hey street boy -BADNIGHTS- The Girl Next Door [c]

[GEMENI AMORETTE FOUCAULT]

This was her first time trying out a new jogging trail with Lady ever since her last time running when she'd run into that absolutely loathsome and terrifying man. There had never been someone that could get under her skin like Abbadon had, they'd only spent an hour or so together because their dogs had hit it off horrifyingly well and Gem just hadn't had the heart to tear Her black and white husky away from Abbadon's Tan and white one. He'd found everyone of her buttons though and had enjoyed pushing them, he'd kept his distance and still she could feel his eyes on her and the fact that she could practically feel him peeling through all her layers with no effort at all, it really left Gem feeling vulnerable to a man she had not doubt thought she was spoiled and self righteous. When all was said and done though, they'd left on fairly awkward waters and Gem just didn't want to risk running into the man again.

It was almost a week later though and she really needed to go running, the day was quickly coming to an end and though it drove her mother's nerves up the wall to do it, Gem like always donned her running apparel and partner and took off down her driveway for a much needed and overdue run. The girl had made it a point to avoid the park though, she knew the chances of running into the same person in that park were slim but she just wasn't willing to bank her chances. Not that she was hot shit or anything... But well... She'd been told so once or twice what of it? Regardless, what was wrong with trying something new? Taking the path literally less taken. Lady didn't seem to be a fan of it though and the quickly falling sun wasn't helping the unease in Gem's stomach or Lady's forceful pulling on her leash.

"Lady!" Gem ordered, which calmed the dog down, if only fractionally but it was relief on Gem's arm as she relaxed slightly only to find that Lady had spotted something in the distance and darted off after it. "Lady! Gem screamed at the dog in annoyance and slight fear when she'd noticed the light was far more gone than not and her dog had disappeared.

"Lady Diamant Foucault!" Gem screamed after her husky yet again but the dog it seemed had darted off, leaving Gem alone in the quickly darkening area near an abandoned building with a feeling of dread quickly rising in her as she took off running in the direction her husky had gone doing her best not to look freaked out by the situation or the area and as much as she hadn't wanted to, she could hear her mother's chastising and it had taken a lot on her part not to let her eyes well up with tears right that moment as she wondered where it was her Lady had disappeared to.

Please be waiting for me...

She thought to herself, taking in a deep breath as she kept on running completely oblivious to the two men that had come out of the building and had taken an interest in her. Gem just wanted the hell out of this area, she hadn't been to the regular side of town let alone the bad side after dark since she was a girl and it didn't take a genius to see that there was no girl around those parts. Breathe, just breathe... Gem chanted to herself in her mind, willing back any and all panic, she was almost at the end of this building, she wouldn't be to far from a main road where she'd be able to call her mom to help her look for Lady and just get the hell home and forget the past five minutes had ever happened.

Luck just hadn't seemed to be on her side though because before Gem could blink she'd been cutoff by a much taller, much bigger and all around much more intimidating figure then Gem and all the girl could think to do was look up at him and blink, praying to God she didn't look half as terrified as she belt.

"Didn't anybody ever tell you it isn't safe to be near these woods alone Little Red...." The deep timbre in the man's voice sent chills rolling down Gem's spine and she shook her head dumbly swallowing the lump that had lodged itself in her throat that had kept her from talking. It was when she'd backed up slightly and bumped into the brick wall that she'd frozen, blood cold as ice when she felt the wall rumble with amusement and the girl refused to look behind her and make eye contact with the second man. All her reactions seemed to do though was further amuse them both and they began to speak about her.

"I hope she tastes as sweet as she smells."

"Sure would be a waste to just leave her."

"We could always use another bitch."

And it had been like a fire was lit in the girl, who the hell did everyone think Gem was? She wasn't property she wasn't weak and she sure as hell wasn't a bitch (that they knew of at least). Before she could properly thinking anything through Gem shoved her hands into the stomach of the first man who'd forced himself closer to her and though he was unbelievably strong Gem had given herself enough room to break free and darted away from them not giving the man behind her the chance to grab her. This was where she was banking her money on her physical fitness and long legs, she needed to get somewhere seen and get help she couldn't waste her breath right now though, she just had to let her legs carry her as fast and as far as she could push them too go.

Something was wrong with this entire picture though, she could hear them laughing as though it was just a game.

"I love fast food."

"Taking out the fight for us how nice."

"Shall we?"

And before Gem could reach the light, just as she neared the end of the building she felt them on her trail, doing her best to fake them out Gem quickly turned into the building running for life towards the nearest exit, panic settling in quite nicely when she felt one of them pull on her racer tank, grabbing the hem but Gem quickly snatched it away and pushed harder.

"She's really starting to irritate me Nick."

"Let's get this over with then."

What were they on?!?! Gem couldn't understand, she'd been so close to the door and in the next second she'd felt a long arm wrap around her petite waist and shove her into the wall closest to the door. Gem's breathing was ragged and her chest burned but still she fought against the man behind her, pushing against him, finding now that the amusement he'd once taken in it was long gone.

"I was thinking about making this quick on you but I think I'm going to enjoy making you scream, why don't you give me a little yell now. Let's see who'll save you."

She could hear the laughing from the other man somewhere behind her as though he was just taking in the show as she kicked and thrashed but refused to open her mouth. Whatever happened she wouldn't give them any damn satisfaction in knowing they were going to get her. She had to think and had to think fast, the exit was right there how could she get just that arm's length over, how could she just make them think that they had won.

