I actually wrote the bulk of this chapter a long while ago. So this chapter is old and new! And guess who's back? In all his dapper glory!

Chapter Six

Poison & Wine

10 o' clock sharp, she said. Dress to impress, she said.

Ellie could feel the weights of her depression pulling her downwards again.

Although I'm sure the three glasses of Wine are partly to blame. She thought bitterly.

She glanced at her watch again. 11:02.

Corinne had been right. This Roy Humphries was a lay-about. A giant, late, rude, unprofessional lay-about.

Ellie crossed her legs and sipped at her fourth glass of wine. A hearty pink glow was forming on her cheeks, but she felt rather fine. She didn't drink often, but she knew she had a higher tolerance than most girls her age and size.

I'll wait only a few minutes longer. 11:11. If he's not here, then I'm gone.

11:05. 11:10...

"Are you Elizabeth, erm, Crane?"

Oh damn. I really did want to go home.

Ellie turned on her stool. So this was Roy Humphries. Next big folk sensation.

Corinne had been right. Roy was a rather handsome young man. Ellie knew he had grown up in the area; he wasn't exactly a humble homespun apple pie of a boy. Still, he had a child-like brightness in his electric blue eyes. He was peachy skinned and Ellie knew that under his blazer and ratty t shirt, a toned torso lay in hiding. His dark hair was cropped short, but it curled cutely on his head. The wide set dimples on his cheeks made him look much younger than he was. He was the picture of cougar bait. At least that was what Ellie thought.

She offered up her hand and flashed a well crafted, yet entirely fake smile.

"Ellie." She yelled over the noise in the bar. "You must be Roy."

Roy nodded enthusiastically, he seemed to be relieved. He hopped up onto the empty stool next to her.

"Can I get you another drink?" He offered politely. Ellie glanced at her glass. Had she really finished off that one too? She nodded her approval and inspected the man as he conversed with the bartender.

"I've gotta say I was a bit worried." Roy admitted, running a hand through his hair sheepishly.

Ellie's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"Well," Roy began. "Corinne, you know, she made you out to be some artsy, hippie type. You know, one of those Kerouac types that can't be bothered with good hygiene or social skills."

Ellie smiled wryly.

"I wouldn't believe a single word Corinne says." Ellie said, only just managing to hide the malice that threatened to spill out of her.

Roy laughed. "Yeah, I'm beginning to figure that out."

The bartender slid over to their counter slapping two small glasses in front of them. Ellie stared down at them, realizing they were shot glasses. She glanced up at Roy questioningly.

"Tequila." He explained. "You can't have a good meet n greet with your inhibitions still in tact. Right?"

Not necessarily. Ellie thought, skeptical.

Roy it seemed picked up on her protests. "Look, Elizabeth-"

"Ellie, please." Ellie corrected.

"Ellie," Roy said. "You see that's exactly what I'm getting at. I loved your songs Ellie. I did. And if you're going to write more for me...well, I need to know you. You know? No bullshit, Ellie. Is that okay?"

Ellie smiled. He was a cute kid. Only twenty one years old and already jaded by society.

Quaint. I like him.

She knew she probably shouldn't. She was already mightily buzzed, but a shot or two wouldn't kill her.

I'm not even driving. Ellie thought, settling the matter.

She picked up the glass from the bar and held it in the air.

"No bullshit." She said amiably. Roy smiled and smashed his glass into hers.

After several experiences in high school, Ellie had come to discover what sort of drunk she was. She was quiet drunk, thankfully. She never got angry or loud or stupid. Just quiet. Too thoughtful, that was what someone had told her. Was there such a thing as too thoughtful?

In college, on occasion, she would get hammered on purpose. She found that she could scratch out a few terrific sentences when smashed. The thoughtful, harmless, but still hindered drunk. That was Ellie.

Roy, on the other hand, was a talkative drunk. He could talk and talk. And he couldn't hold his liquor to save his life. After two straight shots he was down and out. He complained of a headache and walked with Ellie to the door.

Outside, a burst of midnight air, brought Ellie out of her warm and loopy stupor.

"You didn't drive did you, dear?" Ellie said. In just a short time she had become protective over Roy. He stood a head taller than her, but he was still a baby.

"Nope." Roy said. "I'll cab a call."

Ellie smiled. "Call a cab?"

"Yesh." Roy said, reaching into his pocket for his cell phone.

Ellie waited with him, trying to ignore that monstrous depression that was beginning to creep on back. She watched Roy tumble into the cab and waved him off.

