The end in sight.

[Pablo]

“Lucia, what do you think friends are for?” He stammered, Pablo didn’t want to imagine, but he could, Lucia’s response was inappropriate. Adele would fight back, up to the moment her throat was pierced. She would be angry before and after. Something about the imagery tickled him, he knew why, but the terror in Addy’s eyes. “You’d scar her. Please, Lucia, I want to see her again.” He did, whole heartedly, but not like this. He felt hurt thinking about. They’d violate his friend. “Don’t hurt her.” He said, tugging again on Lucia’s arm; attempting to sound more authoritative.

Catherine watched the exchange between Lucia and her pet with a smile. His concern was adorable. The way Lucia teased him amusing. She found herself suppressing a giggle, as she quietly slid behind the lycan. Resting a hand on his shoulder. “Lucia, now be honest. We wanted her for more than just that.” She could have laughed, as the lycan seemed to shake. “The moment you see her, you won’t be able to keep your hands off the girl.” The lycan attempted to turn, she pulled him back closer, tight to her body. A wave of warmth hitting her, Catherine licked her lips. “Don’t worry, You’ve grown to enjoy my touch. Addy will as well.” She let her hand stray just below his waist. The beast seemed to flinch, before breathing softly and settling against her. “In fact, as I bit her, she squirmed and moaned just like you would. Perhaps, this entire time, you’ve only touched her in the wrong ways.” Feeling the lycan’s torso grow warm, she let him go. To her dissatisfaction he pulled away.

Pablo froze as Catherine placed a hand on his shoulder. The way Lucia talked about Adele was one thing, but the way Catherine did, the predatorial look in her eye. He could hear the desire in her voice. Was Catherine just humoring Lucia, why did she care so much? He felt a flare of heat, and tried to turn, but the vampire held him tight. She was soft, her skin her body, he gasped as she touched him. It had been oversighted of him not to dress, it had been foolish. He did enjoy her touch, he blushed embarrassed, that proved nothing though. “Why do you want to hurt her?” He said, his breathing slow, it was difficult to speak without betraying the subtle pleasure he felt. “Lucia, please.” He said meeting her eyes again. “Enough.” Pablo said trying to glance over his shoulder. The closeness of which he was held made it difficult. Finally, though she let go, he quickly turned to stand beside Lucia, reaching out to grab her arm. She was as always pleasing to touch, he entwined his fingers with hers, squeezing tight.

Catherine ignored the lycan’s please, setting her gaze on Lucia once again. “As I said, she practically stepped into my arms the moment I promised to harm your pet. The pain in her eye, the prospect she’d never see him again. You might see her as just a friend.” She said shifting her gaze for a moment to the lycan. “But she loves you. I’d only wanted a bite, to disarm her, but her taste Lucia, her fear, it was too sweet. The way she moved… I lost myself in the moment. One of her pack got the drop on me.” The vampire said taking a step back. “They shot me, with something particularly, vile.” Catherine said reaching for the ends of her dress. Sliding up one half to expose the wound in her thigh. “It was worse than silver, my dear. It may not seem like much.” It was noticeable, a distinct scar, a farycry from a night ago, but the fact it existed alone. “I have not had a wound last so long my love. It concerns me, it burns cold with every step I take.” She said, reaching out for their locked hands, and placing it upon her leg. “I had hoped to share a bite of your beast. His blood its… invigorating, I think it may help with the healing process.”

[Alena Wulf]

It was only a matter of moments, it seemed; although to Alena, the space between Dane leaving her cell and Reece reaching out to her, felt far too long. Still, with the return of her pup, the mother of lycanthropy could feel the presence of multiple packs approaching. There was someone else, too. Alena was quiet for a moment, listening, concentrating; and then she felt her heart skip a beat. Nero. Her oldest surviving child of Raven was among the rescue party. -Thank the hells.-

Reaching out to Reece and Nero, Alena relayed information and gave orders, before growing quiet. She didn't trust Marcus, but he was perhaps the best chance she had at keeping Lucia alive until her pack got closer. Locating the vampire, the werewolf queen spoke into his mind, Marcus. They draw near. Bring my pups.

