The DuBois woman went rather quiet and seemed to resent her presence and the mayor was choosing to be difficult. Cecile wanted to laugh, suddenly it seemed like this might be fore fun that her discussion with Hoang.
She kept up her facade of being a bit tipsy and played along with the the mayor's little game. Cecile frowned as if trying to remember where she had gone to school.
"No... no... I went to Manchester.â€
Her face brightened as if an idea had just occurred to her.
"Oh did you travel with the team? I do love rugby. Maybe I saw you at a game... or after.â€
It was slightly clumsy for flirting and ordinarily not something she would have said but right now she was playing a part and so awkward it was. He wasn't bad looking though, totally different from Hoang but both were attractive in their own right. Neither was quite her type though, but she went where she was told and it was the game that was fun she wasn't trying to pick any one up. Right now it was even more fun to see how far she could push the curator.
A Moonlight Cocktail (Attn:Therese)
They were having a big band night at Eternity which was something he didn't expect to see a lot of younger kids attending. It was classy enough that being photographed at the club was not going to cause a stir. He was dressed in a suit with the loose pants and long jacket with the big shoulders of the 1940's. To keep from looking like a stereotypical mob boss, Vaughn opted to stay away from black pinstripe and instead went with a nice dark brown. He had a cream coloured dress shirt, a beige wide tie and a dark brown fedora to top off the look.
Perhaps it was their first outing together that made these events seem so well suited to Therese's polished beauty or maybe it was her own refined tastes that suggested that she would be a shining star that stood out among the crowd. He loved going anywhere with her but at times like these he felt especially fortunate. Therese had such poise and class that the evening would go well and it didn't matter who was watching. Even better, and certainly more important, they would have a good time.
The labs had been destroyed to the best of his ability. He was sure that he had not gotten all of the people involved, and in fact he suspected that they probably lost most of the major players, but it would take them some time to rebuild and begin again.
More importantly, Therese was free of the commands that the vampire had placed on her. The bastard had gone free and that still ate at him inside but they were watching the mulo closely and one wrong move from him and there would be no more lenience. Vaughn hoped that Bao was smart enough to leave his kind alone. He would prefer not to be the alpha that started a war but he was prepared to do what must be done. He could be reasonable but he was not a push-over and the safety and welfare of his people came first. If this guy proved that he was still a threat then they would deal with him lest the rest of his kind think that they could toy with werewolves without repercussion for their actions.
However, he pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind. They were here to have fun. To get on with their lives and enjoy being together as the new couple that they were. He wanted to show Therese to the world, or at least to Nachton. He was proud of her, loved being with her and enjoyed being seen with her now that he could reasonably do so. Vaughn wanted this city to know why he had made the choice that he had and that it was about love for her. They were happy together and right for each other, through good times and bad.
Reaching down, he held a hand out for Therese. Smiling, he asked quietly, "Ready for this?†They had spent much private time together since the loss of their child and the release from the mulo but now they were starting to be seen in public. The press were going to be ever present in their lives but he promised Therese that they could still have a good time.
Stranger
12 years ago
Vaughn Emiliano
12 years ago
The woman considered what he said and then shook her head, apparently she had gone to Manchester. He smiled and then shrugged as if to say he didn't know what else it could have been.
He was not unaware of the delicate hand that was set upon his knee as soon as the other woman sat down. Vaughn kept the smile from his face but it was with effort. There was something very seductive about the little possessive streak. It was a quiet but clear statement that he was valued. He knew that she loved him for himself and not for his rank and that made it even better.
Their uninvited guest then asked if he had traveled with the team and suggested that this might have been how she knew him, also suggesting that she might have met him after a game. She was either really drunk or she had some real cheek to flirt with him while he was obviously with another woman.
"I did travel with the team, briefly." Vaughn slid his hand over Therese's. "However, I am a very focused man so I did not meet many people during that time. It might have hindered my game." Not to mention that he actually went to college much earlier than his apparent age suggested. Public record had been altered to reflect a more youthful appearance for the sake of his public career.
"Any other ideas?" He wanted to hear what she would come up with and when this would all lead somewhere
He was not unaware of the delicate hand that was set upon his knee as soon as the other woman sat down. Vaughn kept the smile from his face but it was with effort. There was something very seductive about the little possessive streak. It was a quiet but clear statement that he was valued. He knew that she loved him for himself and not for his rank and that made it even better.
Their uninvited guest then asked if he had traveled with the team and suggested that this might have been how she knew him, also suggesting that she might have met him after a game. She was either really drunk or she had some real cheek to flirt with him while he was obviously with another woman.
"I did travel with the team, briefly." Vaughn slid his hand over Therese's. "However, I am a very focused man so I did not meet many people during that time. It might have hindered my game." Not to mention that he actually went to college much earlier than his apparent age suggested. Public record had been altered to reflect a more youthful appearance for the sake of his public career.
