I want you with me

Emne: I want you with me Tors Apr 29, 2021 10:52 pm

Location: Around the trailer park. Her trailer: (Link)
Date: May 12th 2021
Time: Around 14
Outfit: Link
Topic for: @Rafael xx
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It had been a while since she had moved in at Rafael's place. And she had finally made the choice to go get the last things from the trailer. If you even could call it that anymore, nothing about it signaled 'safe' or a place worth living in - why she had let herself stay there was still a mystery yet to be revealed. Victoria didn't own much stuff, mostly clothing and a few objects of value she had stolen from her family home after her step father had kicked her out. She had yet to go get some more if she wanted to. Not sure it was worth it. "This should be all," she packed the bag and placed it over her shoulder. A small sigh left her, and she looked around. The trailer had been her den for so many years, her place to hide away from the world. Therefor the scent of her was also quite strong in the trailer, even if she hadn't spent time here for some time. She usually slept in her snow-leopard shape when she was here, it was the safest after all. A lot had happened lately. The entire year to be fair was eventful. She hadn't expected the encounter with her father, and she was still a bit clouded from it, which had let to her kidnapping of Tivo - still an act of violence and cruelty she was shocked over having committed. Only Rafael knew about these episodes, sure Jack knew she had some encounter with her father - but everything between the lines were not yet covered. She already knew Lucas would be disappointed in the whole kidnapping thing, she was slightly disappointed - if not mostly just scared of herself.

One thing she had kept a secret was the place she was going tomorrow. There was this underground casino in Aston, and normally she didn't go to such events - she didn't go to Aston unless it was work or Lucas related. However, she was starting to get some nerves on, and she knew he would ask her tomorrow night where she was going - and if not why she was dressed like that, she had borrowed a dress from Cecilia. There was a teacher thing by the end of the month either way, and she used that as her cover story - in case Cecilia would mention to Luke that she was looking for a dress. Victoria didn't like secrets. She didn't like not telling them what was going on, but getting her best friends involved with mafia stuff didn't really seem like something a good friend would do. Of course, they would be pissed when they realized she was getting herself into - but she was already in it. "So, you remember I told you about the Patrons, right?" She broke the silence and stepped outside the trailer, taking a few deeper breaths in of the almost summer like air. "Apparently their leader is going to show up at this casino hidden in the underground in Aston - so I'm planning on going," she informed while licking her lips shortly looking around the different trailers before turning her eyes up looking at Rafael. They had talked about Tidus before, it was hard knowing the people who had taken someone from you were out there breathing. And for someone like Victoria to be vengeful towards someone, it took a lot to stay on her bad side. "Don't try to talk me out of it, please." She took a slightly deeper breath in.

Alfa **Antal indlæg** : 605

Outfit

The trailer in front of him was practically in ruin. It had severe water damage, the bottom of the foundation had broken in multiple places, and it looked like it could collapse any moment from the dilapidated state. For someone like Rafael who liked constructing and fixing things around his own house, he hadn’t even deemed this trailer worth the work it'd require. And while they stood inside of it he’d only found more flaws. But at the same time, he knew that it had personal value to her and for someone who’d lived much of his time on the streets or wherever he could, he knew that it was far better than that alternative. Even if he’d always been worried about it not being safe enough for her. He nodded to her notion about it being all, looking around the interior to confirm she hadn’t missed any objects. Rafael turned his attention to her as she mentioned the Patrons, waiting for her to exit the trailer before he did himself. However, once he stepped on the wooden stairs one of the planks broke in a loud crack. “Mierda!” he exclaimed as he quickly moved down to the solid ground, shaking his boot to get rid of the wooden splinters. He shook his head at the incident, then giving the trailer one last look before he walked closer to Victoria. “I remember,” he answered before she started explaining where she was going with it. He raised his brows slightly as she said she planned to go to the casino where the leader was said to show up tonight. It sounded like a very bad idea. A leader like that wasn’t someone you wanted to cross and she already had by abducting his consigliere. And there’d undoubtedly be many other criminals there. Not that he was excluded from that, but he’d prefer it if Victoria didn’t get herself in unnecessary danger.

Don't try to talk me out of it, please.
Rafael breathed out before he looked at the surroundings of the trailer park. Talking her out of it might not have been his first intuition but it was close to the questions and doubts he had in mind. However, if there wasn't a way to change her mind, he knew it was best to take the supportive approach and ensure that she was being smart about it. “You’re really set on this?” he asked as he returned his eyes to her, her expression already providing the answer. “What are you planning to do?” he asked as he slowly started walking out of the park. “I mean what happens if any of them recognizes you?” If Tivo was there, she’d be in big trouble. Besides, it wasn’t to say that they hadn’t already found her identity and hence that more of them knew what she looked like. Even if they wouldn't expect her to show up at a place like that.

