Chapter Three: Downtown

"Sapphire, what on earth got into you?" Ripper demanded, chasing Sapphire towards the coffee machines.

"He was a creep! He wasn't looking for any secrets or anything, he was just looking for a fight from me!" Sapphire shouted. "Ripper," she said, trying to calm down. "Have you ever felt like you're constantly being watched, and the one who's constantly been watching you has finally stepped out into the open?"

"I'm afraid not," Ripper frowned. "But that doesn't give you a single reason to disrespect our guests in such a manner!"

"What about the way he was treating me? Do I get any respect?" Sapphire frowned. "I'm sorry, Ripper," she sighed, shaking her head. "I'll calm down now. Just let me get some coffee, and I'll be good."

She made herself a cup of the hot stuff and then downed it, making a disgusted face as she did so.

"Ooh! I can't stand coffee! Why on earth did I just drink it?"

"Sapphire, I'm giving you a vacation," Ripper said firmly.

"No!" she pleaded, immediately thinking of what it would be like for Serena to be in the same building with the vampire. "No, please! I'll be fine! Just…tonight I'll go walk Downtown Disney! I will!" she said, putting up her hand when he tried to speak. "And I'll be much, much better. I promise."

"Are you certain?" he asked, his blue eyes piercing into her with concern.

"Positive."

"Okay then."

Sapphire let out a sigh of relief when he left, and watched, amusement in her green eyes, as Adrian walked into the hotel, making puddles as he went, and then followed Whisper towards one of the elevators.

He glanced her way, and for one freezing second, his blue eyes bored down into her own eyes. She got the very unsettling feeling he wasn't going to let her go. There was a reason he was here, besides staying with his cousin or checking out the hotel, and it made Sapphire squirm.

"Good grief, a perfectly good-looking guy and you just blew him off," Serena said, getting herself a cup of coffee.

"There's something scary about him," Sapphire said, blowing on her drink to cool it. "And I don't think he's going to leave me alone."

"Of course not!" Serena snorted. "You've got a model figure, these gorgeous green eyes, and obviously a bit of spirit. You're a challenge. You think he's going to let that up?"

"You know, you're perfectly gorgeous too," Sapphire grinned. "And Whisper hasn't stalked you. He just amuses you."

"We really are serious, Sapphire. We're going out to dinner tonight. Would you care to go with us?"

"No thanks," Sapphire said easily. "I'm going to Downtown Disney to spend a little while by myself. I promised Ripper."

"Okay."

"Well, she really took nicely to you," Whisper sighed as he and Adrian entered his hotel room.

"Didn't she, though? She's the one, I'm almost positive, Whisper," Adrian said, pulling his wet shirt off and bringing it into the bathroom.

"What one?" Whisper asked, sitting on the edge of one of his beds.

"The alpha wolf."

"Now wait a minute," Whisper said hurriedly. "She's my girl's best friend. I've seen her every day for the past year, and she isn't a werewolf."

"Has she seen you every day?" Adrian asked.

"Yes."

"Has she treated you any differently? Like, dunking you in a pool or being unkind to you?"

"No."

"That's because she doesn't know what you are, so wouldn't it make sense if you didn't know what she was?" Adrian asked, blue eyes glittering.

"Do you remember what Ghost said about the werewolves?" Whisper insisted. "Don't mess with them. Remember that?"

"And do you know who's listening to that?" Adrian sneered. "You and Ghost's loyalists, but certainly not Valiris and his men. Do you know how much power one could have if they owned the lead werewolf?"

"And a never-ending blood supply. That's the only intriguing thing," Whisper said, licking his lips.

"All I need to do is provoke Miss Sapphire to turning into her wolf form. Then I'll know for certain what she is, and I can take her."

"Just please, please leave Serena out of this!" Whisper pleaded.

"I'm just surprised you haven't bitten her yet," Adrian said, standing in front of his cousin.

"I've restrained myself, as Ghost has been teaching us to. I love her. I wouldn't hurt her for anything," Whisper said boldly.

"She's a cute little thing, Adrian. I'd be careful with her. Others are going to be after her."

"Adrian, I promise you, if you lay a finger on her…"

"Whisper," Adrian laughed, putting his hands on Whisper's shoulders, powerful arm muscles showing as he did so. "I'm not after your girl. I can swear on that."

"What are you going to do to Sapphire?"

"Play with her emotions a bit. See if I can get that wolfish temper out. Then I'll go in for the kill," Adrian shrugged, moving the leather wrist cuffs on his arms a bit so they weren't so tight.

Whisper sighed and stood up.

