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Post by Prince Aiden Forest on Aug 7, 2021 20:31:50 GMT -5
Aiden slicked back his hair. He applied a small amount of expensive cologne. He popped his collar and adjusted his vest. He smoothed the collar back down. He gently touched his own face and stared ahead, as if he were a peacock.
"I need to make a run to the club to check on a few deals." He stepped out of his office as he addressed Scarlet.
"Ms. Hendricks, I only have a few items for you to accomplish before the morning hours. Go ahead and give Myrine the VIP tour. Even if she doesn't accept the position, perhaps it would beneficial to her. Secondly, there was a voicemail left for me from accounting. Something about erroneous charges at the Special Effects Department and missing supplies at the studio lot... check that out for me and give me a run down of what's happening tomorrow night. Thirdly. Just keep me posted if any of the other Princes decide to RSVP. Looks like we have about five or six to go. Other than that, until tomorrow, do not call me directly unless its an emergency."
Scarlet smiled and nodded curtly as they joined Myrine. "Of course Aiden. I've gotten word that lunch almost got away from the retainer. I'm so sorry. It wasn't of our usual Bloodmen this time. The good news is that I'm told the Pakistani gentleman has excellent stamina, so the blood will be rich."
Aiden nodded thoughtfully as Scarlet frowned a little. "Thanks, Scarlet. Is Georgie on vacation? It's cool. That's fine. I got into my stash a little bit ago, so I might skip lunch to hit my next meeting."
She sighed quietly. He'd want the leftovers.
He took a look at Myrine and smiled warmly. "Take your time to decide tomorrow, I'm anxious to hear back from you. In the meantime, take a paid A.M. Enjoy anything that Forest Tower has to offer. And I mean anything."
Aiden paused, and squinted at Elise as she stood in the doorway of Scarlet's office. "Do you work for me? What are you staring at? Wait wait wait... you must be my 1 AM... or... Nevermind."
He stood in the middle of the spacious office, and then posed as if he were about to be photographed. "All eyes on me for a moment, ladies. I'm about to meet a few clients this evening. How do I look? I need to be flawless."
Aiden smoothed out the sleeve of his Armani suit. He did not look bad, even if his pale skin and blonde hair seemed to be an off putting combination, he had actually put a lot of effort into his style. He had no reflection, and that had bothered him for decades, which was why he was obsessed with his own appearance.
Scarlet's eyes widened as she blurted out. "Uh, um... Marvelous, Aiden! I love how you chose a brave handkerchief color to compliment your eyes!"
Aiden smiled, rolling his tongue inside his cheek. He looked down at the faded hot pink handkerchief and touched the material. "This old thing? I wouldn't call it an heirloom, but it belonged to my sire. Ivan told me it was a souvenir from a botched zoo heist, whatever that means. Come to think of it, he had a lot of stories like that..."
Scarlet motioned briefly to Myrine and Elise to roll with it while he rambled.
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Post by Myrine Leventis on Aug 8, 2021 15:51:37 GMT -5
Myrine remained at the door, holding it open so that Elise could either step through or at the very least, witness their preening Prince. But it was situations like this that caused Aiden to rise ever night. The man could entertain, host, and throw a damned good party. Why not let him bask in this bit of glory before returning back to the humdrums of running a vampire population in what could arguably be called the most decadent city on the west coast.
She'd smirk with light amusement as he offered to let her partake in anything she might want from Forest Tower, the night club on his property, only to be distracted by his realization Elise was there. He knew who his Ventrue Primogen was, his mind was just too distracted.
He'd call for their attention, and Myrine would turn dispassionate eyes in his direction as requested, looking him up and down with criticism. Scarlet seemed unsure of her answer, but Myrine was never unsure of anything.
"You are tailored well. The handkerchief is appropriate. Though the cologne might be too much. No need to reapply."
She'd nod, looking to Elise and Scarlet.