Emne: Sv: I want you with me Tirs Maj 04, 2021 7:06 pm

She looked up into his eyes, and she knew by looking into them that he wasn't thrilled by the idea. Neither was she to be honest, but she needed answers, she needed to feel this empty part of her heart that had been hollow ever since she loss. It hadn't felt empty till she had spotted Tivo that night, and something in her had snapped after meeting up with her father. She took a deeper breath in by his next question, was her mind really set on this. "I made the move, no matter how stupid and reckless it has been - I placed a target on my own back," she took a deeper breath in, clearly not proud of her actions. But she had made the choice and she wasn't the type of person who would crawl back into a corner just because things got hard. Victoria took a sharper breath in as she began walking following him out towards the end of the park. "I wouldn't attack in the crowd, but If I could find a way to gather my information there, I might just get enough to get him on my own," she replied taking a deeper breath in. She wasn't violent, she could be no doubt - but it wasn't her first choice. "You mean if Tivo is there?" Victoria took a deeper breath in, of course she had thought about that. "They already know who I am Raf, and he is a werewolf. No doubt that at some point he will be tracking me down, unless he knows what is good for him." One of the good things about leaving this trailer and moving in with Rafael was that no rouge werewolf was stupid enough to step into an alpha's territory. No one in their right mind would be that stupid. But she couldn't really just sit and wait for this to hopefully pass. She had made a mistake and it was a stupid one taking Tivo. It was reckless. "I don't want to just sit and wait for them to come to me. And I've a map over the casino, and Landon owed me a favor - so he will be at the bar," she took a even deeper breath in. It wasn't because she didn't trust her friends and Rafael, they were everything to her. But they deserved a fucking break and putting themselves in danger for her mistake - that wasn't right. Landon owed her, because of him, she had to go against her father and look what had happened.

Then an explosion sounded behind them, making her job slightly as spun around placing her hand on her chest. The black smoke clearly coming from where her trailer was placed. Victoria took a sharper breath in, "don't say it." She eyed him a bit, knowing he was right about it being on its final days. But perhaps the explosion was a sign that she should remember to think everything through. The plan was set in motion. Her life had mostly always been planning ahead trying to figure out what move was the smartest for her survival, but this was the first time ever since she had met Lucas and Rafael that she had fallen back into that. "I know what I have to do, I just need to be brave enough to do it."

Alfa **Antal indlæg** : 605

She wasn’t wrong. They’d probably be looking for her because of this. But he wasn’t so sure that it was the smartest to provoke a confrontation, or in this case, be at high risk of one occurring. The speculation was clear in his expression as he tried to follow her train of thought, highly influenced by the concern he had of something going wrong. Of something happening to her. He nodded slowly when she said her intention was to find information, not exactly sure if she wanted to obtain that by interrogating someone or otherwise find anything of use. But he assumed she hoped to gain something from the mafia members who’d be present. He breathed out as she addressed his concern regarding Tivo spotting her there, and maybe he’d already planned to track her down, yet the only reason for him not having done so being the fact that she’d moved into his pack's territory. He shot her a glance, still not convinced that it was the smartest to be the one going after them rather than wait, but he understood why she felt that she needed to do this. And if the situation had been reversed, he’d most likely done the same. “Okay. If you think there’s a good chance of valuable information to be found there, I think it's worth a try... on the condition that I go with you.” He slowed his pace as to look at her reaction, not sure if she thought he’d let her go alone, but it certainly wasn’t happening.

He halted to a stop as a loud explosion could be heard behind them. Rafael turned around to see what it had been, taking in the view of what was left of her trailer. He’d known all along that it was bound to self-destruct but the timing of it seemed almost comedic. He then turned his gaze to Victoria. “Don’t say… I told you so?” he asked, the faintest of a smile appearing in the corner of his mouth. Oh, because he had. He’d told her that it wasn’t safe many times. But for this to occur just after she’d packed her last belongings. He couldn't pass the moment up to tell her those four words. “If anything, this just proves the necessity of bringing me and my wise advice with you to the casino,” he added before he turned around and continued walking. “Victoria, you are one of the bravest people I know. I have never doubted that. I mean just look at how brave you were for staying in that trailer, every day risking the roof to fall down on your head,” he said with a rather serious mien, albeit the obvious joking tone, before he shook his head at himself. Knowing that she wasn't as amused about it as he was.
He breathed out as he focused his mind back on the situation ahead. “So, you've only told me and Landon about this?” he asked, thinking that since he was going to accompany her, it might be wise to tell someone else. He doubted that it'd get so far as to both of them being taken away, but they had to consider the possibility. And he wasn't so close with Landon. They reached his parked car by the road before he sat in the driver's seat and put the car keys in the ignition, expecting her to place the bag wherever and get in the car with him.

Emne: Sv: I want you with me Tors Maj 13, 2021 6:34 pm

Victoria had little information regarding the casino, but she had enough to come around, and she had the right outfit and a plan. She knew who to contact, this Kayno person that would lead her to Tidus. She had the information she needed regardless of how foolish the entire situation could look to a stranger. Even more foolish to the people that cared about her. Her eyes locked with his as she held her breath shortly while listening. She breathed out the second he said he thought it was worth the try. Then the next part of that sentence made her stop as he slowed down. "You really don't have to," she confessed while holding her breath for a short moment, even she did know it was smartest. There was no way Tivo even wouldn't dare come too close with an alpha present, but funny enough it wasn't her safety that came into her mind firstly, it was Rafael's. Oh, she knew he could take care of himself. She didn't doubt that for a second. She wasn't surprised by him wanting to go with her, not when she actually processed the thought, like hell she would have let him go alone. "Okay, we will have to go back to the cabin and get ready for tonight then."

