Three days later Nemesis stood before the mirror trying hard not to
be nervous as she prepared for her presentation. She had dressed up as
Gangrel had asked, she wore a black mini skirt, a low-cut bell sleeved
black shirt, and had completed the outfit with black hooker boots. Her hair
was loose and fell in waves down her shoulders.
Someone knocked on her door and she called, "Come in," as she turned towards the door. Edge and Christian walked in holding a box, "We got something for you," Christian told her.
Nemesis smiled, "You two are going to spoil me, first Shadow and now you've got something else?"
Edge handed her the box, "Open it," he told her.
Nemesis sat the box on a table and lifted the lid. Inside was a leather duster. "We've seen how you look at Edge's," Christian told her, "We thought you'd like one of your own."
"Besides," Edge told her, "You've gotta look good tonight, got to show all those guys who's the prettiest girl in town."
Nemesis smiled and kissed each of the brother's on the cheek. "You guys are the best."
"Isn't this sweet."
All three youths turned to see Gangrel leaning against the door watching them. "Nemesis you look lovely," he said in approval, "Is everyone ready?"
"Almost," Edge replied holding out Nemesis' new coat for her to put on. Gangrel watched again wondering why Edge just didn't request for a bond.
"Let's go then," Gangrel said, "We don't want to keep Eternity waiting."
The three childer followed their sire from the house, "We'll take Mercedes," Gangrel decided, "Edge, you can drive."
Gangrel sat in the front passenger seat while Nemesis and Christian piled in the back. The new fledgling's hands fidgeted nervously in her lap and Christian put his own hand over top of them to still them, "You're making me nervous," He told her with a soft chuckle.
Nemesis smiled and took a deep breath, "Sorry, I can't help it."
Edge glanced in the rear view mirror, "Don't worry, babe, it'll be fine." Nemesis only nodded and spent the rest of the trip trying not to fidget.
About a half hour later they pulled to a stop in front of an older building. Edge parked the car and the family climbed out. "Ready?" Edge asked holding his arm out for Nemesis.
"Ready as I'll ever be," she returned allowing him to put his arm around her waist.
Gangrel smiled and led his children towards the building. They went around the back of the building and down a flight of steps. Gangrel opened the door and Nemesis held her breath.
The vampires inside stopped and turned as the door opened and Gangrel stepped in with his two childer, Edge and Christian. The trio paused for a moment and then parted to reveal a petite female with reddish blonde hair and sparkling green eyes.
After several moments the crowd parted and a woman came forward. She was tall with raven colored hair and ice blue eyes. "Gangrel," she called "Bring forth your childe."
Gangrel took Nemesis' hand and approached the Head Elder, "Eternity, I present to you my youngest, my daughter . . . Nemesis." Gangrel released her hand and stepped back and Eternity turned her cold blue eyes on the young vampire.
"Look at me, girl," Eternity commanded.
Nemesis raised her eyes so that her eyes were locked with those of the Elder. Eternity looked deep into her eyes appraising the young vampire before her and was impressed that Nemesis' eyes never wavered and her chin remained raised. After a long silence Eternity smiled and her eyes warmed a bit, "Nemesis, childe of Gangrel, I welcome you to the community," she intoned, formally accepting the fledgling.
Nemesis bowed, "Thank you, Elder," she said humbly.
As Nemesis straightened the room broke it's silence and everyone went back to the festivities. Gangrel came forward again and Eternity smiled pleasantly at him, "She's lovely, Gangrel." Eternity told him.
"Thank you," Gangrel replied, "I can only hope that she becomes half the vampiress that you are."
Eternity laughed, "Gangrel, flattery will get you no where. Come, let me get you a drink."
Gangrel chuckled and turned to his childer, "What are you three waiting for? Go have fun," Gangrel fixed his gaze on his daughter, "Remember what I told you, Nemesis."
"Yes, Sire," Nemesis replied not quite repressing a sigh, "I won't wander off."
