The end in sight.

[Dane]

Dane nodded as she explained her slight oversight. "Lucia you need not justify your actions." The vampire smiled reassuringly, happy to see her and the stench of werewolf go. "I will bring it to you shortly then." He felt it again, the slight chill in the air. It was not a new sensation, but it felt more present lately than ever. He needed to feed, he assured himself. The sun was cruel and unforgiving, and it would be a long time before he tolerated its touch again. That said it was worth it. Alena was his. Thinking of the werewolf Queen he wished to pay her another visit. The sight of her chained, defenseless, there was nothing sweeter to him. Not yet though, he told himself. A jealous Lucia was the last thing he needed.

Shortly after the vampire found himself in the cellar choosing a bottle he found warm to the touch, made from the leftovers of the night before. Pouring himself a glass he swirled the blood before bringing it to his lips. Each sip was enough to still of the cold, if only momentarily. It would be enough for now he decided.

Dane entered into the room, Pablo's bag saddled around his neck, a glass of blood in one hand, a bottle in the other. He smirked at the sight of Lucia standing nude in front of the wardrobe. Much better he thought to himself, sipping from his glass one last time before placing it and the bottle down on the table by the door. "Lucia," Dane said stepping towards her quickly, dropping the lycan's bag onto the bed as he approached. There are other ways to feel warmth, he thought to himself, recalling the bouts of passion the two shared. He eyed the young girl head to toe. That was another sight he would never tire of. "you were stunning today." He said grabbing Lucia firmly by the shoulder and forcefully turned her to face him. The vampire stared at her intently for a moment before shoving her against the wall. He closed the gap between them, standing closely against Lucia, his lips hovering inches from her's. One hand trailed down to her side, while the other slid its fingers across her scalp as he reached to grab Lucia by her braid. Tugging he pulled her head back, and dragged his teeth against her exposed neck, as she seemed to enjoy before leaning in to whisper into her ear. "I'll admit, watching you stirred something within me. The strength you showed will have the lycans kneeling for you quicker than I." He kissed her passionately, forcing his tongue into her mouth before pulling away. "Although when the time comes, you may wish to consider wearing something more concealing. You flashed your pretty lady every time you lifted your legs." He said, sliding his hand over her. She felt cold, at least colder than he remembered and it was enough to dissuade him. Even with the fresh blood running through both their veins, he felt it would not be enough. Not wishing to concern her, he kissed her once again before letting go and stepping away back towards the bed. Grabbing Pablo's bag he turned to her and smirked. "You wished to see what's inside?" He held the bag out to her open, his head tilted slightly to the side.

[Alena Wulf]

Trying to turn away, Alena could not escape Dane's touch. His fingers gripped her chin rough and were so cold, not unlike Raven's touch. Baring her fangs, the Werewolf Queen growled; his threats of tighter constraints fell on deaf ears. She couldn't care less about her 'accommodations'. As the Vampyre left her cell, she wavered slightly but managed to stay upright on her feet until after she heard his soft footfalls scale the stairs. Falling forward Alena Wulf landed hard on her hands and knees, shaking subtly under the pain. Again she had to hold her breath so as not to cry out.

Resting her forehead on the cold ground, Alena closed her eyes, taking a few slow, concentrated breaths. Geir. He was still alive, she could feel it; but why? Geir, where are you?

Almost immediately, his voice entered her mind, angry and frightened, Queen, this metis has me. She's taking me upstairs. She killed Thomas and Kjell.... Then, with more urgency, She-she's fucking feeding on me...!

Clenching her fists tight, Alena slammed one hand into the ground, a shock of pain exploding up her arm to her back. That metis is my daughter, Geir. Defend yourself, but do not kill her. She will be punished, I promise you. There was no response.

Pushing herself up onto her knees the Mother of Lycanthropy sat still for many moments, eyes closed, focusing, willing her body to heal faster. Everything hurt, but slowly she could feel the stab wounds in her back closing, stitching themselves back together. Her thoughts dwelled on her Lieutenant, Pablo, and her daughter. Until she was healed completely, there wasn't much Alena could do to break out on her own. She needed to make the girl see sense; at least, her version of sense.