I told you so? Victoria rolled her eyes slightly and bumped her shoulder into him, while a small laughter left her lips. Because indeed he had. Way too many times. The gods, the universe or whatsoever did have a sense of humor. "Oh yeah, you and your wise advice, where would I be in this world without it," she replied with a cheeky smile as they started walking again. Victoria took a deeper breath in, even if she had chosen to let go of the trailer, it was still something of importance that had blown up. It was gone. Him saying her full name made her look over at him, taking a sharper breath in for a second with a warmer smile forming upon her lips. The last part making her chortled as she clicked her tongue. "It's been my safe place to land for so many years, but it’s also just been a constant reminder of the past," she breathed out and moved her eyes to ahead of the road. "But yeah, if I didn't know better I would assume you had some ulterior motive for getting rid of the trailer," she teased back.

Tracing the conversation back to the events that tonight would bring, she folded her lips slightly and took a deeper breath in. "Yeah, I know I could ask Luke and Jack as well, and they would hundred procent be in to help - but it's my mess you know. I don't want to drag all of you into this, especially not Eric," she breathed out and sighed. Her brother was the last person she wanted in a scene like that, even if he as well did have talents that could be useful, then again, Victoria was much more heart than head in matters like this. They reached the car. The shapeshifter got in the car turning back to place her bag on the backseat, then looking at Rafael shortly as she sat back down on her seat and placed the seatbelt on. "Tivo said that the casino is one of Tidus' bases.. that I should find a guy called Kayno, and he would be able to bring me to him," she then informed and breathed out. "But obviously he that's a lie, why would his second hand give me all the information when he could just have spilled a little and still played the long game. It's the main reason I've waited this long, to make sure that were was a little bit of truth to the story." She took a deeper breath in, placing her elbow by the window while looking over at Rafael. "I flew over the area to check it out, and climbed around to check most things out, so it should be set to go." Victoria wanted to let him know that she wasn't doing this half-hearted, she had put a lot of thought into it. And a lot of emotions.

Alfa **Antal indlæg** : 605

“I want to.” He looked into her eyes with a sincere expression. He wasn't the slightest hesitant in this decision. If she was going to do this, he wanted to be there with her. Rafael chuckled as she commented on his wise advice. “I really couldn’t say,” he replied in a teasing tone, tilting his head slightly as he looked at her. He couldn’t imagine what his world would have looked like if he hadn’t met her. As well as the rest of the core four. He'd probably gotten into another gang or circle, one that wouldn’t really allow him to be friends with members of the Serpents. He nodded to her last remarks on her trailer, knowing that it somewhere must feel weird for her to not only move out of a place she’d called home for so long but to now see it destroyed. A faint smile then appeared on his lips. “Well, you’re living with me now, so I think it’s safe to say I got what I wanted.”
He understood why she didn’t want to drag them into it, but considering how much she meant to him, he’d much prefer it if she did. So he was grateful for her telling him about it now. And in the end, it was still his decision to join her. “I know, I just mean… if something were to happen to us, will we be able to trust Landon to take care of it?” he asked, wanting to make sure he knew how to handle a situation like that. Because like her, he didn’t necessarily want to ask anyone else to help, more so he just wanted to be sure that there was one other person knowing about it.

As soon as Victoria entered the car and placed the bag in the backseat, he started driving towards the forest. He nodded affirmatively to her information, the thought of it being a trap naturally crossing his mind. He then glanced at her as she followed up, stating why she thought he wasn’t lying and hence leading her into their den with an intention to hurt her. Rafael knew that people often gave longer explanations when they were lying, but mostly this included irrelevant information. It was one of many things he’d learned throughout his experiences with criminals and pathological liars. So he was glad to know that she'd checked up on the information he'd given her. “So, you tracked this Kayno guy down and made sure that the Patrons frequently visit the casino, I take it?” He just needed her to confirm that this was included in what she meant by checking the place out. Besides him assuming it meant she had a good idea of the place and its layout. “What do I need to know about him or any of the other members?” he asked, wanting to get as much information as possible beforehand. Any abilities, traits, positions, or relations that would seem relevant for him to know.
He parked the car in the garage and entered the mansion. Standing in the hall for a moment as he considered all the information, slowly getting himself into the mindset of going to the casino. He then turned to face her again. “What time did you plan to be there?”

Emne: Sv: I want you with me Man Maj 17, 2021 8:50 pm

Victoria chuckled a bit while shaking her head a bit, he had gotten what he wanted, but it was safe to say she had she. "That is true, but going with the pros and cons here, I would say it's much nicer waking up with you next to me every day than being alone in the trailer," she replied honestly, but added a little teasing smirk looking at him. Victoria had needed a push to leave that stupid trailer for so long, and it seemed like fate had taken matters into own hands. Besides, she preferred being with Rafael it was where she felt most home, which also had been the thing that scared her the most - but she was also done feeling afraid.
The question whether if they could trust Landon with their lives was understandable, and she didn't question Landon, but perhaps it was just serpent loyalty. "The only thing Landon isn't equipped to handle is my father and other angels," she mumbled a bit to herself, if she hadn't been there in time, Landon wouldn't have been alive by now. "But he can knock people out around just as fast as me, and he is a fallen angel, his dark energy will make it easy for him to fit in with everyone else. Besides, he is really got with shurikens," she pointed out. "But I guess, I can inform one more - Jack is just still trying to sort this thing out from the insistent at the serpents last week." Victoria thought about who else would be good for back up if anything happened. But she left it there for now.