Edge smiled and steer her away from the two elders. Eternity chuckled as she and Gangrel headed off in their own direction. "You know, Grel, that one is going to be a handful in a few years."
Gangrel sighed and grinned ruefully, "Don't I know it."
Meanwhile, Edge, Christian, and Nemesis worked their way through the crowd. "There must be almost a hundred vampires here," she exclaimed in wonderment.
Christian nodded, "This is one of the largest communities in the entire country," he told her proudly.
As they approached the bar a young male rose to greet them with a smile, "Edge, Christian! Long time no see bros!"
The vampire held out his hand and Edge and Christian each shook it in turns. "Draven, it's been a while."
The brunette called Draven turned his brown eyes on Nemesis, "This is your little sister huh?" The vampire reached out and took her hand raising it to his lips, "I'm Draven, and it's a pleasure to meet you. Let me get you a drink?"
Nemesis smiled in amusement and looked questioningly at her bodyguards. Edge nodded with a small smile and Nemesis turned her eyes back to Draven, "Sure," she relied taking a seat on one of the bar stools.
Christian leaned against the bar and turned to look at Draven, "Ya know, dude we like ya and all but don't even think about putting the moves on Nemesis."
"We'd have to hurt you," Edge agreed jokingly.
Draven smiled, "Awww, you guys are no fun."
"No they aren't," Nemesis chimed in flashing an innocent grin at the scowling brothers.
"She's smart too," Draven comment casting a devilish look at Edge and Christian, "How she puts up with you two is beyond me. So what'll it be, babe?"
Nemesis thought a moment before replying, "Screaming Nazi."
As Edge and Christian turned stunned looks in her direction Draven raised an eyebrow and turned to the bartender. "You heard the lady, get me a Screaming Nazi."
As the bartender prepared the shot Nemesis laughed at the dumbfounded expressions on Christian and Edge's faces. "Oh come on," she chided, "I did a little living, ya know." The bartender placed the shot in front of her and she took the shot making a slight face as the cinnamon and mint taste hit her.
Shaking his head Edge turned his attention to Draven, "So what's new with you?"
"Got a girl," Draven said running a hand through his short hair. "Come on, I'll introduce you."
The four headed from the bar Nemesis taking up the rear. She stumbled back as a hard body proceeded to push itself between her and her companions. Nemesis glanced up irritated and she found herself looking at a large vampire with white blonde hair and amber colored eyes. "Hello," he said with a leer his eyes dropping to her chest as he looked down her shirt.
Nemesis looked for Edge and Christian but they were lost in the crowd. Refusing to be intimidated however she raised her chin, placing her hands on her hips, and looked him in the eyes not saying a word. She merely raised an eyebrow in inquiry as she painted a bored expression on her face.
The other vampire circled her and Nemesis could help but feel uneasy in his presence. She couldn't explain but the vibes coming off of him clearly told her that he was bad news. "Allow me to introduce myself," he said in a deep smooth voice as he reached out to touch her hair, "My name is Malice, what's yours?"
"You know my name," Nemesis returned condescendingly, "At least you do if you were paying any attention earlier."
Malice shrugged, "These formal affairs bore me, I don't really pay much attention to them," he smiled suggestively at her, "But in your case I might make an exception."
Nemesis' nose wrinkled in distaste, "I don't think so, now if you'll excuse me, I need to find my brothers." She made to walk past him but he reached out and grabbed her arm, his grip bruising.
"That's not polite," he growled his eyes beginning to glow with an eerie light.
"Let go of me," Nemesis demanded trying to pull her arm from his grasp.
Malice merely smiled and quick as lightening reached out to grab her other arm pulling her up against him, "I think you just need to be taught some manners," he told her his voice cold, "You just need the right man to tame you."
Becoming frightened Nemesis again struggled to free herself, "Let me go!" she demanded again ignoring the pain shooting up her arm.