"By your leave then. Scarlet I will stay the day. Have a room prepared and leave your paperwork that must be signed upon the bed. I am off to Forest Tower should anyone need me."
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Post by Ariel Hawkins on Aug 8, 2021 16:47:42 GMT -5
Ariel would take the crystal rose from his hand, holding it up to her chest before looking up and giving him a smile. She'd catch that twinkle, that mischievous side she found so endearing as she looked up into his eyes before being shown his hands. Her eyes would grow wide and her lips would press into a thin line as she attempted to track the trick he was preparing to show her, only to once more be left surprised as a real rose would appear in his right hand. She couldn't help but to giggle as he slipped the bloom into her red hair.
She had lived as a vampire for nearly 90 years before she had met Rory, kept and doted upon by her guardians since arriving in San Francisco. They had rescued her after all, helping her off that train after she had been turned forcefully after her 19th birthday. She was so naïve back then. Perhaps she still retained some of that naïve nature as even today, still another 60 some years later, she couldn't see Walter as a bad man. But that was the past. And with the help of Rory and her new friends she had been shown the world. Perhaps she was still a little doted upon. But the intentions were entirely different. She would never complain.
She'd slip her arm around Rory's, reaching up with her free hand to hold onto his upper arm as she strolled back towards her house. She'd listen to his flowery words and glance over to him, the look on her face one of flattery, and that if she could blush then that pinkish hue would grace her cheeks.
"You say the sweetest of things."
She'd release his arm after his phone buzzed, popping up the couple of steps that led to her front door and pausing to peek inside. Her gaze quickly attempting to judge if it was even safe to have company inside. She supposed it was. She kept the halls clutter free, the couch in the living room was... well maybe it had too many pillows but those could be moved for company to sit upon. So long as no one bumped into any of her cabinets or bookshelves then it should be relatively safe.
Ariel turned to open the door a little wider, not enough for anyone to actually see in but enough so it was a clear invitation she could let him inside the house.
"Of course I remember Clara, Rebecca, Isabella, Sara, Malinda, and Alice."
She'd snicker.
"We speak fairly often. She calls and tells me of her exploits. And I know you well enough that if Bert and Ivan weren't going to be there then you wouldn't go. I hope to see them there too."
Ariel moved into her living room after Rory made his way inside and shut the door behind him. She'd toss aside the pillows on the couch to make room before walking over to one of the many curio cabinets to place the crystal rose amongst the other treasures she had been gifted with.
"I um. I am unsure if a truck will be necessary. And I would be okay with a nice rental. We don't intend to stay... too long do we? If we do then. Then I might have to reconsider."
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Post by Elise Beaufort on Aug 8, 2021 17:52:25 GMT -5
Elise straightened up as she heard voices getting closer to the door. She'd smooth out the front of her outfit once more before returning Myrine's nod. Aiden and Scarlet appeared shortly after Myrine. Elise remained calm as Aiden spoke and didn't seem to recognize her. If there was any offense taken it wouldn't be indicated on her features nor would she ever dare say anything. It would be...uncultured. The corner of her lip pulled up into a half smile as she listened to Aiden. When he called for their attention she would look him over before nodding and offering a smile.
"The look is impeccable. However, I must agree the cologne may be a bit much; no need to reapply."
She would listen, standing with Scarlet and Myrine, as Aiden went on about the handkerchief. The smile remained as she listened. She was in no rush and would patiently wait for the Prince to sort out his thoughts.
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Post by Prince Aiden Forest on Aug 8, 2021 21:12:58 GMT -5
"Thank you ladies." his eye twitched a little. "The cologne? You say. Do you know what this even is?" he frowned. "Clive Christian 1872. That's a hundred and sixty four dollars an ounce, look it up and stop using your supernatural sense of smell, if you have that, or whatever. I don't use a lot of it, obviously."
He was obviously lying. He really disliked the stereotype that the undead had an "odor."