She could feel the nerves starting to hit her, trying to convince her to pull back from this, but everything was already set into motion. The longer she waited now, the longer she had to look slightly over her shoulder whenever she wasn't home. "Yeah, the members I recall at least, I've seen a few." It wasn't like she was the one with most time on her hands, when she wasn't working she used her time with either Luke, Raf or Jack - or all of them whenever they had time for it. "But yes, it's one of the hideouts," she confirmed before licking her lips slightly. Any information to know. Victoria didn't know much other than Tidus' father was dead, and then rumors. "Well, it's rumored that Tidus is now a demon, not that I see how you can go from being human to - that. Other than that, he is very young - and mostly only bring a few of his closest with him from one time to another," not that she would ever judge that. If you looked at what the core four could do when they fought together, they were a force not to be reckoned with. "I've caught the scent of another demon as well, and another one which sent I couldn't quite place," she informed. It wasn't anything remotely useful, but it was what she knew, and better to share every detail than nothing. "No matter what Kayno comes every single night, he is an fallen angel, hence why I would bring Landon," she added on her next exhale. "My main priority is getting to him - If I'm lucky maybe there is more to come for," one of the reasons she had waited this long was to make sure that they couldn't plan a trap, to make sure they wouldn't know when she was going to make her move.

They reached the territory and Rafael parked they car. Victoria grabbed her bag and entered the mansion. Going from the trailer to this still seemed like some sort of Cinderella story. Victoria ran her hand through the pink highlighted hair, before moving her head toward him as he faced her again. "Around seven or eight, they usually arrive around half past eight. Gives us a few hours to get ready," Victoria took a slightly deeper breath and walked closer to him looking up into his eyes. "It also means we will have time to get ready and get dinner - even though I'm not sure you are ready to see me in a dress like the one I've borrowed," she teased a little while raising a brow. Then again, she didn't really wear any formal clothing - she had never really needed it for anything.

Alfa **Antal indlæg** : 605

He felt slightly more reassured as she told him about Landon, knowing that he was the type of person who knew how to fight. But more so, it was important for him to know that she trusted him to not leave them behind. Besides, he figured they could always call someone else should they need it. With the Serpents located in Southside, it probably wouldn't take long before someone would arrive. At the mention of Jack, he just shook his head. “Don’t bother telling him. I’ll text Mal the location.” It was something he often did, at least if he went to places like that. Any place in Southside wasn’t completely safe, to begin with, and certainly not once you had enemies there. It wasn't that he believed his beta to be a better choice for any other reason than he'd get to know about it anyway, and he didn't particularly want to put more on Jack's plate. He already felt like he'd asked plenty of him after the fight with the other pack.
He listened to her information, and although it seemed that she didn’t know much about the members, he just hoped that what she knew would prove to be enough. “Right, let's hope that luck is in our favor then.” He glanced to her side, knowing that he had to put trust in her plan for the night, despite how much he wanted to keep asking her questions and come up with his own. He also had to try to let his worries rest regarding the fact that they were dealing with a mafia. Because he had once gotten in trouble with a member of a mafia, and it'd nearly cost him his life.

A slow smirk appeared on his lips as she mentioned that she’d borrowed a dress, glancing down her body he imagined how it would look on her. They had never gone to an event that required them both to dress up. But it just added to the intrigue and excitement he held for tonight. “I can't wait to see it,” his eyes locked with hers, his thoughts doing little to diminish how much he looked forward to it. “So, how about I cook dinner for six-thirty, and then we'll leave at seven?” he asked, knowing that it should get them to the casino by eight.

Emne: Sv: I want you with me Fre Jun 04, 2021 5:39 pm

She gave him a smaller teasing smirk as his eyes slowly moved over her, then finding their way to hers again. His suggestion about cooking dinner was met with a nod, "yes, that sounds like an excellent idea," she pointed out taking one step closer to him, looking up into his eyes placing her left hand on his chest. "I'm going to take my stuff up to our room, and I'm going to take a quick shower, before getting ready, feel free to join," she lifted her eyes slightly playfully before tracing her index finger over his collarbone just as took a few steps to the side and grabbed her bag again. Shortly looking over her shoulder back at him before heading upstairs.

After her shower, whether or not he choice to join her, she had spent time getting ready. She usually liked doing her hair and make up, and it was always different from when she was at the Serpents and whenever she was at work or just in Gaia. The casino still being in Southside, she also knew what kind of look she needed to go for. Getting in the red dress with a golden set of high heels matching the ear rings she had put in. Victoria started curling that rosegold hair, she knew just how she wanted it, which never really ended up as perfectly as in your head - however, she was thankful for the result. It didn't take Rafael nearly as long to get ready as she did, and perhaps it was good that he had taken duty over the dinner, because she hadn't even had time to go downstairs after she had started on the make up, even if it were quite simple - she liked once in a while just taking her time, making sure it was close enough to perfect. Finally she was done and it matched perfectly for the time Rafael had set dinner to be, so she grabbed her phone and placed it in her purse before heading down to the kitchen. "Oh well, aren't you looking handsome," she smiled brightly walking closer towards him, placing her purse on the kitchen counter as she watched him.

