Darla was sitting in the library on the chaise lounger with a large book in her hands. It was in the original Romanian and almost as old as her, but she still loved to read it when relaxing. Settling her shoulders more comfortably, the tatoo of her father rippled and seemed to move for a second. Looking up briefly through the ceiling-high bay window at the stars, she smiled then went back to reading.

Sigurd made his way through the mansion, a man on the mission. He was in love now, with Rhia, and he couldn't be any happier. However, the past couple of nights Sigurd made her his animal to call and that should of been cleared with his mistress first. Though he felt bad that he had not asked her prior, it had be a spur of the moment thing, and not anything some way to get stronger then her. He only hoped that she understood that and didn't take it out on Rhia.

Within a few minutes Sigurd had made his way through the old estate and found himself before a study. He was glad that one of the fledgling vampires had told him of her location because he doubted he would have found the place. Sigurd knocked on the door lightly, opening the door a few seconds later and walking in. He gave a short bow as he approached his mistress, saying as he rose, "Good evening my mistress. It is good to see you."

Darla sensed Sigurd the moment he entered the mansion, his emotions spread before him like waves of warmth, making her smile. She put the book down before he entered the room and lay still, waiting. Bowing her head to him, she listened to him and smiled before standing up slowly.

"It is indeed a good evening dear Sigurd, and a pleasure as always to see you. You have something you wish to ask of me?"

Sigurd listened to his mistress’s words attempting to sense some sort of anger or knowledge in that voice. However, he could sense nothing from her, not surprising to Sigurd since she was the master of the city. Sigurd couldn’t help, but give a small smirk in at her question allowing it to fade quickly however, since he did not want to seem like he was arrogant. Sigurd stood straighter for the next moment, looking seriously at his mistress before saying, “I fear I do not have something to ask, but more like something to say. I mean no disrespect of course my mistress, but I fear that I became brash and went ahead with something without properly clearing with you first. I have fallen in love, my mistress. I have fallen in love with a woman by the name of Rhia; however, you might know her as the Nimir-ra of the local pard in Miami. We have only seen one another a few times, but I think we both feel that we have known each other for ages. The other night we spent some special time, and though I offer no excuses for my decision, I fear I let myself move ahead without properly contacting you first. Rhia wishes to be with me forever and I was so joyous of her decision that I hastily asked her to be my animal to call without realizing you would need to know first. She accepted, fortunately, and I have since then given her three of the four marks. I apologize for not properly getting your authorization first, but I must admit that regardless of your approval I would have done anything she wished of me. I am completely fallen for that angel and I do not wish it any other way. Besides, if you look at it from a purely strategic point of view, the local pard would be a very good ally.” Sigurd then went silent awaiting a possible punishment if there was one. He didn’t really care about the strategic value of his angel being the Nimir-ra, in fact he had not even known it was so till half way through their first meeting, but it might appeal to his mistress if such were stated. Sigurd then watched on, hoping that his mistress would be pleased with his happiness.

A slow prickle of icy power started in Darla before she swallowed and closed her eyes briefly, bringing herself back under her fierce self-control. She was not best pleased.

"And how, dear Sigurd, did you manage to not see me inbetween the first mark and the third? Surely you did not attempt them all in one sitting for fear of spoiling the Nimir-ra's mind?"

Staring at him, she let some of her anger reach him, at the same time letting him sense it turn to acceptance and slight pleasure.

"But if it is love as you describe it, then I am not one to stand in the way. Besides, you have come to me in all honesty, showing regret at your haste, and that pleases me no end."

Allowing her trademark 'dark' smile to curve her mouth once more, she stepped closer to him and looked up at his face. She was shorter than him, but in her power, although it was contained, she seemed to almost tower over him.

"Having a connection to the pard, is, as you said, a valuble asset. I know you do not care for such things in your current state of enamourment, but I am glad you thought to mention it. Now, you have to arrange a meeting between this Rhia and myself. We have already met one of her pard, but the leader is always worth far more recognition."

