Perspective Shifts

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"Okay, waaiit, waitwaitwait..." Addie said, and tried a new tactic. He turned the little outfit, and gently took her legs and slipped the outfit's legs over them. Bar a few slips of her wiggly toes and giggling, it seemed to work. The arms went a little easier, and as soon as she was given the big fluffy tail, it was a walk in the park. "D'aaww, don't you just look the proper part, eh?" He cooed at her before he could even think of stopping himself. He just couldn't get over how cute little Jessy looked.

"Right. So are we ready?" He said enthusiastically, as he turned in his seat to start the car. "Any specific place you want to go?" He enquired from Rita.

-----

Matt's wide eyes had Joe just as surprised. For a moment she thought that she had said it too early, but his reply doused that thought quickly. If the words didn't, his body language certainly did. Feeling his hand around her waist and the closeness of him made her stomach butterlies catch flight again. Both her human and wolf mind felt it, each in their own way but both the same.

It was strange how her senses seemed to focus only on him, ignoring the fact that her grandfather and Mel was in the room. With their faces so close together, Joe could feel Matt's breath on her skin. His hand in her hair and the lingering but hesitant motion behind it told her that he wanted to kiss her. It was up to her though, and knowing that he didn't want to force it or do it without her permission gave her a warm sensation in her chest. She gave him a small smile, with the warmth reflecting in her eyes, and she gave no resistance. As she let her lips connect to his, she closed her eyes and kissed him.
 
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Rita gave a little cheer as Addie finally managed to get the outfit on, and she fiddled with the zipper, being careful not to trap anything in it as she did it up. He was right – Jessy was absolutely adorable, and in the onesie the effect was even greater. She settled the little girl on her lap and made sure her own seatbelt was securely fastened. What little she did know about children told her than you couldn't use an adult seat belt on them, but in all honesty, a vampire's arms were probably safer anyhow. Besides, with was a werewolf in the driver's seat they were unlikely to crash in the first place. Jessy had landed a very safe couple of guardians indeed.

"Uh…" Rita didn't really know where they should head, and she racked her brains for where might be good. "Any big shopping centre should do… and we might want to look into getting you a new shirt." Wandering around with a ripped, bloody shirt and a hybrid baby was not the best way to go unnoticed, she thought.

-----

Joe's little smile reassured Matt that she was all right with this, and he was relieved. The last thing he would want would be to push her for more than she was comfortable with, especially given how Marshall had treated her. He'd understand if she didn't even want him to touch her any more after that.

He hadn't been back to his werewolf self for very long, and her smell somehow took him by surprise as she allowed him to kiss her. Although it didn't have the intensity of their first kiss outside Faolan's house, this one felt somehow special to him, and his arm tightened around her waist. She was safe, and here, and she still wanted him. She loved him too. That didn't seem possible, and as his fingers ran from her hair to the side of her face, a deep sense of contentment made itself known. If she wanted him forever, then they would have a future as long as their immortal lives and she would be with him through all of it. If he managed to find a way to keep her safe, this could go on for a very long time indeed. And maybe, just maybe, they would even be able to try for a family together, someday…

His heart was beating faster in his chest and she was so incredibly close, her smell seemed to be everywhere. This kiss didn't seem to be ending, and he had lost all awareness of Mel and Faolan in the room. He turned slightly to better angle himself towards her, his hand cupping her face. She really did smell amazing… and a little part of his mind nudged him and waved a very urgent red flag. He pulled away quickly, his heart still racing, breathing fast. "Uhm," he mumbled, turning his head slightly to look at Mel as his face flushed, "Please tell me you got her trinket back?"
 
Little Jessy was quite comfortable with the suit on, especially since it had a tail to play with. She stuck the end of it in her mouth as she turned her attention to Rita, but there was no reaching for any buttons this time.

"My.." Addie looked down, "Oh yeah." he said with a slow surprised tone and then guffawed as he looked to Rita, "Forgot about that." and then thought about where to go. After a moment or two, his face lit up with a solution, and got the car in gear. "Think I know just the place." he said confidently, and with a little wink at Jessy he started to drive to the place in mind. It wasn't too big, but it had the kind of stores that could cater for normal babies, and a pet store and various other places. Chances of running into either werewolves or vampires would be minimal too.

-----

Her heartbeat joined Matt's almost in unison as the kiss continued. Everything that was her was focused only on Matt, and this special moment that they were sharing. Despite what Marshall had done to her, or even with her, he never did make her kiss him. Both parts of her were glad of that, otherwise this wouldn't be happening. She had never given in to Marshall's demand to be his, and somehow this kiss strengthened that resolve and gave her security. The bad memories wanting to get to her mind was less intense, and her body began looking more human.

Of course, her emotions and functioning hormones were more human than wolf, and the effect was a radiation of warmth and the kind of smells that the trinket would tune down... Her wolf side, realising this, jumped up to stop her kissing Matt-
- but he did it first. She opened her eyes when the kiss stopped, and looked at him with bewilderment, but also a hint of gratefulness. As he asked about the trinket, her hand went to where it would usually hang from around her neck. Realising it wasn't there, she looked down to confirm its absence and then looked up at Matt with wide eyes. It was gone! So that's why he stopped... Oh hell, and she was still in heat... what was she going to do? Dammit! dammitdammitdammit-

She felt a reassuring touch to her shoulder and as she looked up, she saw it was her grandfather's, "Don't worry, Joenie." he said gently, and glanced to Matt before looking back at her, "You're safe. They have other scent-dampening things in the room too." and he gave a kind smile. This put her more at ease, but if Matt mentioned the trinket, then he must have smelled... something. She looked at him, concern showing on her face... and then it turned into slight amusement and she smirked a little uncertainly. The fact that Mel was also in the room made even more funny, and she started laughing as she pulled up her knees to hug them and hide her face. She shook her head a little, and laughed again. She then lifted her head a little, just enough to sneak a look of amusement at Matt, and the effect almost made her look like a guilty puppy. A snerking noise escaped her nose, and she hid her face again.

Yeah... this is going to take some getting used to...
 
Rita couldn't help a little giggle at his reaction to the ripped shirt, although with everything going on she wasn't exactly surprised it had slipped his mind. She bit her lip after the laugh and looked away, staring at the wing-mirror where Jessy appeared to be floating in the front seat. This didn't come as a surprise; a reflection in her place probably would have frightened the life out of her. She noticed that Addie had a faint reflection in the windshield, and turned her attention to that. The world had all kinds of ways of reminding them that their kinds were different. At least like this he would have no way of seeing that she was staring at him.

