Author's note: A character from Blade Trinity makes an appearance in this chapter, and we finally get a few more vampires in it. But werewolves still dominant the story. Anyway, thanks for the reviews, and please keep them coming. Warning: Sexual situations in this chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own, don't sue.

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CHAPTER THREE: TRUST IS HARD TO COME BY

Meira walked into her chambers at the headquarters, finding her mother sitting in one of the lounge chairs, reading a book. An annoyed sigh came out of Meira, for surprise talks with her mother usually were not good for her, well, they would not be if she was human and human blood pressure problems.

"You know, there are ways to stop someone without punching them, especially when they perhaps feel cornered," Silvia said softly, setting down the book and looking up at her daughter. "Meira, I know you despise Vladimir, I understand, but if you do not learn to contain your violent tendencies, I will make you join his team so you can at least put them to good use."

Meira's eyes narrowed as her pupils began to dilate, and she growled low in her throat. "I will never join his team, and I can control myself just fine. I simply react the wrong way, I didn't know how close he was to biting Karen, and I did what was necessary to keep him from doing so," she stated. "Not that I need to explain my actions to you anymore. Ulric has taken me in as Karen's lab partner and I am no longer part of your pack."

Almost instantly Meira regretted those words, and she could not fight of the guilt that tore at her stomach and threatened to shove her stomach up her throat when she saw her mother's eyes close in a flinch as if she had been slapped.

"Mom, I'm-"

Silvia held up a hand, cutting her off. The female alpha bowed her head briefly, then rose, nodding. "You're right, Meira. I cannot make you do a thing anymore as far as pack laws go. But I am still your mother," she told her daughter softly, pale blue eyes shining as if they were ice, melting under the sun's scorching light. "I am trying to help teach you, help you learn so that you do not make an even bigger mistake in judgment one day."

Meira looked down, biting her lip as she listening to her mother. She knew Silvia cared and still sometimes felt as though Meira was nothing more than a pup. And perhaps her mother was right, perhaps she did need to learn to control herself.

"One day, Meira, you will be sent out of the safety of the pack, for what reason, that is in Ulric's mind alone at the moment. But you will have to deal with humans, far more frustrating and aggravating creatures, and what will happen if you react the wrong way in front of them?"

Silvia cupped Meira's face and lifted her head up. "I love you, Meira. And you have so much strength in you, so much intelligence as well. But you must learn how to use both, together. When you do, you will be as fierce as myself or any other alpha out there. You just need to put them together."

"Mom, I'm sorry."

The female alpha nodded, kissing Meira's forehead lightly. "I know. I know that since your father died it has been harder for you to control your aggression, I suffered it myself as well, and it almost cost me my position, remember?" she asked, and her daughter nodded. "Understand, I am only trying to save you from something similar, or even worse."

Meira nodded again, managing a small smile. "I know , Mom. I just, I would like to go one visit from you without you correcting every single thing I do wrong. Perhaps this time I deserved it, but Ulric already reprimanded me enough, publicly."

Silvia grinned, her smooth yet mature skin barely wrinkling despite her centuries. "Then just be thankful I did not do this publicly as well," she said with a teasing tone, causing Meira's smile to widen. "There, that's better. You look much prettier when you smile than when you frown," she told her daughter. "Now, how about you tell me about Nomak. And whether or not you lost control again," she added with a wink.

"I called him a snitch," Meira admitted, but before her mother could complain, she added, "and he called me a bitch afterwards, then we were silent, but he didn't seem offended. But he was acting cocky."

"Every male except Ulric acts cocky in your opinion," Silvia quipped.

"That's because every male except Ulric can't prove they have the right to act cocky," Meira replied.

Silvia smirked and nodded. "True, true. Though your father was quite powerful himself. But he was much different in his methods, intelligent and cunning, striking at others efficiently and swiftly, without having to even use his brute strength," she recalled, her eyes unusually wistful.

