Thread: Monster [ Burke x Arianna  ]

Lexis confidence returned and the breath shed been holding finally released when they waltzed past the bouncers. Feeling the weight of her large black leather purse hanging off her shoulder, she slipped the handle around her neck and under her arm so she wouldnt have to worry about carrying it around all night, or worse, lose it. Stopping a few inches from the crowd of women, now dispersing and revealing the room for closer inspection, at first glance it was rather ordinary and oddly disappointing, but the two gentlemen seated at the table dominating the centre of the room, grabbed her attention right away. They appeared to be engaged in some kind of game surrounded by ridiculous piles of cash, but the little mismatched pieces on the board between them held no meaning for Lexi, so she focused on the players instead. One had pure white hair and though not what Lexi would call attractive, he reeked of money and power his suit and the diamond glittering in his ear, clearly the best money could buy. He seemed familiar somehow, though she was certain she had never laid eyes on him before, and her head tilted as if deep in thought. It was unusual for a man to have hair like that, and it jolted a memory, one buried in her subconscious for well over eight years. Arnaud Mansle was rumoured to have white hair, but hes supposed to be dead. Hmm...I wonder... Every tidbit of information she knew about Arnaud flashed through her mind, as she searched for an explanation. It could be a coincidence, but Lexi didnt believe in those, and if she assumed this was in fact the late Mr. Mansle, then the only logical conclusions were either mistaken identity or intentional deception. Either seemed likely, and a man in his position probably didnt care what the public believed, on the contrary, being dead to the world certainly had its advantages in this business. Still, she was burning with curiosity, and leaned towards Shauna, whispering, Who are those two? Do you know their names? No, I dont think so. Shauna whispered back. All I know is they must be important, and filthy rich. She said absently, too absorbed by watching the competition waste no time flaunting themselves with moderate success in front of their wealthy prey. A desperate expression swept across Shaunas face, as though a glorious prize was being snatched away and she felt helpless to do anything about it. The blatant displays of seduction and forced charm unfolding around the table almost made Lexi burst out laughing, especially since the objects of their efforts looked either bored, dismissive or both. Well, Ill give the guys points for good taste anyway. Mirth twinkled in her eyes as she continued to watch the entertainment. Recognising her new friends distress, Lexi reached out and placed a hand on Shaunas arm. Dont worry youll have your chance. She whispered reassuringly, but Shauna wasnt listening. Sighing, Lexi crossed her arms and continued her perusal, scrutinizing the younger man who was conversing with the other as though barely aware of the women literally draping themselves around him. Though their casual discussion could be heard from her vantage point, she detected an undercurrent of deeper meaning in the simple exchange of words, however, without context, she was at a loss to understand it, and had to let it go...for now. The dark haired man was tall, extremely well built and muscular, with an air of quiet elegance and controlled authority, in sharp contrast to the indulgent love of decadence she detected in his older companion who openly enjoyed his status and the perks it afforded. Though more casually dressed, the younger mans attire was nonetheless impeccable, and the gold Rolex clasped around his thick wrist easily cost a small fortune. Lexi found him quite striking actually. His very appearance and mannerisms conveyed a subtle sensuality, but it was his vivid green eyes she found the most compelling. They fixed now on the young woman in the tight red dress and an uncharacteristic twinge of feminine envy gnawed at Lexi from the way he held the object of his desire captivated, as though she were a cherished possession. At least, that was the first impression. Her appraisal of the situation quickly changed to one of concern with the womans bizarre undulating swaying, and vacant, dazed expression much like a cobra shimmying and dancing before the snake charmer, but unlike the charmer, this man seemed too detached and cold, as though he were looking at a thing and not a person. Something about it didnt seem at all natural, and when the schoolgirl fell under the same spell, a shiver of dread raced down Lexi's spine. Hypnosis...it has to be, but Ive never seen it done like this before. What kind of hypnotist can invoke a trance with a mere glance? It was troubling but not why she was here. Instead she looked away while still focusing on their conversation. Wait...did he say 'Ferals'? The word sent excitement rushing through her veins. Shifting her thoughts instantly, her attention snapped to Arnaud', now absently fondling two women with a lazy expression on his face. A spark of