Jones was in front of her and Nikhila had been watching him quite closely. But she was unable to see Ford, who was still behind her and she was not prepared for him to move as fast as he did. When he slapped her hard across the face she reeled both with surprise and pain, but she didn't cry out. She was thrown back in her chair and immediately placed her palm to her check against the pain and as she did so realized she tasted blood.
Far, far too many memories assaulted her; her mother, her brother, the night the wolves had attacked her. It was getting very hard to control her emotions and think.
She heard Jones snap at Ford.
"Not here."Â?
She couldn't help notice he didn't discourage the violence, just its location.
Jones was now on his feet and around her side of the desk leaning over her.
"I think we should all take a walk to cool our tempers."Â?
That was -not- a friendly invitation in any way shape or form. And Nikhila gripped the arms of her chair as if her life depended on it, she was afraid it might. Ford, at a nod from the other grabbed one of her wrists and pulled, hard. The chair rolled, her hand came lose, her wrist felt as if it was being crushed and her shoulder felt as if it was being pulled from its socket.
The men might be able to keep up the pretense of formality but she'd lost the power of speech and could only shake her head at them and lock her feet under the spider like casters of her chair and pray security would get there soon. No. No she did not want to go with them not at all.
Another jerk and both hands had come loose and they had her on her feet. One of them said something about the safety and well being of the students and her cooperating and panic turned into a cold sinking feeling that settled in the pit of her stomach. Yes, she'd go.
Enrollment?
Time to breath would be a good thing.
As soon as that thought crossed her mind Nikhila laughed softly at herself. She was never happier than when she was busy and useful to her Pack and it had been a long time since she felt so useful.
She had her classes, she had her project for Lily and she had her work at the lab because of that project. Two full time jobs, oh and she was still the dean wasn't she?
Today, she was wearing her dean hat and preparing for a meeting with the guardian of a prospective student. She had mixed feelings on those outside the Pack entering the school, but even if they ultimately said, no it couldn't hurt to meet with them. In all likelihood they would, chose not to send their, she checked the file, son here. The school wasn't prominent enough.
One last second to straighten her desk and just in time too, she could hear the gentlemen being ushered into her office. She stood and offered both of them a firm polite handshake.
"Good afternoon Mr. Jones, Mr. Ford welcome to Stafford Academy of Science."Â?
It was a perfectly normal meeting, discussing the potential student, his interests, talents, wants and what the school had to offer. But something felt off. She couldn't put her finger on it, maybe it was the body language of the men, it wasn't open and engaging like most parents, it was closed and almost confrontational. However, if they were as well to do as she'd been told perhaps they were just expecting more from the Academy.
Perhaps it was that Mr. Ford couldn't seem to stay seated. Throughout the course of the meeting, he'd managed to examine most of her office. If nothing else, it was rude.
The conversation had turned to the staff qualifications; what degrees, from where, etc. etc. etc. and Nikhila's smile had become slightly fixed. She was more tired than she realized. After this, a nice cup of tea and grading papers would be wonderful.
"Now, Ms... Mrs.? Gounder"Â? Nikhila winced slightly as Mr. Jones mispronounced her last name, "I'm assuming that you are as well qualified as the rest of the staff you've been touting."Â?
He managed to smile and it was less hostile than it could have been.
"Doctor actually. And, yes of course. I have several degrees in my areas of expertise as well as certifications for teaching in several states."Â?
It was rare she would flaunt her title but keeping this meeting as formal as possible seemed like a very good idea.
"We're assuming you stay up on the latest research and publications."Â?
"Indeed. One never stops learning. I hope the Academy instills that belief in all of our students."Â?
She smiled, a rather polite and distant smile. This was an odd turn to the conversation.
"Are you working on any outside projects right now?"Â?
"I'm sorry I don't understand."Â?
"Any research projects, viruses and applications."Â?
"Anything along those lines would be confidential. I'm sure you understand findings have to be protected."Â?
Mr. Ford, who had been wandering again was now behind her and small alarm bells were going off.
"You must be able to give us some idea what you or your faculty does to keep themselves currant."Â?
"All of our faculty, myself included, are encouraged to attend conferences, workshops, keep up with the latest findings and to occasionally take a sabbatical to expand..."Â?
Jones cut her off.
"No, that's not what I'm talking about."Â?
Now both men were on their feet. Nikhila willed herself to be calm as she stood as well, as if to usher them out.
"Perhaps I can be more specific at follow up appointment. But for now I do have to ask you to leave as I'm expecting a student in just a few moments."Â?
It was a white lie, but something was quite wrong.
She felt pressure on her shoulder and Ford quite firmly pressed her back into her chair as Jones shut the door.
Oh dear.
"You've been working with Wright and both of us are more than a little curious what you've been up to."Â?
Nikhila felt herself swallow hard. The atmosphere was too charged, too tense. She should have followed her instincts and had them leave sooner
Her foot twitched nervously under the desk as she attempted rational thought. Certainly, it wouldn't degenerate to violence. Not here, not now. She was worried not only for herself but the other faculty and especially the students.