"Fine." Gem said through gritted teeth, her voice close to a growl but she wasn't entirely sure that it was anger that had caused that and not just an overwhelming growing panic as to what was about to happen. Letting her body fall slack, something the man hadn't been counting Gem fell to her knees while the man fell face first to the wall and quickly crawled to the door, pushing it open, seeing civilization just right there but again felt herself being forcibly grabbed and pulled back.

"No!" Gem screamed before starting to kick and flail her limbs, help was just. Right. There. "Get off of me!" Was all Gem could think to say anymore as her fists and legs hit any and everywhere she could reach on either man, this wasn't happening, no way in hell, she'd die before she let anything happen to her.

Tagged For: Barrett

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[BARRETT CALLUM LOND]

This was more so the unsavory part of the obligation Barrett felt he owed to the pack - especially now. Without structure there were a few of their little wolfies running just a little wild, while a majority were clinging to the hope of structure finally returning. He by no means wanted to step into the position of alpha, it wasn't strength he lacked - but ambition. It really took that little something extra to lead a whole bunch of people, make it work one way or another, and keep yourself together at the same time. That said...going out and making sure none that carried the marks of Kinbok did something they'd regret was just a small price to pay to him, and the first place he usually started patrolling around was the Factory. An old abandoned warehouse which at first glance was nothing special, but was home to some of the most brutal, bloody and cruel fights imaginable.

Werewolves whether they be from Kinbok, Vokul or were simple rogues always seemed to gather up here and duke it out if they had problems that needed a little more physical debating. In his younger days he'd come familiar with this world. Back then there had been a lot less "rules" so to say, back before he really understood anything and had learned how to resist a change from a strong enough dominant. Fear, and sheer force of will had been enough for Barrett to stop being used like he had. He didn't boost what kind of power really waited in the furthest corner of his being. He simply didn't want anyone to know. He never played to the political power games of the pack and try to raise to the top - but Matthew had known...He'd been able to tell years ago what potential Barrett had and that he was more then some average joe - and more along the lines of some kind of dark horse. But not wanting to dive to deeply back into memories that he had successfully buried years ago, he shook the old ghosts away before they could fill his mind up like an ugly choking fog. He already wore the scares on his body like shameful medals, no need to relive the days too.

Needless to say he knew this part of town well, knew every hideout, dark hole and questionable shadow like it was a second home - as much as he wish he didn't. He'd grown up here so it didn't scare him, but others to young to know what being here could mean...Barrett wanted to save anyone he could from having to live in it as well. Save them from repeating the path he'd had to fight his way off of, almost quite literally. Others, well...it was to late for some.

On foot Barrett walked the quiet streets, just before dawn there wasn't a whole lot of activities in these parts - but it didn't mean by any means that noone was around. He could smell it in the air a distinct musky odor - wolf...didn't matter the flavor - there was some bad little doggies out tonight. The air carried a tinge of something else that despite all his good intentions got his pulse jogging...fear. Someone elses fear, helpless and just so, so enticing. So that's where he started - following his nose and it wasn't long until he was stopped in his tracks before he rounded the building. A scream, crisp and desperate - it sent his heart to his mouth, somewhat eager for the fight he just knew was ahead and anxiety. Barrett had come to detest confrontation, but he didn't even bother sparing a second thought before he was racing forward - wondering what could have possibly been going on here, his features set in a hard determined line. The first body he smashed into like a blur, fist connecting solidly to didn't have time to react. Action first questions later, it seemed.

He felt the shock of the blow up his own arm like a blossom of pain, and own fingers numbing - and had the figure been anything else but were Barrett would have probably broken the face along with his hand. The other man staggered but didn't go down like he'd hoped and because of it he had to put all his attention there instead of where it needed to be. He wasn't sure - since he hadn't been able to get a real good look - but he was certain that one more man had his grips on a girl. Small...and definitely not werewolf. By this point as Barrett closed the gap with his opponent once more, both hands balling up to fists, he landed a series of punches. Quick powerful bursts impacting on the muscle bound mass in front of him. He caught the man's jaw, once square in the nose again and even managed to get a jab in the throat. Didn't matter what you were made of - get hit square in the adam's apple you're gonna come up gasping - even though it was an awkward punch.

Barrett really didn't give himself time to think about just how hurt he wanted to make this guy because with the last blow he was finally staggered, clasping at the seriously inflicted area as he gagged and made these little satisfactory noises - but had the sense to scramble backwards then run tripping over himself away. Not wasting another minute he turned his furious gaze right onto the couple the growling words stopped him hunched and lowered in a readily offensive stance.

"Now, thats enough of that, Kinbok dog...or I'll snap her pretty little neck..."

The thread wasn't empty, Barrett could taste the truth on his tongue. Not just that - but even in the dim light given off by the flickering security light he saw the hand around her convulsing in warning. Part of him wanted to say, what of it? Give me an excuse to rip you limb from limb, but he merely let a forced hiss of air. His breath was heavy in his chest the adrenaline was thick in his veins now. He couldn't honestly risk her life just at the chance to sink his teeth into the man and rip him clean open. His startling blue eyes were wide, watching and waiting before he grunted, "thought you'd have a little fun tonight, did you? Sorry to have ruined your plans..."