Aiden was a little put off but he got over it quickly. "Well. If that's the only issue, I'll just hang around outside in the night air tonight to allow it wear off a bit. I've gotta jet."
He paused and regarded Elise again. "Say." he snapped his fingers a few times. "I remember you... at Dorien's Christmas Eve Party... 2017. Your hair was different, maybe it was cropped shorter? Eve, Ilisa,... Elisa! Right. Elisa. Sorry about that, I have a case of face blindness from time to time."
He was obviously lying... again. He walked with her to the elevators.
"What was it you needed?" he smiled with a few ounces of charm.
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Post by Elise Beaufort on Aug 9, 2021 19:01:23 GMT -5
Elise listened as Aiden talked about the cost of his cologne. She'd beg to differ on the amount he used. Thankfully, he seemed to shake off the displeasure quickly. She listened as he worked through names. A valiant effort to come up with hers but none of them correct. A half smile would appear.
"You're close, it's Elise."
He was close, but still wrong. Given the number of people he dealt with and saw on a daily basis she wasn't surprised he struggled to recall her. She easily kept his pace as they moved towards the elevator.
"Elise Beaufort, the Ventrue Primogen."
A brow would perk slightly but she was all business. A long slender finger reached out to hit the button once they reached it. She turned to face him.
"I believe the appropriate question is what do need? The Summit is coming up rather quickly. I know the significance and importance of this event; and I am aware that you and your secretary are quite capable. However, I would still like to offer my assistance."
It was her turn to turn on the charm as she handed him her card. She'd nod ever so slightly towards the card. She was sure Scarlet had her number somewhere, but then again, maybe not. It was better to ensure he had it.
"My number, should you decide to take me up on my offer."
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Post by Rory Connoly on Aug 9, 2021 23:31:37 GMT -5
Rory would swagger slightly as they walked towards the house, a light smile creasing his lips. He'd blink in no feigned shock when he was struck with something he'd never considered.
"Y'know luv, Ah cannae say tha've actually met Rebecca in all m'time! Ah've always kenned there w'six, bu'ah've never actuall met Rebecca! 'Ow peculiar! Y'think ye know a'gal, and poof! There be a whole 'nother side tae her ye've never even seen...barmy."
He would slip in behind her, weaving through her piles and stacks like a greased weasel. He's spent a fair amount of his unlife in ductwork, sewer pipes and dumbwaiters. Being a sneak-thief had its moments. Slipping through Ariel's 'collections' was a cake walk for him, one more reason he thought they were perfect for each other the night they'd met. Granted, he was a bit off his rocker that night, but it was a fond memory nonetheless. She was beautiful and seemingly untouched by the general mess that had been going on. He'd tried to be a gentlemen, even though a certain Tremere wasn't having it. And if being smitten wasn't enough to seal the memory, it was also the first night he'd seen Bertie crush someone with their own car. It was a banner night.
He'd shake himself from his reverie, his left hand scratching idly at his right wrist. Remembering how he felt that night made him hungry. Hungry for something...more. Clicking his fangs, he forced the hunger back down. Even a demon had his demons...things that haunted him for eternity. Yet he would bounce back almost immediately with a chuckle.
"Aye lass, tis true. I ken tae see the boys'n m'Fruitloop. Ages past ah've seen 'em...and ou'side o'ye, ah'm gettin' bored a'gin. Need me a challenge. Mebbe ah'll find one there. Or mebbe ah'll blow th'place up...y'know...fer ol'times sake. Jokin' aside, ah've sent word t'Aiden tha'we're commin'. M'boys 'ave made space on an armored lorry tae get us there. S'bit o'a drive, so ah'thought we'd go in style, yeah? Sealed tighter th'a...well, never ye mind. Sealed up tight. An'a rental's jus'fine. Gotta place near th'Conservatory of Flowers...y'know...fer ol'times sake. Perhaps we coul'go t'th'Palace o' Fine Arts whilst w'there. See somethin' nearly as pretty as you. Make a romp of this whole thin'. A've some fun. What cha'say?"
