Your so damn stubborn (Vic)

[Ali Ambrose]

Smack. Slam.

Ali was at a gym for once. She was grumbling and growling to herself. Mostly over what had happened recently. She was loosing it. She really was. Going on a six day running spree, left her tired, thirsty, and insane. And then to top it off, Stephan and Rose came after her. And what had happened to Rose? She died. Trying to save her from a death sentence as well. She felt some tears crawl down her cheeks and she growled more at herself. She wiped them away and then slammed another fist into the punching bag in front of her. It was sturdy but nothing compared to a vampire fury. The thing had rips in it and she was amazed it was still standing. It had been about an hour and a half now. Landing kicks, and punches to it, taking out her anger and fury over herself on the poor bag. The people that had been around her had left instantly as soon as they saw the cold determination in her eyes.

Eyes that were glowing red right now. She still hadnt fed and it was reaching what? Two months? Oh she was so screwed when she finally did feed. She would go on a blood rampage. But she still landed blows to the bag, holding back tears and pain and cries of depression. She was used to this. Everything she loved always got hurt because of her. And so how long would it be before Stephan got hurt? Or Nix? She didnt trust in herself to much anymore. Her world was coming crashing down. A few more tears strayed down her cheeks and she let them, focusing on the bag in front of her. Imagining it was people she hated. Starting with her creator. Then changed to the orphanage care taker. Then Aubrey Mayor. And then finally Sevanni Black. The one person she truly hated above all. She would do anything to just get a punch on him. But he had mysteriously disappeared.

But with him there in front of her, or at least imagined, she could do something. She could actually give him back what he deserved. She growled fiercely and slammed a fist into the bag, feeling it crumble slightly under her punch, then switched hands and hit with the other one. She kept switching back and forth until there was a dent in the bag. And then she took a step back and brought her hands that were balled into fists up to her chin. Her red eyes flashed briefly with the anger burning in them and then she kicked the side of the bag with all of her might. It broke from the chain and slammed into the closest wall and she closed her eyes and sighed. Great. She would have to pay for that and hopefully..no one had seen her kick it that hard. Exposing herself in a public place probably wasnt the best.

[Victor Ambrose]

He heard the snap and look to where the sound was coming from. The bag was on the floor ripped and shredded to bits. He was shocked at what he saw. He walked up to the person walking up to her and stopped him. "It's on me. Sorry about that. Just tell the manager Victor will pay for it."
He walked up to the girl and started to clap his hands, but softly, as to not have eyes starring in his direction. "Bravo. I must say, that is a strong punch you have there. Only I have been able to snap the chain."
"HEY VICTOR! ANOTHER CHALLENGER!"
'Son of a bitch!'
"Hold that thought. I'll be back."
He got into the ring and was waiting for the challenger to come. A thin Filipino came onto the stage. He didn't want to prolong the fight, and he sure as hell didn't want people to get the idea to fight him after this one was over, so he would have to end this quickly, but with a lot of force to scare everyone away.
"Contenders ready?!"
The bell rang, and everything around him went blank. The world only existed within the ropes.
'Defense Victor. Observe and fight according to his weakness'
The challenger wasted no time, coming at him with full force. He seemed like a Mano-Mano fighter. Fortunately for Victor, Mano-Mano was a self-defense style, and he was using it offensively. Weakness all around. He was also slow. It gave Victor time to anticipate his attacks. He would give this kid an empty run and then finish him off fast and hard.
He dodged the first to punches, and grabbed the third one, using the momentum of the punch to throw the challenger on the mat into a roll. He got up instantly and came at him with a round house kick. Reflexively, his body reacted. Getting down in a solid and firm position, he blocked the kick with his forearm muscles, to prevent his forearm bones from breaking. He locks the leg with his left leg, and grabbing his shoulder with his right hand, pinching a nerve, just for good measure. He steps closer and uses his right leg to trip him. Instantly he lets go and jumps back, in case of a kick or retaliation.
'Time to end.'
The guy got up, but he didn't have enough time to dodge this attack coming up. He kicked the challenger in the chest and did his finisher move. (Minus snapping of the neck. The force on the ring knocked him out.)

[Ali Ambrose]

Ali still had her eyes closed and was planning on going to find someone to tell them she broke it and pay for it, but then she heard someone approaching her. That person was stopped by another person and was told to put the payment on Victor. She was confused by this and opened her eyes to see a young man coming towards her. He didnt seem any older then her. And he seemed friendly but why would he pay for the damage that clearly wasnt done by him. But she was grateful and as he complimented her she nodded her thanks to him. She hadnt meant to take a punch that hard. But thank god she wasnt the only one to have snapped the chain before. They would need a whole new bag with how bad she had beat the thing. She was about speak up when someone called him and she raised an eyebrow with her arms folded. She watched him leave and then looked back down to the bag and scrunched her nose slightly.