The son a bitch actually smiled as he lowered his face next to the girls, her eyes were wild and panicked as she choose that moment of all times to let out small airy little sounds of fright. "Oh...I don't think you've ruined anything actually." He watched as the werewolf flicked his tongue out over her cheek and he saw her shiver - knew it was in disgust but whatever the reason it seemed to please the hell out the rogue. "Mmm, she taste so good...don't tell me you don't want a try."

He had to bite down the urge to smart off about his sexual preference, but petty word games was the least of his problems. Just what was he going to do to get her safely away from this creep without getting her hurt? Shit, Barrett thought as he scrambled to come up with something...

[GEMENI AMORETTE FOUCAULT]

Gemeni hadn't stopped struggling but being pinned to the floor wasn't exactly helping her spirits and though she tried her hardest not to do it and hated herself for having let it happen, a tear slipped past Gem's eyes when she heard both the men laughing at her quickly vanishing fight.

"I love it when girls like you fight, I think I love it more though to see the look in your eyes when you know there's no getting out of it."

Gem could feel the truth in the man's word and heard it in the laughter of the man standing close by. She wondered how she'd managed to put herself into this situation, wondered if her mother was looking for her yet. of she'd called her father to tell her that she hadn't called yet. Gem wanted to detach herself from the man that had her pinned, that laughed every time he saw her shake in repulsion because of how close he was. Gem could feel the vomit rising in her throat at the smell of his breath, it was almost like rotting meat and all she could do was continue to try and slide away as the man above her continued to press harder against her body making getting in a good breath increasingly difficult.

"Would you stop playing with your food already?"

The man above her seemed bothered and Gem's eyes grew as big as saucers at what he'd said and again all her reaction seemed to do was further amuse the man holding her down.

"What's wrong with ju-"

There wasn't much a chance to get anything else out because from the corner of both of their eyes, a large blur had practically tackled the second person in the room out of eyesight and the loud crash that followed only seemed to be followed by a few more cracks and a very unpleasant sound of labored breathing and Gem had to force herself not to look but instead try and wiggle out of the grips of the man who'd seemed to have reached a whole new boiling rage, if the way his hands were twitching was any sort of tell tale sign. Her movements though only seemed to have called his attention back to her and that loathsome stare instantly froze Gem and turned her blood cold because there was something not quite human about the way his eyes were holding her down. He looked more the part of a wild animal ready to attack.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, you little bitch, rest assured you'll be paying for this interruption."

Gem swallowed deeply and froze at the rage pooling in the man's eyes, there was nothing normal about that look in his eyes or the way his grip on her neck tightened noticeably. His nails dug into her skin and she could feel the way his fingers throbbed with her racing pulse. "Please." She whimpered, Gem didn't even care to call the cops so long as she was allowed to go on her way and never come back this way again. In her desires to be let go Gem hadn't noticed that his attention was no longer on her until she heard the exchange between her captor and the stranger, it was then that she had noticed that the other man had left and though it wasn't much of a comfort there was still a slight hope in Gem that she'd get out of this for the most part unscathed.

"Now, thats enough of that, Kinbok dog...or I'll snap her pretty little neck..."

Was what the teen heard but more so felt when the hand around her neck threatened to tighten just another fraction, making her hands wrap around his in an effort for him to ease his grip on her but what happened next only made her lip snarl in disgust. He licked her, any sort of playful banter between the two men had gone up in smoke when she'd felt his tongue on her body, something no amount of facial scrubs would ever take away. Just what the hell kind of fetishes were these guys a part of?! There wasn't much more said after that and Gem turned her face to see the man who was for the most part covered by the shadows, but his eyes.... They were focused with an angry determination on the man holding her and it frightened Gem to be able to see that through the shadows. It was turning her blood cold, how could this man laugh in his face?

She knew why though..

He had the upper hand after all, here was Gem, the oh so cliche damsel in distress dead center in the arms of the big bad wolf while her knight in shining armor was making his move, the only thing that was missing was the proverbial white steed. Gem was no damsel though, she wasn't weak and she sure as hell didn't want to let this man have his way, if this man wanted to help her out that was great but it was only obvious that the man with his hand around her neck, face sickeningly close to hers, his breath hot on hers and all Gem knew was she had to get away from him, away from this damn place, there was still Lady too. Where had her husky gotten to? Her parents were going to be furious and how was she going to be able to hide this from them because if she let them know where it was she had gone running, they'd never let her out of the house again and they'd probably end up building her a tower to spend the rest of her life in, forcing Bianca to bring Gemeni her meals.

That certainly wasn't what Gem wanted and before she could even bring herself to think of it, the girl brought her lips up to the man's as much as the action literally made her skin crawl, She distracted him enough to feel his grip on her loosen, be it confusion or actual stupidity Gem didn't really care to question and before he thought to deepen anything, the girl opened her closed eyes to watch his reaction when she suddenly and without warning brought her teeth down harshly on the man's bottom lip, rather pleased with the reaction he had when he realized what she was doing. She felt the man's warm blood seep into mouth and as disgusting as it was, she couldn't help but to smirk at the man, though the glory didn't last long as he harshly grabbed her by the neck again, his blood running down both their chins.

"You stupid little bitch!"

She could feel him tightening his grip on her and quickly her smug attitude turned into fear for her life again when she started gasping for air, her hands clawing at the arm tightening around her "pretty little neck" leaving angry red welts yet nothing deterred the man from cutting off her air supply the harder she struggled and tried to move away, the hazier the room started to get, and the harder it felt for her lungs to get any good air in.... Where was her damned knight in shining armor already!?