She kept her arms tight around Jessy as they drove. A part of her wanted to try to entertain the girl, but she was worried that over-excited Jessy might be hard to hold still, and she could distract Addie. Until they had a car seat, it was safest to try to stay calm whilst driving. "Is it far?" she questioned to break the silence.

-----

Joe's wide-eyed look made both Matt and Mel focus their attention on her, and although Faolan reassured her, Matt felt that something more might be necessary. "It's not perfectly masked, but I was very close, and I think you probably have that effect on me anyway," he said in a quiet tone. He had only really pulled away because he couldn't be sure how much it was influencing his feelings, and definitely he didn't want things to go too far whilst she was undoubtedly in a fragile state. "Besides, you know I can control my instincts, and I'll protect you from anyone else who tries anything… until we get it back from him. I promise you that." He might have failed in this respect before, but in this public place with Mel and Faolan around he was confident that he'd be ok. And with Marshall captured, it wouldn't be hard to retrieve the trinket, unless he'd destroyed it for some reason.

Joe's sudden outburst of laughter caught him a little by surprise, and for a moment he just stared at her. Then a smile caught the corner of his mouth and he gently ruffled her hair as she hid her face. "I'm glad you find this funny." There was a hint of laughter in his own voice, and he was indeed very glad that she seemed to be in genuinely good spirits and not hysterical. If they had come back from this, it gave him hope that they could face the future together. After all, they had struggled through other trials before and it had only brought them closer. He knew that his commitment to her was absolutely for the rest of his life… and he was growing more and more convinced that she felt the same about him. If they could just get a little peace, things might well settle down to his idea of perfection. Those three little words they had both just uttered were all he would ever need.
 
"Hm?" Addie replied at first, but still kept his eyes on the road, "Oh, not so much. Might depend on traffic." he answered then, and gave a quick glance as he spoke before returning his attention to the road. Then, what seemed out of the blue a thought struck him. "Did that guy at the café smell- I mean seem odd to you?" he asked. His face had a quizzical look on it, but then a smile broke it, "Sorry, it's something that must've gotten stuck." he chuckled.

The ride wasn't far at all, and on arrival it looked to be a small-sized mall with a very 'natural' look about it. Inside was a fountain and very large aviary, and the hallways would echo with bird sounds. The whole building was outfitted with a natural "park" scene and fake, but very realistic-looking trees lined the sides of shops, along with other kinds of plants along the walls. Addie figured that the architect must have been a nature-lover, or a hippy. Either way, it was a nice and natural place for people who liked "outside" without the icky or buggy parts.

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Joe gave another chuckle at Matt's response, and lifted her head again to look at him with amused eyes. Her grandfather gave a smile as well and shook his head at the two of them. Then remembering Matt's question, he looked at Mel, "Do you have the trinket?" he asked. If it was lost, then he knew they'd need a new one seeing as Matt was affected by Joe's smell. The restraint the lad had shown was a good thing though - it meant that Faolan could trust him with his granddaughter. Even more so since this was Joe's first period, and they were usually the 'worst'.

Speaking of smells... Joe noticed Matt's and how he was covered in a plethora of them. One of those smells that were quite strong was "cave" and all the things that made up that scent. Something in her didn't like this smell, but she didn't let it show or upset her. Instead she arched her brow and poked at Matt's chest, "You need a bath." she said with a grin. Being able to focus on her 'boyfriend' - term that was still alien to her, helped to also keep bad memories away. Him being with her made her happy, and even just sitting there next to him was enough to keep a warm feeling in her chest. If it weren't for the scents problem, she might even pounce him for the heck of it and ruffle his hair for 'backsies'. Oh well, she could always get him back later...
 
Addie's question about the guy at the café caught Rita by surprise, and she didn't know exactly how to answer him. Sure, the guy had been pushing his luck, but unfortunately that wasn't anything unusual amongst vampires. She had a feeling Addie was talking about something more than that, but whatever it was, she hadn't noticed it. "No," she said slowly, "Or at least, no more than most vampires."

When they arrived at the mall, she got out of the car and approached slowly. It seemed a very odd kind of design even from the outside, and she was sure she could hear birdsong coming from inside. Still, as she stepped through the doors she let out a little surprised laugh, and looked to Addie with a wide grin on her face. "Why do I not already know about this?" she exclaimed. Surely everyone ought to know this was here. She pointed at the aviary with her free hand, "Look, Jessy! Birdies!"

Looking around, she saw that as well as being an interesting mall this place would serve their needs very well. "Good choice," she congratulated Addie. "Shirt first, then baby essentials?" It seemed the sensible order, though perhaps it would be more sensible for him to peel off and sort his own shirt out whilst she got started on the nitty-gritty of childcare. That was the mother's role, right? Besides, going clothes shopping with Addie might be taking the whole 'happy family' act a little far. Still… she wasn't ready to face parenthood alone, at least not just yet.

-----

Mel pretended not to hear Faolan for a moment, and then felt Matt's eyes on her as well and shifted uncomfortably. He was a dreadful reader of people, and yet somehow it was like he knew… "Oh, all right," she snapped, not meeting his eyes as her hand dipped into her pocket. "I was going to tell you eventually." Yeah, eventually, as in after she'd got the maximum possible amount of enjoyment out of watching him try to suppress his urges. Still, given the situation, perhaps it was best she have the thing back now. Matt was very rarely one to make a major slip, but if he did let his guard down, he could break her trust in him at a delicate time.

"You need a bath."
Matt laughed at that, "Do I smell bad or something?" Addie had already told him he needed a wash, and although he could smell the caves and muddy Thames water and blood on himself, it didn't bother him too much. Maybe he was just used to it at this point. He caught the trinket as Mel threw it and held it out to Joe. It was intact, and with any luck it'd still work as it was supposed to. He didn't want to say anything, but whatever the clinic had done to mask her smell was well and truly wearing off now that she was awake. If her smell got much more potent, he might have to remove himself from the room. Or possibly even the whole building. "You put this back on, I promise I'll wash soon, and then we'll both be back to smelling normal."
 
Addie returned Rita's grin with one of his own and shrugged, "'Cause we haven't met yet?" he replied jovially. Little Jessy gave a happy squee as she saw what Rita was aiming at, and the lovely sounds that the birds made tickled her ears. Her arms stretched out towards the birds' direction in excitement, and when that didn't work she settled for making blurby noises and unsuccessful whistling - all of which ended up in creating puppy slobber. This amused Addie greatly, and he gave a hearty chuckle when Jessy even barked a few times.

"Well, thank you kindly." he responded to Rita, and gave a slight bow for effect. "I think that can work." he said at Rita's suggestion, "I think the baby store should be two shops down and on your right." he instructed and pointed the way, "I shouldn't be long and I'll meet you there?" he suggested. For him picking a shirt was looking for a colour he liked and then the correct size. He gave a little wave to the two ladies, and entered what seemed to be a random clothing store.