Meira reached out and squeezed her mother's hand briefly. She normally didn't show so much concern, but her mother normally didn't show that much emotion when it came to her father. Meira didn't remember him that well, though her mother still did. She just didn't mention him that often or even show much reaction to thoughts of him, and it was hard for Meira to see. She wasn't used to it, and she didn't know how to handle it exactly.

"Listen to me, talking as if I was an old woman in a rocking chair," her mother said as she felt Meira's affectionate squeeze. She smiled at her daughter, eyes glassy and shining like diamonds with the faintest blue tint. "I need to go, make sure the pack is well and without my help still. I'll see you later, alright?"

"Ok," Meira replied, nodding and offering her mother a genuine smile. "I'm going to go make sure some blood is delivered to the reaper within the hour. According to what Karen and I know of his species, he needs to feed several times a day."

Her mother nodded and leaned over to kiss her daughter's forehead before walking to the door and letting herself out. As the door closed softly, Meira let out a soft sigh and looked around. She decided to change, her clothes smelled of Vladimir and Nomak. Two males she did not want to carry the scent of.

----

If there was one vampire in the world Nyssa Damaskinos despised truly and thoroughly, it was Danica Talos.

The turned vampire had been worming her way up higher than any halfbreed should. She was ambitious and resentful of purebloods. She also seemed to reciprocate the contempt Nyssa harbored, her own eyes filled with icy hatred and resentment whenever they landed on Nyssa. Well, they seemed to hold more when they glanced at her. She always stared at purebloods and humans with contempt.

Not that she really had much right to stare at humans with contempt. She had once been one, and while she was now of the stronger race of vampires, she was still a weakling compared to Nyssa and other purebloods.

Danica reminded Nyssa of Deacon Frost, or what she had heard of him. She had fortunately never met that bastard.

The two females stood side by side, waiting for Nyssa's father to come. Nyssa felt her loathing rise at the fact that she was having to act as hostess to Danica as if she were an equal, and her humiliation was even worse as she had been effected by the damaging light of the UV bomb, the burn on her throat not fully healed.

The tension in the air was thick and practically tangible. They both stood tense and at attention, but Nyssa knew Danica had no chance in combat. The halfbreed bitch could fire a gun and kick some poor male's balls, but she was no match for someone trained and skilled in the art of fighting. Nyssa had taken on Blade, and would have had the upper hand if Asad hadn't put a stop to the fight.

A slight wave of grief passed through Nyssa's mind at the thought of her fallen friend and comrade, but now was not the time. Besides, she didn't want to give Danica a reason to bare her fangs in a twisted smile.

"So, you really worked with the Daywalker?" Danica finally asked after a moment, her almost constantly lewd voice cutting through the haze of mutual contempt.

"Yes."

"How was he?"

"I didn't screw him, if that's what you mean."

"No, you fight people. But with you, is there really a difference?"

A growl emitted from Nyssa and she nearly lashed out at Danica, but kept herself in control. It was difficult, to say the least, especially as Danica's suggestive laughter met Nyssa's ears. Ever since Danica had wormed her way high enough to enter the home of Overlord Eli Damaskinos, she had made it her mission to taunt Nyssa with lewd jokes and suggestive comments.

Sometimes Nyssa wondered if Danica wanted to have at her. Since Danica looked at sex as a weapon and a means of torture more so than actual pleasure. Well, it was for her, but more because of the damage she liked to make it cause.

Whereas Nyssa preferred a clean fight, honorable and vicious to the death. This amused Danica for some reason, Nyssa didn't want to understand the halfbreed's sick mind, and did not want to know what plans she entertained as far as the vampire princess was concerned. The only thing she wanted to know about Danica, was how she could be kept under control.

Finally, Damaskinos entered, and Nyssa could have jumped with joy at the sight of her father practically. Instead she calmly walked over to him, taking his hand as he glanced at Danica with his own icy contempt, though his eyes and their age were colder than Danica could ever dream of being.

