Black and White: the Opposition of Red

[Fallenreaper]

Chance slumped over her knees, her long black hair flowed down her face to hide the exhausted look that settle there. Her nerves felt pulled beyond their limit even, strained into a unsettling tightness in her gut from the scene upstairs and now there was no place to go. She knew she only had herself to blame, stomping outside without ensuring her wallet was on her person while refusing to confront her overprotective brother and William’s logical arguments that would question the cause of the unknown bruises. Her thumbs and forefingers rubbed against her temple massaging the stress that crinkled her forehead, long trimmed nails dug slightly in. Elbows rested on the top of her smooth knee caps holding her head’s weight against falling over from the weight of her pilling troubles, the strange events and emotions of the wolf that centered on her left a sour taste in her mouth. Bitter and harsh like vomit yet she couldn’t retch because there was nothing in her stomach to come out.

A few moments after realizing this, a low gurgle rumbled though her mid-drift and bubbled with a feeding need. A chiming ringtone buzzed, filling the air of her favorite song, as the rattling jingled in her pocket of her jeans for a few seconds. Chance’s eyes lazily opened, her head lifted up from her fingers and slouched spine pulled up, her posture righting itself straight. Her right hand pulled back to the jean pocket on her ass, fingers slipped along the thick blue material to touch the hard casing of the vibrating object before pulling it free. It took some tugs; the small mobile refused to leave its place, caught by the pocket’s top and made its release a bit of a chore. Finally clamped between her forefinger and thumb she secured it into her palm, grey eyes glanced at an unfamiliar number what the title that quickly materialized a name on her lips.

“Eric?” She spoke out loud to herself.

Why was he calling?

Her thumb had slipped down and pressed the button then held it to her ear, moving a strand of straight black hair around behind her ear with the other hand. she swallowed a pit of emotion both curiosity and the rage that flooded her mind set her voice into a more normal, blank tone which Chance hoped wouldn’t betray her. Sound like she was trying too hard to hide something but it would, that much she knew. Heart hammered in her chest flooding a sense of nervousness all over her body like tiny needles that poked and exsamined, her knees pressed together Lips chapped and her tongue felt thick in her throat, like lumps of cotton, when she spoke.

“Hello?”

"Chance, it's me.. Eric. I was just wondering if you're alright..” he said, Chance should have known he would feel something the moment she let her guard down.

The second she had let herself think about him. She had to be more careful, the last thing she needed was to get close to another guy and least of all this guy. Left eye closed, her hand rubbed across it, wrinkling the lid in the circle motions while she answered. Chance couldn’t bring herself to lie right now, her nerves pulled in a direction that she wished it wasn’t all the time waiting on William to come down the stairs and though the apartment exit. To talk to her, smooth everything over to make things right again. She selfishly didn’t want to deal with that right now.

“I wish... nothing a little distance between my brother and William won’t cure,” Chance sounded drain, not physically but mentally to the point she didn’t give two shits about how she sounded,” One of those days that seems to just get worse nothing that you need to worry about.”

"Listen, I'll be on the road shortly and I might be passing by your place... on my way for dinner.. It'll be my pleasure if you would care to join me.."

Why the hell not? It gave her a opportunity to avoid going back inside and facing their attempts to talk, examine her bruises, and rush her to the hospital with Gage sitting at home pacing a hole in their apartment floor over the news. Chance could picture how it would play as in a sense of an old movie flick, flickering in to the future with each of their actions placed perfectly to their personalities. First they would baby her for the next week, a little pampering was nice but being forced to be helpless wasn’t. Both had trouble drawing the line between the two things despite Gage’s knowledge of her and William’s background in psychology. William would cancel his appointments for the next three weeks while Gage would lock her in the bedroom, calling her boss-that was if she still had a job- to state some bogus excuse that she had a mental break down roping a willing William to farther back it up. Only could end with her stressed beyond now…

She licked her lips; tongue ran the fullness of her mouth before answering him” Yeah, why not? I am not going anywhere and I don’t plan to going back to get in to get my wallet any time soon. Currently, I am outside on the bench in front of my complex s…”

The sensation of hairs rose on the back of her neck, shivers of being watched made Chance pause as she turned her head. Movement caught her eyes, white coloring of bone vanished from the corner of her eye before Chance continuing with a hint of unease her distracted voice,” So see you soon?”

"I'm sorry, I didn't get where you say you are.. Can you repeat that?"

“My apartment,” Chance spoke her own instincts coiled and upset, “Eric, don’t take too long.”

"I'll be right there. Stay put and don't wander off anywhere.."

“Alright, but it’s easier said than done…,” She answered then gently letting the cell slam shut before Eric could reply with her eyes narrowed at the alleyway, discomfort crept into her soul from the experience.

Her tennis shoes slapped the pavement in curious steps forward, drawing her figure close to the source of what unseen stalker bothered her. Steely iris vain sought for a sign, life, or any evidence to confirm the reason of Chance’s state of nervousness darting side to side rapidly. Once then twice her vision passed over the vacant place, scaling the dark brick walls of the sided building and her apartment before concluding that there was nothing there. Nothing, her tension fluttered away easily enough in her twisting heel, a haste retreat back to the bench. Chance was worked over nothing more than shadow and an over active imagination.

She relaxed and let out a breath, her head bobbed a bit when her ass end finally plopped down on the green wooden bench setting the cell beside her. It was a hell of a day. God she wished Nick was alive right now. It wasn’t because she needed a guy to coddle and hold her tight, not that she would object one bit, but something else wholly. She knew there was little to relieve both her emotions and body at the same time. The anxiety that threatened to crush her had jaded slightly in a bearable feeling now while her mind was distracted. It wasn’t for the lack of trying though, each activity- William more than helpful to aid her finances without oddly the request of repayment- from rock climbing to scuba diving, book reading to basic self-defense classes. Almost everything, saved for combat like material arts or boxing, was explored to substitute plain dirty sex. Nothing worked or at least very long, something in the activity of being close to another’s body and the roller coaster of highs and lows exhausted her mind into a numb like state that was hard to explain.

Joking under her breath while she buried her eyes into the palms of her hands,” I really need to find a better outlet then sex…or just get laid.”

In the alleyway, out of sight and lurking was a white grinning skeleton that slowly melted back into the building’s shade just as Eric would start to pull up…he should notice the emerald green shade of the hell hound’s glare a split second before it vanish.

[Lyzan]

Eric pocketed his phone once he'd hung up. His actions quickened. Made haste by Chance's last few comments. There was no need to ask what was wrong. No need to delay the moment further when his true objective was to get there by her side as fast as he could. No doubt there was worry creeping up within him. A slight discomfort at the tone of the lady's voice. But the situation was still under control. There was no reason to panic. Not yet and hopefully not anytime soon. Even if the moment was to be crucial, his line of duty had trained him to act calmly and be in control of the situation then to let them control him. It had been proven that morning. Proven that Eric could react quickly and make split second decision to situations.

Putting on a helmet while tucking another under his arm, Eric left his apartment. He'd checked his revolver before leaving and had secured it to the holster on his chest. Eric zipped up the jacket to conceal the weapon but left sufficient room for his hand to slip in for a quick draw just in case if there's a need to. Keys now jingling in his hand as he flew down the stairs. Eyes peering from behind the visor, scanning for surprises around the corners out of habit. Soon, he was sitting on the steel horse. It's angry roar rumbling beneath him. Weight shifted as he kicked the stand up and waited for a second or two to have his engine warmed up. Clutch still pulled, he throttled; quickening the process.

Once again the image of Chance flashed within his mind. His heart then skipped. He was nervous all of a sudden. Eric recalled the moment they'd shared in the interrogation room. Well, not exactly ...a moment.. but it was one of the scene where it could be considered as their time spent together. Only difference was, that was work. This however, this upcoming one ...wasn't. Then came the view of her thighs. Damn those thighs. But it didn't end there as the next memory revealed to him was the moment where she'd fallen asleep on that couch where he'd then laid her down onto her back. Her sleeping face came to view. Those eyes.. those lips.. and those...

Before any distraction could come to surface any further, Eric shook his head. Focusing more on the horrors of the beast that'd threatened him that morning. Especially from those green-eyed ones. So now he knew that there were more for him to deal with than that "man-wolf" thing. He remembered the coroner mentioning something about an Alpha as well. Supposedly to be the leader who'd controlled over these beings. Presumably powerful, Eric thought. But he would've to deal with it as the day comes. Living a day at a time.

Satisfied with the warmth his steel horse had achieved, Eric left the carpark and was on the road. He weaved in and out of traffic to make out for the lost time. Senses suddenly sensitive to the surroundings. Contrary to the situation he'd experienced in his apartment mere moments ago. He felt somewhat refreshing. Colors became sharper as lines grew more defined. His focus now wide and far, enabling him to see things in it's entirety. Granting him enough time to calculate things a couple of steps faster. As he neared Chance's apartment, Eric caught on a familiar scent. Hers. He frowned under his helmet. Surprised that he could pick up her -perfume?- so far off.

Eric made the turn.

Immediately his attention was locked onto the lady who was sitting on the green bench by the roadside. Her hands covering over her face. He took in the sight of the tight jeans as they wrapped around her curves. Eric knew who she was. Even when her hair was still wet and her torso was partially hidden behind her forearms, he could tell. He slowed down. Instincts then tugged at his head to turn, facing towards the alleyway as he felt blood rushing through his right arm. Impulsively reaching for his weapon as his eyes caught a glimpse of that emerald glow. He paused as it then disappeared, lowering his hand to grab at the helmet resting on his thigh and handing it out towards Chance instead. Rage returned. Almost as angry as he was when he was locked in a life and death struggle for that morning.

