A Home's ghosts -Estella-

[*Casimir Goetschl]

The winding path off of M4, that was hidden amongst the tree line and easily missed if someone was not specifically looking for it was still brick. Carefully maintained and cared for, the car path looked as new as ever. Winding and curving through the London Hills, it games to the black iron gate that had, at one time, been dominated by two imposing Guards. During the day, they were Vampiric Pets to the Elites of the Coven home. At night they were the Covens newest turns. The guards were no replaced by a single camera that locked on the pathway some distance away to ensure anyone in the home would be alerted to an oncoming vehicle. The woods were bare; the only movement being wild deer, the occasional fox and dozens of flocks of birds. They'd returned with the Vampires fled.

Casimir pulled his 2006 Ford Fusion up to the gate, pressing a button to a switch attached to his sunblocker. The Iron Gates slowly swung open and allowed the homes new Master to come in. He pulled the care just inside, stopped and waited for the gate to seal before continuing on to the home. Bringing the vehicle to a stop at the back of the compound, he got out, locked the door and made his way inside. The home was a testament to the supernatural. A trophy to what Vampiric wealth to acquire. At the same time it was a testament to Vampiric Ignorance. Aubrey Mayor had once ruled this home, had once used Casimir Goetschl as a personal feed bag but when he had been abducted and turned, she cast him aside like a used tissue.

Goetschl had been neglected and abused by his Master. He had been forced to do things he now regretted and for what? For a Vampires personal amusement. He was the man she could never break and when she cast him aside, that wolf inside could not let that slide. He entered the back home, set his Sig Sauer P226 on the stand just inside, locked the door and continued into the home. A few whiffs of the air alerted him to other peoples presences. Wolves primarily. The former slaves of Aubrey Mayor had been liberated through what Wolves across Europe called the London Rebellion. They now had rooms, clothing, and were cared for. They were equals in this home, or as equal as the wolf hierarchy allowed.

The Tel Aviv pack was in, all probably huddled in the downstairs dungeons. For a place that had caused so much pain and anguish, the Israelis found it most comfortable. It was like three different packs living in the same home yet getting completely along; all because of the Rebellion. The Tel Aviv pack owed Casimir and such helped him when needed. The Slaves of Mayor were liberated by Casimir and felt obligated to stay with him. He essentially unified them all yet was not an Alpha. So strange.

Pulling a bottle of Jack Daniels from the cupboard and his Ace of Spades shot glass, the Agent stalked into the main den, flipped on the 70' plasma t.v. and turned on Fox News. Glenn Beck was on, discussing the N.A.A.C.P and their accusations of Tea Partiers being racist. Funny how a-typical humans worried about political organizations; ignorant of the supernatural around them. Twisting off the top, he poured a half shot into the glass and took it quick before pulling his wallet and badge from his back pockets and tossing them on the table.

The home was repaired but each time he entered he remembered the battle. Nearly a hundred United States Federal Agents swarmed it, covered by several dozen London Police Officers and Scotland Yard Agents with support from INTERPOL and the CIA. The Brits had been fooled into thinking it was a human trafficking ring. The Americans only wanted Mayor out of London. Fortunately for Casimir and the Americans, she had not been in the home when the battle took place. It should have been a slaughter. Two hundred Vampires should have stormed through anyone entering the home but Casimir had planned and prepared.

A fire had been set by Olivia Aisling inside, near each bottom floor window while he accidentally caused several of the cars to explode outside. With helicopters in the air, anyone rushing out and attempting to vacate were immediately seen and engaged. He entered and after nearly a days fight, the agents had chased off everyone. The brits thought they freed the humans slaves (Mayors Pet Wolves) and Goetschl had essentially begun the Wolvin Revolt. Wolves across London heard of the fight and the rebellion began. Anywhere a Vampire was spotted, three to four wolves went after. The tide had turned. The Pet of Aubrey had turned into her own demise. Her empire was in shambles.

The Wolves had one.

That did not mean the end. Now people wanted to know more about these human slaves, more people wanted to know about the Agent who led the assault on the compound and they wanted to know why so much man power was wasted in such fashion. As far as mortals were concerned; this had been a waste of money. How could their feeble minds understand the complexities of the Wolf v Vampire blood feud?

Casimir was tired of the inquiries, the subpoena's. It resulted in a Presidential Pardon and Diplomatic Immunity. Still it didnt stop people from asking questions; whether or not Goetschl would ever answer was a different issue all together.

[Estella Castro]

Estella was new to this, this sneaking around. She shouldn't have come to London, she should have given someone else this story. Normally she stayed close to home. Honestly, she never had to venture farther to get what she wanted. But this opportunity would most likely never materialize again, so she boarded a plane to London.