"Fine, but don't mess with Serena. And if Sapphire is the one, then please make the whole procedure quick. Oh, and a few notes for you…she's been preparing for attack. This morning she reached 102 miles-per-hour."

"Nice. I'll have a good chase," Adrian smiled. "I'm going to shower. What are your plans for the night?"

"I'm taking Serena out to dinner at one of the Disney restaurants," Whisper said. "I have work tomorrow, so you'll be left to yourself. I'd offer to take you along tonight, but…"

"I heard something about Sapphire going Downtown," Adrian said. "I'll leave you and your date to yourselves."

"Thanks," Whisper sighed, rolling his eyes.

Sapphire whistled happily as she stepped into her apartment that evening and then rushed to her bedroom closet to get some fresh clothes for the night. She was very much looking forward to spending an evening out of the house, by herself. She found a casual dark blue dress, with the sleeves nearly off the shoulders, that came down to a little below her knees. She changed into it and then let her hair completely down. She donned a different pair of shoes, grabbed her purse, and then headed back out again.

She walked to Downtown Disney, enjoying the starlight overhead, and smiled to herself when she arrived at her destination. This place was always busy, but she felt safe in large crowds, and she could maneuver herself artfully, so she never got into jams.

She moved through the bustling crowds towards one of the restaurants, and then stopped short when she saw him sitting in one of the outside chairs, one leg crossed casually over the other, draped across his chair in a rather…inviting position.

Sapphire's first thoughts were to leave. Why walk right into danger? But they were in a crowd setting, and she didn't want to appear a coward to him, so she held her head up higher and stepped right past him. She ignored his whistle as she stepped into the restaurant, but she blushed once inside and glanced down, wondering how much skin this dress actually showed. It didn't show much, the dress was perfectly modest, but she still felt sweaty and uncomfortable.

"Just a table for one, please," she told the usher, and then followed him to a booth inside of the restaurant. She picked up a menu and then began reading, but two minutes later, she slammed it on the table and glared at Adrian, who was sitting across from her.

"Do you not know the meaning of the word 'harassment?" She snarled. "You are harassing me!"

"How so?" Adrian asked, toying with a saltshaker.

"I want you to leave me alone," Sapphire growled.

"You know what, Miss Sapphire," Adrian said, getting up and moving closer to her. She cringed, sliding to the far end of her booth and then grimacing when she realized she had just trapped herself. "I think somehow," he smiled, teeth flashing as he sat in the same booth and then moved closer to her, "you know what I am."

"What? An annoyance?" Sapphire gasped as he planted one hand on either side of her, his chest nearly pressed against her. "Get away from me, or I'm calling for help!"

"No," he whispered, moving his mouth to her cheek. "A vampire, and you werewolves can't help but fall helplessly into our spell when we're nearby, because you…" he breathed, his breath hot against her ear, "are enslaved to us."

"Werewolves? Vampires?" Sapphire whimpered, trying to fight and failing miserably as his hands touched her arms and his lips moved against her ear. "Stop it! I don't know what you're talking about!"

"I think you do," he breathed, trailing kisses across her ear to her cheek and then moving to her lips.

"Freddie! They killed Freddie!"

"Get off me!" Sapphire shouted, putting her hands to his chest and pushing him off. "We're in the middle of a restaurant, for crying out loud!"

"Would you care to go somewhere else?" he smiled smugly.

"No! Not with you!" she cried, every nerve in her body screaming for more contact, but her mind somehow keeping her sane. "Yes I know what you are! I don't know what you mean about werewolves, but if you try and touch me again…I'll…I'll…"

"Are you ready to order, ma'am?"

Sapphire looked up at the waiter to see him staring at her with a rather puzzled expression on his face.

"Yes," she said with a huff. She pointed to what she wanted on the menu and then watched as Adrian pulled out his license and showed the waiter so he could get some wine.

The wine was brought first, and Sapphire's eyes were transfixed on it. It was a deep, blood red, and she watched, entranced, as Adrian brought it to his lips and took an elegant sip.

"Would you care for some?" he asked, offering her the glass.

"No," she whispered hoarsely. "What do you want from me, vampire?"

"Same thing every vampire wants," he said, leaning forward and clasping her hands in his so that his eyes were only centimeters away from hers.

"Blood," she whispered.

"A werewolf."

"You've come to the wrong person."

"I think not. There's been a white wolf running about on the beach for the past three months or so. I've seen her every night. She was a human the other night, with soft, flowing brown hair and quite the figure. She also smells like…" He lifted his head slightly and closed his eyes, taking in a smell of the air. "Freesia."