Suddenly a body slammed into Malice, forcing him to let go of Nemesis' arms and sending him to the floor. Nemesis stumbled backwards into a pair of steadying arms. As Nemesis righted herself she realized that it was Christian's arms that were holding her and it was Edge that had attacked Malice.
Malice climbed slowly to his feet and was brought up short, as he took in the three angry males and snarling female before him. "Now, Edge, man, just relax I was just introducing myself," Malice said with a smile holding his hands up.
"I saw what you were doing, you bastard," Edge snarled getting right up in Malice's face, "Don't come near her again!"
Malice snarled back, "What claim do you have on her, Edge? Hmmm?" he demanded, "What is she to you? Your 'sister'?" Malice studied Edge's eyes, "No, she means more to you than that, doesn't she? Have you gone before your Sire for formal recognition? For the bonding?" the pale vampire demanded. When Edge didn't answer Malice laughed, "You haven't claimed her," he declared glancing over to where a confused Nemesis watched from the safety of Christian's arms. "You have no right to interfere!"
"He has every right to interfere," a sharp voice broke in. Everyone froze as Gangrel and Eternity approached neither looking particularly happy. "Nemesis is Edge's sister, that's all the claim he needs to protect her. Whatever else they might be is none of your business," Gangrel snarled at the younger vampire, "And as her Sire I'm warning you, touch her again and you'll deal with me."
Malice glanced towards Eternity who regarded him coldly, "You're a disgrace, Malice," her voice dripping with anger and disdain, "Get out of here," she ordered. As he turned to go she called his name stopping him, "And if you bother her again, I get you if there's anything left after Gangrel is finished. Now get out of my sight," she finished as her fangs elongated and her eyes turned almost pure white.
Malice made a hasty exit and Gangrel turned to check his youngest for damage, "Are you okay?" Gangrel asked tilting her chin up.
Nemesis nodded but Christian could feel her trembling just slightly against him. Eternity saw this and reached out taking the frightened girl from her brother's protective arms, "Come with me, childe," she bade gently, before turning to Gangrel, "Follow me."
Eternity led them through the crowd vampires parting for their ruler and casting curious looks in the group's direction. The group passed through a door into a large room with sofa's and chairs. "These are my private chambers when I'm here," Eternity explained, "Wait here, we'll be back in a few minutes," the Elder said placing an arm around Nemesis' shoulders and guiding towards another room, "You can come too, Chalice," Eternity spoke to the female that had shown up with the boys.
Once they were behind closed doors Nemesis looked around them and saw they had entered what must have been Eternity's bedroom. "Did he hurt you?" Eternity asked as she poured a red liquid from a wine bottle. She handed the glass to Nemesis and as she brought it to her lips she realized it was blood. The blonde took a sip and shook her head, "No."
"Then why are you rubbing your arms so much?" The one called Chalice asked softly.
Nemesis blinked as if realizing her presence for the first time and Eternity smiled, "Nemesis meet Chalice, she's Draven's mate."
Nemesis smiled weakly and Chalice smiled understandingly, "Malice is a jerk. Always has been always will be."
"Let me see your arms," Eternity instructed taking one of Nemesis' hands and rolling up her sleeve. The Head Elder frowned as she took in the dark bruises marring the girl's pale skin just above the elbow. They were already fading but were enough to show how much force Malice had used on the fledgling. Eternity smiled, "They'll be gone in less than an hour," she told Nemesis, "If you've calmed down a bit, I think your family would like to know what happened."
Nemesis nodded, "Yes, I'm fine now, thank you."
Eternity led them out of the room and Edge who had been pacing the floor spun on one foot and took Nemesis in his arms, "Are you okay?" Edge asked holding her tightly against him.
"I'm fine," Nemesis reassured him smiling bravely.
"What happened, Little One?" Christian asked caressing her cheek with his finger, "You were right behind us."
