A/N: Here's chapter two! And, since this is us we're talking about, you know these earlier chapters are going to include a ton of new characters…like twenty-five wasn't enough…So, enjoy them! There are certainly more to come… :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Bloodlines, but I do own my OCs. Also, yeah, there's also some sensual stuff going down, if you're not a fan, you can skim over it.


Poor girl seemed like she wanted to be left alone. At least, that's what Venus decided, the way she was sitting at the counter. Her thin form was slumped over the counter, long black hair with bright red highlights covered her face like a curtain. She was nursing a drink, but hadn't taken a sip of it yet. A sure cue to her about the girl's condition.

She was clad in a black leather biker's jacket, complete with little spiked studs on the shoulders, and spiked biker's gloves as well. Tough girl look. Red tank top underneath, and black leather pants. Her boots were a statement, in Venus's opinion, but really, who was she to judge? Bright red, high heels, they went all the way up to her knees. Looked like they weighed a ton.

She had a machine gun strapped to her back, and a roll of ammo around her shoulder. If Venus needed another reason to leave her alone, that was it.

But, then the girl looked up. She looked over at Venus and rested her face in the palm of her hand, her elbow resting against the counter. Her nails were alternating, red and black. Venus was sensing a theme.

Her eyes were bright red. Colored contacts? Her lips were dark as well, her eyes coated with eyeshadow. "Hey." She called out, her voice had a light graze to it, maybe a smoker.

"Yes, love?" Venus walked over, "What can I get you?"

"How late does this place stay open?"

"Four. Least, that's when I lock the place up." She said with a smirk, "If you want to stay later, you can."

"Funny." She rolled her eyes, "Your name's Venus, right? I heard about you."

"Have you? Hopefully nothing too shameful."

"Not particularly." She muttered, stirring her drink around with frustration.

Venus's eyes darted around, before she leaned in, "I know what you are, love. I can get you a special drink. On the house."

The girl's eyes widened. She hardly looked over eighteen, in Venus's opinion. "…really?"

Venus smiled, "I'll get you one right away."

"How…how'd you know?" She asked, piercings on her lips glittered in the flashing red lights. Venus spotted one on her tongue as well.

"Let's call it women's intuition."

She sat back, "Well, that's a load of horseshit." She muttered, "It's not…as bad as it sounds."

"Mmm hmm." Venus handed her a wine glass full of blood, "One Bloody Mary." She winked.

"You're a saint." She took the glass and drank all of it, sighing. "Ugh, this shit's great…"

Venus chuckled softly, "What was your name?"

"You won't tell? I'm not gonna be here long. 'Least I don't plan to hang around. This place sucks ass."

"Your secret's safe with me."

She leaned in, "It's Cissy…but…" Her eyes grazed over Venus, "You can call me Cyradora."

"Cissy? Cute." Venus said, "Anything else the beat priestess can get for you, love?"

"Another one of these."

"Mmm hmm. But it won't be on the house this time."

Cissy reached into her top and pulled out a wad of crinkled up cash, "Here, take it."

Venus chuckled before she took the cash and unwrinkled it, preparing another glass for her before the doors opened and a familiar figure came in. "Victor. Hello dear." She handed Cissy the glass.

Cissy's eyes flashed over to Victor, she looked him over, then downed her drink.

"Venus." Victor smiled, "It has been much too many moons since I've last seen you. It is my fault, and my fault alone."

"Nonsense." She insisted, "I've heard all about the…event, at Venture Tower. I'm sure you were involved, somehow." She started preparing him a drink as well.

"Oh, yes, center of the storm, giving all sorts of naughty little children their karmic retribution, shall we call it?" He chuckled.

He saw her shift her weight onto the other leg and nearly spill his drink over before she handed it to him, "Careful what you say in a holy place like this, Mister Madison."

"Ah, yes, forgive my manners…" He said, flickered a glance at the rowdy teenagers in the corner.

Venus met his gaze, "Oh, please."

Cissy raised a brow, very confused about the entire conversation.

He reached out and held her chin, "I'm sure the curtain call for this place will happening shortly, no?"

Her smile grew, "The curtain call could happen right now, if it's convenient…"

"Seriously?" Cissy asked, "Can I at least watch? I'll pay you."