Concentrating hard, Alena felt for her daughter's presence. She was still in the mansion; she seemed completely content with herself. The Wolf Queen reached out to the Hybrid, It's been hard for you. Moving back to Sweden after His death. You never made friends easily; or kept pets well. You could have had a friend in Pablo. Bringing a trembling hand up to her forehead, Alena continued, Do you know what you've done? Pablo cares for you. She sent an image of a smiling Pablo to her daughter's mind. The young man was rarely without a smile, yet in Alena's most recent memory of him, there had been no smile to be seen. You've damned him. He will be hunted down by both Races now, and there is nothing you can do to save him. Dane will not think twice about killing him.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

The silent clicking of the door opening and closing once more perked the girl's ears, but she did not look over her shoulder. Smiling, she could smell the faint traces of blood and subtle hints of Dane's musk as he entered the room. She did not turn, instead waited for him to demand her attention. As he turned her sharply around, complementing her prowess and touching her bare skin, Lucia could not hide her grin. Her red eyes considered the Vampire appreciatively. She nearly melted as he pushed her against the wall, pulling her head back to tease her neck with his fangs. Slipping a hand up to Dane's side, the girl relished the words he spoke, kissing him back.

Turning a slight shade of pink, Lucia laughed softly, embarrassed when Dane told her she'd been flashing the cell block during her conflicts. She'd make sure not to make that mistake again, but right not she was too taken with the Vampire's affection to care much. Squirming under his touch, the Hybrid was ready to pounce him when he kissed her again.

It's been hard for you...

Her mother's thoughts invaded the girl's mind unwelcome, stopping her in her tracks. She froze as Dane turned away, moving back to the bed. Alena kept sending her thoughts, and Lucia's eyes seemed to glaze over slightly as she could not ignore the direct message to her head. What did she know? Clenching her fists, Lucia's brow furrowed, her frisky mood put to a sudden stop. At the mention of Pablo, something painful struck inside her chest. Why couldn't her mother just shut up and leave her alone?

Her eyes rested on Dane, still, as he picked up the bag and held it out to her. His lips moved, but Lucia did not fully comprehend what was said. She had to pause and think about it before answering him. It seemed her mother had said her piece and was done, thank Hell. "Yes," Lucia stepped toward the bed, getting hold of her senses once more. "Pardon me," she added, not thinking twice about telling Dane what had happened, "My mother appears to have come to."

Bare feet padding softly on the floor, Lucia made her way to Dane's side, peering inside the bag.

[Dane]

Dane, observant as always immediately noticed as he turned that Lucia stood with her fist clenched. He was about to ask if she was well when she spoke. "I see," For the slightest of moments he felt concerned. What had Alena told her daughter? There was nothing of their encounter that Lucia could find fault in, but he would not push it pass the Lycan to fill her daughter's heads with lies. Worse come to worse any claim Alena made, Dane would brush aside as an attempt to create a divide between he and Lucia. "I fear that I must apologize." Despite that he could not give Lucia any reason to doubt him. Half truths had been effective to this point. "Your mother stirred awake while you relocated the lycan. I thought to tell you, but I did not wish to dampen your mood. To see you in high spirits always seems to lift my own." He said as Lucia peered within the bag. Dane had the foresight of removing the contraptions he found of note, leaving a pair of wooden sticks, knives, a few grenades, a flashbang, and a bundle of dynamite.

[Alena Wulf]

Now you listen well, child, and remember the tale of Little Red-Cap, lest you end up swallowed by the wolf. Alena sat, her head cradled in her arms in her cell in the basement. Maybe there was a chance she could reach through to her daughter and make her realize the grave mistakes she'd made. Little Red-Cap was a beautiful young girl, loved by all those who knew her. One day her mother send the girl on an errand to deliver a gift to her grandmother who had fallen ill. Lucia knew this story well, Alena believed. The Wolf Mother had recited it often to the Hybrid as she was preparing for sleep when the girl was still very young. And it was a story she knew Raven had told the girl, although for a different reason, she believed.

