The Taj Mahal ::Wide Open::

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

Agra, India was not the cleanest place on earth. In all honesty it was crowded, muggy, the pollution was worse than Los Angeles at mid day and it stunk. That's what got to Josef the most, the astounding stench. It was a mixture of human sweat, pollution and uncollected trash. What amazed the Alpha most was the fact that most people did not seem to care; the tourists seemed to forget about all the troubles when they got a chance to snap a pathetic photo of some thousand year old building. Who would spend four thousand American dollars to just come to a country and snap photographs of a stupid building? What was the Taj Mahal really? Some overly codependant assholes way of saying I Love You to his wife. Pathetic. A waste. Sign of weakness. He stood amongst the crowds, holding his cold bottle of Dr. Pepper while his eyes took in the faces. It was a habit the man had gained while he had been the primary head of New York City. The Alpha most fear when it came to the North East and then... then there was nothing.

He disappeared. Vanished. Without word to anyone.

While most assumed he was sauntering around either the American North East or possibly Syria, the man had ventured to Pakistan and India. Vengence had been on his mind. He was on a quest ever since. A threat had been laid down by his family, towards him and one other Alphess. The Abad's were known in Syria as fanatical. Anyone unclean in their eyes had to be eliminated and when they received word of what Josef had become, they were hell bent on erasing the skid mark on their family and all whom knew him. What they could not have expected was the Alpha's response to such a threat. It started in New Orleans. He eradicated those whom had shown up, his Cousins, Uncles and Aunts. Something Sombra probably did not know about. They had tried a second time to kill him; a second time that forced the mans hand and resorted in him having to take the lives of family members.

It then went to Damascus, Syria where Josef began removing more members of his family who wanted him dead while sparing those who gave Word on Allahs name that they would not harm him nor any Were unless in self-defense. However, some escaped. Running off to India and Pakistan, Abad followed. In Pakistan, he removed several more family members. But in Agra, he removed the rest. His Father, his Brothers, Mothers and one Nephew though he spared his Sister in Law and their child. Any and all who raised a weapon to him, he removed as a threat.

Then the pack wars of Asia erupted. The name was a joke. Packs were rare in the Asia continent. Rumors swirled of one in Hong Kong, though there was the Jap in Tokyo, the Philippine Pack in Manila, and the Sydney pack. The Pack Wars of Asia only involved India's two largest were packs and Josef Abad. When word got around that the Alpha of New York City had been killing of humans, Muslims, his own people; the two packs moved to kill the Alpha. The War raged for nearly two Months while the Alpha did hit and run tactics, picking apart the packs member by member. Even a wolf as experienced as Josef Ibn-Abad could not stand a chance against a pack of eight.

He had been successful and on the final night of the war removed the Alpha's of both packs through a simple bomb under the gas tank to their Sedan. A simple tactic they had not expected; had not expected an American to unleash. What had Josef gained from this? The territory of Northern India? Though he could have claimed it, he allowed the pack of Bombay to move in and take over. He had no interest in running his own pack in India. He had New York.

Didn't he?

"When are you going back to America, Yank?" Sierra' spoke as she came to Josef's side.

"Don't know?"

"What? You're going to let her take over New York like that?"

"I have no issue with her."

"Obviously she has issue with you. Any woman that took over your crap has issues that need be resolved. You must have really scorned her good. What'd you do?"

"Not important."

"Ok. So then lets just get to the point. The other Alpha's want to know when you're going to act. This doesn't look too good when some twit conquers a territory. You kept New York stable. She's ruined it. Either you act or we will. You thought the Pack Wars in India were bad? Imagine a pack war in New York? Packs from across the mid east and Asia moving in on her. It'll end badly for everyone. You can get control of that mess. Take back whats yours. Or we can."

"I like it here in India." Josef lied. "Trust me. If I wanted New York back; if I actually wanted it, I would take it. Me being here is signal I don't care about New York anymore so drop it." His bluff was weak at best and Sierra was right. If a pack war erupted in New York, chaos would ensue. He needed to by time while he tried to finalize any decision.

[*sombra delgadillo]

Sombra Delgadillo did not play games. I repeat myself, Sombra Delgadillo did not play games. Not for anyone, for the sake of anything and under any circumstances. It was both a blessing and a curse, while the subtleties of cooperation could sometimes be considered an asset, she really had no intention of spending that much time trying to crack any one case or person. New York City was dull. Sure there were half a million people or more but they were all drones, all suits and all completely self interested. It made complete sense why Josef was so socially polished. Breathing an annoyed sigh, she glanced out the frosted window of the plane she'd been on for the past ten hours or so. Her forehead had been leant against it for about six of those hours, her eyes unblinking save for the occasional deliberate move. Her features were indecipherable as per usual. Down the grape vine it had been said that Josef Ibn Abad was biding his time in Asia. India to be precise. In fact he was stirring up quite the fuss. And fight it as she may she could not help but want to tie up the lose end that was...whatever they were.