Venus looked over at Cissy, "I was unaware you were still here…"

"I never left." She said, "Cuz, I don't exactly have a place to stay. I was…gonna stake it out until four, like you said, but…I guess I'll go…sleep in a dumpster…"

"You…could stay the night in my office, upstairs, if you need to. Are you unable to afford a room somewhere?"

She looked at her nails, "I don't know. I haven't bothered looking around. This is honestly the first time in months I've been sober."

"Well, you're more than welcome to…stay the night in my office. I can show you the way there…"

"You really gotta fuck your boyfriend that bad? Can't I just…stay down here a bit longer? Enjoy the place? Better yet, you fuck him up in your office, I'll watch the place for you."

"…no."

"Yes, why don't you find another streetlamp to fly over towards?" Victor swatted a hand.

She raised a brow, "The fuck crawled up your asshole, pal?" She snarled, not bothering to show her fangs, "Don't fuck with me."

"Enough." Venus's eyes darted back and forth between both of them, "Cissy, was it? Follow me. I'll show you upstairs."

Cissy reached over and took the drink Victor hadn't touched, downing it, "Who the hell are you again? Someone who…maybe doesn't want me to fill them with lead?"

"I'm sure a peasant such as yourself didn't buy those weapons, now did they?"

She sneered, "What, is that a money joke? Cause you're loaded or something? Compensating for something, honey? Oh, Venus, you poor thing, you could do so much better."

Venus started looking upset, "I said, enough. Both of you." Her accent started to go a bit. "Cissy, it's time for you to leave."

"Really? Cause, I think it's two thirty." She said, "Unless you want me to get mad…"

"Darling, you're not very intimidating." Venus said bluntly.

"Really? You…want to be turned into a vampire? Cause I'll do it. You piss me off and I'll make you into a monster."

"I'm trembling."

Victor held a hand out, a blue glow came from it, "You will sleep in a dumpster tonight." He said. With clouded eyes, Cissy began to leave.

Venus sighed, blowing her bangs out of her face, "Good riddance." She said before she looked back over at Victor, "Let's go back to my place."

"She reminded me of Patty." He sighed.

"Mmm. Yes, I could see that. I don't think she knows very much about what she is. She seemed rather depressed earlier, before you came in."

"Ah…so she was Kindred…"

"Drank three glasses of blood. Paid for one."

"I knew she was a petty thief. Probably a freshly Embraced Anarch or the like." He said, "Did she…mention a clan?"

"No. I'm…not even sure if she knows about them."

"Hmm…intriguing…well, I'm certain that's that last of her. If not…well, I'll wipe her mind next time…"

"Yes…so…are we heading back to my apartment?"

"Of course we are, lead the way, dear."

"Give me one moment." She ran around the back to go upstairs and power the place down, before she ran back and grabbed her purse. "Let's go."

The ride back was silent. Victor didn't need to be a psychic to know what was on Venus's mind, especially when they entered her apartment. She turned a few lamps on, just enough to keep the place slightly lit, with an enchanting amount of darkness. She lit a candle, "I understand you've been busy, but…seems I've formed quite the addiction to that blood of yours. This withdrawal has been driving me absolutely mad…"

"Has it really been that long already?" He asked, pulling a knife out, he slit his wrist, "Well, that fool drained me of some of my blood already, but…there should still be plenty for you."

"I can't thank you enough." She walked over and took his wrist, gently drinking from it. Once she started, she seemed so intent, it didn't seem as if she was ever going to stop. She was like some sort of leech.

"Alright, alright, I can't have you drain me, or else I won't have enough blood to do the second activity that's on your mind."

She gently let him go, "Yes…that…that does sound quite heavenly…did I tell you about the dream I had the other night?"

"Dream?"

"Well…I suppose with the withdrawal, I've been having a lot of dreams…rather, enticing dreams about you." She said, "I dreamt the other night we were in a hot tub…it was to die for…"

"Ah, so one could call it a sexual fantasy."

"Mmm hmm…" She wrapped her arms around his waist, "Tell me again…" She quickly unfastened her shorts, "About what you did in the tower…"

"I killed many people…hundreds…at least…" He kissed her, tossing his scarf aside and starting to massage her waistline with two fingers.

She groaned loudly, closing her eyes as she hung most of her weight on him, "Take me…take me somewhere…please…"

"Of course." He scooped her up and took her to her bedroom, once he laid her on her bed, he started taking off all his clothes as quickly as possible.

She pulled off her top and then her shorts, "I'll do everything I can to…to relax and be slow about this…but it has been a while…" She shut her nightstand that was peeped open, Victor was sure he saw something odd in there.

