Zuerst

Zuerst
Part 1 / 2
Disclaimer: They\'re my characters. Steal and die.
Warnings: (redundant, but I feel obligated anyway) Vampires, dancing (dirty, shirtless, female and male partners), male/male sex, female x male x female innuendo, male x female x male sex (later chapter)... in other words, it\'s rated NC-17 because there\'s nothing worse. >;)

***

Kahlia surveyed the club earnestly, wondering if she’d fit into this one as easily as she normally did. She’d been to every dance club in a one-hundred mile radius of the city of Porrington, and that was saying a lot. The area of and surrounding Porrington was known for its dance clubs, strip clubs (which she avoided at all costs), and casinos (which she was not yet old enough to enter). She edged in between people and around the dance floor, which seemed alit with eager participants. Strobes and multi-colored stage lights blinked furiously, bouncing from the dancers, to the disk jockey, to the cool blue metallic floor, which she could every now and then see slivers of between the moving bodies and constant stomping feet. She gulped. It looked rough out there.

Club Griata was infamous for fights, roughhousing, and even a death or two, mainly from the crowd that it tempted into its doors. Unlike the other clubs she’d been to, this one allowed a variety of ages, its lowest being fourteen. This was very surprising, especially including their rough history. Kahlia made her way to the bar shadily, eyeing the bartender. He was young, probably having just turned twenty-one. His eyes met hers as he prepared some miscellaneous alcoholic beverage. She lowered hers, figuring he’d gotten the message.

A few minutes later, he shuffled down the distance of the bar between them. He cleared his throat, and his voice normal. “What can I get for you, ma’am?”

“Ginger ale.” She said softly, her eyes shifting to the left, then slowly to the right.

“You Kahlia?” He asked in a low voice, unheard over the music.

She nodded curtly, just in case anyone was watching.
”Ginger ale it is, ma’am!” He said, suddenly breaking out into a rich smile. She was caught off-guard by his sudden, drastic change in demeanor. But she fought to keep her expression as normal as possible. A small smile couldn’t hurt, she reasoned.

He placed a paper napkin down as a crude coaster, then the glass, fd wid with the bubbly soft drink. “Enjoy.” He said with a wink.

As he moved away, she read the pen-written corner of the coaster. Shift’s over in five. I’ll take you to a back room to fill you in. She closed her eyes, nodding stiffly again.

***

Jackson sat down across from her, brushing his hair back. “I’d have taken you back sooner, but I would have drawn attention if I was absent from the bar too long.”

Kahlia sat primly in one of the plush chairs. “I understand.” Her eyes darkened. “What’s the mission.”

Chuckling, Jackson pulled a pack of Winston’s and a lighter from his blue jeans’ pocket. “You were chosen for this mission for many reasons, but only one was obvious. It’s been a rumor around the groups that you enjoy dance clubs such as this.”

She nodded, confirming the rumor. Her private life was not a matter, so she’d never cared to give her co-workers the satisfaction to imagine her dancing provocatively around a hundred other half naked bodies.

“Good. I’m glad that it’s true.” He lit the cigarette, took a puff of it, and exhaled. “This club’s the most famous in the area of Porrington, which I’m sure you’re aware of. Tonight, at this very club, a very rich and famous man will be arriving. It’s been proven that he’s a talent scout in disguise, but he hasn’t admitted this to the public. Just whoever he picks up.”

He tapped the cigarette on the edge of a black, circular ashtray, and continued.

“Incidentally, young males and females alike have been disappearing. And most of them were last seen at dance clubs on the same nights that this man has made an appearance.” Jackson closed his eyes. “We’ve come to suspect that it’s definitely not a coincidence, and that this man is kidnapping them.”

Kahlia nodded understandingly.

“Do you have a pretty good idea of what your mission is?” Jackson asked, reclining slightly. When Kahlia shook her head, he groaned uncharacteristically. “Come on, kid, loosen up! This isn’t a fucking police job!”

She flinched at his words. “Erm… I’m sorry?”

Jackson grinned. “It’s cool, okay? I’ll tell you, then.” He blew smoke from between his lips. “You mission, whether you choose to accept it,” He winked, “is to somehow attract the attention of this imposter scout master, get him to talk to you, and find out where the hell these people are disappearing to.”

Kahlia blinked, and inquired smartly, “What if I disappear along with them?”

Jackson grinned. gladglad ask asked!” He deposited his cigarette in the ashtray and stood, crossing the room to a small bar. “I know you just had a ginger ale, but would you like anything else?”

“Water, if you don’t mind.” She said.