[Adele Holst]

The rest of the night, and the entire day following the vampires' attack on the Den had been rough for everyone involved. Their home had sustained multiple holes, the property itself had taken significant damage; and the number of casualties and those missing in action were appalling. Those less injured were left to see to the more grievously wounded, while any able-bodied pups were tasked with cleaning debris and making what simple repairs they could. Overall, a heavy silence hung over the property.

Kneeling on the floor, bent over herself, Adele held her head in her hands, blonde hair falling over her shoulders. "It's too much." She spoke through clenched teeth, shaking her head. The last couple days, every time she'd taken her lycan form, she felt consumed by rage. This rage was hers, as it had always been. Yet some switch had been thrown somewhere in her mind. In the years past, she'd found some small amount of control in her werewolf form, even if her comfort and strength felt subdued. However, now, it seemed as her rage intensified, it found hidden doors to throw open. A terrifying speed and strength Adele had previously been unable to access, eagerly took control of her lycan body, clouding her rationale. Yes, she had displayed great power the last few nights, far exceeding what the young woman thought she was capable of; but she'd had very little control over her actions or where and how the power was distributed. The end result had left Perrin's heir with more than a few new stab wounds, and an aching in her heart.

Stooping, Damien fell to a knee beside the young woman; he was quite familiar with the over-powering rage that came with being a lycanthrope. There were times during his first years at the den, when the beast's anger overcame him even in his human form; times when he'd let that anger target Adele. Taking one of her hands in his, Damien eyed the stab wounds behind her shoulders, one of which looked far worse than the other. "I know, Addy. But shifting will help you heal; it'll be ok."

Eventually, reluctantly, as the sun began to rise hours after the attack, Adele fell into her bi-pedal lycan form to heal what she could.

With the coming of dusk and Reece's return, the den finalized preparations for the rescue effort. Evelyn would remain in Stockholm with a handful of elders, and the remaining pups to defend what was left, while over two dozen hand-picked warriors geared up to bring their queen home, or die trying.

Though not fully healed, Adele was determined to be among that group. If Pablo was still alive, she was going to see him free. She prayed the vampire Catherine hadn't been lying when she said her friend was alive and well; but she knew that even if he were recovered alive, he wouldn't yet be free. As far as the pack was concerned, it was because of Pablo that Alena had been captured in the first place; that their home had been left defenseless and ripe for the slaughter. Even if they managed to rescue both Alena and Pablo, her friend would still be in danger until they could sort things out. Alena had to know Pablo would never wish to harm her.

After receiving her specific orders, Adele left for Norway; she needed to make one stop before rendezvousing at the old Oslo den for the rescue effort. Hurrying through the snow covered mountains to the cave where she'd discovered Pablo nights ago, Adele pulled the fur-lined hood of her coat over her blonde hair. Nearing the mouth of the cave, the young woman paused for a moment, listening for any signs of activity, or indications that she'd been followed. There was nothing but silence all around her. The cave was dark; no sign of a campfire or any artificial light. Biting her lip, the lycan crept further into the quiet cave.

There was no one here; that much was painfully obvious. As her golden eyes adjusted to the dim light, Adele knelt near the small fire pit. A couple small, half-devoured sticks were all that remained among cold ashes. She didn't have much of a reference for how long a fire needed to be out before the remains appeared so cold, but to the young werewolf, it didn't look like there'd been any fire going recently. Frowning, Adele closed her eyes, inhaling deep, hoping to pick up even the slightest scent that her packmate had stayed here. The results were disheartening. Had he even returned at all after checking on Alena? A heavy, cold feeling grew in her stomach. Something bad must have happened. Pablo had trusted her; he'd been depending on her to bring help. But she'd come to late...

"Bitte, Odin..." Her prayer was quiet, the wisps of fog coming off her breath proving to be more prominent than her voice.

Adele was about to leave the cave when something else caught her attention. Moving deeper inside, the familiar scent of gunpowder filled her senses. Since meeting Pablo, Adele had come to associate him with the smell of explosives; and for good reason. Before the young woman, multiple crates she could only assume were filled with dynamite and other destructive tools lined the cave walls. Lifting the lid to the crate closest to her, Adele peered inside. Gunpowder, fuse, dynamite and grenades filled the majority of the chest. Nearby, vials of holy water had been stored alongside stakes, both wooden and silver, and a sampling of crucifixes. The next crate Adele opened carried half a dozen pistols with enough ammunition and clips to waste a small city of undead.