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Post by jsmith506 on Aug 12, 2021 11:51:09 GMT -5
Meanwhile in Anaconda, Montana... There was a group of unsavory looking individuals milling about a pool table in the back of the local strip club. The Midnight Viper it was called, clubhouse and base of operations for the local biker gang called "The Dusk Riders". They had a monopoly on the illicit drug market and booked all the strippers and escort services in Montana and the surrounding states. The leader was a very large and intimidating man, he and his six lieutenants were feared and respected. They had a coterie of locals under their control through blood bonds. Even the state police were under their thumb and some elected officials. Cuthbert Flyn was leaning over the pool table, lining up the final shot in his game when a very tall husky looking woman with blonde hair shaved on the sides and tied back in a pony tail approached him cautiously. She had a scar down the side of her face and a leather eye patch over her left eye.
"Boss, there's a letter here for you."
Bert flinched and scratched his shot. He growled, the mortals in the bar turned their heads away and slicked back in their seats. The DJ turned up the music a bit.
There was a snap as the pool cue broke and the jagged end was thrust into the face of the woman that had distracted him.
"You break my concentration again and you're going to need another eye patch Meg!"
Megan let out a startled hiss and accidentally showed a hint of fang as she took a step back.
"Give me that fucking thing." He snatched the letter away. He looked over the invitation and a wide grin spread across his face.
He turned towards two gruff looking men in vests and leathers sitting at the table. "Joe, Pete... You two hold the fort. The prince of L.A. is having a pow-wow and invited me. I'm bringing Meg and Duncan with me for back up in case shit goes south. This is a good opportunity for us to make some new connections in the west and expand our market... Phone me if you have an issues, and don't fuck this up or I'll have your balls in the collection." The two men grimaced and nodded, speaking in unison.
"You got it boss."
"Get your shit together Meg, and get Duncan off that dang old whoore in the bag.... Seriously I don't know why he keeps that one legged old bag around. Tonight we ride!"
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Post by Prince Aiden Forest on Aug 14, 2021 19:12:02 GMT -5
Prince Aiden stood with Elise and Myrine in the small, cramped elevator. "I'll give you a call, Elise. Probably before next week." He remained quiet until they reached the bottom floor. The doors opened and they stepped off into the lobby as Scarlet suddenly appeared from the shadows.
"Aiden."
"GEEZESUS, Scarlet! What in the- I'm gonna need to put a bell on you."
"We tried that once. Remember the cat suit?"
"No. NO. Scarlett." He wagged his finger. "Oh, now...Shut the hell up! Not in front of the-" He motioned frantically to Elise and Myrine.
"I apologize for that. However. You did tell me to alert you if there was new information on the VIPs. I have news that I thought would be better if I told you in person."
"What is it already? I'm running late!"
"There are reports that the Nosferatu Prince may actually be in the city limits, but I'm having our people confirm it."
"Marlowe, right? Never met the guy."
"An individual claiming to be him was trying to access the tower elevators. He didn't have ID. I had security drag him out, and we have Virgil keeping eyes on him for the time being."
Aiden smirked. "Shit. I hope security wasn't too rough. If you pissed him off I'd hate to have to fire you for something that dumb."
Scarlet called his bluff. "I believe my decision here was the best course. There have been assassination attempts, after all."
The prince knew when to quit. "Okay. Good call then. Just deal with it."
She nodded, knowing full well the board would never approve her dismissal. She had nothing to prove to this ass.
"IF you will excuse me, ladies. I am off to my club. Movie deal in the works, but I'll be free in a few hours if either of you would like to drop by for a.. "drink". Jean Claude Van Damme should have arrived by now, and I'm hoping he doesn't start dancing to some god awful dub step until I get to my table." He chuckled. "It's a fucking hoot!"