The clerk didn't pay him any mind, especially since it was a discount store and being on a minimum wage didn't cover looking at weird customers. It took only a minute or two for Addie to pick out a shirt, which happened to be a dirty green colour and grunge designs on it. After paying he slipped into the dressing room to fit it and had the old shirt in a bag. It certainly smelled better, that was for sure. Now it was off to help find baby stuff for Jessy, and maybe even something to eat afterwards. He smiled at that idea.

-----

Faolan had his doubts as to Mel's 'eventually' but seeing as she did hand over the trinket, he decided to let it go. He was careful not to let any sign of him finding any of this funny show, and merely nodded once in gratitude.
Joe's nostrils flared for a second as she smiled at Matt's question, "Terribly." and she wasn't exactly wrong. Still, her voice was light and with an obvious sense of humour present. She watched him catch the trinket and as he handed it to her she wasted no time in putting it around her neck.

She looked at Matt, her eyes focused on him, and they showed immense gratitude. Then she also looked at Mel for a moment, and sounding quite humble she thanked them both. "Thank you for getting it back to me." she said as she again looked at Matt, and a small smile formed. At least things would be less "tense" now that this was back, and Matt would hopefully not have to feel troubled with being too close to her.
 
Being left on her own with a slobbery Jessy and a shopping list wasn't exactly what Rita had in mind, and she struggled not to panic as she wiped Jessy's face with a tissue once again. It was funny how this sort of thing bothered Mel, when it was really the easiest part of having a child. Then again, Mel just wasn't cut out for motherhood.
Right… baby store. Rita ambled along to the store-front, half-hoping Addie would come back before she got there, but she was out of luck. She hesitated slightly in the doorway, but then with a deep breath headed inside.

She had to admit, it was a nice shop, all soft colours and plush surfaces, with little cubicles displaying what your child's room could look like along the back wall. She gave Jessy a little smile and cast around for something simple to start with… Humidifiers? She glanced at her list. Why would you want to humidify your baby? She gave Jessy a doubtful glance. Maybe feeding things would be easier. But what she took for the feeding section turned out to be full of… breast pumps, apparently. She flushed and turned away, looking around for of - nappies! Now that was bound to be easy. But… did they want reusable or disposable ones…?

"Hi." The voice came from behind her and for a moment she thought it was Addie, but then she smelled vampire. She turned around quickly when she realised that, but he was standing with his hands in his pockets and anyway if he was a threat he'd hardly have announced his presence. Still, Jessy wasn't exactly set to be a hit with vampires generally… "Cute kid you've got there," he said casually. "Although not your own, obviously." He reached out a cautious hand to Jessy, and added, "You look a little lost. Can I help?"


-----


It stung a little bit that Joe would tell him he smelled terrible, especially since to his wolf nose she smelled so nice, but he made himself remember that he really had been through a lot of unpleasant places recently and probably would be in need of a bath. Still, he knew scent was important to werewolves, and a small part of him worried that whatever bothered her about his would be a permanent thing. "Are you sure a bath will help matters?" he asked doubtfully.

Not that his smell was the most important of issues, especially when it compared to the things hers could do if it was left unchecked… he really was glad to see her putting the trinket back on, and his eyes showed it. He remembered how he'd found out what it was in the first place, and gulped. From the corner of his eye he saw Mel incline her head slightly, acknowledging the thanks.

"It's ok. I know it keeps you safe, and that's the most important thing." A little smile appeared on his face as he spoke, but the memory of how he knew this was still niggling at his mind. "I remembered Rhonwyn through your blood," he said quietly. She ought to know what he had seen and what that meant. "I knew someone like Marshall might come. I thought… wolves fight for their mates, and I thought when he won I would lose you." And the way she had acted hadn't exactly helped that perception: endorsing his choice to fight, standing by as Marshall had broken his arm, and then quietly leaving with him. Something else popped into his head then and he spoke before he'd thought it through. "When he broke my arm, you were ashamed. I saw it." She'd covered her face with her hand. Everything after that was a blur for him, but that one memory was still crystal clear.
 
Jessy enjoyed the ride in Rita's arms, quite oblivious to all the confusion of baby necessities overload. There were so many pretty colours, and most of them she could make out, too! With her little nose she smelled the vampire before he spoke to Rita, and Jessy could feel the sudden change in mood. Her little nose moved as she properly smelled at the vampire stranger. He didn't smell dangerous, but he certainly smelled clean. As he reached towards Jessy, she looked cautiously at his hand with big curious eyes, and promptly put the now-slobbery soaked tail in his hand. Did he want to taste it too? "Vai!" she said, not knowing vampire stranger's name.

Then a familiar smell made its announcement to Jessy and she cooed excitedly as she bounced in Rita's arms. It was Addie's smell, and he arrived just in time to hear the vampire ask if they were lost. As was his nature, Addie had studied the guy and measured him up as he had approached, but not in an obvious way and he never lost his charming demeanour. "Hey, there you are!" he said happily, and once he was close to Rita and Jessy he turned his attention to the male vampire. The guy looked and sounded friendly enough, and his smell said nothing strange or alarming. Seeing as Jessy and Rita didn't look or smell too troubled, it seemed that maybe this guy was just curious... maybe. "Hi, doing some shopping?" Addie asked, completely at ease and smiled charmingly as he held out a hand to greet the guy.

-----

"It might make you smell less like a swamp." she joked, grinning at him and her eyes absolutely teasing. There was in fact something stuck on his shirt that looked plant-like and she picked it off to show him.

Joe noticed Matt's small signs of ...discomfort? worry? and nodded. It did keep her safe, and also made her feel safe. Her heart sank though, as she heard Matt telling her about what he had seen as her reaction after the fight. The mention of Marshall's name also shot a beeline for Joe's human mind and she had to steady it before she might freak out. Instead she focused intently on what Matt was saying, and just as he finished she shook her head slowly. "No, Matt..." she said softly, and looked him in the eyes, "I wasn't. I wanted to stop the fight." her voice had the slightest hint of quivering, "It wasn't fair - it wasn't even needed!" she sounded almost mad, but not at Matt. "... Someone shot me with something," her hand automatically moved to the spot on her upper arm where the tranquillizer had hit, and she swallowed. "I... I couldn't do anything, and I watched you lying there and I wanted to help you... everything just went black."

Unfortunately that memory was a trigger for the rest to follow... Marshall taking her away, the grin on his face in the car, waking up in the cave room... it was too much for her mind, and with a low growling grunt her hands covered her head and she bent forward screaming deeply. Her wolf part was chaotically trying to get her human half back to safety, and the bad memories and feelings tearing at it made that difficult. As a result her appearance again shifted oddly from human to wolf, her longer nails scratching her and drawing blood.

