Window Shopping [naate]

[Raining]

It was very late afternoon, around 4:00pm. Rebekah lay in bed with the blankets peeled over her. Her bed smelled of blood and sex – not even a nice smell. Sure the scent of blood made her mind reel, and it roused her from her deep slumber. Instead of welcoming the day, like a normal ‘young’ lady she groaned and hissed her displeasure at being awake at this hour. But the Vampiress groggily pushed herself out of bed, her head was pounding and she was sure if there were anyone in this room with her… she would have torn their faces off. She wasn’t an evening Vampire, she liked to wake up when the sun has just fled behind the horizon, not before or well after. It was a silly curse, slaves to the sun for all eternity… she wondered how this all started anyway, but just a vague curiosity – she honestly could care less of how her species began.

Wearing nothing but undies, she strode (dragged more like) to the heavily draped window. Warily she peeled back some and –

HISSSS

Before she knew it she was on the opposite side of the room behind the bed skin sizzling.

“Damn it all,” she sighed panting lightly.

The right side of her face felt raw, hot and very, very sore. With a sharp exhale she groggily made her way to the kitchen to the fridge. There she kept blood bags, none more than a week old… if the blood was too old it didn’t work as well. This wasn’t as nice as it would be a fresh 96.8 degree sample, but it did its job. It wasn’t as easy to hunt this day and age, sure in a big city there was plenty of cover – but it posed more of a danger than it was back in the 1800’s. Hobo’s weren’t the best tasting, she had more pride than that, plus she preferred to stay current.

After her ‘morning’ drink, her face felt less raw and more like a first degree burn – like she fell on the stove element instead of cooked in one. She was sure it would remain red and sore for the rest of the evening.

Seven o’clock rolled around, and with a hesitant peek out the window she is pleased to see that the bane of all evil had set. Now she could pull back these depressing drapes to let the evening light in, and get dressed. Tonight, she felt the need to browse, window shop stores she would never be able to shop in… unless it was an all-night mall or Walmart (god forbit). All freshened up, she wore dark wash skinny jeans, high black heeled boots, a white strapless and a black shall.

Locking her apartment, she set down the street, heels clicking against the pavement. She wasn’t hunting tonight, last night sort of calmed her down. Men were the same everywhere… well the good ones – carried a lot of baggage. Heat lashed at her insides, her slightly kinked pride now beaten down. She was sure she had him, and yet he had to run off… possibly after his bitter companion.

Light green eyes rolled, as she paused in front of an incense shop, with loads of aroma therapy goodies. Of course all her favorites closed with the sun, she wasn’t too bitter – a bit jealous of the dirt that wanders the streets. But after living a couple of centuries, she got used to shopping at 24 hour hand-me downs.

[♥ Nathan ♥]

A late start to the day is, unfortunately, no excuse to put off responsibility, but it is only after a suitable amount of lingering and procrastination that Nathan manages to leave his apartment. The sun has already sunk low beneath the horizon by the time he emerges, feeling more human only thanks to the intervention of aspirin; the ache in the werewolf’s back is less noticeable, and the stiffness in his joints is not apparent in his stride. Errands take more time than he would like in a city that leaves him disoriented – it is easier to blame that than the intruding thoughts of a certain attorney that occupy his mind – but the werewolf manages. Nathan is attempting to seek out a local café when he finds himself having made a wrong turn; a waft of something recognizable drifts towards him on the air, and it distracts him from peering with bewilderment at a nearby street sign. The disruption proves untimely when he swings his head around in sudden interest.

Nathan trips, cursing, and collides with the source of that damnable scent. Memories click home in the weight of the familiar smell that rushes up to meet him – it might have been an image forged in ten minutes on a dance floor, but it persists – and Nathan cannot stop himself from reaching for the woman’s elbow. His grip is gentle but firm in an effort to keep her from stumbling with him, and within that moment, their eyes catch. Any hesitancy is discarded as he straightens to his full height, regarding Rebekah with an impish smirk – he may feel somewhat guilty for having abandoned her, but it does not show.

Nate is dressed casually, if well, in jeans and a light jacket, and there is a scarf wound about his neck despite the mild fall weather. Where their encounter the night previous was a display of disguised hunger, only placid curiosity is now reflected in his bold blue eyes; Rebekah is one he let get away, but that does not mean Nate’s interest was not genuine. ”Didn’t expect to run into you again,” the man begins offhandedly, releasing his hold on her arm. ”Are you alright?” From the gentle inclination of his head and the smug rise to his brow, he is not simply referring to their collision. She, like him, no longer seems to be on the prowl – and the werewolf wonders, briefly, how keen a vampire’s sense of smell really is.