Alfa **Antal indlæg** : 605

His heart rate increased as she stepped closer to him, her scent enveloping him, and there was no hesitation in his response to her suggestion. He automatically leaned closer to her as he looked into her eyes. A playfulness showing in them. “Look who’s the one with the excellent ideas now.” His voice and smile were barely perceptible, albeit there despite his breathlessness. Shivers ran down his spine as she traced her fingers along his collarbone, only making him crave much more of her touch, so when she distanced herself to grab the bag, he inhaled a breath and leaned back. Not understanding how easy it was for her to drive him crazy. He was right behind her as she walked upstairs, waiting until she placed the bag down to kiss her and get undressed so he could join her in the shower.

Rafael didn’t need much time to get ready. so, after he’d put on his suit and fixed his hair, he’d headed downstairs to prepare dinner. It was one of the things he’d always enjoyed, finding a sense of tranquility in cooking when he’d lived in Spain and worked as an assistant cook. It was his first real job where he’d advanced and been able to pay for his own studio apartment. Something he’d not dared dream of in his younger years. Nor would he have ever thought he’d end up in a mansion as grand as this. Tonight he was making roast chicken with vegetables and potatoes. A dish he’d normally serve with wine, but since they were headed on this mission, he figured it was best to keep their heads free of toxins. Besides they were sure to buy at least one drink at the location. So instead he had poured them both a glass of water with lemon. He prepared each of their plates as he would have in a restaurant and ignited the candles in the middle of the long table with space for twelve people when he heard steps approaching. He raised his gaze to see Victoria enter the room, parting his lips as his eyes laid upon her, needing a few seconds to take it all in. “Maldita sea,” he whispered under his breath. “You look beautiful,” he gestured to her, his gaze admiring how the dress hugged her curves in all the right places. And it suddenly felt very hot in the room, making him reach for his water glass to take a large sip. “Please, sit,” He lowered his hand to the chair across of him before he sat down himself, surely needing it. “I was thinking about the security measures at the casino and was wondering if we'd be able to bring in any sorts of weapons inside or whether they control for that?” He cut a piece of his chicken before he looked at her, thinking she had to have gained knowledge of this in her research. And although he could depend on his powers, it was much more discreet to use a knife if things went wrong.

Emne: Sv: I want you with me Tors Jun 10, 2021 7:49 am

Victoria's eyes locked with his as he took her in, making her smile. Her heart skipping a few beats ahead as he complimented her. "Thank you," she breathed out, before sitting down as he gestured her to the table. As always she felt like she was eating out, the food always looked and smelled incredible. "It looks delicious," she complimented the food he had spent time making. For a moment, she wished they would just stay here and just be them, not having to go. Victoria breathed slowly out before starting to eat. Victoria chewed a piece of chicken as he asked about the security measures, and she pointed the fork a little at him, chewing off before replying. "It depends on the guards outside, but leave it to my sweet charm - I will get us by if there should be any trouble," she replied confidently. The snake charmer, Jack had called her that before whenever he had needed her to distract someone while he and some of the others needed it. Combining that with her ability to alter the state of someone's mind, it was easy for her to confuse people as well or shut them completely down. Victoria was planning on bringing a weapon, even if her powers were good enough, she had even asked Landon to make sure there was some earthy elements in the room somewhere so she could use that in case of anything. She had been planning this for a month after all. Finishing up eating, discussing the battle plan, cleaning up real quick before heading out the door again. Next stop, the casino.

Stepping out of the car, grabbing Rafael's arm wrapping hers around it to make sure everyone knew she was coming in here with him. It made few people turn their heads to the side, mostly by the confident aura they owned as they walked closer. It was alarming people to not mess with them. There were few people waiting in line to get in. People standing in the shadow of the casino out front smoking, looking at the people who was joining in for the evening. Despite her original plan, she was thankful he had chosen to go with her. Now was the point of no return, there was no going back and just drive back home. She knew this was a dangerous game. To their luck the guard let them pass without stopping them on the way, letting them walk into the big underground casino. The space having a heavy smell of tobacco hanging in the air. The chatter around the tables where people played themselves poor, promising more than they could deliver. Her eyes scanning the area as they stepped further inside, spotting Landon in the bar serving drinks to the people standing over there. There was full house, how they just needed to find whoever Victoria was looking for. "So far so good," she said in a lower voice before her eyes looked up at Rafael.

Few people walking past them, smiling and greeting them as they walked by. This place smelled of money and bad deals, and just like the rest of Southside you needed should always be aware. It was easy to forget that Southside wasn't just a place for the bad people, but also a place where people made sneaky deals and dealt with much darker things than just being beating people up. Victoria knew this, she had grown up in these parts of town. Now was time to play their parts. "Welcome," a voice made Victoria's head turn to the direction of a demon coming closer to them with a bright and welcoming smile on his lips. He first held his hand out to greet Rafael with a firm handshake. Then to take Victoria's hand, placing a kiss on top of it looking into her eyes for a longer moment before letting go. "Enjoy your evening," he added still having his eyes locked with Victoria before looking at Rafael, then excusing himself as he went to great the other guests. Victoria theorized that he might be owning the place, or at least be a part of owning it. Her eyes followed him for a moment before looking up at Rafael.