"Father, Danica Talos, here to request permission to look into your archives," Nyssa announced, trying to keep her voice calm and emotionless. The very thought of Danica touching the sacred books in her father's library nearly made her tremble with rage, but she knew it was not her place to say or show displeasure, not until she and her father were alone.

Sometimes, being the daughter of the vampire overlord had its very depressing downsides.

Damaskinos narrowed his eyes at Danica, studying her, piercing her as if looking into her thoughts to see what it was she wanted. After a moment, he waved his hand briefly, letting out a heavy sigh. "You may do as requested," he told the halfbreed, who seemed to glow with a wicked light at the decision. "For two hours, and no more," he instructed, putting a damper on Danica's happiness. "Make sure you ruin nothing, take nothing, and leave everything in its proper place."

With a reluctant nod, her colder now, Danica agreed. "Very well, Overlord," she said with restraint. She walked to a door at one side of the room, where the archives were kept, and entered, quietly shutting the door without a single glance back.

Damaskinos glanced over to Nyssa, and she could tell her father had not been fond of his own decision. "We must keep her occupied until what remains of the Bloodpack and Blade leave," he explained, sensing her confusion. "There is too much hanging in the balance for her to be snooping around. So to keep a dog out of the master's meal, we give it the treat it really wants."

Nyssa nodded, though she still wished Danica could have just been exiled from Prague for the rest of her immortal life. Which hopefully would be cut off somehow.

"See to it the others are ready within the hour. And, Nyssa," Damaskinos said, his tone a warning. "Do not go to Blade. You may see him again when it is time for you to leave," he instructed, his eyes cold now, even as they were staring into her own.

A shiver ran down Nyssa's spine, and she felt afraid of her father in a way she had never thought possible. But then it left her as he softened, letting go of her hand after giving it a gentle pat. She nodded in obedience and walked out of the room at the other end, passing by Faris as she left.

Damaskinos's eyes followed his daughter as she left, then moved to brooding figure of Faris.

The vampire, not a pureblood but an ex-familiar, was not too tall, but stocky, with hollow cheeks, pitch black hair that almost reached his shoulders, and eyes of an even darker black. He was of Irish descent, and still looked imposing despite his height. He was also well trusted, having proved himself as a familiar, and as well trained as any member of the Bloodpack.

"Stay at the door to the library," the vampire overlord told his lackey as he walked out of the room as well. "Do not allow Miss Talos to leave until two hours have passed, and escort her all the way out. We cannot afford more complications," he stated.

Faris nodded once, curtly, then strode over to the library door and stood at attention. The vampire overlord knew Faris wouldn't waver in his orders. He could always trust Faris around Danica - after all, the halfbreeds hated each other after Faris had slept with Danica for information two years ago, and Faris had despised the experience.

Danica as well. There was nothing she hated more than when others turned the tables on her.

----

The warm water felt wonderful on Aysel's skin, soothing and calming, relaxing tense muscles and cleansing her already healing wounds. Her brown and blonde hair was darkened almost to black as she stood beneath the pouring water, letting it soak her thoroughly. Blood and sweat mingled with water and dripped down her body, falling to the floor and rushing to the drain as she clean up.

Her eyes were closed, but Aysel could smell Donovan, hear him stepping into the shower stall with her, feel his eyes on her as her body faced him. Then she felt hands on her sides, gentle and slightly tugging, wanting her near him. The action was more pleading than pulling, and she opened her eyes as she stepped closer, looking at Donovan as her clean form pressed against his unwashed form, his blood and sweat covered her torso and chest, mixing with water and dripping down both of them.

"You're beautiful when you've won," he whispered softly, one hand slipping form her hip to her stomach, lying flat against her and between their bodies, sliding up, between her breasts, to her neck, thumb tenderly stroking her cheek.