Reaching inside, the golden-eyed girl carefully pulled out a desert eagle, turning it in her hand. The weight felt similar to the glock Mathias had often carried on him; at least what she remembered of it. After checking to see that the clip was loaded, Adele tucked the gun behind her, into the waistline of her jeans, shivering as the cold steel touched her skin. She turned to leave, but stopped to grab two extra clips of ammo, before running out into the cold.

Sprinting into the night to meet up with Damien and the other werewolves participating in this suicide mission to rescue Pablo and Alena, her mind would not stop screaming. What if they were too late? What if she was too late; what if the time wasted thanks to that bastard Renn had signed her best friend's death warrant? She'd failed him.

Physically shaking her head, as if it would send the thoughts out of her mind, Adele wiped her eyes. If anyone could survive the peril that surely stood between them and Alena in Oslo, it would be Pablo. He'd already survived so many encounters with their immortal enemies; this would just be another notch in his belt. Adele repeated that to herself over and over as she neared the capital city of Norway, wanting desperately to believe it. All she knew, was that if Pablo and Alena were still alive, she'd do everything in her power to see them free. And if all was lost, she would take every last blood-sucker in Oslo to hell along with her.

Running quietly through streets and alleyways as she drew closer, Adele made a conscious effort to try and find Pablo through their mindlink. As she neared the city, proper, she felt him. "Pablo!" A rush of emotion flooded her mind and chest; he was still alive. But how well was he? After the fight she gave Catherine, despite how pitiful it had been, was he ok? Guilt struck her hard, she could feel tears threaten to spill forth. "No." She told herself; now was not the time. "I-I'm so sorry it took me so long, Pablo. But I-- we've come to break you and Alena out. Where are you?" Creeping closer to the warehouse, the young woman located the pair of lycans who would be accompanying her into the den for her part of the mission.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Frowning for a moment at Pablo's question, Lucia looked at him in confusion. She'd never had many friends until recently, but her intentions didn't seem so odd to her, considering her relationships with Catherine and Pablo. "Scar her?" Now the hybrid was thoroughly confused. "Pablo," she laughed quietly, "She's a lycanthrope, her scars will heal." Yet she quieted as her pet again asked her not to hurt Addy.

The girl smiled as Catherine spoke, implying an ulterior motive for obtaining Pablo's friend. She couldn't deny that the thought appealed to her. Watching with interest as the vampire elaborated, teasing Pablo, she let her gaze fall upon her pet; observing how he reacted to Catherine's words, noting the color rising in his cheeks.

When Pablo returned to her side, grabbing her hand in his, the girl remained quiet. Though she'd met Catherine's eyes as the vampire continued speaking on her encounter, the girl's crimson gaze ended on Pablo. A frown pulled at the corners of her mouth without the hybrid realizing it. Perhaps this Addy was someone she should be concerned with; the lycan loved Pablo. What if Addy tried to take him from her? Squeezing the lycan's hand, Lucia resolved not to let that happen.

Gazing at the vampiress' exposed leg, the girl's features again turned to concern. That scar did not appear to have come from silver at all; and Catherine was right, that it was even still visible was a bit disconcerting. Touching the rough scar confirmed what her lover said; it did feel unnaturally cold. "Oh my..." What had caused an injury like that? Licking her lips, Lucia looked over to her pet. She wasn't sure she wanted him drained of his faculties at this very moment; and his own disposition toward the vampire had been edgy, at best, the last few moments. Returning her gaze to Catherine, Lucia spoke softly, "I wish for him to accompany me on a hunt, Catherine. Though I would be happy to have you join us."

[Pablo]

Pablo felt his heart skip a beat as Catherine suggested they share a bite of him. Now perhaps was now appropriate, but his mind wondered, it would have been sweet wouldn’t it, to feel both their bites at once. The words were on the verge of being spoken. Lucia, I live to serve, but a rescue nigh, it wasn’t the time. He bit his lip, a more difficult act than he expected. This opportunity would never come again, but how could he consider it. He turned to look at Lucia, of course the choice wasn’t exactly his. Luckily her answer saved him the opportunity. Leaving the warehouse though, that seemed not entirely wise either. They were to find Marcus, Catherine would lead her to him, right? It seemed inconvenient to drain him now, but if her leg was truly that injured.