"Now, now, take it at whatever speed you'd like." He said, completely naked, "I certainly won't mind if you feel the need to soil yourself early."

She laid back and positioned herself so that he could rest on top of her, "So then what are you waiting for?"

"Oh, nothing." He got on top quickly and started kissing her, feeling up her rear and exploring the inside of her mouth.

She wrapped her legs around him, kissing him back and rubbing his shoulders, letting out a little sigh before she asked, "So how has everything been…? I've been in the dark for a while now…"

"Shall I tell you, after we finish?" His hands moved up and clamped onto her breasts, "Then perhaps we could go a second time?"

She smiled and held his face, "You know me too well, darling."

"Mmm-hmm." He had one hand rub and massage her lower abdomen, and he had the other massage one of her inner thighs. Her eyes closed as she let out a deep moan, spreading her legs a bit wider and clawing at the bedsheets, panting his name occasionally. He licked behind his two fangs, going back a bit and kissing the spot on her stomach where he was rubbing, trying to stick as much of her lower abdomen inside his jaws as possible. He playfully bit her occasionally.

Her eyes closed tightly and she cried out in bliss, holding his head in place. This time she wasn't pushing him down anywhere, she was simply securing him in place. He felt her legs wrap around his torso, her hips move in a rhythm beneath him. He licked the spots where he had lightly bitten, using one hand to hold her steady and the other to go back to rubbing her inner thigh.

She gasped his name, spreading her legs a bit wider, "Victor…Victor…ahh…I…I need…" He smiled and complied with her request, spreading his blood through his system and plunging deep into her. She cried out his name and mashed her lips onto his, her nails dug into his shoulders as the mattress creaked and the entire bed shook considerably.

She would kill for the neighbors to come bash on her door and tell them to shut up.

And then, her mind ran back to all the things her lover had ever done for her. About Boris, about those rowdy teenagers, all the other stories of him boiling people, of him sending people to their knees. Maybe it was just the blood bond, but it made her insides burn in a way they never had.

He gave a soft sigh, originally he was holding her butt, but then he moved both hands up and pressed both thumbs on her nipples, kissing her ferociously, and occasionally giving her room to cry out and breathe. And cry and breathe she did, practically begging his name and panting whenever she wasn't biting on his shoulder or kissing his lips.

She panted a lot once he pulled away, gently rubbing her fingertips down his spine, "You're my rock…"

"I would think that I'm more than that at this point." He kissed her cheek, "I spoke to my Regent about you."

"Have you?" She combed her fingers through his hair, "Well, I'm assume at least he doesn't want me dead, if you came in here and gave me one of the best fucks of my life…"

"Well…he doesn't know that you're already a ghoul…" He said, "He also doesn't know about our…romantic…connection…and I fear we'll have to keep it that way, to those in the Chantry, or else he'd kill us both…"

"I'm alright with that…I'm sure I'll be able to manage…" She kissed his cheek, "We will have any time to ourselves?"

"Of course." He said, "How else would I be here right now?"

"I suppose that was a silly question…" She rested her head back on the pillow, "So…is there an interview or something?"

"Yes. In a day or two, at the rate he was speaking." He said, "I'm going to be straightforward, I'm worried…your…typical Confessions outfit might send the wrong message…to him at least…he's very old-fashioned…if you think I'm old…" He trailed off and chuckled, "Do you have anything conservative? To at least wear around him and the Chantry?"

"Yes, yes, I…I have a few nice dresses…I've been to a few funerals before, dear, my outfits aren't always like this…if it were my choice, I'd wear dresses everywhere, but as it is, I need to attract as much attention to the club as possible…"

"I see." He smiled, "Excellent…this seems to all be going smoothly…and then you'll be able to meet my coworkers…how interesting…"

"They sound quite nice, from the likes of things…"

"Yes, well, being Tremere…they act a little like me, so I'm sure you'll get along just fine with them."

"They sound lovely…"

He looked a little distracted, "Would you…would you mind if…if we went again…?"

She smiled, then traced a finger along his jawline, "I want you to do it between my breasts again."

"Well, that's frighteningly accurate, because I was just about to beg for that."

"Well, I certainly wouldn't mind hearing you beg anyway."

"Maybe another day, darling." He kissed her and pressed his thumbs against her nipples again. She closed her eyes tightly and gave a shaky sigh, kissing him back and threading her fingers in his hair.