With a small sigh she turned back towards the direction she had seen Victor go and then went over to the ring where there was some people gathered around. What was going on? She then heard the announcement go off and she blinked. A fight? Well this would be interesting to watch. She had gotten into a few fights herself lately, partly why she was here. She needed to make sure she was strong enough to take them down. Knocking the bag off the chain was good enough proof for her. And so she should have left and headed back out for home, before the sun started to come up and then she would be screwed. But then again, she had some long sleeves in her locker in the back. She would need to change out of the tank top and shorts she was in right now. The clothes had just bee comfy, and so she used these on the rare occasions she actually did come here. But she had never seen Victor here before in all her visits.

She stood there, watching slightly amazed as they fought. She hadnt seen a fight like this before. And Victors opponent wasnt getting anything in. Ali could spot what he was doing wrong as well. She knew basics to fighting, and knew that you really shouldnt charge someone. Leaves you open for mistake and for the other person to take advantage. As soon as the fight had started the fight was over, and the finishing move was killer. She prayed she never got into a fight with this guy. Her ass would be on the floor. Killer punch or not. She clapped like everyone else and then looked around to realize that she was the only one still close to the rink. Either that was because they were scared of Vic or scared of her. Or maybe it was a combination of both.

[Victor Ambrose]

"KO! VICTOR WINS!!!"

The world returned to the way it was before the bell rang. He got down on his knee to make sure his opponent was okay. "Someone might want to get out the smelling salt and get an ice bag. He might have a concussion." When he got the smelling salt and the ice bag, he woke the guy up. "Hey, you okay. How many fingers am I holding?"
He got no response.
"Call 911 and tell them we have a person with a concussion and he needs to be taken to the hospital. Listen kid, put this ice on your head and next time, think before you act."He got out of the ring and noticed she was still there. "Mostly people don't stand around the ring after I almost killed an opponent, but again, bravo. I commend you. Names Victor. Nice to meet you Ms. ?"
He stuck his hand out and waited to shake her hand.
He glanced at the woman one more time. You wouldn't expect a killer punch from her frame, nor would you expect a girl like this in a gym period. But here she was, proving the world wrong. The one thing that took him a little by surprise were here eyes. A crimson red. It was stunning and beautiful, yet feral and lethal. He didn't stare for too long, but he would never forget the color of her eyes.

[Ali Ambrose]

Ali watched as the man named Victor knelt down by his opponent as it was called out that he had won. She could tell the other person was in pain. One, he was human and a knock to the head like that had to hurt. No human skull could withstand that much pain. And she now realized that Victor was a werewolf. She could smell his scent. The gentle woodsy smell and of course doggie smell. But werewolves didnt smell. At one point she had even loved ones smell so much she wanted to bottle it up. When someone brought an ice pack and smelling salts she watched slightly and tilted her head, letting her brown curls fall to the side softly as she watched and made sure the human was okay. But then someone was dialing in the 911 number as told and she shook her head slightly. Ouch. Harder hit then she had thought. But thats what he got for not being on his guard.

When Victor came over to the side after exiting the ring she laughed softly, her light laughter lighting up her face. "Im not most people. I do things...a little different." She told him and chuckled once more. Which was true. She had always been the kind of person to do things the opposite way of what would normally be taken as an answer. When people wanted to jump, she would find something to jump off of. And her mind was still mostly that of a childs. She did look around 16 or 17, having grown into her late teen looks by the age of fifteen. And by the way he was looking at her, she could tell that he hadnt expected a punch out of her. Especially not the likes of what she could throw. Her kicks were killer to. And she prided herself in the fact that she wasnt weak and she could throw a punch when needed. Defend herself against the people she had to work with. Which was no easy and care free job.

She took his hand though and said, "Ali. Ali Shadings. Nice to meet you Victor." She tilted her head in a small nod of a hello and then looked around the place. She could tell her eyes were probably making him uncomfortable. Normally they were a beautiful chocolate brown, dark like her hair most times. But since she hadnt fed, they were the brilliant crimson red that was both beautiful in its ferocity and scary at the same time. She scared off lots of people that way. And so it didnt come a surprise that the same was with Victor. She made a mental note to herself to feed. And not to go skimpy or she would never have brown eyes again. And the burn in the back of her throat would never cease and leave her alone. And drinking and talking only made things worse. Especially when she sucked in air and could smell blood. It was killer and any kind of blood smelt good at her current state of mind. "Nice moves up there by the way."

[Victor Ambrose]

"I'm not most people. I do things...a little different."
"I noticed." He looked back at the punching bag. And then looked back at her. He was still in a little shock that a girl her size did that much damage. It goes to show him to judge a book by it's cover. Now he knew what to expect if he ever got into a ring with her.

"Ali. Ali Shadings. Nice to meet you Victor."
"Ali Shadings. Interesting name. As you know my name is Victor. Victor Amrbose. And the pleasure is all mine." He bowed down a little. Almost a 10 degree bow. It wasn't like him to go more than that. He liked to have his eyes above ground level and his balance steady.

"Nice moves up there by the way."
"Thank you. Years of practice and hard work." He knew that his half naked body was proof enough to that statement. The scars and bruises from all the fights and lessons he attended in his life were visible, even after so long ago. "So what brings you to this Gym? I haven't seen you around." He should know, he's there everyday.