Faolan jumped in at the first sign of her distress, and firmly grabbed her hands to keep the damage minimal. "Calm down, lass! It's alright!" In her chaotic state though, neither part of Joe saw it as helpful and she struggled as a result. Any attempt of pinning her down or keeping her from moving was met with force and either kicking or biting, or as in the case of an unlucky Faolan, a sudden grip followed by a twist to break his arm. It wasn't long and she was in a full mania, and intent on escaping from the room.
 
Rita was ready to pull Jessy away from the newcomer at the slightest sign of danger, but he just laughed as she handed him the tail, and then flicked her gently in the nose with it. He didn't even seem to mind that it had coated his hand in her slobber. "What's your name?" he said to her in a friendly cooing tone, and it was Rita who answered. "Jessy. And I'm Rita." He transferred his attention to her then, and the smile only widened. "Very pleased to meet you. My name's Cyril." She only had her left hand free and his was slobbery, so she just gave him a little wave of gretting. It was embarrassing, but to his credit, he chuckled and waved right back, and then to Jessy too for good measure.

Addie's return made Rita tense for just a second, but Cyril seemed to be at his ease with a male werewolf strolling up to them, so she relaxed. Even for someone without prejudice, this vampire surprised her. His guard had never even gone up when Addie appeared. That relaxed confidence was actually sort of nice.

Cyril made to shake Addie's hand, but hesitated for a moment and Rita thought perhaps things were about to go south… but he only wiped his palm on his jeans before continuing. "Yep. My niece's birthday next week… and honestly I don't know what that kid could want for that she doesn't already have." It seemed to Rita that there must be some contraption in this confusing shop that any mother was without, but she didn't say as much. As she thought that, she noticed a little change in the newcomer's eyes and he stepped back slightly, as though he had just remembered something. "I was just trying to help, but if I'm stepping on your toes…" For the first time he looked a little nervous of Addie, but she reassured him immediately. "No, really, Jessy's sort of fallen into our laps. We don't actually have a clue."

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Joe's words calmed Matt, but he saw too late that being made to remember this was having the opposite effect on her. Faolan's attempt to intervene was probably a bad idea, much as he wanted to stop her from hurting herself, and he made a spilt-second decision not to engage her if he could help it. Instead he backed away towards the door. Mel made as if to grab for Joe, but he shouted to stop her. One of them would get hurt, and just now he wasn't even sure which.

Not that he had a better plan, if it came to it, except not letting her get out of the theatre. Obviously he was perfectly capable of containing an enraged manic Joe. He decided to at least try talking to her – if nothing else, it might buy Mel time to find some tranquilisers. Still, what could he say that would help? Probably nothing. "You're safe now," he began anyway. "I know you're hurting, believe me, and I'm sorry I let that happen to you. But you need to remember the end of the story, where I got you out… and you're safe now." Behind her he could see Mel rummaging surreptitiously in medical cabinets. If she didn't hurry up, Joe would try to get past him out the doors and then he'd have no choice but to try to pin her somehow. Judging by what had happened to Faolan, that could only end well, but he couldn't let her run out of the clinic. He wouldn't be able to protect her out there, and she was still healing.
 
The very friendly stranger vampire seemed like a nice person, and little Jessy giggled at his antics. Once the tail was returned she stuck it back into her mouth, backed into Rita in a playful shy way. Her little eyes were sparkling with laughter.

Addie gave the guy a firm handshake, and nodded and smiled as he spoke, "Yeah? I've heard a set of crayons and a colouring book is always welcome." he suggested, running past the knowledge he got from some websites. "Oh, and my name is Addie." he said, remembering his manners.
The sudden change in Cyril caught Addie's attention, and he lifted his head slightly as if to ask a question. As the vampire asked about the situation, he shook his head and raised a relaxed hand as a sign of peace. "Got a basic list though - have any knowledge to share?" he asked kindly.

True, the guy looked to be alright, and maybe he was in fact just doing some honest shopping for a niece, but you never knew. Addie made a mental note not to let either Rita or Jessy out of his sight, but would give the vampire guy a chance. "So how old is your niece? If she's into games then I can recommend a few." he offered, keeping with treating him no different that he would any other stranger.

-----

Faolan let go the moment Joe loosened her grip on his arm, and with his free hand he held his arm so it could heal correctly. It had been a stupid move, but some instincts were hard to stop, like wanting to protect and comfort your grandchild. He watched as Joe's eyes turned more and more wolf, and very much crazy. It was impossible to know what went on in her head, but she definitely didn't want anyone near her right now. Matt's words didn't get through to her either, but it did draw her attention to him. When she saw that he was blocking her way, she gave a loud roar and shifted into her wolf form.

She was about to lunge at him, but the sound of rummaging through cabinets caught her interest. Joe's eyes moved to where Mel was busy, and she saw medical supplies, which meant syringes, which meant liquids that made you pass out... The thought enraged her even more, and she wanted to jump off the bed with speed and force to barge into Mel - but something said to try something else. Mel would not be one to be taken down so easily, even if distracted. Instead Joe turned and grabbed one of the monitors and stand in her mouth, and using her upper body for added strength the threw it at Mel. She didn't know if it would hit before the vampire could react, but it would stop the search.

Immediately afterwards she again focused on Matt and jumped off the bed to lunge at him with a burst of speed. If she couldn't bowl him out of the way then she'd bite whatever was nearest her mouth and yank him out of the way if she could. If that meant tearing at flesh or muscle then so be it. Her human mind was too distracted and damaged to even try and get to the surface. All her wolf mind wanted was out and away from the damaging memories and the room where they had just returned. If she could she'd make a dash for the exit, and run down anyone or anything in her way - whether that was bodies or glass, she didn't care.
 
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Cyril laughed at Addie's suggestion, "There are so many crayons in that house, I think any more and her mother might kill me…" He scratched his head, "Same goes for cuddly toys." He was beginning to wonder if it wouldn't be best just to put some money away for when the kid had grown up, but a cheque wasn't much fun to unwrap on your birthday. As for the question, he shrugged easily, and turned his attention back to Rita. "When you say 'fallen into your laps'… you really are new to this, aren't you?" She nodded, and he gave an impressed little whistle. "Well, you're brave." That wasn't exactly the reassurance she'd been hoping for.