Jackson fulfilled her request. He set the glass in front of her. In his other hand, he had what seemed to a chain. “You’re wearing a midriff shirt.” He grinned. “That’s a good thing. Stand up, please.”

Kahlia obeyed. She tensed when Jackson reached toward her stomach, but gasped in surprise when the cold chain was wrapped around her midsection. He clasped it in the front with the slack chain hanging a few inches down her front. He stood back, hands on his hips. “There. Your tracking device.” He retrieved a Heineken from the bar, and plopped back down in his chair. “You must not remove it for the rest of the evening, especially if he spots you.” He uncapped the beer and took a swig. “It’s linked to my men outside. They’re in a black van in the parking lot, relatively close to the entrance. They’re prepared to signal me when our guest is spotted. The chain,” he pointed, “will vibrate when he enters. I’m sure you’ll be able to feel it, even if you’re out there. But when you feel it, take measures to do better. Hell, do something flashy that will catch someone’s attention.” He shrugged. “Do what you do.”

Kahlia nodded the affirmative, sipping her water. “Can I take my shirt off?”

Jackson’s eyes widened. “Erm… I doknowknow if the club allows nudity.”

Snorting softly, Kahlia frowned. “The other clubs allow shirts to be taken off while on the dance floor at one’s own risk, for the risk of getting groped, kidnapped, and possibly raped.”

Jackson laughed. “My, you have been to every club around here, haven’t you?” He reduced his laugh to an inhumane giggle. “Do what you think will get his attention, babe. You’re the expert, so I can’t argue with you’re judgment.”

Kahlia nodded and stood. “Along with the rest of them out there, he’ll notice. Scouts usually like girls who aren’t afraid to bear it.”

Cocking an eyebrow, Jackson smirked into the neck of his beer. “You mean, porn scouts, right?”

But she had already left the room before answering him.

***

Kahlia stood on the second floor balcony that dipped down and over the crown. So far, she could spot no present lack of shirts in the crowd of Griata. Sighing, she brushed a lock of hair over her shoulder. She looked down at her attire, having to admit that she looked rather good in her baggy guy’s jeans and spaghetti strap top. Although she didn’t enjoy midriff-revealing shirts, it had been requested specifically in the instructions she’s received.

Slowly, she made her way down the nearest spiral staircase, already closing her mind off to the noise of the crowd, and allowing the music to take over her body. Already, her hips swayed to the slow, unpredictable beat. Instincts told her that soon, it would speed up and become a thunderous beat mixed with shrill sirens.

Her body grew excited, giddy even, as she succumbed to the enticing fury of the crowd from the edge of the dance floor.

***

“Jackson’s such a lucky bastard.” Aidan mumbled, crossing his arms on the seat of the van. “Why does he get to be on the inside?”

Beside him, his companion and his associate for the evening, Danye, smiled sympatcallcally. “It’s only for tonight.”

”But what if his ‘secret weapon’ fails?” Aidan growled. “He’s fucking obsessed with this chick, not to mention an absolute pervert.”

Danye smirked. “You’re just saying that because you’re gay.”

Aidan reached up to slap him, but Danye caught his wrist deftly. Aidan retracted his hand. “Besides that, we’re supposed to send a signal to the tracking device she’s wearing. You know what it is?”

”Jackson mentioned something about a chain to wrap around her stomach.” Danye shivered. “It’s surprising as to why females wear something like that. Half of them shouldn’t even be showing off their stomach.”

“And how.” Aidan said. “Now you know why I don’t like. To. Too slutty.”

Danye tilted his head. “Well… they can’t all be like that!”

Aidan snorted. “Believe me, when you’ve had any any as I have, you start to get tired of the same old thing.”

“So you’re gay because you hate women?” Danye’s eyebrow twitched.

“I hate the way they act, not them.” Aidan shrugged. “Lesbians are cooler, though, because they’re more like guys. ‘Cept they don’t like to fuck guys.”

Danye sighed. “You’ve got too much of a closed mind. You need to find a girl that’s different; trust me, they’re out there.”

Aidan grunted, but didn’t have time to respond, for the next moment, a piercing beeping noise filled the van. Danye jumped, scrambling to get a view of the parking lot. “The snake has entered the den of the mongoose.” He said triumphantly.

“About damn time.” Aidan snarled under his breath, grabbing his headset. He positioned it over his ears, pulling the microphone parallel with his chin. He placed his fingers on the keyboard in front of him, typing furiously until the screen in front of him flickered. “Jackson?” He inquired into the microphone.

Danye smirked when an image came up. Jackson was currently sucking the face of a young girl. “You’ll have to scream louder than that, Aid.”