[BARRETT CALLUM LOND]

Barrett was so caught up trying to figure out what to do, to a point where it was almost a panicked urgency that he lost focus on the adrenaline fueling his body to take action. Oh it was still there pumping and keeping him rigid, but he was at a loss. He couldn't willingly let this girl get hurt - it was so painfully obvious what she wasn't, her fear peppered the air and tasted of nothing metaphysical. There was no cracking of energy in the night swept air around them except for Barrett and the rouge so even if she was just ordinary, plain old human there was no doubt she'd be able to feel the insect like crawl of energy along her skin caught between the two heated power houses of the werewolves. What could he do though.

That was the million dollar question. It would tear him up with up with guilt to know that he could have prevented something and didn't. He didn't know her, he didn't owe her, but she was still breathing, had a pulse and very much alive. He wasn't one of the monsters. Barrett wasn't one of those scary things in the night that went bump - he didn't deny that there was something dark in him - but he looked to perserve life where ever he could. He wasn't mean or harsh so its why he couldn't even begin to entertain the idea of going after the Wicked Truth for killing Mathew.

A lost look started to fray at the edge of his eyes, he knew that. It was a weakness as much as it was strength. Barrett was a bleeding heart even in the face of someone that meant harm. It didn't mean he didn't have have a natural driving instinct to live, but he could fight against someone that really meant to kill him?

With a mental shake he found his focus as the animal in him found something to concentrate on - he felt himself slipping down in that dark place where the wolf was kept as the smell of blood rushed toward him, coating the top of his mouth like a candy so sweet he knew he would love a taste. Barrett then in that instant - distance himself from this or that girls death was going to be on his hand. So to better his conscious (even though he knew it would still leave a battle of conflict in him later on) he let the wolf do what it had it wanted to do since smelling the other dominant. The great black gray and white wolf was pacing, snarling and swiping those large dangerous claws at him to let him out, using his body like a tuning fork and making him shudder - he couldn't keep the flinch from his face. It was a physical reaction to the imaginary. (Except the wolf wasn't imaginary - merely not something physical...yet.) He hadn't had this reaction to his beat in..very long time. Of course he hadn't had to deny it in even longer.

He was in control here though, so he called to that other side of him and the wolf came running, like rolling thunder as he half watched it run up the tunnel toward the surface of him and the rogue. Barrett watched as the man squeezed her neck, as her lips turned purple for biting him and the color of her dusky skin drew pale. The man's fingers strained to crush her throat - he could see the tendons actually bulging in his effort. But he could see something change instantly when Barrett's wolf hit the surface like a wall of water, his real energy spilling over him like a cloak and extending out - he finally tasted true fear...

A growl rumbling low and pleased from Barrett's human lips. His eyes glowed like burning amber, but with his iron clad control Barrett was able to merely let the wolf surface like a hand breaking calm waters - or the face peek out for a breath. This close to the edge it was hard not to send the wolf flailing from its prison. But he saw the way the other man eased up his grip, his attention coming to the clearly more dominant one in this battle. He pushed then sending his power out like a truck to slam into the man. Control or not - he couldn't really stop what happened next - his hands he felt the bones twisting, snapping and growing in a way they shouldn't have under his skin. The fingers nails grew, pointing and curling out beyond was possibly natural, and his lips actually peeled back into a warning snarl. Barrett had lost himself enough he could do this....and the man made one crucial mistake: he stepped back. Showing weakness, backing down.

With that Barrett moved with that impossible speed, rushing the both of them with a grace that suggested he had muscles in places no one supposed to. Keeping himself relatively low, he abruptly stopped in front of the two of them, but carried the energy flowing as he raised one hand to knock the arm holding the girl away. There was an instant, a span of a few heart beats, when realization dawned on wall of man and he silently confirmed it for him. Yes, I am alpha here, leave or die. His other hand was drawn back and tense, but he knew that even though the warning had been sent and received on some other level other then words...a more basic level...the nameless rogue took action against it.


When you're scared you do questionable things. When you know death is staring you in the eyes its in every one of us to do one of two things. Run or fight. He chose to fight. And Barrett would make sure it was the last thing he would ever do.

He dropped the girl, tossed her really, like a limp rag doll to the side and pushed himself forward with a wild urgency that was probably more alarming then Barrett's control ever would be. He felt himself rolling back taking the weight of his opponent with him. They both had a grip on each other, exchanging blows and snapping blunt teeth at each other. There was still the question of why he was risking his neck for someone he didn't even know, but it was in the back of his thoughts floating uselessly in the violence he'd soaked himself in. They tumbled and rolled - slashing and cutting until the air was perfumed with nothing but the metallic twinge of blood.

Barrett found himself on top, taking control through the rush of authority and knowledge that he was going to win. It was in a blink of an eye that it happened - one moment he was all anger, and murderous intent, then then next he was paralyzed with slack horror. His hand was plunged in the mans stomach - digging in through the yielding flesh, wrist deep and his fingers shredding through intestines. It could have been a killing blow if only he would yank upward through his body - and in a sickening moment knew he could...wanted to. But he pulled his hand out slowly, felt the slimy torrid meat of the man slid along his flesh - it had a sound too. Squelching like a suction cup as he hurried to get away stumbling back from where he was so his back and shoulders hit the cool ground behind him. Maybe the rogue could heal if someone came along that was strong enough to make him change. The likely hood of that happening though...

