Rath watches from an alley across the street. Tori and Nick talking, Gareth arriving to pick Nick up...

Good! Go home with your... whatever the hell he is to you. I hope we managed to break a rib or two... that should teach you to try and school your betters...


His vision is suddenly blocked by a tow truck hauling a jeep. It had stopped at a light momentarily blocking his view of the tavern.

Damn it! Why is that damn thing in my way...? Wait a minute... I think that jeep belongs to one of the gargoyles... the one who took Laila in. Hmmm.... That might be a way for a ghoul to get close enough to her... and they dont live right in town... no one would hear her screams....

If anyone had been watching where a man once stood in the parking lot there was now nothing to be seen. Just a bat taking wing and the sound of evil laughter....

Rath paces the floor in his living room. The house in a state of disarray since Laila left. Those sluts are good in bed but seem to have no other talents, certainly no domestic ones...


I should have just killed her when I had the chance, and claimed it was an accident. That way Adrian would have been forced to send me a replacement. This is tedious at best, trying to adapt one not bred for the role.


He continues to pace, getting angrier by the minute, his thoughts turn to revenge for the insult he felt at Lailas leaving.

I should not be surprised that she would return to the humans. I am surprised that a Rider would take a fancy to her. Maybe I can get to her through them? He shakes his head. No, they are too loyal to one another. And still trying to figure out what is killing some of the humans in town. Their silly patrols... not that I am going to say anything. If every person in Exton is eaten... Rath shrugs his shoulders, I dont really care...


Suddenly Rath stops pacing and an evil grin comes to his face. Maybe I can see that Laila gets separated from her protectors and a distance from a patrol. If she were eaten so much the better....

His evil laugh carries upstairs, causing the two girls tied to the four-poster bed to cry in terror at the sound.

Some time later, Star is suddenly uneasy and asks if Miko is around. Ob nods and sends Miko upstairs to guard the nursery door. The demifae never question Stars feelings.

Laila is visiting with her sister when a commotion at the front door catches her attention. She tries to see what is going on but Jebs body is blocking her view. He is arguing loudly with someone she cant see.

Ramji notices Laila go suddenly still and pale. “Sweetheart, what is wrong?”

“It's Rath. At the door. I know it is. I would know his voice anywhere.”

Adrian takes note of the panicked expression on her face and exchanges a glance with Ramji. “We could just get this over with since he is clamoring for entrance...”

“Shall I tell Jeb to let the vampire in?” Ob asks.

Adrian nods, “Yes, lets see what my brother has to say.”

Rath has a smug smile on his face as he enters the tavern. “I told you they would let me back in. It was entirely that servants fault to begin with. I should never have been kicked out in the first place.”

As Rath escorts the two blondes to his favorite booth he stops suddenly. Staring at him from the other side of the tavern was his brother Adrian. His glance takes in the woman sitting next to him.  

Thea... of course he would bring her just to taunt me. She should have been mine... not the incompetent younger sister... and who else but the idiot servant with her... I imagine she went crying to one or the other...

As Rath approaches Laila edges closer to Ramji and Thea closer to Laila, trying to give her some sense of security.

“Well, Adrian. Hello. And to what do I owe the umm... pleasure of your company? I hardly think you traveled all this way just to chat and catch up.”

Rath smiles as the car nears the tavern. One of the women from Graces wake proved to be very interesting to him and had agreed to meet him for dinner.

It has been awhile since I have limited myself to one or two lovers for any length of time. We'll have to see how this works out....

Laila pulls the car into a parking spot across the street from the tavern, shuts the engine off and moves her hand to open the door.

“Wait! I need to think for a moment before I go in.” Rath leans back in the seat, ordering his thoughts.

I really need to speak to someone about increasing my wages. Laila is my personal servant and I need a driver. I doubt if anyone notices her driving, but someone of my station really should have two servants. My brother has an entire houseful to do his bidding. I only have one, an ugly stubborn one....

Rath sighs and his attention goes to the front door, people going in and out, and the large bouncer keeping an eye on things.

On the other hand, Laila might prove useful if she ingratiates herself among these people. I am almost positive I saw that blonde girls eyes change colors. If so, she must be the one people are talking about for some reason. It wouldnt hurt to know why and to have a little more information about that. It might prove... profitable... at some point.....

“Well, lets go in. I dont want to sit here all night.” Rath is suddenly impatient.

Laila lets herself out of the car and opens the door for Rath. He pays her no attention as he moves across the street to the door of the tavern. She follows a few steps behind silent as a ghost.

Rath leans against a table and watches Laila speaking animatedly to the pretty blonde fae. His thoughts move between irritation, anger and pleasure.

Well, she has made a friend. One of the group from the tavern. Hmm... this may be a way to closer to that dark-haired one, the one that seems easily mesmerized. On the other hand, she may be able to find some useful information for me... and Theokratos. Maybe I will just let her have her little friend for now...

Moving quietly Laila and Star are unaware of Raths approach until he is standing next to the bench. Laila falls silent and her face goes white. Star is afraid of the vampire and looks over her shoulder to see if Erik is watching.