"Any other ideas?" He wanted to hear what she would come up with and when this would all lead somewhere
Therese
12 years ago
Vaughn's hand on hers was the only thing that was keeping Thérèse from rather aggressively demonstrating to her that Vaughn was not alone. There was simply no way this whore could be here with a date if she was so openly and obviously flirting with another man. Thérèse quietly assessed the woman and knew that she could take her, but that would hardly be the kind or press the mayor would want. And there were too many people waiting for her to make a mistake like that.
"I can see where you might make that mistake if you get around a lot Ms.... I'm so sorry we didn't get your name.â€
Her pronounced accent hid most of the venom, but the meaning was clear. This blond needed to move on and leave them alone. She, however, did not take the hint and trilled a laugh that -might- have been pleasant if one was attracted to her sort.
"Oh I am so sorry. -You- must think me a right tramp and a bit of a flake besides.â€
Thérèse counted to ten forcing herself to keep her temper as the blond struck back insinuating that perhaps Vaughn would welcome her attentions, that perhaps Thérèse would fall out of favor.
"Dancing can make you a bit light headed. It must just have slipped your mind, Ms...â€
She prompted again. Beyond her irritation Thérèse was starting to get slightly uneasy that this woman wouldn't give her name.
"I can see where you might make that mistake if you get around a lot Ms.... I'm so sorry we didn't get your name.â€
Her pronounced accent hid most of the venom, but the meaning was clear. This blond needed to move on and leave them alone. She, however, did not take the hint and trilled a laugh that -might- have been pleasant if one was attracted to her sort.
"Oh I am so sorry. -You- must think me a right tramp and a bit of a flake besides.â€
Thérèse counted to ten forcing herself to keep her temper as the blond struck back insinuating that perhaps Vaughn would welcome her attentions, that perhaps Thérèse would fall out of favor.
"Dancing can make you a bit light headed. It must just have slipped your mind, Ms...â€
She prompted again. Beyond her irritation Thérèse was starting to get slightly uneasy that this woman wouldn't give her name.
Stranger
12 years ago
"Oh focus and discipline I am sorry I didn't run into you then.
She continued to flirt, just because she could. The curator apparently took issue with tat, which was extremely satisfying. It was such large exploitable chip in the French woman's armor Cecile had to keep herself from laughing. Perhaps they would find another flaw in the DuBois woman's defensive yet this evening.
They spared a bit, with curator's barbs sliding off her back. After all, she was not invested in this teasing at all. She debated not giving her name at all, or seeing how many times the curator would ask but that seemed like it might raise an eyebrow or two before she was ready.
"So sorry, Cooper, Cecile Cooper. So nice to meet you both.â€
That little exchange done she turned her attention right back to the mayor. He was an unexpected bonus, but at the same time Cecile knew she'd have to be extra careful not to get caught. There was no question he had her out on some dangerous games.
"Maybe not school... oh weren't you on the board of the Bath Arts Council? You put together that Halloween fundraiser? I volunteered on that, everyone just raved it was such a fun idea.â€
She had -no- idea if there even was a Bath Arts Council and certainly hadn't volunteered on a Halloween fundraiser but Cecile could be patient too. In a bit she'd play the 'Oh my god you're the mayor!†moment but not just yet.
"Where is Adam with those drinks the bar must be busy.â€
She muttered absently.
She continued to flirt, just because she could. The curator apparently took issue with tat, which was extremely satisfying. It was such large exploitable chip in the French woman's armor Cecile had to keep herself from laughing. Perhaps they would find another flaw in the DuBois woman's defensive yet this evening.
They spared a bit, with curator's barbs sliding off her back. After all, she was not invested in this teasing at all. She debated not giving her name at all, or seeing how many times the curator would ask but that seemed like it might raise an eyebrow or two before she was ready.
"So sorry, Cooper, Cecile Cooper. So nice to meet you both.â€
That little exchange done she turned her attention right back to the mayor. He was an unexpected bonus, but at the same time Cecile knew she'd have to be extra careful not to get caught. There was no question he had her out on some dangerous games.
"Maybe not school... oh weren't you on the board of the Bath Arts Council? You put together that Halloween fundraiser? I volunteered on that, everyone just raved it was such a fun idea.â€
She had -no- idea if there even was a Bath Arts Council and certainly hadn't volunteered on a Halloween fundraiser but Cecile could be patient too. In a bit she'd play the 'Oh my god you're the mayor!†moment but not just yet.
"Where is Adam with those drinks the bar must be busy.â€
She muttered absently.
Vaughn Emiliano
12 years ago
Therese asked the woman her name which had been blithely ignored. Interesting. This whole conversation was strange. The woman was keeping up very intelligent banter for someone who was supposed to be drunk but she hadn't gotten around to the point yet. Was the whole "I remember you from somewhere" line of conversation to make him think she was truly innocent of an agenda?
It crossed his mind that he might just be paranoid but there were worse things to be.
Vaughn idly wondered how close Therese was to leaping across the table and strangling the woman. He released her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, taking up the hand on his knee with his other.
"Bath Arts Council....sounds like a fun party but I don't think that was me either." The woman across from them had finally given her name. Cecile Cooper. It did not sound familiar but he was not aware of every aspiring reporter in the city. For all he knew she might be here on her own, trying to catch a story, or make one, before any other reporter got to it in an attempt to further a fledgling career.