"Shall we?" Eric said in a husky voice as he tried to mask the anger from what he'd noticed upon his arrival. "We'll head into town. Here, put this on while we get on our way.." he continued.

Clearly his voice carried the discomforting tone and his body evidently told her that he wanted to get out of there as quickly as she'd earlier suggested. That would indeed be the case once Chance had settled herself in the seat behind him. Speeding off expertly as though he was riding a Superbike instead of a Harley. It didn't take him long to find a highway and soon, his iron-stallion showed them both the meaning of haste. Into the major city he entered. Thinking that the crowded city... or hoping rather, that the massive number of late night party-goers could at least help lower the probability of an unfortunate encounter. He'd deliberately brought Chance to the heart of the town. To a restaurant. It was't part of his plan at first. But he'd to improvise. Even the idea of sending her back home at the end of that night sounded bad. It would've been better if he could send her home the next morning... or afternoon.. Anytime but just not in the night.

Hotel..

That was his next destination... maybe.. His eyes searched for one nonetheless as he entered into an open parking space. No trouble locating the luxurios building in this part of town. His Harley came to a stop then and he silenced her into a slumber. He waited for Chance to get off before he did the same. Taking her helmet, along with his and hooking them up by the seat. Then Eric would gesture her towards the restaurant not too far away. A buffet style restaurant.

[Fallenreaper]

It took the roar of the motorcycle halting to cause Chance to jerk her head up, eyes grazed for the source until she spotted Eric’s form approach. In his thick hands was a spare helmet reaching outwards her like an offering a way out. The jittering feeling of being watched faded completely and even her earlier stress seemed more like an old memory then over weighted stone in her chest. She didn’t need to be empathic to see the anger in his stride toward her, even as it wafted off him making her skin heat and flush against the sixth sense. Thankful, that she couldn’t feel it…completely. In that moment she wondered if accepting his request was the right choice?

She wanted to get away the negative feelings and here she was, running from her brother’s and William’s right into a stranger’s. There were plenty of times Chance Deacon had jumped out of the pan and landed right into the fire, seared by her bad decisions. Nick was one such choice. Entranced by his bad boy demeanor and never question the random desire for sex, he was more than happy to indulge in her needs at least until after a while. Everything went downhill soon enough. Was it the same here? To her, Eric seemed to be that mysterious guy that screamed for you to run from…yet there was something about him. Something, she couldn’t place. It could be the fact he didn’t look at her like a freak or the way she remember being held in his arms, indirectly memorize his maleness though his clothes. Being safe within his presence and for the moment, every negative thought seemed to die out. Her nostrils took a deep breath inhaled a mouthful of breath as he drew to her sitting pose, held in place while her eyes wouldn’t stay still.

She was also a woman-a stressed empathic to top it off making the experience worse by at least tenfold- and sometimes that impaired judge. Her steely eyes flickered across the way his legs, imaging how well his muscular legs could fill out his jeans, ate up the distance. Chance let her face rest on her chin but her vision continued to travel upwards. Her breath became slightly deeper in her breathing, to rest on a very curious lump at where the legs join. Chance couldn’t help but let her imagination wonder. Boxers, briefs…or nothing at all? The idea of him going cameo pulled a small tension relieving smirk on her lips, her head easily slacken back down over her lap with a chuckle at her terrible thoughts.

His voice then made her jump unaware at close he was, her question tossed away to his. His hand out held the helmet and his lousy attempt to hide his anger made her eyebrow rise at his shameful masking trick. Really Eric needed to do his homework or he would have known. Even if the connection wasn’t strong, she could sense especially at this close range and even feel the tingling fingers of his current mood at the edge of her mind. It took several seconds for her to consider or rather calm herself, recollect the facts to remain relax was far easier with Eric, a stranger, then William or Gage. There was also edginess to it like a trapped animal, relit her earlier anxiety fresh again that now she wanted to get away from here.

Chance stood up, her body unfolded taking the helmet in hand to follow Eric to the motorcycle but not without a quick overview of his shoulders. She really needed to get control of herself. Chance stood at the side of the steel ride until he mounted before hastily slipping the helmet over her upper head and set down to just at her jawline. Wiggling it a bit before she then skirted in behind him, pressing her hips to the back of him and curling her arms about his waist-taking care to rest in the middle. In the back of her mind thanking that he wore a black leather jacket to forbid skin contact, last thing she wanted him to feel was the emotions of attraction swelling in her. Chance didn’t need to complicate this mess farther. Upper legs rested close to his before Chance feel a rush of hate, pure bestial and familiar, from behind making her arms tight about Eric in that instance. Her head snapped back behind to have her blood freeze in her viens at the sight that greeted. An instinctive response to the surprise of seeing William’s eyes bore into her, heated irises despite his inner never surfacing on his body’s quick reaction.

William came to a sudden halt, just standing there with written unbelievable shock on his face. Her heart stopped only to be treated to the abrupt jerk of the iron horse’s charge leaving her therapist and good friend in the dust. Will’s anger imprinted even as they roared off, wet hair slapped back streaming a few drops, dried with the furious winds down the wounding of the city streets. Yellow cabs and colored cars flashed by, the grey of the buildings melted into shapeless blurs, wind rushed about their close bodies with the notion set of eyes on her back. Maybe even two.

She had her eyes closed the entire time feeling the jousting of Eric’s driving and the speed whipping about, vainly trying to rip her from him that Chance hadn’t notice when it all ceased. Lids slammed together until she felt the vibrations of the Harley die beneath before risking a glance about, her hands already relaxing as they slowly slipped down from the middle to rest on Eric’s thighs. She jerked her hands back with a mumble of sorry before dismounting. The right hand came about to pull the helmet away from her tilted head, her long straight hair moved with her sway the head before handing his helmet back to him. Lips pressed, Chance’s corner of her eye caught the hotel’s name: Amazones Hotel, before being attracted by his head motion to a restaurant. At least he chose a relaxing environment silently commented Chance, her gray eyes flickered towards him before she moved to the restaurant. Red carpet and white cloth tables stood surrounding three buffet style tables with hot dishes variety for a wide span of tastes, including Eastern coast of Japanese sushi and other Asian dishes to American steak grilled to customer’s preference before them and potatoes. The lighting was dim enough to set a comforting mood with overhead lights that hung down over each table, decorated with imitation stain glass design and chain link connecting to the ceiling.

Chance’s wondering mind had slipped into a calmer state of feeling while she stood near Eric, his form busy getting a table so they could begin, her body held in place by an invisible leash. She was nervous, not because of any watching sensation but simple because of where Chance had ended up: here with a cop that was in on her case, eating meal with a complete stranger just to escape Gage and Will. It sounded pathetic to her yet here she was. It wouldn’t then take long for their plates to be made and be seated right across from one another as a short Asian woman gestured her hand for them to follow to their table. Menus in her arms beneath a tray, her shoes flat and comfortable with a white shirt button up to show a bit too much cleavage for Chance’s own liking, swayed her black skirted ass towards the table Eric had requested. She was ignoring the clear body language, signals, and of course the magnetic draw their waitress had to Eric. It was none of her business if he went for some ass as much as she found herself disappointed of possible receiver.

Before departing to get their drinks, the waitress smiled at Eric asking,” So what will you have to drink? We have quite a few Pepsis products form wild cherry to regular, Mountain Dew, etc. Even alcoholic beverages, milk, water or coffee. What will you and your…sister?-have?”

It was clear hint at her intentions that grinded on Chance with surprising effect, hiding it while she sat down ready to reply with a Mountain Dew once Eric said his choice.

[Lyzan]

He'd made a glance over his shoulder before he'd left his bike's side and had made yet another before entering the restaurant, discreetly. Instincts told him that his intention was already made known to the enemy. That he's with the woman they'd warned him not to be with. Thus his habit for security sake as well as for their survival kicked in. Eric made no obvious signs or indications as he kept an eye out for "them" though. Expertly using his surroundings to his advantage. Reflections on mirrors and glasses became his aiding tools. Even the behaviours from different characters at present came to his awareness. Yet Eric wasn't at all uncomfortable nor was he paranoid. Ever calm and collected despite being more wary than he'd ever been. Especially after the incident that'd happened back at the station. Since the encounter. He kept reminding himself that those things weren't at all shy from witnesses. The cop dared not bet they wouldn't show up way out here.

Stepping into the luxurious settings within the restaurant, his first concern were the locations to an emergency exit and the washrooms. His eyes searched as he asked the man attending to them for a table. Satisfied with the route one vacant space have given, -with a nice backdrop of paintings with an intricate golden frame and a clear view to the entrance, the window glass, the exit and the washroom- Eric made a request for it. Tipping the man before the man signaled the waitress to ready said table. A young lady named Mei Ling -from the tag on her shirt right above her breast pocket-, admittedly to be a fairly attractive woman, then led both Chance and Eric to it. She managed to grasp Eric's attention -with her cleavage- as she slightly bow, quite unnecessarily given her height; before gesturing them to follow her. It was hard for his gaze to stray from her swaying hips as well. The cop almost couldn't take his eyes off the peacock through the entire walk. Once they'd reached the table, Mei Ling's eyes flicked towards Eric, smiling shyly as she stood so close beside him. Both her hands brought to her back, holding the menus and tray still while her upper body fidgetted; bringing first her left shoulder before her right and then left again. She leaned in and smiled before the question came.