Frankly...she had decided it must be over. Must be. Whatever it had almost been seemed to be absolutely off. Why then was she headed towards the specified location? Simply because she was that way. She wanted a conclusion to this so that her memories would not torment her for the rest of her life. Amber she could not help. But Josef was not going to be her ghost. He was not going to be her anything. He was going to be history, not even a blip on her map. And his territory would be hers. It wasn't so much that she cared for his city, it was that he deserved to lose something. Though...how much could New York mean to him? He'd abandoned both her and his precious New York. Bastard. It was growled softly into her subconscious as she listened to the landing gear kick in and the captain murmur something into the overhead and the flight attendants begin to round up all the trash. Sombra downed the rest of the water in her bottle and then dropped it into the black plastic bag offered her.

The airport was crowded and the language was one she couldn't understand but finding the exit was pretty basic now wasn't it? One would think so. She had only the duffel bag that had her two changes of clothes, shoes and personal items. On the off chance she stayed for more than the afternoon. She wasn't interested in said accommodations, but really it was best to be prepared for such ridiculousness. Rubbing her temples as she sat down in the taxi, she simply handing him the paper that had the address of Josef's supposed place of residence. It was impressive what information she could get ahold of in her position. Though the fact that she had a position was somewhat surprising. Her parents would be absolutely shocked. How could she amount to anything? Impossible. She still wasn't absolutely certain that she was worth anything. But she still had no intention of taking Josef's inconsiderate behavior laying down. As the car came to a halt, she slid out, lips pursed as her gaze slid languidly over the scene out before her. It was a practiced look - both disinterested and useful. The lycan's eyes reticently drifted, even in the darkness of the night she could see plenty of the details of the architecture before her.

A small growl inserted itself in the air just beneath her lips, her brows were knit together in that same silent frown that seemed perpetually etched upon her countenance. She shifted her weight, her palms balled into fists at her sides though she took a moment to adjust her bag. Glancing down at the ground thoughtfully, she gathered herself. Though in all honesty...it was worthless. She had come to rock the boat. To snarl. And roar. And get it out of her system. To spend the anger of several months in one evening and then be on her way. There was no time wasted on knocking on the door, she simply opened it and strode in. The way she stood there seemed to command the attention of those around her. "Ibn-Abad." Of course...that gained some concern - apparently people had every intention of killing the man. And that put those around him on edge. The first guy to lay hands on her received a throat punch and was sent coughing to the floor, the second was held at knife point as she stared with narrowed eyes, slowly turning the knife in her hand and giving it to the man staring at her. "Ibn-Abad. Now."

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

She smelled American and that attitude was not one of an Indian woman. She looked American and her temper rivaled that of the 101st airborne. "We spotted her at the airport waiting on Khan." The burly man spoke. "Though we normally don't care about another piece of American ass that can wiggle, shake and make a man drool, we had a decided to follow. When it became apparent she knew were he was staying, we decided to just cut off the trailing and alert your ourselves but obviously you know she is here as she's standing inside the front door."

"Thank you for the information." Quania replied as her eyes fell to the monitor of the screen. a single camera was fortunately in the area of the home Sombra was standing and pointed directly down at her face. Even Arabs like Josef could not be too safe in the country. Most bought up homes with reinforced ten foot walls around its perimeter and a single gate entrance and exit. Security was a must and though Weres where more than capable of defending themselves, they were not invincible. "You are dismissed. Since he is not here, I'll greet his guest inside."

"Do you want us to alert Josef?"

"Why? If he's as powerful an Alpha as rumors claim, its only a matter of minutes before he picks up her scent and comes running."

"Ok. We're heading back to the airport."

The Indian Wolves were paranoid about unwanted guests entering their territory. Nothing worse than some imbecile trying to put up stakes in a place that had already been claimed. Exiting what was assumed to be Josefs personal office, she made her way down the stairs and towards the front door. The other wolves in the house and nearly gone ape-shit over her intrusion and though this was not their home, they were quick to want to claim it. Quania's pack hated Josef nearly as much as they hated this moron whom barged into a mans home.