“JACKSON! STOP FUCKING AROUND!!” Aidan screamed harshly. Danye covered his ears, wincing.

“Please, don’t be subtle.”

On screen, Jackson jumped off the girl at the outburst, and scrambled across the room, throwing her an apology. He snatched up the small communicator as he ran into an adjoining room, shutting the door behind him. “What is it?” He asked, his face now on the screen. He looked very much disheveled.

Just beyond Aidan’s right shoulder, Danye smirked.

“The target’s here, stupid.” Aidan snapped. “Stop messing around and go keep an eye on that bitch you’re so concerned about.”

“Kahlia?” Jackson blinked. “She’s fine.”

Aidan snarled. “I DON’T FUCKING CARE! Take your orders, goddamn it!”

“Aidan, you needn’t yell. People will stare.” Danye said, very much amused.

Jackson saluted playfully. “Affirmative, sir! Don’t forget to activate the tracking device.”

“Already on it.” Danye said in the background, already having though of it. He was typing on the keyboard next to Aidan’s. “Done.”

“Keep an eye on the girl and stop snogging, you stupid bastard.” Aidan spat. “Over and out.”

“Will do, command—” Aidan shut off the communication port before Jackson could finish his sentence.

“Sometimes I think he shouldn’t even be in on this with us.” Aidan snarled.

Danye grinned beside him. “Transmitter, away!” He said as a new screen appeared: first a grid appeared, then an outline of the club, and then a small, blinking yellow dot. A small area was outlined in red: the target’s private “box.” Danye sat back, sighing. “Now all we have to do is waitientiently.”

Aidan cross his arms, breathing deeply and staring straight ahead. Suddenly, Danye’s face was hovering just inches in front of his. He stiffened. “Eh? What’re you doing?”

Danye grinned. “Want to pass the time?”

“We can’t make out on duty!” But he was glancing away nervously. “That would make me a hypocrite.”

“So?” Danye pawed at his chest. “You’re allowed to snog if you’re in charge. Jackson stu stupid rookie.” He kissed Aidan’s cheek temptingly. “Please?”

“No.” Aidan gave Danye a glare. “And since when do you like guys so much that you’ll make out with them?”

Danye smiled. “Since I met you.”

Aidan shook his head. “You have a crush on me?”

“Just a little one.” Danye smiled. “I haven’t let it get in the way of work.”

Aidan grimaced. “Except now.”

Chuckling, Danye returned to his seat. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

Aidan slowly looked to his right, weighed his optionsd grd grabbed a fistful of Danye’s shirt, bringing him forward into an avid kiss.

***

When she felt the vibrations of her waist-chain tracking device, Kahlia slowly let her eyes rise from the floor towards the entrance of the club. She saw a good group of people—at least six or seven individuals—enter, being escorted by a thin man wearing the club’s uniform. Even as she danced, she watched them ascend up a staircase to the second—no, thirthird floor. The VIP floor.

They must have representatives of the scouts with them, she thought. Otherwise, there’s no way they’d have been able to get into the VIP rooms. Closing her eyes, she frowned. And with them higher than the second floor, there’s not telling if they’ll see me or not. What to do…

Hands suddenly brushed against her waist. She opened her eyes, slowly, seductively. A boy moved sensuously in front of her, his eyes questioning her.

Want to dance?

She smiled seductively, moving backwards, playfully returning with,

You’d better keep up.

His brows rose.

Oh?

She laughed.

That’s right. Show me what you got.

He moved closer to her, not touching her at first, as he seemed to create electricity between the front of her body and his chest. His hips then began to swing effortlessly in front of her, as she slithered upwards, jerking her body as if it was a rope.

She got lost in her dancing again, and when she opened her eyes next, she was no longer dancing with the boy, but with the girl. She looked shy as she moved; she had not yet broken into the habit. The corner of Kahlia’s mouth quirked up as she placed her hands on the girl’s hips and guided her to the beat of the music. The girl looked up, startled, eyes meeting Kahlia’s. Surprise radiated through her startling silver eyes. Kahlia smiled serenely, nodding enthusiastically.

Behind her, hands fell low on her own hips. A look over her shoulder told her it was the boy from just a few minutes before. The three of them moved together, but in different directions. Kahlia felt sweat begin to develop on her forehead. Already? She pursed her lips. There’s no way I’ve been dancing for that long. I’d better take it off now.

She slowed, letting go of the girl’s waist and sliding a hand backwards, gently searching for the boy’s pocket. Her hand slipped across the front of his jeans, and a gasp escaped his lips. She smiled, hand delving into the pocket she found. She grabbed something hard, and extracted it. In her hands, she held a pocket knife.