"There's a laundry detergent that smells like that," Sapphire shuddered, watching him open his eyes again. He really was a predator. He did the same smelling; the same probing, and his hands were nearly crushing hers. The same intimidation. "I really don't appreciate accusations without evidence," she said stiffly, trying to get the upper hand. "And I don't appreciate being followed. This is my evening for myself, and I didn't expect or want your company."

"You need to learn to live," Adrian said coolly. "Preferably without fear."

"And naturally, I should listen to you," Sapphire frowned, trying to pull her hands out of his.

Adrian blinked and sat back, the smile still on his face, his hands still crushing hers.

"Stop!" she gasped as the pain became too strong. "That hurts!"

His fingers slipped away from hers, and she immediately began massaging her fingers.

"This is why I avoid men. You're all so dominant," she growled. "Would you please leave me to eat in peace?"

"No, but I'll be silent for you, so you can pretend I'm not here."

Sapphire grimaced but then did her best to completely ignore him. She ate in silence, knowing fully well that he was watching her every move, scrutinizing her. She was deep in thought, trying to think of a way to get home without him knowing where she lived. She determined to go back to the hotel right after and pretend to figure out what her work schedule for the week was. She'd lose him there, somehow.

She paid for her meal when it was finished, and then stood up, Adrian standing up with her.

He was tall, and his body could have hidden her in its shadow. She took her time studying him, then, glaring at him as she took in his features. There was no doubt in her mind that he was handsome, and not a singe trace of disbelief that the man was strong. Muscles just seemed to line his arms, and while he wore a regular T-shirt, she could very well see his form. She tried to measure, in her mind, how difficult it would be to outrun him, and unpleasant memories of wild chases through the woods, a whole pack of wolves being herded like sheep as the vampires pressed in on all sides, returned to her mind.

The vampires were the stronger beings. They could be outrun, but not outfought. And they were terribly powerful fighters.

"You looking for something?" Adrian asked, his light blue eyes sparkling with mischief.

"No," Sapphire said, shaking herself. "You'll excuse me, but I'm off to explore this place a little. That is, if I have your permission to go?"

"You're asking my permission?" he asked, a blonde eyebrow arched.

"Don't I need your…"

She stopped mid-sentence and gazed down, biting her lip furiously.

"Careful. That might draw blood. I can get rather vicious when there's blood involved," Adrian chuckled.

Sapphire pushed past him and rushed out of the restaurant, not even bothering to look back. She began to walk alongside the lake, staying in the lighting of all the stores. He didn't follow closely behind, but she could sense him watching her from under cover of one of the restaurants.

That made her time alone a great deal less enjoyable, and so she headed back to the hotel early.

She gazed about her, trying to see if the vampire was there, but he had gone. At least, it appeared so. They were clever creatures, however, and Sapphire didn't want to risk anything. If she returned to her apartment, and he followed her, he would see the pictures of her family, and he'd know automatically what she was. If he didn't know already. That little blunder when leaving the restaurant had been deadly.

Sapphire jogged towards the hotel and then stopped outside the doors, still in the dark. She looked about carefully, trying to catch a scent of anything, and she was taken fully by surprise when someone jumped off the entrance alcove above her, landing behind her. She spun around, trying to defend herself, but a hand was at her mouth before she could scream, and an iron grip was around her neck.

She struggled against the hold, but unless she wanted to portray an inhuman amount of strength, she had to let herself be forced into the shadows near the hotel. She was shoved up against a wall, and she panicked when she realized that her eyes had the severe possibility of glowing in this darkness, without her being able to do anything about it.

Her head hit the wall, and she let out a sharp gasp when the hand was removed.

"Let me go!" she screamed, struggling as two powerful hands grabbed her own and shoved them against the wall near her head.

"Let me warn you of something," Adrian's voice spoke, for she couldn't see his eyes in the darkness. "I'm not one to be tangled with. In the light, in crowds, I can be quiet and careful, but…" he pressed his hand against her throat as she tried to speak, "In the darkness, where my kind belong, you have no sympathy."

"You still have no proof of what you think I am!" Sapphire hissed, her face millimeters from his.

"True," he smiled, his pointed incisors glistening in the darkness. "But all I have to do is push you a little farther…"

She cried out when he shoved his body hard against her, leaving no space left between them.

"Don't hurt me!" she panicked, using all her willpower to stop from turning into her wolf form.

"Mmm… You don't know anything about the werewolves, do you?" he smirked, moving his face to her neck. She squealed when he pressed his nose against her skin and took in a deep breath.