Quickly, or impatiently perhaps, he sent blood through his system, starting to grind against her hip with his erection. She closed her eyes and rolled her head over to the side, letting out little moans and grunts, holding onto the bedsheets to ground herself.

"I'm not hurting you, am I?"

"No…no not at all…" She panted out, "Please…more…"

"Oh, you like it." He grinned, sighing loudly as he continued his hump. She sighed his name and reached her hands down, holding his rear and supporting him as she left kisses on his neck. "Do you mind if I move up a little?"

"Not at all…"

He moved up so his erection was in between both breasts, letting out a loud groan, "Venus…" He begged.

She pressed her breasts together a bit to cause more friction, "That's right…" She sighed, "You like that, don't you?" Her smirk was sinful.

"…yes…a…lot…"

"Show me…show me how much…"

He fumbled to grab onto something as he let loose, slamming a bit of pressure into her as they both sank into the bed a bit. She bit her bottom lip and kept her boobs together for him, letting him move to and fro freely.

Her eyes closed as an overwhelming feeling of calming flooded over her. It was as if the world around them was burning away, but Victor was here, holding onto her, keeping her safe. It was the opposite of the nightmares she had been having, it was as if everything had settled into place at last. She couldn't have been any happier that she was going to get a shot at living in the Chantry with him.

He let a relieved sigh out, followed by a few more, as he drew to a close. She let go of her breasts, clawing at the sheets a bit and letting out a final sigh as he finished, "I love you so much, Victor…"

"I love you too." He smiled, "I'm glad we can make love together so well."

She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek, "Yes…we're both quite talented, aren't we?" She smiled.

He kissed her lips adoringly for a while, "Just…be prepared…Strauss is going to come in a day or so." He said, "And remember…you're not a ghoul yet." He winked, "And we're not lovers."

"Then where have we met?"

"I'll have to whip up a story for him."

"Alright…I'll do my best to play along…"

"Lovely." He kissed her, "Goodnight, dear."

"Mmm hmm, night love."


This was her favorite sort of weather. Warm but dry, a chilling breeze occasionally sent her dark curls bouncing on her back, the sounds of insects humming, and camels snorting at the insects distances off.

If it were up to her, Egypt would be her birthplace. The weather, the creatures, the ancient stories that could be unearthed, it all sang to her. So many chances to get so wonderfully distracted.

She heard a pair of heels behind her. She was certain they were heels, not sandals or bare feet like she usually heard on the stone pathway she travelled every night like her private midnight highway home.

Home, being subjective. The concept of home had been scuttled what, just shy of fifty years ago? Was it wrong of her to lose track of how many years it had been?

Those footsteps didn't go away. They didn't bother her, either, but they sent a nagging feeling in the back of her head. There were plenty of tourists in Egypt, kine who took pictures of the grand pyramids and wondered what sort of pharaohs lived inside. It made her laugh, at least.

But what sort of kine walked the streets late at night? Hours before midnight? Most of the time, they prowled about during the day and hid in their little hotels as soon as the moon crawled in the sky. Kindred, she supposed. No need to engage.

That was the first lesson she learned from her sire. Do not engage other Kindred. Well, in all honesty, she was told not to engage with anyone. But she had indeed engaged with many people and non-people on a daily basis, then again she could really only think of a handful that actually resulted in calm conversation.

At least she knew one archeologist who was human, and didn't seem to mind. For now.

Taking a right turn at an intersection was merely a way to get the high-heeled figure away from her, but they also took a right. Why was this bothering her so much? Little things like this never were so irritating. Big things weren't even irritating. But this? Maddening. She looked up at the warm glowing lanterns, the small panes of glass around the flickering candles. In the reflection of the glass, she vaguely saw the figure behind her. A hooded figure.

Was she being followed? Surprisingly, she had never even seen hunters in Egypt. They crawled all over North America, like flies. Europe too, or at least, England. South America didn't have as many, and Egypt, she never really had a problem. Well, until now. It was bound to bite her in the ass at some point.

She slowed down, then turned around, "Pardon?"

The figure stopped, glanced up at her quickly, then pulled a one-eighty and walked off at a much faster pace.

As the figure turned, she was shocked, "…Pisha?"

Faster. The person started running. Sprinting.

"Pisha!" She gave chase, "Pisha, why are you running? It's me!"