She glanced back at him, eyebrows raised and lowered quickly as a form of casual gratitude. He blinked, licking his lips expectantly. While still moving, she managed to pull out the biggest blade, and lifted it to the hem of her shirt. With a quick motion, she had stabbed into the material of her shirt, shredding it down the front.

The girl before her gaped. Kahlia met her eyes, commanding.

Keep dancing.

The shirt was divested, and Kahlia stood bare-chested. The boy behind her leaned across one shoulder, whisp som something to the girl. Kahlia didn’t happen to catch it, but suddenly, he whirled her around to where she faced him. The girl that had once been in front of her was now behind. The boy placed his hands on her shoulders, the girl’s hands resting on her hips. The boy was looking straight at her.

Your move.

The music changed. Now, a sultry, banging track filled the club. Some people exited the floor, heading towards the bar. But not the three of them. They stayed rooted, somehow achieving center floor. The boy leaned forward, giving her ear an experimental lick.

“Show us.”

Kahlia narrowed her eyes in determination, then allowed the beat to usurp her senses once again, her body reacting naturally. She swayed, slowly at first, in tune with the music, her legs having become double jointed as she moved back and forth in between the girl and the boy. They followed her movements perfectly, closing in on her and becoming a part of her natural routine.

What the hell is going on? Her mind screamed. They’re blocking the view… but… somehow, this feels perfect. I can’t help but go alwithwith it.

The song sped up, Kahlia following, helpless. Her mind retracted, instinct took over. She was backing up and moving forward, her body writhing and thrashing between them. She forgot everything; she felt their minds melding into hers, forming her movements before she could think of what she was doing. They were taking her over.

Suddenly, there were being showered. The boy and the girl forced their hands into the air as their hips jutted to the left, the right, the left… water cascaded down upon them. People screamed, but Kahlia welcomed it. She felt release as she was drowned, her hair falling damp against her back. This was different than anything she’d ever experienced. She opened her eyes, breathing heavily.

The boy smiled back at her, knowingly. Somewhere in her head, above the din, she heard a whisper in the back of her mind.

Your target is dangerous.

And another one, softer.

Beware of his advances.

She gasped, as the song died behind her. The room was completely devoid of music, and the crown was exiting the dance floor. The girl behind her pressed a bundle into her hands—a shirt. The both of them filed from the floor, shooting her thankful glances and heading off to a table together.

Kahlia pulled the shirt on without thinking, and numbly headed towards the bar, her body soaked and trembling.

***

Upon the third floor, two men sat alone in a private box, both sippflutflutes full of thick, red wine. The first one spoke in a soft, predatory tone, “Do you see what I see?”

“Something best acquired than observed?” An evil smile lit the second man’s face. “Indeed.”

“Shall I send someone?”

“Please do.”

***

Aidan gasped, immediately biting his lip. “Dan…ye…”

Danye smirked, his arms coming to wrap around Aidan’s waist. “Doesn’t hurt, does it?” He nibbled at the pale skin just beneath Aidan’s shoulder blade.

Breathing heavily, Aidan attempted to move. “God…”

Danye laughed. “No, no, I’m just your colleague.” He moved his hips upward a bit while still restraining Aidan. The other gasped again.

Aidan pleaded in a higher pitched voice. “Danye, please…”

The one on bottom chuckled. “My, my, you’re quick to lose your reserve…” He gave a few more quick thrusts, making Aidan cry out.

“Fucking STOP that and get it over with!” Aidan whimpered.

“You do the work then.” Danye muttered, slightly cross, and allowed his arms to retract, resting his palms on either side of Aidan’s waist.

Aidan braced his hands on either side of Danye’s body, and slowly began to buck his hips forward and backwards, impaling himself. Danye gasped suddenly, then gritted his teeth. That had felt better than he’d expected…

Aidan began to move a bit faster, making tiny mewling noises that set Danye off into a frenzy. He grunted as Aidan gradually sped up, obviously trying to get him to climax against his will. Before he knew what he was doing, Danye delivered a sound slap to Aidan’s left buttock.

The other whimpered again, speeding up. Danye repeated the action for the other cheek, eyes squeezing shut as eveleveled in the unadulterated pleasure he and Aidan were creating.

Aidan’s hand was now moving fast across his own member, and when he felt close, he contracted his muscles enclosing Danye’s cock, moving faster, jacking quicker. Behind him, Danye cried out against his shoulder, suddenly digging his teeth into the skin. A noise developed from Aidan’s throat that sounded like a cross between a yelp and a scream. He came soon after, Danye following him with a self-satisfied groan.

