Darkest Night

[Skullblade]

Bella was once again taken aback by his reaction, simply muttering a sweet “okay, thank you,” before leaving is presence. She felt his gaze the entire way until she exited the room, allowing her to take a deep breath and recompose herself once she was by herself. Hopefully, she would also be able to find some literature about this bond, in whatever location they were heading to. As she began to walk following Artemis sent, she smiled to herself, thrilled at the idea of going somewhere new.

Before realizing what she was doing, Isabella walked into a room not too far away from Ambrose’s, where she found Artemis standing next to a semi packed suitcase. “I guess you either know what I came here for, or you are coming with us,” she began with a genuine smile. “Oh, and I’m sorry… I kinds just realized I barged in,” she added sheepishly.

***

Daske sighed at Sophia’s poor taste in words. He could not deny the woman before him was absolutely ravishing, yet vulgarity form woman’s lips was possibly the biggest turn off for him. As his carnal desires quickly retrieved, Daske gently escaped her grip and walked towards the window. “Your skill to remain undetected does not cease to amaze me, my dear Sophie,” he said in a collected voice, choosing to ignore her sexual innuendoes. “However, we cannot keep relying on luck to be one step ahead of Ambrose. I need you to go back,” he continued, “if his Beta is gone to round others up, then I’m sure Ambrose will soon pay them a visit. We need to know where and when”.

Perhaps this would be the break they were looking for. If Artemis was to travel with the group, then they might have a window to meet or the possibly to successfully retrieve her right from under Ambrose’s nose.

[Ambrose]

Artemis jumped, startled by the sudden appearance of Isabella. The snow leopard was definitely quiet. She attempted to calm herself, and slow her beating heart as she placed a hand on her chest and breathed in deeply. "Goodness," she muttered in a low voice. Her hands shook slightly as she zipped up the large suit case that sat before her. The plan had actually been to prepare for abandonment of her pack. The stakes were too high, and she saw the fact that the Alpha was leaving with Isabella as an opportunity to escape. Ambrose would have the girl, Troy would be moderating the meeting... That would leave her in charge until they returned. Ample time to come up with a reason to leave the premises without alerting the others. Her plans had been foiled now that the snow leopard had discovered her. Artemis couldn't very well pass off the luggage to be for the new visitor. There were some very... personal belongings inside.

Thankful for the reason to be packing, she jumped on Isabella's idea. "Y-yes. I figured you would be headed to the meeting with the Betas, and that Ambrose would possibly appreciate an extra pair of eyes to help guard you." She smiled, the expression on her face indicating to Isabella that she had no intention of playing guard. "But I also figured you'd love a tour guide for New York while the boys played big bad wolf." Artemis lifted the suit case with ease and placed it against the bed. "Shall we go pack some clothing for you?"

***

Sophia pouted and crossed her arms in a huff. It was never difficult for her to lure the attention of men away from whatever it was they were doing, and adorn it upon her instead. She reveled in the act of holding so much power against an entire gender. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she picked up the scent of Adele. Perhaps his attention had already been stolen?

"Yes, send me away, Daske. Keep me far from you so you don't have to deal with the annoyance of having a beautiful woman at your arm." Sarcasm dripped through every word she spoke as she turned away from him and began playing with a small object on his desk. "Besides, they'll be going to New York. Not very easy to hide among a concrete jungle. Ambrose would spot a random hawk as if I were a nail sticking out of a board. I could scope them out from Central Park, but that's about as close as I'll be able to get, I think.

[Skullblade]

Bella noticed something odd about Artemis' reaction, something beyond the whole "caught by surprise". Bella pushed it aside, smiling, and walked towards her sitting on the corner of the bed. "Well... I don't have much to pack. The one change of clothing that I brought with me is still in my drenched, leather backpack, which I’m not even sure where it is at". Based on how everyone dressed, Isabella knew that her one and only attire would not meet Ambrose's standards, making her feel slightly embarrassed.

"Oh, and Artemis," she continued, " I'm aware you have no intention in keeping an eye on me, but I do want to let you know that Ambrose and I came to... an agreement. I'm actually just tagging along because I need to find some books." Bella was slightly taken aback by Artemis' surprised expression, "However, the tour is an absolute plus, and would love to do it," she added quickly not wanting her to feel that she was rejecting her company.

***

Daske chuckled, amused by Sophia's temperament, and delighted at the at the additional intel. "My dear Sophie, I would not be sending you away if I would have known from the beginning that Ambrose and his pack are coming to us". He closed the distance in between them and gently tilted her head up, with one hand under her chin, and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. He could smell the pheromones her aroused body exuded at his touch, but he simply smiled and step back. “Stay in tonight and go have fun. You deserve a break from all your hard work.”