"Yes," Gangrel spoke up an undertone of anger in his voice, "I told you to stay with one of us at all times."
Tears gathered in Nemesis' eyes at the anger in her Sire's tone, "I didn't run off," she told them her voice rising slightly, "I was just following the others and then he was there. I tried to walk away but he wouldn't let me."
Gangrel's face softened at the sight of her tears, "I'm sorry, Nemesis, you just gave us a scare."
Nemesis only nodded as she struggled to get a grip on her emotions. Edge kissed her forehead. "It's okay, you're safe now," he told her softly, "Did he hurt you?"
"No," Nemesis told him leaning into his embrace.
"There are some bruises on her arms," Eternity spoke up, "But as you know they'll be gone soon."
Gangrel growled, "Let me see your arms," he told her in an all too quiet tone.
"Gangrel, really, I'm fine . . ." Nemesis tried only to be cut off as he raised his hand.
"Let me see your arms," he commanded again in a tone that told her he would brook no arguments.
Looking down at the ground, Nemesis rolled up her sleeves and allowed the others to see the fading bruises on her arms. Draven whistled, "He wasn't being nice at all was he?"
Nemesis smiled humorlessly, "Not particularly."
Eternity smiled in approval as Nemesis got some of her spunk back, "If you're ready, there's a party waiting for you."
"Are you sure we just shouldn't take her home?" Edge asked hovering protectively over the small vampire.
Eternity shook her head, "You know if she leaves she'll never have the respect of any of the community. They all know what happened by now and they'll be waiting to see if she's tough enough to handle it."
Edge still looked doubtful but Nemesis placed her hand on his arm, "I'll be fine, Edge, really."
Edge nodded and Gangrel nodded, "All right then, let's get back to the festivities shall we?"
Once again when the door opened all the vampires turned to look as Gangrel and Eternity stepped out with Nemesis right behind them. Nemesis kept her head up and took Edge's hand, "Let's dance," she said pulling him to the area designated as the dance floor. Soon everyone had returned to their previous activities or had followed her lead and headed towards the dance floor. As dawn neared and the party began to disperse everyone was talking about Gangrel's spirited new childe.
Someone knocked on her door and she called, "Come in," as she turned towards the door. Edge and Christian walked in holding a box, "We got something for you," Christian told her.
Nemesis smiled, "You two are going to spoil me, first Shadow and now you've got something else?"
Edge handed her the box, "Open it," he told her.
Nemesis sat the box on a table and lifted the lid. Inside was a leather duster. "We've seen how you look at Edge's," Christian told her, "We thought you'd like one of your own."
"Besides," Edge told her, "You've gotta look good tonight, got to show all those guys who's the prettiest girl in town."
Nemesis smiled and kissed each of the brother's on the cheek. "You guys are the best."
"Isn't this sweet."
All three youths turned to see Gangrel leaning against the door watching them. "Nemesis you look lovely," he said in approval, "Is everyone ready?"
"Almost," Edge replied holding out Nemesis' new coat for her to put on. Gangrel watched again wondering why Edge just didn't request for a bond.
"Let's go then," Gangrel said, "We don't want to keep Eternity waiting."
The three childer followed their sire from the house, "We'll take Mercedes," Gangrel decided, "Edge, you can drive."
Gangrel sat in the front passenger seat while Nemesis and Christian piled in the back. The new fledgling's hands fidgeted nervously in her lap and Christian put his own hand over top of them to still them, "You're making me nervous," He told her with a soft chuckle.
Nemesis smiled and took a deep breath, "Sorry, I can't help it."
Edge glanced in the rear view mirror, "Don't worry, babe, it'll be fine." Nemesis only nodded and spent the rest of the trip trying not to fidget.
About a half hour later they pulled to a stop in front of an older building. Edge parked the car and the family climbed out. "Ready?" Edge asked holding his arm out for Nemesis.
"Ready as I'll ever be," she returned allowing him to put his arm around her waist.