Reaching for a glass of water on her desk she managed to press a panic button on her phone that would alert security, some one should be at her office soon. She'd laughed when it had been shown to her, thinking she would never need it. Not when surrounded by her Pack.
"Again, gentlemen, that would be confidential. I'm afraid I must insist you leave now."Â?
She said quite firmly. As her eyes locked with Jones, she saw him look at the phone. He knew what she'd done and her shoulders tensed, not knowing what to expect next.
Nikhila
16 years ago
Xeph
16 years ago
Xeph's office, over in the Castle, was naturally wired into the security system. When the light flashed unexpectedly and a box popped up on his computer screen he glanced up at it, staring hard at it for a moment as just who was issuing the call sank in. In a flash, he was up and out of his chair, not bothering to put his shoes back on but vaulting over the desk and dashing barefoot down the cool stone stairs then out onto the gravel.
As he slammed through the Academy doors, nearly taking out two late-studying students he vaguely recognized as two of the resident Illamar, he felt a cold chill work its way down his spine. What was happening to Nikhila that she couldn't handle? Whoever it was, they were going to pay. Whatever they had done, they were in trouble like never before now.
By the time he reached her office, he was seeing blood red as he burst into the room, teeth bared, a growl on his lips.
Two large men were standing over Nikhila, manhandling her... pulling on her.
"Best you cooperate... for the safety and, shall we say, well-being of your students," one of them was saying. The inflection of his voice made his intentions clear.
Xeph didn't bother with voices or inflections. The smaller of the men stood closest to him, and he reached out, easily grabbing the man by the back collar of his jacket. With a yank, he pulled the man off. Spinning him forcefully around, he then grabbed the surprised assailant by the front with his right hand, freeing up his left for a superb hook to the jaw.
By now the second, larger man was coming toward him. Xeph dropped the reeling smaller target and ducked into a crouch. He grappled with the man briefly, blinking a few times as the guy landed a few good punches to his jaw. They were easily shaken off, however. Xeph had a resilience beyond average - he claimed it came from being knocked around repeatedly by Hammer, and it served him well now.
The two men rained blows upon each other. Xeph had to credit this guy; he knew his stuff. No way he was letting him out the door though. Not until he got to smack him around... er, question him.
"I'll show you cooperation," he snarled as he connected with the man's lip, splitting it open.
As he slammed through the Academy doors, nearly taking out two late-studying students he vaguely recognized as two of the resident Illamar, he felt a cold chill work its way down his spine. What was happening to Nikhila that she couldn't handle? Whoever it was, they were going to pay. Whatever they had done, they were in trouble like never before now.
By the time he reached her office, he was seeing blood red as he burst into the room, teeth bared, a growl on his lips.
Two large men were standing over Nikhila, manhandling her... pulling on her.
"Best you cooperate... for the safety and, shall we say, well-being of your students," one of them was saying. The inflection of his voice made his intentions clear.
Xeph didn't bother with voices or inflections. The smaller of the men stood closest to him, and he reached out, easily grabbing the man by the back collar of his jacket. With a yank, he pulled the man off. Spinning him forcefully around, he then grabbed the surprised assailant by the front with his right hand, freeing up his left for a superb hook to the jaw.
By now the second, larger man was coming toward him. Xeph dropped the reeling smaller target and ducked into a crouch. He grappled with the man briefly, blinking a few times as the guy landed a few good punches to his jaw. They were easily shaken off, however. Xeph had a resilience beyond average - he claimed it came from being knocked around repeatedly by Hammer, and it served him well now.
The two men rained blows upon each other. Xeph had to credit this guy; he knew his stuff. No way he was letting him out the door though. Not until he got to smack him around... er, question him.
"I'll show you cooperation," he snarled as he connected with the man's lip, splitting it open.
Nikhila
16 years ago
It wasn’t security, it was Xeph that charged into the room. That didn’t seem at all odd to Nikhila. On some subconscious level, she almost expected it, he’d saved her from the wolves years ago, why shouldn’t he save her now? It didn't even seem odd that his feet were bare.
Even though she wasn’t really surprised by his intervention the determination, he went after the two men with surprised even her. But she didn’t protest, god no. She wasn’t about to get in the way either. In fact, as soon as she was released she dove under her desk both hoping to make it difficult for Ford and Jones to reach her and so Xeph didn’t have to keep track of her.
She heard the one man go flying and crashing into one of her bookshelves. The shelves came lose and they along with the books they held came tumbling down around her assailant. Peaking out from under the desk she saw Xeph and Ford were well engaged with each other, it seemed to be a relatively even match… for now at least.
Even without her keen hearing, she would have heard the books and shelves shifting as Jones found his feet. He didn’t charge into the fray with Ford and Xeph though. No, his hand went to his coat… No!
Choking back her fear and lack of initiative and response she barked out one word and prayed Xeph would respond appropriately.
“Gun!”