"I apologize about the wait." She said as she neared Sombra. With her voice echoing through the immediate area, the signal to the other wolves that she would take charge had been made. She sensed it from her pack, their tension. They wanted at this one and in the worst way. She was an Alpha and her power was near intoxicating. She was a strange one, one driven by passion but even the beta' of Quania understood that the emotionally driven were not weak and he honestly stood no chance against the woman. Sure the entire pack could take her on but did they want to ensure the unstable wrath of Josef as well?

"Josef is actually out of the house at the moment but on his way home as we speak. If there is a chance that I can help you with anything? Do you have business with him, or is this a personal matter?" Quania was not a fool. This woman entered a home that was not hers and demanded for Josef. This just had to be Sombra. She was dominating, focused and angry. How fun! This was the woman causing the chaos in New York. This was the woman that Josef gave hints of wanting to make his mate in prior discussion. She had the looks of an American Supermodel and the attitude of a drunk trucker. Perfect for Ibn-Abad.

One could make the argument that these wolves, Quania and her pack were unwelcomed guests but they learned Josef hated company. The more people around him, the faster he bolted. The idea had been simple, force him out of India, to New York and to either get control of New York of deal with Sombra. They wanted control in New York and they wanted the nearly psychotic arab out of their land. She let out a low woof under her beath, a signal for the other wolves in the house to get out. There was no point in playing games. Not with this woman. "Would you care for anything to drink while we wait for Josef's return? " Quania spun on her heels and began tracking back through the home while motioning with her hand for Sombra to follow, "You already know Josef is a creature of habit. He'll first head for his office, regardless of whom is waiting for him. I've heard of you,"Quania paused as she neared the office door and motioned for Sombra to enter, "Josef's spoken once of you." That was it. No emotion. No hint of what was said about Sombra. A simple, bland statement that Josef had once spoken of Sombra. Interesting.

[*sombra delgadillo]

Most situations were ones that she was not welcome. Sombra had come to expect terse words, a sharp tongue, the cold indifference of strangers. She'd prepared herself for that. And striding into a place she was unfamiliar with was always dangerous, especially when they had anything to do with Josef. Trouble followed him. It was probably the circle he put himself in all the time. A woman surfaced - Sombra had not been surprised that it was a female that greeted her. There was something about the arab Alpha that seemed to be entirely male-chauvinistic. And it was that that dictated the women would be the servants. While Quania was unaware of this role she'd seemingly slid into, it did not escape the Alphess. Her pupils narrowed, a look of shrewd skepticism enveloping her otherwise indecipherable countenance.

I apologize for the wait. Sombra's features were unchanging as she watched the progress of this stranger. Interloper, she quickly labeled the dark skinned beauty. She spoke at a volume unnecessary for their proximity, which caused the she-wolf gaze to tick towards the moving shadows as they departed. "You should have let them," she murmured, cold stare slanting back to the delusional woman in front of her. Josef is actually out of the house at the moment but on his way home as we speak. If there is a chance that i can help you with anything? Do you have business with him, or is this a personal matter? This did not please the Alphess. Though, to be fair, nothing could have pleased her at this point in time.

"There's no chance you are of any use to me. Go away." Well wasn't that a flat answer for you. Sombra hadn't spent anytime on frivolities such as manners. They lost their purpose when the one using them was a two faced slave girl. Her nostrils flared and she stared down the female, each muscle in her arm, tense with animosity. Would you care for anything to drink while we wait for Josef's return? She ignored the question, trailing after the stranger silently, though she depended more heavily on her sense of smell. She would divert from the indicated path if Josef's scent was more heavily riddled in any one place. You already know Josef is a creature of habit. He'll first head for his office, regardless of whom is waiting for him. I've heard of you, Josef's spoken once of you.

Releasing a small, annoyed snarl she glanced at the slightly shorter woman, a dangerous look beginning to creep into her stare. "If he was at all honest, you'll do as I said and leave me." It was to be her final warning to get the hell away from Sombra. On a good day the Alpha Female did not play well with others, and today was not a good day. Wandering into the room, her fingertips trailed over the desktop, as she made her way towards the chair. She slid lazily into it, her arms mechanically easing to the armrests as her brow ticked up - excusing her tour guide without another word. Small talk wasn't something she enjoyed to begin with, and this women had hardly warranted an exception to the rule. She was more like the rule - a disappointing cow, and Sombra wanted nothing to do with her.

That or perhaps she was trying to push the idea that this woman had likely been living under the same roof as Ibn-Abad, a fact she was not particularly fond of. Not that the ginger thought that this...fool...compared to her but Josef was a man. And as far as Sombra cared there was nothing about her that was so desirable beyond the sleek, soft skinned body. Hardly worth passing up a snack like the she-wolf in front of her. That, she snapped at herself, was not why she was here. Josef wandering to greener pastures was not of her concern. It was this business of abandonment that plagued the Alphess. And he would give his cause, good or bad, and she would be on her way, leaving him to this strumpet. For all of these angry thoughts, she appeared serene on the surface, distant and disinterested. Sombra.

