Stratagem

Title:  Stratagem

Author:  Kundri

E-mail address:  digitabulum_magae@hotmail.com

Author's Website:  None

Rating:  PG-13, might become R

Category:  Drama

Pairing (if needed):

Warnings:  None that I can think of…

Spoilers:  All of Season 1

Summery:  This is my version of season two.  It starts with a prelude that takes place shortly after Sara gets the Witchblade.  I introduce a new female character, just to shake things up a bit and keep everyone on their toes.  Her motives, like everyone else's, are not what they appear.  The rest just kind of follows that…

Disclaimer:  I do not own Witchblade or any of the characters related to it.  They are all the property of Top Cow comics and the producers of Witchblade.

Prelude

            "Mr. Irons."

            Kenneth Irons started at the sound of the electronic voice that roused him from his musings.  He stared with contempt in his cool blue eyes at the small box.  "What?"  He snapped.

            "A woman is here to see you, sir."  The receptionist answered, not at all put off by his shortness.

            A spark of interest crossed Irons' face, and then his brow wrinkled in thought as to who it might be.  "Send her in."  He requested as he rose from his chair.  The door to his office opened a moment later and a woman walked confidently in.  She was small with a lithe body frame accentuated even more by her feline grace.  She wore a black skirt and white blouse that complimented her tan complexion and dark coloring.  Her dark hair cropped boyishly short made her large brown eyes a more prominent feature in her face.

            "Hello, Mr. Irons."  The woman said in a deep feminine voice.

            "And to what do I owe this pleasure?"  Irons inquired letting a charming smile cross his handsome face.

            "I know what you're planning."  She stated as she stopped in the middle of the room.

            "Planning?"  He questioned, looking completely bewildered.

            "Cut the crap, Irons," The woman said shortly.  "Acting the fool does not suit a man such as yourself."

            "Hmm…" Irons raised an eyebrow as he moved around her, scrutinizing her body.  "What is it then, that I am planning?"

            "Sara Pezzini, the Witchblade…I believe you wish to control her."  The sound of footsteps stopped and she knew she had stated things right.

            "You meddle in dangerous affairs."  Kenneth warned her.  She spun around to find Irons standing very close.  He saw her draw in a sharp breath but there was nothing else to show her surprise.  She remained silent and Irons put his had under her chin lifting her face to him.  "What is your name?"

            She answered with one word.  "Hunter."

            "Nothing more?"  He probed trying to glean at least a little information from her.

            "That is enough, for now."  Hunter replied meeting him look for look.  The door to his office opened and Irons was unable to question her further.

            "What is it, Ian?"  He asked the man who stood just inside the door, without turning to look at him.

            "Lady Sara walked away from the Rialto and Gallo."  The younger man replied in a deep smooth voice.

            "Do not fear, Nottingham, other tests will present themselves."  Irons said never taking his eyes, or hand, off Hunter.  "Now what should I do with you?"  He asked addressing her.  Hunter covered her face in a mask of calm, but let her eyes widen with fear.  Irons did not attempt to hide the pleasure he received from her expression.

            "You could let me walk out that door."  Hunter pointed out and looked past Irons at his bodyguard, Ian Nottingham.  For a moment, she wondered if it was even possible for her to leave Irons' office without his permission.  She had no more time to dwell on the subject, Irons was speaking to her.

            "You know too much for me to just let you go."  He told her as he cocked his head to the side watching her.  "But, on the other hand you are far too beautiful to slit your throat."  Hunter took a step back and Nottingham moved towards her.  Irons lowered his hand, motioning Ian to stay in his place.  "Perhaps there is a way to persuade you to remain with me."  Kenneth continued as he ran his right hand down her shoulder until her hand rested in his.  He lifted it to his face and stared at Hunter down its length.  "I can assure you it will be well worth your while."  Kenneth finished his offer by kissing her hand.

            "Um…tempting offer," Hunter said taking her hand back.  "But I really must be going."  She stepped past Irons heading for the door, but Ian stood in her way.  Hunter stopped a few feet away from the black clad man and took a deep breath.

            Irons turned around and spoke to her back.  "There must be something I can offer you."

            "There is one thing," Hunter began, looking over her shoulder at Kenneth.  "I desire to wear the Witchblade."

            "Sara Pezzini—"

            "Is wearing the Blade, for the time being."  She cut in as she walked towards Irons again.  "I can manipulate my way close to Sara and lead her to trust you, or take the bracelet from her."

            "Why should I believe that you would not just take the Blade and disappear?"  He asked not quite sure what to make of this sudden change in personality.

            "Because we both want the same thing."  Hunter sated confidently.  "And I know that I cannot obtain that without your help.  If I somehow fail, there is no great loss to you.  The way I see it, Mr. Irons, either way you choose you can't lose."

            "If I agree to this, how will I keep an eye on you?"  Irons asked.  He already knew the answer, Nottingham, but he wanted to see what she would say.

            "I will reside at your house, so that you may keep and eye on me, when I am not with Sara."  Hunter finished.

            Irons closed the distance between them in a few long strides and then looked down at her, putting his hand on her slim shoulder.  "How can I refuse?"  He said softly leaning in close to her.  Irons slid his hand to the back of Hunter's neck causing all the little hairs to stand on end.  He gave her an arrogant smile when she looked at him and Hunter got the idea that he was use to the response.  She parted her lips slightly and licked them unknowingly, without hesitation Kenneth kissed her.

            When at last he let her go, he studied his victim with a calculating gaze.  She was breathing heavily and her eyes were glazed over with emotion.  Irons kissed her once more before he moved away.  "Ian will see you to my estate."  He said casually as if nothing happened.  "You may freshen up and I would be pleased if you would join me for dinner."

            "I would love to, but my clothes—" Hunter tried to say but was interrupted.

            "Everything you need will be provided for you."  He answered not looking at her, but a painting on the wall.  "I am sure you will find something to your liking.  Ian."

            Before Hunter was able to do or say anything, Ian was at her side ushering her out of the office.

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