"Well I am sure it will come to you sooner or later." He released Therese's hand and took a sip of his wine.
Cecile looked around for her 'date', wondering where he was with the drinks. Vaughn wondered if there was a date or if looking for her absent man was going to be the way out of the conversation. "Oh, nice to bump into you, Mayor, but now that I have what I want I need to go find my wayward man. He must have gotten lost between the bar and the bathrooms."
When did he become such a cynic? Oh yes, the age of seven. Old habits die hard.
It crossed his mind that he might just be paranoid but there were worse things to be.
Vaughn idly wondered how close Therese was to leaping across the table and strangling the woman. He released her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, taking up the hand on his knee with his other.
"Bath Arts Council....sounds like a fun party but I don't think that was me either." The woman across from them had finally given her name. Cecile Cooper. It did not sound familiar but he was not aware of every aspiring reporter in the city. For all he knew she might be here on her own, trying to catch a story, or make one, before any other reporter got to it in an attempt to further a fledgling career.
"Well I am sure it will come to you sooner or later." He released Therese's hand and took a sip of his wine.
Cecile looked around for her 'date', wondering where he was with the drinks. Vaughn wondered if there was a date or if looking for her absent man was going to be the way out of the conversation. "Oh, nice to bump into you, Mayor, but now that I have what I want I need to go find my wayward man. He must have gotten lost between the bar and the bathrooms."
When did he become such a cynic? Oh yes, the age of seven. Old habits die hard.
Stranger
12 years ago
The mayor wasn't nearly as much fun as the DuBois woman, or even Hoang. Public life must have jaded him quite a bit, she decided. She absently, thoughtfully tapped her finger on the table; although she wasn't trying to remember where she knew the mayor from, she was trying to decide if this was the time to do her big reveal. And, of course, exactly how she wanted to do this. The club certainly wasn't deserted which was a bit of a double edged sword.
They couldn't do anything rash without calling attention to themselves, that was going to have to be what she depended on. Of course, even if she were caught it didn't matter. She knew nothing useful they'd get nothing from her. That, however, was rather cold comfort and she certainly had no desire to be captured or worse. Still, no time like the present.
"Oh I know. We have some acquaintances in common, circumstances just haven't allowed us to meet I'm sorry to say.â€
It was tempting to let them play the guessing game he'd tried to start with her. But, as much as she enjoyed her errands, there was no reason to drag this out any further than she had to. Besides as they were busy playing the happy couple now seemed the ideal time.
"At least I think we do. You both know a Mr. Hoang don't you?â€
And let the games begin. The DuBois woman rather surprised her. Cecile would have though she'd play it cool but apparently just the name was enough to trigger something. Charming.
They couldn't do anything rash without calling attention to themselves, that was going to have to be what she depended on. Of course, even if she were caught it didn't matter. She knew nothing useful they'd get nothing from her. That, however, was rather cold comfort and she certainly had no desire to be captured or worse. Still, no time like the present.
"Oh I know. We have some acquaintances in common, circumstances just haven't allowed us to meet I'm sorry to say.â€
It was tempting to let them play the guessing game he'd tried to start with her. But, as much as she enjoyed her errands, there was no reason to drag this out any further than she had to. Besides as they were busy playing the happy couple now seemed the ideal time.
"At least I think we do. You both know a Mr. Hoang don't you?â€
And let the games begin. The DuBois woman rather surprised her. Cecile would have though she'd play it cool but apparently just the name was enough to trigger something. Charming.
Therese
12 years ago
Thérèse was well and truly rankled that this creature was ignoring her and flirting with Vaughn. She committed the woman's name to memory and vowed to look her up. Of course, there was nothing that she could, or would do, if she found this Cecile Cooper.
She consoled herself rather easily. The Cooper woman might be ignoring her but as evidenced by Vaughn's arm around her shoulder, Thérèse knew that he, at least, hadn't forgotten her. Sipping at her drink she was on the verge of rather rudely pulling Vaughn away for another dance when her keeper's name was mentioned. Thérèse sat straight up and half snarled. If she hadn't disliked the woman before she did now Disliked and feared.
"We have had dealings with him. They ended badly, so perhaps you will excuse us.â€
It was possible that Ms. Cooper's knowledge of her keeper was innocent and coincidental. But it was also possible that pigs would fly. They had been set up and she was torn between fight and flight. Any other person, threat, she would fight but with Hoang she wanted to run.
She consoled herself rather easily. The Cooper woman might be ignoring her but as evidenced by Vaughn's arm around her shoulder, Thérèse knew that he, at least, hadn't forgotten her. Sipping at her drink she was on the verge of rather rudely pulling Vaughn away for another dance when her keeper's name was mentioned. Thérèse sat straight up and half snarled. If she hadn't disliked the woman before she did now Disliked and feared.
"We have had dealings with him. They ended badly, so perhaps you will excuse us.â€
It was possible that Ms. Cooper's knowledge of her keeper was innocent and coincidental. But it was also possible that pigs would fly. They had been set up and she was torn between fight and flight. Any other person, threat, she would fight but with Hoang she wanted to run.
