Adriana woke up that morning just as she had the night before, reaching for a man who wasn't there. This was not who she thought she would be dreaming of. It was Gerard. The dreams were so vivid, they were dreams of him taking her to his bed, making love all night. Adriana would wake up flushed and breathing heavy thinking she was in Gerard's home once again. Pushing the thought out of her mind, she got up and changed into her jogging suit for her late morning run trying to not think of the two men that had been in her dreams lately.

Adriana finally had a night to herself, not that she would complain if she had spent it with Gabriel, but tonight she was headed to a jazz club someone at work had told her about. Her day had been pretty quiet, she went into work and had met with a few potential clients, but no raisings were on her schedule. She kind of enjoyed sitting behind the desk instead of being at the cemetery for a change, but she would get restless if it happened all the time.

Sliding on one of her favorite dresses,a midnight blue cocktail dress with her hair swept up in a messy bun that still looked elegant. Sliding on matching heels and grabbing a clutch purse, Adriana made her way out to the street, electing to take a cab instead of driving into the heart of downtown. Flagging one down, she climbed in and had a smooth ride to th club. As the cabi pulled up she paid him, and added a nice tip as she
climbed out and into the club.

Stepping into the club,the sound of smooth jazz music hit her ears. Smiling, she took a seat at one of the tables, a table for 2. This is when she wanted to have someone with her, there was no telling who would walk up and join her. Oh well, that's the price you pay for going out alone. Adriana ordered a cosmo and turned her attention to the band on stage.

Kestral sighed as she drifted around the house aimlessly looking for something to keep her entertained.So far nothing caught her eye and let out a grumpy sounding whine. Tilting her head Kestral listened as the sound echoed off the walls and into the empty kitchen. Her parents were still out on the town enjoying a Play that had just come into town.They had tryed to include her but she had polietly declined.She might still be living at home but she wasn't going to spend all her time with her family. As she drfited past the Island Bar Kestral's mind wandered to the Black Hill Pack and what they were up too. It would be about mid-day in Calfornia surely someone would pick up if she called. She hovered next to the phone while trying to talk herself into calling when she spotted a flyer out of the side of her eye. Tilting her head to the side Kestral reached out and plucked the piece of paper up from its spot on the counter.

It was an Ad for a Jazz club promoting Local Talent. Kestral tapped her chin lightly as she read over the tiny print. She hadn't been to a Jazz Club in awhile and she had been looking for a reason to get out of the house.Deciding to go Kestral made her way to her room and picked out something suitable to wear. Dressed in a Golden Yellow Slip and a pair of white Sandals Kestral made her way to the Club.


Twenty mintues later Kestral was sipping on a Virgin White Russian and leaning against a wall. She hadn't worked on Mingling since becoming a Lycan and found the crowds to be a little overwhemling. Spotting a brunette standing by herself made Kestral feel not as bad for coming to a club without friends. Not that she had friends to begin with Kestral taunted herself. Hoping she wouldn't come off as pushy Kestral made her way over to the Woman.

"Having a Solo night?" Kestral asked with a smile on her face. She wrapped both hands around the drink in her hands while she waited for a Hello or Go away.

Adriana was lost in thought, glancing around, hearing snip its of conversations here and there. People watching was what her mom called it. She smiled as she stood up to walk to the bar to get a Cosmo to drink. Adriana now remembered why it was that she hadn’t dated someone in a while, it tended to complicate things. A few years without a boyfriend and suddenly she was dreaming of two men in her bed, isn’t life funny- especially since one of them is a vampire and the other an executioner of the undead. Yeah life was hilarious she thought dryly.

As she paid the barkeep and turned to the table to take her seat, a young lady came up and began speaking to her. “Yes, a night alone is nice after a crowded couple of weeks” she said smiling at the young woman. Extending her hand, she introduced herself. “I’m Adriana, nice to meet you.”

“And you, a solo night as well?” Figuring to make the best of it, she glanced back at the table she was seated at earlier and a couple had taken the table. Fantastic, she thought, that was a damned good table. “Do you have a table yet?” she asked, as she began walking to a table with four hairs that was in the middle. Good enough. “If not would you like to join me? Make the best out of a solo night” Adriana smiled.