Raina looks up from the drinking game she is playing with the group. “Oh shit. Erik... that vampire is talking to his girl and Star looks...”

Raina didnt get another word out and Erik was on feet, walking towards the bench and his wife. He heard Ramji mutter something under his breath and knew that the studied look of nonchalance was just that... a look. He was sure if the vampire made a move the riders would be there in an instant.

“Princess... is everything all right? You look a little... tired....” Erik looks down at Rath who is several inches shorter than the big Viking.

Star smiles, relief plain in her expression. “I'm fine. Erik, this is my friend, Laila. And this is...” She looks at Rath and back to Laila.

Rath extends a hand to Erik. “Call me Rath. I was just telling Laila that I was glad to see she has someone to talk to. I'm afraid she gets a little lonely with just me for company.” He turns his attention from Erik to Laila. “Enjoy yourself. I will be occupied this evening and will not need your service. Be home before its time to lock up for the day.”

Rath turns and walks away leaving Laila stunned. “I wonder what that was about. He never lets me do anything....”

Laila turns to Star and starts to tremble, “I dont trust him, he has something up his sleeve.”

Star and Erik exchange a look and Star wraps her arms around Laila. Star whispers, trying to offer some support and says, “Well, at least you can stay with us for awhile longer....”

Laila nods and the conversation resumes. Erik stays close to the girls, wanting Star to have as much time with Laila as possible.

Rath enters the tavern and looks around noting how empty it seemed. The usual crowd must have made other plans... pity that, some of their women are most...eye catching.... Rath laughs drily to himself causing Laila to startle at the sound.

Rath looks at her with an almost annoyed expression on his face. What to do with this one? She was much more pliable when she was younger and she could easily lure unsuspecting girls close. She really isnt my type, I cant feed from her without losing her families loyalty and that could be disastrous. It is fairly dull having a servant you arent interested in fucking...

Rath sighs as he takes a booth and watches as a few customers come in. It looks to be a quiet night... Rath sighs again and sends Laila to the bar to get his drink.

Rath smiles grimly and takes a long drink from the bottle Patti placed in front of him. So... the vampire is protective of his friends... does he consider them part of his clan? Not that it matters. I have no interest in taking what belongs to someone else... except maybe that witch... He laughs softly when Pandoras eyes meet his...  now there's a woman worth taking a risk for. I would bet she is fierce in bed... certainly no delicate little flower like the blonde, but looks can be deceiving....

The smile fades when Ob steps in front of Pandora breaking their connection. He glances at Stoney who has moved in front of Alise. What are these creatures that are so protective of their women? No matter. There are many women here who would easily be seduced. Maybe not as much of a challenge.... Rath shrugs and signals Patti for another bottle. His attention turns to a group of shifters, and several pretty young women drinking and flirting.

Easy pickings among that group and surely the crowd will grow as the night goes on. He looks across the table at the one who accompanied him this night. Pity it is custom that I not touch my 'servant'. She is getting rather pretty. Oh well... best not to anger the fates when possible. Taking a virgin is a rather distasteful proposition anyway... Rath wrinkles his nose, preferring his women to be experienced. His eyes search again for Pandora's, but he meets only Ob's angry glare.

While his attention is elsewhere his companion dares to raise her gaze from her lap. She has sensed someone looking at her with more than a casual interest. Her eyes are drawn to the beautiful woman with startling green eyes, reminding her of a wild cat from home. She looks for only a few seconds and lowers her gaze to her lap, not wanting to be reprimanded by Rath.

Raina is startled by the curiosity and intelligence she sees in the hazel, almost gold eyes. What the hel? I am getting to the bottom of this, vampire or not....

Rath enters the tavern and pauses looking for an empty table. He sees a booth on the other side of the room that looks to be unoccupied. As he heads towards it a small silent form follows him. Completely covered in a dark cloak, the hood pulled up, the form appears feminine but it is hard to tell.

Rath sits, making himself comfortable and then motions for the cloaked figure to sit across from him. Patti walks over and asks what the couple will have to drink.

“I believe I'll have a type A on the rocks with a dash of tabasco. If you have it...”

Patti nods and turns to the silent figure, “And you?”

Rath snaps, “She doesnt require anything at the moment. Thank you.”

Patti heads to the bar with the order. “What an ass.” She glances over her shoulder at the couple and back to Monty. “Something just isnt right there... why the cloak? And why cant she... or it - might even be a he for all we can tell - talk for themselves? Maybe you should have Jeb keep an eye on them.”

Monty nods, “Jeb is busy at the door. I'll let the demifae know...”

“Okay. But damn, its going to be hard not to drop this in his lap.” Patti turns to deliver Raths order.

Rath takes the hand of his dance partner after the dance ends and they step out for some fresh air... he leads her to a dark area and she turns into him, ready for his kiss. He had been talking with her and found her to be intelligent as well as well endowed. He kissed her with hunger... his tongue slipping into her mouth as he drew her tighter against him; he trailed his lips down her throat to the pulse point in her neck and he bit her gently while caressing her breasts... her breath caught for a moment and then she began groping the front of his pants, seeking his manhood and caressing it through the fabric.