[Ambrose]

To say Artemis was surprised by the turn out of events would have been an understatement. Had she been hooked up to a heart monitor, she would have been considered legally dead, as her heart stopped beating for a full three seconds. The Alpha was allowing someone that was not in their pack to accompany them on what was perhaps one of the most important meetings ever held, without security, without restraints, without supervision. She was 'tagging along' to buy a few books? A small smile spread her lips that Isabella might have understood for her feelings not being hurt by the comment she had made, but in reality the situation now seemed humorous. Here she was, frightened for her life of the one man that would be able to subject her to insurmountable torture, and he had lost his mind. This had to be the only explanation available for the way he was behaving. It was as if he were an adolescent, discovering females in heat for the first time - fully incapable of concrete thought, or from stopping himself from remaining beside her.

She quickly caught hold of herself and lead Isabella towards the first room she had been allowed to bathe in. "Not to worry. We have more than enough clothing to take for you. We should take a week's worth, just in case." Artemis looked behind them to find Ambrose watching them make their way down the hall. The hair on the back of her neck stood, as she remembered the seriousness of her situation. No, even if the Alpha had become infatuated with the snow leopard, he was still a force to be reckoned with.

***

The car awaited the trio outside of the vast property. Ambrose had ensured that the pack members that remained behind were well aware of the danger they may face with his absence. He had left them in full alert. Decades previously, he had formed an alliance with a band of Tigers that now bested the majority of Central America. As he awaited Artemis and Isabella, he arranged a meeting with their leader. He would not take this situation lightly.

As he was finishing setting up the time and location, the two reached the car. Artemis opened the door for Isabella to sit beside Ambrose in the passanger's side, and she took her seat in the back after placing the bags of luggage in the trunk. Ambrose placed the car into drive and took off. After a few minutes of silence, he looked over to Isabella. "We will be taking a private jet the rest of the way. It's the quickest option rather than climbing through the mountains ourselves. There are very few roads leading from here to New York," he explained. Using the controls on the wheel, he turned on the music in the car. Instantly they were surounded by the soft sounds of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. "In my youth, I was able to see one of his concerts in person."

[Skullblade]

Isabella had never been exposed to technological advances such as vehicles and the majority of household electronics, since her people had relied mostly on magic as a source of energy. She did however have some knowledge about humans and their major breakthroughs; yet, her observant eyes could not hide her awe. A much known melody suddenly filled her senses as Ambrose shared his experience with an equally pleasant tone of voice. A calm yet somewhat desolate smile crept through her lips. “I’m quite envious of you Ambrose… What I would have given to listen to him play,” she said softly, closing her eyes. “I play as well…” she shared, now looking out the window and absently watching the scenery. “But my interpretation from the written compositions was the only thing I was ever able to listen to”.

Since she could remember, Isabella had invested her time in the fine Arts, instead of physical training and battle skills. Her father had given up on forcing her to attend offense education once the child had learned spells to successfully hide until they were over. Over the years, even though her clan viewed her as an incompetent addition to their defense forces, they could not deny the asset her inventive mind had become; after all, she, with the help of the elders’ strong magic essence, had created a self sufficient spell that hid their territory from the outside world. It had proven particularly useful now that that humans had sufficient technology to access extreme locations throughout the world.

“Do you have more collections back at your mansion? I would love to hear them, once we return, if it is okay with you…” she said looking over his way with a hopeful tone.

[Ambrose]

Artemis watched the exchange between the two in surprised silence. Carefully, she retrieved her cellphone from her purse and typed out a message to Daske.

Headed to NY. Will try to rendezvous.

It would be a difficult maneuver but she believed that by using Isabella's help, Artemis would be able to escape with her life. She was betting on the fact that the young woman would feel a sense of compassion towards Artemis and her situation of feeling entrapped, searching for her freedom. Of course, she would have to be very careful about what words to use, but she would deal with that as the time came. For right now, she would be satisfied by trying to gain as much information as possible.

***

Ambrose could tell that the luxuries that had been provided for her was not something that Isabella had been familiar with. The subtle intake of breath, the slight widening of her eyes. He noticed every minute detail about the woman beside him, and yet he hungered for more. He wanted to understand why a small smile creeped on her lips as she told him that she too would have liked to hear the great composer. She looked out of the window then, and her eyes, the windows he used to look inside of her, were no longer available to him.