Gangrel smiled and led his children towards the building. They went around the back of the building and down a flight of steps. Gangrel opened the door and Nemesis held her breath.
The vampires inside stopped and turned as the door opened and Gangrel stepped in with his two childer, Edge and Christian. The trio paused for a moment and then parted to reveal a petite female with reddish blonde hair and sparkling green eyes.
After several moments the crowd parted and a woman came forward. She was tall with raven colored hair and ice blue eyes. "Gangrel," she called "Bring forth your childe."
Gangrel took Nemesis' hand and approached the Head Elder, "Eternity, I present to you my youngest, my daughter . . . Nemesis." Gangrel released her hand and stepped back and Eternity turned her cold blue eyes on the young vampire.
"Look at me, girl," Eternity commanded.
Nemesis raised her eyes so that her eyes were locked with those of the Elder. Eternity looked deep into her eyes appraising the young vampire before her and was impressed that Nemesis' eyes never wavered and her chin remained raised. After a long silence Eternity smiled and her eyes warmed a bit, "Nemesis, childe of Gangrel, I welcome you to the community," she intoned, formally accepting the fledgling.
Nemesis bowed, "Thank you, Elder," she said humbly.
As Nemesis straightened the room broke it's silence and everyone went back to the festivities. Gangrel came forward again and Eternity smiled pleasantly at him, "She's lovely, Gangrel." Eternity told him.
"Thank you," Gangrel replied, "I can only hope that she becomes half the vampiress that you are."
Eternity laughed, "Gangrel, flattery will get you no where. Come, let me get you a drink."
Gangrel chuckled and turned to his childer, "What are you three waiting for? Go have fun," Gangrel fixed his gaze on his daughter, "Remember what I told you, Nemesis."
"Yes, Sire," Nemesis replied not quite repressing a sigh, "I won't wander off."
Edge smiled and steer her away from the two elders. Eternity chuckled as she and Gangrel headed off in their own direction. "You know, Grel, that one is going to be a handful in a few years."
Gangrel sighed and grinned ruefully, "Don't I know it."
Meanwhile, Edge, Christian, and Nemesis worked their way through the crowd. "There must be almost a hundred vampires here," she exclaimed in wonderment.
Christian nodded, "This is one of the largest communities in the entire country," he told her proudly.
As they approached the bar a young male rose to greet them with a smile, "Edge, Christian! Long time no see bros!"
The vampire held out his hand and Edge and Christian each shook it in turns. "Draven, it's been a while."
The brunette called Draven turned his brown eyes on Nemesis, "This is your little sister huh?" The vampire reached out and took her hand raising it to his lips, "I'm Draven, and it's a pleasure to meet you. Let me get you a drink?"
Nemesis smiled in amusement and looked questioningly at her bodyguards. Edge nodded with a small smile and Nemesis turned her eyes back to Draven, "Sure," she relied taking a seat on one of the bar stools.
Christian leaned against the bar and turned to look at Draven, "Ya know, dude we like ya and all but don't even think about putting the moves on Nemesis."
"We'd have to hurt you," Edge agreed jokingly.
Draven smiled, "Awww, you guys are no fun."
"No they aren't," Nemesis chimed in flashing an innocent grin at the scowling brothers.
"She's smart too," Draven comment casting a devilish look at Edge and Christian, "How she puts up with you two is beyond me. So what'll it be, babe?"
Nemesis thought a moment before replying, "Screaming Nazi."
As Edge and Christian turned stunned looks in her direction Draven raised an eyebrow and turned to the bartender. "You heard the lady, get me a Screaming Nazi."
As the bartender prepared the shot Nemesis laughed at the dumbfounded expressions on Christian and Edge's faces. "Oh come on," she chided, "I did a little living, ya know." The bartender placed the shot in front of her and she took the shot making a slight face as the cinnamon and mint taste hit her.
Shaking his head Edge turned his attention to Draven, "So what's new with you?"