Taking a seat, she saw the band making sure all their equipment was alright and set up. Taking another sip of her Cosmo, she turned back to the woman in front of her. “Do you live in Miami or just visiting?”

Kestral smiled as she shook Adrianna's hand.She smelled like earth and leaves, a lot like fall actually. She watched as the table that Adrianna was sitting at was taken by a Young Couple. Kestral turned her attention back to Adrianne as she spoke again.

"Nice to meet you too Adrianna,I'm Kestral" Kestral followed Adrianna as she moved to another table, this one in the middle of the room.The music seemed to flow around the two Women as they neared the table. Kestral wasn't that big of a Jazz fan but she enjoyed the sounds that surrounded her. Maybe she would get some Cd's while shopping the next day.

Kestral slide into the seat across from Adrianna and looked over at the main stage in time to see the band setting up. I guess the music playing now is from a DJ Kestral thought to herself as she smoothed down her light dress and leaned back in her chair. She set her drink down in front of her.

"Actually I just moved here,I'm from Northern Florida." Kestral admitted as she watched the couples enjoying themselves on the dance floor."I'm still taking in the sights like the tourist I no doubt look like."

Adriana smiled as the girl introduced herself as Kestral. She was happy to have some company tonight, as much as a night out with out a man was appealing, Adriana still felt a pang when she saw all the couples around and suddenly wished she had invited Gabriel. They hadn't seen each other in a while, Adriana was just too damn busy at work, but they exchanged calls and text messages when they could so they didn't loose touch.

Taking her seat, she laughed at Kestral's comment. "No, you don't look like a tourist." Taking another sip of her drink, "So how do you like Miami so far? It is a big change from where I lived. New York City is so different, but I have fallen in love with Miami."

There was movement on the stage that caught Adriana's eye. "Do you enjoy jazz music?" Looking at the sign, she finally saw the band's name written down, The Heat, local Miami Jazz . "My favorite part about living here is seeing the different culture and meeting so many...different people."

Kestral laughed when Adrianna did. She found it broke the ice quicker if she made a joke at her own expense, she really did believe you have to be able to laugh at yourself to be comfortable in you own skin. And for the most part she was at peace with her beast and everything that was going on in her life.

Kestral caught sight of the band finishing setting up and leaned forward to check out the lead singer. She didn't expect to remember the face but she would be able to tell her parents who had played tonight, if only to rub it in.

"Actually I'm from North Florida, St.Augustine to be exact I also used to spend my summer in San Diego so I now what you mean about different cultures."Kestral twisted her empty glass in her hands as she listened to the mellow tone in Adrianna's voice.

"I don't listen to alot of Jazz but my Parents like to play it when their home" Kestral admitted with a small shrug of her shoulder.

Adriana smiled seeing Kestral join in the laugh. She was glad she understood she wasn’t laughing at her. She seemed like a nice girl, but with her running luck, she could turn out to be an axe murder, she thought. Seeing the crowd migrate to the rest of the empty tables, Adriana assumed the show was going to start soon.

“Well aren’t you a sunshine girl. This is really the only place I have been outside of New York. I am enjoying the tropical feel here though. And the work isn’t bad here either, you practically feel like you are at the beach where ever you go.” Finishing off her drink, she smiled again, “What do you do?”

The waiter came by and Adriana ordered another drink, making sure that it was less strong than the first one she had. She turned to Kestral to let her order if she would like. Just then the lights dimmed and the band began. The whole crowd gave a round of applause and Adriana gave Kestral a smile before turning her attention to the stage.

Kestral nodded at what Adrianna said, she was a tropical kid.She loved Califorina and the simmer visits but was always glad to come home. Hearing Her question about jobs Kestral blushed slightly.She was still looking actually.Seemed like no one needed a Book Keeper with a History degree.

"Im actually still looking for a job" she admitted as the waiter came up and refilled their drinks.
She settled back in her seat when the lights dimmed suddenly and the Lead singer approached the Mic.

Kestral sighed at the first notes hit her enhanced ears,Music was great no matter what gene it was. She tilted her head to the side as she watched the singer sing for all he was worth. She could smell the sweat and heat coming off the band , it made her beast sit up and pay attention.