He moved closer then, peering at the list in her hand, and she held it up for him to see better. As he stepped round to read it the right way up, he turned his back on Addie, seemingly quite by accident, blocking him out of the conversation. This didn't even register with Rita. "Well, it's a good list," he began encouragingly, "But very definitely basic." He decided to start at the top with talking her through it, and didn't stop to answer, or even acknowledge, Addie's question. The little tense part of Rita wound down a little as he spoke. Someone who knew what they were doing was on hand. She was no longer so out of her depth that she feared being swept away.

-----

Mel dodged the flying monitor, but unfortunately didn't look at what it would hit if it missed her. It crashed into another stand of medical apparatus, and then there was a domino effect as more things toppled and fell. Wires and tubing tangled around her, and something – maybe a blood pressure monitor – fell against the open drawers of the cabinet, which slammed shut. She cursed and tried to disentangle herself, as Joe ran towards Matt and the exit.

He seemed to do a split-second calculation that involved the likelihood of his being able to stop her from leaving – nil – and the possible damage of trying to – substantial. Then he side-stepped neatly and allowed her a free path to the door, and Mel caught the signs of his form beginning to change. He was going to let her go, but there was no way she could outrun him in his wolf form. If she ran into trouble wherever she was dashing off to, she would have him on hand to at least try to keep her safe. Nevertheless, Mel wasn't sure letting a crazed Joe loose on the world was a good idea, and letting Matt go out there with her might just be even worse. She still couldn't get out of the mess by the cabinet, though, so she just raised her voice a little and called after Joe, "I can take you to Marshall." Sure, it might not have any effect now, but it would hopefully bring her back soon enough when she'd calmed down.

Matt shot her a venomous look over his shoulder as he turned to go after Joe, and she knew he still wasn't behind the idea of letting Joe deal with Marshall for herself.
 
Something in the guy's tone of voice snagged at Addie's mind. He also noticed very slight changes - a trait he had picked up from his days of a spy, and that would very likely not be picked up by others. When the guy turned his back on him, the werewolf in him registered that as disrespect. He didn't give in to it, but as the guy ignored his question completely it only strengthened his suspicion of the guy.

Dislike for Cyril crept in. Still, he wasn't going to just lose his temper or something as silly as that.
Jessy, meanwhile also noticed the vampire getting closer. She peered up at him from below the hood, groping it aside so she could see him. He now stood where Addie had. So where was Addie? "Ahd-Ahd..." she said, calling for him, and then she saw him appear in front of her and Rita. She gave a delightful little squee and raised her arms suddenly, and held her little hands out for him.

Seeing as Rita was busy with the list of an apparently knowledgeable Cyril, he held out his arms with a smile, "Here, I'll take her, Rita." he suggested happily. Jessy gave a little happy howl-rowl sound, and leaned towards Addie for him to pick her up. He didn't mind being the baby holder, and was kind of glad that little Jessy wasn't too swayed by Cyril. Maybe it was his protective instincts, or just slight paranoia, but he felt that he should keep a close eye on this guy.

-----

As Joe ran out the room, Faolan moved to help Mel out of the tangled mess. He had seen in his granddaughter's eyes the crazed determination to get out, and it wasn't out of fear. She seemed to have a sudden purpose and his guess was that it would involve pain and death for someone. His arm was more mobile now, having been set properly and it would take care of itself. He grabbed a scissor from one of the other cabinets and cut the tubes and wiring to get them off quicker. As she called after Joe, he looked up at Mel. A quick mental path ran in his head, and clicked. Joe was in distress, and her wolf form confirmed that she was protecting herself from danger. Right now that danger was Marshall. Her way of dealing with danger was to face it, and kill it if possible.

"That might just work" he said aloud. If Joe could punish Marshall for what he'd done to her, then it might just save her sanity. It was a strange solution, but then again Joe's mind worked in strange ways.

Joe had meanwhile gotten out of the building after one of the staff held open the front door for her. The male nurse was busy entering the building, and upon seeing Joe he recognised her as the very mad and very dangerous female who had chased them out of the theatre. It was a quick move to stand out of the way of her teeth, and not get mauled. Once she was out, a scent caught her nose. She stopped for a split second, and then changed her direction to run behind the building. Somewhere there was one of Marshall's pack members who was most likely keeping an eye on them.

The werewolf in question had lost sight on Joe, and was scanning the area for her. He was sure to be downwind, but had underestimated her smelling ability in her manic state. He realised this too late when he heard a low growl behind him. His body washed down with an ice cold feeling, and his heartbeat shot up. With wide eyes he turned quickly to look at her, and the sight scared the blood out of his face. He didn't have long to think about it as she leaped onto him in an instant, and tore at him. His scream and pleas echoed from the pain, but to no avail. When he was inches from dying, she had him pinned down with a paw on his back. Her bloodied maw came closer to his ear, and with a deep, slow growl said Marshall's name.

"I-I-I don't know where he is!" he blurted out, "I swear!"
She could sense that he was telling the truth, and that made him useless to her. She growled loudly at him, and despite his plea for mercy made quick work of killing him. She'd have to find another way of getting to Marshall... and make him pay.


((Eesh... long post is long XD ))
 
Rita registered Jessy calling for Addie, and glanced up from her list to find him in front of her. It would probably help to have her hands free, so she smiled and passed Jessy across to him. It was nice to see Jessy so at ease with him; he was obviously good with children, which was a plus given that they were going to be parents now. "Thanks," she said quietly. She liked holding Jessy, but it was nice to know she had his support if she needed it.

Cyril watched all of this with a patient gaze. He could tell that Addie was starting to dislike him a little, although Rita probably didn't see it yet. Still, if they were close enough to take on a child together, then he'd probably do well not to be openly rude to the guy. He glanced back to Rita and smiled with easy charm. Actually, if he could handle this right, he had a feeling Addie's growing distrust might just play in his favour. They were obviously good friends, but male werewolves could be very mistrustful and defensive…

He turned casually to the stand of nappies behind them after she'd handed Jessy over. It was a natural movement, since he'd already started to talk about the options, and he didn't make any overt attempt to get her to turn too. Still, she did, and this had the effect of once again shutting Addie out of their conversation. His smile widened slightly and he met her innocent eyes. In her mind, she'd decided to turn round because it made sense at the time. It was remarkably easy to engage her, and then to isolate her… and the best part was that if Addie accused him of doing this on purpose, she'd probably defend him. They were just discussing baby supplies – only a male werewolf would be petty enough take issue with their body language.

-----

Mel tried to brush off Faolan's attempts to help, but thanks to him it wasn't long before she was free. There was no way she was going to admit that it might have taken her a little longer. She nodded at his acceptance of her thinking. "If we can get it past Matt, that'll be a small miracle…"

Matt had managed to get out of the clinic after Joe, and barked something which was meant to be thanks at the nurse as he ran past. The poor guy didn't seem to understand, which was understandable since it was garbled human. He shrank back against the door as if in fear, and Matt didn't stop to try and reassure him. With Joe running around in her current state, there wasn't much reassurance to be had, and certainly no time to waste giving it.