"Give me..." Eric's mobile phone suddenly interrupted him. "..one moment please," said the man to the waitress as he reached for the gadget before smiling to Chance. "Hello?" the cop asked as soon as he'd flipped the phone opened, dropping his gaze to the empty plate.

"Eric? Are you alright?" questioned a very concerned Jake. "I just got to work and Joseph told me everything!" Eric's held his breath upon hearing this.

Foolish old man, just what is he doing?

His eyes then darted to the silver flask -on a tray carried by a passing waitress- to view his rear before shifting them towards the entrance and the exit. He rested them back on the empty plate soon after.

"What did he tell you, Jake?" the sergeant inquired almost in a whisper, glancing up to Chance.

"Luckily today was your off day, Eric. And I'm pretty sure that nasty bite granted you with a couple more days."

At the mention of that, Eric was confused. Something was amissed. His partner's tone suggested nothing was serious or rather mystical but the information given was too much of a coincedence. Just what did Joseph told him, Eric wondered.

"Jake.. What did he say?" his tone more firm now.

"Everything! About how the rabid rat that'd jumped out of the corpse had bitten you before you scare it off with your shooting.. Joseph said it would leave an ugly scar.. I was worried for.." Eric shut his eyes and the tension on his shoulders eased.

"Jake.." he sighed but before he could dismissed his partner...

"Oh, right.. You must've been resting! I'll leave you be then. Get well soon, Eric!"

The sergeant shook his head then hung the phone up. A smile formed over his face as his thoughts wandered off to the coroner. Not bad old man, he silently said. Not bad for someone so grouchy to have come up with something that'd somewhat prevented complications for him. The idea indeed had saved him from difficult explainations as well as provided him with a reason, backed up by the coroner's words; to be absent from work for a few days. If only he'd an idea just how many days was considered reasonable for someone suffering from a bite infection should get. It's also a perfect cover to escape the coroner himself. Eric thought that it would be better if he should avoid Joseph for now. It's like killing a handful of birds with one stone. In which the stone here was a lie. And a lie that was created by the coroner himself. He slid the phone back into his pocket and looked up. Offering Chance an apologetic smile before addressing the waitress.

"I'll have plain water, please.." he paused then held Chance's gaze. "..and my ...lovely girlfriend here, shall have..." winked the sergeant at the woman sitting opposite of him.

Obviously deliberate. To rid himself from the rising discomfort within the atmosphere. He couldn't exactly tell from where or what'd caused it though but he could definitely feel the tension.

"Can I have a menu as well, please."

Eric added right after Chance had replied and just before the waitress left. For a heartbeat or two, the sergeant's gaze was locked onto the bewitching swaying of the waitress's hips before his attention was brought towards the table where the steak was being cooked.

"So.." he began. "..was everything alright back home?" Eric asked as his focus zoomed onto the arrays of red meat before a chef.

His mouth soon watered. He gulped and shook his head slightly as the edge of his vision slowly turned blurry. Eric blinked and pulled his eyes away from the meat to hold at Chance's.

"I mean.. it didn't sound so well on the..." the man then abruptedly stopped himself. "You know, let's not talk about what'd bothered us lately. Let's spend the time talking about something else instead. Like.." Eric paused to contemplate. "..like.."

-...like when was the last time you got laid?- Eric almost said it outloud as he just noticed the Hell's Gate shirt she was wearing, noticing the lump on her bust as he studied the fabric as well.

"..like where would you go to, to clear your head?" asked him instead. "I usually spent my time at the beach. Listening to the sounds of rolling waves and enjoying the ocean's breeze as they wash over my face with the feeling of fine grains between my toes. It's relaxing. Utterly soothing, I find it. Especially when I'm presented with a scene that nature provides. Sunrise, sunsets or even the sight of thick morning dew at the base of a forest. Spending time under the drums of a waterfall too was one of my favorites."

"Here's your Mountain Dew and..." Mei Ling paused as she placed the order on the table. "..here's your plain water. Do you wish to order anything from the menu?"

"I'll have Grilled Steak.."

"How would you like it, sir?"

Raw..

Eric once again almost blurted his thoughts out. "Half done.."

"And you, miss?"

The cop leaned back as he listened to Chance's order before hearing to her answer. His head suddenly felt slightly giddy and his insides felt a light tugging towards discomfort. But nothing was shown on his expression.

Fuck! Not now...

[Fallenreaper]

Joseph

Horus was a tall elegant man, blond wavy hair and dark brown eyes to match, stared at Joseph’s bear one without giving an inch. The air smelt fresh and cold, the unnatural greenery of the city park stood out against the bland concrete surroundings while the two sat on a faded green bench into the football diameter place. Smog still mingled in with the flower’s strong perfume, making Horus’s beta and the omega-Jasper- eyes watery but their statue like form stood unfazed never the less. Hovering like guards over their Alpha, poised and ready to render the old man to piece at the first sign of aggression or traitorous. The air was thick with nerves and distrust was obvious to any attentive by passer which seemed to only encourage the scene be ignored.

Joseph leaned over; his legs rest apart beyond the bench edge while hands held together in front of him. A long tan trench coat graced his thin ancient form while his head turned to face the laid back Alpha, his right leg over lapped and bounced on the left with his arms resting on the bench back in an open gesture. Horus had arranged this, requesting both the place and even the escorts though Joseph had a hunch it wasn’t because of him alone. Something was stirring in the Brooklyn pack with a threat of a power shift, from the bits and pieces of information Joseph himself had gathered: A young pup, Horus’s own son, Austin had been slowly drawing support from within the pack. Enough to where he could challenge the old pack leader- despite Horus’s youthful look of being in his thirties, in human terms he was about eighty years- to become the new Alpha. Unlike most werewolves, an Alpha’s power was based solely on followers. It explained Horus’s request to see him. If Eric was a werewolf then Horus would be gunning for him as possible pack member, either by choice or force, just as a power increase.

As cruel as Joseph could be, loss of freedom wasn’t something he would wish on anyone as Abel’s stories of fighting in the Roman sport fights rang in his ear as fresh as the day they were told. Currently, Joseph had yet to determine it being away from his lab, if Eric was a werewolf then he was a loner. A tool that was free game.

“So what is it you want, Needles? Information? Help? There was mention of a friend of yours being bite. I hope he’s well, first times are such a nuisance and claim more lives when left…unaided,” Horus’s hand had picked at his tennis shirt before dancing over to swipe at his black pants, his eyes bore into Joseph. Despite his very good English, “Joseph could still hear the thick Transylvanian accent to his words tracing back to blood roots.

Joseph needed to choose his words carefully. Clearing his throat with a fisted hand, he turned to Horus with a steady voice,” Yes. He was bitten and I also spoke that his blood is fighting it. I felt it was best to receive the information anyway, being on the safe side. So do you have to documents I requested?”

Horus looked darkly at Joseph as the old man held his own, not giving away the fact he didn’t want to kill anyone, before speaking to his Beta. The man, a bald tattooed brute by the name of Claude grunted his displeasure taking his time to bring the papers out of his leather jacket. His hand passed them off while eyes flickered, also passing a clear notice from the old man as he wondered how far Joseph was pushing his luck. The Beta didn’t like him and even as much as Horus could be honorable, the man wouldn’t stop a fight between an outsider and a pack member if it came down to it. Joseph felt edgier just then while Horus’s lips pressed into a smile out reaching his hand for Joseph’s.

“Relax, Needles. This is a social call after all. So what’s this college of yours name and how did he get bitten?”

Joseph knew what Horus was fishing around for. Hoped one of his own pack members were guilty, giving him a claim to Eric and begin to close in like a hunger wolf for the kill. Joseph knew it wasn’t one of Horus’s on the other hand. The proof undeniable as the Alpha, any for that matter, wouldn’t use a hell let alone two to give a warning. The events in the lab still bothered him as he made an excuse that a rabid rat had leap out of the body bag of one of the corpses, bitten Eric before he shot at it and it darted away to die filled with enough adrenaline. Then he called the hospital as Eric was admitted, the date and time recorded by a working vampire at the nurse’s counter complete with a photo to ensure a proper id was well as full description of his current wounds and clothing. Gloria was a peach to help ‘her’ Needles. It made the old man shiver sometimes to know a grandmother of a vampire had the lust for him, their history resembled a love and hate. Despite his age and inhuman status, Joseph had the basic male needs as well a fine looking Gloria could fill each time he came back.

The old corner shook himself from his raunchy drifting before answering in his gruff tone,” The wolf attacked us in the autopsy room at the police station. My college, Eric, held the wolf at bay while he shoved a dagger though his skull leaving it in. Then two hellhounds came out of the shadows and dragged him off before daylight, so he is still alive…”

Horus looked at Joseph with bright but deep eyes, thinking over the word the old man had spoken before adding his thoughts and a question,” Interesting. If you are wondering, I have never had heard of an encounter where werewolves and hellhounds working together. Either way…I don’t like the idea. It means trouble…but then again Needles, you didn’t know I can’t resist a challenge. Now what was the reason they were there I wonder?”

At this point Joseph held his tongue. He was hoping to get Horus to back away; most wolves dislike the idea of tangling with a hellhound especially while their decaying ability screwed with their natural healing as well as that nasty thing of lacking materialization. It made a close range combat in favor of the hellhound, at least in single and fair combat. Horus must be desperate for territory as this turn of events didn’t faze him in the least, his face drew nearer in fact that Joseph could feel the hot stank of his meaty breath on his skin. Horus’s arm outstretched to brace him while gripping the back with eagerness to learn a secret. Silence a long period while each man stared at each other. The beta, Claude, had been growing impatient form the start so the lack of answer was merely a spark to a conflict, before Joseph had a chance he nodded to Jasper and the omega had reached around Horus’s surprise face to pin the zombie into the bench.