triumph lit in Lexis eyes, Yes! Feral is exactly the word to describe what might have ripped that poor woman apart . Stepping forward a little bit, hoping to hear something that would connect to the murder, she would alas be disappointed. Instead, the evening took on a more sinister tone as the white haired man pulled some items out of a drawer and placed them on the table, their purpose dawning on Lexi instantly. Shit, theyre going to shoot up those women with heroin against their will! Clenching her fists and frowning, Lexi wisely kept her otherwise outward display of calm. Having seen heroin before, the items on the table didnt look familiar, so it was with great curiosity that she leaned closer, making a mental note of each object, becoming more confused. Thats not heroin. Hmmma new drughas to be. Are they manufacturing it? I wonder if Groot knows anything about this? Questions raced through her mind, but her frown deepened as the tourniquet wrapped around the slim arm of the first victim, and she resisted the natural instinct to dash over and snatch the poor woman away to safety even as the needle pierced her vein. Lexi cringed but continued to watch, and then heat flooded her cheeks when she saw the second victim open the mans pants, releasing him and straddling his thighs while obviously holding his flesh in her hand. Embarrassed and refusing to watch, Lexi tore her gaze away, shifting uncomfortably. Shauna noticed Lexis distress, and grabbed her hand in a surprisingly strong and painful grip. Lexi flinched and attempted to tug her hand away, while shooting Shauna a harsh look, but something in the womans eyes made her stop, a flash of light perhaps, a reflection, whatever it was made Lexi stand still, suddenly uncertain. Gonow. You cant stay here. Shaunas urgent voice held a trace of fear as she implored her companion to listen, her gaze switching back and forth between Lexi and the drama unfolding in the centre of the room. Fuck. Licking her lips nervously, she continued. If I knew this was going to happen tonight I never would have helped you get in, she said, her expression turning dark. Lexi shook her head incredulously. Are you nuts? Why? Its just drugs, even though I find what they are doing to those poor women cowardly and sordid. She whispered hotly, her lip curling in disgust, but still impatient to hear what the men were saying. Listen, Shauna growled, then grabbed Lexis arms and shaking her a little bit, forcing her pay attention, I dont know why youre here or what you thought youd find, but you have no idea whats going on! If you Her words halted when strange cries filled the room, and both women turned just in time to see the Vampires attacking. Shauna shoved Lexi behind her in a protective gesture, but Lexi peeked around her shoulders to see, her eyes growing wide with alarm. The reality of what was happening didnt register right away, how could it when Lexi didnt even believe in supernatural creatures, and had certainly never seen one. What the? Are they drinking blood?! Revulsion sent Lexi reeling backwards, but being a logical person, and not unfamiliar with the so-called Vampire sects where people became obsessed with drinking blood, she kept watching, believing this was nothing more than the antics of some bizarre drug cult. Unfortunately, she barely had time to enjoy her neat and cozy rationalization, because within seconds, the true nature of the blood exchange revealed itself with horrifying clarity. The women, writhing in ecstasy a moment ago on the predators laps, started shifting into something , just what Lexi had no clue, nor did she care, she knew only that she was witnessing something macabre and gruesomely inhuman, and choked back a startled cry. Time seemed to stand still and nobody else moveduntil a woman screamed. Which one Lexi didnt know, but the bloodcurdling sound pierced the veil of stunned silence surrounding the table, the combined terror from the onlookers so palpable Lexi could practically taste it. Transfixed yet desperate to flee, she began breathing in ragged gasps. Her heart lurched as icy tendrils of panic seized it in their grip, and the room seemed to grow darker, smaller. The sickening vision unfolded before her like a nightmare she desperately needed to wake from but couldnt. Trapped and panicking, she staggered backwards until her back hit the hard brick wall with a silent crash, the jarring motion providing a welcome jolt that spurred her to action. It was time to get the hell out of there. With trembling fingers, she fumbled at the zipper of her purse, while trying not to whimper, yanking it until it finally gave way, and reached inside, feeling around until she felt the smooth plastic of her cellphone. Determined not to look at the scene again, she took several shuddering breaths to steady her shaking hands, then flipped open her phone and furiously punched in the number for Bay City Taxi. She didnt see Shauna moving backwards in an effort to shield her from view, the tall blonde woman knew exactly what was taking place, and feared what might happen if the stupid little reporter didnt get out of there in time.