumerable as far as he could tell, a powerful conduit for supernatural ability. He also wasn't terribly keen on the fact that the girl was French...but beggers couldn't be choosers. ?...And if this individual is no longer on this plane of existence? Is that something that you can be tracking as well?? His golden orange eyes held hers with his intense gaze that bordered on a stare-down.

She watched him the whole time. The scratch of the scruff at his jaw, the way his face contorted in thought. She knew he wasn?t telling her everything, but from what she knew and heard, the man was secretive, and no one got close enough to learn his secrets? except for another pretty little warlock. She?s quiet for a long moment after he finishes speaking. ?Yes. That is something that I can track as well. It does not affect the way of the spell.?

?Bene?? He murmured as he thought again, a pensive sort of fellow. It was a sensitive subject after all...he had lost sleep and this past week had been rough. Those closest to him, Antonio and Roberto, knew that he was hurting even though he looked the same as ever. Only the slightly longer scruff instead of his jaw being trimmed neatly was any sort of indication that he was preoccupied in his thoughts. He had been betrayed twice in one night and it would damage his already frail trust he had in people.

?And how much of a fee would you be needing to complete such a thing?? Money was, of course, no real object but he also wouldn?t be ripped off.

?How much is it worth it to you for me to find this individual? And do not say that it is worth nothing, as I know you would not come to me for something as worthless as that. I am but a tiny warlock, compared to one of your standing.? Those near neon blue eyes were thoughtful and calculating.

He gave a snort, ?Very astute. That would be a silly thing to do, wouldn?t it?? He took a deep breath and let it out, ?Also, flattery is a dangerous game that I am not interested in, Signorina. Business.? Cesare?s eyes held the same thoughtful and calculating look but also held a cold hardness as he reminded her, ?Whatever your usual charging rate is, I will triple it. Is this satisfactory??

?Yes. Yes, it would be a silly thing to do. But you would be surprised as to how many have come to me expecting to procure my services for free. It is insulting, especially when most can not do the things I can.? A snort follows these words, along with a faint frown. ?It is not flattery, Monsieur, when it is the truth.? Her response was simple and honest. When he spoke of tripling her rate, there was a tick of surprise on her features as she did the calculations. Huh. She?d have enough for a small vacation of sorts afterwards. The thought was indeed satisfactory. ?I generally charge a thousand euros for such jobs as this. That would make it three thousand. I prefer to have at least half the payment up front. The rest on completion. Are you alright with that, Cesare??

?Consider yourself hired then, Signorina Sophia.? he nodded, ?Fifteen hundred euros will be deposited into an account of your choosing.? He leaned back in his seat, giving an up-nod to Mario, ?Let us have a drink and discuss details, yes?? More so, he wanted a drink to help dull the pain he knew would itch at the inside of his brain while discussing tracking down Phinn.

?Absolutely wonderful.? She nodded, and seconds later a look of delight stretched across her features. ?As for a drink, I would love one, oui. I prefer brandy, and if you have St. Remy, that makes it even better. Then we?ll discuss details.? Most of the business part had taken place. Rates and prices agreed on, skills confirmed. Now it was just the details that she needed from him in order to locate the one he sought.

?St. Remy. Brandy.? He stated and knew that the sharp eared bartender would hear the order for the lady and knew what the werewolf drank. Within just a few moments, the drinks were brought over for the pair. ?Salute.? He toasted with a raise of his glass before sipping, his free hand slipping into his pocket to nudge at the silver chain held within.

After a healthy drink was taken, he wiped his lips with a thumb and wrapped his hand around the necklace to withdrew it from his pocket. Cesare held it out to Sophie, letting the jewelery dangle from his hand as it burnt his skin, ?This belonged to the individual in question. Though only for some six months or so. Is that a sufficient amount of time for you to be able to be using??

?Merci.? The word was murmured in thanks to both the bartender who served their drinks, and Cesare for the offer. She collected her own glass, and lifted it in return to him. Then her lips kissed the rim of her glass and she tilted it for a sip. Then the glass found the table again, but her hand never left it.

As he pulled the necklace and ring from is pocket to hold it out to her, she noted mildly that it was silver and that it had to burn him to touch it. Silent, she reached out to collect the jewelery from him and studied it. ?Was it something that the person wore just once in a while, or did they wear it daily??

He let it drop into her hand after a moment of holding it out to her, almost reluctant to release it even though it was biting into his cursed skin. He withdrew his hand and took another drink before answering, ?The chain for longer than the ring, perhaps eight months for that. But yes. Daily.? He pursed his lips, uncertain if he was more angry at himself or Phinn.