Nathan’s concern becomes honest when he notices her face. His smile falters, expression worried, and the vampire is afforded a rare look at the man behind the flirtatious mask. ”—You’re hurt.” Extending his hand, Nathan gently runs his thumb along her jaw, careful to not touch her faded burn. It is not meant to be such an affectionate gesture, but the man has few boundaries when it comes to personal space – least of all concerning individuals he’s bedded. Or nearly. As if realizing, he withdraws his hand with a start, and his eyes flick upwards to meet hers.

”Did someone do that to you?” The tender moment is gone; what has replaced it is a sudden cool edge, a detached hardness that laces his words. His wolf is a possessive, protective thing, and where Nate certainly has no claim on Rebekah, the instincts of both man and animal are rankled at the idea of someone harming her. That she is a vampire and very likely killed them has no bearing on the gut reaction – rake he may be, but somewhere inside the werewolf is hidden a regrettably kind heart.

[Raining]

Eyes gleamed jealousy as she glanced inside the shop, her nose can catch the subtle aromas inside the building. Yet... she couldn't discern them all as they mingled together -- except for Vanilla, that always seemed to stand out among the rest. One of her favorites, well ... while she was human it used to be her favorite. As a Vampire her favorite scent would have to be (reluctantly) blood. Sigh, such is life, no point in crying over it... been there done that. Of course that didn't stop her from glowering into shops she could never visit, unless it was 'Black Friday', even then she couldn't shop for clothes.

Rebekah's mind was elsewhere, that she didn't sense her were-animal friend until she heard that distinct shuffle of feet -- that sound as someone was just about to....

She gasped as he collided into her grabbed hold of her elbow to steady. This was just as she turned to see where the sound had came from, so in her awkward footing, she stumbled slightly as well, but thanks to his grab she didn't look as bad as he had. Her face had mirrored her surprise for a moment, as their eyes met. She watched as he straightened himself up like nothing happened, the initial surprise was wiped from her face as she instead regarded him with an amused smile.

"You were much smoother on the dance floor, kitten." she mused, knowing full well he most likely wasn't a cat... kitten just made him sound harmless and inexperienced. Or so she thought, but there were no games to be played tonight... she didn't need to appear charming, nor interested. The only game that may be played is... how to not act bitter when you sort of were? Her pride was held in high regard and it was difficult to keep it in check. Luckily living for as long as she has, she can take some of those feelings and lock them up.

"Satisfied enough," she stated simply as her eyes looked him over, before flickering to his pretty blues. A knowing smile crossed her features then as she... didn't sense the animal under his skin nor behind his eyes. He would almost smell human, if his blood wasn't laced with that interesting lil virus. It was subtle, she has tasted and sampled many humans to know when one was not.

"Mm I see you're not as wound tight. I take it you and your companion played nice?" she inquired, with a hint of genuine curiosity... if he preferred men she would feel a bit better about him leaving her there like a played fool. No hard feelings? Maybe.

Her look of curiousness deepened as his 'concern' shifted to something else. His thumb traces her jaw, and she didn't really react to it. She was used to being touched, but it was nice change when she didn't have to slap his hand for touching her other places. Now she may sleep around, but she still likes to consider herself a lady.

Rebekah waved it off, seeing as he was... she didn't know if it was anger or not. "No, no... this is nothing. We will call it a sun burn, and leave it at that." an almost sheepish smile crawled to her lips, trying to warm up that now cold expression. She hoped he didn't.. decide to ask where she got it - not exactly one to admit she foolishly decided to see if the sun was down at four o'clock. Of course it wasn't.

"Am I distracting you from anything tonight?" she asked tugging on a loose string from his scarf.

Leaving at that simple question, if he was busy... she would leave him be. Otherwise, she wouldn't mind his company.

[♥ Nathan ♥]

The smile along Nathan’s face returns with Rebekah’s easy words; he relaxes, chuckles, and offers her only a lazy shrug. There is an easy, indolent satisfaction that clings to him, and while Nathan does not know the extent of a vampire’s supernatural perception, he figures even a human would pick up on it. Would put two and two together – and so when she questions him, so clever, Nathan replies with a slow and salacious smile. Rebekah would have been satisfying enough, he knows, but very little compares to the thrill of another wolf. To the thrill of Jericho.