Sigurd felt his mistress’s power flair up for just a brief moment, worrying that something might happen. Sigurd didn’t feel fear for himself, for he held no regrets, but he did fear that his death might kill his love’s. Sigurd listened to her first sentence pertaining to how he had not thought of her in between three marks and that he should have since she had assumed he hadn’t done it in one sitting. Sigurd allowed an embarrassed look to come across his face, as it apparently seemed that she had not realized such. Sigurd’s expression relaxed a bit as he watched his mistress’s expression turn from anger into acceptance. She explained that she was glad that he was in love and regretting that he had not told her sooner. She was also happy that the pard was their ally now, seeing it as a very good benefit to them. She quickly went on to say that, Sigurd should set up a meeting between Darla and Rhia so that the two could get to know one another. When it was all over, Sigurd waited for any more statements, or even a possible punishment. When he was positive nothing else was coming, Sigurd gave a small bow before saying, “Well… Actually, my mistress I did give Rhia three marks in one sitting. It was sort of in the heat of passion and though I explained everything to her, she still wanted them. I did not try to break her, my mistress, it was just her wish and I could not possibly see myself turning her down. I will most certainly set up a meeting between you two, but I just wanted you to know that I the reason I gave her three marks wasn’t because I was not being cautious. In fact that is the very reason I did not give her four marks, was because I did not know what might happen. Again I am sorry and I am glad that you can see past such.” Sigurd then lowered his gaze awaiting his mistress’s rebuttal to the information he had given her.

Needless to say Darla was suprised at the closeness of the three marks. She did not have an animal to call or a human servant, but she knew that she would of done it with some time inbetween to make sure all was well. She was glad, however, that he had taken the time to explain what the marks meant before giving them. At least Rhia was not totally unprepared. She wasn't happy at his confession of not being able to turn her down. That could prove a vital weakness in the end, and weakness in her kiss meant that weakness was to be perceived in her by other vampires.

"I am not going to punish you for your actions Sigurd, but you would do well to remember that should you not inform me of something so serious as marking a lycanthrope as your own in the future, then I will punish you. I will let it slide this time as you have come to me and explained yourself, but next time I would like to be informed of the event prior to it happening if possible."

Sigurd listened to his mistress’s words weighing them down carefully. He believed in her threat, but he didn’t mind it so much. He was a vampire who had lived centuries and he knew that such things were to occur while he served under a master. Sigurd gave a small bow in recognition to her statement before saying, “Of course, my mistress. I had actually come hear expecting some sort of punishment. I am thankful for your mercy upon the matter. Do not worry either; I was new to the passion that I received from Rhia. I will not ask so brash in the future. It is partially why I have come here. I ask permission from you as my mistress to give Rhia the fourth mark, as well as search for a pomme de sang for myself. Since I have not given the final mark to my animal to call I feel obligated to ask you such, as for my pomme. Since I am not actually staying the mansion, I think a pomme de sang will be more necessary then with other vampires. I was also thinking upon the matter concerning our allegiance with Rhia. Perhaps we can ask her if she can let us have any cats who do not mind being food. It will save us time and give us powerful food instead of having to drink from the mortals. What do you think my mistress?” Sigurd then stood there silently waiting for his mistress to reply. As he waited he couldn’t help, but wonder if this small slip up had lowered his chances of becoming Temoin. Though he would do anything for his mistress, he didn’t want his new found passion with Rhia to be the reason for her not looking to him for advice or a bodyguard.

Guy slipped into the library thinking to borrow Rhia's copy of On the Origin of Specied before going off to locate hte Mistress himself and instead heard her last subtle threat to Sigrud and his reply. He quickly managed to put pieces together and realized that while Sigrud had slipped up, he also, saw the wisdom in his request for permission to bring willing leopards in as blood donors, and the fact that it suited his plans as well was simply extra sugar.