Vaughn Emiliano
12 years ago
Vaughn raised his eyebrows when the woman said that they had acquaintances in common. Now they were finally getting somewhere. He wondered which senator, representative or other official she worked for. He also wondered what the initial run around was for, surely he was not supposed to think a senator's aid wouldn't know the Mayor of the city when she saw him.
He was about to ask just which people they both knew when she mentioned the lawyer's name. Specifically the bastard who had tortured and controlled Therese. Vaughn's eyes narrowed and became as hard as the chipped ice they appeared to be made from.
"And just how do you know, Mr. Hoang?"
His hold on Therese became a vice grip, not just to keep her safe but to keep her at his side. She seemed ready to bolt but this woman was no physical threat to either of them. Vaughn listened carefully, his hearing better than many of his kind, and the heartbeat across from them was far faster than a vampire's. Cecile could still be a werewolf but one of their kind was not a match for the two of them.
And now he was curious. Not just why she was here now talking about Hoang but if she was also a werewolf. Did he release Therese only to find another of their kind to control? He didn't recognize her but she could be Kadzait. Vaughn wanted to know and if she turned out to be a werewolf and under Hoang's control then the mulo was going to die by his hands. Possibly with Xephier's also wrapped around his neck as well.
Pity, Amir seemed like a reasonable guy, honorable. It appeared his clan mate was neither of those things.
He was about to ask just which people they both knew when she mentioned the lawyer's name. Specifically the bastard who had tortured and controlled Therese. Vaughn's eyes narrowed and became as hard as the chipped ice they appeared to be made from.
"And just how do you know, Mr. Hoang?"
His hold on Therese became a vice grip, not just to keep her safe but to keep her at his side. She seemed ready to bolt but this woman was no physical threat to either of them. Vaughn listened carefully, his hearing better than many of his kind, and the heartbeat across from them was far faster than a vampire's. Cecile could still be a werewolf but one of their kind was not a match for the two of them.
And now he was curious. Not just why she was here now talking about Hoang but if she was also a werewolf. Did he release Therese only to find another of their kind to control? He didn't recognize her but she could be Kadzait. Vaughn wanted to know and if she turned out to be a werewolf and under Hoang's control then the mulo was going to die by his hands. Possibly with Xephier's also wrapped around his neck as well.
Pity, Amir seemed like a reasonable guy, honorable. It appeared his clan mate was neither of those things.
Stranger
12 years ago
That was very clearly an invitation to leave. Funny, Hoang had about the same reaction once he knew why she was really there. It could hurt one's ego all of these people wanting to avoid her. She preferred to think of it as people fleeing before her, although it wasn't really her they were concerned about in the long run.
"That isn't what I heard. I understood he was rather fond of you Ms. DuBois.â€
Cecile deliberately used the curator's name even though they hadn't been officially introduced. She had the satisfaction of watching the other woman pale slightly. Whatever Hoang had done to her he'd created an impression one that had lasted. That was impressive considering that she really hadn't been used wisely or up to her potential. That could, of course, be rectified.
Calmly moving her attention to the mayor she noted how protective he was of her. Undoubtedly no one would move against her without considerable planing and a reason, but they didn't need to know that.
"We work on some of the same projects, for such a stuffy lawyer he is surprisingly good at thinking outside the box and does like to see things through.â€
Using the present tense was quite deliberate. The project hadn't been shut down, it had been damaged severely thanks to Hoang. It was delayed it was limping along, it no longer involved Hoang, except as a target, but they didn't need to know that.
"You do have to admire him for that.â€
"That isn't what I heard. I understood he was rather fond of you Ms. DuBois.â€
Cecile deliberately used the curator's name even though they hadn't been officially introduced. She had the satisfaction of watching the other woman pale slightly. Whatever Hoang had done to her he'd created an impression one that had lasted. That was impressive considering that she really hadn't been used wisely or up to her potential. That could, of course, be rectified.
Calmly moving her attention to the mayor she noted how protective he was of her. Undoubtedly no one would move against her without considerable planing and a reason, but they didn't need to know that.
"We work on some of the same projects, for such a stuffy lawyer he is surprisingly good at thinking outside the box and does like to see things through.â€
Using the present tense was quite deliberate. The project hadn't been shut down, it had been damaged severely thanks to Hoang. It was delayed it was limping along, it no longer involved Hoang, except as a target, but they didn't need to know that.
"You do have to admire him for that.â€
Therese
12 years ago
"The feeling was mutual.â€
Thérèse said with her voice completely flat. She was having trouble with the concept that Hoang might still be up to something, he might still be controlling some one, perhaps even her. She'd thought her mind was her own again and had no compulsions she didn't understand.
Was this woman her on his behalf, did she have the same gift? Certainly she couldn't be here to try and take over, not in so public a setting. Unless she was an older more powerful vampire. Could it be that this was who Hoang worked for?
Having Vaughn close helped her find some of her usual attitude and kept her from backing down entirely.