She leaned against the window of El Fin, a long yawn escaping her.

Goodness, I'm tired. She closed her eyes. I'll just rest a minute.

"Hello, ma'am."

Ellie cracked one eye open. The sleepiness drained from her eyes and her muscles stiffened.

Two men were standing in front of her. One was large, not in an overweight manner, but large all the same. He must have been two head taller than her, one of those big-boned men. The other was lean and lanky, his long arms stuffed casually in his coat pocket.

"How are you on this fine night?" The lean man asked, a sneaky sneer on his unshaven face.

Ellie frowned. She pushed off of the window and stood tall.

"Fine." She answered curtly. She wrapped her purse strap over her shoulder and walked away as quickly as she could.

"Where are you going?" The man called after her. "We don't bite you know!"

Ellie ignored them. Maybe they would give up. There were plenty of girls left in the bar.

She strained her ears, trying to hear if they were following her. When she didn't hear anything, her curiosity was peaked. Tentatively glancing over her shoulder, Ellie saw that the skinny man, the one who had addressed her was going. The large man, however, he was still milling around the door.

Must've gone looking for easier catches. Ellie thought relieved.

Still, she didn't want to hang around the empty streets now that it was after midnight. She hugged her purse closer to her and picked up her pace. The sooner she was home, under her covers, cuddled up with Harrison, the better.

He can see her now. She is walked towards him, two blocks down on the opposite end of the street. Her heart is hammering in her chest. That he can hear it, that he can feel it from such a distance, peaks his lingering curiosity. He was right to return to her.

He had, on his leave, attempted to find the same amount of power-feeding warmth with the company of other women. Women who, despite his obvious chill, would gladly stay with him for meager amounts of currency. But it was not as strong as a connection as he had felt before.

He wanted; he needed to return to Asgard, with his strength in tact as soon as possible. While it was easier, less tedious, to spend his time with the women of the underground it was not, he had discovered, more efficient.

So he wandered back to Ellie, only to find that she was wallowing in a state of distress. What had caused such erratic behavior, he did not know. It was a delight to watch. It seemed that, as frazzled as his magic had made her; earthy forces could so much more.

So it was decided. If he were to use Ellie to regain his powers, he would need a better cover than that of a moody house pet. He left her once more to make the necessary arrangements. Except, when he had returned, not even three hours later she had gone.

Loki could not imagine where his little catalyst had wandered off to. Her mode of transportation was left outside.

She can't have gotten very far. He thought. I may as well wander about myself. It won't be difficult to track her down.

And track her down he did.

There she was, walking steadily down the poorly lit street on the side walk across from him. It wasn't cold out, not even by his standard, yet she held her arms about her tightly, as if she was expected a coming chill.

Could she be aware of me? As I am of her? No...these humans may sense my alien wiles, but that doesn't mean they can identify them for what they are. Their minds are too small, they are far too inept.

There was no need to chase her down. She was heading towards the direction of her home and the pace she was setting was rather fast. Loki leaned against a street lamp, watching the distance between them close. He would wait for her to come to him. At the moment, she was entirely unaware of him, seemingly lost in her thoughts. Now she was just a block away.

The ghostly quiet of the emptied street was only broken by the loud clapping of her heels against the concrete. One wouldn't have to watch her to know that she was gaining speed with each step she took.

Loki couldn't understand why her heart was hammering so wildly, why she was traveling with such unbecoming hast. He lifted his gaze to the sky above. The night was pleasant. The moon, round and large, hung in the sky, the clouds of the afternoon having floated away. Only a few stars were able to break the onslaught of orange glow the emanated off of the Los Angeles skyline.

He then realized that something in the surroundings had changed. The harsh clacking of Ellie's heals had ceased. Had she seen him?

No, another figure had stopped her. A male. The wily man stood uncomfortably close to Ellie. Loki could smell spirits coming off of him in waves. His hair was oiled and mussed, his posture hunched and cocky.

"You ran off so fast." He crooned, his voice marred by cigarette smoke. It was then that Loki understood. It seemed another predator had taken to hunting his prey.

Make that two.

"You find her, Jeff?" A baritone voice called from behind her.

Ellie visibly jerked at the sound of the second voice. Her heart felt faint, it was plummeting into her stomach. This is what I get for walking. All to save a few drops of gas.

She tried to look away, not wanting look "Jeff" in his insect-like, dilated eyes. The other man, his name still unknown was behind her faster than she could have imagined. The kiss of his breath on her neck, caused her to lunge forward involuntarily.