'Pisha' stopped suddenly and turned, the momentum knocking her hood back, "…Phaedra?"

Her dark lips revealed a wide grin, her teeth all pointed like little daggers, "Oh, how good it is to see you again, in the flesh!" She gave a laugh.

Pisha scowled, "What are you doing here?" She hissed.

"Hmm…I'm not sure. Quite the fascinating question, you ask. See, I have a distant memory in the back of my mind…" Phaedra walked forward, "Of this woman…gorgeous thing, really, holding my hips and whispering such erotic words in my ear…before she bit into my neck and told me to go to Egypt to do her grocery shopping."

Pisha's eyes narrowed, before they darted around. Out in the open, she looked so small and exposed, so fragile. She acted like it too, the way she carried herself. Like she was a rabbit being constantly followed by hounds, "You should not be out on these streets."

"Oh, and where should I be? I'm hungry."

"Quiet!" She hissed, snatching up Phaedra's arm in her hand and pulling her along.

Phaedra looked down at Pisha's hand, "So thin…have you lost weight? When was the last time you fed?"

Pisha didn't offer a response, tugging her along to a more secluded location along a dock. Her white eyes seemed to offer their own light, Phaedra could see them even without the glow of the lanterns, "Speaking openly in such a manner is an invitation for disaster."

"Mmm hmm." Phaedra combed her fingers through her hair, she was quite content with the length, it just about reached her hips, it looked like a style her mother would wear, "I remember similar words after my Embrace. But you see, I've had many conversations with kine and Kindred alike…and I'm still here, aren't I?"

Pisha seemed beyond frustrated. She reached up and held Phaedra's chin like a disappointed mother, "Then your death will not be blood on my hands."

Phaedra closed her eyes, clearly loving every bit of the attention, "Mmm, no, I certainly wouldn't have blamed you for the warning…" She reached out and held Pisha's hand as she moved it away, "I can act on my own accord, you know. I'm not helpless."

"That is what frightens me the most." Pisha mused, trying to pull her hand back.

"Let's go hunting together." Phaedra grinned and held her hand tighter.

"Enough." Pisha swatted her hand away, "This…this obsession with me, it must end. Symbiosis is manageable, tolerable…but I will accept nothing more."

Phaedra put a hand to her chest, "I think that was the most devastating rejection I've heard in my entire life."

Pisha gazed seaward, "The artifact. I assume you were unable to locate it."

"Now, now, now, must we jump into business so quickly?" Phaedra asked, "I've grown rather fond of you, dear, I'd like to sit over a cup of remains and catch up."

"You grasp onto your humanity yet…" Pisha sighed through her nose, "A shame. I thought with this curse, you might…at least see the line of reality a bit clearer."

Phaedra chuckled, "It's not even been a century. I'm not even half your age. Relax."

Pisha folded her arms, "One moment."

Phaedra's lips curled into a smirk, "What are you doing here?"

"Running."

"Yes, I see that." Phaedra chuckled, her voice just as deep as Pisha's, with a touch of femininity in it, and the slightest Italian accent, "From who?"

"Gehenna."

"You're…kidding me?" Phaedra asked, "You believe in Gehenna? Oh, here I thought you were some wise mentor—"

Pisha bared her teeth, this display far more effective for her clan, "I've been a devout adherent of the Tal'Mahe'Ra since the very day of my Embrace."

"The True Black Hand?" Phaedra asked, "I had no idea they accepted our clan."

"Accepted? No. Sects were not as they are now. Acceptance was not a creed of the time. It was survival. The Nagaraja, Tzimisce, Assamites…" She seemed to drift off into her memories, but quickly back to reality, "I was not alive during the time of its creation. I am not ancient." Pisha said, which caused Phaedra to smirk, "But I was alive long enough to affiliate myself before the Week of Nightmares."

"So…what is it then? I've heard a bit about the Week of Nightmares, not so much that sect…"

"The True Black Hand?" She asked, before looking over the horizon, "For me, or my predecessors?"

"The history intrigues me, but your tale more so."

"Nothing more than a form of survival and penance."

"Penance?" Phaedra asked, "For what?" She paused, "Existing?"

Pisha put a hand on her hip, "I am unsure if our clan weakness might have come across as strange to you…in many ways I am unsure of what comes across strange to you. It seems as if nothing does."

Phaedra laughed, "Oh, you sweet little thing. So you feel bad about eating people…well, you have always been a bit…raw with your performance."