The mother gave Little Red-Cap wise advice to see her safely to her grandmother's house, and while the young girl promised to heed her mother's words, she soon came upon a wolf in the woods on the path. The wolf was as charming as he was deadly, but the girl did not know of this creature and was not afraid. Little Red-Cap greeted the wolf cheerfully and answered his questions honestly. When the wolf had made up his mind that the girl would make a fine meal, he used his cunning to distract the girl and lead her away from the path. With Little Red-Cap distracted, the wolf made his way to the grandmother's house, deceiving and swallowing her whole, and then donning the grandmother's gown and cap. When Little Red-Cap finally arrived at her grandmother's house, she found the wolf lying in bed. Confused, the girl asked why her grandmother appeared to look so different. The wolf did not humor the girl long before devouring her as well.

Lucia. I am not the wolf, here. And while in the story, a brave hunter comes to rescue Little Red-Cap and her grandmother, there will be no one to save you if you continue to let Dane have his way.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Looking into the bag, Lucia dug a hand inside, pulling out a stake. Turning it in her hand briefly, she put the item back, taking out a bundle of dynamite next. She looked at Dane with a weak smile; she wasn't terribly concerned with the news he brought. That fact that he'd told her at all was enough to satisfy the girl. "You need not apologize for that. I trust you, Dane."

Replacing the dynamite back into the bag, the Hybrid looked at the other objects inside. For such a big bag, there wasn't terribly much inside; although in truth, she was just thrilled to have something of Pablo's in her possession. The bag smelled strongly of him, and it made the girl happy.

Lucia smiled at the Vampire, leaning in to brush his cheek with her soft lips when her mother's voice came back into her head. "D-damn it." She whispered, pulling away from Dane. -Shut up shut up shut up shut up!- Alena just kept on going. Lucia knew the story already, she'd heard it a thousand times, from both her parents. Yet apparently she was going to hear it one more time. Plunking down on the bed, Lucia ran her hands up through her hair, trying to drown out her mother's words with her own thoughts.

It wasn't working. The Hybrid almost growled, she was tempted to go down and confront her mother right then and there, but she still hoped she could salvage the night. Alena was just mad because she'd been taken prisoner; but her mother had it easy. There were so many worse things that could be done to her, and Lucia was protecting her, wasn't she? Her mother should be happy that at least none of the other Vampires had access to her cell.

As the story ended, Lucia sighed. She was done now, she had to be. There couldn't possibly be more that her mother felt she had to say, right? Looking up at Dane, Lucia's brows slightly furrowed, the girl spoke, "Something needs to be done about this." Maybe silver was the answer. It wasn't like Alena was physically running her mouth, but maybe if she was collared or... a muzzle! A silver muzzle, maybe the proximity to her head would make her unable to send thoughts.

[Dane]

Dane smiled as Lucia caressed his cheek with her soft lips. He moved to wrap his around her waist, ready to pull her close and return her affection when Lucia pulled away abruptly. Immediately the vampire noticed the distress on Lucia's face. Alena was again speaking to her daughter mentally. Well played, Dane thought to himself. He did not have complete knowledge on a lycan's mental capabilities, but if he were Alena, he'd assault the young girl with his thoughts without respite. It was unacceptable, though Lucia now did not seem too take to kindly to Alena's intrusions there was a chance in time she would reach through to the young girl. He glanced down at Lucia as she lunged face first into the bed. An opportunity was presenting itself to him. Perhaps he would have his chance to relocate Alena out of Scandanavia. Far out of reach of the hundreds of lycans who would gladly give their lives for her.

Sitting down beside Lucia, Dane watched as she ran her hands through her hair. Lucia needed the comfort of her lover. He nearly smirked, amused at the thought. Reaching his hand out to her, he began to gently trail his fingers up and down her back. Once she faced him to speak, he met her gaze with his steely blue eyes, an intensity behind them. "Lucia," He spoke sternly. "I will not allow this to continue. Say the word and I'll more than gladly see your mother punished for her transgressions." Dane spoke truthfully. The vampire still felt resentment towards the pack mother for the agonizing pain she put him through during their battle. Some things were not so easily forgot, he would happily return the favor, an opportunity that escaped him. "Give me ten minutes with Alena, and I'll leave her unable to conjure a thought within her own head."