"Got a girl," Draven said running a hand through his short hair. "Come on, I'll introduce you."
The four headed from the bar Nemesis taking up the rear. She stumbled back as a hard body proceeded to push itself between her and her companions. Nemesis glanced up irritated and she found herself looking at a large vampire with white blonde hair and amber colored eyes. "Hello," he said with a leer his eyes dropping to her chest as he looked down her shirt.
Nemesis looked for Edge and Christian but they were lost in the crowd. Refusing to be intimidated however she raised her chin, placing her hands on her hips, and looked him in the eyes not saying a word. She merely raised an eyebrow in inquiry as she painted a bored expression on her face.
The other vampire circled her and Nemesis could help but feel uneasy in his presence. She couldn't explain but the vibes coming off of him clearly told her that he was bad news. "Allow me to introduce myself," he said in a deep smooth voice as he reached out to touch her hair, "My name is Malice, what's yours?"
"You know my name," Nemesis returned condescendingly, "At least you do if you were paying any attention earlier."
Malice shrugged, "These formal affairs bore me, I don't really pay much attention to them," he smiled suggestively at her, "But in your case I might make an exception."
Nemesis' nose wrinkled in distaste, "I don't think so, now if you'll excuse me, I need to find my brothers." She made to walk past him but he reached out and grabbed her arm, his grip bruising.
"That's not polite," he growled his eyes beginning to glow with an eerie light.
"Let go of me," Nemesis demanded trying to pull her arm from his grasp.
Malice merely smiled and quick as lightening reached out to grab her other arm pulling her up against him, "I think you just need to be taught some manners," he told her his voice cold, "You just need the right man to tame you."
Becoming frightened Nemesis again struggled to free herself, "Let me go!" she demanded again ignoring the pain shooting up her arm.
Suddenly a body slammed into Malice, forcing him to let go of Nemesis' arms and sending him to the floor. Nemesis stumbled backwards into a pair of steadying arms. As Nemesis righted herself she realized that it was Christian's arms that were holding her and it was Edge that had attacked Malice.
Malice climbed slowly to his feet and was brought up short, as he took in the three angry males and snarling female before him. "Now, Edge, man, just relax I was just introducing myself," Malice said with a smile holding his hands up.
"I saw what you were doing, you bastard," Edge snarled getting right up in Malice's face, "Don't come near her again!"
Malice snarled back, "What claim do you have on her, Edge? Hmmm?" he demanded, "What is she to you? Your 'sister'?" Malice studied Edge's eyes, "No, she means more to you than that, doesn't she? Have you gone before your Sire for formal recognition? For the bonding?" the pale vampire demanded. When Edge didn't answer Malice laughed, "You haven't claimed her," he declared glancing over to where a confused Nemesis watched from the safety of Christian's arms. "You have no right to interfere!"
"He has every right to interfere," a sharp voice broke in. Everyone froze as Gangrel and Eternity approached neither looking particularly happy. "Nemesis is Edge's sister, that's all the claim he needs to protect her. Whatever else they might be is none of your business," Gangrel snarled at the younger vampire, "And as her Sire I'm warning you, touch her again and you'll deal with me."
Malice glanced towards Eternity who regarded him coldly, "You're a disgrace, Malice," her voice dripping with anger and disdain, "Get out of here," she ordered. As he turned to go she called his name stopping him, "And if you bother her again, I get you if there's anything left after Gangrel is finished. Now get out of my sight," she finished as her fangs elongated and her eyes turned almost pure white.
Malice made a hasty exit and Gangrel turned to check his youngest for damage, "Are you okay?" Gangrel asked tilting her chin up.
Nemesis nodded but Christian could feel her trembling just slightly against him. Eternity saw this and reached out taking the frightened girl from her brother's protective arms, "Come with me, childe," she bade gently, before turning to Gangrel, "Follow me."