"Well it would be hard to admire his honor wouldn't it?â€
She would have thought that he would be smarter than this. She would have thought that being held to account by the Sarkis himself would have inspired some discretion or hesitation. What in the hell was going on here?
Thérèse said with her voice completely flat. She was having trouble with the concept that Hoang might still be up to something, he might still be controlling some one, perhaps even her. She'd thought her mind was her own again and had no compulsions she didn't understand.
Was this woman her on his behalf, did she have the same gift? Certainly she couldn't be here to try and take over, not in so public a setting. Unless she was an older more powerful vampire. Could it be that this was who Hoang worked for?
Having Vaughn close helped her find some of her usual attitude and kept her from backing down entirely.
"Well it would be hard to admire his honor wouldn't it?â€
She would have thought that he would be smarter than this. She would have thought that being held to account by the Sarkis himself would have inspired some discretion or hesitation. What in the hell was going on here?
Vaughn Emiliano
12 years ago
The woman's words made it clear that she knew of the lab and Hoang's hold over Therese. Telling them about the research so shortly after the pack's destruction of the labs seemed incredibly stupid. The bastard had seemed to have been into something possibly over his head but he had not impressed Vaughn as being entirely stupid.
This public meeting did not serve any purpose for Hoang that Vaughn could tell. Still, he could not take any chances that this was somehow a part of a new plan by the mulo. It was possible that he was being so bold to distract their attention from something else. However, that seemed...unwise. He had already made it clear that any more tampering in the affairs of werewolves would get the lawyer killed. This meeting was almost enough to do that.
Almost. He had a hard time believing a vampire who had lived possibly hundreds of years would be willing to throw his eternal life away so quickly, especially after Amir had worked so hard to save it.
Something else was going on here. He would have The Legion find out all they could about Cecile Cooper and he would have a tracker mark Mr. Hoang. Vaughn had been planning to do that last thing anyway.
"I think perhaps he should stick to the box he is better suited for." He set down his glass and slid it aside. "And your colleagues are continuing projects that they would do well to leave alone. They are very unsafe and not worth the time, effort and loss of manpower. It would be best to drop them now....before anyone else gets hurt."
Such as one Cecile Cooper to start with. She probably didn't know much but she too could be marked and watched. They were playing with fire by coming back and making the pack aware of their continued interest in the insane research that they had started. He would use every pawn they placed in front of him to track the trail back to the source. And then Vyusher would eradicate that source.
This public meeting did not serve any purpose for Hoang that Vaughn could tell. Still, he could not take any chances that this was somehow a part of a new plan by the mulo. It was possible that he was being so bold to distract their attention from something else. However, that seemed...unwise. He had already made it clear that any more tampering in the affairs of werewolves would get the lawyer killed. This meeting was almost enough to do that.
Almost. He had a hard time believing a vampire who had lived possibly hundreds of years would be willing to throw his eternal life away so quickly, especially after Amir had worked so hard to save it.
Something else was going on here. He would have The Legion find out all they could about Cecile Cooper and he would have a tracker mark Mr. Hoang. Vaughn had been planning to do that last thing anyway.
"I think perhaps he should stick to the box he is better suited for." He set down his glass and slid it aside. "And your colleagues are continuing projects that they would do well to leave alone. They are very unsafe and not worth the time, effort and loss of manpower. It would be best to drop them now....before anyone else gets hurt."
Such as one Cecile Cooper to start with. She probably didn't know much but she too could be marked and watched. They were playing with fire by coming back and making the pack aware of their continued interest in the insane research that they had started. He would use every pawn they placed in front of him to track the trail back to the source. And then Vyusher would eradicate that source.
Stranger
12 years ago
Cecile laughed lightly. She knew that she was treading on dangerous ground. Hoang knew who she was and that she was out stirring up trouble. Anantya was nothing to trifle with lightly. Now they had her tormenting werewolves, in its own way that was probably more dangerous. The curator looked tense and some where between frighted and nervous but at the same time like she would be quite happy to separate a limb or two from her body. They mayor was harder to read, he was not happy, that was clear. But she wasn't sure if he would prefer to see her meet her head quickly or if he would drag it out. Cecile was rather certain she'd prefer not to know.
Still she looked at the DuBois woman was a rather conspiratorial expression as if they were girlfriends.
"He perhaps should, but you just can't tell a man anything can you?â€
She shrugged. But didn't disagree with the mayor, there was a certain amount of madness involved in the project. With any luck they'd see the flaws in the plan. There were already rumblings of taking things in a different direction. Of course, she didn't qualify to hear the details of such things.
"Great reward requires great risk, I would have thought you knew that Mr. Mayor. You've taken a few risks in your day I'm sure. She's one of them isn't she?†Cecile nodded at the curator. "She's one of ours too.â€
A useless risk, but now she might be an asset. Threaten the bitch and with any luck the wolves took care of Hoang. It probably wouldn't be that easy, but that was the hope.
Still she looked at the DuBois woman was a rather conspiratorial expression as if they were girlfriends.