There is no shame in that – in the residual contentment that clings to him. Nathan certainly doesn’t mind if the woman knows.

”As nice as wolves,” the man retorts darkly, meeting her eyes with a smug smirk. There is a hint of pride, there; he might be bragging, if she were to take it as such – and the weather isn’t the only reason for his scarf. ”And I’m… hm. Satisfied enough.” His grin grows, pleased and even exuberant, as though they’re sharing some private joke. Satisfaction doesn’t begin to explain it; dominance games and the nature of the wolf are difficult concepts to elaborate upon, even without the added complexity of his animal’s nature.

Nathan shifts his weight, glancing down at where her small hands toy with the fabric of his scarf. The differences in his demeanor are not simply ones of lingering gratification; he hums with an almost boyish energy, and though he remains as cool and well-spoken as the night previous, there is a certain natural ease about him. It is a far cry from the apex predator she’d met at the bar, but he is somehow no less composed. Her explanation is seemingly suitable; Nate draws his eyes back up, meeting her gaze, and drops the subject as she tiptoes around it. Vampires. Women.

”No,” he replies smoothly, rocking back slightly onto his heels; his smile turns curious, his brow quirked. ”Just errands.” Late evening, didn’t-wake-up-until-two-in-the-afternoon errands – but despite his eager desire to harp on his conquest, Nate knows better than to elaborate with an explanation. ”I was on my way home, if you’d like company?” It is telling that he manages to phrase his words as a question – rather than an assumption of fact. Nathan is comfortable, willing enough to descend into casual conversation; he would like to spend more time with her, but is not presumptuous enough to simply invite himself along. A lurking good humor has left the werewolf both amicable and impartial – it is not a mood that will bend easily.

”...And what were you up to?” the man questions, leaning closer to her as he turns his head to take stock of the building they have paused before. His smirk grows teasing, pursed. ”—incense?” Nathan straightens, his head tilted inquisitively, and glances at Rebekah out of the corner of his eye; he somehow seems skeptical. No wonder he hadn’t noticed her – the cloud of melded scents wafting from the closed shop seems obvious, now that he’s recognized it. Nate chuckles softly, an impish set to his features, and affords her his full attention once more. ”That the best you can do tonight? Maybe I shouldn’t have left you to your own devices after all.” There is the subtle return to ego and arrogance, but it is a mockery of the previous night’s wolf-born supremacy, nothing but a poor attempt at a joke.

”—then you wouldn’t dream of calling me kitten.” His tone his lighthearted; where his wolf would bristle, the man seems to take no offense at the nickname. If he were more inclined, Nathan would be interested in proving the moniker wrong, but with the wolf asleep and his body tired – his head still clouded with pleasure – he has no option but to roll with the punches.

[Raining]

(LAME POST AHOY)

Rebekah smiled slyly, hoping to cover up her jealousy -- jealousy was in her nature, as a spoiled rich girl she always got what she wanted. So when she didn't she was bitter... much, much worse as a human and early turned days. Now she has learned to mask un-needed feelings hopefully -- depended on how well fed she was. Last night, she wanted to be the one to satisfy this charming young man, she wanted him to be the one to satisfy her, to taste him. Were-animal was a new flavor she has yet to try.

"Wolves, mm? Sounds, exciting"

By that pleased smile on his face, he looked a little more than just satisfied enough. So werewolf, was what he was... the scent of something primal and wild was all she could sense. Now that she knew what he was... or what he hinted at it only piqued her curiosity. For the vampire side of her, she wanted to taste, to drink him up -- for the human she clung onto sex and to feel every bit of his body.

The sly, sexy smirk was now gone -- melted from view as they moved on to other things, although a touch of those emotions were left in her light green eyes. She remained close, with just enough space so they weren't touching. She had to admit, he was alluring and appealed to her very much.

A sincere smile appeared when he offered to keep her company, "I would love some company." she replied casually, like she had other plans and now was trying to pencil him in. This again was pride coming to play... her only companion some nights. Eternal life, was not all that it was made out to be... then again death wasn't something she preferred.