He approached cautiously, not wanting to anger Darla by being forward, "I concur with Siegfried. We are vampires, and a steady source of food on hand would be prefrable to seeking it each night."

He bowed deeply before pressing on, "And while this is probably not the best time to ask, I would have your permission to bind a leopard to myself as well as my pomme de sang. He is young and of the streets and I would have his life improved as best as I may."

He sent mentally to Sigurd, shielding as best he could from Darla ~Additionally he is not one of the Nimir-Ra's cats. I think it would be wise for that to change as well. I'm willing to swallow my pride on this point and ask for your help in the matter, if you'll swallow your own and provide it.~

Sigurd turned as he noticed Guy enter the library and was a little shocked when he had heard the man’s statement about his request being a good idea. Though he did not see Guy as a complete enemy, he did see him as a sort of rival in their pursuit of the position, Temoin. His expression of shock quickly shifted to one of a mask as Guy went on, allowing Sigurd to realize that he was not complimenting just to concur with his idea, but also for personal gain. Though it was in a vampire’s nature to act with such, Sigurd couldn’t help, but feel a bit different since his time with Rhia. It was during this thought that Sigurd felt a brush along his shields. He let his shields down slightly, enough so that a message caressed his mind, a message sent by Guy. He was asking permission for his new pomme de sang to meet, Rhia. However, Sigurd could see why Guy would go through him by just looking at it through a vampire’s point of view. He also knew that Guy would have been very surprised if he had found out that their relationship was far more equal and he would really have to go through Rhia. Sigurd’s mask remained on his face as he sent a small thought back Guy ~It is quite a surprise to hear from you like this Guy. Do not worry however, I understand completely what it took for you to ask me this, and I do not mind at all complying. We are all members of the same kiss and I believe it is in my animal to call’s best interest as well if she knew the identities of all the wereleopards in town as well as made them apart of the pard. You will learn that I am not a very prideful creature and will inform Rhia of your favor. I cannot promise that she will take him in however, for our relationship is the type were I do not interfere with her leopards unless helping.~ Sigurd then kept his mask on waiting to see who would reply first.

Darla had opened her mouth to reply to Sigurd when Guy walked in. Nodding her head to him, she waited for her two vampires to finish talking to each other before responding.

"Sigurd...I will give you the permission to complete the marks on Rhia on the condition that I can meet her first. I do not want somebody I do not know attatched to my kiss. As for your search for a pomme, I will be willing to assist you in that matter" She turns to look to Guy "And you too Guy. I also think that once I have met Rhia, then I will give further thought to asking her for some cats. I know one of her cats is attatched to Wolfrevan and so she is out of the question...but I do not know how many others she has. We shall see once we have met. "

Sigurd moved his attention back to his mistress as he listened to her speak. Taking the fact that she wanted to meet Rhia as a hopeful sign that she wasn’t overly angry with Sigurd. When his mistress had no more to say, Sigurd allowed himself to give a small bow, saying as he rose, “Thank you my mistress for allowing me the opportunity and for being so merciful on my behalf. I promise you that such slip ups will not happen again, I was just not used to the feelings I had with Rhia, and it clouded my judgment. I shall contact her immediately requesting her appearance before you and I doubt she will not comply. I understand your decision to wait and see before allowing cats to come as food. As for your assistance for searching for a pomme de sang for me, I greatly appreciate the offer. If you do happen upon a candidate for me I will be unimaginably thankful however, I do hope you do not mind if I look for my own as well. I promise that I will bring that person back for your approval before I make any final decisions, but I would like the chance to scout for my own as well.” Sigurd then remained silent, waiting to see whether Guy would reply before Darla did, or vice versa.

"You are welcome Sigurd. I too think it would be best for you to search for your own pomme, but remember that should you need help then I am here. I look forward to meeting the woman you so clearly love. Now then, is there any more business to discus? Guy?"