"He perhaps should, but you just can't tell a man anything can you?â€
She shrugged. But didn't disagree with the mayor, there was a certain amount of madness involved in the project. With any luck they'd see the flaws in the plan. There were already rumblings of taking things in a different direction. Of course, she didn't qualify to hear the details of such things.
"Great reward requires great risk, I would have thought you knew that Mr. Mayor. You've taken a few risks in your day I'm sure. She's one of them isn't she?†Cecile nodded at the curator. "She's one of ours too.â€
A useless risk, but now she might be an asset. Threaten the bitch and with any luck the wolves took care of Hoang. It probably wouldn't be that easy, but that was the hope.
Therese
12 years ago
Thérèse managed not to snarl but her nostrils did flair at the hint of intimacy this woman was implying. Obviously it was a ploy, it was intended to get to her; much to Thérèse's irritation it was working. These damned mulo were controlling her even thought they weren't in her head, she couldn't help but react to their games and implied threats.
"Non, apparently you cannot.â€
After all, he'd been told to stay out of this, to stay away and here he was meddling. At least Thérèse assumed it was his work. In her experience her keeper had a bit of a heavy hand and this smacked of his handy work, but it felt a bit off too. She couldn't think it through right now, once she felt safe, once they were home she could. Not right now, now she needed to be alert and aware of what Cooper was saying and doing.
And apparently she was half menacing Vaughn. That -did- make her snarl.
"You leave him out of this. It is between you and he and I.â€
Cooper just smiled, a cold calculating smile. She should not have reacted and Thérèse knew it and cursed herself for it.
"Non, apparently you cannot.â€
After all, he'd been told to stay out of this, to stay away and here he was meddling. At least Thérèse assumed it was his work. In her experience her keeper had a bit of a heavy hand and this smacked of his handy work, but it felt a bit off too. She couldn't think it through right now, once she felt safe, once they were home she could. Not right now, now she needed to be alert and aware of what Cooper was saying and doing.
And apparently she was half menacing Vaughn. That -did- make her snarl.
"You leave him out of this. It is between you and he and I.â€
Cooper just smiled, a cold calculating smile. She should not have reacted and Thérèse knew it and cursed herself for it.
Vaughn Emiliano
12 years ago
Vaughn turned his head to the side to take in first one woman and then the other as they spoke of not being able to tell a man anything. He raised his eyebrows slightly but otherwise kept his thoughts on the matter to himself.
Cecile then spoke of great rewards and great risks. This time only one eyebrow quirked upward. "If there is nothing left of the project then there is nothing to gain as a reward.†She spoke of Therese as a risk that he had taken. Inwardly Vaughn bristled and decided that he didn't like her, potential werewolf or not. It had seemed to him that Therese had been mostly herself even while under the command of the mulo. This woman then must be mostly herself as well, if not completely herself and not under anyone's command, and that meant her choice of words were her own.
Likely they were meant to get a rise out of him but if that was so then she did not know who she was dealing with. He was rarely outwardly angry but he was plenty deadly despite not displaying explosive rage. Vaughn took in all that she said and committed it to memory. His type of vengeance tended to be cold and calculated. He assured himself that Cecile would experience it eventually.
And so would the people she worked for, especially if Hoang was one of them.
"There is nothing between either you, My Dear. You have no dealings with Hoang now, nor will you again.†Vaughn hugged Therese a little tighter to reassure her of that fact. "I promise.â€
He wondered what Amir knew of this. Vaughn thought that might be a good place to start. The vampire had been honest, as far as he could tell, and he might find it interesting to know that his child was up to his old tricks again...or someone really wanted them to think so. Either way, Hoang was going to find himself the brand new owner of a R'asa mark.
Flipping over his phone, he sent a message to Antoine in Romany. It was short and asked him to look up one Cecile Cooper and to check for any known acquaintances named Adam.
"Your date seems to have gotten lost, Ms Cooper.†His gaze flickered briefly to the dance floor and then back to the woman across from them. "Perhaps he is sharing those drinks with someone else.â€
Cecile then spoke of great rewards and great risks. This time only one eyebrow quirked upward. "If there is nothing left of the project then there is nothing to gain as a reward.†She spoke of Therese as a risk that he had taken. Inwardly Vaughn bristled and decided that he didn't like her, potential werewolf or not. It had seemed to him that Therese had been mostly herself even while under the command of the mulo. This woman then must be mostly herself as well, if not completely herself and not under anyone's command, and that meant her choice of words were her own.
Likely they were meant to get a rise out of him but if that was so then she did not know who she was dealing with. He was rarely outwardly angry but he was plenty deadly despite not displaying explosive rage. Vaughn took in all that she said and committed it to memory. His type of vengeance tended to be cold and calculated. He assured himself that Cecile would experience it eventually.
And so would the people she worked for, especially if Hoang was one of them.
"There is nothing between either you, My Dear. You have no dealings with Hoang now, nor will you again.†Vaughn hugged Therese a little tighter to reassure her of that fact. "I promise.â€
He wondered what Amir knew of this. Vaughn thought that might be a good place to start. The vampire had been honest, as far as he could tell, and he might find it interesting to know that his child was up to his old tricks again...or someone really wanted them to think so. Either way, Hoang was going to find himself the brand new owner of a R'asa mark.