His hand went to press Joseph’s neck into the bench back while the other shoved him down, reaching for his left hand to break some bones for answers. Sadly he was inexperienced to Joseph’s own lifetimes, a novice trying to overcome the vet fighter in a battle he knew well. A mistake and folly in his mind as the pup used his muscle to subdue without an idea it seemed why Joseph was called Needles in the first place.

Wrong move… thought Joseph, Horus’s body shifted immediately back to avoid being caught in the rush forward. The Alpha’s face was relaxed but rather annoyed at being interrupted, his mouth opened to bark a command only to realize it would fall on now dead ears. The old corner’s hand reacted the instant the young pup’s hand went to wrap about his throat, thin bone needles sprouted out of his flesh drawing blood with its hurried ejection to open air. His right hand swiped. It drove right into the side of the werewolf’s head, lancing his thumb into ear and the rest into the back portion of the head where the spinal fluids laid. Venom secreted into the embedded flesh.

The young man didn’t have much time to think let alone counter, the fluids quickly enough poured into the spinal nerves began to eat away at the electrical impulses the moment they connected. Popping the vibrant charges as a violent rupture shook though out his body, it quickly killed the light from his deep blue eyes as they glazed over in mere seconds. The dead man’s body had limped forcing Joseph’s body up to catch the corpse while his needles remained inside to slurp up the now liquefying nerve tissue like a straw, greedy and warmth grew into a lazy content feeling with the fresh meal. Joseph’s arm had hooked about the man’s middle, allowing his head to lean to the shoulder looking to be a drunk slouching over his friend. A deceivingly tender gesture to cover his treacherous kill.

Horus smiled from Joseph’s adapt skills at handling the situation but his tone was furious in its fading at his Beta’s recklessness,” Heel Claude, you are forgetting your place… He is called Needles for a reason. Don’t make me Repeat myself.”

The Alpha’s eyes flashed yellow in warning. It was an order at the burly Beta’s reaction to seeing Joseph’s gruesome ability, Claude’s teeth clenched yet he forced his body to relax, balling up his fist at his dislike of it. The Beta was trouble and Joseph knew it, the arrogance and pride of a wolf could only lead to trouble and more acts of defiance. It wasn’t his place to tell Horus how to run his pack. Personally it wouldn’t bother him to see Claude tear out his Alpha’s throat in a clash for dominance, but he was a firm believer of having an evil he knew then one he didn’t. It made countering that much simpler. Easily Joseph shifted the body to rest in his seat, watching every sense of movement out of the corner of his eyes while showing no sort of strain this action had truthfully caused him. The corner wasn’t as young as he used to be. That pain proved it. Just gazing at his well-trimmed nails, Horus went on as if nothing has happened, the death of the omega nothing more than an intermission during the conversation.

“If your friend, Eric, is a werewolf then I am sure lust will be one of the symptoms. It’s a common one among male werewolves, especially the newly turned desperate to dowse the fire inside. I hope he doesn’t run his lover into the ground with it,” chuckled Horus as Joseph turned to leave,” That’s the worse, if not satisfied then the change occurs faster. Not to mention the fact any female alone with him might be in danger of…unpleasant things. Now that I think of it, give him my number and I could set him up with Trixie… ”

Inside the coroner seriously hoped that Eric had stayed home, resting instead of risking an encounter with any woman especially on a first date. Joseph’s brief halt at the mention of Trixie, his wiry white eyebrow pulled up in odd look back as Horus smile widened at the old man’s curiosity. Feeling the need to explain, the Alpha began with an air of knowledge like educating the current zombie of his find. Showing off, though Joseph knew any help Horus gave was not without a return favor. His piqued interest in Eric’s possibility was making the coroner’s neck hairs stand on end. It only meant trouble, something that was unavoidable at this time and it seemed him was dragged in for the long haul as well.

“A succubus half breed I know. Her mother…had a fetish for things that were smaller than her, a random pixie male. Now Trixie can shrink or expand at will… it tends to make things rather, interesting.” Leaning back on the bench as if indulging in on a dirty secret, Horus’s grin turn deathly serious then,” I did come out here so would you be as kind as to answer my question? It would be so generous of you… few details might put me in a better mood with the death of poor Jasper. He was my new mate’s favorite boy toy. ”

There was the boom, two purposes from killing off the competition and escaping the bitch’s wrath from him doing it himself. His request for answers was a ticking bomb and Joseph knew he rather face Eric’s wrath at giving a name then Horus. It would be better than the latter: death at an Alpha’s sadistic pleasure. Horus was well known within Joseph’s world for his methods, from breaking bones to chopping fingers, even busting balls. There was not a single torture he hadn’t dared not try. A deep breath echoed out of Joseph as he knew he was trapped, using the only way out of his terrible situation.

“A warning… they told Eric to stay away from a woman named Chance Deacon. That’s all I know,” With the documents in hand, Joseph darted off leaving the wolves to deal with the corpse. Knowing he full well placed a target on both Eric’s and Chance’s, namely hers, back in this little meeting. Jasper’s lifeless eyes chased after the coroner’s retreating back as Joseph disappeared into his car, driving away with blood staining his fingertips.

Chance

Chance felt like gagging, it was so painfully clear that the woman wanted to meet Eric after work. Eager to play a little in the hanky panky area and with every ounce of her strength, Chance tried to ignore the fluttering of irritation that settled beneath the surface. Her uncomfortably low button shirt revealed more than it should, even her own low cleavage dolly shirts didn’t let so much spoil the imagination. Something most of her boyfriends didn’t mind… much. At least when they weren’t busy showing off what they had access to in the public eyes, bragging without words. Eric wasn’t her boyfriend but she wasn’t about to let another spoil this.

Chance was jerked from her inner thoughts by Eric’s cell, the small compact phone vibrated for his attention as he picked up. She took this moment to glare at Mei Ling, hard steely eyes met the soft amber ones of Mei Ling with intense warning. Unaware her emotions had filtered outside. Yes, Eric wasn’t hers and Gage would claim she had no right to stop him from pursuing a hot piece of tail. Yet the idea of being stranded here for x amount of time while they screwed was a greater motivator to chase the woman off. Not the idea of what laid beneath those jeans…not at all.

She looked, seen his lips moved yet the volume was low and sneaky, like he was hiding something from her. Her eyes narrowed at him as his eyes met her vision. In the back of her head, Chance was trying to place the color before Eric’s voice got firmer. More assertive to know what someone said. For a sickening moment, Chance thought he was going to leave soon for some work related reason. Abandon this evening and drive her home, back to the negative feelings of Gage and William which would end in a fight. She could almost feel their accusing stares on her back creating goose bumps down her spine into from the tip of the dragon tail at middle of her back through the long body to end at the mouth opened at the bottom.

Chance sighed so much for avoiding her problems.

Her heart sank expecting the tragic news to be pleasantly surprised to see a smile form on his lips. It fluttered now, excited and enjoying the attention while he corrected the woman. At least in the sense they weren’t related. Chance found a reason to smile today while her body leaned, a smugness that even Mei Ling the hussy couldn’t miss. Heart humming in her chest, it abused every bit of her insides that she was certain they were black and blue. Taking care not to lift her head too high, the bruise coated in layers of fountain make-up still, she slightly cocked her head with her order at the waitress. He requested a menu and his eyes slide to the side of their waitress, thankful Ms. Ling’s attention was focused in writing the order down tittering her hips back and forth. Teased him into changing his mind.

The tension in the room seemed to ebb at once the moment the over jiggled woman had left, spotting the fact Eric’s eyes had moved. Her eyebrow moved upward with her chin settled on her hand, listening to his words that tried to fool her that he was focused on the matter at hand. Any woman experienced with men needed no clues when they weren’t listening. What did she expect? Mr. Perfect was an imaginary dream that any girl drooled over only to watch it puff up in smoke, even she longed for him at times. Still in some odd way it was Eric’s flaws that started to attract her, likely the idea of them made him more real than the quoted ideal man could ever be. The only bad thing she couldn’t decide was this: to be insulted more it was meat that held his attention or the fact it wasn’t a woman?

Maybe he hadn’t eaten all day. The scents of sizzling meats and setting foods were enough to drive anyone’s empty stomach mad. Making eyes wonder to the source to stare in predatory desire, it made him slightly sexy even then. The only bad part was it directed at food instead of her. It eased her a bit to see his eyes once more turn back, likely blinking the daze out of his eyes from his spacy moment, only to twist at the words.

He was digging around. Her eyes shifted from his, gripping a napkin to smooth into her lap to avoid answering as Eric’s voice studded only to stop instantly. It made her pull up her face to his face level. Hands rested on her thighs that were pressed closely together frozen in place, to hear him change the subject. Realizing if he asked and she chose to tell, then the flavor was likely to be returned. Either he cared about her feelings or he didn’t want to fill his end of the conversation. It seemed he was nervous from the repeating words, as if struggling with the correct words. It struck her as odd; a handsome guy like him was likely asked out on dates often so how this was any different?

She was a suspect.