Rowan could feel the invisible cord pulling her from the very core of her body-- she didn't have the strength to resist it. Some concious part of her was saying "I should be scared sh**less," but the rest of her was perfectly comfortable.

She stared up at the great mansion, the curious power seeming to throb around her like a beating heart. She didn't remember where she'd been when she first felt it. She didn't even remember how she'd gotten there. But within her, her white wolf was nuzzling into some dark entity which seemed to disolve every time she tried to focus on it. She trusted her wolf and knocked on the front door.

Before her vampires had the chance to respond, there was a knock at the door. The simple knock made a smile come to her face for two reasons. The first was that the person had actually knocked rather than fly in or appear as her vampires were prone to doing...and the second? A female wolf was said knocker. As her animal to call, wolves always made Darla relaxed and happy, and this presence was comforting.

Sending out a small flick of power, she felt a white...yes, white!...wolf rubbing at her power. The owner of that wolf, a young woman, was on her front step so she contacted one of her human butlers and told him to accept the visitor. A wolf at last...

A butler lead Rowan to a library, where--had she been less the distracted--the scent of old books and parchment would have excited her. For one who rarely could afford books, she sure loved to read. In fact, everything in this room smelled sort of...old? No, bad word choice. It tasted of ancient...wisdom, she supposed.

Her eyes rested upon an attractive woman--a vampire, in fact. Faintly, her mind registered that there were two other men, both vampires, in the room. However the woman, without any doubt, was the source of this power that had been calling Rowan. And Rowan Knew that this was Darla Strigoi, Mistress of the City. There was no logical process of thought in these conclusions, just a knowledge indisputable as the sky is blue.

The surges of power seemed to quell, temporarily satisfied with the proximity. Rowan could think clearly again--clearly enough, that is, to realize that 1) she was frozen in place, having no idea what to do, and 2) she had been silent for a nearly awkward amount of time. However, if she'd learned anything from her past experiences with powerful people, it's best not to speak until spoken to.

Sigurd gave a small nod to his mistress, glad that she was happy for him finding someone who loved him. It was just as he was about to reply however, that a knock was heard at the door, Sigurd allowed his attention to focus on the curious event, as he waited to see who was the visitor. Moments later, a woman walked into the study, her eyes fixated completely on his mistress. It only took a moment of concentration to realize that the woman was a werewolf and it gave Sigurd many answers. Originally, Sigurd hadn’t really had any knowledge on his mistress’s powers, however, in light of the obvious state the wolf was now in, Sigurd now knew one. Sigurd quickly decided that it was perhaps time to take his leave, his mind suggesting that Darla had probably called the woman here for either a snack or a more promising offer. He gave a bow to his mistress, knowing full well that she would have noticed him regardless of the current events and then he turned towards the door. As he passed Guy, he allowed his shields to drop slightly sending a mental message saying ~I shall contact you with a time and location for your pomme de sang to meet my animal to call, that is if she wishes such. Feel free to come yourself, for I believe that if Rhia does accept your leopard she will want to know the person who has decided to make a bond with him.~ With that he completely walked past Guy, heading towards the door and out towards the moonlight. He had a lot to achieve this night and he could not wait to be once again in Rhia’s arms.

Guy bowed to the mistress, "I have nothing more milady, at this time. " He raised a brow as the wolf woman entered the room. He decided Sigurd's lead was probably best, and turned to leave the room, but not before releasing a small tendril of his own energy to call one of his ravens to eavesdrop from the windowsill.

He looked at Sigurd, "I thank you, norseman."

Smiling at the woman before her, Darla sat down on the chaise on held her hand out, motioning for her to take a seat. She looked briefly to Sigurd and Guy as they spoke to each other then nodded to Guy and watched them leave. She knew the Raven was there...but she didn't mind. For some reason it impressed her that Guy did it. Erasing her thoughts for a moment, she blinked then turned to the woman with a smile.

"I see you know who I am lady...and it is wonderful to meet you. Please, sit."