She said no. Catherine felt a strong pain deep within her chest. It was more unexpected than the girl’s answer. After everything, the connection she felt for Lucia, for hell’s sake she was injured, and Lucia had still denied her. “I see.” Catherine said, turning away from the hybrid. It stung with every step; didn’t she understand? After she’d arranged to spare, Lucia, after she retrieved her pet from escaping. Who was Lucia to deny her? Catherine looked up, squaring her shoulders, meeting Lucia’s crimson gaze. “Lucia, listen to me.” She said, stepping closer to the girl, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Trust me, Lucia. You shouldn’t leave, your mother’s up to something. Stay with me tonight.” She said, resting her other hand on Lucia’s, they still lingered by her wound. “It hurts, with every step.” The vampire pouted. “And there’s no game as invigorating as your pet.” Lucia knew that, human blood could not compare to lycan, though the hybrids could. “Except for yours." She said, licking her lips. It was sweeter than lycan blood, and if the girl had just fed, it was nearly as invigorating. Catherine smiled softly, leaning forward brushing her chest against the hybrids. The vampire claimed Lucia’s lips, before whispering into her ear. “Just a bite, my love. It’s so cold.” Catherine said, pushing out her hips, having Lucia feel the wound once again. The lycan seemed to hover close. She could feel his heat, radiate against her, predominately in her injury. It was pleasing… Regardless of her answer, the moment’s fate was sealed, her eyes flashed red as her fangs extended. Catherine’s teeth plunged deep into the girl’s throat. She wrapped the girl within her arms, pulling her off the floor and up into her chest. There will still traces of lycan blood running through Lucia’s veins, less than Catherine wanted, with her sweetness enough to warrant taking more. This would be more than just a bite. She felt a hand on her hip, trying to pull at her. It was warm, and weak, the lycan. She hadn’t forgotten him, her hand reached out, grabbing him rough by the neck, she pulled him tight into the embrace. His warmth complimented Lucia’s soft body, she practically squirmed. Lucia fell completely limp within her arms, and still she took, stopping with enough to leave her conscious.

The lycan should have acted sooner, but the way Catherine approached Lucia, the tone of her voice, he watched with perhaps more interest than he should have. But Lucia was going to deny her, too right? Unless, this was the plan. Pablo wouldn’t resist rescue, but Lucia would. It still felt wrong. Say no. Pablo reached out, his message came too late. Catherine’s fangs were practically plunging down Lucia’s throat. Pablo gasped, watching them so close together, but no. A familiar feeling tickled the back of his head. He could feel a presence, reach out to him. Who? Stepping away, he gazed up at the two interlock figures. A voice spoke to him, it was Addy’s. His heart skipped a beat once again. The message came out unclear, save for one portion, Where are you? Pablo blushed, one of them was moaning, he watched as Catherine’s hand descended to Lucia’s rear. The lycan took in a deep breath, and tried to reach out for Addy. Lucia’s presence was a mental roar, all he could feel was hear. She needed him. He grit his teeth. Somewhere out there, was Adele, he felt her presence it was faint. Upstairs, bad timing. Trying to get below. Pablo watched Lucia arm reach up and falter, he grit his teeth. “Enough.” He said, trying to get a hand between the vampire and hybrid, while another tugged at Catherine’s hip. The act felt dirty, they were both so soft, so close. “You’re killing her.” The vampire pulled him into the embrace. Holding his head, tight to their torsos, he tried to pull away, until the vampire let go. Pablo stumbled backwards, landing on his bum before jumping onto his two feet.

Catherine had let Lucia’s feet touch the ground once more. She held the girl’s head to her chest, running a hand through her hair. “I hope, this won’t cause conflict among us.” Her head slowly turned to the lycan. “You mean so much to me, but to let you go now. If Dane found, if he knew, it would mean your death.” The vampire actually sounded sad. Pablo watched, terribly confused, till Catherine smiled down at him. “You’re next.” She said, beckoning with a hand. “Or should we make a game of it.” Pablo bit his lips. Whose side was she on? “Wait!!” He said holding up his hands as she stepped closer. “I’ll go with you, to your um bedroom.” The vampire smiled brilliantly. “Come along then.” She said, motioning him forward. Reluctantly he followed.