Eternity led them through the crowd vampires parting for their ruler and casting curious looks in the group's direction. The group passed through a door into a large room with sofa's and chairs. "These are my private chambers when I'm here," Eternity explained, "Wait here, we'll be back in a few minutes," the Elder said placing an arm around Nemesis' shoulders and guiding towards another room, "You can come too, Chalice," Eternity spoke to the female that had shown up with the boys.
Once they were behind closed doors Nemesis looked around them and saw they had entered what must have been Eternity's bedroom. "Did he hurt you?" Eternity asked as she poured a red liquid from a wine bottle. She handed the glass to Nemesis and as she brought it to her lips she realized it was blood. The blonde took a sip and shook her head, "No."
"Then why are you rubbing your arms so much?" The one called Chalice asked softly.
Nemesis blinked as if realizing her presence for the first time and Eternity smiled, "Nemesis meet Chalice, she's Draven's mate."
Nemesis smiled weakly and Chalice smiled understandingly, "Malice is a jerk. Always has been always will be."
"Let me see your arms," Eternity instructed taking one of Nemesis' hands and rolling up her sleeve. The Head Elder frowned as she took in the dark bruises marring the girl's pale skin just above the elbow. They were already fading but were enough to show how much force Malice had used on the fledgling. Eternity smiled, "They'll be gone in less than an hour," she told Nemesis, "If you've calmed down a bit, I think your family would like to know what happened."
Nemesis nodded, "Yes, I'm fine now, thank you."
Eternity led them out of the room and Edge who had been pacing the floor spun on one foot and took Nemesis in his arms, "Are you okay?" Edge asked holding her tightly against him.
"I'm fine," Nemesis reassured him smiling bravely.
"What happened, Little One?" Christian asked caressing her cheek with his finger, "You were right behind us."
"Yes," Gangrel spoke up an undertone of anger in his voice, "I told you to stay with one of us at all times."
Tears gathered in Nemesis' eyes at the anger in her Sire's tone, "I didn't run off," she told them her voice rising slightly, "I was just following the others and then he was there. I tried to walk away but he wouldn't let me."
Gangrel's face softened at the sight of her tears, "I'm sorry, Nemesis, you just gave us a scare."
Nemesis only nodded as she struggled to get a grip on her emotions. Edge kissed her forehead. "It's okay, you're safe now," he told her softly, "Did he hurt you?"
"No," Nemesis told him leaning into his embrace.
"There are some bruises on her arms," Eternity spoke up, "But as you know they'll be gone soon."
Gangrel growled, "Let me see your arms," he told her in an all too quiet tone.
"Gangrel, really, I'm fine . . ." Nemesis tried only to be cut off as he raised his hand.
"Let me see your arms," he commanded again in a tone that told her he would brook no arguments.
Looking down at the ground, Nemesis rolled up her sleeves and allowed the others to see the fading bruises on her arms. Draven whistled, "He wasn't being nice at all was he?"
Nemesis smiled humorlessly, "Not particularly."
Eternity smiled in approval as Nemesis got some of her spunk back, "If you're ready, there's a party waiting for you."
"Are you sure we just shouldn't take her home?" Edge asked hovering protectively over the small vampire.
Eternity shook her head, "You know if she leaves she'll never have the respect of any of the community. They all know what happened by now and they'll be waiting to see if she's tough enough to handle it."
Edge still looked doubtful but Nemesis placed her hand on his arm, "I'll be fine, Edge, really."
Edge nodded and Gangrel nodded, "All right then, let's get back to the festivities shall we?"
Once again when the door opened all the vampires turned to look as Gangrel and Eternity stepped out with Nemesis right behind them. Nemesis kept her head up and took Edge's hand, "Let's dance," she said pulling him to the area designated as the dance floor. Soon everyone had returned to their previous activities or had followed her lead and headed towards the dance floor. As dawn neared and the party began to disperse everyone was talking about Gangrel's spirited new childe.