Rowan saw the other vampires leave out of the corner of her mind, but it never registered as an important fact. All she really saw was the Mistress...her Mistress, for how could she be otherwise? She took the seat offered by Darla, with a soft "Thank you, Mistress...". She forced her gaze down, attempting to show some semblence of respect, which she'd most likely neglected by staring.

"I'm..." She tried to begin. "My name is Rowan. I'm not really sure why I'm here." Now that she could think clearer, embarassment and a twinge of fear took hold of her. "Your animal to call...it's wolves, isn't it?" Yes, fear...another person who would overpower her, own her. And the worst part was, Rowan knew she wouldn't mind submitting. Which is precisely why she did mind.

"Rowan...such a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. You have no need to fear me, I would no sooner harm you than myself. Yes, wolves are my animal to call, but you are more than an animal, for you are a person too, and I would not take advantage of that."

Biting down on her power, hard, Darla attempted to take some of the pressure away from Rowan, hoping to reduce the waves of fear rolling from the woman.

Rowan's golden skin blushed as Darla complemented her. Her fear was quieted by the vampiress' words, and her power had vanished, but Rowan still felt somewhat embarassed. "I was looking for a place to sleep when I first felt your...call. It seemed to pull me from my gut. My beast does not want to leave now, so I think...I must humbly beg you, may I stay? I have no money to offer, no way to repay you, but whether your power is reigned in or not, It will tear something in me to leave." Rowan realized suddenly that she had been speaking thoughts as soon as they came to her head. Was she being tactless or disrespectful? She prayed she was not. "I'm sorry. Perhaps I'm speaking out of turn. it is too soon for me to say such things." She kept her gaze firmly on the rug, out of something similar to shame.

Darla frowned softly and resisted the temptation to put a hand under Rowan's chin and lift her face to look at her. She was oddly upset that the woman was so distraught and afraid. She was mildy pleased that she had noticed her reigning in her powers, and settled instead for placing one white hand over Rowan's golden one.

"Rowan, of course you may stay. There is no need to be afraid of me, think yourself out of place, or wish to leave. I would love to have you here."

Looking at the woman before her, Darla sighed softly and watched the lingering blush play along her skin. A faint rose in the tanned flesh that made her smile.

"There is one way, seeing as you feel you need to, repay me for staying here. I do not want you to think that I am telling you to do this for me, and if you do not want to do it then you may stay here regardless. I was wondeing about the possibility of you becoming my pomme de sang. Do you know what that means?"

As she felt something cool touch her hand, Rowan's eyes flicked up to Darla's white fingers, soothing her. She had met so few powerful people who were this kind, aside from her first Ulfric. Even he had a still coldness to him though, one that could cut deep, but she rarely saw that side of him. Then, of course,. there was her second Ulfric. He won the pack with his power, and kept it with cruelty. She shuddered.

Then she heard The Mistress' mention of "pomme de sang". "I'm sure I've heard the term before, but no, I'm afraid I don't know what it means."

Smiling, she squeezed Rowan's hand as she shuddered, feeling the warmth of it and smiling once more before nodding and speaking softly.

"Not a problem. A pomme de sang, or 'apple of blood' in English, is the vampire term for a blood donor. If you were to become my pomme then it would mean that you would stay with me and in return I would feed from you. But to me it means much more, I would take care of you. I do not believe in the using of one for nothing more than food, you are a person first and foremost Rowan, and I leave you to make the decision. Should you refuse, then you are still welcome to stay here, so do not let the temptation of a place to stay influence your decision."

Thinking that it would be better for her to not be so close when she was making her decision, Darla let go of her hand and walked towards the enormous windows, opening them onto the sweetly scented night-time gardens. Turning back to Rowan, she smiled faintly but kept her distance, determined not to influence the woman.

Rowan's blush creeped back as Darla squeezed her hand. She hoped that Darla had not interpreted her shudder as the result of their hands touching. She would try not to think about her past when in Darla's presence.