He stayed on her tail and rounded the building after her, and as he did so, his nose caught the scent of male werewolf. He growled angrily; as far as he could tell, it was only one, but if Marshall's pack were still hanging around, that meant this wasn't as much over as he'd hoped. With their leader gone, he'd been optimistic that they'd at least let Joe get on with her life, even if they did try to rescue Marshall or exact revenge after he was dead. He didn't even attempt to intervene and stop her from ripping the guy apart, but stood guard a little distance away, circling round her to watch out for any others that might be attracted by the screaming. There didn't seem to be any. With any luck, he could get her back into the clinic – or at least, back to Mel – before things turned bad.

The werewolf's last words flipped a little switch in his head, and he remembered what Mel had said as they'd run out of the clinic. Slowly, with caution, he approached until he was clearly in her view. Then he tried to speak, struggling over the words but patiently enunciating them all the same. "We caught him. If you want him, he is yours."
 
Addie smiled and nodded to Rita, "Of course," he said happily, "Got to do my part as little Jessy's 'dad'. Can't let 'mum' have all the fun, now can we?" and held the pup up to meet her eyes. "Yeah! 'cause you're going to be a busy body, hmm? Ooh yes, very busy and cute!" he cooed, making Jessy giggle and laugh at his antics. He chuckled back at her, and brought her face closer to his as she patted his with tiny hands. There was a hysterical laugh as he pretended to eat them, and 'nommed' her neck. Cyril's obstruction move seemed to have gone unnoticed.

He gave a funny 'evil laugh' and then decided to get a shopping cart as the list seemed to grow. "Oooh, little Jessy is a tasty cutey pie." he announced to her as he walked, but kept Rita within his view. Luckily they were still close to the entrance, and it wasn't long before he was back to them, entertaining little Jessy all the way. He had let her sit on his neck to be able to manoeuvre the cart better, and she played with him by placing her little fingers close to his mouth and shrieking away as he tried to 'nom' them.

She was serving as a great distraction, and helped Addie in not giving in to the vampire's hidden jerk agenda. It was great fun, too! A few ladies in the shop were also paying attention to him, and with his natural charm added to the effect they seemed quite drawn. A part of him enjoyed the attention, but another remembered how his 'natural charm' had gotten him in deep water with other male werewolves when it affected their mates and girlfriends. He couldn't help it - it was how he was - a gentleman and charming with manners. At least the shop was only filled with humans, apart from their little group, and he didn't give much notice to anyone but Jessy and Rita. They were his girls, in a way, and he was spending time with them... rude jerk and slobber present.

-----

Faolan gave a wry chuckle as he stepped back for Mel. A lot of miracles were called for and needed with these two young ones, and he said as such. He'd heard how Matt was against the idea of Joe being close to Marshall - even if it was for payback - and Faolan could only guess what Joe would do to the bastard. It certainly wouldn't be pretty, and certainly not even 18 rated for violence. It'd be worse, if that were possible.

As he finally exited the room as well, he caught sight of some staff members further down the hallway. Some were carefully peering around the corner and one or two had taken a few steps forward before they saw the werewolves exit. He gave a little wave, "Not to worry, the room is safe." and turned to leave. The tension around the staff members almost visibly fell and they moved to see what the damage was in the room. Seeing as their patient was outside, they could take the chance to fix everything up and remove broken items. This clinic had turned out to be quite the exciting building of employment lately...

Joe didn't stop at killing the unfortunate pack member. She hadn't eaten in some time, and once she had gotten a taste from her fresh kill, she helped herself to it. When Matt came into view, an ear flicked towards him and she gave him a quick glance. A quiet growl was sounded, stating that she was busy eating and didn't want to be interrupted. She could sense that Matt didn't pose any trouble, and continued as her tail lowered as well.

"... If you want him, he is yours."

Her eyes shot up to Matt's the moment her mind made sense of the words. The hackles on her neck and shoulders rose and her ears both centred on Matt. Something in the way her eyes looked would unsettle anyone, like looking at a wolf with rabies, but the force of it wasn't aimed at Matt. Her teeth were bared and it looked like she would attack him at any moment, but she didn't. He had good news, and that made him valuable. Having had a fresh kill and letting some energy vent, a tiny little bit of her mind also noted that this was Matt, and for all it felt he was her mate. You didn't kill a mate. Sure, you might fight and play a game of dominance, but you kept each other alive.

She kept her eyes pinned on him, and lowered her lips as her head also tilted down slightly. Her eyes shone brightly with blood-lust and the very excited thoughts of how Marshall would suffer. Her tail swayed sideways as her gaze intensified on him, and Joe snarled Marshall's name menacingly. Her teeth seemed sharper and stronger, but maybe that was just adrenaline talking.

Rami had also heard the commotion and by the time Faolan and Mel would be outside he was already standing some way off from the younger werewolves. He was keeping an eye out for Matt, just in case Joe might lose it again. "So, what's the plan?" he asked them calmly, although his spine was feeling a chill from the effect of Joe's chaotic and dangerous 'aura', as one could call it. He'd never seen her like this before. His medical knowledge attributed her state to many things, and one of them was her hormones which were amplified by pregnancy (even if she no longer was). Heavens help Matt if they started a family one day, he thought jokingly to calm himself.
 
Rita looked back over her shoulder and laughed at Addie as he played with Jessy. It made her feel a lot better to know Mel was putting them both down on the adoption forms. It meant, amongst other things, that they were both equally committed, and that if anything happened to one of them, Jessy would still have somewhere to go. Not that she wanted to think about that possibility.

He was obviously good with children, and she quietly hoped that his species changes to date had left him with the option of having some of his own someday. It was horrible to know that you couldn't. Besides, judging from all the looks he was getting from women around the shop – including the two store attendants – it would be a loss to more than just him. A small part of her couldn't help but feel slightly affronted, though, that other women were eyeing him up whilst he was clearly out with her. Not that there was anything there, but these women didn't know that… and they even had Jessy with them, for goodness' sake.

Cyril meanwhile had noticed Rita's distraction, and allowed himself a little look of annoyance whilst her back was turned. He was doing his best – and he was a vampire, which ought to have counted in his favour – but she was still paying more attention to a traitor and a spy. And that kid… he had nothing against children, but that one was the product of a relationship that would turn most people's stomachs. He cleared his throat quietly, and she turned back to him, her eyes questioning. He decided to tackle the issue head on. "So, have you two been together long?"
Her reaction was everything he could have hoped for; she coloured immediately and shook her head vigorously. "Oh no, I mean, we're not…" She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and glanced back at Addie, "We're just friends."

