Blood & Juniper

The dreaded woman purrs, smooth as wine, soft as fox fur, but at the same time, grating like thumbtacks against chalkboard, "Well, Cooper, is that you? It's been a very… Long… Time."

A wave of true red shimmers in front of Cooper like a curtain. Betsy's long painted nails drag against his broad c.h.e.s.t. Her silken purple shirt and latex pants glint in glossy lines, reflecting the low-lights. She's a head shorter than him with her spiked heels on.

"Oh 'ey, Betsay. Gotta leg it. 'Fraid I'm up ta ninety. See ya," it spills out like a tongue twister. Cooper flashes her a fake smile and is out of there in a snap. Two individuals Coop isn't fond of in one night is a record and the last straw. He's got the right idea.

Ashlen is out of her seat, nostrils flared and I'm standing beside her.

Betsy is at our table before I can signal Ash to leave. Her elbows are propped on the glass table top, hands resting under her chin. Her teeth glitter in a vulpine smirk, obviously up to no good.

She leans, arching her back with her tush out in a purposely attention grabbing pose. Henry either disregards us or watches silently. He's not one to involve himself in matters that don't directly concern him.

She giggles, "Well, Cooper was certainly in a hurry. You'd think he'd want to catch up with an old friend."

I ignore her and whisper to Ash, "Let's go."

I spin, following Ashlen out to see Betsy blocking our way. Supernatural speed is the only answer to how she got there so quickly.

"Maybe you didn't notice but this isn't Allure," I hiss, "You can't move like that here."

"Why?" I make an effort not to roll my eyes, she knows why, "It's not my fault humans can't keep up."

"Why are you intentionally tracking us down," I snap, it's more of an accusation than a question, "You obviously didn't get the message the first time, I don't want to see or talk to you."

She flicks her hand dismissively, "This city isn't that big. Are you saying I can't roam as I like?"

I'm not playing this game. I take Ashlen by the hand to lead her out the other way.

Betsy's figure is a smear, zipping around to meet us on the opposite side, but not before attempting a pickpocket. I don't react in time, my jacket is empty when I lay my palm against it.

I glare at her. She has both of our wallets, one in each hand, propped between her index and middle fingers like throwing stars.

"You're losing your edge," she declares, wiggling our items around with taunting jazz hands. A haughtiness touches her eyes and the corners of her mouth, challenging me. Now Ashlen is growling in her throat. I feel her shift around, probably checking her own pockets.

"Betsy, our wallets, now," I demand.

"Is that an order?" she teases, opening mine and rummaging through it, "It's a good thing you're hot, Sam, cause you're flat broke!"

She reads something in the leather protector and starts to laugh, "Does anyone actually buy this? I can't believe they let you into places without accusing you of forgery! You don't look anywhere near thirty. Too lazy to update your identification card, hmm?"

"Then again," the words rumble seductively in her throat, "I suppose it isn't a necessity with that devil tongue of yours."

Her impudent expression is thick with her racy double meaning. I keep my face blank, if we bore her maybe she'll leave. I'll even let her take my wallet, replacing it would be less of a hassle.

She directs her attention to Ashlen's wallet, peeling it apart like a scandalous magazine.

Ash has had enough, she interjects, "I didn't give you permission to go through my things. I'd like that back."

Betsy smirks at her, "But how else would I get your name? Sam didn't introduce us. How very rude."

I can feel the heat flowing from Ashlen's glare. I give her hand a squeeze, trying to keep her calm. It seems effective, she stays put.

Betsy's eyes flash with intrigue, "Well you're loaded!" her fingers brush across a few bills, then her eyes narrow as she scans something in the wallet, "Ms... Ashlen Kane."

I grind my teeth together, enduring her isn't shooing her away this time.

"Look at all *this*. Her wallet is so much more interesting than yours. There's all kinds of-"

I snatch the wallet from her and pass it back to Ash over my shoulder. I stare into Betsy's face, my expression is unflinching as stone.

She just smiles narrowly, handing mine back and looking past me, "So, Ashlen, is that your real age? Your looks are deceiving but there's no doubt you're a newborn, baby turn."

Ash huffs out of her nose, rather than responding.

"Did Sam turn you? Oh wait," her eyes flick back to mine, purple and cruel, "he doesn't do that. Doesn't let anyone taste his blood. Not even pretty little girls like you."

She chuckles and this time I scowl at her.

"Come on, Ash," I push us past, keeping Ashlen behind my back, out of Betsy's reach.

"Ah, don't be like that!" her hands glide out to stop me.

Ashlen snarls from behind with hostility I'd never imagine from her, "Don't touch him."

"Ooooh, she's fiery," she comments in a tone that's both condescending and admiring, "Why don't you both join me for a drink?"

"Pass," I reject the offer immediately.

"You kill joy! Don't be selfish, Sam. Let the girl have some fun. I already have someone stowed away. She's probably shaking with fright by now, ripe for the taking. You know how picking them is my specialty."

"Not interested."

She studies my face with the first traces of disappointment and suspicion.

Her eyes trail to Ash and then flare wide, "Say it isn't so! She's a v.i.r.g.i.n killer? A little goodie-goodie. Oh-ho, Sam! This is too precious."

She nibbles on her bottom lip dreamily. I'm taken off guard as she steps back, her hands slide down her curves, feeling herself up in a semi lude gesture. The random display has me sorely unprepared for my own prop drink flying at my head as she exclaims, "Think fast!"

I instinctively reach for the glass bottle Betsy slapped off the table, catching it and minimizing the mess.

Immediately, I realize my mistake, the bottle is only a decoy. Purple eyes flee in a blurred ruby sheet. I attempt to grab her but speed has always been one of Betsy's strengths. Her bloodline dealt her the advantage.

She nabs Ashlen from behind who yelps. I flip around to bat Betsy away but she's already dragging her halfway across the main floor.

What the hell is she doing? Betsy's seriously insane! She's the one who warned me about Thorn scouting the area. How can she deliberately and blatantly jeopardize all of us? They'll gladly off her for this kind of public stunt and we might be collateral. Great.

I go after them as quickly as I can without drawing extra attention. I just might have to subdue her by force and I'd rather not. This is turning into a rotten night.