There was something about her that struck her odd. It was something almost...attractively different. He really couldn't say for sure, but he was feeling gutsy enough to find out.

[Ali Ambrose]

The statement of Ali being different was a loaded answer. She was more then just different in a few ways. Where most people acted their age, she only had those times on rare occasions. She mostly acted like a younger child, since her mind set was that of a fifteen year old. And she looked at things totally different. In a whole new light you could say. And she was always kind and caring to others. And complete strangers included. She was easy to get along with. And she was sure the biggest possible reason for her standing out was that fact that she was a vampire. She could beat someone through a wall if she wanted to. Despite her small size, she was someone to fear if you made her angry. And she could tell Victor was considering her strength as he looked over towards the punching bag. The one she had knocked off the hinges. She needed to be more careful. And she was sure the red eyes were not helping her case on staying normal.

With a faint whiff, she could tell he was a werewolf. New in fact. So he might not know what a vampire smelt like. And she was all right with that. If he turned out hating vampires she would be in a lot of trouble. And that would be a shame. He seemed really nice and she really liked him already from just a brief conversation. She normally could judge a character, but even if they gave off bad vibes she didnt hate people. It just wasnt in her to hate. And she wasnt getting any bad vibes from Vic. He was such a gentlemen! And the bow was enough to make her smile and let a small chuckle escape her lips. She officially liked this boy. She hadnt met a gentlemen in a long time. So this was refreshing. "The pleasure is mine as well. Its nice to meet a gentlemen. There arent many out there anymore." She told him and smiled again.

After he accepted his compliment about his moves up in the ring, she nodded as he said it was years of hard work and training. Oh she bet it was. She could see the bruises and scars marring his skin around his body. None of them smelt to fresh and so she knew they were from over the years. He was a fighter. He probably had been doing this his whole life. And you could tell not only by the scars, but by the way he held himself and by his moves in the ring. She herself wasnt much of a fighter, even if she could throw a massive punch. The punching bag was enough proof. But she didnt like to harm people. And so she would probably take a bit of damage from Vic if they ever did get into a fight. At his question about the gym, she chuckled and tilted her to the side and then sighed. "To mostly just let out anger. Though I come here every once in a blue moon. Never saw you though." She told him.

By his curious gaze she could tell he was planning something. He was very curious about her and he probably had some questions for her. She was different and not always did different people come off friendly.

[Victor Ambrose]

"The pleasure is mine as well. Its nice to meet a gentlemen. There aren't many out there anymore."
"It's nice to meet someone who appreciates gentlemen, and yes, they are in high demand now-a-days. I thought I might decrease that demand by one."
It was true, Victor was a gentleman, but no one would suspect it from his history that seems to be spread around.
The story of his history seems to be that he is an unstoppable fighting machine. He has always been like that and will never take no for an answer. Mother was a whore and father was a drug dealer. They where never really married. He was a mistake. He was taught how to fight by pros and kicked their asses left and right, becoming the master. The typical "Get the fuck out of the way or else" sort of person whose usually an ass hole.
Part of the history is true though. His mother was a whore. His father was a drug dealer. He was a mistake. The rest is all a lie that some person decided to invent. He was always a weak and frail kid. He became this way through anger and rage. He taught himself to fight. When he got the money, he hired teachers, yes, but they weren't pros. He perfected the styles on his own by learning the weaknesses and strength of other styles. Victor may not seem like it, but he is very analytical. He is able to detect minute shifts in a body, determine and predict what will happen next. He taught this to himself. No one else did. And because of this, he learned what it means to be a fighter:
To fight for what you believe in.
Never start a fight, unless needed.
Never run from a fight, under and circumstance.

---

"To mostly just let out anger. Though I come here every once in a blue moon. Never saw you though."
"I'm new in town. Just been here for a month. Seems I might have to move again. You would think that people trying to find me and realized that I moved, they would get the hint I don't want to be found after about 20 times." He let out a small sigh and looked at her again. He noticed something about her that caught him slightly off guard, but he didn't let it show on his face.
Her Eyes were Crimson Red. He knew she wasn't normal. Her smell was too unlike that of a human, but still had that human smell to it. Everything about her suggested something Victor believed impossible.
'Nothing is impossible. You're a fucking werewolf that can distinguish two objects by their smell. It could be that she is.'
He noticed motion from the people around him happen. Everyone started to pack up and leave. It was closing time. He looked at his watch and realized that they had kept it open 3 minutes after closing... the duration of the fight.
"Wow... they kept it open for little ol' me. I feel all warm and fuzzy." The sarcasm was strong, it was almost tangible. "Well, in the spirit of a gentlemen, let me walk you home. It being late and all, I couldn't allow someone such as yourself to make the journey alone... even if you can knock a bag off it's hinges. I insist, and will not take no for an answer."