He smiled easily at that, and gently took her arm to steer her away towards another stand in the shop. Once again their backs were to Addie and he said in a low voice, "Of course. I mean, there's a difference between accepting werewolves and falling for one. The complications… I shudder to think what could happen to lovers of opposite species, I really do." The look in her eyes told him his reference – not that she would recognise it as one – had hit home.

-----

Matt almost backed off when he saw the look in Joe's eyes, and the wolf part of him certainly wanted to stay well clear of any possible attack, but he reminded himself that this was Joe, who would not hurt him. Still, he flattened his ears back, lowered his posture and whined softly, his tail tucked between his legs. He wasn't a threat to her, and he wanted her to see that. If anything he was there to try to keep threats away from her, to help her if he could. Sure, he had his doubts about letting her go at Marshall in this state, but if it was what she wanted then he would let it happen. The one thing he wouldn't do was allow her to face Marshall on her own. Even if he was restrained and couldn't physically hurt her, who knew what traumatic memories seeing him again could call up?

"I come too," he managed, meeting her eyes. She might not like it, but it was the only way he'd stand by and let this happen. He might not be able to physically stop Mel from taking Joe to him, but he should be able to persuade her to back his demand to accompany her. "I… keep you safe." If anything at all went wrong in that room, he needed to know that someone would protect her. Marshall was strong, dangerous. Mel might say she'd take care of Joe, but Mel's priorities were skewed. He needed to be there, to make sure no harm could come to her, whether it be physical or mental.

From the safe distance at which Rami had stopped, Mel was interested to see that Joe eating a person right in front of him did not seem to be bothering Matt. Human Matthew would have intervened by now, probably with horrible consequences, but instead he was just standing there and letting it happen. Something in his posture slightly worried her, too. He was clearly submitting, and even offering Joe the chance to do something he definitely wasn't actually in favour of. For the first time it occurred to her that, just possibly, Sally had been a tiny bit right about this relationship. He was very definitely a submissive type, but she'd never seen him stand down on something he thought morally important before. Torture and eating people did not sit well with him, but here he was grovelling all the same.

"I think she wants Marshall," she answered Rami, breaking off from that train of thought. She glanced at Faolan first, thinking that he would most likely know best whether that was a good idea. It seemed like one to Mel's mind, but then, such things usually did. "I'm inclined to take her to him." That would most likely mean taking Matt along too, which she wasn't so sure about. He'd had nightmares about more or less every violent scenario he'd ever been exposed to, and now that he actually needed to sleep, there would be no escaping whatever Joe had in mind for Marshall. On the other hand, a small part of her admired his determination. In his mind, things were very clear cut: if Joe was going back to the monster who'd hurt her before, she wouldn't be facing the bastard alone.
 
As busy as Addie was with little Jessy, he could sense Cyril's mood changing. He smiled openly, as he enjoyed it along with enjoying Jessy's giggles. She had the cutest smile, and her little canine teeth made it even cuter somehow. He clenched his eyes shut as she slapped him a few times with open hands, and then quickly drew them back to her chin. "Gimme those fluffy paws! Imma eat 'em up!" he joked and grabbed for them to 'eat' them with an accompanying "Rawrawrawr.." and more laughing shrieks ensued.

He saw Rita's reaction to Cyril's question, and smiled innocently. Yes, they were friends. He was perfectly happy with that. He didn't like the way the vampire was steering Rita's feelings in favour of his own though, and clearly it was a tender area for her. Still happily bright, Addie moved closer to them, and had found something on his way to show Rita as well. Before Rita could respond to Cyril's question, he interrupted them with a cheery voice, having moved away from the cart and alongside her, "Hey now, we're here for little Jessy. Complicated matters aren't on the list for today." and then lifted a toy, "Look! I found a look-alike!" he quipped. It was indeed a very good likeness to Boris' toy, but without the wear and tear. Having seen it, Jessy cooed and flailed her little arms, "Boh-Boh!" she cheered.

He hoped that the toy would distract any weird awkwardness that Rita might feel from knowing that Addie had heard them. He also meant it that they had come to the store for the little pup, and it should be fun, like a plushie toy. Bright, colourful and no bad thoughts allowed.

-----

The mad look in Joe's eyes didn't waver as she stood in front of Matt. Her head tilted sideways, and she noted his non-threatening posture. The sense behind it, and Matt wanting to join her was also felt. Again her tail swayed a little and then seemingly playful, she nudged his snout from below and rowled at him. She also snuffed loudly and again looked at him with acceptance at his request.

Her eyes then moved to where the others were standing, and her posture was quiet again, but warningly so.
Faolan returned his gaze to Mel and nodded. "Aye." there was no mistake. He was worried about Matt though, and what the consequences might be. "What about the lad? I don't think he'd want to see what she'll do to that bastard." he asked with concern in his voice.
Rami then shrugged, "If he's stubborn enough to not want to leave her, then he'll have to just close his eyes and hum a happy tune." he said flatly. He looked at Mel though, to see if she had some other solution. He had a supply of tranquilisers and other sorts with him, and stealthily lifted his jacket to show her this with a questioning look. He didn't want Matt getting wind of the idea, even if it was for his own good.
 
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Rita turned and forced a smile onto her face at Addie's interruption. She didn't want to distress Jessy, and thinking about her parents was likely to dampen her mood and spoil this experience. She spared a glance at Cyril and caught him looking contrite, so she gave him a smile too to lift his spirits. He hesitated for a moment, and then returned it. He had a nice smile, she mused as she turned back to Jessy. It seemed a strange coincidence that having cast around for a nice, tolerant vampire for years she should finally find one by accident in a mom-and-baby shop. Still, she wasn't complaining. Heaven knew she'd had enough bad luck to last her at least a decade already.

"Oooh, now that looks familiar," she said brightly, and reached to take the toy from Addie. The little dog was certainly brighter-coloured and in better shape than Boris's, but perhaps once they had been identical. "What do you think, Jessy? Shall he come home with us?" She made a little prancing motion that had the dog hopping excitedly on Addie's head, and imitated a little bark. Cyril moved around to stand next to her, laughing softly. "I think he likes that idea," he commented cheerfully, his eyes flicking from Jessy to Rita's face.
It was almost a shame about this one, he thought; she'd probably be a very good mother, if only she'd been properly trained. As it was, her head was full of silly ideas about romance and charming princes. Addie might be indulging her now, but Cyril wondered why the guy didn't just assert himself and discipline her. She obviously had ideas way above her station. Males who let their bitches get away with things like this were just causing problems for everyone.