He leaned closer to take a look at what she was ogling at in the window. Rebekah followed his gaze, as his neck was too close for comfort at the moment. At these times she would tense slightly, but she covered it up with a haughty look, cue eye roll.

"My days are... busy. I have no time to peruse the shops at my leisure. So I come by every so often to sneak a peak." she shrugs in a graceful fashion with an innocent smile. She wasn't sure he knew what she was, so she kept up the act. Most supernatural acquaintances... the blood filled kind... disliked her company and immediately mistrust her. She liked to prolong explaining things, if she could. "Incense happens to be one of my many favorites to shop for."

His impish smile was back, she couldn't help the "oh really?" expression from slipping onto her features at his mockery of what she does in her spare non hunting for pleasure time.

Rebekah's sly smirk returned, a superior glaze still heavy in her eyes, "That still needs to be proven, until then Nathaniel... you will remain kitten" she purred with a slight sultry gaze. "But I guess for now, we are going..?" she left the last part hanging, for him to fill in if he chose to.

[♥ Nathan ♥]

Nathan snorts and rolls his eyes, but there is a smile playing on the corners of his lips as he extends is arm for Rebekah to take. She is baiting him, and it would be a lie to say he didn’t enjoy it – the werewolf is a vain thing, and others expressing their interest in him only strokes his ego. ”Busy,” he replies, glancing at her curiously. ”I’m sure. But I can promise I’m a step up from window shopping.” Kitten or not. He grins, teasing and playful, but lets the remaining implication hang between them: he is a step up from whatever she went home with last night.

Still, Nathan does not like being caught off-guard, and he likes it even less when there is little way to regain his footing. Nate is unfamiliar enough with Boston, but this area in particular is one whose inner workings yet elude him – and Rebekah has asked him to lead. Pride dictates he not allow her to see him stumble, but the frown that folds his lips downwards is still evident despite its short-lived appearance. Nathan casts a quick glance back to the nearest street sign – pretends it sounds familiar – and then sets off with the vampire’s arm around his.

”You mind if we stop to eat, then?” Because club hopping – or anything more exciting than remaining as immobile as possible – is not on Nathan’s agenda for the evening. Supernatural healing and a certain stoicism when dealing with prevailing aches may have seen the werewolf through a majority of his errands, but much longer and it will become more difficult to disguise his limp – something he is not keen on allowing Rebekah to see. Even the thought of sitting down for dinner is remarkably unpleasant. Nathan does not know the finer points of vampirism – if that even is the woman’s affliction, though he has made assumptions – and does not think that she might be unwilling, or even unable, to join him for a meal. He slips his phone from his pocket as they walk, browsing discreetly for nearby restaurants.

”There’s a decent bar a block over,” he explains, looking up to first get his bearings, then to focus upon Rebekah’s face. Whatever embarrassment he may feel at not knowing the city is disguised well enough, and he leads her to their destination without further hesitation. The establishment is darkly lit and upscale, a high-class interior of leather and mahogany; it is laced with a level of decadence that masks the usual stench of cigarettes and beer. Nathan makes a note to keep it in mind for the future as their hostess leads them to a secluded corner booth. He slips into the seat with a restrained grunt and takes to perusing the menu idly, face half-hidden by the laminated paper. It is a quiet crowd for a Saturday night – a few stragglers at the bar, and several quiet couples tucked away at their own distant tables – but perhaps he finds his reasoning in the menu’s extravagant pricing.

The werewolf says nothing and simply hopes the food – or the company – is worth it. The east coast’s cost of living is still a surprise, despite the hefty increase made to his salary.

”Don’t be shy,” Nathan offers as he places his menu down, though he’s fairly sure Rebekah needs no encouragement to order what she will. He does not pause when their waitress arrives, and selects a Scotch for himself, a bottle of red wine for the table, and whatever the vampire will have. Resting his cheek in one smooth palm, Nate draws his eyes down Rebekah’s face in a curious, assessing stare – and he would be kidding himself if he did not admit he finds her intriguing. She is beautiful, confident, and apparently dangerous. It is a lethal combination to the werewolf’s sense of attraction, and perhaps he is only saved by his own lurking satisfaction.

”Do you often spend your evenings prowling wolf clubs?” He is certain to emphasize the fact that he understands she is not one of them, but leaves his own guesses out of the equation. ”It can be dangerous,” Nate adds, lowering his voice and dropping his eyes. ”…though I suspect you knew what you were getting into.” He has more than enough sense than to ask her overtly, but he leaves the air between them open for her to elaborate, should she see fit. There are plenty of women – and men – known to lurk around those establishments simply because of the danger.