His breaths were bordering on panicked, leaving his mouth in quick burning pants, a cold sweat littering his brow and stinging the gashing on his cheek neck and arms. There was a shiver, a trembling, that invaded him and he scrambled up as he fought his roll of nausea - it had been enough to drive the wolf back in him with it leaving his hands purely human once again. He turned almost as an afterthought to the crumpled heap of the girl near him and even though he wanted nothing more then to run he took the few staggering steps toward her and bent to pick her up. Barrett felt clumsy and numb but manage to gather her up in his arms- one hand under her shoulders the other behind her knees.

He did run then, or something similar to it leaving behind the body and stumbling back to his apartment, taking every shadowy back alley and path he could think of. Barrett couldn't stop now couldn't look down to the girl in his arms or give himself time to think, because if he did he may not be able to function again for quite some time. He wasn't even sure if she was alright - but he did know she was breathing. Her lower face was covered in the rogues blood, and his own cuts added to the macabre picture as they dripped uninhibited.

It was like a sigh of relief to cross over the threshold of his own home, his domain, and knowing he'd actually made it back here without anyone seeing him. He deposited the girl on the couch as soon as he was able to and he headed to the bathroom, not taking care to see if she had regained conscious or check on her anymore then that...he had to get to the bathroom, wash his hands and his face. Barrett had to take care of himself before he could take care of anyone else...

[GEMENI AMORETTE FOUCAULT]

Gem couldn't tell you what it was that happened, she was fairly certain she'd died, at least that's what she'd supposed when she'd felt her airway closed off and her eyes rolled to the back of her head. Granted had she'd seen any of what was happening around her at that moment, she probably would have ended up dying anyway.

No, Gemeni wasn't dead though, she'd missed her hero's rather gruesome victory and that he'd taken her with him. It was only the sound of rushing water and the warm change in temperature that slowly roused her from her haze. Her throat felt raw, both inside and out she brought a hand to gingerly touch her throat before she even opened her eyes but found that the skin felt like it was on fire with a simple touch and instead dropped her hand down to her stomach, while the other gingerly touched her head. It felt like a ten ton weight had fallen on it and she honestly didn't want to open her eyes.

She wasn't home... Gem could only tell that much, had she been home her sister would have been crying, her mother would have been coddling and her father would have been scolding, which only made the girl grateful, given the splitting headache she had. Her eyes stayed closed and honestly she didn't want to wake up from her oxygen deprived slumber. She did think of Lady though, of her baby wandering around, and it was enough to bring out the tears from the girl who cried silently to herself behind closed eyes, a few managing to slip past her closed eyelids as she wondered to herself how she was going to get back back.

It was all her fault, she was just being stupid and hard headed over a man that didn't matter, a man she'd probably never see again and had put herself in danger because of it. Her tears fell freely at this point, though none of it had to do with her attack, sure sooner or later the reality of it would sink in but for Gem the worst of it all had been letting Lady go, what the girl didn't understand was why she hadn't gone back. It wasn't like Lady to wander, she stuck by Gem through everything, what the hell had caught her eye?

Behind her the rustling of someone moving caught her attention but she didn't say a thing, didn't move, simply lay inthe same position, tears falling from her eyes, just trying to steal a few moments to herself to try and cope with all that had just happened, and all that had been avoided. How did you thank someone from saving you from not one attacker, but two? Especially when one had practically tried to kill you? Gem didn't know and didn't want to think about it, and the soft sofa she'd been laid on was really doing nothing to help the situation. All she wanted was for the sofa to swallow her whole, to take it away, and to give her Lady back.

"Where am I?" Gem finally asked somewhat hoarsely and thick with emotion, the girl managed to crack open her eyes, but found the light to be a bother and instead closed them again, her headache grateful for that bit as she rubbed her head gingerly once again and brought her other hand up to her face, finding something drying to her face, "What is this?" She asked in confusion though her eyes didn't seem to want to focus on a thing and she simply let it be for the moment. Digging her head deeper into the armrest she was rested against Gem once again thought back to Lady. "My dog... Do you have her?" And once again her voice was filled with emotion and a false hope she knew she shouldn't have given herself. Gem wasn't an idiot, Lady wasn't going to appear out of nowhere when she hadn't obviously been close enough to hear her screams, the girl just didn't want to believe that something had happened to Lady or that she'd let herself get taken away.

Again Gem began to softly cry, though not as quietly as she had before, a soft sniffle managing to get through at the thought of Lady once again, at thinking that her parents were going to kill her for a whole lot of reasons and to top it all off after they saw her neck they were going to shackle her to her bed until someone married her. "I'm so screwed." Gem mumbled to herself more so than to the stranger who had helped her, fighting against the fact that her body just wanted to give into the temptation of sleep, Gem sat up slowly, feeling the world spinning and her stomach churning with every slow moving action she made. With her eyes still shut tight and her head resting against the back of the pillows, Gem forced herself to open her unwilling eyes, that flinched at all signs of light but there was no possible way she could stay in this stranger's house, not only would her parents kill her, they'd probably try to press charges, precious cargo and all that Gem was.

Hey eyes slowly adjusted to the dim lights of the room she was in, and Gem could tell instantly that though this man may not have been well to do, he probably lived comfortably enough and from what she could tell.. Was probably single, she didn't know why, what with his heroic morale, who wouldn't want a man like that? Then again who would want someone that brings strange passed out girls home with him? Gem didn't feel one bit of danger though and in fact found herself looking for the man that had saved her.