Even though she wasn’t really surprised by his intervention the determination, he went after the two men with surprised even her. But she didn’t protest, god no. She wasn’t about to get in the way either. In fact, as soon as she was released she dove under her desk both hoping to make it difficult for Ford and Jones to reach her and so Xeph didn’t have to keep track of her.
She heard the one man go flying and crashing into one of her bookshelves. The shelves came lose and they along with the books they held came tumbling down around her assailant. Peaking out from under the desk she saw Xeph and Ford were well engaged with each other, it seemed to be a relatively even match… for now at least.
Even without her keen hearing, she would have heard the books and shelves shifting as Jones found his feet. He didn’t charge into the fray with Ford and Xeph though. No, his hand went to his coat… No!
Choking back her fear and lack of initiative and response she barked out one word and prayed Xeph would respond appropriately.
“Gun!”
Xeph
16 years ago
Xeph would have been enjoying himself if not for the fact that these two slimes had dared lay hands on Nikhila. Nikhila! Of all people, she would never have done anything to provoke anyone's aggression. She was gentle, pacifistic, incapable of protecting herself from a physical attack.
He was rhythmically punching the man's face now, growling in time, "That... should... teach... you... to... keep... your... hands... off... what's... mine!"
He roared the last word, snapping the man's head back with a wicked left jab. The stars were starting to clear from his vision as he registered the first man was awake and rising. Dropping his now almost-unrecognizable opponent, Xeph raised his head to hear Nikhila croak from under her desk, "Gun!"
The shot was fired almost before he could react... almost. With eerily fast reflexes Xeph threw himself at the gunman, completely unfazed by the bullet that ripped into his bicep and out the other side. His hand whipped out and he caught the man's wrist.
A feral grin upon his face, Xeph pushed his nose up against the shorter man's. "Bad move."
Twisting the man's wrist, he heard it snap with satisfaction. Xeph's voice dropped down low. "I don't know who sent you. I don't care who sent you. If they want something they can come through me, but the next time anyone lays a finger on this woman again, I'll send you back in more than one piece."
With that he stood, grabbed both men by their collars, and stalked out of the office, being none too gentle in regards to the doorframe, hardwood floors, or walls. At the top of the staircase he found two of his security team just about to start up the last flight. He called down to them as he hefted his double load.
"Too slow. You've missed all the fun. Would you show these men out please... the hard way is fine."
With that he shoved them both down the stairs and turned away, not bothering to see how they landed.
Furious still, he stalked back to Nikhila's office. Once inside he closed the door and crossed the room, careful to restrain his movements lest he frighten her. Finding her just standing up, he didn't hesitate to reach out, ignoring the minor pain in his arm. A little roughly, he gathered her close to him and hugged her tightly, burying his nose in her hair, breathing in the familiar but long-lost scents of sandalwood and spices.
The adrenaline was fading, leaving him trembling almost as hard as she was but none the less angry. Those men had dared touch her, his Nikhila, his!
The full ramification of those thoughts didn't even sink in... not just yet. For the time being he just held her close, awash in memories and fears - old and new.
He was rhythmically punching the man's face now, growling in time, "That... should... teach... you... to... keep... your... hands... off... what's... mine!"
He roared the last word, snapping the man's head back with a wicked left jab. The stars were starting to clear from his vision as he registered the first man was awake and rising. Dropping his now almost-unrecognizable opponent, Xeph raised his head to hear Nikhila croak from under her desk, "Gun!"
The shot was fired almost before he could react... almost. With eerily fast reflexes Xeph threw himself at the gunman, completely unfazed by the bullet that ripped into his bicep and out the other side. His hand whipped out and he caught the man's wrist.
A feral grin upon his face, Xeph pushed his nose up against the shorter man's. "Bad move."
Twisting the man's wrist, he heard it snap with satisfaction. Xeph's voice dropped down low. "I don't know who sent you. I don't care who sent you. If they want something they can come through me, but the next time anyone lays a finger on this woman again, I'll send you back in more than one piece."
With that he stood, grabbed both men by their collars, and stalked out of the office, being none too gentle in regards to the doorframe, hardwood floors, or walls. At the top of the staircase he found two of his security team just about to start up the last flight. He called down to them as he hefted his double load.
"Too slow. You've missed all the fun. Would you show these men out please... the hard way is fine."
With that he shoved them both down the stairs and turned away, not bothering to see how they landed.
Furious still, he stalked back to Nikhila's office. Once inside he closed the door and crossed the room, careful to restrain his movements lest he frighten her. Finding her just standing up, he didn't hesitate to reach out, ignoring the minor pain in his arm. A little roughly, he gathered her close to him and hugged her tightly, burying his nose in her hair, breathing in the familiar but long-lost scents of sandalwood and spices.
The adrenaline was fading, leaving him trembling almost as hard as she was but none the less angry. Those men had dared touch her, his Nikhila, his!
The full ramification of those thoughts didn't even sink in... not just yet. For the time being he just held her close, awash in memories and fears - old and new.