She listened to the explanation of a pomme de sang. "Really? That's perfect! In fact, I was going to offer my blood as payment in the first place. It really is the only thing I have to offer. That, and my loyalty, of course."

As Darla stood up, her wolf whimpered within her. Something was tearing at her, ripping her pale fur. When Darla crossed the room, she felt as though a metaphysical limb was being torn away from her. I mean, physical pain is fine and dandy, but metaphysical sucks.

The words, "Don't go!" slipped through her lips in a whisper before she mustered the sense to bite her tongue. She gazed at the vampire, beautifully silhouetted in the window. The ache to go to her was eating Rowan alive, and the pain was in her eyes as she crossed the room to her Mistress.

Though the pain quieted, she still trembled. She though about offering her neck, but that might have involved getting closer to Darla than Darla would prefer. Out of respect for boundaries, she held her wrist out to Darla and whispered, "Please..." Her eyes were wide as she offered herself to the Mistress, her head screaming to her to offer her neck.

Hearing Rowans' whispered words, Darla's eyes widened slightly at the sheer desperation in her voice. Watching the woman walk towards her, she smiled and felt her heart start beating slowly. She, the Master of Miami, was nervous. How...unexpected.

"If you are sure this is what you want, then who am I to refuse?"

She had been about to say more when the vision before her stepped closer, with such pain-filled eyes and shuddering that it made Darla want to hold the poor woman. She was fairly certain now that her fear was not comepletely to do with herself, but it hurt her to see Rowan so hurt.

At the whispered 'please', Darlas' stomach trembled and she closed her eyes, her head tilted back slightly. Although she hated to admit it, the fear and emotions coming from Rowan was making her feel almost drunk. An intoxicating scent that mixed with the scent of flesh and wolf, combining in her nose to make a perfume as sweet as her roses.

Opening her eyes again, she looked at Rowan with eyes of icy blue and watched her hold out her wrists. The emotions flooding from the woman, however, screamed for her to bite her throat. Deciding to go with her mind, Darla nodded slightly before folding her into her arms gently and biting down into her throat. As that warm, almost tingling blood slipped down her throat, Darla resisted the temptation to moan softly and instead let her hands move to hold the small of her back and her shoulders, supporting her effortlessly as she fed. Her slow hearbeat sped up to a normal pace, the blood whispering though her veins in a rush almost audible to her. Feeling the warmth and life spreading though her body, her mind became focused on the two points that were her fangs, drawing that warmth into her as though she was standing near a fire. Her eyes closed and one hand went to Rowan's hair as she slowly pulled away, the sensations of the feeding and the feel of skin sliding over her fangs making her shiver. The hands on Rowan's back and in her hair slowly gained some color, a rosy flush covering her skin as she swallowed the last drop and felt it move all the way down her throat in a warm trickle.

Warning: The following may be considered slightly too sexual and is not recommended for those under 18 years of age.

Goddess, please don't refuse...Rowan wasn't sure if her thoughts addressed the divinity before her or the Great Mother. Perhaps both. Anything to be close to you, to touch you...

She watched as Darla closed her eyes, seeming to scent the air--almost like a wolf would absorb some delicious smell. When her eyes opened again, they were a color that reminded Rowan of an arctic sky. Was it hunger that seemed to make them brighter? Rowan's white wolf peered into Darla's eyes, eyes that reminded her so much of home. This quelled her fear and calmed her shuddering a bit, until she felt Darla's arms around her, seeming to ignore her outstretched wrists. Had the mistress read her mind? She felt another slight tremor of fear at that thought, but it slipped away as She felt Darla's teeth slide into her throat. The shuddering returned, but fueled by desire rather than fear alone. Yes, she was afraid, but this fear was caused by a delicious pain. The fear gave her a rush of adrenaline that tightened things deep in her abdomen. She almost squirmed in Darla's arms, but she didn't want to free herself. She wanted more, if anything. A whimpering moan escaped her lips as she felt her blood moving into Darla's mouth, and felt a single warm, tingling trickle escaping the vampire's lips and traveling down over Rowan's collarbone and chest. She felt Darla's arm move lower to hold her and faught the urge to wrap her own arms around the woman; she didn't know yet if that would bother her.