"May I have some water?" The girl asked softly, tears drying on the blood stained faced she'd yet to get a good look at.

[BARRETT CALLUM LOND]

Barrett had made it to the bathroom, had flipped on the light so he had to blink into against the harsh florescent glare illuminated on white tile, but made his way to the sink - bracing is hands heavily on either side to lean. His head was hung low and his eyes screwed shut, when he did pry this gaze open the first thing he saw was the streak of red stark against the porcelain white surface of his sink, his reaction to it was that he yanked his hand back quickly. He was still bleeding all over the place too because when he attempted to wipe his fingers off on his shirt he was met with the tattered ruined cotton. With a growl he ripped the fabric the rest of the way off of him - there was no saving it now anyway - and tossed it across the small room. His teeth gritted, hearing it hit the wall with a muted flutter before landing on the floor.

Fumbling for the faucet he twisted the hot water on full blast and plunged the hand covered the worse into the steaming stream. He didn't move for a bloated moment, just watched the diluted ribbons run down from his head to escape into the drain. It wasn't until he heard a resounding crack! that he snapped to his eyes snapping to his other hand gripping the side of the sink still. He's been gripping it so hard the knuckles had turned red, and he'd actually splintered the thick molded bowl. With a forced breath out he coaxed his muscles to relax - which he found to be a whole process on its own. He had to start at his hand, almost like he wasn't sure it would let go unless he verbalized it, but his fingers slowly started to let go of its grip. From there it was almost like a waterfall effect because he felt the sensation run up his arm to shoulder, across them then down his spin then finally stop in his knees.

Barrett figured he was just in something akin to shock - he hadn't done something like - lost control is such a long time. What was more scary? What bothered him more then anything...? He wanted to kill that rogue, had for one sick moment had wanted to rip that man's stomach open with teeth and nails because in an instant he'd gone from enemy to food. Tipping his head back, Barrett rolled his eyes closed, breathing in through his slightly parted lips to carefully avoid inhaling the smell of lingering blood as steam took its time to fill the room. He knew what it felt like, and tasted like to have that hot meat fill his mouth...what it was to bite down on it. While the phantom sensation slithered down, his adam's apple bobbed, and his throat convulsed.

He would not be sick though. Barrett wouldn't allow himself to be because he didn't have time for that - there was a quiet sound from the living room he'd left and he turned toward it. He paused for a tense moment looking at the cracked down, half turned and listening to the quiet muffled sounds of what sounded like....was that crying? Shit. He reached out for a towel blindly snatching it from the bar next to his sink and swiped at his face and chest, taking the time to dampen it enough to clean up the best he could. No sense in going in there - now that she was awake - and scaring the hell out of her, more so then she already probably was.

The white terry cloth soon became past the point of being usable, and grabbed another to wet it, ringing it out but carrying it with him as he exited. Barrett hadn't turned on the lights - even that may have been to much for her to handle. He'd been choked out before...not a pleasant experience. Not to mention they had a handful of medical repercussions - ones he wasn't equipped to handle. Oh hell, he thought, he should have just taken to the hospital and be done with it. But then there would have been questions he wouldn't have been able to answer, police involved then if things got really out of hand the government and their hunters.

He stopped just about as far away from her in the room as he could get while actually still being in the room. He wasn't sure exactly what to do sort of holding the hand towel in his hand, poised as if he had every intentions of giving it to her. Emotional female that had just been attacked by a werewolf...who, by the way he probably just killed, and may or may not have wanted to eat...how exactly did you soften the blow to that?! Clearing his throat he almost felt a rush of...something. Relief? Something like fear? (Surely not because of some five foot nothing human female girl..) But he was scrambling, moving without hesitation to the kitchen to fumble for a clean glass and get it filled with water. When he was in front of her again he eased down, to be somewhat eye level and mentally willed himself as small as he could possibly make himself appear.

It was strange but Barrett was actually acting a little timid...like she was something that might frighten if he moved to quickly or unnecessarily. "I'm sorry...it...its just tap water. Its all I've got," he said softly. The apology probably not really needed, but finding that the sound of something was welcome in his own ears. When she took it, he offered her the wash cloth as well, belatedly realizing she may not be able to see what she was doing but not wanting to get to far into her personal space especially not knowing how she felt. "I couldn't think of anywhere else to bring you, other then here. You can stay till morning if you'd like um - " He looked around, running a hand over his jean clad leg, "I've got extra blankets...somewhere," he muttered the last part. "I don't have anything stronger then aspirin, if you need it."

Barrett had the passing thought that he may need to check to see if it was still good first. He didn't often need the over the counter drug since he never got sick. He was rambling, but he couldn't seem to stop so he ended things with raised, eyebrows - giving a softly imploring look, "do you need to call someone perhaps?"

[GEMENI AMORETTE FOUCAULT]

Gem hadn't seen the man that had saved her but she did hear the tell tale signs of rustling arond and a faucet running. The girl couldn't help but to think of her family and what they must have been thinking - her mother especially. Gem had gone against her mother's wishes and had stayed out later than she said she would have and hadn't even bothered calling her, so Gem just knew that her mom was probably pacing the living room calling her cell phone and getting into fights with the police over the 48 hour rule with missing persons. Then Gem realized.... Where was her cell phone? Looking up at the man who had come back already Gem noticed the way he approached as if he was trying to assure her that he wasn't the bad guy and Gem had to be honest given, his frightfully high stature and the naturally hard features of his face Gem was grateful for the thought he put into her state.