Nikhila
16 years ago
Xeph! They'd shot Xeph! She had to do something, what she didn't know but... something. Despite a helpless feeling and knowing she had no skill for combat, Nikhila moved quickly and was half way out from under the desk with a bold and daring... ... lack of a plan before she saw that he wasn't dead, wasn't laying on the ground bleeding but still pummeling the baddies. With Xeph up and kicking, or punching or throwing people around, as the case may be, she froze again not wanting to rush in and complicate the situation.
Hearing the snap of bones she flinched but didn't move from her Killroy like position, eyes above the desk hands gripping the edge ready to dart back under her office furniture if necessary. Xeph's low threat made her shiver, she almost... -almost- felt sorry for these two men. It was good he looked out for her, er the Pack so well.
After he left with the men she didn't immediately leave her hiding spot, rather she waited there for several second (which felt much longer than they were) waiting to see what would happen next. Nothing... no one was coming back. Maybe she should look out in the hall or try and call security again, at the very least she should try and stop shaking.
Unfolding her long frame she saw Xeph come back in, alone. She had no doubt the men had been taken care of. He wouldn't have come back to her unless it was under control. His arm was bloody, she couldn't tell if it was still bleeding, she meant to ask if he was alright, if he needed help with his arm and to thank him, but that didn't happen. Nikhila wasn't sure who moved toward whom, and even though she'd tried to be relatively formal around Xeph since coming to Nachton, she didn't care.
He embraced her and she clung to him, like a vine, unable to hold him, or be held, closely enough. This was safe, there was no doubt that as long as she was in his arms nothing would hurt her. Something she hadn't felt in a long time was poking at her, floating around her. If Nikhila cared to think about it she might be able to name the emotion but now she just wanted to stay where she was and feel safe while trying not to cry. It didn't even matter that he was probably bleeding all over her best suit.
Hearing the snap of bones she flinched but didn't move from her Killroy like position, eyes above the desk hands gripping the edge ready to dart back under her office furniture if necessary. Xeph's low threat made her shiver, she almost... -almost- felt sorry for these two men. It was good he looked out for her, er the Pack so well.
After he left with the men she didn't immediately leave her hiding spot, rather she waited there for several second (which felt much longer than they were) waiting to see what would happen next. Nothing... no one was coming back. Maybe she should look out in the hall or try and call security again, at the very least she should try and stop shaking.
Unfolding her long frame she saw Xeph come back in, alone. She had no doubt the men had been taken care of. He wouldn't have come back to her unless it was under control. His arm was bloody, she couldn't tell if it was still bleeding, she meant to ask if he was alright, if he needed help with his arm and to thank him, but that didn't happen. Nikhila wasn't sure who moved toward whom, and even though she'd tried to be relatively formal around Xeph since coming to Nachton, she didn't care.
He embraced her and she clung to him, like a vine, unable to hold him, or be held, closely enough. This was safe, there was no doubt that as long as she was in his arms nothing would hurt her. Something she hadn't felt in a long time was poking at her, floating around her. If Nikhila cared to think about it she might be able to name the emotion but now she just wanted to stay where she was and feel safe while trying not to cry. It didn't even matter that he was probably bleeding all over her best suit.
Xeph
16 years ago
Xeph relaxed as Nikhila clung to him. It was right and natural. Or, once, long ago, it had been right and natural. But his inner voice protested that it was still so; she'd left him, not the other way around. Right?
"Are you all right? Did they hurt you?" Between each question his lips met her forehead, her cheek.
"What did they want?" He shook his head ruefully. "I should have kept them for questioning."
Chagrin set in; certainly he'd done his duty protecting Nikhila, but if he'd been thinking rationally he would have detained one or both men. He hoped his security team would have thought of that, but in their defense he had asked them to escort the men out; not hold them ransom.
He gently drew away from Nikhila, framing her golden-dark face between his large hands and meeting her eyes with his. "You're all right now."
And because it was natural... or, once a very long time ago it had been natural, he pulled her back to him, tilted her head back, and lowered his lips to hers for the softest of kisses.
"Are you all right? Did they hurt you?" Between each question his lips met her forehead, her cheek.
"What did they want?" He shook his head ruefully. "I should have kept them for questioning."
Chagrin set in; certainly he'd done his duty protecting Nikhila, but if he'd been thinking rationally he would have detained one or both men. He hoped his security team would have thought of that, but in their defense he had asked them to escort the men out; not hold them ransom.
He gently drew away from Nikhila, framing her golden-dark face between his large hands and meeting her eyes with his. "You're all right now."
And because it was natural... or, once a very long time ago it had been natural, he pulled her back to him, tilted her head back, and lowered his lips to hers for the softest of kisses.
Nikhila
16 years ago
Not letting go, she wasn’t about to let go they’d have to peel her off Xeph. At least, that’s what she thought but as he relaxed so did she, although she wasn’t stepping away from him at all. His lips on her cheek and forehead were not only familiar but welcome.