The action made Aysel quiver, her eyes fluttering and causing tiny droplets to fall from her lashes. She reached up, her own palms and fingers flat against his skin, moving up his back to his shoulders, and then nails lightly grazed his skin as her hands moved down, reaching his buttocks before moving back up.

A growl escaped Donovan, his own eyes closing and she felt the wolf trembled beneath his skin. Her lips captured his, taking advantage of the sound that forced his lips open. Another growl met their ears, this time Aysel's as she felt Donovan knead her ass while they kissed, tongues brushing and dancing as if in a duel.

The warm water may have felt wonderful on Aysel's skin, but it could not compare to the exquisite feel of Donovan's flesh and touch and tongue, the smell of arousal filling the steamy air, bodies trembling as wolves clamored inside. Human and wolf instinct melded as Aysel pulled Donovan into the water and helped him clean, her tongue tasting the blood and sweat and his fingers clawing at her back.

Growls and whines and moans and gasps met their ears as arousal became stronger and thicker in the air. They battled again for dominance, just as primal as before, but tempting and taunting and loving and caring. Soon dominance no longer mattered, the wolves giving in to the human instinct to be equal and be joined.

Donovan lifted her up, Aysel's legs wrapping around his hips as her fingers clutched at his hair. He kissed her, tongue entering her mouth as he entered her body, two growls mingled in their mouths at the sensation, and then it was all thrusting and tendering nips and gentle clinging, tight yet sweet and desperate even while restrained.

It was often like this between them. There never was dominance in their lives when they mated. It was blissful and equal, it was faith and trust, comforting, arousing, soothing, exciting, human, wolf, and then it was nothing but bursting rapture that made them see nothing as they came apart and put each other back together.

The two of them moved in perfect unison, their movements still in sync despite the frantic, desperate panting and clinging, the maddening need to push each other over the edge even though they wished this could last for eternity.

And then it happened, the build up finally peaking and nothing in the world mattered to them, nothing else existed. It was fierce, so much pleasure it almost hurt and they could barely stand it, but they clung to it as they clutched at each other tight enough to break human bones.

Several moments passed. The only sounds they could hear was the water and their panting. More time swept by, and reluctantly they moved, parting and finishing their shower before turning the water off and stepping out. Their hands found each other and fingers interlocked, squeezing briefly. And then they were dressing, preparing for their mission.

When they returned, they could take their time. Donovan was always gentle with her, as if she would break. Aysel was just as gentle with him. When they finished, they would be able to relax in their embrace, covered in the afterglow and nothing more.

"Your wounds have healed," Donovan said softly, glancing at her with his all American smile, the same one that had won her over so long ago. It was soft and charming, genuine and sweet and boyish even in the face of a matured and hardened man.

"Yours have too," Aysel replied, smiling back. She leaned over, kissing him deeply and slowly, taking her time with it. She felt strong hands cup her face after a moment, her mate returning the kiss, taking his own time with it.

It was several moments later when they finally parted and finished preparing for their next assignment. When they returned they would take their time though. Time was something they had learned to appreciate a lot more.

----

Vladimir strode down a hallway and made a turn, silently entering the main surveillance room where Richard was stationed at, the younger werewolf seated in front of the many screens, though his eyes were focused on a book he was holding.

At least it's not some porno magazine.

The other lycanthrope looked up from his reading and acknowledged Vladimir with a slight bow of his head. "Everything's clear at the moment. Everyone's at their posts," he informed the top beta. "We have three cameras set up and operating at the hallway here the reaper's room is located, just as you requested."

"Good, very good," Vladimir replied. He had wanted to make certain there was no way the reaper could sneak past security cameras, hiding in angles their vision couldn't quite reach. This way, there was always a camera focused on his hallway.

You won't be able to sneak around this place, not with me in charge of security, Suckface. Just because our alpha wants your help doesn't mean you can get away with murder.