“Do you have more collections back at your mansion? I would love to hear them, once we return, if it is okay with you…”

His eyes veered from the road and locked themselves on her. She was implying a degree of permanence. That she would return with him, without his having to ask her. For some strange reason it made him feel a strange sort of emotion, one he had difficulty pinning. "I could do you one better," he said as he turned to look back to the road. "In the grand hall, I have a Fazioli that I could play for you." Another smile, and yet more of that feeling from earlier. He had almost forgotten about the issues at hand when Artemis cleared her throat from the back seat. Slightly annoyed, he looked to her through the rear view mirror. "Yes?"

"I-I'm sorry sir, but Troy has just messaged me. He said it has been set up, but will require a few day's time. The regular hotel room has already been pre-reserved for you, and will be available upon our arrival."

He nodded and his eyes looked forward to the road once more. Already he could see ahead the runways and blinking lights of the small airport. It took only a few more minutes before he pulled the car up within walking distance to one of the smaller jets. He tossed the keys to one of the ushers who opened his door, and awaited the two women to enter the plane before making his own way up the small stairs.

[Skullblade]

About an hour had passed since Sophia had finally claimed defeat and left his study. The night was young and the nightlife had merely skipped a beat with the rolling thunderstorm. Daske already had his phone at hand by the time he received Artemis’ message:


10:37 pm
A*: Headed to NY. Will try to rendezvous.

10:38 pm
Unknown: I will find you.

Daske would have to be at his top game tonight. There were too many variables that could go wrong in a split second, especially since anger, to say the least, still lingered from the loss of his men just three hours ago. Daske stood in front of a mirror making final adjustments to his suit as another reflection joined his.

“Everything is set. As always, he requested an entire floor, yet this time he will be sharing it with, Artemis, his beta, and the leopard”. Adele only broke eye contact from Daske’s reflection to fix his tie. As always, no exchange of words regarding how she should behave had to be made. Daske was quite aware of her… unique personality, having always accepted her for who she was. However, when it came down to business like it always did, he also knew that no other could put a better front than her. In fact, majority of their staff thought she was a cold hatred bitch, void of feelings.

Daske interrupted Adele’s hands from their current task and took them within his own, closing the gap by softly placing a soft kiss on one of them. “You know I trust you like I trust no other. No one from the organization is to engage in conversation with them; those who know of what has occurred tonight must stir clear. Due to James reckless actions, I unfortunately cannot trust anyone to be emotionally stable around Ambrose”.

Adele simply nodded, and remained in place watching the man she cared for so deeply leave the room. She could not remember the last time his eyes were free of torment; in fact, Adele could not recall ever seeing Daske legitimately happy.

Preparing for salvation felt more like a curse that had been casted by the devil himself…

***

The flight was most definitely a memorable experience, especially when the city of lights became evident through the plane’s window. Artemis initiated some conversation, mainly about clothes, and what she should consider to wear in case she choose to fit in with the fashion forward crowd, yet it quickly died as they approached their destination. She could feel the tension in the small environment, but most of all, she could feel Ambrose’s gaze upon her. Such did not make her uncomfortable, but she was not quite used to having someone’s attention for long periods of time.

Another equally fancy car as the first one was waiting for them at the airport. Once again, Ambrose took the wheel, just as Artemis and herself assumed their previous seats. Their trip concluded at what seemed to be a rather important building, which she quickly learned after asking Artemis that it was a five star hotel. Isabella did not know what ‘five star’ meant, but she figured, once Ambrose gave way at the door to let her go first, that it was some sort of rank. A glamorous and breath taking rank… just like everything else Ambrose surrounded himself with.

***

The lobby had already experienced its busy hours now that it was close to midnight. Daske stood at the center of the lobby in direct line of the front entrance. Standing tall with his hands behind his back, Adele stood a step behind to his right with her hands in front.

Nothing in his entire existence or past lives could have prepared Daske for this very moment. He recognized the leopard not because Ambrose immediately followed behind her, but simply because she was the spitting image of their mother. Before Ambrose made eye contact with Daske, he managed to regain control of his facial expression, but his mind would not stop bombarding his being. After years and years of failed attempts to retrieve her from the tribe, all hope was lost the day he could no longer find the clan at all. He knew it was a strong magic spell that kept outsiders away… but how had she managed to escape? And then… out of all people… she fell at the hands of the one man he could not yet kill.

He quickly contemplated the weight if his actions, but was placed back on course when he saw Artemis’ shocked expression behind Ambrose. No, he could not jeopardize everything that had been bestowed upon him… but he would eventually get answers.