“No, not really. We should do something about your arm though, are you alright?”
She said quietly while inhaling his scent. It brought back so many memories and relaxed her even further.
“No. I’m glad you didn’t.”
As her adrenaline, cleared Nikhila was starting to think she might have understood what they wanted. Oh, lord what had she gotten into? Something that would protect the Pack, that’s what; and no matter how many men came she’d protect that Pack however she could.
Those ideas crept out of her head as she held his eyes. Those eyes, the different colors, the quiet steady gaze, they’d always been able to make her forget for a few seconds. It was a slightly dizzying sensation but she did know now that he was quite correct, she was all right now.
She’d started to say ‘thank you’ but it was lost in a sweetly soft kiss. Her dusky completion colored as she blushed slightly but she did not pull away. Her eyes closed and she returned the kiss at first hesitantly but that didn’t last long.
After several seconds she settled back on her feet (Xeph was one of the few men in the world who made her feel and look short) and looked up at him love, gratuity and confusion muddled in her expression.
“Thank you.”
It wasn’t much above a whisper, but he would hear it.
“No, not really. We should do something about your arm though, are you alright?”
She said quietly while inhaling his scent. It brought back so many memories and relaxed her even further.
“No. I’m glad you didn’t.”
As her adrenaline, cleared Nikhila was starting to think she might have understood what they wanted. Oh, lord what had she gotten into? Something that would protect the Pack, that’s what; and no matter how many men came she’d protect that Pack however she could.
Those ideas crept out of her head as she held his eyes. Those eyes, the different colors, the quiet steady gaze, they’d always been able to make her forget for a few seconds. It was a slightly dizzying sensation but she did know now that he was quite correct, she was all right now.
She’d started to say ‘thank you’ but it was lost in a sweetly soft kiss. Her dusky completion colored as she blushed slightly but she did not pull away. Her eyes closed and she returned the kiss at first hesitantly but that didn’t last long.
After several seconds she settled back on her feet (Xeph was one of the few men in the world who made her feel and look short) and looked up at him love, gratuity and confusion muddled in her expression.
“Thank you.”
It wasn’t much above a whisper, but he would hear it.
Xeph
16 years ago
Xeph cleared his throat. Nikhila's whispered thanks broke the spell, it seemed, and the old awkward feeling settled over him. "You're welcome." He raised his hand as if to brush her face, then aborted the movement with a wince, looking down at his bleeding arm. Picking his shirt away from the bullet holes he made a cursory examination by stiicking his finger into the wound.
"No big deal," he said unnecessarily. Nikhila must be able to see that the wound was superficial, at least for one of their type. Having dug itself into and through the muscle of his bicep, the deepest part of it was already healing. Of course, the benefit of Werewolf regeneration would stop there, leaving him with two smaller, even more superficial flesh wounds, but Xeph wasn't worried.
He placed his hand on the small of Nikhila's back, more formal than familiar now, and guided her back into her chair, leaning against her desk himself.
"Now - what was it those two wanted? Do you know?"
"No big deal," he said unnecessarily. Nikhila must be able to see that the wound was superficial, at least for one of their type. Having dug itself into and through the muscle of his bicep, the deepest part of it was already healing. Of course, the benefit of Werewolf regeneration would stop there, leaving him with two smaller, even more superficial flesh wounds, but Xeph wasn't worried.
He placed his hand on the small of Nikhila's back, more formal than familiar now, and guided her back into her chair, leaning against her desk himself.
"Now - what was it those two wanted? Do you know?"
Nikhila
16 years ago
He… she… oh god what had she done? ‘Something that felt more than a little right. Something you should have done a long time ago.’ A distant part of her shouted. Xeph winced and moved his hand away, not wanting to touch her, to her surprise, she was hurt by his moving away, and it showed on her face for a second before she could get her countenance under control. There was a reason she’d gone all those years ago, it had been the right thing to do; what they both wanted. Wasn’t it?
“That’s fortunate.”
Getting a better look at his wound, she could see it wasn’t bad. Still as she sat back down, she took a box of tissues from one of her desk drawers and handed them to him. They wouldn’t be a great help in cleaning up or stopping the flow of blood, but they would help some. She’d survey the damage to her jacket later.
Taking a deep breath she nodded.
“I think I might. I’ve been…” she searched for the right word, “Collaborating on some research. The project in question found some unusual blood samples and found they needed some one of my background. The Stafford Foundation recommended me to them.”
Nikhila paused, wondering how much Xeph would read between the lines there. It was entirely possible he knew something of the research even if he didn’t know she’d been involved.
“That’s fortunate.”
Getting a better look at his wound, she could see it wasn’t bad. Still as she sat back down, she took a box of tissues from one of her desk drawers and handed them to him. They wouldn’t be a great help in cleaning up or stopping the flow of blood, but they would help some. She’d survey the damage to her jacket later.
Taking a deep breath she nodded.