Catherine carried the girl in both her arms. Occasionally looking down, with a fond smile, occasionally it seemed something resembling concern crossed her face. “Dane’s using you Lucia.” Pablo followed close, remaining by Catherine’s hip. Lucia… she looked so pale. “He wanted you, to lure the lycan into a fall sense of security. Then we were to kill them all, and you.” She caressed her cheek. “He was to execute you, but I won’t allow it. I made him promise, if you don’t interfere, if you don’t ruin everything, you’re mine. Now, and always. It was the only way to keep you safe.” They stopped at a door, around the corner, and down the hall. “Open.” The vampire commanded. He obliged, holding his breath, hoping to see Marcus inside. He wasn’t. Catherine stepped into the dark room, beckoning him forward, and reaching over his head to close the door as they stepped inside.

It wasn’t what he should have expected. An extravagantly furnished room, a large wooden wardrobe, a bed pampered in sheets and pillows, a pair of leather couches, and on opposing sides of the room were a pair of paintings. Pablo didn’t have much time to take them in, but they were clearly of Catherine, accurately portrayed. His attention though returned to the vampire, laying Lucia down onto the bed. Shift, change, you can take her. That was wrong, not even worth a try, she had Lucia right there. His breath hitched, she was suddenly behind him, her arms wrapping him tight into an embrace. Suddenly, he was on the bed, Catherine lingering above him for a moment before straddling him. “Now, now, I wasn’t expecting to have you all to myself.” She said, looking longingly at Lucia. Her eyes were burning red. Catherine turned her fiery gaze to him, planting her lips on his, pushing him down back onto the bed. He grit his teeth. Addy, reach out to her again. Catherine begin to grind against his leg, something resembling a whimper escaped her throat. They were standing in the midst of the room, the vampire forcing him down onto his knees. “Kiss it.” She said, reaching for the ends of her dress, exposing most of her legs, but not entirely. He slid his hands underneath her clothing, “Not there. The wound.” He turned his head, eyeing the scar, he knew what had done that. If it wasn’t silver. He couldn’t dwell long, her hand ran through his hair, he knew what came next. Leaning forward he kissed the soft wound. He could the vampire shiver, and moan, pushing out her lips as he kissed him again. Her core was growing warm, it was practically burning. His body began to react, when the alarm rung out. Blaring through the entire hallway, lights seemed to flash from underneath the door. He glanced up at the vampire, who with concern looked at the door way. “Lycan.” She said, grabbing his throat, holding him up in the air. “Did you know?” She grit her teeth. “Alena- she, dammit. It doesn’t matter.” Two sharp fangs entered the side of his throat as Catherine eased her grip. “Fuck.” He whispered, it felt too good. The way Catherine held him, so close, he felt everything it seemed but the sharpness of her teeth. When she pulled away he grunted, falling to his knees. “Stay.” She said, with a smile, her eyes still red as she turned, and was gone, the door shutting was the only sign of her exit. Dammit, he felt so weak, but he could still stand. Catherine hadn’t taken as much as he suspected. He stumbled against the wall as he stood. “Lucia.” Would she recover at this pace? He stepped towards the bed. Could she even produce her own blood, would she be this way till she fed? “How much did you hear?” He asked, stepping towards the bed, he stumbled again, but managed to land on the mattress. He had to give her blood, something, if they were to both escape. Like this, he couldn’t fight, not in his lycan form, if they retrieved his bag. But Lucia, all she needed was him. Straddling the hybrid, he practically fell on top of her. His body reacted strongly, he found himself gazing at her face, her perfect little features. “Lucia.” He planted his lips once more. They seemed to invigorate him. Stretching out his neck, he rested the bare side of his throat against her lips.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Offering the vampire a smile as she neared, Lucia listened to her concerns. She did trust Catherine. It was evident the woman's leg was in pain, and the hybrid frowned as she noticed the vampire's gait was effected. When she leaned forward, Lucia returned the kiss, letting their soft lips linger before nodding, "You may take some of my blood. I do not wish to see you suffer." Lucia would feel better after a hunt; a small bite for Catherine would be no problem at all. Sweeping her hair aside for the vampire, the hybrid let her other hand fall around the woman's waist.