Rath decided he wanted to keep the girl as a concubine for awhile; she was in a sexual trance now from his saliva that entered her system with his bite... and she craved him now; as he craved her body and blood. He drew blood slowly from her... keeping his pace slow, that he not take too much and weaken her... his hands exploring her body and finding it pleasurable. She had drawn his cock from his pants and stroked him, and he slipped fingers inside her panties to squeeze her clit and run them up and down seeking the entrance to her pussy. He grew impatient and tore them from her and drew her closer still... picking her up by her buttocks and sitting her on his cock... plunging deep as he drew precious drops of blood from her neck. She was near orgasm and he felt it too, and returned his mouth to her lips, ravaging her mouth with his tongue as he ravaged her pussy.

Rath set her down and adjusted his clothes; she did the same... looking at him with eyes full of lust and need. He wrapped an arm about her and they returned to the tavern and his booth; she clung to him and showed great affection... oblivious to the fact that he had taken a pint of blood from her neck.

Rath decides to try his hand on the dance floor... he has observed that much of the dancing of the day is body movements in time to the music... and he always had a good sense of  rhythm. He watches the warrior from the table of the pregnant woman take to the floor with a woman graced with blue skin and hair... rather striking for the oddity she is.

He approaches a girl with waist length black hair and asks her to dance; she agrees and they are soon out on the floor and Rath enjoys the feel of holding a woman again, she has a sweet scent and he can hear her pulse pounding beneath the skin of her neck... she is excited by him... and he remembers anew how much women were a joy. They move about the floor and he glances at a nearby table and almost stops before catching himself; its the girl from the other night.. she looks to be making a total recovery... but looked right through him with no recognition. He mused to himself, why should she know him... he is not the old man of the other night any longer... nothing in his appearance now would give her a clue. He makes a mental note to avoid the table anyway... and returns to the charming woman in his arms, nuzzling her neck as they sway to the music.

Rath watched the woman dancing with her mate and it was unquestionably erotic... they seemed totally immersed in each other and the hell with the world. She was large with child; but very sexy in spite of it... or because of it... he couldn't decide, but he was having trouble taking his eyes off her. He realized others at her table were watching him and he made a decided effort to find something else to entertain himself.

His attention shifted to a group just settling in... and he recognized another vampire in the tall man with the warrior woman. She exuded sexuality as she walked without trying... and the couple looked to be well suited. He hadn't decided about the faes that accompanied them. The woman was delicate and had hair like burning embers in a fire... but she looked to be able to take care of herself just from her bearing. The man had a sadness to his visage; as if he suffered some terrible loss he hadn't recovered from. Certainly a lot of interesting characters in this establishment; he knew he would not grow tired of coming here.

The band was beginning to tune up and he focused on some of the young women hanging around the stage; there were several beauties among them.

Rath entered the tavern, his eyes could see in the darkest night... so he had little need to pause to adjust to the dim room. His first impression was that there were many supernaturals here, he could hear an immense buzz of conversation and tuned it out... looking around for a suitable subject to focus on. He caught glimpses of demi-fae out of the corner of his eyes and knew that whatever he did here would be monitored. No problem; he only planned on meeting and having pleasant company with the ladies while here. What happened when he escorted them home was another thing.

He looked for a spot where he could observe the room and decided on a booth about halfway down the floor... the stage was visible and he could see the majority of the room. Rath admired the decor... whoever planned the room had allowed for privacy as well as a warm sheltered feeling with the curtained booths. He glanced at the drink menu and was surprised to see warm cow's blood on the page, this was a place out of the ordinary... he ordered and sat back waiting for his drink.

He picked up a conversation with a woman's soft voice and turned his attention that direction. His attention went to the woman immediately; although she was quite pregnant she had a beauty that caught his eye. There was an aura about her that bespoke magick... and he grinned, this was the kind of woman he was seeking. The two men at the table with her were formidable; a warrior with a quite capable look, and the ears of the fae... and an immense man that he took to be the woman's mate, as he was holding a protective arm about her. He could not quite fathom the man's makeup... he was a supernatural,but not something he was familiar with.

When Monty brought his drink he inquired.."Who is the woman at the far table?"... Monty quickly grinned and replied..."That's Pandora... she owns this place." Rath didn't pursue it any further... he had all the time in the world to decide if he would draw her to him or not.

Meanwhile there was a bevy of good-looking women about... he leaned back to watch their movements as they danced and talked among themselves.

Rath is ready to step out for the evening... he can't believe how successfully he revived his youth with the tainted blood he was forced to drink... skid row bums drank a lot of booze and it infused their blood with a foul taste... he decided the sheer volume must have turned the tide. He shortened Amrath to just Rath... seemed more appropriate for the times... and he wanted no connection with his past.

He had observed a lot of the younger goth set at night and felt comfortable that the clothes he wore; actually old favorites from another age that had been carefully packed away... still were acceptable attire for nightlife here. His hair was dark and fell to his shoulders, and he had piecing blue eyes, he was attractive and knew that seducing women in this time would be easy for him... he was contemplating making one of his kind out of a woman if he found one to his liking... companionship was something he missed.

He was going to the tavern down in old town, he liked the area... and the crowd seemed right for him.