“I think I might. I’ve been…” she searched for the right word, “Collaborating on some research. The project in question found some unusual blood samples and found they needed some one of my background. The Stafford Foundation recommended me to them.”
Nikhila paused, wondering how much Xeph would read between the lines there. It was entirely possible he knew something of the research even if he didn’t know she’d been involved.
Xeph
16 years ago
Xeph dabbed around the gunshot wound with the tissues, not really keen on getting tissue bits inside it. The blood was already drying though, turning sticky and tending to shred the tissues more than anything else, so he gave up and replaced the tissue box on Nikhila's desk before he wasted them all. He'd clean up in a bit.
He listened to her with raised eyebrows. He'd known she was involved somehow in his mother's business but the exact nature of Nikhila's job had been unknown to him until now.
"I didn't realize this was a full-contact sort of mission."
He couldn't be angry at his mother; he knew she would never have put Nikhila in harm's way intentionally. He feared he might have made the situation worse with his intervention, though. How, he wasn't sure... Nikhila wouldn't have called for security if it hadn't been necessary, and the two men had certainly been intent on violating her physical space. That much was obviouis. He internally absolved himself of any guilt and shook his head.
"I know what you're doing is important, but... be careful. I'll keep a closer eye on it too, from now on."
I will protect you.
She might not want his touch, his embrace - not now anyway, but Nikhila was his.
After twenty years, Xeph realized, he still considered her his mate.
He listened to her with raised eyebrows. He'd known she was involved somehow in his mother's business but the exact nature of Nikhila's job had been unknown to him until now.
"I didn't realize this was a full-contact sort of mission."
He couldn't be angry at his mother; he knew she would never have put Nikhila in harm's way intentionally. He feared he might have made the situation worse with his intervention, though. How, he wasn't sure... Nikhila wouldn't have called for security if it hadn't been necessary, and the two men had certainly been intent on violating her physical space. That much was obviouis. He internally absolved himself of any guilt and shook his head.
"I know what you're doing is important, but... be careful. I'll keep a closer eye on it too, from now on."
I will protect you.
She might not want his touch, his embrace - not now anyway, but Nikhila was his.
After twenty years, Xeph realized, he still considered her his mate.
Nikhila
16 years ago
“Neither did I.”
She said quite honestly. If she’d have known, Nikhila might have suggested Lily find some one else for the job. No, she wouldn’t. She would have knew full well that aside from not being particularly able to defend herself there were very few Kadzait with her knowledge, background and skills. And this was not something that could be left to grow unchecked.
“I’m sure Lily didn’t anticipate any sort of response or retaliation along these lines either. But now that we know exactly what we’re up against, I’m sure… I know this can be done.”
It wasn’t so much an attempt to defend Lily as it was an attempt to validate herself, her work and ability to help the Pack. Nikhila couldn’t have born it if Xeph and Lily decided she wasn’t able to handle herself or the job she’d been given. She’d be lost to pack business and unable to contribute once before. If it should happen a second time… she’d be lost.
Frowning, both at the possibility she’d be deemed inadequate and trying to put together any lose ends that might endanger them further she lapsed into silence for a few seconds. It was better than begging, and better than trying to figure out what feelings she might still have for Xeph.
“I’ve been working with a programmer on this. She has an excellent natural science background as well, but she isn’t one of us. I don’t think she’ bounce back nearly as well as you.”
She nodded meaningfully to Xeph’s quickly healing wound. Nikhila was genuinely worried about Regan. She quite liked the woman, and while she was by no means timid or incapable not giving her some sort of warning would be unforgivable. If not only for Regan herself, the woman had a family, quite a large one. And if who ever was tracking this information wasn’t afraid to corner her in her office Nikhila couldn’t imagine they’d have any qualms about invading Regan’s home.
She said quite honestly. If she’d have known, Nikhila might have suggested Lily find some one else for the job. No, she wouldn’t. She would have knew full well that aside from not being particularly able to defend herself there were very few Kadzait with her knowledge, background and skills. And this was not something that could be left to grow unchecked.
“I’m sure Lily didn’t anticipate any sort of response or retaliation along these lines either. But now that we know exactly what we’re up against, I’m sure… I know this can be done.”
It wasn’t so much an attempt to defend Lily as it was an attempt to validate herself, her work and ability to help the Pack. Nikhila couldn’t have born it if Xeph and Lily decided she wasn’t able to handle herself or the job she’d been given. She’d be lost to pack business and unable to contribute once before. If it should happen a second time… she’d be lost.
Frowning, both at the possibility she’d be deemed inadequate and trying to put together any lose ends that might endanger them further she lapsed into silence for a few seconds. It was better than begging, and better than trying to figure out what feelings she might still have for Xeph.
“I’ve been working with a programmer on this. She has an excellent natural science background as well, but she isn’t one of us. I don’t think she’ bounce back nearly as well as you.”