The word drew a powerful reaction that she near missed Eric’s answer to his own question let it change her thoughts. Nature. Often not a choice of most guys, they tend to enjoy working on their Harleys or other cars, watching sports or playing them. For a moment she considered that the reason he chose them was to impress her. Or make him seem different. Chance felt like chuckling at her over reaction but her lips only turned up in a lopsided smirk. Mentally answering his question while picturing his expression when she told that sex was her serene time, either a boyish grin of mischief or he would walk straight out that door. The latter was likely the smartest move. She was interrupted by the flaunting waitress, a loud thud of her drink and his being put on the table. It seemed the woman had accepted the fact Eric was not interested at least until he displayed some.

Not once had Chance bothered to glance at the menu as her eyes widened, surprised at the fact she wasn’t sure what she wanted. Quickly flipping through the pages she selected a pasta salad with skewed grilled shrimp in the heat of the moment. Effortlessly she passed the menus back to the waitress, Eric’s grabbed in kindness and to keep the female from pawing the man. It took Chance several seconds to realize how ridiculous she was being, feeling jealous and claiming unsaid ownership over something as minor as his decided role for her. It was just…sad. She caught him tilted back while the sound of the woman’s steps retreated into the back of her ears, mind locked on the guy before her with an unsettled and confused look. Something wasn’t right. More of lingering sensation then a fact made her move.

“Eric…are you alright?” Her hand reached out touching his, the only piece of bare flesh.

A mistake too late realized. Chance had rose from her chair, walking about to close the distance between as she settled by his side. A tiny shock rippled through the contact before catching both of their attentions. Many things rushed through her, her teeth tightened into a grind from the first unexpected wave. So much that her body was barely trembling, struggled to remain up while her weight leaned into him bracing against gravity with her other hand resting on his shoulder. Fear...upset, lust, pain and hazy consumed Chance’s mind like seizing lights flashing in front of her. Breath was heavy, echoing in her ears fiercely. This was a mistake and for once she wondered what made her want to touch in the first place? The question was left unanswered, in her search to calm herself before something very bad happened. A pleasant bad. It took several moments to realize she had leaned close to his face before her mind snapped her back at that moment, a sense of fear and lust, thankful it was all hers, twisted in her gray eyes when she blinked. Struggling against the need to kiss him, to feel his lips pressed up on hers Chance leaned away. Pulling herself away and releasing her hand from his, stepping back to turn on her heel for the restroom. Her heart thumping like a frighten rabbit at the ideas and confusing emotions rushing though her head now.

Not a word passed from her but her direction was clearly making an excuse to leave him. Negative and wild emotions warred in her normally calm steel gray eyes, her body moved quicker after the brief touch of his. Something was happening to him. Something…strange, more than eager to get away from him Chance’s feet obeyed in hopes to reach the restroom before he had the idea of gripping her arm. It would break the last straw keeping her from kissing him likely ending up in some hotel with him for the rest of the outing. Chance to be soaked in his scent, allowing herself to fill out the curves of his body and…likely answering her question of what he wore under his tight jeans.

She didn’t even consider what he might have felt or how he might react. Hoping, halfhearted, he would let her just go. The other half on the other hand entertained the idea of him following.

[Lyzan]

“Eric…are you alright?” he heard her say as the cop felt her hand over his.

But his ears recieved the sound differently. The voice seemed loud and very slow. They echoed and vibrated against his eardrums rather painfully. Hammering into his skulls. Then came the sound of her footsteps, heavy and seemingly gigantic as her heels stomped over the tiled flooring. It pounded into his hearing senses with each step taken. Eric frowned and narrowed his eyes to withstand the noise. Forks clinged against spoons. Teeth grazing over steel to engulf food. Knife slicing over the plates as they tore through thick juicy meat. Stirring tablespoon in a cup of coffee where the walls of the cup was repeatedly knocked. The rolling waters as they were poured into a glass from the jug. Foods hissed and sizzled as they're being cooked. Laughters, coughs, the clearing of throats and the whisperings; they were all just too loud for the cop to bear. It felt like he was in the middle of a construction site itself. He was disoriented. The experience was alien to the man.

Eric's chest began heaving and his breathing quicken as both fear and frustration almost engulfed him. He shut his eyes. Hoping that in doing so, he could shut off the sound as well. It did help but only a little. And it instead heightened his other senses. Mainly for smell and touch. Fresh raw meat from the counter shelves were the first to reach his nose. He could even tell how many pieces there were and which would've been tastier. Then came the arrays of body odors and the fragrant perfumes that were worn. His head then motioned towards a delicious scent. Something that'd grabbed his attention entirely out of a sudden. His nostrils flared as he sniffed in deeper. His brain registered it to be sweet. Very sweet in fact. It triggered his mouth to produce more saliva in anticipation, taunting his taste buds. Eric then felt light headed. Aching? Nay. But rather somewhat drunken. He swallowed before he would drool. The smell was tugging at him towards the source. Towards the chef behind the staff's access door where the kitchen was. The chef who'd accidentally cut himself while chopping carrots for a customer's soup.

Then he was distracted by another scent. It was very close to him now. Much too close. A familiar and also delicious. But the delicacy to this one was more towards the other kind of hunger. Of lust. Eric groggily fluttered his eyes opened. From the back of Chance's ear or perhaps from the tendon by her neck flowed an aroma. One that was extremely inviting. Luring him to almost nuzzle his nose against the flesh. To sniff in her scent and to dart his tongue out and teased the meat for a taste. His heart skipped as the thought to feel that smooth skin under his arised. At the same time, he'd not neglected the tingling sensation her touch on his hand was making. It rushed up his arm and Eric was shown to an image manipulated by his own wild imagination as to what that hand of hers would feel like over his other parts. The warmth of her palm and the pressure on his shoulder too had came to his notice. A strong urge to wrap his arm around her hips then overwhelmed him. To hold her close and tight. The sense of affection was rather soothing. His eyes then fell to rest over those full lips. Seemingly juicy and beckoning him to have a taste at it given how close she was to him. Once again, Eric almost drooled. His lips suddenly felt dry and the need to lick them in preparation for a kiss almost shut his awareness with the surroundings to a close. Isolating them from the presence of strangers. The need to pounce onto her then sky-rocketed tenfold.

Before he could lean forward, driven by lust to claim her lips; Chance'd stepped back. The movement stirred him awake. A slap to his face as he grasped his conscious. His surroundings returned to enclose and to pour him with unbearable noise. He felt drawn to the woman without doubt. There's just something about her that was alluring. His hand closest to Chance jerked as he hesitated his impulse to grab her by the wrist. To stop her from moving away. To demand for that lips she'd flaunted him. But alas, his mind raise the question for his motives here. Was it wise for him to act that way with a person under his protective custody? To him, Chance wasn't a suspect as oppose to the coroner's opinion. To him, she's a potential victim. The warning then rang within his ears. Slowly, his hand dropped back onto the table as his eyes watched her retreating back as she headed towards the restroom. His gaze fell to her bottom and the sight immediately resurrected his hunger for her.

Fuck!

He shook the notion off. What was happening to him, he'd asked silently. The pounding in his head hadn't lessened one bit and now the rise to his desire peaked. The struggle for control have never been this desperate before. Even his knees had started to tremble. Eric then reached for the glass of water over his table. In loud gulps he drank. Then he slouched forward over the table, resting his forehead on a palm. His other rested over his thigh. Both heels bouncing. He needed a distraction. The heat he'd earlier experienced in his apartment slowly burnt him. Eric began to pant. The discomfort grew. He leaned back once again. Head tilted so he could stare to the ceiling. To the dangling lights above. Cold sweat trickled down the side of his head.

"Here you go, sir!" said Mei Ling with the dishes in her hands.

His focus first zoomed towards the waitress's lips. Probably to make up for the brief admiration on Chance's. Then his gaze fell to the deep cleavage. Eric's hands clenched to a fist beside him. Restraining himself from being aroused. But it was too late. He was already getting excited. And the one who'd sparked it was the woman who're now in the washroom. Lower his gaze went. Resting on the hips and to molest over the smooth thighs. Absent-mindedly, the cop licked his lips.

"Enjoy your meals, sir!"

Her words snapped his attention back up. Grateful that she'd not noticed where they were earlier. He managed a nod before his eyes shifted to the meal before him. Momentarily, he raised his gaze towards the washroom. Waiting to start the meal with Chance. But his body got a mind of it's own. His stomach churned, clamoring to be satisfied. Without delaying and dropping his table etiquette, Eric grabbed the nearby utensils and sliced himself with a dice of meat. He brought it to his mouth and began chewing. His teeth sank into the meat but it felt like he was biting through a chunk of ashes. Tasteless despite of it's juiciness. Unsatisfied with the first bite, he helped himself with another. Not wanting to give up the search for a taste at the appetizing looking meal. By this time, his ribs felt like they'd collapsed inwards. His free hand gripped at his side. Face contorted with pain as well as at the vile taste in his mouth. The burning sensation returned. His skin felt irritated against the clothes he was wearing. The need to shed them off clamored at the foremost of his mind. He fumbled at the tools in his hand. The knife clanked against the plate, sending an annoying ringing to his ears as the steel vibrated upon impact. Eric leaned himself far back and bit hard onto his teeth, locking his jaws.

I can.. get through this.. I did it once before.. I can... do it again...

He ensured himself. Eyes now watery as he dealt with the pain. Face almost reddened and the veins by the sides of his neck as well as on the temples started to show. His hands trembling as he clutched at his ribs.

Water... I need to wash up..