[Ali Ambrose]

Ali had always loved gentlemen. They were refreshing and could make you smile with their kindness. She also knew that there werent many out there. So her love of them was very short coming. Sure Stephan was a gentlemen when he tried, but lots of times his came off as the devilish charm when he was trying to seduce. It never truly worked on her. She just didnt like to say no to him. But she could when she wanted to. It wasnt to hard. But Victor was a different kind of gentlemen. He was the sweet gentlemen and it was truly wonderful. "Yeah. I grew up learning manners. My father was a gentlemen. And so I learned to appreciate them." She told him. Which was partly true. She was right about her fatherS being gentlemen. Her real father had been so sweet and loving. And her foster father had been kind and caring. But no one knew her real family had been killed but her closest friends. And so according to others, she had been born in France and then abandoned at an orphanage.

She wasnt going to say the truth of her parents murder. And then her running away. Which made her tilt her head as he said he had only been her about a month. "Really now? Thats interesting. Im only here for a few days. A little....anger release vacation. As you very well saw." She said and laughed. She wasnt telling the truth of course. In reality, she was here for her job. It was one of the reasons she was here in California. Normally the target stayed in London, but every now and then she would have to fly somewhere to get the target on the run. And truthfully, it was more fun to find them when they were on the run. Just like this one. But he wouldnt know she was coming. She was the secret the company held. The one they called in when someone needed to disappear. And this Travis Lockheart, needed to disappear. She knew he was here in California and she had found his looks and found his scent from the place he stayed in London.

She also knew the scandal behind the whole event. As always, she was given an over view of why he needed to be taken out. Travis had apparently hacked her company and stole billions of dollars. Something they didnt forgive to easily. But not only did she know about Travis, she now realized she knew Victor. She hadnt seen his face, but his name sparked a bell. He had been the one to be blamed. But evidence proved he was innocent and they sent him on his way. Her company didnt care about Victor. They wanted Travis gone so the hack couldnt happen again. And so they could get the money back. Once she killed Travis she would take all his info and bank account numbers. The money he took would be back safe at the company. As well as a little bit more investment since she was positive he had hacked other companies. Lots of times, they would give her a nice little pay check if she got more then what they lost back.

As she looked at the clock, she realized she should have left a while ago. The gym was closing and she needed to find her target. She could get out of there sooner if she found him sooner. But she looked back to Victor who was studying her. No doubt trying to figure out what she was. He was new as a werewolf. She could tell. And he probably wasnt able to identify a vampire by scent yet. And maybe, just maybe, he could lead him to Travis. They had been friends after all. Were they still in touch? She didnt know. But she would find Travis one way or another. At Vic's offer to walk her home she raised an eyebrow and then shook her head with a small smile. "I really am fine. I dont need protecting. I can take care of any attacker." What people didnt know was that she was the danger on the streets. The thing they needed to fear. But she sighed and shook her head. "Fine. Fine. Fine. Since I can see you wont change your mind. Ill let you take me to my hotel. Your like me in the stubborn department. I can tell."

[Victor Ambrose]

"Yeah. I grew up learning manners. My father was a gentlemen. And so I learned to appreciate them."
"I would have loved to meet him then. He sounds like my kind of person." It was rare for him to meet such people. He usually met fighters who were more or less assholes, drinkers who were more or less assholes, and people in general… who were more or less assholes. Meeting Ali was a breath of fresh air. He smiled a little bit. Probably one of the few times Victor has smiled since…
'DAMN YOU VICTOR! Stop killing your mood! You know better that to dig there. Keep yourself away from that thought. It's bad enough it… Never mind.'
His smile faded and he looked a little to the side, avoiding eye contact for a while.
His past was something he hated and wished he could forget. At the same time though, he is grateful that his life took that course of action. Without his life going the way it is, he could never be who he is.
'What is with me today and being Bipolar and thinking these deep philosophical thoughts?'
He shook his head.
"Sorry about that. Head ache."

---

"Really now? That's interesting. I'm only here for a few days. A little… anger release vacation, as you very well saw."
"Indeed. It seems like you could have taken a little bit more out on that bag." He laughed a little bit.
'Something is off. No one comes to Hollywood to release anger. It's usually a relaxing place where they can get a massage and swim. Hollywood would be the worst place to pick to… "Release anger."'
He didn't press her because he knew she probably had her reasons and motives for lying to him. Everyone had their fair share of secrets, including him. Who was he to press her on hers when he had secrets he never shared with anyone? Some secrets were too much for even him that he locked them away deep down, left there to rot away in the far regions of his mind, never to bother him again, except in his nightmares and sins.

---

"Fine, fine, fine. Since I can see you won't change your mind. Ill let you take me to my hotel. You're like me in the stubborn department. I can tell."
"If you are as stubborn as me, I'm surprised you didn't fight me to go alone."
It was true. If she was as stubborn as she says she is, she would have fought back. Something was bugging Victor about this entire thing. Not that he was walking a woman to her place… It was more the way her mood suddenly changed. It's as if she realized something.
'You're being paranoid Victor. You're eyes are looking for a ghost. You're looking way too much into a matter that probably doesn't exist. Everyone has their reasons for doing what they do, as do you. Don't over react.'
He told himself that, but he didn't believe the words that he told himself. He still had his doubts. His eyes spotted little twitches in her body that suggested his doubts were not that far off.