Adriana's smile faltered a bit when she saw Kestral blush. "Oh I am sorry." It was now Adi's turn to blush, "Well, what kind of job are you looking for? Maybe I can keep my eye out for you."

Adriana had just got the sentence out when the band took stage. They played very well. Her foot began taping along with the beat and her head swayed on some songs. Adriana smiled, she would have to take Gabriel here one night.

About 4 songs in, they decided to take a break. Announcing it was a five minute interlude, they shuffled off back stage. Turning in her chair to Kestral, she flashed her a smile. "So how do you like the solo night so far? Liking the band?"

Kestral opened her mouth to anwer Adrianna's question when the band started playing. Grinning Kerstral leaned back in her chair to enjoy the music.They were pretty decent though she didn't have a lot to compare them too. Now that she knew the name of the band she could go out and buy a cd,maybe ask her Parents if they had heard of the group.Knowing her mother, she more than likey had,She was a big supporter of Home town Talent. Tapping her fingers against the table in time to the beat Kestral started humming along,Her beast seemed to approve of the uplifting beats as well and Kestal had to hum a little louder than normal to cover up the purring.

While the band was taking a five minute break Kestral turned back to Adrianna."Im actually a book-keeper/Hand to Hand Expert, There's not a big market for that apparently". Kestral nodded and smiled as Adrianna spoke again."Im all for Girls night out ,I really haven't had a chance to meet to many people since I got here."

Adriana thought she heard a small purring noise, but it would be drowned out by the band or other noises. Adriana scanned the crowd for Jonathan or a few of the leopards she met. Nothing. A small glance at Kestral and she couldn't help but wonder.

"Well, sweetie, I wish I could help you. Not much need for bookkeepers in my field. I am an Animator and the only thing I am in need of is a good receptionist." Adriana laughed. "Mine is a little too friendly and gives out too much information. She also is the receptionist for all 4 of the animators, and I have been flooded with calls..." Adriana stopped. "I'm sorry I have been rambling on about work."

"Anyways" she saw the waiter come by and drop off the new drinks and took them both and handed Kestral's to her. "Trust me, one event can snowball to where you have friends of all sorts" Adriana wondered if Kestral caught her meaning- humans lycan, vamps- all sorts.

Kestral gave a small shrug as she picked up her new drink. She had just gotten her so it wasn't like she had to get a job right away or anything.

"Thanks for the offer,I just need to do the leg work and walk around putting out Applications and what-not".Kestral picked up her water and took a sip.She really didn't want anything strong if she was going to drive home.

"I heard from some friends that there was actually alot of Lycans here..Mostly Cats.Is that true?" Kestral asked toying with her glass.

Adriana gave a friendly smile. "Well I wish you luck." Taking a sip of her drink, she knew she wouldn't finish it, but she enjoyed the sweet taste of the Cosmo.

Adriana broke out into a grin. If it was cats she wanted to find, she was the one to ask. So the purring must have come from Kestral. "Actually I have only met leopards and lions. Are you a cat?"

"I actually know...well I have met, the Ni- er Nimra" Adriana stumbled over the word. "She is a very nice woman. I also know, well I guess now he is the Rex..." she said thinking out loud.

"I actually have pretty close ties to the lions of Miami, well once they need me. I am their spiritual guide, help them dealing with matters of the dead."

Kestral listened hopefully to Adrianna after mentioning the Cat lycans.She had her fingers crossed up the table so that no one walking by could see. She loved her parents and got to talk to her friends often on the phone but she missed hanging out with other Furry inclined People.She parent could only be so understanding, they really had no idea what it was like to need the contact and closeness that came with having a Pack or Pard.

She grinned a bit as Adrianna mentioned knowing both the Nimir-Ra and the Local Rex. She had done some wishful thinking that there was more than two or three cats here but to know that there was Lions and Leopards was really exciting.

"You got me" She admitted."I'm actually a Tiger. I really didn't know there was so many Cats here. I was thinking there was only a handful at best".

Adriana smiled, as it looked like her answer to Kestral's question was a good one. "Well I haven't met anything but cats, I don't even know any other species, well don't know them personally, in Miami." Adriana took one last sip bringing her drink half way and she set it aside. That is more than enough for me she thought.