"Hmm?"

"You eat them live." Phaedra said as she raised a brow, "A bit strange, even in our society…"

Pisha rolled her eyes, "From whom did you learn our standard predatory habits?"

"I find that I'm able to make myself a wonderful Ventrue for the Prince of whichever city I'm not in, so long as I carry myself so. A lovely archeologist a handful of years ago, her name escapes me. She did intense research on the…'hidden' clans, she called them. Mentioned Nagaraja and their flesh preserving rituals…so, we don't have to eat them live." She clarified, "It's as if you've raised me to go out and kill a cow every time I'd like a steak."

"…then how is it you obtain flesh at all?"

"Have you ever heard of a morgue?"

"I've heard of a Masquerade Violation."

Phaedra laughed and rolled her eyes again, before embracing Pisha, "I've missed you so dearly…you've no idea how much…"

Pisha grunted as Phaedra suddenly made full body contact, "Simply a blood bond."

"Oh, come now…" Phaedra smiled, "Pisha has completely stolen your heart, hmm?"

"Have I told you the impact your Embrace has made on my livelihood?"

Phaedra pulled away from the hug, "Hmm? Oh, you worry about me?"

"No." Pisha said dryly, "I wish I had not Embraced you at all. Every moment you live, every time you flash those teeth, you bite into a morsel of flesh, my life is slighted, piece by piece…"

Phaedra raised a brow, "Is it?"

"After the Week of Nightmares, over ninety-percent of Nagaraja had died. Those that had not fled to Korea."

"Korea?" Phaedra had asked, "I thought…the Kuei-Jin…?"

"Yes. Kuei-Jin domain…the Green Court, specifically." She said, "They were kind enough to offer our clan recluse…" She chuckled briefly to herself, "They've…shown more acceptance to our clan than our own species." She looked at Phaedra, "There was one condition, and that was that we do not sire any childer."

"But…you had sired me before the Week of Nightmares…" Phaedra said, "I don't see what this has to do with a thing. Neither of us went to Korea either, during this time, certainly that can't apply?"

"Risks are best left unchallenged, for the full potential of life to be achieved."

"You really are a skittish little thing, aren't you?" Phaedra asked, "Longevity means nothing when your life is managed by fear…"

"You're young yet. With time, you will see." Pisha turned away and started walking. Something about what Phaedra said reminded her of a certain Malkavian she had met not long ago, in the basement of that hospital.

"Wait." Phaedra chased after her.

"Your minute has long since passed."

The sound of Phaedra's high heeled boots, (very high heeled,) rang out against the worn stone pathway as she followed her sire, "Where are you staying tonight?"

"You are not staying with me."

"Oh, please?" Phaedra asked with a smile, "I'd just love to see you unwind…"

"No."

Phaedra gave a disappointed sigh, but moved on, "So where were you, all this time?"

"America."

"Oh, really? I've lived there a good…many years. How is it?"

Pisha pulled her hood up as a man walked by with his camel. Phaedra smiled at him and his animal, "It has seen better nights. Perhaps nights when humankind did not yet prance atop its surface and construct pointless edifices…"

Phaedra laughed, "Yes, I…felt a similar impression from the place."

"Keep your voice low in these streets." Pisha insisted as another group of people walked by.

"Oh, please, I doubt they speak much English." She said, "What city did you find yourself in?"

"Los Angeles. I thought there was a chance for peace in a city of angels…"

"Oh, no…that's California, isn't it?" Phaedra asked, "Mmm, California sounds like a headache…"

"Yes…when I started finding myself in the company of visitors, even if I had not felt the pressure of Gehenna, I knew it was time to retreat."

"Visitors?" She asked, "Like who?"

"None in which you would see the likes of in your lifetime."

"You shouldn't say such things. After my Embrace, you told me I was never going to see you again." She smiled.

"Yes, I had hoped that would come true."

"You bitter thing." Phaedra muttered, "Pull on my heartstrings any harder and they'll snap."

"Forgive my sense of self-preservation."

"I'm not sure I can." She said, "I find it hard to even believe you're the same woman who touched me like no one ever has."

"I've never touched you." Pisha looked over with a sharp glare.

"My rear begs to differ."

"You were thrashing about madly, it was merely stabilization."

"Say what you will." Phaedra smiled, "You enjoyed it."