Jumping the gate was a no go in her pencil skirt. She didn't count on having difficulties getting to the front door, or finding the place to be occupied for that matter. She was under the impression that it was abandoned. Her job was a relatively simple one -- get in the house, look for evidence, interview a few people, go home.

The interviews went fairly well. It was a simple matter to get the general history of the manor and what went on in there. However, the conspiracy that swelled around this particular place was what she was really looking in to. It was absurd, there was no such things as vampires and werewolves, yet she met many people this morning who were adamant about their existence. She was warned not to come here by them, but she was hardly shaken by ghost stories.

Yet there was something chilling about this place. The longer she was on the property, the more she wanted to leave. There weren't many things in this world that frightened the feisty journalist, but being here sent chills up and down her spine, and there was no visible cause for this. Best not to worry about unseen things. Everything would go along fine She'd be out of here in less than an hour, and by this time tomorrow, she'd be on a plane back to New York City.

A car was coming. Estella pressed herself against the gate and watched as the entrance swung open a few yards away. Kicking off her heels and scooping them up, she darted forward and squeezed herself through the slim opening before it clanged shut. There was ample amount of landscaping to hide behind while the driver got out of his car and entered the house. Lovely, one more person to worry about.

Estella sprinted across the lawn and to the side of the estate. Much to her luck, she found an open window on the ground floor. The room was lit, but vacant. It looked like a sort of sitting room. Estella quietly placed her shoes and messenger bag inside, then climbed through.

This wasn't really considered breaking and entering… she was technically let in, and windows really shouldn't be left open at night. And no one had to know she was here, and the place was gigantic anyway. Creeping across the hardwood floor to the door, she couldn't help but get the feeling that she should turn around and make a run for it before it was too late.

[*Casimir Goetschl]

Wolves were creatures of extreme habit. Routines were typically the same; especially for the London Wolves. Wake up, check around, eat, if nothing was planned, they would lay around then start the routine over again. The financials of the London Coven had been liquidated, coming under Casimir's possession. Interest was a magical creation and the interest on the financial investments of the London Vampires had ensured that they would never have to lift a finger again. Goetschl, however, did not like sloth. He was still the under paid, over worked, sleep deprived Federal Agent that most knew to come and know him as.

The first sound he heard while sitting in the den were the footsteps of Riza, the Alphess of the Tel Aviv pack. He knew her habits more. Upon hearing the door to the lower dungeons open in the hallway, she would come and check on Casimir, saunter into the kitchen then head backdown stairs. She came to the den's opening and he could see her reflection in the black metal casing of the Plasma. She looked did at him but instead of turning back towards the kitchen, her attention had been peaked in a different direction. Towards one of the back rooms and a growl rumbled in her throat.

The Alphess left in search of what caught the womans attention and it was only a matter of seconds before several more members of the Tel Aviv pack emerged from the Dungeon below; Daniel, Micah and Oscar. They had heard the growl of her Alphess, the signal for them to wake up and get to the ground floor. Goetschl made haste to fetch his weapon. Only one reason wolves would gather as they did so suddenly. Intruder. Flicking the safety off, Casimir went through a different route, heading through the back end of the house while Riza and her own went through the front.


"Fresh meat." Riza snarled as she came to eye the woman whom emerged from the room door. "Who the hell are you?" was the only thing the Israeli, with her thick Jewish accent, could muster to say. Her body had gotten warm, her face reddened with anger. Israeli wolves were a unique breed. Born fighters, they were quick to anger. The others around her did not speak, though they blocked the hallway with their bodies. The woman was trapped unless she attempted to try and back track through the way she had come in.

"She doesn't smell like one." Daniel spoke to Riza, taking in the scent of the human.

"No she doesn't. Good for her." Riza responded; the reference to human pets of Vampires. Everyone knew the day Aubrey returned, there would be a fight for this home. She would probably try to infiltrate it with Human Pets; that was the reason the Tel Aviv pack would not leave. They wanted to help Casimir but knew he could not hold the home on his own. "Before I call the authorities, answer my damn question. Who are you?"

[Estella Castro]

So much for stealth. Estella mentally kicked herself. She wasn't inside the house for five minutes before she was discovered. Here she was thinking that she could go at least ten. Estella was eye level with the woman she opened the door to. She wasn't alone. There were two men, strong of build, extremely attractive, and some other chick.

A cock of her brow was the only response she could think to give after the strange and hostile welcome. Survival instincts told her to make a run for it. She wasn't one to ever obey this. Hell, she'd be furious too if someone broke into her house. She honestly couldn't blame their reaction. Estella brazenly crossed her arms and stood her ground. She came here with a purpose, no way was she going to surrender.