She nodded meaningfully to Xeph’s quickly healing wound. Nikhila was genuinely worried about Regan. She quite liked the woman, and while she was by no means timid or incapable not giving her some sort of warning would be unforgivable. If not only for Regan herself, the woman had a family, quite a large one. And if who ever was tracking this information wasn’t afraid to corner her in her office Nikhila couldn’t imagine they’d have any qualms about invading Regan’s home.
Xeph
16 years ago
Xeph narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "Sounds like I need to involve myself some more," he said. Time was short, but there were a few hours during the night he could pack in a little research on whatever it was Nikhila and this partner of hers were working on.
"What can I do to help you? And her," he added. Naturally Nikhila's concern was for someone other than herself; if push came to shove Nikhila could defend herself against ordinary thugs. Even if she had to resort to a Change and rely on her own strength, she could escape from a bad situation that way. But if there was a human involved, in jeopardy, he needed to make sure nothing happened to them. Kadzait or not, if they were involved, they would be protected.
"What can I do to help you? And her," he added. Naturally Nikhila's concern was for someone other than herself; if push came to shove Nikhila could defend herself against ordinary thugs. Even if she had to resort to a Change and rely on her own strength, she could escape from a bad situation that way. But if there was a human involved, in jeopardy, he needed to make sure nothing happened to them. Kadzait or not, if they were involved, they would be protected.
Nikhila
16 years ago
“I’ll be fine.”
Again emphasizing she was not a liability and more than capable of handling the situation. But no amount of pride would keep her for asking for help for another.
She wasn’t sure what needed to be done for Regan.
“I’m not sure what we can do for her. I’d like to think they wouldn’t know about her, but if they were able to tack me back here…”
And certainly, the distance wouldn’t be any issue for men like this.
“Obviously I’ll call her right away, but she lives in Chicago so keeping an eye on her might prove a bit difficult.”
Again emphasizing she was not a liability and more than capable of handling the situation. But no amount of pride would keep her for asking for help for another.
She wasn’t sure what needed to be done for Regan.
“I’m not sure what we can do for her. I’d like to think they wouldn’t know about her, but if they were able to tack me back here…”
And certainly, the distance wouldn’t be any issue for men like this.
“Obviously I’ll call her right away, but she lives in Chicago so keeping an eye on her might prove a bit difficult.”
Xeph
16 years ago
Feeling slightly inadequate and marginally incompetent, Xeph admitted defeat and cheated. Paying attention to that little sixth sense of his, he figured out what might help Nikhila and used it shamelessly.
"I know you can handle it," he said softly to her. "I'm worried about you because it's my job to worry about you. Not because I don't think you're capable."
It was tempting to hold her again, but that wouldn't fix things and knowing that didn't take any kind of intuition whatsoever.
"I will have someone trustworthy look after your colleague... what was her name again? Just to keep an eye out, to make sure she doesn't get an unexpected visit."
There were Kadzait everywhere, even in Chicago. Their numbers were small but they were growing, and Xeph felt certain that he could charge someone with the task of keeping a watchful eye over Nikhila's programmer. He, on the other hand, would be keeping both watchful eyes over Nikhila herself, from now on. And he might have a brief dicussion with his mother regarding this assignment.
For now though, he regarded Nikhila with a solemn mismatched gaze and asked, "Will that do?"
"I know you can handle it," he said softly to her. "I'm worried about you because it's my job to worry about you. Not because I don't think you're capable."
It was tempting to hold her again, but that wouldn't fix things and knowing that didn't take any kind of intuition whatsoever.
"I will have someone trustworthy look after your colleague... what was her name again? Just to keep an eye out, to make sure she doesn't get an unexpected visit."
There were Kadzait everywhere, even in Chicago. Their numbers were small but they were growing, and Xeph felt certain that he could charge someone with the task of keeping a watchful eye over Nikhila's programmer. He, on the other hand, would be keeping both watchful eyes over Nikhila herself, from now on. And he might have a brief dicussion with his mother regarding this assignment.
For now though, he regarded Nikhila with a solemn mismatched gaze and asked, "Will that do?"
Nikhila
16 years ago
She nodded, feeling somewhere between determined and grateful, listening to his tone quite carefully. Nikhila was trying to decide if he meant what he said or if he was saying it because it would calm her. Sometimes she could over think what Xeph said. It took a second but she decided he meant it, more than that she would ensure that he was right and she would handle whatever this assignment threw at her.
“I promise not to make you worry more than you have to.”
A soft but confidant smile crossed her lips. Twenty years ago, she would have kissed his cheek and that memory confused her. Why was she remembering these things, feeling like this. The assault and attempted kidnapping almost made more sense than this rush of sentiment.
“Yes, I think that should be enough. If she’s alert and aware and one of us can keep half an eye on her… that should keep her safe.”
Nikhila didn’t think, she hoped, these men and whoever they worked for, wouldn’t view Regan as a threat.
“Regan. Regan Sorensen. I’ll have all her contact information to you in the next hour, two at the most.”
She’d have to put additional security on her computer and files, even at the lab, Nikhila realized. The situation was getting quite serious, more so than she’d anticipated.