Jeff, mistaking her faulty escape for clumsiness, reached out gripped her shoulders tightly.

"Careful there. Don't want you to scrap a knee." He said, talking at her like she was a lost little girl.

Ellie gasped, terror gnawing at her brain. "Let go."

It had been her experience that, as much as creeps like these only wanted to cop a feel, they were entirely turned off by what Ellie could only label as bitchiness. Whenever she felt even the slightest bit threatened by a man or smarmy boy, she would flick a switch in her head and a bitch she would happily become.

"Aw, come on baby, don't be like that." Jeff drawled, his thumb rubbing against her forearm. "Me and my friend only want to help you out."

Ellie held her chin high, adrenaline pulsing in her veins. "You and your friend can go fuck a toaster."

As "Jeff" processed her remark, she shook herself from his grasp and pushed past him.

Don't run, Ellie. Don't run. If you run then they'll know they've got you scared. These bastards always get off on that sort of thing. Besides, you wouldn't get very far with a few drinks in you.

It took every ounce of control she had not to break into a mad dash. The simple fats were she was in heels and heels were not conducive with easy get-aways. The much more likely scenario would leave her in a painful mess on the ground. Not the place she wanted to be.

It wasn't long before she could here the two men gaining ground on her. She looked down the length of the block in front on her. To her dismay not a single store was open. She clutched her purse close to her debating reaching inside to grab her phone.

Before she could decide, she felt a hand on her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. She resisted with all her strength but another arm snaked around her waist, holding her in place.

"Such naughty words coming from such a pretty little mouth." Jeff slurred, pulling her into his chest. Ellie sucked in her breath determined not to succumb to her fear. If I could just muster one good scream...

"Let go of me." She seethed, trying to pull away from him.

"Heh, I don't think she likes ya, Jeff." The other man said, watching the scene with sick amusement.

Jeff laughed along, the hand on her shoulder, running over her chest and gripping her other shoulder. "She just needs to relax. I'm not such a bad guy, eh?"

He rested his chin on her shoulder, whispering into her ear.

"Bite me." She bit back, digging the point of her heel into his shin.

With a yelp, Jeff released her and she stumbled away from him. A surge of triumph was ringing in her ears. It was short lived however, when the other man rose to his friends defense.

It wasn't until after the fact that Ellie had realized what had happened. For a short second her vision was clouded with a burst of light and her head was pounding. When her senses had returned to her, she was kneeling on the ground, her hand clutching the side of her face where the burly man had slapped her.

Rather than fear or terror, Ellie was flooded with shock and anger.

H-he slapped me! That bastard he...

Too shell shocked to react, Ellie sat on the floor a pain driven tear leaking from the corner of her eye.

"Enough games, honey." The burly man said gruffly. With one hand buried in her hair, the man pulled her to her feet. Ellie cried out, wrapping her hand around his pudgy wrist and tried to find her footing.

"You alright there, Jeff?" The large man called, his eyes staring into Ellie's chest.

Ellie felt a terrible heat rise in her face. She tried to relieve the pressure in her skull, but she was no match for this man. Jeff, skinny and frail, was someone she could tackle, but this...behemoth of a man...

"I'm bleeding!" Jeff yelled, more shocked than angry. "These women and their heels. Bonafied weapons, they are."

"Bleeding?" The man repeated. "Well, darling, looks like you hurt my friend pretty bad."

Feeling the need to prove his point he spun her around to face the man, his hand ripping at her hair. Jeff was hunched over inspecting his wounded leg.

"Whatya goinna do to make it up to him?" The man sneered into her ear.

Jeff perked up at this, his wound long forgotten. He stuffed his lanky arms into his pockets a large grin on his raccoon-like face.

"Yeah?" He said, slithering closer to her. He reached out and trapped her chin between his fingers. "How's about a kiss for starters?"

Ellie tried to back away, the bile rising to her throat. But the large man held her fast.

"Come on, baby doll." Jeff cooed, his fingers clawing at her neck. "We don't want to have to hurt you..."

"Elizabeth!" A voice called from far away.

Ellie felt as if her heart had burst in her chest. Someone was calling her name? Had she really heard it?

It seemed she had heard a voice, her attackers had heard it too. Jeff pulled away from her and looked over his shoulder.

"Keep walking, pal." He snarled, not even attempting to act innocent.

"Oh, I don't think so." A silky voice answered. It was much closer this time. Elizabeth frowned. It wasn't a voice she recognized. Of course, what with heart pounding relentlessly in her ears who's to say she would recognize any voice?