Scarlet adjusted her glasses. "Aiden. Mr. Malone has brought the car around. The Countach has been fully repaired and tuned for you this evening, should you need it."
"Hell yeah, I need it. I'm driving." He winked at Scarlet, putting his hand up to his ear as if he were holding a phone. He wagged his finger and mouthed the words - "THANK YOU, NO CALLS!"
She rolled her eyes and waived him off with a smirk. Aiden headed out of the main exit.
"WHEELS MURPHY MALONE... my man!" The Prince was very happy to see his professional driver and wheel man awaiting him.
The hot pink Lamborghini pulled up to the exit, and a wiry Jamaican kindred jumped out and got into the passenger side. Aiden climbed in, and within seconds, the car took off.
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Post by Marlowe Rodrick on Aug 15, 2021 15:52:33 GMT -5
~Outside of Forest Tower, 1st floor - - - "Rabbit's Revenge", owned by Aiden Forest.
The streets were clear and it was quiet outside of the club. The dark shadowed architecture of the building did have a deep aura of loathing, until one ventured inside to meet loud music and ear rattling chatter.
"Zis almost 1. Aneee minute now, ze flamingo vill pour out of zis monster-armor-vagon. He's done it fi-ive days in a row now." He peered around the corner, watching the entrance of the nightclub. "Prehtty-bird Troob, looks for the ladies. Prehtty bird Troob rides in a Mercedes. The shrew-vife must not know...what he reaps, he then must sow... Or she mus no care bout vhat he do! For if she did, she'd throw her shoe!" Marlowe said in a strange sing-song voice, to nobody. His laughter echoed down the alleyway.
Virgil heard him. He was on the roof of the neighboring building, watching Marlowe as he babbled. He had never seen a Nosferatu before... this one talked like a Malkavian, but he was piecing together what he meant fairly easily. The Banu Haqim mercenary silently moved along the rooftop edge. He was a huge, but slender Vampire with porcelain skin, dressed as a ninja who would work for the highest bidder in the Kindred community. He had been on various sides of many different wars, but it was never about causes for him. It was the payload. He fought the Confederacy during the Civil War, yet fought against the French during World War 2. He got out of the war business when he realized privatized warlords payed better. This particular job with the Prince of LA was the highest paying he had ever seen, so he had stuck with it, despite the underutilization of his skills. He had over three hundred years of combat experience but spent most of his time in covert operations and heists these days. Easy money.
He got on his radio. "Virgil checking in. I have eyes on Marlowe. He's been stalking around the club for a few nights, and I think if he's going to do something rash, its going to be very soon. Somebody needs to contact Wheels and let him know."
Scarlet's calm voice crackled back. "Stay with him. Let him make the first move, unless you see a weapon or an explosive. Report anything you see, and do not engage. That is an order."
Virgil sighed. This night would never end. He hoped he would have the chance to knock someone's head in before morning.
~~~
Marlowe squinted as he watched the massive clock of the Forest Tower. He peered upwards and began walking across the street. "No. Sometheeng different. Not on schedule. Late! Ze flamingo is late!"
He ran out into the road and was blinded by headlights. The pink Lamborghini slammed into him, sending him into the air, straight down on the pavement, cracking his neck. The car screeched to a halt as it drifted sideways. The doors slid up on both sides.
The Prince of LA stood over Marlowe, watching as the tight bandages soaked up Marlowe's blood. "Aw...Fuck. Not again."
Wheels Malone looked up and caught the gaze of Virgil, who was shaking his head.
Wheels reached in for the boot release. "I'll get de shovel, dis de least I can do."
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Post by Ariel Hawkins on Aug 17, 2021 20:39:17 GMT -5
Ariel's eyes would seem to sparkle in amusement, almost reflecting the myriad of colors from her Tiffany lamps.
"Well. If you're curious. Rebecca would likely stab you too. But you might be safe if I put in a good word for you. Maybe...."