"Thank you, this is just fine ." She said with a small almost unsure smile as she took the glass and took a small sip of water. Of course she would have preferred a water bottle but the dry rough feeling in her throat was grateful for any sort of hydration and Gem was smart enough to know that she was in no place to be finicky.

The girl was startled by the sudden appearance of a wet wash rag in,her pkace and could only imagine the dirty mess she made right now. Face covered in dirt sweat and tears she was almost relieved she didn't have to look at herself in the mirror though the proper side of her that was groomed for social circumstances couldn't stand the fact that she'd let herself get looked at like this, especially during her first meeting. She was literally covered in blood, sweat and tear and Gem couldn't begin to imagine the disarray her hair and clothes much have been in. Still, Gem mumbled another small token of gratitude and set the glass of water down by her feet and silently begin to dab at her face. The cool rag was a welcome relief from the dirt streaks on her face. It was like washing off what had felt like years of torture.

Gem let out a small sigh of relief at the lighter feeling on her face, she was also grateful for the continued dark as she began to clean her face more errantly, tyring her best to rub off what felt like piles of caked on dirt from her face. By the looks of the once white rag on her in her hands, it wasn't difficult to draw the conclusion that she looked as horrible as she felt. It did bring a small smile to Gem's face and relaxed the woman slightly as she realized just how ridiculously concerned she was over her appearance when what had just happened could have taken a much darker turn then what had actually turned out.

Gem didn't say much else at his suggestions of pain pills and calling someone, she simply sat back in the soft, worn out couch and simply closed her eyes once more. The idea of staying was somewhat unnerving, this was a stranger, despite the fact that he'd saved her from what felt like certain death but her parents were probably worrying themselves sick right about now but getting up and leaving it felt like a chore just thinking about it. Her body ached, her throat felt raw and her head felt as though someone had taken a metal bat to it. For a moment Gem let her thoughts wander off to Lady and where she might have gotten to.

"You didn't see a dog around the area before you found me did you?" Was the first thing Gem could really think to bother saying because of all the things that mattered to Gem, her dog's safety was the first thing on that list. Her eyes welled with tears at the simple thought of not being able to see her baby again, if something having gotten a hold of her, if someone had found her, was she scared? Gem was fine now, it was Lady that had been left to fend for herself and that made Gem feel like something about that had to have been her fault.

"I lost my phone, it must have fallen out of my pocket." Gem admitted whens he opened her eyes one more time, it would have been easy to see the glassed over look they held now as she'd thought about her Lady but in the darkness Gem couldn't have been more glad for the anonymity it allowed her as she let in a deep breath willing herself to calm down. If her parents saw her any time soon looking the way she did Gem was slightly concerned for the man that had saved her, the stranger and it was then that Gem had realized that all his kindness towards her and she hadn't even bothered to learn his name.

"I'm sorry for being so rude, my name is Gemeni Foucault, and you...." The girl trailed off letting the man introduce himself as he wished, you had to give it to the girl, despite the fact she had just gone through probably the single most horrific even of her life and was in silent mourning over her pet, her manners were still there. Propriety so damn flawless it would have made royalty jealous, hey say what you will about Gemeni, you could even criticize her for it but the girl made sure to never leave her manners behind, after all appearances and manners were what always stuck in everyone's minds for the long haul and Gem just wanted it to be known that she was no slob.

[BARRETT CALLUM LOND]

It was almost to silly of an idea to entertain the idea that this girl, a slip of a thing, the one really hurt and fragile looking actually intimidated Barrett…but the fact of the matter was that she did. He probably made a sight. Rubbing his hands on the sides of his jeans by his hips – a nervous gesture – as he shifted his weight from one foot to another, was a good clue. His eyes darted to her face to the glass at her feet, off to a wall then up then back to her face briefly. The sharp icy blue orbs doing erratic laps to different points to focus on. He wasn’t doing to tell himself. There was a buzzing between his ears and it felt like any lucid thoughts he might be able to have slipped out of his grasp of rationality.

She shouldn’t be here, not in his apartment, but he couldn’t have taken her to the hospital –to many questions. Couldn’t have taken her to Viktors…to many questions; couldn’t take her to the manor either…definitely would have been to many questions. He was surprised he was able to even hash that out in his brain just then. God, he mentally moaned he really hoped she didn’t think he was some crazy nut job that was trying to kidnap her. Her ramblings sort of snapped him out of it and he shook his head, “no, I’m sorry I didn’t see a dog…or your cell phone.” Proud of himself for not hearing one waver of the rattled nerves he felt.

Sadly he had neither a home phone nor a cell. Usually when he was here he liked the solitude and not being bothered…when he was out, well…he was so active that he was afraid the frail piece of technology would just break. His eyes narrowed a little as he pushed air from his lungs forcefully, “I’m sorry, but what where you doing out there all alone? That neighborhood is nothing but trouble…its not safe especially for a hu-…a woman.” He caught and corrected himself quickly.

He wouldn’t add insult to injury by calling her a girl. It was easy to tell she had the maturity and shape of a female just starting to blossom into her prime years that would no doubt be with her for a long time. Despite her disheveled appearance, he could tell she was someone that took care of herself which he immediately equated with coming from a wealthy background. It was in the flawless complexion the sheen in her raven hair – and the name brands he could pick out on her clothes. But then again he could be completely wrong. But that was neither here nor there and swallowing his reservations…seeing as how he couldn’t just throw her out…Barrett stepped forward a little. His shoulders slumped forward a little to seem less imposing, now that he was standing there without a shirt, blood still splattered the dark fabric of his jeans – he could feel it cooling against his skin, becoming tacky. There was an incised need to help her if he could.