The moment Catherine's fangs entered her throat, Lucia gasped, moaning softly. However, as she was swept off the ground, into the woman's arms, she stirred softly. "Catherine." The hybrid's limbs began to tingle as she was drained of blood; Catherine was taking too much. Reaching out weakly to push the woman away, Lucia groaned. "Enough..." Her voice was weak, and dark patches took over her vision. She felt incredibly light-headed. "Pah...." Though she thought she was reaching out for Pablo, her muscles did not respond to her commands. She went limp in Catherine's arms, her grasp on consciousness slowly fading in and out.

Starting briefly as Catherine attempted to plant her feet on the ground, Lucia's knees gave out. She felt so drained; so incredibly weak. The girl could offer no resistance as the vampire lifted her into her arms again and began taking her away; she was hardly aware that they were moving in the first place.

In brief moments of lucidity, the hybrid could see Catherine looking down on her, concern in her eyes. -"Dane's using you, Lucia..."- She tried shaking her head to protest; instead it lolled weakly to the side. Silent tears streamed down her face and she felt her vision go dark again. In the darkness, Catherine's voice spoke softly to her, -"It was the only way to keep you safe."-

Her thoughts felt fuzzy and incoherent. The next thing she knew, she was lying on one of the most comfortable beds she'd ever felt. It felt like she was floating among clouds that held her gingerly, surrounded by Catherine's sweet scent. Somewhere off in the distance, she thought she could hear the vampiress' voice; but it sounded so sad as she recalled what had been said to her. Perhaps it didn't matter; she felt so weak and tired, maybe after a nap she'd be able to think clearer.

An alarm blaring to life throughout the building slowly brought the girl back from unconsciousness. Attempting to open her eyes, all she could see was darkness; moving was a struggle. She felt slight weight shifting beside her, and then Pablo's scent greeted her. Inching her hand closer to the lycan, Lucia tried to touch him, to hold onto him, but it seemed he was going to come to her. Faintly, she heard her name on his lips, before tasting him.

Her crimson eyes fluttered open as small traces of blood fell onto her lips. She could feel her fangs ache, extending on their own. Slowly, her vision cleared. Pablo sat atop her, holding his throat to her lips, quietly encouraging her. Something sharp struck her chest at the gesture. Sinking her teeth into the werewolf's neck, Lucia drank as his precious blood spilled forth.

As strength returned to her, surging through her body, the hybrid pulled her arms up, wrapping them around Pablo. Pulling her teeth free from the lycan's flesh, Lucia gazed up at the man, tears quietly falling from her eyes; why was he still here with her? After all she'd done to him; and this whole time he just wanted to help her. He'd been right the entire time. "Pablo." Her voice cracked with emotion, "You.... I'm so terribly sorry."

[Dane]

Alena’s voice run clearly through Marcus’s mind. It was a horrible experience, one that he’d never be tired of getting rid of. It left an uneasy feeling in his head. This is what headaches use to feel like, he was certain of it. Despite, Alena’s message he waited for a moment. If he left now, the lycan were certainly waiting a bloodbath, or more appropriately a bloodierbath. They were near, but he can barely detect they scent. Once it was more prominent… He stepped by the edge of the rooftop he was perched on, glancing down the streets that led to the warehouse. There was activity, movement from somebody who believed they were being stealthy. That was sign enough it was time to begin.