?Then, oui. It will work. Had it been something worn once in a while, then non, it would have not worked.? As she studied the ring and chain, she noted that the latter was broken, and as curious as she was, she didn?t ask why. ?What other information are you willing to divulge about this person??

He grit his teeth a moment and swirled his drink around, ?Seraphinna Santos. Twenty-one years old. American born. Middle child. Her current whereabouts I believe is on another plane. She spoke of it once or twice; Rhy?din. But I cannot say where exactly that is to assist in narrowing down your search.? He spoke in clipped words, in a business like manner, like there was no emotional attachment.

She had pulled a notepad free from her back pocket at some point, and as he listed information about the target to be found, she scrawled things down with a bright blue pen that had a cap nearly obliterated by nervous absent chewing. Seraphinna. Phinn. The girl rumored to make the Monsieur smile just a little too much, and laugh just a little too loud. ?I will figure out where the plane of Rhy?din is, if it is a plane. Oui. Is there any other details that come to mind to help?? She regards him for a moment with arched brows, pen at the ready to scrawl more notes should he offer anything else.

?Such as?? Cesare slowly swirled his drink around in his glass, looking at the dark amber liquid lapping there rather than at her, ?I have no needed to use the tracking abilities of a Warlock prior to this eve-ening...what manner of information would assist in narrowing down the location??

Generally, he tracked using his own heightened scent or his various contacts but with her having portalled away, she left no discernable trail for him to follow so he was at a loss without help from a contracted source.

?Well, you said that she mentioned the place you think she?s at. Rhy?din. Did she tell you about anything about the place?? Her lips twisted in a pensive look fueled by a couple of thoughts. While he swirled his glass, she was taking opportunity of the fact that the drink was free, and was happily making the brandy of choice disappear in a steady pace. She paused from time to time to scribble a note down, or some idea that came to mind.

?That her siblings may be there. That mundanes and Downworlders seem to know about each other without consequence. And that there were things there that we have not seen here.? It did sound like an interesting place but he wasn?t terribly trusting of portal travel, it had taken a lot of convincing for him to agree for the plan they were going to use after getting the article.

?Younger brother, elder sister.? He waved his hand in a dismissive gesture, he didn?t recall their names or much care. He didn?t get the sense that Phinn was much of a family oriented girl so he never really pursued that line of conversation.

She scribbled more as he spoke, making note of possible family and the like. ?That sounds like an interesting place. To have the mundies knowing about us, oui? Not have to hide.? A flash of pearly whites follows in a grin. ?I have a question. Once I find her. Locate this Rhy?din. Do you have wish to be transported there?? Up goes a brow, and she leans forward to rest on an elbow, prop her head up in her hand.

He finally stopped looking to his drink and took a sip of it before setting the glass down and watching her instead with that intent stare. He was quiet for a moment as he thought on the idea, ?...I suppose that it would have to be so. I wish the article she stole from me to be return-ed.?

His stare was returned with an almost unnerving blue one. Then finally, she smiled, ?Monsieur, portals cost extra. But I can get you there, and get you there in one piece. On top of return. And of course along with who ever you wish to take with you.?

He gave a snort accompanied with an eyeroll but there was a small smirk on his face that ghosted for a moment. Of course they did. ?And how much extra, exactly?? This would most likely take up a larger chunk of funds than he had expected but he would have what he wanted back.

?Normally, it is a thousand euros for each portal, but if you triple it like my other payment I will do both for the price of one. I can be generous too.? She watches him as she speaks, and switches out the pen she had for her brandy once more, so she can finish the last few swallows.

Another snort and a smirk, amused with her ?generosity?, ?A shrewd business woman. I can appreciate that." He finished his drink and gave a single nod, "Done. I expect results, Signorina Sophia.?

She finished her drink with a smack of her lips, and set the empty glass before him. ?And results you will get, Monsieur Cesare.? She gestured to her glass. ?A refill, S?il vous plait. While that?s being taken care of, we have some papers to sign.?

One of his dark eyebrows arched a bit on his brow, causing his forehead to wrinkle a bit, ?Not in blood I hope.? He smirked but up nodded to Mario, ?See to it that the Signorina gets whatever she wishes this evening.? His attention returned to Sophie, ?Draw up the paperwork and leave an account for the transfer of the money with Mario.? He held out a plain business card with his name and phone number on it, ?Call if you are needing more information or what have you.? With that, the werewolf would finish his drink and stand to head out of the club.