Cutely, she'd boop his nose, sitting herself neatly upon the couch she had just cleaned off. Back straight, ankles crossed like a good old fashioned lady who might've spent a good portion of her life and unlife in restrictive corsets. Some mannerisms were just hard to break.
She'd watch him, noting the subtle scratch of the wrist and how his pale aura changed from that light vermilion swirled purple to a much darker reddish hue for a fraction of a second before shifting back. The black veins were still there, fainter now, but still there even after all this time. It wasn't something he shared but it was something she had known since he first properly courted her. The risk in her eyes had been worth it.
"Dearest. What you're suggesting is starting to sound more and more like an actual vacation and not a potential business meeting. And the more you speak the more excited I am to go. Just let me know when and I'll have my bags ready."
She'd smile, a hint of fang from behind ruby painted lips as she looked to the rogue that kept gracing her door.
"But before I pack, did you have dinner plans? I don't think I've had a single bite in a few nights now."
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Post by Rory Connoly on Aug 17, 2021 21:27:18 GMT -5
He knew what Ariel saw and appreciated her politeness these many decades in not inquiring. The true irony of it all was that the gift it brought allowed him to see it as well. There were nights he stood in front of the mirror, watching the black veins pulse. Some nights it brought shame, others endless hunger. It was always there, nagging on the edge of his mind. She mentioned dinner and he put on a merry smile. Feeding was no longer enjoyable to him. It all tasted bland, like a mouthful of mud. But to watch Ariel stalk with refinement and grace was to watch Degas paint or DaVinci sculpt. Not that he was old enough to have met Da Vinci, but Edgar was always good company. He glanced over at Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando that he had "acquired" on his visit home to see his gran, replacing it with a fine forgery. He'd gifted it to Ariel upon his return as he'd always believed such a beautiful woman deserved beautiful things. It hung next to El Greco's View of Toledo that he'd "procured" for her from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This was next to the small rose he had painted in the Neo-Impressionist style of Seurat. Looking back to her, he was reminded how petty and worthless these smudges on old canvas were compared to her. An uncommon softness touched his voice.
"Pack up, luv. We'll ne'tae b'goin' soon if'n we're t'make the drive an'be situated. And aye, 'tis a vacation first - been t'long since ah've treated ye t'a'proper romp, aye? B'nice t'spend sum time th'two uv'us...fore'n the business shakes down. 'Sides, if'n ah know Cuthbert, he b'on hi'way already. Nice tae say hey fore'n the politics...n'case that peacock Aiden be planin' somethin' false. Dinnae trust tha'one...but after ye packed, aye - we'll 'ave us a nice dinner fore'n we go. Be m'pleasure as always...if'n ye wan'tae go out, we go. If'n ye'd li'me tae bring take out tae ye while y'pack, ah'll be 'appy tae oblige a'well. Lady's choice, a'always. A'course, if'n ye wan'tae go fore'n ye pack as ye said, a gentleman will nae deny a lady her pleasure. Bein' ye choice, love...ah'm jus' thrilled tae 'ave ye near me...ye brilliance never ceases tae shine."
He stared for a moment at those deep red lips and the fang that protruded from them. Sweet and reserved as she was, he never neglected to remember the fact that she was still a predator in top form. His eyes raised from her lips with that whimsical grin. Outside of Zara, she was the one person he wasn't tempted to eat himself, and as such made the perfect dinner partner.
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Post by Prince Aiden Forest on Aug 20, 2021 9:50:05 GMT -5
"Feeding on that which doth preserve the ill... for I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright. Who art black as hell, as dark as night."William Shakespeare, Sonnet CXLVII ~~~ Aiden walked into the Rabbit's Revenge. The DJ had already dropped the Prince's favorite song as he entered. It was deafening. << LIKE A BOSS - click to listen>> The Prince of LA was greeted somewhat jovially by everyone he glanced at. He made his way to the private VIP area and sat down, as he was joined by a slender European woman. "Sharron! I'm so glad you made it tonight! Is Jean enjoying himself?" he sat down, exited to see her. Sharron Elkabas, Jean-Claude's agent, seemed fairly comfortable, as she glanced down at a tablet. "Of course, Aiden. Mr. Van Damme is clean now, but he still loves dancing in the clubs."A nondescript waiter brought a bottle of top shelf champagne and a tray of crystal glasses. "For the lady and your guests."