Daske forcefully plastered a charming smile on his face, as he met Ambrose half way through the lobby and shook his hand. “Mr. Stone, we are glad to have you back in New York. I hope your flight was a pleasant one”. Daske did not dare to look at Isabella, afraid he would loose his composure. He did, however, feel her being with every inch of his body, as her presence strangely managed to sooth the demon within him.

[Ambrose]

Ambrose paused, surprised that a shifter he'd never met was greeting them at the hotel. It wasn't uncommon to run into others of their kind, especially in densely populated areas, but Ambrose had been accustomed to dealing with the woman standing behind the stranger. She had always catered to his needs when he felt it was necessary to visit New York. For a reason unknown to him, Ambrose felt uncomfortable with the male that stood before them, regardless of the pleasant smile on his face. He positioned himself so that Isabella was directly behind him out of protective instinct.

"Yes, it was, thank you," he replied curtly. Turning to Troy, who was holding the luggage in his hands, he motioned to the elevators with his head. "We will not be needing anything else tonight." With that, he placed a hand on the small of Isabella's back and lead her towards the gleaming elevator doors.

Artemis lingered behind, fiddling with her fingers as she devised a plan. "Ambrose," she called out. He turned his body toward her. "Perhaps I should speak to this man about our remaining days?" The Alpha nodded once and entered the elevator as it arrived. Only when they had travelled two stories did Artemis turn back around to Daske. Her breathing heavy, and a shocked expression on her face, it was all she could do not to hug the man.

"I didn't expect you to make contact like this," she exclaimed. Her eyes darted around the hotel, wondering if he had placed men in specific locations as precaution. Why hadn't he attacked? It would have been the perfect opportunity to ambush. Ambrose would have never expected an attack here, he had no idea his enemy had just faced him with a smile. "Should I leave with you now?" It was not in her place to question his actions. Daske was an intelligent man, he knew what he was doing, and she trusted him implicitly. Artemis desperately wanted to speak to Adele, who was now standing so close. It had been far too long since the last time the two had seen each other. They had formed a deep friendship in the short time they had been together, and she meant a lot to the female wolf, but she remained silent about that as well. She knew now wasn't the time, Daske seemed too serious for small talk.

***

Once they reached the large double doors, Ambrose forced them open with his mind. Troy walked ahead of them, carrying the luggage, and entered the suite with careful eyes before placing their things on the marble floor. "I don't sense anything out of place," he reported once Ambrose and Isabella had both entered.

"Very well, go. I will call you tomorrow. Prepare everything."

Troy turned and smirked at Isabella as he made his way to the doors. "You'll love this place. Of course it doesn't come close to the luxury of the castle, but it's all the more exiting since it's a different place. Try and see if you and Artemis can make it to one of the plays."

An annoyed breath came from Ambrose as he clenched his right hand into a fist. Troy should know better than to be taking this lightly. They were on the verge of war, and the theater should be the last thing on his mind. Sensing the Alpha's irritation, the Beta shrugged, winked and left, closing the doors behind him.

Ambrose relaxed immediately. His shoulders dropped, and his muscles untensed as he took Isabella's hand in his. "You must be tired from the flight. Everything you could ask for can be found within these walls, much like the castle. Feel free to run a bath. I'll be here in the living room." He paused for a moment, thought, and then continued. "Perhaps you would feel more relaxed with the indoor hot tub? It's located in it's own compartment in the suite and includes a complementary sauna as well."

***

Sophia sat perched atop one of the highest branches she could find in central park. Her potent vision made it easy for her to distinguish the three figures as they made their way out of the car. And it was no trouble for her to notice the Beta meeting up with them and taking hold of the bags before all four made their way inside the hotel where Daske would be waiting. If they handled everything correctly, it would be no time before Isabella was in their possession. Another hawk screeched and landed beside her. Sophia turned her head, startled, but rolled her eyes as she realized it was just an animal.

She spread her wings and lifted herself to the top most floor of the hotel where she had noticed movement, indicating they had already reached the suite. She perched herself outside one of the main windows, partially covered by the gray cement of the building. It was the perfect position to overhear the conversations inside.

[Skullblade]

Daske clenched his fists once the elevator doors closed and Isabella’s presence diminished with the exception of her sweet scent. His features were no longer pleasant, but grim instead. He needed to recompose himself, and he needed to do so privately.