---

"Well, shall we?" He walked her to the door of the gym.
"Allow me."
He pushed the door open and let her pass. "Ladies First." He did a little bow and held his hand out so she could get down the steps. A little too posh and gentlemen like for her taste, probably, but this was Victor. He did what he thought was right, and if people mocked him for it, well, one of two things could happen:

One: They would get a face full of him and his attitude.
Two: A cold shoulder.

He wasn't one to change for anyone. He was his own person. He controlled his destiny. His fate was not determined by a higher power, nor was it determined by any "mere mortal." He alone had the key to open the doors of his future. His choices, his responses, and his actions determine who he is, and that is why he tries to think before he acts.

---

It's been a while since Victor tried to talk to people. He kept to himself a lot of the time. He had very little trust in people. Most of the time the people he trusted failed him, the people he loved hurt him, and the people he helped betrayed him. He usually doesn't open up to people, and he usually doesn't try. Why now out of the blue is he going out of his way to make contact with a stranger he just met is a puzzle that Victor can't really solve.
'For once Victor, shut up and enjoy the good things in life. Yes, shit happens, and for some strange reason it happens to you a lot. But not every little good thing in life will betray you. So for now, sit back, relax, and just enjoy the ride. Today, you are going to do something you haven't done in a long time. Have fun and talk to people.'

---

As they were walking, it occurred to him that he has no idea where he is taking her, and that he has to meet up with a friend pretty soon. He noticed that they were heading in that same direction. If they would stop close by, maybe he could take her and have her meet his friend. After all, the night was still young and it wouldn't be a "Anger Releasing" vacation if there was no fun after the venting, right?
A little smile tugged on the corners of his lips.
'Things just got a little more interesting.'
"Where do you live currently? I know you aren't going to pull an address of a house or apartment in this area."

[Ali Ambrose]

Ali was no stranger to the fact that lots of people could be jerks. She had grown up with them after her parents died and she had first hand experience dealing with them. It was amazing she hadnt become one herself. The orphanage had been a horrible place and her lively spirit had never fit in. She would get in trouble and the care takers would beat her and smack her. That place was not one of happiness. And the other kids used to mock her. Pull on her hair, lock her in closets, and they themselves would hit her. Most of the time, the things she would get in trouble for she hadnt done. But she was to kind to blame another child. So she took the blame. In a way, the orphanage had shaped her out to who she was. She would always take the blame for a friend or person in need from there after. No matter what the punishment was to her. It just didnt matter. So nodding her head she agreed. "You two would have gotten along perfectly." She told him smiling.

She missed her parents so much and then sadness in her eyes was apparent. Even if they died when she was six, she still remembered them. And it still tore a hole in her heart. But she quickly pushed it away as she looked at Vic. He seemed to be analyzing her. Sizing up her story about this being an anger release vacation. Did he think she was lying? More then likely he did. Which would mean she would have to get off the subject since in fact she was here for a job she had to do. One that included his friend. But at his comment she had to laugh. Yeah, she had taken a number out on that bag. She was still hoping no one had seen that happen. If they had, she was screwed. Human girls her size, just didnt do that. And she would have some hard explaining to do. It wasnt like she could just say, 'Oh im a vampire. Its what we do.' No...that wouldnt go over very well. "Yeah. Sadly, thats not the worst I can do. I could have done more, but it didnt stand as long as I wanted it to."

Sure she was telling him the truth, but why not? He was a werewolf after all. Strength didnt really come as a surprise. But he was a new werewolf. Maybe he didnt know about vampires or hadnt met one? For a long time, her first boyfriend hadnt known about vampires. Meeting her had been a big surprise. And he had been the first werewolf she had met. She had known about them..but never met one. So she hadnt known what they smelt like and how they acted. What she could use to find one. How to identify one. She had come a long way from that little vampire girl seven years ago. There was no doubt she knew them a lot now. But even if he hadnt met a vampire, she didnt want to lie to him to much. She liked him. He was extremely nice and knew how to be polite. In her line of work, she didnt meet a lot of people with manners. So meeting Vic was a different experience.

But at his second comment about her being stubborn she noticed he was watching her again. Kind of like she was watching him. They were doing a bad job at hiding it though. But she smiled and rolled her eyes at him. "I normally do argue. But I saw no point when the gym is about to close. And if I denied it and walked off, you would just follow after me all the way until my hotel. Or we would just stay in the street arguing all night long. Which, I would rather not do. So I gave in for once. And its nice at times to walk with company." She told him and smiled. Hopefully, that would get him off of suspecting her accepting being a whole different reason. In reality, what she had said was true. If they argued all night she would fry in the morning. And so she couldnt afford that. And it would be nice to have some company. But maybe Vic would start talking about friends. Maybe even the one she was after.