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

Josef's eyes stared through his charcoal sunglasses from the backseat of the Lincoln towncar. His almond colored globes were locked on his home and the small group of people that had gathered themselves on the front yard and entrance gate. One of the packs. Quania's to be precise, had been making themselves at home though the Alpha could do little short of an all out fight to chase them off. They were a tolerable nuisance. If their attempt was to irritate Josef, they were failing. Things did not get to the man so easily anymore. Not these days. He only really irritated himself; especially when frustrated. With a huff, he opened the back door and stepped out, taking light sniffs on the air. The odd thing about Quania's pack on this day was the fact they were outside. Typically they were inside, mooching off of his refreshments and intruding on his shit. The fact that they were outside meant there was something unfamiliar here.

She was here.

In the past, the man was nervous when he met Sombra. She was an equal in dominance and one of only a few wolves whom could stand with him toe to toe in a straight fight. She was tough, independent and everything the Syrian looked for in a mate. When she was around, he was a blubbering fool. Things change. Death does things to men; it has an impact on their soul that most would not understand - especially when that death, when that blood on their hands is their own family.

The Pack had taken notice of Josef's arrival. All had ceased their converse and turned their full attention to the man as he strode across his property and through his front door. Sombras sent was on the front door; the scent being a place where her hands would have pressed to open. Just inside the scent became stronger, arousing in ways, as it signaled she had been in this spot for a while longer; maybe a couple of minutes. She was upstairs now, though a set of footsteps were coming towards him.

"Shes up there. Now I know why you claimed her as your mate, Josef." Quania snorted as she came into view. "She's rude and repuls..." Her body hit the ground with the thud as the sound of a pop, which sounded like a metal top off a glass bottle filled the air.
In a split second, Josef had made it to her and the back of his hand had caught the womans nose. His knuckle was covered in her fluid, which streaked down her cheeks and lips. "You asshole." The woman again snorted as she wiped at her face.

Josef simply stepped past and began his trek up the stairs. It did not take him long to reach his office and sure enough she was there. She was there. Waiting and pissed. The woman had every right too be. Josef had just disappeared and like a ghost. No trace of him. Not a sound. Even his pack had no idea where he had gone. Every wolf he encountered on the road was silences while his rampage against his family continued. Still, with the amount of blood shed he was guilty of causing, the only thing he wanted to do, wanted to express was a verbal I Love You to his mate.

He had long since stopped referring to Sombra as simply another Alphess. When anyone had the balls to ask and if he felt like asking, he responded she was his claimed Mate. If anyone had a problem with Sombra, they had a problem with Josef. Perhaps that was why people wanted Josef to deal with Sombra. If the man was forced to confront the woman, no one else had to get involved. It meant either one or both would be destroyed. If they went after Sombra, they knew Josef would step in and given both Sombra and Josef's reputations; no one wanted to see what kind of fighting duo they could become.

Still the Indians did not matter right now. His remaining family did not matter. New York did not matter. Josef himself did not matter. Sombra was here. His mate was here. There were reasons most male wolves now held back from trying to nail the woman, trying to become her equal; she already had one and someone had already made her his mate. Who really wanted to fight Josef; especially over Sombra? It would have been suicide on their part.

He'd kill a Vampire if he had too.

He'd done it four times before.

He bit his tongue though. Everything he had done had been for his own selfish reasons. The crap men spewed about running off from a lady to defeat some evil force that threatened their relationship was total crap. The man only did it to ensure he had a fair shot at having something special. It was never for the girl. It was for his own intentions and Josef would not lie to himself.

He loved Sombra.

He murdered for his own gain. His family had been a viable threat to them both so Josef removed them. He would not waste his time trying to kiss Sombra's ass and beg for forgiveness. He did what he felt he had to do as an Alpha. He did what he had to do as her Mate... though she had yet to know he had claimed her. If she did, his house would not have gone unscathed.

He stood in the doorway, leaning against the framing and never removed his gaze from Sombra. The most noticeable change would have been the missing headscarf. He did not care anymore. His religious beliefs had been cast to the wind. If there was a hell, he probably already heading there.

"Good day, Love."

Love?

Even Josef knew that was a big fucking oops!