Aiden smiled. "Thank you very much, Stephano. Oh, I'd like a type O. Can I get an athlete, no more than twenty years. I need the energy!"
Stephano nodded and briskly walked back to the bar. He motioned to the barkeep, whispering into his ear. The bartender retreated into a back room behind the bar. "Sooo... What does he want? The studio needs a good action film next year. I already have a director in mind, and the budget has already been approved for the film."
Sharron glanced up from her tablet. "Right to it then. Yes. Jean is making a second comeback. He's looking to make a better image for himself these days, but there are a few things he needs cleared up first." "Just spit it out. Those direct streaming movies are a nice paycheck, but I don't think he can resist working with us." "He wants creative input on the script, especially the action scenes." "Fair enough. But I'm going to put a cap on how many roundhouse kicks he does."
She laughed. " Sure, Aiden. But there's more. You have to let go of your head stunt coordinator before he signs on." "He wants me to fire Jason David Frank? Really? Is he still mad at him? Jesus, Sharron. The Comic-Con incident was over five years ago." "He'll negotiate down to forty million if you agree."
The Prince of L.A. rolled his eyes and sighed. "I'll make it happen, but I'll reserve the right to rehire Jason for other projects. Damn. He's the real deal too, a massive talent with the MMA... not just a Power Ranger!"
Sharon squinted. "I... think we can make that work."
Stephano returned and placed a nondescript bottle next to the champagne bottle in the large ice bucket. He opened each one and poured a glass. "Forty Million, huh? Shit. I think its worth it. Stephen Seagal can suck my-" "SHALL we toast to our deal?" Sharron interrupted. She grasped the glass of champagne, eyeing him. Aiden smirked as he lifted the flute of dark red blood. "Yeah. I'll run it by the board to make it official in a couple of days. I think we have a deal."
He took a long sip, and his phone rang inside his pocket. "Excuse me a moment, this looks urgent." Sharron nodded, looking around the vibrant club. The music kept pounding around them. Aiden just couldn't do business in his office like a normal person. She yelled over the music. "Don't be long! Jean wants to talk with you before he leaves!" Prince Aiden waved her off politely while nodding, and made his way to his club office to take the call. "Wheels... my man! What's up? Wait. Slow down. what do you mean gone? Homeless guy, right? You saw me do it...I checked...he didn't have a pulse... Fuuuuuck. He's Kindred. That must have been Marlowe, hiding in plain sight. Uh huh. Yeah. Call Virgil and find him. Get Scarlet to smooth things over, and I'll call you tomorrow night. I've got to wrap up things here first before I retire for the morning. Yes. See if you can get Virgil or Myrine or whoever is on duty. I can't be bothered with this right this moment."
Aiden had a lot on his plate.
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Post by Marlowe Rodrick on Aug 20, 2021 14:00:13 GMT -5
~Twenty minutes earlier~
Marlowe awoke in a body bag, in a world of pain.
He tore it open slowly. He was in the bed of a diesel pickup truck. He peered out and sat up... and coughed blood.
"Damn."
The driver wasn't paying too much attention. Wheels Malone was playing loud reggae and vaping. Marlowe began to climb over the tailgate, as the truck stopped at a traffic light. He dumped onto the pavement and tried to scramble. He rolled under a fence and ducked into a shadowed parking lot, leaving splotches of blood in his path.
~3:28 A.M.~
Blood dripped from his bandaged chin. He was weak... he would need fresh blood... and soon. There were no humans around that he could detect. He had walked for over an hour in a haze. His goggles had been cracked, so it was harder to see.