Vladimir's dislike of the reaper - he would not acknowledge anything more than dislike until he knew he was allowed to hate Nomak - was growing by the second. The mutated vampire had caused the beta to be humiliated in front of his alpha and his underlings. Vladimir despised being put down in front of others. He had worked hard to be where he was, and he would be damned if he let some freak of vampiric nature ruin it just because he wanted to be a brat.

"Is there anything else you need me to do, sir?" Richard asked, cutting off Vladimir's train of thought. He looked up at the beta, his expression making it obvious he was oblivious to his boss' musings.

Vladimir shook his head, his mane of dark hair flittering around his face at the movement. "No, good job. Once Ulric and Melantha are up, alert them I've taken the team out on the mission," he instructed before leaving, not even waiting for the nod he knew would come. He trusted Richard to take care of things, the young lycanthrope was loyal and well trained.

Vladimir did hope that there would be a few reapers left down in the tunnels. He so badly wanted to rip them apart. All the while he could pretend they were Jared Nomak.

It was a shame Vladimir hadn't stayed a few moments longer in the security room. He would have been able to see something the three cameras picked up that would have made the beta's day even better.

----

Danica Talos despised humans. She had that in common with Deacon Frost. In fact, she had a lot in common with Frost. She was one of those who had been disappointed to hear his plan had failed. Of course, she had to be careful who she allowed to know about that, as the purebloods hated Frost and those like him.

They didn't like halfbreeds, even though they created them and allowed them to be created. But once any of them showed extreme loyalty to their species and wanted to further its being, they were looked upon as traitors.

It disgusted her. She could not understand why Frost's plan had been such a thing to fear. She knew that Damaskinos hadn't given a shit about the council and its pureblooded members, only the fact that a halfbreed had killed them. Perhaps it was because that halfbreed did something the overlord had wanted to do but had never attempted.

Danica, like Deacon, had once been human and upon her turning, had longed to rise in the ranks of the vampires. Also like Deacon, she despised the race she had once been part of with a vengeance. They were cattle to be killed or turned or used as pets. They were weak.

Danica, like Deacon, lost sight of the fact that it was pure luck and only luck they had been turned and allowed to live.

The rather young vampiress gingerly looked through the pages of one of the oldest books in Damaskinos' library. The room was thick with dust, the air was musky and old, and she was dying for a cigarette. But she couldn't risk a fire, even though the nicotine would be such a sweet relief to the ancient air that was filled her nose, throat, and lungs.

An impatient sigh escaped her, but she forced herself to concentrate. If she found what she came here for, and she had faith that she would, this, all of it, would be worth it. And then she could prove to be even more of a bother and even more concerned for her race than Deacon Frost.

If she found what she was looking for, she would bring back a power far greater than La Magra. The one she sought was more powerful than their blood god, older and stronger and wiser. She would bring back a force not even Blade could destroy.

Her race would be saved.

Fingers gently and carefully turning another page, Danica smiled, a wicked and frightening leer with glistening fangs, as she finally found what she had been searching for.

----

Nomak opened his eyes slowly, letting them adjust to the darkness of the bedroom. He had turned out all the lights, giving his eyes a chance to rest, and had actually been able to fall asleep. Probably because the sheets beneath him were an exquisite cotton that breathed but felt softer than anything he had known before. It felt nice against his skin, and he'd been able to keep from burning up.

The reaper slowly sat up, his ears picking up the sound of soft footsteps out in the hall. He listened to them carefully as they neared, recognizing their sound and pattern as Meira's.

She had a distinctive footstep. She strode briskly yet almost silently, and Nomak wondered if she would make more noise than that even if she wore heels and soles made of metal. It was a nice footstep though, it didn't make him wince at the harshness nor did it make him wonder if she'd ever show up.

His sister had that sort of footstep. She took forever and was slower than some slugs he'd seen.

Nomak slid off the bed and grabbed his pants, quickly slipping them on. He figured there was a chance Meira was coming to bring him blood, and he didn't think she'd appreciate it if he answered the door naked. Though the look on her face would be interesting, to say the least.