[*sombra delgadillo]

Sombra's fingertips drummed on the desktop, her nails well manicured but short, without paint, kept buffed to a square sporty shape. Mostly so that she didn't claw people's eyes out. Or maybe because she had a thing for cleanliness and order within her own appearance. That is when she wasn't fighting. When she wasn't about to tear someone a new one…that didn't happen too often now did it? Generally if the she wolf wasn't actually in a brawl she was on her way to one. There were very few instances that she wasn't actually fighting or on her way to or from a fight. And those times were ones of serenity, her features were hard as usual, indecipherable and somewhat emotionless. Then again most people would describe her that way now wouldn't they? How would they know anything different? No one alive had ever seen her young self.

So frail, and meek. Tender, caring and precious…She hadn't stayed that way long. Shorter than most even. There were no precious memories for her to cling to, only the horrors of failure, depression…death. From her standpoint there was very little else in the world for her. Quania had vacated the room some minutes before, her hostility finally having broken beneath the depths of the slave's idiocy and sent her on her way. She nearly scowled at the thought. Such sexist people…She would not have survived in such a culture. Probably have offed herself long before now. Long before becoming a slave. As soon as the front door opened the female went sharp, listening to the sound of conversation below. There was a less than subtle "smack" and then noise below.

He was there in seconds, standing silently in the door way for a moment or two. He looked as handsome as ever, missing the scarf that generally adorned his head. His features were gaunt, his eyes…well they seemed dead. They were quiet as usual, far more quiet than his mouth had ever been. But he was still silent. Silent for a full ten seconds before he spoke. Good day, Love. She had not stopped drumming on the desk, examining the desktop as if it were interesting. But at the sound of that statement a low snarl bubbled in her throat, eyes slanting up to stare at him….though the look she was giving him was better described as a glower. Oh, she could disassemble him with mere words. She could take him apart, and his supposed feelings. Not that she'd trusted those from the start.

She'd hoped.

Hoped in this asshole. She'd listened to him. Followed him. And to what end? Just so he could vanish. Her gaze was cold, fierce but cold. "That's all you have to say?" She straightened up, leaning back in the chair and turning it so she could stare full on. "You make an ass of yourself, and all you have to say is "Good day, Love"? As if that means anything to me. You don't love me." She crossed her legs, scowling for several moments longer. "You have thirty seconds to explain yourself, at the end of which I'll be walking out that door. And you can do whatever you damn well please and I'll never bother you again." Thirty seconds begins now.

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

30

She had given him 30 seconds? She thought she could just make him explain himself in 30 seconds? After all this time, that is all she aloted him? The man could not blame her. It was his fault. That did not mean he would be walked all over. He made his way into the office, put his hand on the edge of his desk and flicked his wrist. The desk shot backwards, smashing and crushing against the far wall while his eyes remained locked on the Alphess whom sat in his chair.

26

He knelt slowly inward, placing his hands on both sides of the chair she allowed herself to sit in and locked his gaze on her own. Alpha staring into Alpha. Dominant staring down Dominate. Man and Woman. Primal. Dangerous. Unpredictable. This is how it went down. Most men and women played games. Josef and Sombra did not. Josef wanted Sombra, more than ever. Her scent, her gaze, her demeanor, it was everything he remembered. From New York to New Orleans. She was the one woman whom could get him to crack his outer defenses slightly. She was everything he remembered. He could not help but be awstruck by her. He bit his lower lip as he took in her other features,

20

He then saw it. The new marking. It started at her collar bone in the front and went up the side of her neck and trailed to the back, probably to her hairline. She had been hurt. his mate had been harmed and that was unacceptable. A growl rumbled in his chest, a growl only heard once before. It was low but booming in nature. It had been the one he released on his cousin in New Orleans, the night they tried to take out Sombra. No one harmed her.

No one.

12

His gaze returned to her own. She was tense. More than he. The woman was in his home again, on his turf and under his roof. It seemed this happened every time they met. She came to him. Always. Sombra Delgadillo had been the woman no man could tame, no man could conquer. She had been the woman that no man could ever get close too. Josef was determined to be that man. To be her equal, her Alpha. He claimed her as his mate. She would be; soon enough.

3

He had been counting in his head, the seconds as they ticked. These last three seemed to take the longest as Josef contemplated what to do. He had been so reserved in every encounter he ever had with Sombra. Rarely did he make eye contact. Always modest. He was polite, kind, gentle. He was everything an Alpha should not have been. Josef was still Josef; though changed. He had taken so much life from the world; stamped his one way ticket toward hell. He damned his own life in an attempt to cleanse it of anything that posed a threat towards his chance of being with Sombra.