Eric made a stand. Blood rushed down from his head rendering the cop to see jittering spots within his vision. He took a step towards the restroom. The whole restaurant started to spin then. His eyes registered the floor at a distance he thought he could touch. Naturally, he brought his knee up higher than neccessary. The path ahead began to swirl. His footing went wide and his balance was lost. Eric leaned his body too far forward as well. His hand missed the table as he reached for support. Eyes lingered over the doorway to the ladies just in time to get a glimpse of Chance emerging from it. Then the man slammed hard over the tile. One hand gripping at the table-cloth just next to him as he curled himself into a ball. His mouth shut tight together as his eyes rolled to the back of his head. Body tensed and tight seemingly like a person suffering from fit. He was twitching uncontrollably.

Eric was aware of what was happening to his body. At least what he would have looked like in the eyes of those who're around him. He was fighting it but was to no avail.

Shit...

Then it occured to him.

Was he bitten too?

Once his body came in contact with another person, may it be that of a stranger or that of Chance, he would stutter;

"No doctors... no hospital... I need to... rest... Need meat... Raw.. Find Chance Deacon... She'll.. help me..."

A husky whisper no less painful to hear. Rendering even the listener to feel his agony. Perhaps Chance could get him back to his feet like how she'd managed with her brother, Gage. Until then, the cop laid on the floor like fish out of water as he kicked and shook.

[Fallenreaper]

Chance cursed herself, the closeness and the smell of the man’s scent lingered in her nose to the point it was impossible to get it out. Her body had pushed pass another woman, elderly judging by her white hair flashing by, while receiving a distinct glare in her rudeness. A jarring notion of dislike as her arm grazed the skin mingled with the feelings of lust; the need to fulfill that and satisfy was greater. She still managed to mumble an apology at the last second. A small humph was her only reward. Distracted and torn, Chance couldn’t let it bother her while her shoes scuffed against the hard floor rushing to see if she was alone.

Her head rushed underneath to spot any feet under the toilet stalls, black hair flipped about to check the main entrance before breathing a moment’s relief at her loneness. Her heart had hammered none stop jerking her chest to hurt feverishly while her body refused to settle down. Haze, her head failed to focus while her hand shot forward to the smooth white sink causing the water to rush forward to cool her hands. Cupping the water, Chance brought her face to greet it allowing it to wash over her face. Eyes closed she narrowed her senses down to feel of the cold water rushing across her sharp cheeks and smooth face, fluttering over her eyelashes and down her lips catching in her now open mouth from the relief.

Lungs seemed leaded and useless, thick without air while they heaved to function. Chance let the water finish gliding down her face before pulling up to view her reflecting image. Self-scolding herself for what happened. The last moments of nearly kissing replayed, mocking her in silence, as she recalled his reaction to hers. His eyes took on a whole new focus it seemed the moment she touched as if brought back to life, Eric’s vision pierced into her soul and beckoned her closer to open her neck to him and let him molest it, devour while she merely enjoyed it. It felt like it was just them two in the room. The way he licked his lips, preparation for hers to kiss them and in that moment she nearly did. The only thing that forced her to stop was… Chance. Kissing him meant she wanted to do more and with everything that happened, that wasn’t possible. It couldn’t happen and Chance’s glaring eyes found it completely unfair. The fact she wanted to feel his curves against hers, allow his motions to ripple through her body and just drown in his scent, touch and maleness was ridiculously overwhelming.

Was it because of Nick? Or Eric? Was she just seeking comfort and security for someone lost, even a way to release the pent up energy threatening to tear her apart. Honestly, Chance found herself unsure and it scared her in a small way. She couldn’t tell if the lust was his or hers in that moment, was she manipulating like she believed she did to Nick? It wasn’t fair was the only thing she went back to. It felt like the world refused her happiness and to attempt to take it meant something would fall apart, collapse out from under Chance. Letting her plunge in to chaos just when she been stable for years after the death of her father, his last expression of fear and hate still fresh in her mind making it impossible to move forward. In the end the man had the last great impact. She would never forget him and move on. Never.

How long had she been staring into the mirror Chance couldn’t tell as she looked to the door, her knuckles white from the pressure she gripped the sink edges with. Her breathing finally normal and far less tense then before, lacking the emotions behind her earlier struggle. For a moment she considered going out there. Chance wondered if she could stop herself from jumping the man’s bones right in front of the restaurant before steading herself once more into preventing it. It was unlikely he would feel the same way. Keeping that notion in mind, her fluttering of high tension ebbed even it seemed for now. Ready to feel the rise of it the moment she saw Eric sitting across from her spot, waiting patiently on her while the food had likely arrived by now. Thinking of him waiting among the food’s aromas wafting into his nose, Chance didn’t blame him if he started without her.

Chance stood upright, pulling her shirt down across her front while straightening the wrinkles in her bend and covering her navel. The bad thing about her shirt, her boss always seemed to order them a size too small as if to show off the features of his female works and capitalizing on sex appeal to bring more income. This was something Chance doubted very little, it drove her insane at times to adjust her clothes when she simply wanted to go home to change. Her hand reached out to push the door away and soon, wished she hadn’t.

Her face took on a shocked look as Eric crashed to the floor, everything seemed to slow. Halt to a motion that drew the most from a single second in time. His hand gripped the white table cloth even on his way down, stumbled likely, while feet kicked from his trembling body. Heart leapt into her throat and dread spread though her middle like a sickness that demanded her attention. Yet it wasn’t her body that got it, Eric’s fall had pulled her feet into a quicken step that about became a flying run to be at his side. It took several moments to realize where she actually was because of how quickly she reacted. Blood rushed into her ears blotting out all other sounds as a slightly overweight man and Eric’s words reached her ears.

The woman had halted just beside him. His body pulled up into fetal position, cradling against some unexplained pain and her heart fell to see him like this. Helpless and twitching wildly like some electrical current had made home in his body. She seen Gage like this, on a much smaller scale, when he first left and the panic had built into a seizure before they could get him back into the apartment. His phobia wasn’t a joke or anything; it was a true sickness that could only be slowly cured. This was much worse than anything Gage had had, and it made her question what she should do. Her instincts screamed for her to get him to a hospital while her eyes etched with fear, uncertainty that clang to her soul.

Gage…

There was little time and far less to question as Chance reached the worst conclusion: she was going to have to stop it. Eric had mentioned no hospital and her name, it clicked he was just fine until she left a bit ago. It couldn’t be a fluke. The two things had to be related as she leaned down beside his jerking body. A building crowd had gathered while her attention was only on Eric, also gathering the courage to do another unavoidable thing: take off her shirt. She wasn’t sure how much it would take to quell whatever was happening to him but the more skin contact; the easier it was on her. The better and with any luck, she would not be drained completely after this. Able to feebly stand at least. If not he was going to have to carry her…again. Hand went to the edges of her shirt while the overweight man requested a coat, receiving one and wrapping it into a makeshift pillow before bracing it under Eric’s shaking head to prevent any damage.

“You need to get his shirt off,” Chance lied while the older man looked at her with a questioning look,” I didn’t stutter, please. I can help him, he’s my boyfriend and he’s having … a panic attack. I need to touch him and make him calm down, it’s a disorder and I don’t have time to explain. Please.”

Her own shirt came off, revealing her in a sports bra that easily passed for a very low cut halter top before tossing the shirt to the side. A few eyes stared. Surprised and slightly attracted at the display of Chance’s boldness. The older man with lingering doubts did what she asked while ripping Eric’s shirt off because he was unable to get it off any other way with the shaking, Chance’s impatience got the better of her while her own hand joined in causing a slight difference likely in his body’s jerking motions but highly not enough to stop them. That was all the man needed as he finished ripping the sleeveless white shirt off with renewed strength.

“Okay, now we need to sit him up and against me…”Chance’s voice was fighting to remain strong while there was a hint of quivering to the “me” part.

Inside she wondered if this was what was right or what her hormones wanted. The question didn’t stay at her fore mind for long while the thick guy, his arms carefully positioned to pull Eric upright while another man protected against the legs kicking out mumbling out what sounded to Chance that it was holding a kicking mule. Her arms wrapped underneath Eric’s arm, pressing her front against his back and straddling her legs on either side of him. It was hard to hold him but with the fear driving though her, Chance managed to prop him against her and hold. Trying hard not to feel out his shape against hers, Chance focused for the moment inwards. Red…her mental exercise began with the colors though she was surprise to find it wasn’t necessary. Still she went to the color yellow at least before noticing any changes in Eric’s posture.

Once his body seemed calmer, her hands went for his pocket. It followed the thick muscles of his side, gliding along his love handles slightly to the front. Skimming the edge of his jeans, her finger caught on the inside while edging her middle finger to seek out the pocket before touching the edge. Her finger pulled back and drifted to trace the seam that lead to the pocket’s inside, keeping track to stay away from the hard zipper. The last thing she wanted Eric to think was her taking advantage of him, her head unable to see past his head while she pressed her cheek against the board of his back. Her hand reached in to seek out his cell and hoped it was the right one, her finger grazed along something hard before pushing it to the side. Then she gripped it with two fingers and pulled.

The cell was making it hard to come out while Chance was forced to wiggle it out, finally coming free as she fought not to lose out to the emotions raging from energetic to calm. Her body leaned farther into him. Lips stretched to his ear, pulling her hips closer to his, before letting a conversation ensure. Her voice was lazy and slowly taking on a sense of drained, tired from the effort she was using to envelope his pain. Taking it inside of her like Gage. All for a stranger, it seemed rather funny but Chance did have a heart. Sometimes it didn’t seem like it though, even William sometimes wondered. She needed to hear his voice and know what she was doing helped; the rest looked on with still breath while the fellow aid was ready to take Eric away and lay him back down if there was no sign of improvement. Her grip tightens with her determination to reach his hearing.