“I promise not to make you worry more than you have to.”
A soft but confidant smile crossed her lips. Twenty years ago, she would have kissed his cheek and that memory confused her. Why was she remembering these things, feeling like this. The assault and attempted kidnapping almost made more sense than this rush of sentiment.
“Yes, I think that should be enough. If she’s alert and aware and one of us can keep half an eye on her… that should keep her safe.”
Nikhila didn’t think, she hoped, these men and whoever they worked for, wouldn’t view Regan as a threat.
“Regan. Regan Sorensen. I’ll have all her contact information to you in the next hour, two at the most.”
She’d have to put additional security on her computer and files, even at the lab, Nikhila realized. The situation was getting quite serious, more so than she’d anticipated.
Xeph
16 years ago
"Regan Sorensen?" Xeph tilted his head at Nikhila curiously. What was familiar about that name?
In just a moment he had it... Reign. Reign Sorensen had been at his clinic last week, with Sirius. And there had been a break-in. Wheels in his head began to turn as he factored in this news. Was it possibly coincidence?
"Does she have a daughter named Reign by any chance?"
No way. What were the odds... slim to none, right? But if so - this could be just a small part of something much bigger, and Xeph was determined to figure out exactly what was going on here.
In just a moment he had it... Reign. Reign Sorensen had been at his clinic last week, with Sirius. And there had been a break-in. Wheels in his head began to turn as he factored in this news. Was it possibly coincidence?
"Does she have a daughter named Reign by any chance?"
No way. What were the odds... slim to none, right? But if so - this could be just a small part of something much bigger, and Xeph was determined to figure out exactly what was going on here.
Nikhila
16 years ago
Oh dear. That couldn’t possibly be a good question, not at all. Nikhila leaned forward and t bit the tip of her thumb nervously as she tried to remember Regan’s children. The woman had six, and it could be a bit hard to keep up. Ticking them off mentally she nodded. She was certain they had a new wrinkle in this little puzzle.
“Yes actually she does. In fact, Regan told me Reign had been back to visit not too long ago.”
The idea of a mad charge out of her school office and up to her lab was starting to seem like a very good plan. The fact that Xeph knew this… well the sooner she could call Regan the better.
“Yes actually she does. In fact, Regan told me Reign had been back to visit not too long ago.”
The idea of a mad charge out of her school office and up to her lab was starting to seem like a very good plan. The fact that Xeph knew this… well the sooner she could call Regan the better.
Xeph
16 years ago
"Funny coicidence then," Xeph said, trying not to alarm Nikhila even while the wheels whirred and clacked together even more. "She's in Nachton. I've got her dog Sirius as a patient."
Shaking his head, he decided not to tell Nikhila about the break-in. She was still shaken herself, from recent events, and adding to her worry about this Mrs. Sorensen's family wouldn't do her any good. He crossed back to her one more time, wrapped his arms around her, and held her close for just a moment.
"Go rest. I will make sure Regan has a guard, and I will see that her daughter is taken care of."
Letting go of Nikhila he strode to the door, bare feet making no sound on the smooth floor. "I think I'll take care of that one personally."
It was time to visit Reign's house, he decided, and do some sniffing of his own.
((ooc: Xeph out))
Shaking his head, he decided not to tell Nikhila about the break-in. She was still shaken herself, from recent events, and adding to her worry about this Mrs. Sorensen's family wouldn't do her any good. He crossed back to her one more time, wrapped his arms around her, and held her close for just a moment.
"Go rest. I will make sure Regan has a guard, and I will see that her daughter is taken care of."
Letting go of Nikhila he strode to the door, bare feet making no sound on the smooth floor. "I think I'll take care of that one personally."
It was time to visit Reign's house, he decided, and do some sniffing of his own.
((ooc: Xeph out))
Nikhila
16 years ago
Maybe she was over reacting. It was possible, after all just a few minutes ago they’d been involved in quite a tense situation and adrenaline could still be clouding her judgment. Or perhaps she was just being paranoid, no one could blame her for that. Still even as Nikhila tried to convince herself of this, she frowned certain that was the case. For a moment, she was annoyed with Xeph trying to keep her out of the loop but it was also rather touching to realize he was yet again trying to keep her safe.
The quick hug was both comforting and confusing but she nodded against his chest, trusting him to follow through on both tasks. Still she’d put in a call to Chicago just in case.
As Xeph left, she sighed at her destroyed office and decided repairing that would have to wait. How did one fix a bullet hole any way? Some one around here would know, but later. For now she headed to her lab, Regan’s phone number was among her records there.
((OOC… Nikhila out too))
The quick hug was both comforting and confusing but she nodded against his chest, trusting him to follow through on both tasks. Still she’d put in a call to Chicago just in case.
As Xeph left, she sighed at her destroyed office and decided repairing that would have to wait. How did one fix a bullet hole any way? Some one around here would know, but later. For now she headed to her lab, Regan’s phone number was among her records there.
((OOC… Nikhila out too))