She looked the bizarre female straight in the eyes fearlessly. Estella opened her mouth to respond when one of the men cut her off. He smelled her? Then the rude broad made a most peculiar reply. Well this is just psychotic. Estella studied these people for a moment. It seemed as though they were extremely close, family perhaps? But there was something off about them… The idea that they were rabid crossed her mind. From what she was hearing, they sounded like a pack of animals. Estella's thought process was cut short, the lady wanted an answer to her question.

Estella came prepared. She had a cover, but she hoped she wouldn't have to use it. "My name is Detective Estella Robbins. I am a private investigator from Colorado. I am searching for the Master of this estate, Aubrey Mayor. I apologize for trespassing on this property, I was under the impression that this house was vacant. I do not have any form of ID, it's been stolen. Do you know how I could get in touch with Ms. Mayor?"

Funny story about how she got her cover. It came to her in the form of a little girl. Mackenzie LeRouge was lost, and then found by one of her co-workers a couple months ago. The eight-year-old girl had the most fascinating tale which Estella's friend shared with her. Apparently Mackenzie was searching for her childhood friend, a lady by the name of Aubrey Mayor. Mackenzie was abandoned by Aubrey's friend, Audri, who was previously taking care of her. Mackenzie was trying to find Aubrey in New York City. Estella learned about Aubrey when she was given this story. What luck that she knew someone who was trying to find her.

[*Casimir Goetschl]

"Oh geez. Another oinker." Daniels snorted.

"Silence." Riza snapped almost instantaniously.

Daniels huffed, turned and made his leave from the group. The woman did not come off as a threat and even if she did, she was not worth the Wolf's time. Riza and the others could handle this. Riza, however, gave the wolf a harsh glance as he walked off but turned her attention to the homes intruder. She did not know much about American Police Officers other than what she observed of Casimir. It was handy having a man whom understood American Laws. The more she knew, the better she could skirt them should the need arise when she was in the United States. Still there was something off about this one. Riza listened to Casimir's footsteps as he came into the room behind the intruder, the one called Estella.

"You don't seem like a cop."

-click- The sound of the weapon being cocked filled the room.

"Because I doubt she is." Goetschl spoke, his Pistol raised and pointed right at Estella.

"She mentioned Aubrey, Casimir." Riza spoke with a smirk.

"I heard. Leave us." The Tel Aviv pack did as commanded, not out of fear or because Casimir was a higher ranking wolf, but due to respect. Casimir listened as Riza and the others ventured off like Daniel, leaving Estella and the Agent. "I am the Master of this home now. Special Agent Casimir Goetschl, London Field Office. Aubrey Mayor went running. No one's seen her since."

"Unless you can show proof of being an actual police officer and actually have a warrant, I will have to arrest you on two charges: One, impersonating a peace officer. Two, unlawful breaking and entering." He did not want to have to go down this road. He was tired of it all and someone breaking into this home, looking for the psychotic witch that had once ruled it only irked him more. Honestly, it took extreme self control not to pull the trigger. Aubrey was a leech on life, a demon whom sucked all life from anything she touched. She was a destroyer, not a savior and it was through her that hell had come to London.

If it had not been for Ali Shadings, Casimir might have thought every Vampiric soul had been damned, cursed. Aubrey was the Yang to Ali's Yin. She was pure darkness and there were reasons she was not welcome in London. The Wolves took the City by storm and they would not be giving it up without a fight. Aubrey Mayor or any of her lackys wanted it? If they wanted this home, they would have to pry it from the mans cold dead hands.

"Is anything you said true? And why specifically are you looking from Aubrey? What business do you have with her? I'm certain I would be of a better help, even if she had been here."

[Estella Castro]

The tensity in the room was gradually decreasing, much to Estella's relief. Her intention wasn't to make these people hate her. On the contrary, it was much easier to work when the atmosphere was friendly. Very often Estella went with the undercover route. Investigative reporters were hardly appreciated by their interviewees. She learned quickly that ignorance was, indeed, bliss. She anticipated the skeptical reactions from her subjects when she revealed her faux identity. So this woman's opinion of her came as no surprise.

Unfortunately, Estella could not suppress a twitch when a new arrival cocked his gun from behind her. Being held at gunpoint most definitely was not in her job description. Fantastic. The holder of the gun introduced himself as a cop. Even better. Estella groaned inwardly, but she didn't yield her calm and cool facade.

Messing with an actual cop was tricky business, and something she wasn't interested in doing. Nonetheless, all was not lost. He obviously knew the house well if he was, in fact, the master of it now. This was the man she'd have to get her information from. He was most likely going to detain her for questioning instead of letting her go… unless he honestly didn't want to deal with her at all.