"It was very difficult…" She muttered, "What, with your irrational movements, the amount of flesh that peeled away from your neck…I've never merely drained before, it was bizarre."

"I do hope Pisha told you that the way you speak is a turn-on."

"A…what?"

"Oh, you poor thing…" She mused, "You are ancient."

Pisha rolled her eyes as they took another turn, "I trust you know the area."

"Mmm hmm. I've been staying in an archeologist's home, he's been out on an expedition. You're more than welcome to stay."

"When will he return?"

"He said another few weeks. Lovely man."

"If I am unable to find another location before the sun rises."

"Wonderful." Phaedra said, "I don't think I'll ever forget that Embrace."

"As momentous as birth…" Pisha mused with a tone of boredom in her voice, her eyes predatorily glaring at figures that walked past.

"No orgasm has ever felt as magnificent."

"Any point onward would be a ripe opportunity for you to stop speaking."

"I did gather a few artifacts you might like to investigate." She mused, "Back in the home of the archeologist."

"Very well…" Pisha mused, "What sort?"

"Many sorts. Two books, an idol of sorts, a small coffin."

"A small coffin?" She asked, "To what merit will that hold on my life?"

"Oh, you know…with all the…sarcophagus business in Los Angeles, I thought you might like one for yourself."

"I was in no way involved in the sarcophagus…" She muttered sourly, "It is that box that made me leave the city…something…chaotic resides within…"

"Mmm, you think so?" She mused, "Very well."

"You would be wise to take recluse in these final nights as well." Pisha said, then muttered, "Though your existence is enough for any Antediluvian to slay me over…"

"Oh, don't say such things…" Phaedra said, "I'm a lovely childe."

"A ponderous one."

"Puttana…"

Pisha chuckled softly through her teeth, "Gather your artifacts. I will be there at midnight."

"Very well." Phaedra said, "I'm looking forward to spending time with you tonight."

"Mmm…yes…I…had an inkling…"

Phaedra met Pisha's gaze one last time for a good minute before she turned off from the path and headed towards the village.

Not many people wound their way deep into Phaedra's heart. Pisha was in there, with her mother, perhaps. She kept her connections to others loose, because trust was far too easy to lose. Pisha was different. Or maybe it was the world of darkness. She was intellectual, she was witty, and she was beautiful. As cliché as it sounded, Phaedra adored her Sire. Every cold, rough facet, she wanted to explore. She wanted to know her real name, she wanted to know where she was born, where she was raised, what her family was like, and yet, chances were, she never would. She would likely see Pisha, once, twice more in her entire life before she too, disappeared.

Phaedra didn't say goodbye. She just didn't let people like her happen often, so it wouldn't hurt as much.

Her entire life was dictated by others. Dictated by her mother, dictated by her father, dictated by her ex-husband, and now, dictated by Pisha. But she knew it wasn't going to last. She had a chance to leave. To find herself, to do something once in her unending life by herself, for herself. She had the money to leave, too, but no idea of where exactly to go.

Well, where else but L.A.?


Victor shut the door behind himself as he entered Venus's apartment, "Are you prepared?"

"What?" He heard her voice from the bathroom.

He placed his hands in his pockets and stepped towards the outside of the bathroom door, "I was just wondering if you were ready."

She opened the door, she was in a black lacy cocktail dress, her hair pinned up in an up-do, her lips bare and her nails black. She had on a nice pair of sandals as well, with dark fishnet stockings, "What do you think?" She asked, "Should I wear a little cross necklace?" She asked with a smirk.

He'd be breathless, if he wasn't dead, "You look splendid."

"Why thank you." Her cheeks turned a bit pink, "He's coming here?"

"Yes, he should be here in—" There was a polite knock on the door, and Victor rolled his eyes in annoyance, "And…he's already here…"

"This should be interesting." She said with a smile, crossing her arms as she leaned against the counter.

Victor swallowed hard. It was almost charming, seeing the esteemed, invincible Tremere Magister so terrified of something. He walked over to the door and opened it. Sure enough, Strauss was on the other side, "Greetings, Mister Madison." He gave a slight bow, "I assume this is your…candidate…Miss…?"

"Venus Dare." Victor said quickly.

"I see." Strauss said, "Greetings, Miss Dare, my name is Maximillian Strauss, and I oversee all the business in our organization. I will be conducting tonight's interview."

"Sounds lovely." She said, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance." She held a hand out to shake.

