Chpt 2.

2 days later.

When the line of four moving vans pulled up outside the same large mansion two days later, the neighbours were out again. They watched in silence as a BMW pulled out next to the vans and a single man got out.

His dark hair was slicked back and his tanned skin seemed to shimmer in the sun, well, the little bit of skin that could be seen from under the thick sweater he was wearing, despite the weather being rather warm for Canada.

He unlocked the gates and got back into the car, entering first, followed by the vans.

Not long after, a blacked out dodge charger prowled down the street, turning into the driveway of the house and purring quietly to a stop. The driver seat door opened and a slender woman stepped out. 5'5' in height and dressed all in figure hugging black with matching black heels, her white hair tied back in a messy ponytail.

"Ok kids, we'll get you out now...before you bite someone..." she was heard to call into the back of the Charger.

The back door swung open and a small girl jumped out, screaming;

"I'M FREEEEEEE!" and ran off into the house.

"Vicky, don't break anything!" Lottie called after her. She then moved to the other door, opening it and leaning in as she freed her twin sons from their car seats.

With a child in each arm she turned and was greeted by Dante. They exchanged smiles as he closed the door and then took Conrad, the little boy dressed in blue, from her arm, freeing her up a little.

"Thank you sweetheart." She sighed in relief.

"You're welcome Mrs Creed." His voice was soft, but his accent was thick with a Brazilian exoticness.

The two headed into the house for a moment before reappearing to help unpack.

Although not standing with the other women, Nikki had been watching and instantly recognised the BMW and the changer. She was out like a shot and crossed in front of the other women to get to the gates.

"Oh, Nikki!" one called. She paused and turned back.

"yes?"

"That's very nice of you to go over and greet the new people. Tell them we'll be over in a minute will you?"

Nikki nodded and rolled her eyes as she turned away, heading for the gates.

"I hope Vic's not in, for your sakes." She muttered.

She headed up the drive, unable to control the grin as she crept up behind Lottie. She wrapped her arms round the smaller woman's waist and kissed her cheek.

"You never even told me you were coming out of the woods!"

Lottie turned and laughed with joy, flinging her arms round Nikki's neck.

"Oh sweetheart! I didn't even know myself until last night!"

The two embraced and shared a shy kiss before pulls away. Some of the moving men stopped to watch, but Lottie quickly shooed them on.

"so, where's Tomcat?" Nikki asked, taking a box from one of the vans.

"Not here." Lottie replied, helping her lift the box. "He's working somewhere in Vegas. Lucky bastard."

"He's left you to move in on your own?" Nikki scowled.

Lottie shrugged and opened the box. It was filled with real skulls, animal and human.

"Not really. He's been planning this for months, or so he said. He's had most of the work done. We just have to move in the personal effects." She picked out a small human skull, probably from a child, and rubbed her hand over it. "He skyped me last night and told me. He basically said pack the kids shit up and get our asses to a house he'd brought in Toronto."

Nikki clicked her tongue disapprovingly.

"will that man ever learn to tell you anything!" she huffed.

Lottie merely shrugged again and smiled.

"He told me about his mom. That was a big step. Taking me to meet her was an even bigger one. I suppose he thinks he's let me in on his past, he doesn't need to tell me anything else."

Nikki shook her head. "That's not how marries work though Lott."

Lottie placed the skull back in the box and watched as Vicky ran from the house and over to the boxes marked down as having her toys in.

"I know that Nikki. But I really don't mind. That's the thing about Victor Creed. You have to let some things slip, or you'll go crazy or get yourself killed trying to enforce the rules."

"Your way too lenient with him." Nikki smiled. "I can see why he married you. You care enough for him not to try and change him."

The two smiled at each other before the moment was broken.

"Excuse me!" both turned to see the woman from across the street marching up the drive with three or four others following.

"Oh god..." Nikki hid her face in her hand. "Where's Vic when you need him huh?"

Lottie laughed softly and turned back to the women.

"Yes ladies. What can I do for you?"

The woman at the front stuck her hand out. "I'm Clare. I'm your new neighbour." She said with a wide smile.

Lottie side glanced Nikki and took the woman's hand.

"Lottie Creed..." she introduced herself, remembering to keep her finely manicured claws curved away from the woman's hand.

"Me and the girl's here would like to just welcome you and your family to the neighbourhood and say, we're all here for you."

Lottie almost burst out laughing, but held herself well.

"Thank you." She chocked out. Nikki had already turned away and was shaking with silent laughter.