Estella calculated her next move. In this case, honesty was most likely the best policy, but she didn't have to reveal what wasn't asked of her. She diverted her attention from the gun and examined him with cold, hard eyes. He looked tired, and not just physically. She was getting the impression that he was beaten and worn down emotionally. She felt bad for him and she didn't know why. He looked like someone who desperately needed a long and genuine hug. She shouldn't take pity on him -- he was the one holding the gun to her, after all.

"I'm not a P.I.," she admitted, "But a little eight-year-old girl is looking for Miss Mayor. I have reason to believe she has rightful custody of this girl." Estella held her arms out in front of her, surrendering her wrists. "So, uhm… Do you want to arrest me?"

She wasn't very pleased about allowing this man to be getting his way over her. But something told her that being cooperative would be the nicest thing she'd be doing for him. He looked like a man who had been screwed over. She'd let him have his way for once.

[*Casimir Goetschl]

Casimir snorted before putting his weapon in the back of his pants, "I doubt the British Government would have allowed Aubrey Mayor custody of anyones children; or children in general." He had to quickly remind himself of just whom he was talking about, "If she managed to get custody of the child then she probably was not a fit guardian if she abandoned the kid." Was that a cold and cruel statement to make? Perhaps but the man had grown tired of Aubrey and her damn name being mentioned. He had been a closer pet to her than the one prior to him; the moron whom turned himself into a Vampire. Unlike that moron, Cas did not wanted to be changed into a supernatural being. He had been content being a mortal human, being her pet. Yet due to reasons outside his control, Aubrey still blamed him for the change and cast him aside.

Karma was a bitch.

Aubrey learned it the hard way.

"Besides pissing off my house guests and irritating me, you've done no real harm so no, I'm not going to arrest you." Just what the media and the Bureau wanted to get ahold of, Casimir Goetschl arresting someone for asking questions about Aubrey. That would have been a public relations shit storm. There was more damage done here. The Tel Aviv pack was irritated and it would be a nightmare to get them to calm down. If there was anyone whom hated Aubrey more than Casimir, it was probably Israeli's and for reasons Goetschl did not know just yet.

"Since you're in my home; Ill treat you like a guest. Follow me, I'll get us a couple of drinks." He had to catch his throat. He was so use to letting out small barks when giving orders amongst the former wolf slaves of Mayor, that a bark nearly came forth when he said finished his statement.

Leading his new guest to the kitchen, Goetschl pulled a half empty bottle of thirty year old scotch off the top of the steel refrigerator, two small glasses from a cabinet and a box of ice from the freezer. "So tell me about the child. Where is she now, specifically? Is she safe?" There was a general concern. Aubrey had messed Goetschl up mentally, nearly to the point of cracking the man, but he held on to enough of his conscious to understand the importance of protecting a child. If this child had any relation to Aubrey and Aubrey wanted to make a run for London again, she may use said child as bait against the Wolves.

[Estella Castro]

Interesting turn of events… Estella gripped the door frame to balance herself as she slipped the pumps back on her feet. She remained silent as Casimir elaborated on Aubrey. Estella was bubbling with questions, but she had to be careful -- one wrong move and she could lose everything. Even though she was told very little she still gathered quite a lot. Surely her encounter with the strange characters could be warped into a thorough enough story. But she was drooling for more. She found this place fascinating and was willing to go as far as she could.

Aubrey sounded horrid. How could such a sweet little girl care so much about this woman? Or maybe it was Casimir's personal hatred which made his perspective of her sour. One thing was for certain -- Miss Mayor had done nothing directly to Estella and she should not form her own opinion of her based on the opinion of other's. Of course, Estella could pass her own judgment on Aubrey for journalism purposes, but she should not allow it to make her feel any resentment toward Mayor without ever meeting her.

Apparently Estella was no longer an intruder, but a guest now. She was pleased with this change of roles Surely the atmosphere would mellow out and she could have a relaxed conversation with Casimir and be on her way. Estella conveyed her appreciation, "Your generous hospitality is greatly appreciated. I sincerely thank you." She followed Casimir to the kitchen. Thankfully there were no encounters with the ferocious house guests along the way.

Estella took a seat and accepted the glass of scotch offered to her. "Yeah, she's staying with a friend of mine. She's an adorable little thing, but very peculiar," Estella sipped her scotch and contemplated going into more detail about Mackenzie. Discussing the girl wasn't her main focus, but she didn't want to appear as though she was fishing for specific information. "Well, she refuses to go outside during the day, she's an extremely picky eater, and her skin is always so cold," and then there was her eerie intelligence and her white as snow flesh. "When I met her she asked if she could drive my car, claiming she was actually 24 years old. I wouldn't have thought much of it since she's very playful, but she was so insistent about that…" Hopefully that was enough talk about Mackenzie to satiate Casimir.