And even with what limited knowledge he has of Rebekah, Nathan would not put that past her.

[Raining]

If Nathan was in the very least lost and hesitating, Rebekah would make a note not to notice. As soon as her eyes caught sight of his frown, she pretended not to notice, sure she sometimes liked to kick dogs when they're down -- but she liked this one. As long as he felt secure, and was satisfied, she would be as well. Although times were different, Rebekah was still a lady... and a lady never lead a man, nor questioned where they were going. She would burn at the stake at the hands of these modern feminists, before the sun scorched her.

So off they went, Rebekah's arm snug around his. The city was... beautiful in its own way, so much light. In no way does it replace the sun's warmth (from what she could remember), but it fills that void. This void had a name, and its name was humanity... and there were times she clung to it like a feeble child. Like now, if she didn't a simple date wouldn't be possible, simple because she wouldn't care -- werewolf or not.

Her thoughts were roused by Nathan's voice, and she turns her head to listen. What he had said caused her to want to hide a knowing smile that was forcing itself on her face. A small personal inside joke, that she did find amusing. Mm it would make her night if he allowed her to taste him... but she wouldn't delude herself. No one from her past allowed her to drink from them willingly. The moment passed and she voiced her agreement. Vampire jokes aside, she didn't expect him to invite her out to eat, he was a true gentleman -- a rarity these days.

The place wasn't far, like he stated and it looked better than she had expected. It was, well, made for people with high standards -- like herself. Although some may question her taste in partners, her own kind that is.

They took a seat, and her eyes roamed the menu. No she didn't need to eat, but it helped her feel normal -- it was more a refreshment for her mind... and soul if she still had one. When you're dead, and you miss life you cling to it. But her mind was half on the food, and half on the werewolf sitting opposite of her. Her gaze would flicker to his occassionally, curious... and of course wanting.

When he told her not to worry essentially she smiled innocently -- of course she would choose what she wanted. He wouldn't of brought her here if he couldn't handle the expenses. "You will find, that i'm not the shy type." she responds casually. When the waitress arrived, she settled for the Red Wine he ordered for the table. Although she had already made her choice in what she would like to eat, and ordered a Chicken Parmasean while she had the waitress' attention.

He posed his question, and her gaze was back on his. She doesn't miss the emphasis, nor is she offended. She know's what she is, and he would be foolish to not realize that she isn't one of him. "Curiosity mainly," she stated simply. To her roaming around the supernatural wasn't a big deal... she expected she would be unwelcome and thus posed herself as harmless, or naive. It seems that Nathan picked up on her not being as naive as she made herself out to be.

"But no, last night was the first club I wandered into... after observing for a few nights." she shrugged lightly, it was as simple as that. She wanted to see what Boston had to offer, and she had.

The waitress came by with their drinks, leaving the bottle of wine like ordered. She was assured that her meal would be only a few more minutes and asked Nathan if he was ordering anything to eat. Once the waitress had left to do their bidding, Rebekah leaned forward a bit studying his eyes. "How capable do you think I am?" she asked, making it seem to possible on lookers that she was flirting, hoping to lure her partner in.

How dangerous, am I?

His prior statement, pushed to her pose her question... since she was itching to know anyway.

[♥ Nathan ♥]

Nathan distractedly waves a hand at their waitress when she next returns, depositing their drinks and casting a curious glance over the seated pair. He is not blind to Rebekah’s idle curiosity, the glances and looks she shoots his way, but the werewolf is home to his share of interest – he meets her measure for measure, casting quick glimpses across the table with the accent of a smug little smirk. The implications behind what had been offered last night – what they had missed out on – are enough to spare him from beating around the bush, and the flirtation between them is laced with a darker desire. That Rebekah’s own wants and needs might not align with Nathan’s are entirely – and perhaps deliberately – unnoticed.

That she should declare herself anything but shy is no small surprise, but to his credit, Nate only shrugs in response. ”Last night implied anything but,” the man replies glibly, glancing at the vampire from over the rim of his glass. He replaces it to the table, spinning it idly between thumb and forefinger. ”Chivalry is dead these days. You never know what a woman will expect she has to pay for.” Under different and more usual circumstances, Nathan could think of a thousand and one ways for Rebekah to make up for the lavish meal, but with the ache in his bones and the lingering exhaustion in his skull, he finds even this maintained conversation to be draining.