Alfa **Antal indlæg** : 605

He scarcely took his eyes off her during their dinner, thinking she looked absolutely stunning in her red dress. It was a silly thing, really. How looking at someone he’d known for so long still managed to make him feel this way. He’d many times thought it’d go away with time, and that it wasn’t as serious as his feelings might make him believe, but there was no denying that they were still there. He chuckled as she mentioned her sweet charm would get them in before he gave her a nod. He had no doubt that she would. He'd seen her get by situations many times using that. But it was also more to get an assurance of them not having metal detectors at the place.

Once dinner was over, and they’d headed to the casino, Rafael felt his adrenaline rise, thinking of what was ahead. He'd always been thrill-seeking, heading straight into situations without much thought of the consequences, but this time there was an added vigilance as he wanted to ensure that Victoria stayed safe. It was something that he'd become a lot more aware of since the incident in February. After he’d parked the car, he got out to open her door while his eyes took in the building in front of them. As she wrapped her hand around his arm, he bent his elbow. Appearing as sophisticated and confident as possible, so they’d hopefully think it wasn't their first time there. He did have a concealed handgun in the back of his pants and a hidden knife in a holster around his shin, so naturally, he didn't want anyone to get that kind of suspicion of them. This was not the only time he’d potentially need to fight with another gang and he knew they'd have weapons as well, so his fists and pyrokinesis weren't exactly going to be ideal. The guard let them pass, rendering them safe for now. He scanned the grand room of the casino for familiar faces, any old friends, allies, or enemies that he'd made once he’d lived in Southside. But luckily there were none at first glance. The scents being so intertwined and overwhelming that he had to rely on sight. He moved his gaze to Victoria as she commented on their entry being successful, then sending her an assuring smile as he placed a hand on top of hers around his arm. “We got this.” He slowly removed his hand and looked out at the crowd again. Smiling and returning the greetings they were met with.

Welcome. Rafael looked at the demon nearing them, knowing that this had to be a manager or owner of the casino. He shook his hand with a thank you before his eyes followed him to his greeting to Victoria. Normally, he wouldn’t care for a kiss on the hand, but it was the long, telling moment where he looked into her eyes that had him clench his jaw and stare stoically at the man. It was clear to see that he took an interest in her. Not caring that she was with someone else. Rafael sent him a smile as he wished them a good evening, but the moment he’d turned away from them that faded. Already having a preconceived opinion on the type of person he was. He then turned his eyes to Victoria. “Do you know who he is?” he asked, curious to know if they'd met before, and if not, if she knew who he was since he hadn't given them a name or a further introduction.

Emne: Sv: I want you with me Tirs Jun 22, 2021 9:45 pm

Do you know who he was? Victoria shook her head a bit, "no," she replied narrowing her eyes a little bit. There were a few faces she recalled having seen before, but it was not from anywhere that had to do with this casino. It had something to do with her former life in Southside. The gentlemen of this club worked with shady stuff, at least some of them - they were in Southside after all, it was her kind of people, whether she liked that or not. "But I know what kind of person he is," she breathed out looking Rafael in the eye. It was somewhat of a cryptic reply, she knew that you could tell in her eyes it wasn't a good thing. However, she did know what was at stake here, the type of gamble the owner did, but it wasn't why they were here - even if he could become an issue, he wasn't the main attraction. "But not to focus on guys like him, we have another goal, if the others want to play put their hands in a snake den, they are going to get themselves bitten," she raised her brow slightly. If one thing had been pushy over the last weeks, it had been her meeting with her father - which had made her take some risky choices, but overall, she had always lived in this life. However, the name of the owner wasn't uncalled, she had heard about him before, which was also partly reason why she knew what kind of person he was.

Of course, she was aware of the risk of coming to a place like this. The serpents were of course known by the crowd, but she wasn't wearing her jacket. Not that it made her a serpent, but it at least made people aware - then there was the rose gold hair that made her quite known in the area as well. You didn't mess with the serpents, most people knew and understood that. "Let's see if Landon has something for us," she nodded towards the bar, still standing close to him. It was where she felt the most comfortable. Victoria always felt safe next to Rafael, as if they were invincible. She placed her free hand shortly on his cheek, looking into his eyes. He was really here with her right now, in this messed up situation none of them knew how would go, and God, she loved him for it. She really did, and she wished she had the guts to just say it with her actual words and not just her eyes that seemed so shimmer with love. She let her hand slide from his cheek, slightly trace down over his chest, still looking into those deep brown eyes had always hypnotized her yet empowering her. Once again, she made a slight nod in the direction of the bar where Landon was standing, before walking a few steps towards the area.

Victoria didn't walk to fast nor let go of Rafael arm till they reached the bar. It wasn't because of discomfort of being alone, but she liked to show off, she liked to show off that they were here together and let people know. Victoria gave Landon a soft nod, before he started pouring something up in the glass, which was really just club soda. Keeping their heads in the game was the main goal, and even if Victoria and the serpents usually did have alcohol in their blood whenever they drove out - she also knew she needed to trade carefully. "So, what do you got?" She asked Landon taking the glass and lifted it a bit up. The fallen angel placed his palms on the counter and nodded slightly to the left. "See that blonde guy over there, he works with the Patrons - older member, which means he-" Victoria took a sharper breath in before cutting him off. "He would know everything, yeah," she sighed a bit looking at Rafael for a short second trying not to look to long at the blonde demon.