Adriana looked a little puzzled, a tiger? She didn't even know there could be weretigers. You learn something new everyday. "Wow. A tiger. I didn't even know...are there many tiger lycanthropes? I always knew feline strains were harder to contract then canine forms..." Adriana was more or less thinking out loud.

Shaking her head to stop herself, she gave Kestral another smile. "Do you have a preference which group you meet first? I can always talk to them to see when they can meet a new lycan."

Kestral watched as Adrianna pushed her half finished drink away from herself.

'Yeah there's not alot of Tigers out there.They usually are born not made.Lucky me ,I was in the wrong place at the wrong time." Kestral gave a half smirk at her words.

Taking a deep breath Kestral considered who she would like to meet first."I think I'd like to meet the Leoprads first".

Adriana gave a soft smile to Kestral, knowing that the attack wasn't a subject someone would want to talk about, so she left it at what she said. Nodding at wanting to meet the leopard queen, Adriana reached into her purse and took out her day planner in which she kept contact information, appointments and her business cards.

Taking the pen from it's compartment, she flipped to the contacts and began writing Kestral's name. "I don't feel comfortable giving out someone else's number, can I have your number and as soon as I hear from her I will give you a call. I am sure the Queen is rather busy so I don't want to spring something so unexpected as a new lycan in town on her without any notice."

Kestral nodded as she rattled her cell phone number off to Adrianna.That did make sense to her,it would be odd to call someone that she hadn't met.What would she say anyway?

"So are there alot of Leopards here? My home town had alot of wolves and Rats,.. that was about it though".
Kestral leaned forward and braced her hands on the table in front of her while waiting for the band to take the stage again.

Adriana saw the band moving back to the stage, so she took the number down and smiled. "Well I have met" she stated counting on her fingers "three, no four of them. So I am not sure how many there actually are."

Listening to the band start their next set, she hummed along with a couple songs she knew and just plain enjoyed the night. She tapped her foot and her fingers with the beat. They were really good. She may have to find out if they have a CD or not.

As the band thanked everyone for coming out, Adriana and the rest of the club gave them a round of applause. Adriana stood up, smiling at Kestral. Extending her hand, "Thank you for making my night more sociable than I thought. It was very nice to meet you. Hopefully you will be hearing from me soon. And if somehow I get side tracked" Adriana took out her business card and handed it to her "just give me a call. Hey if you ever need a zombie raised, you can give me a call" she laughed.

Kestral stood when Adrianna did pushing in her seat as she stepped away from the table.She watched as everyone slowly made their way to the exits or the bar. Looking back to Adrianna she reached out her hand and shook Adrianna's.
"Thanks for making my night not aboring as it was sure to be" Kestral slipped the card that was handed to her into her small clutch."Im not sure if I'll ever need the dead raised foe me but I might give you a call to have another Girl's night out".

Adriana smiled, "Well you did the same for me. I am sure I would have been all alone at the table and wouldn't enjoy the band as much" she nodded. Parting ways at the door, she gave a wave of her hand and began walking down the street to hail a cab.

That was a great plus about being a woman, cabs stopped for you. Sexism worked sometimes, she laughed to herself as she climbed in. She gave the cabby her address and off they were.

Deciding to call Rhia now before she got too busy to do it again, she began dialing. It went to her voice mail, so Adriana checked what time it was. Damn it was almost midnight...by then the voice mail beeped at her. Leaving a message about Kestral, she hung up and began humming one of the songs she had heard that night.

Paying the cab driver, she headed up to her home. Most people didn't like condos, thought they were too concrete. Adriana had fallen in love with hers, it was right on the outskirts of the resorts and other condos that lined the beach. She could go out on the balcony and look toward the city or go to the private deck from her bedroom and gaze out across the beach.

Smiling as she thought of Gabriel once again gazing out across the moonlit waters. Adriana set her cell phone on the night stand and went to take a steam shower before she crawled into bed. A smile was on her face as she drifted off to sleep thinking about Gabe. Soon the dreams turned to Gerard once again, just as she had last night and the few nights before.