Pausing, his pants halfway up his thighs and his body in an awkward position, the reaper repeated his last thought. Why on earth would he care about any look on her face? Ok, so maybe he did get enjoyment out of taunting her, maybe it was because she had punched him when he was hungry - though he was always hungry - and cornered, but still.

Shaking his head, he finished putting the pants on and sighed. He obviously needed to get over the fact that he was actually able to interact with a female.

Meira's soft footsteps reached the door to his guest room, and Nomak walked over, opening it up mid knock. The female lycan held her hand up for a moment, then dropped it and rolled her eyes before noticing Nomak's state of undress. She quirked an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.

"Don't know why I even bothered," she muttered to herself before handing him another bag of blood - cold in his hand and soothing his skin. "Here you go. When would you like another one?" she asked, trying to put forth an effort to be a bit more amiable.

Nomak tore open the bag and lifted it to his mouth, keeping his eyes locked with hers as he quickly drained the plastic container of its contents. The blood was sweet, human and fresh and so cold he was amazed it wasn't frozen. It slid down his throat, coating and soothing every part of him it came in contact with, and the reaper could almost sigh in relief.

Handing the bag back to her once he finished, Nomak wiped his mouth clean and answered. "Now."

Meira's eyes narrowed, and it was obvious she was fighting not to say something snarky. But she calmly took the empty bag and nodded. "Fine. I'll be back in a minute," she said curtly. She turned to leave, but Nomak reached out, grabbing her shoulder.

"No, I'll go. I can't sleep any more anyway," he told her, stepping out of the room and closing the door. "As long as your species doesn't mind someone walking around shirtless," he added. He didn't want to put his shirt back on, his body was enjoying the cool air.

The female werewolf shook her head. "No. Some of us can be seen completely nude, after the change. It happens, you have to head back to your chambers to dress again. We have different standards of modesty, though we do have some," she explained.

"And the sight of a pale freak whose veins show through his skin won't bother anyone?" he asked, and he realized he sounded bitter.

Meira seemed to soften a bit, and Nomak instantly wanted to smack her or go back inside and slam the door on her face. Pity shimmered in her pale eyes.

"No, it won't. If you want more blood, I'll take you to get some more," she told him, turning and walking down the hallway. After a moment she paused, glancing over her shoulder to see why Nomak wasn't following.

The pity was still there. It was sweet and sympathetic and made Nomak feel inferior and weak in a different manner than the way he felt around his father. But it still reminded him of how he felt around his father. He didn't like being reminded of that.

But his body ended up beating his pride, and reluctantly, he slowly followed her down the hallway.

Satisfied that he wasn't just going to let her walk alone and have to bring the blood back, Meira turned and led him down the hallway. She didn't glance back at him for a while, nor did she make any attempt to start a conversation. She didn't even try to make a sarcastic comment, or a comment period. She kept silent and gave him distance.

It confused Nomak. She pitied him, but she didn't try to say encouraging things, nor did she act sardonic and superior. She didn't take advantage of his self loathing in any way, merely, let him be. He wasn't sure how to respond to that.

Unable to think of something to do other than follow Meira to where more chilled blood would be found, Nomak stuck his hands in the pockets of his pants and decided that if anyone looked at him in a way he didn't like, he'd simply show them the interior of his mouth. For now though, it appeared to just be the two of them.

Nomak was thankful for that. He didn't want anymore looks of pity and certainly didn't want looks of repulsion. But his skin needed the cool air, instead of heated fabric, and Meira had said it wouldn't be minded.

Of course, he had never really made that much of a conscious effort to make sure he didn't offend people, had he? Ever since his mutation, he had gone out of his way to offend, insult, and frighten his father, place in Damaskinos the contempt of his own seed and the fear of it as well. And with the knowledge that Blade was working with the Bloodpack, Nomak could revel in the fact that his plan had indeed worked.

His father feared him greatly.