"Anything else?" Victora forced herself to look back at Landon. "Actually, but it's not about them. I reckon it's about you," he turned his attention to Rafael, which had Victoria frown for a second, mainly concerned. "There is this vampire leader who moved around, last year she settled back in Gaia in Aston. She claims to have slaughtered villages of werewolf packs, pointing out one in Madrid -" Landon mentioned looking shortly away from Rafael to Victoria then back to Rafael. "Yeah, I might have been looking a bit into it- didn't find anything though," Victoria confessed with a small grimace. Of course, she had been worried when she had heard about it, and she knew he was looking, so why wouldn't she at try to see if she had been able to come up with anything - not that she had found any leads, otherwise she would have told him. "Alicia Blackwood," he spoke with a lower voice before walking over to serve another group of guests. Blackwood, that surname had a sour taste in her mouth, thinking about Joseph. She hadn't heard anything about Joseph in months, which had been nice and quiet. Almost too quite. "Bloody Blackwoods' -" she took a sharper breath in. This night had shown to prove much more informative than first thought, and not just on her behalf. Victoria took a sharper breath in, knowing at least Rafael now had a lead, which was huge. Victoria placed her hand on his upper arm, giving him a soft smile.

Alfa **Antal indlæg** : 605

Rafael assessed the man while he went on to greet the arriving guests. He knew he must have a lot of power in Southside for owning a casino like this, maybe even contacts that could benefit his own objectives. That reason alone was enough to want him on his good side. He had no doubt that he was a lousy fellow, unfair in the way he ran this business, and that the criminals here did more than gamble with money. But Vic was right. They had another goal tonight and so tonight wasn't the time to get to know him better. He returned his eyes to her as she placed a hand on his cheek. His lips turned upwards in a reassuring smile, wanting to ease whatever worries she might have. “Whatever happens tonight, I’m always going to be here. You know that, right?” He placed a hand on the small of her back as she moved her hand down his chest, leaning slightly closer to her face as he looked into her eyes that shimmered like stars in the lights. He would always stand by her. Frankly, he didn’t think there was anything she could do to lose that. But he knew that he hadn't been the best to show this, and if there ever was a time where he felt it was important to say, it was now. The night was still full of uncertainties, but he didn't want that to be one of them. He didn't care that she'd gotten into some trouble with a mafia, knowing very well that he'd recklessly gotten into worse in the past. At this moment, he didn't even care about all their arguments and disagreements, because they seemed so small in the bigger picture. And he for one didn’t want to lose the connection they shared. His lips almost brushed against hers when she nodded to the bar and started to walk a few steps towards the area, taking him out of the moment and into the crowd of the casino.

At the bar, he gave Landon a brief appraisal before he glanced towards the blonde guy in mention. An ex-member would know a lot. The question was just if he’d be willing to speak about it in fear of what the Patrons would do if he did. He was quick to look back at Landon as to not stare. It was a lesson he’d learned at a very young age. He'd gotten himself in a lot of trouble for staring and wanting to interfere with things that didn't concern him. Getting into fights that were far beyond his age and strength. He straightened his back slightly as Landon turned his attention to him, saying he had some information to tell him. “Yeah?” He placed his hand around a glass of club soda, anticipating him to elaborate. His full attention was granted at the mention of a vampire leader. But the slaughter of a werewolf pack in Madrid? That was the sole reason he’d traveled all the way to Gaia. Could this be the clan he’d searched all these years for? His expression didn’t reveal much hope of it being true. He’d been disappointed so many times in the past where he’d been sure of something. Especially regarding this clan. But it was there nonetheless. His hope. Burning just a bit brighter than before. “What’s her name?” he asked, thinking if he’d gotten that sort of information from some insiders, he’d also know the name of the person who’d claimed this. Alicia Blackwood. He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully as he searched his mind for the name, but the only person that came into his mind was that former science teacher at Athena Academy. “Do you think she’s related to Joseph?” he asked in a low tone as he turned to face Victoria. “Do you know anyone who might be able to dig up information about her in the Serpents?” He would naturally do this himself to the best of his ability, but the more people he could get in on it, the higher his chance of finding her. Besides, he needed to know as much about this vampire as possible before he could even get close to finalizing his revenge. He took a sip of the drink before he stole another glance at the blonde. “Should we go speak with him now or did you have something else in mind?” he asked to return to their agenda regarding the Patrons.

Emne: Sv: I want you with me Ons Jul 28, 2021 1:26 pm

Joseph Blackwood. It was a name she hadn't been bothered by in a while, it had seemed like the man had left the country or just hopefully their lives for good. But this one, Alicia Blackwood, it rang a bell in the shapeshifter's ear. And she didn't like it. "Yeah I do," she took a sharper breath in and clicked her tongue a little, "me," she breathed out and kept her eyes locked with Rafael's. Even if Victoria didn't come out a lot from Southside, it didn't mean she didn't know what went on in the darker parts of town. Especially with a friend like Dion in her life, she had once followed him to this club where one of his flings worked, The Devil's Point. Victoria even recalled having met the owner before and the name just fit the face perfectly. "I don't know anything about her however, I do know someone who might be able to actually get close. My friend Dion," she made a small shrug and took a slightly deeper breath in. Dion didn't seem like guy who would be at any use in a fight, and people were perhaps right about that. But Dion was a demi-god the life of the party, if anyone could lure a careless and social hungry vampire out - it would be him. And maybe he knew something. She could ask Cassian as well, she knew he knew some people as well, it couldn't be hard tracking down a Blackwood with the right people.