As they walked to the door and he opened it for her and let her pass after a little bow on his part, she had to smile and think how wonderful a gentlemen he was. She really liked that quality in him. She wanted to just hug him and squeal and tell him to never loose that good trait. It wasnt something most people had. Once they were out on the street, she stayed quiet and just kind of hummed softly. She was watching the people pass by in the cool night air. There were even kids running by and she looked at them longingly knowing she would never be able to have any of her own. Her sister was lucky she could have kids. And she envied her that. But with a small sigh she pushed that thought away and then looked back forward. But Vic spoke up and she smiled and nodded. "Hotel Creo. Up about two more blocks. Not far from the gym." She told him. She had taken that hotel because her targets scent was very strong around this area. And she would have a better chance to find him if the scent was closer to her. Once Vic dropped her off, she would be off to find him. She could even maybe get it done tonight.

[Victor Ambrose]

There was a hint of sadness, and that sort of bothered him.
What happened to you? You are way to young to have witnessed such tragedy for such a face to emerge on your face.'
"You two would have gotten along perfectly."
It wasn't normal. Although she looked like she has only been alive for about fourteen to sixteen years, she seemed like she has seen enough to qualify her as almost twenty plus.

---

"Yeah. Sadly, that's not the worst I can do. I could have done more, but it didn't stand as long as I wanted it to."
Victor noticed a change of topic. He didn't want to press her, even though she was still avoiding him. He decided to play along. He was curious as to what she was really up to.
"Remind me not to get you mad. I'd hate to see your worst." He smiled a little as he looked at her. There was still something about her that still tugged on his mind and yearned to know what it was.
'Who are you? What are you? Why are you here? What are you doing here? There is something you aren't telling me. What is it?'
More importantly, why does he care? He didn't know the answer to that one either. Maybe it was the idea that he was in the dark. Maybe it was the concept of not knowing what the other was keeping from him. He never did enjoy the idea that he was alone or being lied to, but he never did press it.
It reminded him of back then when he was with Nixie. She never told him anything that pertained to her being who she really was. She always hid it from him, and it was all so nerve racking. It pissed him off, but he respected her privacy. He always trusted that she would open up to him in the end and explain it all to him. He waited and waited and waited and waited… but she never told him. Instead, she ran on his birthday. The only thing he had to remember her by was his guitar from her.
It was a dark day for him. He lost the only friend he could have considered a friend. She knew everything about him. Him being color blind, his family, his pain, his torture, his everything. He shared everything with her. She was there for him every step of the way, and then out of the blue, she ran… vanished from his life. He lost his only support, and was left all alone in a world that hated him and would have done anything to break him. It got worse when his mother was sent to an insane asylum. At that point, he truly had no one. No one was there for him. No one would be there for him. No one could ever be there for him again. He lost faith in humanity, trust, love, and anything that had a positive connotation. He refused to associate himself with people, and did so for so long. He did work as a bartender, but he didn't grow close to anyone. He kept his eyes to the drinks, and off the patrons. He didn't talk much except for one word answers. He did everything he could to show them that he meant that he didn't want to be around them at all… except for now… with her.

---

"I normally do argue. But I saw no point when the gym is about to close. And if I denied it and walked off, you would just follow after me all the way until my hotel. Or we would just stay in the street arguing all night long. Which, I would rather not do. So I gave in for once. And its nice at times to walk with company."
'Again, you are hiding something. Why? Why are you hiding things from me?'
"Company is always good. I'll walk you to your place."

---

"Hotel Creo. Up about two more blocks. Not far from the gym."
"Oh, wow. You're close to my friends place. I'm actually on my way to his place anyway. I was suppose to meet him after I finished working out." It then hit him he was still in work out cloths. "Do you mind if we go up to your place first before I leave for my friends? I sort of need to get changed before I go to his place. He is having a party because he just won some lottery thing, so he invited all his friends to his place. Would you like to come? I don't know anyone there other than Travis, but he is probably going to be really busy playing host, and it is going to be really boring to be there alone. I'm sure this could be a great way for you to 'vent' your 'anger.' So what do you say?"
'Did I really just do that? I know I said I was going to have fun, but am I really doing this? Well, either way it's too late to turn back, so just keep looking forward. Brace for a "no" but be ready for a "yes." Like always…'

[Ali Ambrose]

A soft chuckled escaped her pale lips when he said he didnt want to get her mad. Which was far closer to the truth then he would ever know. The one thing she prided in herself, was being able to control her anger. And in a way, she had to. If she didnt control it, she would loose her mind and not be herself at all. The rage and hurt and anger would take over and then she would be the monster she feared she would always become. She had let her anger slip only once before and that had been bad enough. Many people had ended up dead and she didnt feel like repeating that little experience. Waking up covered from head to toe in blood. And not her own blood. Other peoples blood. The blood of innocents who had done nothing wrong to warrant a death sentence. But she hadnt been herself. She knew that. If she would have had her wits with her, she would have stopped herself. But even still, she felt horrible and she never wanted that monster to come out and dominate her life ever again. No. She kept it under lock and key.