"You smell quite delicious to me, like someone just longing to be under the authority of a superior being," he murmured, his lips brushing against her throat.

Her eyes widened, and she struggled desperately to fight the wolf inside of her that so instinctively longed to give itself away to the vampire. There was that instinct, that natural attitude, of submission that the werewolves had towards their tormentors, and with this closeness, Sapphire could just barely push it away. She closed her eyes, trying to think, as he tangled with her emotions and even opened his mouth, pressing his fangs against her skin.

Somehow, the feel of one of his canines on her neck cleared Sapphire's thinking immensely. She didn't have to be a wolf to get him away. She just had to think practically and fast. She wrenched one of her hands away from his, startling him, and then brought it crashing against his face. He let out a snarl, his hand moving to his face, but before he had a chance to do her any damage, she was gone.

Sapphire forgot all protocol and ran, full speed, back to her apartment. With a labored gasp she slid into her home and slammed the door shut behind her. That had been too close. Adrian was definitely on to her.

She went into her kitchen (after securely locking the front door and seeing to it that the back was locked) to get herself a glass of water, and found that her answering machine was beeping. She walked over to it and then hit the replay button. She immediately froze when she heard voices playing, one by one, on the machine.

"Christine, Las Vegas, Nevada."

"Anthony, Australia."

"Marcus, London, England."

One by one, the members of her pack spoke, letting her know they were all accounted for and where they were. But there was one main phone call she wanted to hear, and her heart froze when the list ended and the messages stopped.

"Jet…" she whispered, panic seizing her. "Jet, answer…"

There was a long pause, and then one last message played.

"This is Jet, calling from…Wait."

There was a pause, as though someone was listening for something, and then the sound of snarling and shouts of rage could be heard. A door was broken down, and Sapphire sat down with terror when the message stopped.

Jet. Her twin brother Jet was found.

Tears threatened to pour down her cheeks as she contemplated what the sounds in that message had meant. Jet could be dead. He could be running for his life. He could have become enslaved.

Sapphire once again felt as though she was failing her pack. She wasn't there to protect them. Had sending them off really been the best thing to do? She constantly thought that it wasn't.

There was a knock on the door, and Sapphire nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Who is it?" She asked, standing up and regaining her composure.

"Serena. Why is everything locked up?"

Sapphire went to the door and opened it, holding it open wide for Serena.

"Sorry," she smiled apologetically, not a trace of terror in her voice or on her face. "How was your evening?"

"Oh, it was awesome," Serena smiled. "We had a great time. How about you? How was your time alone?"

"I wasn't quite alone," Sapphire said, getting herself a glass of water. "Adrian was there."

"Oh really?" Serena grinned, an eyebrow arched.

"I don't like him, Rena."

"What's not to like?"

"There are just things about him I don't like. But never mind my evening. So, what did you all talk about? Anything exciting?" Sapphire asked, handing her friend a glass of water.

"Just life in general," Serena shrugged, sitting on one of Sapphire's leather couches. "He's working on a new film that's going to make him rich and famous."

"Very nice," Sapphire said, and then chugged down her water.

"Thirsty?"

"How would you like to have a sleepover tonight? You know we haven't done one of those in awhile," Sapphire said abruptly.

"A sleepover?" Serena asked, eyes wide. "We haven't done one of those since…"

"I know, but it's been a long time, and I think, sometime possibly soon, we won't have a chance to do that anymore," Sapphire said with a small smile. "I think Whisper is going to steal you."

"Well, when you put it that way," Serena chuckled. "Fine. I'd like to have a sleepover."

"Great! We can sleep in the living room!"

Serena went to her apartment and came back minutes later, dressed in her pajamas. She set up her pillows and blankets on one of Sapphire's immense, extremely comfortable couches, and then cuddled up with her supplies. She watched Sapphire slide onto the couch across from her, another glass of water in hand.

"So you think Whisper's going to steal me, do you?" Serena asked as her friend finished that glass of water and then cuddled up in her blankets.

"Most definitely. The guy's infatuated with you."

"I do wish you'd give Adrian a chance. Whisper says nothing but good things about him, and you two look great together."

"I know Whisper's word is good," Sapphire sighed. "But I don't feel safe around Adrian. It's kind of a gut feeling or a sixth sense, I suppose."

"I think you might be a little too careful."

"Maybe," Sapphire smiled slightly.

The girls spent the next two hours talking, and then Serena drifted into sleep. Sapphire stayed awake a short while longer, senses completely alert. Serena was part of Sapphire's pack, even if she didn't know such a pack existed. And she would protect her.