The blonde. Yeah, Victoria took a sharper breath in returning her attention to what had brought her here tonight. I’m always going to be here. His words from earlier still echoed in her ear, and she took a deeper breath in and moved her eyes away from the blonde again looking back at Rafael. Victoria didn't know what was going to happen tonight, but she did know that she always wanted to be by Rafael's side. And that also meant living the lives that they did, they never knew when something terrible snuck around the corner and into their lives. "I love you - and I'm always going to be here as well, don't ever doubt that. You have me, nothing will ever change that," she then confessed in a lower voice looking into his eyes. They had always been clear on not getting attached, but she was and he deserved to know that. They had been fooling themselves for too long. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but he is leaving," Landon informed and made Victoria look from Landon to the blonde guy making his leave towards the back.

Alfa **Antal indlæg** : 605

His eyes said what words couldn’t as she offered to help. She knew, if anyone, how much this meant to him. And the prospect of getting answers to his life-long questions now seemed closer than ever. It made the hope in his chest burn even brighter despite his attempt at suppressing it. He nodded as she mentioned a friend that would be able to get close to the vampire. It would be the ideal situation. He knew none of his wolves would suffice for that role and his contacts outside of that were very limited. “I’d like it if we could set something like that up. I've waited my whole life for an opportunity like this, so take all the time you need to find as much information about her beforehand. I'll also need to know if she is related to Joseph. I’d hate for him to show up and sabotage anything.” He’d heard many tales of who that man was and what he'd done, so the last thing he wanted was to be targeted by him on top of everything. But regardless, he’d planned to go carefully about this. He couldn’t afford to screw it up and be set back another few years. Not if this was the person behind his family's murders.

It took his mind several seconds to register what she’d said. But once it did, all that replayed in his mind were those three words. He knew he loved her back. He felt it coursing through his body every time she stepped into a room or heard the sound of her voice. However, he’d never admitted these feelings to her. He'd long ago learned that love was complicated and that it rarely lasted. So, he'd refrained from committing to anyone. He parted his lips slightly to speak when Landon got ahead of him. At that moment, he was immediately reminded back to where he was. His lips pressed shut as he turned his eyes from Victoria to the blonde, who was heading into a more disclosed area. He took Victoria’s hand as he walked in the direction, knowing that they couldn't let him out of sight. “I thought I loved you the first time I met you,” he admitted, the words leaving his lips easier than he'd anticipated. “I remember thinking that I’d never met someone so perfect and that I had to have you. But I also convinced myself I was out of my head for feeling what I did. Still, most of the time, the first feeling overruled the other,” he slowed his pace as they were blocked by a large crowd, then he turned left to get around it. “And then so much happened in our lives. Things turned bad, and I didn’t fight for you as I should have,” he continued. Now stopping near the wall as someone had briefly stopped their target on his way to the back. “I tried to tell myself that I wasn’t in love with you. It was easier than risking losing the friendship I had with you. It was easier than doing something I'd never done. Something I never thought was meant for me.” He knew he was rambling. His heart was racing, not only from hearing her say those words but from the whole mission ahead of them. However, it was spoken truthfully. He had always had commitment issues. He’d never been stationed in one place for long, so it had always been easier not to get attached and just settle with the fact that whoever you were with only would be in your life for a short while. Still, he couldn’t deny these feelings. And she deserved to know about them.

Emne: Sv: I want you with me Fre Sep 24, 2021 6:54 am

Her world stopped for a moment, making her look up at him as he took her hand. Victoria felt like she was playing the Russian roulette, not knowing the outcome of her actions, which perhaps was why she felt a bit anxious. So many things were at risk tonight and despite that, her relationship with Rafael was the thing she was most worried about, she didn't want to lose him in her life, and confessing your love like she just had - it could either go the way she wanted or not at all. I thought I loved you the first time I met you, time froze once again, making her move her head up looking into his eyes. It was hard for her to suddenly walk as he spoke, wanting to take in every single word he said, and her steps slowed, luckily, so did his. Victoria and Rafael had been running in circles around each other, scared out of their minds to admit there feelings were real. Victoria wanted to tell him it was okay, she hadn't put much fight up either, they had taking hits at each other, causing stupid acts of jealousy instead of just being honest about how they felt. Finally stopping she could better catch a glimpse of his face, looking up into his eyes. Victoria took a deeper breath in and tilted her head a bit to the left while licking her lips a little. She slowly breathed out, calming down now that she knew she wasn't the only one that had been going crazy. "It's a shame isn't it? That you are kind of stuck with me now," she replied with a softer voice still with her eyes locked with his.

Victoria moved her eyes back to the crowd looking at the blonde for a moment. "Fucking hell," she mumbled when she noticed a familiar werewolf. Tivo, the wolf she had tortured. "We have to go, that's the guy I got my information from," she nodded in the location of the rouge werewolf. If anyone could out her and Rafael's mission, it would be him and not what they needed. "We will find her another time," she breathed out looking back at Rafael. "And as a matter of fact, I would much rather just spend my time with you than them, so," she confessed underneath her next breath. They should get going before the werewolf caught her scent, even though it was unlikely a rouge would go close to an alpha.