“I’m glad to see you’re okay, but you need to stay with Ambrose just a bit longer”. Artemis’ disappointment did not falter his train of thought. “The leopard will not pose a threat, in fact, I am certain we can trust her at least as a neutral party”. He knew to the very core of his being that his sister was a pure and gentle soul, especially after seeing how Ambrose instinctively placed himself in front of her. Clearly not even the ruthless yet attentive wolf could detect an ounce of deceit from Isabella.

“Persist on that friendship,” he continued, “you’ll be surprised how much she will be able to help you despite knowing nothing about us. Enjoy your stay, and try to relax; the last thing we need is for Ambrose to turn his suspicious eye on you”.

***

Adele adjusted her Dolche&Gabanna reading glasses with her index finger as Daske made his exit into the elevator. She knew he needed time, but could not understand what had made him strain to stay in character; he was not a man that could be easily surprised. “Artemis, if you could follow me,” she said catching the young girl’s attention toward one of the secluded yet inviting sitting areas in the lobby. After sitting down, an alluring smile took over her features, “It’s good to see you Artemis. Please heed Daske’s suggestions… he might not offer an explanation at first, but you know by now that he has an impeccable judgment.”

***

Isabella’s awe from the luxurious lobby was quickly interrupted by the man that greeted them. The handsome shifter did not make eye contact with her, and she was not able to stare for long once Ambrose’s body shielded her immediate field of view. There was something extremely familiar about him, yet she couldn’t recall meeting him before; not that she would know an outsider regardless.

Her attention was diverted once Ambrose spoke to her about the hot tub, now realizing that she was in the hotel room and not being able to recall the elevator ride.

“Hot tub…” she answered in a pensive tone, internally demanding her brain to focus on Ambrose and away from the stranger. “Never been in one... is it like a miniature hot spring?” she asked softly trying to associate.

[Ambrose]

Ambrose couldn't help as the edge of his lip curled up in a half smile at Isabella's naivety. The more time he spent with the women, the harder it was to remember she represented everything that he stood against. The more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to expose her to the wonderful things she had never experienced before. Just moments before his irritation at Troy had flared for his mentioning of the theater, but now Ambrose found himself trying to find the time to take her himself. His smile fell as he looked away from her and out of the window where a hawk perched. Her presence was making him falter, his analytic mind was wavering, and that would only mean his demise.

"Similar," he explained. "It's made to resemble an antique Asian bath." He rose and lead the way through the elaborately decorated hotel suite to an elegant wooden door. After opening it for her, Ambrose motioned to the room, the soft hints of pine filling his senses. "The sauna is through the side door there," he motioned. "Soaps, cremes, washes, and the such are within that cabinet, and the towels are located under that wooden platform. Should you need anything..." He lowered his head to her and backed out of the room, headed back towards the living room, where he knew Troy would return to once the preparations had been made.

However, as he sat and tried to go over the negotiations he was about to undergo, his mind kept wandering back to the woman who was at that very moment undressing herself - he shook his head violently. It was most definitely not the time to think of such things.

***

Artemis bowed her head towards Daske, knowing that even without knowing the plan he had laid out, she would follow his every instruction. He had been the first person she had ever come to know who's intelligence matched, if not surpassed the Alpha's, and that meant she would follow him to her death if necessary. A small part of her was tinged with guilt at having betrayed her pack, but as she raised her head and met Adele's eyes, the warm feeling that flowed through her gave her the encouragement that she needed to know that she had made the correct decision. This would ultimately be better for their species.

Artemis felt her heart beat faster as Adele pulled her away towards one of the many sofas provided for the guests in the lobby. "I wouldn't dream of going against his word," she said as she sat and pulled Adele down beside her, a soft smile on her lips, her eyes shining. "I just wished he would grant my departure from the pack so that I could travel with you... guys." Her eyes wandered away for a moment, as she fumbled through her words. The young wolf took a deep breath, trying to calm her beating heart, but knowing that it was futile since Adele could hear every beat. She looked up, through her lashes at the woman once more, "It has been far too long. How have you been?"

***

Sophia's feathers fluttered as she felt the Alpha wolf's eyes on her, and she made a silent prayer in thanks of her masking abilities. Not that she wouldn't have been able to handle the situation, had he noticed her. The hawk's chest puffed out a little. She was a formidable foe in her own right. After the awkward interaction between the two inside, she decided that was enough for now and took off, her wings gliding her effortlessly down towards the ground. After quickly transforming back to her human form, she entered the hotel lobby. To her right she saw the traitorous wolf and Adele speaking amicably and rolled her eyes before continuing through towards a small office where she knew Daske to be.

"He sent his Beta to round up the others. Should I ambush him?" she asked with a wicked smile on her face.