She was planning something, there was no doubt of it. Why would Alena wait till now? What did she gain from revealing the truth aside from pain for herself, and lifting the veil off Lucia’s eyes. A veil that likely protected her, if she turned on him, her life too was about to become painful, her stay her less enjoyable. Within the main lobby, he grabbed the servant that stood guard by the door. “Prepare our soldiers. I want every able body with a gun in their hands, I believe our enemy plans an assault tonight. Post haste.” He said his voice revealing the urgency. The woman nodded her head, barking out orders. The front door to the den flew open. Marcus, it appeared they made have had less time than he anticipated. Alena… what was she doing. “Dane! Lycan, in the city! On their way now, I couldn’t get a count, but-“ The vampire held out his hand. “Enough, get to your position.” Dane disappeared, into the base’s armory, grabbing his favored weapons, there was one last stop he needed before the fight. He appeared again by Alena’s cell, opening the door and stepping within. If the lycans came to him looking for a battle, they would get one. “Alena.” He said, stepping up to her, licking his lips. Her blood was invigorating, the strength it gave him, Alena’s blood was not the only one that run down his throat tonight. Without another word he sunk his fangs into her throat. Drinking plentiful, enough that his veins felt inflame with heat, riveting with power. He pulled away with a shiver and made his way back to the soon to be battle site.

There was no chance in hell Marcus would return to his position. He would be the first to die. It was an awful recommendation. Instead, he made his way up the three flight of stairs as the warehouse’s alarms began to blare. Hiding on the second floor momentarily as Catherine came whizzing down the steps. Marcus smiled fondly, he was doing this for her, he only hoped that she would realize, and forgive him. He dashed towards the pup’s cell. Empty, he didn’t even need to check. Lucia’s room proved to be the same. Lastly there was Catherine’s. Lo and behold they were there, lycan resting ontop of hybrid. The girl speaking quietly to the boy. His lover could not have left this moment easily. “Lucia, hanky-panky at this hour? While we’re under attack, how inappropriate. Get up, bring your pet, your mother awaits you.”

Pablo felt a jolt of energy the moment’s Lucia’s teeth pierced his throat. She was conscious! His energy drained with his blood, he was feeling far feebler than Catherine had left him, and Lucia had been generous as well. Her self-control this was the least blood she’d taken from him, he would wager. Still it didn’t seem to matter much. Lucia’s voice vaguely registered in his mind. She sounded so sad. “Lucia, I love you.” He tried to return the embrace, holding her close. The door threw open, his heart sunk, but it wasn’t Catherine returning. It was Marcus, like Alena had said. Your mother wants us to go with him. He relayed to her, nodding slowly as Marcus spoke.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Those words again, and Pablo's steadfast embrace, weak though it currently was, struck the girl hard. Yes, she knew he loved her. Pressed so close, Lucia could feel the lycan's heart beating against her chest, and an unexpected smile attempted to lift a corner of her lips. He'd been the one to notice she had a heartbeat. "Pablo." Her voice was soft. Everything felt so right with him; he was so easy to be around. He was fun, and thoughtful, and honest with her. She could feel her bottom lip quiver in a pout, but she pulled the man tighter to her, "I love you, too."

The door opening startled the hybrid, she jumped visibly, looking over to see the intruder. Only then did she realize she was no longer in Pablo's cell, nor was she in her own room. Wiping away her tears as Marcus spoke, Lucia frowned.

Sitting proved to be more difficult than she'd imagined, but once she'd accomplished that, Lucia held Pablo close to her. His mental message gave her pause; was she to trust Marcus after everything? He and Catherine, and Dane... She'd never once doubted Dane's devotion. Her chest hurt at the thought. Everyone must have known this entire time. Everyone but her. Yet if Pablo insisted they should go with Marcus, who was she to throw his advice back in his face after he'd been right about so much?

Standing carefully, Lucia straightened her dress. Meeting Pablo's eyes purposefully, the hybrid shook her head slightly, almost pleadingly, "I don't want to see Mum, can't we just leave?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, practically begging the werewolf. Pulling him into her arms, she held him close, turning back to look at the vampire.

It was then, that the blaring alarm seemed to register in her mind again; as if she were hearing it for the first time. "Marcus, what's going on?" Stepping toward him hesitantly, Lucia had to concentrate harder than she would have liked to keep her voice steady, and stave off the tears.

[Reece]

The visage of a vampire Reece did not recognize stood out prominently in the front of his mind. Dane. The image Alena sent was clear as day; she wanted this blood-sucker dealt with. He was top priority. She'd also been able to confirm that she was being held in the cellar. More distressing, however, was hearing that there were at least a few members of Raven's council also occupying the warehouse that had once been Oslo's den.