Flipping over his phone, he sent a message to Antoine in Romany. It was short and asked him to look up one Cecile Cooper and to check for any known acquaintances named Adam.
"Your date seems to have gotten lost, Ms Cooper.†His gaze flickered briefly to the dance floor and then back to the woman across from them. "Perhaps he is sharing those drinks with someone else.â€
Stranger
12 years ago
She wondered exactly how close the two wolves were, how much they would risk for each other. It would just go in her reports she wouldn't have any say in who they proceeded, or even if. Knowing who was running the show he might just get board with all of this. The only thing now was that he really wanted to make Hoang pay.
She smiled to herself as the mayor reassured the curator. It was rather sweet. Cecile wasn't so cold hearted or inhuman that she didn't appreciate love. After all, she had people she loved. But that could be used against a person, couldn't it?
"Oh there will always be something between you, rest assured of that.â€
Just the memories and bad blood, so to speak, but Cecile was more than happy to hint otherwise.
Judging that her job was done and that she'd appropriately unbalanced both parties she took the mayor's words as an invitation to leave. With a light sigh and a shrug of her shoulders she stood.
"Apparently. Maybe I should go and find him. You two have fun, enjoy the rest of your evening.â€
Cecile left the booth without looking back. She made herself part of the crowd and found her way out rather quickly. She'd seen him take out the cell phone and figured it would be just her luck to have some on stalking the door and if she got caught, at least one of the people she loved would pay.
((OOC... and Cecile out))
She smiled to herself as the mayor reassured the curator. It was rather sweet. Cecile wasn't so cold hearted or inhuman that she didn't appreciate love. After all, she had people she loved. But that could be used against a person, couldn't it?
"Oh there will always be something between you, rest assured of that.â€
Just the memories and bad blood, so to speak, but Cecile was more than happy to hint otherwise.
Judging that her job was done and that she'd appropriately unbalanced both parties she took the mayor's words as an invitation to leave. With a light sigh and a shrug of her shoulders she stood.
"Apparently. Maybe I should go and find him. You two have fun, enjoy the rest of your evening.â€
Cecile left the booth without looking back. She made herself part of the crowd and found her way out rather quickly. She'd seen him take out the cell phone and figured it would be just her luck to have some on stalking the door and if she got caught, at least one of the people she loved would pay.
((OOC... and Cecile out))
Therese
12 years ago
As much as she wanted to bury herself in Vaughn's arms Thérèse refused to show that weakness, she wouldn't let this Cooper woman see how much of an affect her words were having. The idea that there was still some kind of tie between she and her keeper made Thérèse's blood run cold. The other vampire, the one that looked like a boy had made it fairly clear she was free. She'd felt free. Had it all been a lie?
The creature left and Thérèse felt no obligation at all to wish her a pleasant evening, she was just happy to see it gone. Thérèse rather hastily downed the remains of her drink and coughed a bit and shook her head before turning to Vaughn.
"What in the world was all that about? She cannot possibly telling the truth, can she?â€
Who in the world would so blatantly challenge the pack. Granted she was just one member, and that Thérèse would have understood. If this Cecile Cooper had threatened her alone that would have made some sense but this one had quite brazenly made it clear to both Thérèse and the Sarkis that they were watching her and their 'project' wasn't over yet.
It crossed her mind that perhaps she should leave Nachton. Of course her keeper had originally found her in Europe, so where she would go Thérèse wasn't certain. She also knew she was over reacting and wouldn't even mention this thought to Vaughn, not until they had thoroughly assessed the situation.
The creature left and Thérèse felt no obligation at all to wish her a pleasant evening, she was just happy to see it gone. Thérèse rather hastily downed the remains of her drink and coughed a bit and shook her head before turning to Vaughn.
"What in the world was all that about? She cannot possibly telling the truth, can she?â€
Who in the world would so blatantly challenge the pack. Granted she was just one member, and that Thérèse would have understood. If this Cecile Cooper had threatened her alone that would have made some sense but this one had quite brazenly made it clear to both Thérèse and the Sarkis that they were watching her and their 'project' wasn't over yet.
It crossed her mind that perhaps she should leave Nachton. Of course her keeper had originally found her in Europe, so where she would go Thérèse wasn't certain. She also knew she was over reacting and wouldn't even mention this thought to Vaughn, not until they had thoroughly assessed the situation.
Vaughn Emiliano
12 years ago
He watched Cecile leave and then turned to Therese. "I don't believe there is much truth in what she says.†Vaughn reached for his glass and swallowed the rest of his wine. "It does not make sense for Hoang to boldly announce that he has remained involved in something that he knows is dangerous.†Specifically, Vaughn had warned that next time he would kill him, protective vampire father or not.