Her breath echoed into his ear vainly thinking of a topic,” Talk to me, please. You asked what calmed me down, well and don’t laugh. The only thing I found that works is…sex.”

[Lyzan]

Lights slowly blurred in and out of his focus before fading from his vision. So dark now that not even the redness of his lids could be registered. It was as if he'd just sunken into the abyss. Into an ocean where invisible bubbles grazed over his limbs, sending myiads of tingling sensation up his skin. Sounds now muffled instead of how it was once amplified. A mere echoe of hummings and buzzings, naught could be perceived. Smell too was gone and numbness befell his sense of touch. Eric was lost. He turned to look around. Hoping to find a source of light. Alas, darkness seemed to rule. He was blind, deaf and dumb it seemed. Paralyzed even as he'd no control over his body as well. Frustration and fear slowly suffocated him. There was something there with Eric then. The hairs on the nape of his neck stood on ends as he felt the presence of another. Yet, there was nothing in sight. Nothing for his gaze to hold. Nothing for him to face.

The current within the realm suddenly moved him, changing his position. An irritating heat that've been wrapping about him was soon shredded, relieving him slightly. But it wasn't before he felt both his ankles bound by an invisible vines. Eric got the urge to kick and to struggle his feet then. Already the realm he was in had cut off his senses and to feel that his feet -nonetheless he'd no control over- now as if tied down simply imbued frustration to his chest. One where it would've made him struggle. One where strength would've been summoned from whichever corner just to break free. Thus Eric did. Forcing himself to move. To kick. To draw strength from deep within. That was when he heard a deep thundering growl. Abruptedly, the cop seized his attempt. His eyes widened and there before him, two slits of glowing red eyes stared back. Eric's heart raced. He was scared. So scared that he felt himself shivering as if he was caught naked in the mids of winter's cold. Closer the eye came. Shiny fangs slowly revealed themselves inches from his face.

A soothing impact suddenly splashed onto his back. Wrapping around both fear and frustration, leaving behind waves of pulsing serenity. Colors began to flow in. It was then that he noticed the pitch black shadow in front of him to be that of a wolf. He realized too that he was as if staring into his own reflection. Eric felt another splashing slap from the front and lights finally painted the world before him.

His eyes weakly fluttered opened. He took in the man who're holding his feet. Then he looked down to his torso. White shirt torn leaving his back bare. He frowned as he noticed a woman's arm wrapped across his chest. Eric's heart soon slowed. Soothed by the warmth of the female's presence and curves behind him. He'd definitely felt some skin contact back there. The rise and fall of something soft pressing so close. His breathing slowly calmed and the shaking finally subsided. Her hand, presumably Chance's -as he recognized the method- then reached for his pocket. Sliding over his sides before going for his cell phone. The movements made his heart skipped. His breathing though calm was now rasping with a different notion. Of lust. Her edging herself closer to his hips made not much help in dismissing the idea. Eric found himself slowly being overwhelmed with his earlier desire. When the whispering reached his ear, warm and with a fair degree of honesty; the cop froze. Over and over again the words were being played, echoing with the company of her breath within his ear.

Eric started blinking and his seizure attack seemed to have passed. Nodding assuringly to the man that was still holding his feet, he made an attempt to move. Both the men that'd helped him backed off. The cop glanced up and looked around at the crowd that was gathered before he leaned forward and turned to face Racheli. His eyes still groggy from the experience as he held her gaze. His hand then reached up for her cheek, sliding over the side of her face and pulling her towards him as his lips claimed hers. A round of applause suddenly sounded from the crowd. Slowly dispersing the acclaimed couple with a smile and a sigh of relieved to their own. They're definitely convinced the pair was a couple instead of total strangers. The waitress, Mei Ling, who was there rolled her eyes and skirted away with pouted lips. Utterly disappointed.

The kiss was weighed down by how much he was in need. Deep and longing. When he pulled himself back, his own lips were sore from the pressure. His nostrils flared and lust gleamed from his eyes. Eric studied Chance's gaze as well. Searching for that same hint of desire. Confirming now with sight as to what he'd heard her say moments ago. As soon as he detected them, Eric stood. He grabbed his jacket by the chair and covered the woman's torso with it. Gathering her shirt then before lifting her off the ground as he recalled the state she was after the treatment from the kitchen of her apartment. He felt much better. Although the recovery seemed to be rather odd, the question as to why was simply brushed aside. The cop, like before, slid an arm under both her knees while the other over her back.

"Hold on to me..." he finally said to Chance as he proceed to the reception. "Give me the bill, please.." he told the waiter in charge.

His hand left Chance's back as she had her arms wrapped around his neck before sliding over to his back pocket. He flipped the leather opened and extracted the credit card with his thumb before clamping his lips on it. Then he returned the wallet back. As soon as the payment was made, he retrieved the card and held it between his fingers. Then he exitted the restaurant. The man was driven with strength anew. Driven by lust. He had a single goal in mind.

Hotel Amazones..

The name flashed before his eyes as he turned his head about. Immediately heading towards the skyscraper once he located it. It wasn't too far.

A few heads turned at the sight of a man carrying a woman with the shirt he had on shredded in the back. The doorman to the hotel frowned after welcoming the couple. It was indeed a rare sight he'd silently thought as the man pushed the door open for them. Eyes shifted within the lobby but paid no more heed as most simply reacted with a smile and whispers. A romantic but fierce pair it seemed. Probably impatient in getting each other clothes off. Even the receptionist had begun typing on her computer for a room and upon their arrival there, she handed them the key after a few confirmation were made.

"A room for the night, sir? Do you have any preferences? Otherwise we have a room facing the City's Park, an excellent view from the balcony..."

"Yes.. No.. We'll take it.."

"Thank you for staying with the Amazones, the lifts to your floor is right this way.." said the woman after handing over the man's credit card.

Eric entered the chamber and punched the thirtieth floor. It was only the two of them, then.

"Can you stand?" He asked and finally dropped his gaze to hold hers after so long he've been avoiding Chance's eyes.

Slowly, he set her onto her feet but still held her body close to his. He supported most of her weight in one arm as it wrapped under her arm and across her back. His chest heaving as his attention shifted to her full lips. Once more, the cop dipped in and claimed them. It became desperate not long after but the lifts ding-ed, indicating that they've reached their destination. He pulled back and waited not for her reply as he lifted her up once again. His breathing now clearly hissing. Completely lulled by lust. They were kissing along the way as he searched for their room. Upon locating the room, he pinned Chance against the door as one hand worked it's way with the lock. Unlocking it with a beep, he pushed and entered before inserting the card-key into the power source. Then, all restraints were let loose.

[Fallenreaper]

He relaxed, Eric’s breath slowed in a much calmer manner while her own eyes became filled with his desire. It worked. Sadly there were affect effects, things Chance had only mildly taken into account before rushing into her solution. Things she should have guessed would happen. Ramming into her was an ocean of excitement, static clanged to every part of her flesh and tugged at it with terrible teeth that begged to be satisfied. Heart jabbed her chest, threatening to loosen from her ribs while her grip had only tighten before slacking completely against him. Overwhelmed by what she took from him, Chance took in his heavy scent that tugged at her insides dropping down enough to make her uncomfortable and encourage unsettling, dirty thoughts.

Longing to feel him, run her tongue along flesh as her arms held tightly with hearts beating in unison. It felt like Eric’s emotions had nested deeply without her okay and Chance found it difficult to tell the difference between where his ended and hers began. The woman fought the urge to dart out her tongue, reminding that this was a restaurant. Yet that urge to flip about his hips and settle in his lap hummed in her head, pounded to try to force Chance to action upon the impulse. Sank deeply within herself, Chance hadn’t noticed her target moved just as her own body became lead. Numb from her leaning position against him she started to slip forward only to force her back, feeling his touch light across her cheek causing her to jerk with a fresh wave of ache. His eyes reaching and greedy while her hand planted firmly on the ground to balance her against him, unaware of those stares at them from around.

Fireworks exploded in her brain, popping the fatigued the instant his lips covered hers. His dark unfocused eyes looked deeply seared in her mind and her own lips parted, flickering a bit of her tongue along the edges in a tease before retreating. Her heart stopped in mid beat yet the echoes of his pounded in her head, her breath deepened and lost to the caves of his mouth. A brief smile at seeing the hussy waitress retreat flooded inside making her kiss much more sweeter, not even the loud clapping could reach Chance’s attention save for the man before her. There was little doubt in her mind where this would head and all the fear, uncertainty and stress melted like ice against the male sun in front. Time no longer was accounted for lips moved against each other, building strength from him with the length they stood connected.

Even as he pulled away her lips were still fiercely clamoring for more. The chill of the air entered her lungs, once unable to work, function completely unhindered. Chance’s face held an expression with raised eyebrows for more as if she was a child with a taste of sweet and completely hooked on it. She didn’t care what happened or the consequences of her actions, just that she wanted to feel every inch against her. Drowned in whatever attentive lust that mirrored back at her. As if seeing what he wanted, Eric’s body shot up from Chance, her still unable to stand, her skeleton felt like the only thing holding her up, before Eric gripped his jacket off the chair. Chance’s drained and needy eyes watched him with a lazy look while her body was nothing but a mere puppet to him covering her torso. Hiding the spur of the moment decision within something that was once warm with his body and now only held his smell. Truthfully Chance found herself wanting the real thing more and more. Eyes refused to hide that fact even as he took up her shirt not too far away.