Her rescuer in question was blocked by Jeff, who had moved in front of her.

"You don't?" Jeff croaked, standing his ground. "Well, we think otherwise."

Elizabeth gasped as the man with an unbreakable grip on her hair, dragged her backwards. She stumbled to keep her footing and felt her ankle take a sickening turn. It was not enough to break or even sprain, but an ugly pain shot through her nervous system.

"Elizabeth." The voice called again, comforting yet cold. Ellie looked up, now able to get a good hard look at the man who knew her name.

She was quite sure she had never seen him before. He was a lean, tall man. His skin was pale, even in the light of the moon. His hair, as black as printers ink was slicked back, small tufts visible just below his ears. He wore a sleek black suit, a stormy grey trench wrapped around his shoulders, a forest scarf the circled delicately around his long neck. A looked of worried concern was etched onto his face, although it was not reflected in his voice. His voice, was as clear and as calm as a winter morning.

"Scat, pal." The large man demanded. "The lady is with us."

As if to prove his point, his other hand snaked down the length of her side, coming to rest on her hip. Ellie sucked in her breath, her fear beginning to slip through the cracks of her facade.

"Stop it." She all but whimpered.

The well-dressed stranger cocked his head to one side, a terrible smile playing on his thin lips.

"You are mistaken. The lady Elizabeth is with me. I shall have to ask you to release her, sir."

The venom on his lips as the pronunciation of sir was tangible. He may as well have called the men dirty dogs or festering fleas. Ellie, even knowing that the threat wasn't directed at her, felt her bones shiver with fright. Both of the men and Ellie, stared at the man with apprehension.

Loki, thoroughly pleased with the looks of horror being directed toward him, took the chance to act. Swiftly he reached out took Ellie's limp hand into his. With a bit of magic help by his touch to her skin, she practically melted away from the large man's grasp.

Pulling her towards him with all the gentleness of a breeze, he let go of her hand and held her in place with a mere touch on the small of her back. Ellie, overcome with adrenaline, swung dangerously on her unsteady feet, her head swimming in confusion. All she could make out was the ever so slight pressure resting on her back.

"Come, Elizabeth." Loki said, much louder this time. "We will leave these guppies to their gutter."

As if pulled from some stupor, the two men shook themselves to attention.

"Just a minute!" Jeff objected, ready to charge the assuming man into the ground. He may have been taller, but he seemed weak. The larger man, spurned by rage, joined him.

Loki, expecting such a foolish attack, directed the dazed Ellie in behind him. With a curt wave of his hand an invisible barrier of ice sprung forth from the ground. The two oafs crashed into it and fell to the streetside in a crumpled mess.

Loki, who had already begun to lead Ellie away, glanced over his shoulder.

What pathetic vagabonds. He thought, insulted by their foolishness.

He waited until they had left the two puddles of filth far behind them. Ellie had not said a word, not even looked at him. It was slow going, she was limping ever so slightly, but he was in no rush. Already he could feel her heat running through her and into his hand at her back.

She was shivering, he noted. Even though he knew this was out of shock and not cold, her lifted his jacket from his shoulders and placed it over hers. She clutched it to her. This seemed to awaken her to her surroundings.

She stopped walking and looked up at him.

"Just who are you?" She asked, wishing the question had left her lips in a more commanding manner. She sounded more like a curious child addressing "Santa Claus" in a crowded mall.

Loki grinned down at her, with a careful nudge he pushed her to walking again. "A thank you would suffice."

Ellie blushed, but pressed on. "I don't believe I know you."

"You do not." Loki assured.

Ellie nose scrunched in confusion. "But...you called me by my name. Elizabeth."

Loki feigned surprise. "Is Elizabeth your name?"

He laughed lightly. Ellie noted it, the sound of chimes on a blustery day.

"I took a chance." Loki said, lightly. "You do look like an Elizabeth."

"Do I?" Ellie breathed. She suddenly felt very tired.

Loki bent down, his lips level with her ear. He wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders. She flinched at the unwanted touch, but he wasn't so easily deterred.

"Are you alright?" He whispered gently.

Ellie could barely hear the words leave his mouth. Her vision began to slip away. All she could feel was his icy breath on her neck. It soothed her, his voice. As her eyes slipped shut she was sure she could hear him muttering words of reassurance. In a dark, black haze, she could feel her body begin to go limp. And she could feel that his arms were there to catch her.

Someone had been there for her. She was not alone.

Woo! Hope you all enjoyed it! Let me know and I will update soon!