"Yeah. Hope I never get mad. Would be safer and better for the both of us." She told him. And silently she added, And for the rest of the city. But her eyes would give her away. The red was fiery and she looked somewhat pained as she recalled the time she had lost it. But she closed the lid tightly over that memory and shoved it back to where it couldnt hurt her. Where it couldnt hurt anyone for that matter. She then glanced back up at him and gave him a small smile. She knew he was probably on to her, but she couldnt help it. He somehow made her defenses come down. Made her feel like herself and she knew that was a dangerous thing with her job. In her line of work, you couldnt afford to have your defenses down. For all she knew, another company had hired someone to take out her because she was far to good at her job. And when ever she took out someones client they werent to happy about it.

The pure fact that she was alive right now was a miracle to her. She had been through so much shit it wasnt funny. She could list off what all had happened to her and people would look at her like she was nuts. Wars with vampires and werewolves, being tortured with rib spreaders and knives and then being taken in to be killed. But escaping by the skin of her fangs. And then giving herself over willingly to be a slave to protect her friends and loved ones. And then getting away once again. But not long after getting into a tussle with her friend who ended up dead and still scarred from it. Either way you looked at it. Ali had one hell of a life. And not many could compare. She didnt tell people the dark side though. She told people the happy little lie that she had grown up in Montana and stayed there until she was twenty and then went off to search for a job. And that she just moved from place to place and searched for something to do.

Of course, not all of it was a lie. Some was based off of truth. She had lived in Montana. But she hadnt grown up her whole life there. No...she had lived in Paris for six years of her life. And then she was dropped in Montana, left in an orphanage until she was twelve and then changed at fifteen. Then she had run away. But no one but her closest friends knew that true story. Even the records the government held said she was born in Montana and grew up there. Ali was one girl full of secrets. Just like she knew the information she had been given about this man standing before her was more then likely wrong. People didnt like to share their history. And why should you if you didnt want to. So she wasnt going off of that. She was going to go off of instinct. And instinct told her to pay attention to him and even though she wanted to let her guard down, she couldnt afford to.

As they walked the streets she hummed and watched little kids whiz by with smiles on their faces and she was pleased someone was able to enjoy their life as a child. She had enjoyed hers for a while. In little intervals. But not enough to be a real childhood. She glanced at Vic though when he said his friends house wasnt far from here. So she had been right. Travis was around her somewhere. She chuckled though and gazed at him and nodded at his question. "Sure. You can change at my place. And sure. Why not? I need to have some fun around here. I havent been here very often and so I havent really gone out. Mostly just walked the streets." She told him. Which was the truth. She had only been here a handful of times. And she had been walking the streets at night lately. But she was going to go with him so she would know where this Travis lived. Maybe her job could even end tonight. Then she could go home and rest. And of course, wait for the next call from her boss.

[Victor Ambrose]

She chuckled, and he smiled. It's been a while since he had made a girl smile. Who was he kidding?! It's been a while since he has been with anyone! The last person he ever talked to was Nixie, and that was when she left the hospital she sort of put him in. Well, technically it wasn't her fault but...
'What? Now you are thinking of a different girl when your with her?! And while your at it, why not be all homicidal and ask her what is up with her eyes. I'm sure she will get a kick out of that.'
He shook the thought of Nixie out of his head and focused back on Ali.
"Yeah. Hope I never get mad. Would be safer and better for the both of us."
He laughed with her, but her laugh didn't sound the same as before, and then there was the pain again he saw earlier.
'You are way too young to be seeing so much pain. What have you been through to have scared you so much like this. It’s not natural and a crime against your soul. I’m going to take you to that party and show you a good time. You probably need it more than I do.'

He has seen people in pain and he has had his fair share of listening to them. He was a bartender when he wasn’t in College studying to be a businessman. He knows the pain people go through, and he has the pleasure of hearing them all one by one. Not that it’s a bad thing. Victor is the type that loves to help… as long as no one gets on his bad side. He has heard them all from people wanting to commit suicide, to worrying about asking the right girl at the right moment, to “I’m hideous,” to whatever else you can think of. He has met some really sick people in his life, and it’s all thanks to working at a bar, but the opposite is also true. He has met some really nice people at bars. It has been an eye opening experience. But no matter how many people he meets, he never really opens up to them. Until now, when this red eyed angel appeared into his life.

"Sure. You can change at my place. And sure. Why not? I need to have some fun around here. I havent been here very often and so I havent really gone out. Mostly just walked the streets."
“Well today is your lucky day. You get to go to probably the only fun thing to do around here… other than hit the beach, go to a club or bar, hitting a mall…”
A slight shiver crawled up Victors spine as he said that
Victor never really liked malls. To constraining. They felt like a prison people went to, just so they can be trapped in crowed spaces within four walls, a ceiling, and a floor. No fresh air, no sunlight, no space, and no time. He would rather be in an open area, with a breeze, sunlight, and nothing in his way. Running in his wolf form. Now that is the way to live! YEAH!
“…or hang out with a friend. But yeah, I see what you mean. There is absolutely nothing to do here in Hollywood Boulevard.” He added a hint of a tease in that comment. It was fun having a friend around.
’A friend? You just met the girl? Jeez man. You are fucking losing it!
No he wasn’t and he knew that. His bubble of isolation was down, and it made his conscience edgy. But it was sort of the same way when he ran into Nixie for the first time in a long time… when he was still human.