A hand in her hair soothed her thoughts--goddess, that had always been a weak spot of hers--and she slipped into a drunken, half-conscious state as her Mistress drained her. She started back to a moment of full consciousness as the fangs slid out of her skin, and she let out a shuddering breath, reduced once more to trembling in Darla's arms.

In her half-conscious state, memories flooded through her. Her former Ulfric's silhouette against a doorway. He was gone, the door was closed, and she lay on her side. The bed was wet with blood, getting colder, so cold. She was alone, bleeding, so much blood...so cold...healing. Healing.

Slowly, she was conscious again, her cheeks stained with tears. Trembling in Darla's arms, she was healing, but for once she was not alone.

Darla's mind was reeling from the powerful emotions flowing from Rowan, making her lick her lips in an almost nervous gesture and she moved to simply hold the woman. She hugged her with her newly warm body and whispered nothings in her ears, relying on her voice to try to calm her down. She had shared some of the memories running through Rowan's head, and she was biting down on cold fury at the thought of the supposed protector harming her. With some effort, she pushed that seething mass of rage down and promised herself that she would find that former Ulfric. Then, and only then, she would share her fury at the wolf's behaviour to Rowan.

Hugging Rowan tightly, Darla called a barest trace of her power so that she would not feel it, then pushed it into the woman. Where the power met fear she changed it to calm, and doubts she turned to certainty. It was not permanent, but merely enough to let Rowan relax and be free for a while. She covered the memories in a thick veil, there but softened so that it did not cut so deeply into her mind.

Once the fear was gone, the sheer desire hit Darla and made her eyes return to that icy blue of her power. It was powerful, and even stronger than her own. Perhaps Rowan was not doing this purely as payment for services rendered?

Rowan was awake now, the memories hidden away. That must have been Darla's doing. She looked up at the vampiress and let into her eyes just how grateful she was--and not just for veiling her memories. They were both radiating heat now, and rowan felt something close to pride knowing that it was her blood warming the vision before her. The warmth, and the fact that if she tried to stand on her own she would probably faint, made her wrap her arms tighter around the other woman, resting her head on Darla's shoulder, her lips buried in the hollow of her neck. It was not a kiss, however, because that might still seem too forward. But Goddess, what she wouldn't give for one kiss. She still trembled with desire, but it was a bit quieter now because she was coming back to her senses. She wanted to be anything that Darla needed, and she would do anything to stay here, so close to her.

Seeing the grateful look in her eyes, Darla smiled and held Rowan closer to her, one hand resting in the small of her back still, but the other running through her hair, almost petting her. Her eyes widened as Rowan leaned into her and put her head on her shoulder, lips in her throat. She could feel every tiny line in those lips, the heat and softness of them making her swallow just to press her skin harder against them.

Shocked and almost scared by the feelings coming from Rowan and herself, Darla let instinct take over. Not the vampire instincts, but the human ones still there in her mind. Leaning over, she placed a hand under Rowans' chin and lifted her face to hers, bringing their faces closer and their bodies molded to each others. In a bare whisper that held every inch of her need and intentions, she looked at Rowan and spoke.

"Is this what you want?"

Rowan felt frozen in place as Darla's skin pressed closer on her lips. Had it been intentional? Then, she felt Darla's hand on her chin. Rowan's breath caught in her throat as their bodies pressed into each other. There was so much need in her sentence that her tone meant more than her words did. Rowan tried to swallow (it turned out to be more of a convulsion in her throat), and had to try more than once before she succeeded in mouthing the word (It couldn't be considered a whisper, because she could barely breathe through her need):

"Yes."

THREAD CLOSED...CONTINUED IN THE MATURE SECTION