It is a pity, but he has no plans to exit the night without at least an exchange of numbers. Nathan may have found himself a more suitable partner for taking the edge off his wolf’s blatant hunger, but he is not a man to overlook an opportunity.

Not in the least when said opportunity is both willing and beautiful.

”You could have picked a worse location.” It is not strictly the truth – the club she had chosen was one of the more popular pack hangouts – but Nathan passes it off easily enough. Within his words is the implication that she could have picked a worse partner, and it is said with no small amount of arrogant pride (his abandonment of her nonwithstanding). ”And I think you’re quite capable.” The werewolf leans back, drawing his gaze slowly up her form, before fixing on the vampire’s own. He grins wickedly, eyes alight with some private joke. Rebekah’s motions, the way she swayed beneath his hands upon her hips the night before, they all speak to her being both competent and accomplished; no one exudes the confidence she does without having earned it. Nathan finds he likes that bite in her, the way she teases right back.

”How did you like it, then? Satisfying?” The club or the helpless sap she had shared her bed with, that much is unclear, but from the curious cant to Nathan’s head and the sudden smolder in his eyes, it is more than likely the latter. Though it had been his own fault that Rebekah’s evening had not ended with him, and though Nathan would have made the same mistake a thousand times over if it would always end the same, he cannot help but feel she is somehow to blame. That he is oddly jealous over the man she had seduced into her home, her bed; incensed by the idea that someone could have taken his place.

Nathan’s tone is glib, mocking, and his intent rings true: no one can simply take his place. Kind as he is being, he is arrogant enough to feel it is Rebekah who had missed out.

The reappearance of the waitress is a suitable distraction, and Nathan tosses in an order for a burger – rare – before returning his focus to his drink. ”I don’t think you’d have consented to dinner with me,” or to bringing Nate home, as she had been so close to, ”—without thinking you could take care of yourself.” There is a subtle question behind his comment, the desire to ask why she would think herself so strong – what is she? But it remains largely unsaid.

He is arrogant enough to believe she is not a true threat, not to him, but the mystery still has his curiosity piqued.

[Raining]

"A shame." she replies, chivalry was what she looked for most of the time. A gentleman he still was, but with... rules? So they are continuing with their game (not like it ever ended) Very well.

The vampiress shrugs lightly with a smile at his 'worse location' comment and poured her wine. She found what she was looking for, and possibly even more. She had expected to make contact with the creatures, but never to have seduced one (as short lived as it was). Naive in the ways of lycanthropy, she expected them to be a little more savage, but was pleasantly surprised when she realized they were like her. A creature of beauty with something a little more dangerous pacing behind closed doors. She expected in his case it was a little more literal. All in all, Nathan was more than what she was looking for. What the 'more' was, she would have to wait and see.

He danced around her question grinning wickedly at her, but she didn't mind. He stroked her ego a tad, and of course she liked the attention. His attention meant more to her than the blood bags she used when there was nothing else (or her supply ran low). She drank what she could in -- call her shallow or desperate. But to find someone as delicious as Nathan, she will take what she could get. Her weakness as a human was a charming, handsome man with a way with words, as a Vampire and nearly two hundred years later… it still was.

Rebekah was sure he could see she was enjoying his attention, and she let him see that for a brief moment. But she closed that up and her sly smile was back in place, with eyes that wanted to be in control.

At his next remark, a flash in her eyes and a quick burning in her gut, a moment of jealousy… a moment of imagining Nathan with that other man instead of with her. She had taken the first one who crossed her path after he stormed out, he was married – and wanted something better. Although after she as through with him, he wouldn’t even remember he left his house, (she was careless with her compulsion and her bites).

“As satisfying as a human can be.” she replied, her eyes glancing over what she could see – he could fill in the rest for her. “ But everything prior was better than I expected,” she added taking a sip of her wine letting the taste be all she was thinking about. She was finding she needed to slow down. For her kind sex and feeding was the same thing, they went hand in hand and the room was beginning to feel too crowded. She did not wish to feed on him… not tonight, they had only just met – for once she felt she needed to reign herself in (was she… ashamed?).