[Alena Wulf]

Do you remember, love? Before you moved to London, there were nights of the full moon you'd spend strapped to my chest or across Szandor's back as we roamed and hunted the forests and countryside, letting you bathe in the moon light. You would cry with joy, your laughter so bright and unhindered. Kneeling on the ground, bent forward with her head in her arms, Alena willed her body to heal faster. Yet wounds like the ones she'd sustained would not heal so quick. Still, at every passing moment, the Wolf Mother was feeling some reprieve, if only miniscule. It's been years since I've heard you laugh like that, my ray of moonlight.

Pausing to look around the cell and basement she was kept in, it was a familiar sight. While not quite up to the standards of the cages at the Den in Sweden, these cells were perfectly adequate. Though they were not built necessarily to hold Lycanthropes, it seemed the Vampyres had modified them just enough to keep the beasts at bay. Crawling toward the door, she found her chains were not long enough to allow her to reach the bars.

Lucia, if Viktor had not killed your dear father, Dane would have. Dane claimed to have only Raven's legacy in his intentions, but there was something that didn't quite seem right about the Vampyre. Alena didn't trust him in the slightest. There was something to be said for someone who kept to the shadows, not showing their face for centuries only to emerge as their King is killed. Dane may very well have had a hand in Raven's death.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Looking up at her lover with pleading eyes, the Hybrid shook her head slightly. She couldn't even consider such an offer. Could she? His touch had sent shivers down her spine and made her arch, soothing her. Yet she was all too aware that Dane's touch would not be the same for her mother. Alena had arrived at the warehouse on the verge of death, what more would he do to her?

Do you remember...?

As her mother's thoughts pushed once more into her head, Lucia snarled. "I'm not a child anymore!" She was ready to throw the mattress across the room with Dane on it, but catching the Vampire's eye once more, she calmed ever so slightly. Clenching fists full of blankets so tight her knuckles turned white, the girl's fangs dropped low, "Punish her. Do not kill her."

[Dane]

Though Lucia shook her head, her eyes practically begged him to go deal with her mother. Dane remained silent, he would not push his agenda. Lucia was not strong of will, she would break soon. In the mean time he continued to caress her back. That was until she shouted, crying out like a child that she was not a child. The irony nearly brought a smile to his lips. Meeting her eyes, he nodded as she spoke. Perfect, those were the words he wished to hear. Not only would he get to harm Alena, but by waiting for her 'expressed permission' it continued the illusion that she was in control. "Lucia, I am capable of restraint, the fact your mother even still lives is proof of that." He said, turning to the wardrobe were he grabbed a pair of black leather gloves and pulled them on. Dane scanned the room for Lucia's O-ring of keys, disappearing into the bathroom he quickly reappeared with the key to Alena's cell in his hand. Pausing by the door he glanced back at Lucia. His expression remained stern. "I'll make this quick for your sake."

Stepping into the cellar Dane now held a silver muzzle in one hand and a tool-belt wrapped around his waist, though it was difficult to make out the items he possessed they all gleamed off silver. Deliberate Dane slowly made his way to Alena's cell. The room reeked of lycan blood, and some vampire. A result of Lucia's playtime. He would have it cleaned by the following night. Stopping outside of Alena's cell Dane stared down at the lycan with his dead eyes. Calmly opening the cell door he stepped forward and dropped the muzzle by the entrance. "On your feet." He demanded in a low growl, though providing little time for Alena to stand. The vampire quickly grabbed Alena by the hair and pulled her up off the ground. He slammed a closed fist across her face. "You've angered Queen Lucia. Consider this the repercussion." He said, kneeing Alena in the gut and letting her drop onto her knees. "Any repeat offenses will be met by a punishment ten fold." Dane crouched to grab the lycan by her throat and hurl her back. As she slammed into the wall he closed the gap to catch Alena in his arms. The warmth she emitted from her body did not go unnoticed, but he did not pause to glow in it. "Alena, you once held my life in your hands." He said, leaning forward to whisper softly into her ear. "The gravest mistake you've ever made was letting go." The vampire slammed his forehead into Alena's noise and stepped away. He was only getting started, her true punishment had yet to begun. Grabbing a silver knife from his belt he smiled down at her. The first order of business was to see how her wounds were healing.