With this information, tactics were adjusted slightly, and Reece issued out the orders. The majority of the lycans along for this mission would remain as one, with Reece, until it was deemed safe enough for a few to break off and recover Alena. However, if she was getting help from within, that would make their jobs easier. He'd allowed Adele to take a pair of lycans with her to find their own way into the warehouse after the main group had begun the battle. Perrin's heir would hopefully go unnoticed with the distraction Reece would provide while Nero would take care of any nearby rooftop sentries.

Nearing the warehouse, Reece felt Alena reaching out to him again. Her connection should have felt stronger, but instead, it felt like she was being drained of her strength, before she fell completely silent, and the connection broke. He could feel the tiny hairs on the back of his neck rise; a warning, and in an instant Reece shed his human skin. Shifting up, into his monstrous wolf form, he lifted his head to the night sky, howling, before charging toward the warehouse.

In his periphery, he could see Damien catching up to match his stride, and behind them, he heard their brothers and sisters following close behind. Sprinting through the dark streets, now, were just over two dozen lycanthropes in all their wild glory.

Reece hit the pavement harder, gaining speed as he closed the distance to the warehouse. This building was older and hadn't always served as a den to the werewolves; but with their main den so close, it didn't need to be so grand. He was counting on the building's age to work in their favor. Lowering his head, Reece drove a shoulder through the warehouse doors, breaking them violently off their hinges, sending shards of wood flying into the lobby.

It seemed their presence in the city, however brief, had not gone unnoticed; but he'd expected that. Turning his attention to the nearest vampire, Reece ripped her to shreds as his pack broke through the warehouse behind him.

The chaos that followed got bloody, quick. It smelled vile in here; how many of the parasites had gathered under this roof? Snarling as something sharp drove into his shoulder, Reece turned to swipe away at his assailant. Though the vampire managed to slip under his first attack, Reece caught him with the second, and sank his teeth into this undead's throat, severing head from body.

Gazing up from this kill, muzzle dripping with blood, Reece locked eyes with a vampire who's face he now knew. "Dane." Standing to his full height, he adjusted his shoulders, staring down this leech, ready to fight.

[Pablo]

A soft smile crossed Pablo’s lips as Lucia held him tighter and confessed her love. Something in his gut fluttered and felt warm, no words had ever sounded more satisfying to him. He was content to lay there and remain with her. Unfortunately, that could not be the case. Marcus was here, it was time to leave. Pablo struggled to his feet, clinging to Lucia for support, as she looked at him. He nodded, at this point what choice did they have? Alena was upset at Lucia, but she wouldn’t hurt her daughter, right? “We have to Lucia. Without Alena where can we go?” He wanted to return home, so badly, to see his friends again. It was finally happening. Not that he ever had a choice, but he let her pull him close into an embrace. “When we’re safe, then we can go anywhere.” He said, looking up into her pleading eyes.

“Lucia, my dear, I would not be here without your mother’s encouragement. We cannot leave without her.” He wouldn’t, as much as Marcus would like to believe this act was from the kindness of his heart it was not. Freeing Lucia accomplished nothing, save angering his lover. “Your mother’s pack has come to free her. Per arrangement with Alena, I’ve come to secure, and free you. Putting an end to this madness and bloodshed.” Lucia didn’t need to know the finer details. He stepped forward extending a hand. “Go to your mother’s cell. I cannot be seen with you. I’ll follow from behind and keep you safe.” He said with a friendly smile.

The front door to the warehouse was barreled down as Dane stepped into the main floor. His hands instinctively reaching for their respective weapons, a gun and a dagger, his gaze rose to the massive beast before him. It was far larger than most lycans he had faced, but when Alena’s blood running through his veins, with the victories he’d already achieved, there was nothing here that could stop him, certainly not this beast. The creature spoke Dane’s name into his mind. Lycan speak, he’d grown largely accustom thanks to Alena. He charged at the monster, moving inhumanely quick leading with the dagger. Dane stabbed towards the beast, following with a shot of his gun.

Above and around Dane vampires began to flood the main lobby. Most of those armed with silver gunfire positioning themselves by the stairs, hailing silver down into the fray. Others with their melee weapons swarmed the main hole. Seeing the response of his men, Dane felt confident. The lycan assault was one last failed desperate attempt to free their pack mother. Without her they were nothing.