In his quest to find a path towards Salvation, towards Sombra, he ended up doing what he did not want too. Hurting her. Neither ever confessed feelings for the other. Josef ruined everything. At least within these last three seconds he would express everything. He did not talk these days. Not much anymore. His thoughts were locked in the fort knox that was his mind. He would however reveal completely differently. In these agonizingly long three seconds, Josef leaned in and pressed his lips against Sombras own.

It was purely lip to lip. The soft, sensitive flesh touching her own before he pulled away. Quick, precise, efficient. His message had been sent. The man spoke through flesh.

I love you, Sombra Delgadillo. Oh and by the way, you're my mate.

Leaning back up, he finishing counting the seconds.

1

Quietly he backed away from the chair and waited.

[*sombra delgadillo]

As per usual, Josef was not going to cooperate. She had grown absolutely accustomed to her commands being followed, people did not disobey her. Because there were consequences. There were always consequence to be worried about when you screwed with Sombra. She wasn't one to make idle threats. The moment the words came from her mouth you knew there was going to be an issue. Josef stepped forward, wandering towards her silently only to place his hand on the far corner of the desk and ever so "gently" sending it flying across the room. It was a show of force, not particularly frightening but it wasn't meant to be. He wasn't going to lay a hand on her unless provoked. And even then she wasn't convinced he was going to. Such reservations were admirable but not shared. She had no probably turning on him. His was accustomed to a social obligation for women to bow down before him, to shrink in fear and submission. Sombra never gave in, whether she was destined for failure or not. She never just rolled over and took the beating. She threw a few punches in the process.

He leant forward, placing his hands on either side of her, on the arm rests. Staring silently at her, he probably expected her to melt, right? Something romantic and beautiful. Something you saw in the movies, on the silver screen. It was pathetic. The immediate faltering of a woman's resolve. He stared at her, biting his lip as if incapable of saying anything at all. His inspection faltered, descended which only induced the tensing of the she-wolf. A low snarl reverberating from inside his throat. Scar, she immediately mused. He was tense as well, but nothing could have matched just how on edge this proximity made her. His gaze ticked back up to her eyes, both intent and calm…and yet completely pissed. That was entertaining enough. Whatever was going through his head she could not read, but he was angry. Or warring. But there was not complete serenity beneath the surface.

He was silent, obviously making a point of running out the clock and it was aggravating her. She could have so easily swung and stopped this stupid game he was playing. Finally he moved…but in the wrong direction. He leant forward, pressing his lips to the full curve of her own , the contact lasting only a few seconds before he stepped back. Unwittingly she'd allowed her eyes to close. They ticked open immediately following this and she snarled, standing abruptly and efficiently tipping the chair back and over. It crashed to the floor and she squared her shoulders, cantankerously eying him for several long moments. And then smack! The woman had dashed the back of her hand across his cheek, glaring at him. "Are you insane?! Is that supposed to just fix everything? Was I supposed to just melt into a puddle? Become your slave and answer your doors for you?" She hadn't raised her voice, it was still the sultry volume it generally was.

But it was livid. It was obvious the woman's temper was careening towards explosive. She was in the "how dare you" stage.. The one that said he was about to get his ass kicked if he didn't back away and stay away. Being in her bubble was a bad idea on a good day, and as I previously stated, today wasn't a good day. It got worse and worse all. "Now, I want a damn explanation, and if you take another step towards me the hit won't be open handed." It was murmured in a tone mixed with a growl, the feral being already teetering dangerously near the edge of her tolerance. Right. Her knight in shining armor.

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

If anyone remembered Adela, they remembered what Josef had done to her when that woman had challenged him on a physical front. She attacked him, Josef retaliated and nearly took Jagers life. So it would not have been a surprise if Josef reacted the exact same way. Go off on the women but strangely he didnt. His flesh reddened from the slap, damaged and hot. Still, Josef did not react, he stood stonic and listened as she spoke.

"Are you insane?! Is that supposed to just fix everything? Was I supposed to just melt into a puddle? Become your slave and answer your doors for you?"

There were times when Josef questioned Sombras intelligence and accusing him of being another a-typical arab male was pushing his limits. She was not a stupid woman, but that statement even astounded Josef. He had not once ever demanded her to submit to him. Josef had never met an equal and treated Sombra like one. Always. How could see never have seen it? How could she compare Josef to every other Arab out there? Was she... a racist?