-----

Matt's head moved slowly to nudge back at Joe's snout, and his eyes were very gentle even in the face of her mad look. She seemed to know that he wasn't threatening her, and he was glad that his presence was being accepted despite her state. It bothered him when she tried to drive him away, even if she wasn't herself at the time… like when she'd woken up from that nightmare. He wanted her to recognise, deep down inside, that he was safe and that he would help her, no matter what.

He shifted to stand beside her as she turned to look at the others, but his posture was more relaxed. Two of them he was sure weren't a threat, and as for Rami… well, Rami had saved her life just now, and anyway something told him Mel would rather enjoy it if he tried anything. She still wasn't happy that he'd never let her exact the proper revenge when Rami had shot Joe.

Mel gave Faolan a long look… she was fairly sure Matt would be scarred if he did witness this, but at the same time, maybe it would do him some good to finally understand that Joe wasn't some soft-hearted girl who'd just been desperately misunderstood. She also knew that if she tried to stop him from going along, she'd lose his trust in a big way. "It's his choice," she said firmly, and gave Rami a tiny shake of her head when she saw the tranquilisers. "I'll go with them both, but… I don't think we should shelter him from seeing what she can do. Not if he's going to stay with her for life." She had to admit that he seemed to be doing quite a good job just now of putting Joe's wellbeing first. She hadn't gone for him yet, either. It was just possible that having him beside her as she dealt with Marshall would somehow be good for them both.
 
Addie let Rita have the toy, and secured Jessy by holding on to her little little feet. It was just in time as the little pup gurgled and clapped her hands in the air. Her legs were moving sporadically as if also trying to clap, and Addie adjusted his grip softly in accordance. The laugh he gave was a pleasurable one and meant from the heart as he gave it. Between a prancing toy and Jessy's hands his head and face were becoming very popular. Little Jessy looked astonished as the toy barked, and she barked back at it, bouncing on Addie's neck. She then groped for it and as with anything new and small enough, it went into her mouth. "Yep, that's it for this one. It's a keeper." he said and nodded animatedly.

With amusement still dancing in his eyes he looked to Rita, "What else needs to pass the taste test?" he asked with a grin. Then as he waited for her answer, an assortment of baby things caught his eye - "Holy heck that's pink!" and he looked visibly appalled by it. The look turned to mock worry as he pleaded playfully with Rita, "We're not going to make her be a pink loving baby, are we?" and shook his head deliberately, and let little Jessy be swayed by the motion as well. "See? She doesn't like it either."

-----

Joe's nostrils flared as she looked at the group. She was eyeing them one by one, looking and smelling for any signs of trouble or defiance. Mel's words finally made their way to her about getting her to Marshall, and she headed for her grandfather and the two vampires.
As for Mel's look, Faolan kept his own calmly. He knew he had no authority over the lad, even though he was interested in Joe, but that didn't mean that he didn't have the lad's well being in mind. Then again, she had a point... Joe was who and what she was, and best that Matt learn that now rather than later. The old wolf nodded quietly, and turned to look at the approaching figures. Rami's expression was also quiet, except for some straggling signs of intrigue. He was interested in how this would play out.

There was still the ever-present madness and intensity in Joe's eyes as she drew closer, and again the eerie sensation ran up and down Rami's spine. He was sure something looked wrong - apart from the blood on Joe's muzzle and her crazy eyes. How on earth was Matt even standing next to her? Knowing his old friend very well, he could see that Faolan was feeling it too and wondered if his granddaughter was reminding him of when the Voice had been in possession of her. It almost seemed like it. This wasn't someone you wanted to run into on a dark night and in an enclosed alleyway.

He gave a sigh, feeling that there had been a decision made without words, "Shall we?" he asked.
 
Rita spared a glance over to the shop assistants as the toy went into Jessy's mouth, and gave them a little smile and a nod. Yes, they were going to pay for the now very slobbery little dog. Then she turned back and gave Addie a sheepish little grin. Probably you should ask before you used someone's head as a playing platform, but he didn't seem to mind, and it had amused Jessy.
As for pink-loving, she followed Addie's appalled gaze and recoiled at the sight that greeted her. "Eesh, no," she shuddered, "At least, not if I can help it." True, if Jessy liked pink then that was that, and Rita would be quite prepared to devote rooms of her house to the colour. She wasn't about to encourage that, though. The whole girly-girl thing had never appealed to her. "Good taste you've got there, little one," she congratulated Jessy.

The little dog was still in her mouth, and Rita couldn't help but worry a little about her apparent habit of sticking unknown items in her mouth. It showed a little on her face. Her house was not well organised for a small inquisitive person to go exploring, and she had a feeling you were supposed to put latches on things, and baby gates on staircases and so on. "Have we thought about childproofing my house at all?" she asked nervously, looking from Addie to Cyril. The latter was watching her with a slightly odd expression on his face when she turned, but flushed slightly and glanced down as soon as he noticed her looking.

Cyril had, in fact, been thinking that when this job was done and Rita was no more use to anyone, he might just see how long it took him to break her in. She didn't exactly look strong, and he found himself liking the idea of bringing her down a peg or two. Even the strongest-willed of females had their breaking points, and beyond them, you had perfect control. If she behaved herself, it'd probably be all right to keep her.

-----

Matt followed Joe over to the others, keeping a little behind her. It felt like the right place for him, and he wondered if that instinct was human or wolf. Sure, he was watching her back, but he was also letting her take the lead. If either of them was in charge then it would definitely have been her, but he had never really thought of her in wolf terms, as the dominant one. Did this make her his alpha now? The thought was confusing. He had nothing against it, but it did make him wonder. Weren't alphas supposed to form a mated pair? And if so, what did his playing beta to her alpha female mean, exactly? He shook those musings off after a moment's contemplation. Now was not the time.

Mel smiled as Joe came closer, trailed by Matt. The look in Joe's wolf eyes seemed to be a confirmation of everything Mel had always suspected her to be, and she felt as though she was encountering a kindred spirit. Marshall had done something unforgiveable to her, and although Matt would be certain to exact justice, Mel knew Joe would be looking for revenge. The contents of the cellar where she was holding Marshall should come as a welcome surprise to the girl, although privately Mel acknowledged that they probably weren't needed.

She gave Matt a brief look, and he inclined his head slightly. She thought his eyes held a slight look of regret, and although she might have been imagining it, she in fact suspected that he would have wished to handle Marshall himself. He believed in things like right and wrong, and torture was very definitely a Wrong thing. It pained him to stand by and allow Joe to do Wrong things, especially when he could have done them himself. "All right," she said to Rami calmly. "He's about half an hour off. We could run it."
 
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