---

“Oh Crap. I’m sorry. I almost missed the hotel.
As they were talking, they almost passed the Hotel. Victor was so absorbed in the moment of talking with Ali that he almost missed the hotel.
He held the door open for her and smiled. “Ladies first, Mademoiselle.”
As she walked by, he couldn’t help but smell that smell again. She wasn’t human.
He had to find out what it was, before he said something stupid.

When they entered the room, the smell was there. It wasn’t like punch him the nose and have his stutter step, but he could tell there was a difference from the outside and in this room. He just walked in and acted normal. “Um, where is your shower. The party isn’t for another hour, and I just need to take a quick dip. No point in going to a party all wet (refers to the sweat…he just didn’t want to use that word for fear of grossing you out), right?”

[Ali Ambrose]

When he started to list off all the things to do here in Hollywood she couldnt help but smile. For a place that you couldnt do much in he was sure listing off a ton of stuff to do. She had only been here in Hollywood a few times. Actually lived here for a few months and then moved out of there and away from things that pained her. This place held some wonderful and painful memories. Such as living with Landon and meeting Adam here for the first time. It had of course been for the war, and she had followed Landon to seek out Adam, but it was a good memory none the less.

She could still remember her little games with his guards. They always thought they could keep out this little girl with angel like eyes and smile and in the end they were always wrong. Adam really needed to hire some new guards for his place. If she could get through them she didnt want to imagine what would happen if Sevanni came after him or Aubrey in fact. She didnt want to think about that at all. Next time she saw him, she would tell him to up his guards a bit. And she would be the test subject to see if she could get in. If she could without a problem, then he wasnt picking the right people.

But she pulled out of her thoughts when she noticed him shudder at the word mall. She almost laughed because it figured a boy wouldnt like a mall. Then again, she didnt really like them either. They were far to close together and packed with people. She could blend in well with a big group of people and she liked crowds but malls were just so unnatural. And they always sold expensive things from designer stores. Rose loved the malls and her cousin was always trying to get her to dress more in style and fashion. Ali didnt have the heart to tell her that it would probably never happen.

At the end of his little speech she did let a small chuckle escape her lips. "Nothing to do huh? You listed off a lot of things to do for a place with nothing to do." She told him and gave a small wink. And damn it. There she went again. Letting her guard down. How could it be that after all of her assignments he would be the one that could endanger her very life? It was just to easy to let go with him and talk with him. And she was ashamed to admit, he was damn gorgeous. That body of his was delicious and begging her to reach out and touch him.

She wouldnt though. She had better control then that. Even though her body was screaming at her to jump him. Slamming the walls back into place she looked straight ahead and tilted her head slightly, trying to get her mind off of what she wanted to do. Because it would be wrong on so many levels. She had just met him for one thing and she was with Stephan. He would probably be all jealous and protective right now if he was with her. Which was stupid. Couldnt she have male friends?

When he spoke up again she turned her head towards him and then realized with a start that he was right. They had almost completely passed the hotel that she was staying at. She chuckled and nodded. "Dont worry. I almost passed it to. And im staying here!" She told him and then walked by him as he held the door open for her. He really was such a gentlemen. Not even Stephan who had grown up in that time period was this nice. He was only really nice when he wanted one thing from her. And poor little Ali was to kind to realize this. She would probably never be more then a toy to him.

Reaching her room she invited him in of course, and then walked over to the bed and took off her coat, letting it fall on the covers. The room itself was very beautiful. There was one bed that was right in the middle with covers dressed up in gold and red and the headboard a stunning dark brown of wood that had carved out designs on it. The carpet was a maroon red that reminded her a little to much of blood, but the walls were a calming tan color. The closet was in the corner by the door and the bathroom was over on the opposite end with all marble counter tops and a shower. She hated bathtubs.

All though the room was elegant, the most beautiful feature in ehr opinion was the far wall. It was made entirely out of glass and the view was out over the city. The lights and stars mixed together were stunning. She didnt mind spending a little extra to have a room with a glass wall. "I love rooms like this. With a glass wall? The view is always so stunning." She told him, not really realizing she was opening up even more to him then she should be.

Walking over to the glass she put one dainty hand on it and smiled. Since she hadnt turned the lights on yet, her pale form was outlined in shimmery light from the city. But she heard his question and she turned her head to look at him. Pointing over to the corner she smiled. "In there. And there is some towels under the sink." She told him and then turned back to looking outside. If she let herself watch him leave for that bathroom she might want to join him. And god forbid she already wanted to jump him. She couldnt afford to let herself imagine what he would look like in that shower. How the water would feel running down his skin....

Enough Ali!!! She screamed at herself and shook her head. Oh boy. This was going to be a long night.