Quietly the Syrian raised his hand, asking through a physical means for a few seconds while he slowly removed his shirt. He liked it. A simply t-shirt but the cotton was soft. He liked it and it had worked into his regular attire selection. He tossed it to the side, then turned his attention back to Delgadillo. Much like her, he had new markings. The bullet wounds from the near eradication of the wolves in New York still at at his right hip but several new ones were visible, a lighter shade of tan compared to the rest of his flesh. Four were the right kidney would have been. A scar showing the surgery that had been done to removed the bullets and kidneys. A few slash marks, knife wounds. Still chizzled, still fit, he had remained physically fit and due to his Alpha status, his body was built slightly more than most others. He had to be fit. Had to be strong to deal with wanna-be userpers to his position.

"I had to deal with the family." His right index finger pointed to each new marking. "They would not leave us be in the United States so I went after them. I, myself, alone." Well duh. Had he told Sombra she would have either wanted to join him or outright stopped him. He let out a slow sigh. He did not know why but the man got winded when talking; like the air escaped from his lungs faster than it should have. Quite possibly from the amount of damage the constant state of fight or flight over the past few months had done to his adrenaline levels. Without the rush; he was just gassed but he was still dangerous.

He was the Syrian of New York City.

"You want to vent. Want to hit me? Do it." He placed his hands behind his back and waited. The man showed he would not strike back. He had not even been riled up by Sombra; it was just a slap by his mate in frustration. She needed to vent and he would let her. She would do it on him because one she left this room, once they left this room everything between them would be resolved, would be settled and would be fordged. "Hit me, Love."

[*sombra delgadillo]

Sombra had never come into contact with Josef's former mate. Adela had been a subordinate though, beneath them, a concept that she found…laughable. Frankly she believed that she and Josef were above this sort of thing. The emotional ties to lesser souls. By lesser she could only mean those…less powerful. Less strong. The weak ones, yes that seemed an adequate way to term it. But Sombra knew not of Adela, as previously stated, nor would she have bothered herself processing the way he'd treated her - fight or no fight. Perhaps she was being racist. But to be honest she wasn't thinking about political correctness when faced with defending herself. She was thinking of just that - her own well being. It seemed both wolves were selfish. For various reasons.

He gestured with his hand then, stripping himself of his shirt and then allowed her to stare at the various scars that littered his body. She was supposed to be impressed wasn't she…But scars were scars. She had a few herself. Alright not a few. A variable ton of them. Watching him point to the new ones, she assumed, she listened to his words only as an afterthought - I had to deal with the family, they would not leave us be in the United States so I went after them. I, myself, alone. A low growl bubbled in her throat, the first sign of anything akin to protection when it came to Josef Ibn-Abad. And he was damn right. She would have gone with him. But hell…that could have been a bonding moment. He sighed and she simply snarled again. Shaking her head she listened to him speak yet again.

You want to vent. Want to hit me? Do it. He put his hands behind his back, possibly clasping behind him. Hit me, Love. It was that. That single three worded statement. That induced a slow, silent look of resentment. It induced only another open handed slap to his face. "Stop calling me that, she snarled simply. She was no one's love. The description simply would never fit her. How could it? Shifting in place, she scowled at him. He of course was pleasant to stare at, but she had trained herself to not indulge in such things. Why bother. From someone who was not interested in sexual relations with anyone out of wedlock. Perhaps that made her old fashioned or a fool.

Perhaps that was the last remnant of what Sombra could have been had her childhood been a little bit different. But there was no need to ponder such things. They were impossible and without answer. "Don't talk to me like someone who randomly flies off the handle. Maybe I was. But you put me in a position that that was not allowed. I look for fights with reason to. Not because I'm some psycho bitch that gets riled and runs off the hormones." She was snarling now, clearly having been poked and prodded into a rage she was unfamiliar with. Frustration. She wanted so badly to just shake sense into him. He was being absolutely ridiculous.

"You've gotten into the habit of defending me. Stop it. I don't require defending. Clearly you must be confused - apparently I fight all the time, without reason. So why bother taking a few bullets for me, hm?!" Her voice was a hiss, her arms crossing in front of her stomach, pulling her shirt over her head as well. Her bra was tasteful - simple, black, strapless. But it wasn't the bra that was so eye-catching. She probably had just as many scars as he did. Though…they seemed to be made by an array of artists. Burn scars, bullet wounds, knife wounds, bad stitch jobs….The wolf was obviously a Rocky. Obviously spent a few nights in the ring without her gloves on.

She was snarling softly still, looking somewhat annoyed. "As you can see, you come late to the fight. I was fighting long before you got here. And I'll be fighting long after you've left." Sombra snapped the last word, clearly hinging her hostility on it. Her weight shifted as she glared at him. Waiting for him to turn on his heel and be gone. Fed up with her or otherwise. He'd be gone. She'd put her shirt back on and have her answer. He was a liar, infatuated or otherwise. He was lying.