Lowering himself below her eyelevel, he settled on his knees in front of her – offering up the slightly submissive position to show her that he meant no harm…even though she may not get it. He did and it made him feel better in the situation. He realized then that he hadn’t answered her question and he colored a little in embarrassment especially after just chastising her like he knew her or something. Normally he did have better manners then that. “Forgive me Gemini…My name is Barrett Lond and under the circumstances, it is nice to meet you.”

Barrett dared a small smile and raised a little lifting a soft hand the expression on his face melting in to a inquisitive tilt of his head as if to ask may I? He wanted to see if she had any sort of injuries they would have no choice but to have seen by a real doctor, and he didn’t move an inch until he was given the go ahead. He was already making plans to run out the door as soon as he could to get anything he needed for her. But that was under the assumption she stayed for any length of time. Though she looked in no shape to go wondering around again.

[GEMENI AMORETTE FOUCAULT]

Gem couldn't say she was very surprised that the man hadn't seen Lady after all her dog had run off after something or other and really who would have spent their time running around looking for a cell phone when they were trying to save a girl from being killed, or worse. That Gem didn't know exactly how much worse was probably for the best because the girl wasn't in the state of mind to find out that the big bad wolf was real and that it wasn't just grandma and little red he was after. Gem barely noticed the man's awkward discomfort, and what she did she the young woman only assumed was because he was nervous that's she'd flip out on him like a typical hormonal woman that was just assaulted but really Gem could care less about herself she just wanted to get back out there and search for Lady, what if something happened to her? Everyone in town knew how dangerous the forest was at night, the only people that were ever stupid enough to go into the forest especially at night were the town drunks and Gem had heard stories about the ones that never made it out.

For the second time Gem felt her eyes begin to water and though she tried her best not the woman felt the tears begin to fall softly at the thought of something happening to Lady just because she was a hard head. Letting out a cough of emotion Gem once again did her best to reign in her emotion she was sure she made a sight with her constant crying though to an extent she supposed it couldn't been help, the realization of what it was that she had just come face to face with was slowly starting to hit her as she looked up at her savior trying his best not to intimidate her and though normally it might have looked silly to see a man that looked like he did broach Gem like she was a fragile China doll who would break if he so much as breathed wrong, right now Gem was really starting to appreciate the consideration he was taking to her state of mind.


Gem tried her best not to laugh bitterly at herself when he asked what she was doing there, he obviously had pin pointed that she was no local to the area, at least not since childhood and stuck out like a sore thumb but did she really want to answer him? Did she really need to make herself look like an even bigger fool than what she already was and felt entirely? Though the tears were still brewing fiercely behind the girl's stormy Emerald colored eyes Gemeni let out a shaky breath and tried to shrug her shoulders as though it were nothing in the world.

"Oh you know those silly suicidal tendencies that pop up on an evening run." Gem tried to laugh but the joke fell flat even to her as her grin threatened to fall back into a pout as her makeshift hero finally introduced himself and as he continued to try and make himself smaller to comfort her Gem couldn't help but to smile at the man who seemed hellbent on trying to shrink an inch or seven. "It really is a pleasure to meet you Barrett." The young Foucault said with a sincere smile that dared to peek through despite the entire situation.

It was when he lifted his hand to her face that Gemeni dared to flinch even the slightest bit but the look on his face seemed to calm her down enough to convince herself that all he wanted to do was make sure she was fine the girl nodded softly and watched as his hand went around her face and down her neck, the skin felt raw and she flinched only minimally as she heard him whisper a small apology and left her neck alone and instead snaked a hand through her mess of dark tresses and though she knew this wasn't the type for vanities Gem couldn't help but hope that his fingers didn't get caught in a knot because not only would that be awkward for both of them but then she would probably come across as someone that just didn't take the care to groom which was a complete falsity.. This was really starting to show the young woman just how vain she really had the potential to be and Gemeni wasn't actually quite sure about how to feel about it.

"By the way Barrett, you can call me Gem, the only people that call me Gemeni are my parents when I've done something to warrant a lecture." Gem said with a grin as he continued investigating her for bumps and bruises successfully finding a tender spot directly ont he back of her head and that made the girl's grin disappear as she let out a hiss of pain and moved away from the man's soft touch. "If you don't touch that I'll be grateful to you promise." Gem said as she softly pulled Barrett's hand away from her head and offered the man another grateful smile.

"Well what's the prognosis? Will I make it?" Gem joked and though the jokes may have been in bad taste the woman couldn't help but to smile softly as she once again thanked Barrett for his hospitality. "It's just a little bump I'm sure I'll be fine with an aspirin and some rest, what I'm more concerned about is my dog, Lady's never been outside longer than a few hours and never by herself, she's my baby I can't let her get lost I need to go look for her." Gemeni pleaded with Barrett those forgotten tears once again showing themselves as she made an attempt to get up but found her legs feeling wobbly and as she sat back down on the couch she gave Barrett a look that was asking him if she should be concerned or if she could just play that off.

"Well... How about that aspirin?" Gem tried to joke with the man and though she felt fine her body obviously seemed to think otherwise and kept her planted exactly where she was and from the looks of it Lady would have to enjoy her outing just a little longer.