Marlowe slumped against the wall of the dark alley. His memory was fuzzy. He had been swiped off of the ground... by an exotic sports car? He could only remember the color... hot pink.
He reached into his trench coat and looked down at his pocket watch, which had miraculously survived the impact. It was three thirty. It would be daylight in a few hours. At the very least, he had lost the driver. The assassin, he was not sure of. Perhaps this would be his night to dance with the dead. He fell to one knee, then struggled back up. Thunder rolled through the skies as he stood.
"Jus' vonderful."
Marlowe didn't know where he was. He slumped on a bench. His blood dripped from the bandages. The rain came in hard, in a downpour.
He looked into the sky. He pulled off his goggles, and looked straight up. He realized he was finally dying.
Lightning struck a nearby tower, followed instantly with a clap of thunder. The streetlights went out, and he slumped forward.
~4:15 A.M.~
He heard the voice of Elise. He didn't dare open his eyes. The rain had stopped. He couldn't make out what she was saying. Was Elise her name? He had heard the name in passing. Perhaps he gleamed it off her while eavesdropping on a conversation. He just knew that voice, from somewhere.
He was in an open coffin, and someone was pouring blood into his unwrapped mouth.
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Post by Elise Beaufort on Aug 20, 2021 20:54:40 GMT -5
"I look forward to it."
Elise smiled a bit of fang showing. She stood perfectly still as the elevator took them to the lobby. It was quiet but she was thankful there was none of that awful elevator music. They had barely stepped off when Scarlet appeared, seemingly from nowhere. Elise listened to the exchange between Scarlet and Aiden. She'd give a slight nod to Myrine and Scarlet before also heading out of the lobby.
Her driver, Remington, wasn't far behind Aiden's as she stepped out into the night. He pulled up and put the car in park. Elise heard the commotion just as she started to slide into the car. She'd quietly instruct Remington to discreetly follow Wheels when he started moving again. She had Cassandra reach for a bag Elise kept in the car. Some might consider it a go bag, others a disaster preparedness bag, whatever one's preferred term, it held a multitude of items that could be useful for almost any situation. Elise pulled out a pair of jeans and wiggled into them. She removed her skirt and carefully folded it, putting it in the bag along with her heels. She slipped into a pair of matte black combat boots. She had learned a long time ago to always have an extra set of more practical clothes on hand.
"Something moved from the back of the truck, ma'am."
Whoever that person was, they were kindred. She could deduce that much. Given the way they seemed to come out of nowhere and disappear so easily led her to believe it was a Nosferatu. Ugh. They were still kindred, and if she was in a position to help she would help ...... if she could find him.
"Go down the next side street and park somewhere out of the way."
"Yes, ma'am."
She noticed the questioning look Cassandra gave her. She briefly debated on whether to acknowledge it or not.
"I'm cold, not cruel."
It took some time and Elise was soaked by the time she found Marlowe. He was "alive" but barely. A few moments later Remington pulled up and stepped out. Elise spoke before he could say anything.
"Sun will be up soon, we need to get him somewhere. We're not venturing into the sewers."
Remington helped Elise get Marlowe into the car before starting to drive. They arrived at an abandoned building only a few minutes later.
"It doesn't look like much but it's safe," Remington flashed a fangy grin. "There's a coffin right inside."
He got Marlowe out of the car and into the coffin. Elise pulled a container from her bag. It was replenished each day so it was as fresh as she could get at this exact moment. She carefully unwrapped the bandages enough to expose the lower half of Marlowe's face. She cringed slightly but she reminded herself he was kindred. Uncapping the container she began to pour the thick red liquid into his mouth. Remington stood watch, ready to jump into action if needed.
"What on earth were you doing? Why would you run into traffic like that? You Nosferatu are sneaky, not stupid, the last time i checked."
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