She felt herself lifted, the time away from his touch had brought a realization that she never been this drain before, and being into his arms once more comforted her. All she could manage was to lift her knees to feel his fingers brush the fabric of her jeans, mentally thankful that it wasn’t bare skin or her lips would have been onto his neck. Likely giving the customers a show they would never forget. At his words, Chance made a weak nod while her arms wrapped about his thick neck and her head lean against the cop’s shoulder and body cradled against him. Chance tried to match her breath to his, vainly gasping to the driving heart before closing her eyes for the moment. Absorbing just him while listening to his words towards the waiter head that made her realize this was what she wanted from the moment she met him at the crime scene. Hanging off him, she couldn’t fathom how she managed it but as the shifting of Eric’s arm wrapped about to withdraw his cards, Chance felt like a hanging kola. Fighting never to let go.

She bounced against his body. Inside Chance’s mind had wandered into lust and fantasy, not once wondering about the feeling of accusing eyes at their state. Her breathe calmed while his presence was a lulling effect against her but it was clear what made him quicken his body and the thing most important on his mind. Chance tried not to focus on her body, ignoring it for favor of allowing it out in the hotel room instead. Alone and just them two despite the many eyes around them. Not even the whispers could add to the negative thoughts as his drowned any surrounding reaches out, their contact magnetically connection them like an unbreakable pull that Chance liked. Never once bothering to wonder if it was her in control or Eric, that would have to wait. The sound of a new voice made her eyes flutter open to stare at the underside of Eric’s chin and unthinking, her nose nuzzled deeply into his jawline, forbidding the fact that she was thinking very clearly. Never once had her arms ever let go especially with the addition of his to prop up the woman’s body. Chance’s corner of her vision caught unimportant details such as baggage carts and red suits of bell hops, even the receptionist’s white outfit drew Chance’s attention but only for a moment.

A hotel room was the only conclusion she drew.

Eric seemed, no, he was as eager as Chance was briefly reminding of Nick at his finest moments and not his worse. She admired that in a sense though the only bad thing was that this event was likely to be a one night stand. A slight level of sorrow tried to burrow from under lust only to be slaughtered by the heat, burnt to a crisp that she would make it memorable at least. Far more than previous couplings she had for it could be her only one for a long time. Chance’s dark hair spread across his skin and her cheek touched his chest, drawing her body into a tighter ball with excitable energy that she could barely contain even once they were in the elevator. Alone.

Again his words made her eyes jerk up, a question at her ability to stand, before she spoke with forceful eyes,” I think so… but not sure how long…”

She never wondered until then if he would ever turn his gaze on her, other than to find the right place to kiss and a fresh wave jolted into her body enough to make her heart give out. Chance felt her legs lower to the ground while her body filled out his, leaning heavily on his frame with her whole weight. Fearing she might find the floor meeting her face very soon. Up and down her head went with his chest, feeling the rhymes of his breathing that slowly increased her own as his arm’s path trapped her pleasantly to his body. Once more another kiss engulfed her. Chance got her toes to raise onto the balls of her feet, meeting him part of the way before her body was on the verge of over pushing herself overboard just to reap the reward the man offered. The offer, selfish and using as it maybe, was there for the taking and Chance fully intended to have it. So sucked into the kiss her senses fail to put together the path from the elevator to the hotel room with only the few moments her feet stood on the ground, all the while engorged in planes of Eric’s body and every trance of his inner mouth while fighting certian wants. His body shifted as the beep went off and Chance moved with him, using a free hand to close the door behind with a loud click locking them into the room.

~~~~~~~~~

[Lyzan]

It was supposedly dark given the late hours of day but his vision seemed unhindered by the absence of light. Images were clear, defined to it's finest in details and sights reaching further than he could imagined possible. Eric found himself surrounded by tall trees where moonlight failed to penetrate through thick canopies high above. Vapors from his own heated breath rushed back towards his face as he ran with ease across the forest's floor. Leaping over bushes and ducking under fallen trees at a pace surpassing that of an olympic sprinter. Owls turned their heads, distracted willingly from their search for food just to keep both eyes on him. Crickets and toads went quiet. It was as if they were hiding their presence from him. Silent was the night lest for the howling breeze and rustling leaves disturbed under his feet.

His heart was racing, pumped with adrenaline and thrilled with the chase. Excitements beyond anything he'd ever experienced. For the first time, he felt like he was alive. An expression he couldn't seem to find word for. But what was it that he was running from, he'd wondered. Or was chasing? What was it that'd drove him into such speed, with such a determination? Eric wanted to look back but he don't seem to have any control over his body. So he waited and kept watching through these eyes which'd shown him how beautiful the night was. As Eric did so, he slowly became aware of his other senses. His ears picked up the location of a heavy but quick strides ahead of him. He could hear kicked soils scattering over the forest's bed, bouncing over dampened ground and leaves. So he was the chaser, the hunter, the predator; Eric confirmed.

The scent that he'd occasionally sniffed in was also something rather phenomenal. His first impression on the smell was, dinner. It was delicious even before seeing, let alone to taste. Eric's mouth began to water. His tongue tingled lightly before the man swallowed. The desire to sink the teeth into whatever that was, escalated. Rendering the pace to quicken. It turned almost desperate. Impulsively, he lowered himself onto his fours and pushed himself towards that alluring fragrance. Nothing else mattered. He was hungry. Wanting to quench that lust hammering within his chest.

It didn't take long then before the two bodies stumbled upon impact and rolled to a stop. Heavy panting and pounding heartbeats echoed along with the struggle throes of the fallen victim. Warm blood spurted into his mouth and down his throat. The desperate but dying inhaling for air whistled through punctured cords. It happened so fast that Eric wasn't sure what'd just happened. For all he knew, he would be sated soon and that was all that mattered. So he waited for the body to still. As he began to pull away, Eric saw the creature that he'd caught. It was a cougar. The man would've frowned then if he could as he began to wonder just what kind of a beast that'd hosted his dream. What it was that had shown and shared with him of such ferocity and thrilling journey? With such excitements? But that would probably bother him later when he's awake, he thought. Right then, all the man wanted was to experience as close as possible to what the creature yearned for. He shut his eyes as his nose nuzzled against the scrumptious flesh where the rich scent lulled him as he sniffed.

But before he could indulge himself with the feast, his ears perked at a sudden peculiar tone. Eric listened and raised his head. Searching for the source while asking himself as to where he'd heard the familiar sound from. It took him a moment before realizing what it was. The man then stirred himself awake and blinked his eyes opened, withdrawing himself from the toys of sleep. Within his arms, Chance still laid, her head resting over his chest, in her nude. His face pressed into her hair over the pillow until Eric turned his away. Finding half of his body somewhat pinned under the woman's where their legs entertwined and was covered by the bedsheets. Groggily, he located where his mobile phone was and slid both Chance and him to the bed's edge before reaching for his pants. Single-handedly he managed to retrieve the gadget and flipped the phone opened. Eyes returning to study the sleeping face of the lady he'd... indulged a couple of rounds last night before he spoke into the phone.

"Yeah?" his rough voice croaked.

A hoarse voice came over the cell phone, familiar and pissed as Joseph spoke,” Where the Hell are you? I’m at your home and bruising my hand only to realize your bike is gone… I thought you realized how serious this was?”

"Joseph?" Eric asked, surprised. "At my place? What are you doing there for?" he further questioned, unintentionally perhaps pissing the coroner more with his groggy reply.

In that moment, the man's gaze did not stray from Chance's features. Hoping that she would best remain silent throughout the conversation. The need to hide the fact the two of them have met from the coroner was for a couple of good reasons. Reasons in which he believed would only invite disapproval from the grouchy old man. Something which he wouldn't want to explain or give excuses for. Something that he feared Joseph could understand.

“For shit and giggles! Or have you forgotten you brain panned a werewolf and it was bleeding all over you yesterday? Then hauled off by two hell hounds with a warning to stay away from your prime suspect,” the man was fuming over the phone with each breath punctate by his mood.

"Of course, I remembered..." Eric paused as he contemplated for a moment. "Still doesn't explain why you're there.. But I figured I should... umm.. be alone for a while.. You know, get away from work a bit.." he lied.

Eric wasn't sure if Chance should know about what'd happened back at the station. He recalled the scene unintentionally then. Remembering what damage he'd caused onto the aggressor. And that was when it struck him. Those bruises he'd seen over Chance's body, especially under her jaw was too much of a coincedence for them to be in the exact same spot. Eric frowned, slightly confused.

“I have the damn information on the symptoms, including how long they last and how to cope. Not to mention if you’re infected and aren’t damn well careful, you could end up killing someone. Or worse infecting them without fucking meaning to Eric, do you want that? DO you want someone’s life all over your hands?” His voice was strained over the phone as Joseph’s feet hit the floor echoing into the conversation before speaking again,” Where the Hell are you? Are you with anyone? Or do I have go search over hell’s half acres for you, boy?”

"Wha.." Eric was beginning to worry. "Send me those symptoms and meet me at the park near Hotel Amazones in the city.. We'll talk there.."

"Fine..." The conversation died as the phone blared it's last tone with a click.

Eric hung up and placed the phone over the small cupboard right next to him. He stared at the ceiling then. Something about what Joseph had said was bothering him. Especially the part of infecting someone without having the means to. Subconsciously, his hand stroked Chance's head, threading his fingers through her hair. Guilt started creeping up as he feared for the worst. The old man sure made it sound like a virus and through what little knowledge he had on the matter, from the brief skimming on the articles about werewolves, he too was sure of it. Will their rigorous joining resulted in having the woman sharing the same fate as he, Eric asked himself. He turned to look at the woman with eyes gleaming apologetically.