“You’re right, I wouldn’t have. But if I were… something less would I need to defend myself?” she replied after a moment of silence (after regaining control). “Are you dangerous, Nathaniel?” she asked her expression suddenly serious as she leaned forward, her eyes predatory. Another game, a small prod and to deepen his curiosity, and of course she was curious. Stories was all she had heard of Werewolves… since she was told not to seek them out.

She could scent the waitress before she arrived, and her expression melted back into a polite smile as her meal finally arrived. Although she avoided the human’s eyes, hopefully the food will help. Rebekah was mentally cursing herself; she had better control than this. But to her Vampire side, Nathan was a thrilling hunt, and she craved to sink her teeth into him.

Not tonight.

Rebekah began to cut into her chicken, slowly eating it savoring the taste. It was a shame food didn’t fill her like it used to, but it did help. “Mm… so how shall I repay you for the meal?” she asked a playful gleam in her eyes, as the tension within her subsided. He certainly would have noticed the change in her demeanor… although she hoped he didn’t. It was embarrassing to be seen almost losing control of herself, apparently it didn’t matter how old you were. It was a curse, and rightly so.

[♥ Nathan ♥]

There is no denying how enticing Rebekah is; her magnetism, her allure. It is not often that Nathan is attracted to a woman for more than simple looks alone – he has never claimed to be anything but the shallow creature he truly is considering the fairer sex – but it is the commanding ones that manage to grip him, the women with a firm sense of self and independence. Rebekah wraps all this up in a beautiful package, accented with a way with words that Nathan cannot help but appreciate, crafting an enigma that seems custom made to drag him in – and drag him under.

Perhaps it is the strategy of an apex predator at work, a façade the woman has had nearly two hundred years to perfect, but the man is too arrogant to believe that there are greater carnivores out there than he. Too used to performing as the hunter, Nate cannot even fathom the tides being reversed.

So he smiles. So he buys her dinner; so he falls under her spell while believing she is under his, charmed by his wit and his subtle displays of wealth and charisma like so many of her compatriots. Nathan does not miss her cues, the way she strokes his ego and plays his game, and there is nothing more seductive than the unknown, than intrigue. Not for the first time tonight, he finds himself wishing that he were more in his prime; that he was not still shaking off the after-effects of a late night and a longer morning. Nathan is not a stranger to waking up in the afternoon, but taking this long to recover from a rendezvous is something of a unique occurrence. An eternally frustrating one, however satisfying it may have been.

He busies himself with his meal when it arrives, letting Rebekah’s question sit between them unanswered, drawing out the implications through silence.

”Dangerous?” Nate at last queries in return, poised between mouthfuls and a playful smirk on his lips. ”Certainly. Wolf or not, I might add.” Shifting his weight forward, the man reaches across the table to paint the back of his knuckles gently along Rebekah’s cheek, drawing her chin towards him with coaxing fingertips. It is a bold invasion of privacy and personal space, but hardly out of place considering his nature; the touch is as natural as breathing, toeing the line of inappropriate but laced with enough affection to seem genuine. ”But am I correct in thinking that’s what you like?” Whispered soft, for her ears alone – and then Nate is leaning back into his seat, his hand withdraw, and fixing the vampire with a pair of amused eyes.

”I promise you’ll have no reason to defend yourself around me,” he chuckles, returning to his plate with a shrug and dispelling any tension in the motion. ”A sheep in a crowd of hungry wolves is quite a different thing than sharing dinner.” Whether it is this comment or the previous that sets Rebekah ill at ease, Nate can’t tell; he glances upwards only briefly before dropping his eyes back to his meal, letting her rein in whatever emotion it is running rampant inside her in peace. Preventing a loss of control and feigning nonchalance is something he has ample experience with – he cannot blame her.

Nathan waves their waitress back over with a flick of his fingers to refill their glasses and ask for the bill. He has little desire to cut the evening short, but the ache in his bones claims otherwise; a strangely early night in his bed, alone, might serve the werewolf well before the inevitable start of the work week. ”You don’t owe me anything.” Claiming it had simply been worth it for the pleasure of her company would be too trite, and too horribly false, and Nate will spare her the flattery. ”I have plans for the rest of the evening – but I wouldn’t mind doing this again.” He manages just enough inflection to give the statement an air of question, raising his brow in offering.

From the man’s pocket is withdrawn a pair of simple business cards and a pen; he slides them each across the table, meeting the vampire’s eyes with an encouraging and disarming smile. ”If you’d like. Any time.”