Strauss shook her hand before they all sat around the table, "Why don't you start by informing my about the path of your profession. What is it you do for a living…?" He looked her over, "Unless you are still on an educational path."

So badly, she wanted to look over at Victor to see what she should say. Owning a club didn't sound like something very typical or impressive for their sort, but if she lied and told him she was actually going to college, it would most definitely come back to haunt her. The truth would have to surface eventually. After all, what was the worst that could happen? She gets killed? She'd honestly rather that then continue this life forever, seeing Victor only once a month, tops. Her mind fluttered through these thoughts only for a moment. This wasn't her first interview, after all, "I'm in the business industry, you could say." She said, "I own a nightclub."

Strauss raised a hand to his chin, pondering, "Tell me of this nightclub."

"It's called Confessions." Victor said, "It's quite an impressive establishment, very dark, I like it." He said, "Besides, it makes very good business."

"Yes…something our organization is severely lacking…" Strauss said, "LaCroix had relied on his…LaCroix Foundation for his income, and without it, our finances may vanish quicker than I intended." He said, "Perhaps we can form a sort of…partnership, or…financial bridge, between our companies."

"Just a minute." Victor said, "We can't…suck the money away from her…she needs to provide a living for herself, no?"

"If she succeeds the interview, she will have housing in the Chantry." Strauss said, "Finances will never be a fear or worry on her mind again." He said, "And in times of need, we will return the favor to Confessions."

Victor looked nervous, his eyes flickered over to Venus.

Venus looked over to Victor, then back at Strauss, "Gladly. Sounds more than reasonable to me." She said as she smiled. Victor was almost unnerved with just how calm she seemed. Could this woman ever feel fear or nervousness? "In fact, I think I could go as far as to saying, I look forward to it. Having someone to split the bills with now and again sounds like a marvelous idea." She smirked.

Strauss gave a small smile, "An eager attitude, I'm sure you'll find the partnership most beneficial." He said, then he asked, "What is your level of political knowledge?"

She tilted her head a bit, "Well…what do you mean? Am I up to date on current politics? I really…have no care in the world about what's going on up there, but I do know how it all happens…it's a muddy understanding, but it's present." She crossed her legs, "I grew up in America for a handful of years, then moved to England for the majority of my life. I only moved back here about a year or two ago to get my hands on some sort of profit. So…more or less, I grew up under two very different political systems, but…" She shrugged, "Both of them make sense to me."

"Yes, I see…" He said, "What skills or assets do you have to give to our organization?" He asked.

"Her ability to work under an absurd amount of pressure." Victor spoke up again, "She has nerves of steel, honestly, she does. In fact…" He stood up, "The two of us were under attack…by…" He paused, not wanting to say 'Kindred' and blow it, "By one of our own…and I was incapacitated…but she held her own…quite well, despite not having the foggiest idea of what was going on. How cool she acts, well, it's almost inspiring."

Strauss smiled at Venus, "Hearing Mister Madison speak so fondly of you, it's a pleasant surprise. You see, he is quite an influential figure in our business, so to hear him impressed, it's really quite an astonishing feat."

She smiled, "Well, I must say I'm flattered. I'll have to thank my mother for raising me to keep my wits about myself."

Strauss nodded, "What do you consider your weaknesses are?"

"Weaknesses?" She leaned back and thought for a moment, "I suppose I can let others use me like a doormat. The word, 'no' rarely finds itself in my vocabulary…"

"I see." He said, "And lastly, were there any questions you had for me?"

She paused, "None that come to mind."

"I see." He rose, "Well, I have to say that I am pleased by tonight's proceedings."

Victor smiled, standing up, "Does that mean she…?"

"Of course, in a few days, I'll have some of my associates set up a location in the Chantry for her."

He was so ecstatic, he nearly hugged Venus, but as it were, he grinned, "That's most excellent news."

"Of course, farewell, Mister Madison, and Miss Dare." He headed to leave.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mister Strauss." Venus called before he left, "Well, that certainly went better than my last interview."

Victor gave her a big hug, in addition to a kiss, "Wonderful…now I won't starve you and I'll be able to keep a better eye out for you…"

She closed her eyes and rested her head in his chest, "Sounds like a dream come true…"


A/N: The Nagaraja are rather underrated…and, just so happens to be one of the writer's favorite clans. Can you guess what the other writer's favorite clan is? Tee hee. Thanks for reading!