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

Was he suppose to drool?

Suppose to go Gaga over his mate in her bra?

Why would he?

Shes beautiful but her figure was not what he was focused on. It was the markings, each a testament to her life. She had it rough. She knew what the streets were like. Josef had been fortunate enough to not be marked by so many but there would come a time when Sombra would need to accept the help in front of her. Josef was here and quite possibly the only person in the world that could protect Sombra from just about anything. He was her kevlar vest. He was her knight in shining armor. He was her Djinn. Anything she needed, he would ensure she got. Sombra Delgadillo needed a wake up call. Fast and in a hurry. Still, men would have only looked at her chest, her bra; Josef was not a typical male. She had been hurt. Her wounds were his focus.

"You're going to learn I am going no where. New York Twice. New Orleans. India. Just think about it for a second." They had chased one another around the globe. Josef never did that with Adela. Never did that with any one night fling before or after Adela. This was Sombra. She deserved better and she got better out of Josef. This man was hers. Always had been.

This is where some witty arab comment would have been inserted or some some long story about an arab analogy; essentially nonsense slipping from the mans lips. Josef did not feel like it. He kept his hands where they were and averted his gaze of Sombra. She was difficult and thought little of Josef. Some things never changed to the man. No matter how much he cared for her; the feelings would never be sent back. Josef was in a one way relationship. Not once had his eyes ever glanced at her chest. "I won't stop calling you what I chose too. Think what you want of me. Say what you will. I won't stop. I have not. I sense that this is turning into our second meeting in New York all over again. You know, how you disappeared from me and I ended up finding you in New Orleans?" The irony between the two instances was not identical but similar.

"I'm getting tired. I get tired a lot lately. If you chose to, you can leave the premises, no one will stop you." He went to fetch his shirt from the floor, quick to slide it on though a groan escaped his lips. He truly was tired. Insomnia was a constant problem and the lack of sleep got to him around mid day. "If you need a place to crash, you can do so here or a hotel. No one will hassle you. Either way, choice is yours."

Was it the effects of Insomnia coming through, his body trying to catch up on sleep or was it depression setting in that once again he failed in his quest of Sombra. He struck out in New York Twice. Struck out in New Orleans and now struck out in India. This sucked. "I guess it'll be like every other time. I'll see you when I see you. Remember, you always seem to find me after running from me. I neverrun from you." It was probably the depression.

Quietly he exited and made his way though the upper floor and towards his room, slamming the door shut with a harsh reverse kick at its based. The rooms walls shook from the slam while he sulked himself to the bed before plopping face down into the pillows while shouting a slur at himself that was incredibly muffled by the bedding beneath them..

[*sombra delgadillo]

No. He was not supposed to drool.

Then again if he knew just a wee bit more about Sombra he'd have known she didn't just strip without reason. Most everything she did had a reason. If it didn't well then it really wouldn't effect anyone important. She was fairly considerate if you thought about it. Then again who was going to think about that. You're going to learn I am going no where. New York twice. New Orleans. India. Just think about it for a second. Damn it…he was infuriating. And right, which made it even worse. She really should have seen it sooner. And damn it again. She had followed him. One way or another. And there was no way to escape that fact. In fact, hide it as she may, it made her want to hide from this man. To keep herself as far away as possible for as long as possible.

Her gaze had descended as she thought about it, but Josef continued to speak. I won't stop calling you what I chose to. Think what you want of me. Say what you will. I won't stop. I have not. I sense that this is turning into our second meeting in New York all over again. You know, how you disappeared from me and I ended up finding you in New Orleans? She growled, a resentful look cast at him as he spoke next. I'm getting tired. I get tired a lot lately. If you choose to, you can leave the premises, no one will stop you. That went without saying. Sombra had no problem using excessive force to get out of this place. She would escape, one way or another.

If you need a place to crash, you ca do so here or a hotel. No one will hassle you. Either way, choice is yours. Again, she knew that. No matter what assumptions he was making about her I guess it'll be ilke every other time. I'll see you when I see you. Remember, you always seem to find me after running from me. I never run from you. At that point she snapped, rearing her skull and glaring at him with the full force of her animosity. " Don't you dare say that. You were the one who left last time. You left. Without a word. Maybe I'll pull a leaf out of your book and make a douchebag out of myself. Just leave without a trace. Bravo. I won't come looking for you again." She watched him leave, her eyes having narrowed, and soon after Sombra Delgadillo left, catching the first flight to the U.S. from India and from there to Los Angeles. Enough of this bull.