"Of course, I suppose it is possible that she is not actually a friend of Hoang's and was here warning us that he has become involved again, against all good judgment.†He considered that angle for a moment and frowned. "Her attitude seemed very antagonistic for someone trying to be helpful, even if it was to be subtly helpful. I think we need to consider that she was here to make us think that the mulo was back to his old tricks again. If that is the case then I have to wonder why the song and dance to send us after him?â€
His phone beeped with a return message from Antoine. Vaughn glanced down at it and then back at Therese. "Whatever her motives, I suspect that we will find out very soon.â€
He didn't want to take her just yet. She probably didn't know enough to be useful as a hostage and tortured for information that she didn't have. Cecile had to report to someone and that someone would need to know at least a little more. From there they would eventually get to the top of this.
Turning back to Therese, he smiled. "I don't think there is anything to worry about but we will keep an eye on Hoang just in case.†Vaughn stressed the word 'eye' so that his meaning was apparent to his fellow R'asa. "Now, are we going to have another drink and then another dance? Or would you like to head home?†They could dance just as well to some music in the common room and there they could be as demonstrative as they liked. He would prefer to stay; it was good to see Therese getting out again. Vaughn hoped this encounter would not send her back into hiding on pack grounds. It would be a terrible waste of a vibrant life.
((OOC: Feel free to close it if you like. We can then go on to marking bao and such. And somehow getting him into trouble. Muahaaahaaahaaa!! I mean yeah. ))
"Of course, I suppose it is possible that she is not actually a friend of Hoang's and was here warning us that he has become involved again, against all good judgment.†He considered that angle for a moment and frowned. "Her attitude seemed very antagonistic for someone trying to be helpful, even if it was to be subtly helpful. I think we need to consider that she was here to make us think that the mulo was back to his old tricks again. If that is the case then I have to wonder why the song and dance to send us after him?â€
His phone beeped with a return message from Antoine. Vaughn glanced down at it and then back at Therese. "Whatever her motives, I suspect that we will find out very soon.â€
He didn't want to take her just yet. She probably didn't know enough to be useful as a hostage and tortured for information that she didn't have. Cecile had to report to someone and that someone would need to know at least a little more. From there they would eventually get to the top of this.
Turning back to Therese, he smiled. "I don't think there is anything to worry about but we will keep an eye on Hoang just in case.†Vaughn stressed the word 'eye' so that his meaning was apparent to his fellow R'asa. "Now, are we going to have another drink and then another dance? Or would you like to head home?†They could dance just as well to some music in the common room and there they could be as demonstrative as they liked. He would prefer to stay; it was good to see Therese getting out again. Vaughn hoped this encounter would not send her back into hiding on pack grounds. It would be a terrible waste of a vibrant life.
((OOC: Feel free to close it if you like. We can then go on to marking bao and such. And somehow getting him into trouble. Muahaaahaaahaaa!! I mean yeah. ))
Therese
12 years ago
Her mind was spinning a bit, it was very hard for Thérèse to think objectively about this just now. But she did nod in agreement. Neither were ideas she had considered but both made sense. There was probably a third of a fourth possibility as well. She'd consider them later though.
"If, we know that he knows that he knows that we know... perhaps we shouldn't out think ourselves just yet.â€
She said with a smile, although, Thérèse was more trying to convince herself more than anything. Still, what ever the situation, the woman had left. She was gone, she'd not made a move against either of them, she'd not tried to level a command. She'd just set them on edge and she hated to see Vaughn on edge, especially on her behalf. She had caused a great deal of trouble in the short time she'd been here. Perhaps not her finest moments.
"That might not be a bad idea.â€
If nothing else, it would make her feel a bit safer. If they kept an eye on him it would be much harder for him to cause trouble, not impossible but more difficult.
Not feeling totally at ease, not as relaxed as she had been when they came in to Eternity Thérèse was tempted to say they should go back. Thérèse, however, refused to let this creature control her again. Of course she wasn't sure if the 'creature' in this case was her Keeper or this Cooper person.
"I vote.... all of the above. If nothing else you look far too good to waste it back home.â€
((OOC... we can call that out if you'd like. I think it's a good stopping point. And then yes... let us harass Bao!))
"If, we know that he knows that he knows that we know... perhaps we shouldn't out think ourselves just yet.â€
She said with a smile, although, Thérèse was more trying to convince herself more than anything. Still, what ever the situation, the woman had left. She was gone, she'd not made a move against either of them, she'd not tried to level a command. She'd just set them on edge and she hated to see Vaughn on edge, especially on her behalf. She had caused a great deal of trouble in the short time she'd been here. Perhaps not her finest moments.
"That might not be a bad idea.â€
If nothing else, it would make her feel a bit safer. If they kept an eye on him it would be much harder for him to cause trouble, not impossible but more difficult.
Not feeling totally at ease, not as relaxed as she had been when they came in to Eternity Thérèse was tempted to say they should go back. Thérèse, however, refused to let this creature control her again. Of course she wasn't sure if the 'creature' in this case was her Keeper or this Cooper person.
"I vote.... all of the above. If nothing else you look far too good to waste it back home.â€
((OOC... we can call that out if you'd like. I think it's a good stopping point. And then yes... let us harass Bao!))