They lay breathing hard against each other. Danye was the first to recover. He wrapped his hands around Aidan’s waist, pressing their bodies fully against one another. “That was wonderful…” He breathed.

Aidan’s panting slowed, and he regained enough oxygen to speak. “Glad… you enjoyed it…” He gulped. “That was my first.”

Danye’s eyebrows raised. “…You’re kidding, right?”

Aidan shook his head. “I haven’t been…a homosexual long enough… to have had anyone else…”

Danye frowned, concerned. “I’m sorry… I should have asked whether or not it was your first time…”

The pile of limbs and soreness turned around in his lap, straddling him. Danye gasped as Aidan wrapped arms around his shoulders, breath tickling his ear.

“Who says I mind if you were my first?”

Danye smiled, returning his arms around the other’s waist. “Well, then, you were pretty good for a virgin.”

Aidan chuckled. Danye realize that Aidan hadn’t laughed once since he’d been in his presence. “How many have you had, eh?”

Danye grinned. “Only a couple. But I’m a very fast learner.”

Aidan snorted. “You would be.” He sat up. “We need to clean up before Jackson calls us and… er, sees this.”

Danye became immediately businesslike. “I agree. Jackson’s the kind that would lie to save his own ass, but wouldn’t mind getting other people in trouble at all.”

Aidan found it strange that Danye had just insulted Jackson, regardless of the fact that he had just before stuck up for him.

Danye handed Aidan a roll of paper towels and a bottle of disinfectant spray wordlessly. Aidan took it, gave it one look, and glared at Danye. “You planned for us to do this?!”

“Fuck no.” Another first: Danye was normally immune to cursing. “No pun intended, but I usually keep cleaning supplied for spillage.”

Aidan cocked an amused eyebrow, not entirely convinced, but set to work at wiping away the mess anyway. Danye, who hadn’t spilled anything on the seat (Bastard, Aidan grumbled mentally.), set to monitoring the screen. “It seems the princess has moved from the royal garden to the city tavern.”

Aidan looked up from the floor. “The hell?”

Danye laughed. “She’s not on the dance floor anymore. She’s moving towards the bar…” He trailed off, eyes narrowing. “Hold on a second… someone’s approached her.”

A fin finished cleaning and slid along the seat next to Danye. “Is it the scout?”

“I don’t know. I’ll get a visual.” He typed something furiously, as Aidan moved to the other console, already predicting Danye’s next orders. “And get Jackson on the line.”

“Jackson, here.”

Aidan glared at him through the console. “What did I tell you about fucking around?!” Lipstick ran down the side of his neck. Jackson opened his mouth to apologize, but Aidan cut him off. “Shut up and listen. Are you watching the girl?”

“Yeah. She’s at the bar.”

“Idiot.” Aidan snapped. “She’s been approached by someone! Give us a visual.”

Jackson jumped. “Okay! Jeez!” He held the communicator up, the bar and the girl in clear view. A thin man was talking to her. She looked … tired.

“Follow then if they move.” Aidan snapped. “And don’t you dare lose her!”

“Roger.” Jackson replied. “Oh, and I found something else out.”

“What?!”

“They’re on the third floor, not the second.” Jackson scowled. “And it’s not the same people you tailed. They’ve been here the whole time, even since she walked through that door.”

Aidan swore horridly that Danye flinched. “Why didn’t you report this information?!”

Jackson blushed a dark red. “Well. I tried. But you wouldn’t clear the visual when I tried, so… I got a few seconds of audio, and…you both sounded busy.”

It was Aidan’s turn to blush. Danye smirked. “That’ll be all, Jackson. Stay on her tail.”

“Yes, sir. Over and out.” Jackson blinked out.

Aidan looked at Danye with wide eyes and red cheeks. Danye just shook his head, grinning and keying in things to his module.

***

Kahlia literally dumped herself at the bar, many questions in her mind arising about the pair she’d just danced with. More so, she wondered what those odd voices inside her head had been…

Great. She thought cynically, asking the bartender for a glass of water. Now I’m convinced that there are or were, at one time, voices in my head.

She sipped the water, noting that the sweat once formed on her forehead had now disappeared, or evaporated, whichever. She also noted that Jackson was no longer taking up the bartending job. She glanced around, wondering where he had disappeared to. Probably making out in a private room, she reasoned with a snort into her glass.

“Excuse me, miss.”

Kahlia set her glass down and turned around at the voice, wondering vaguely if she was being addressed. A thin, wiry man stood before her.

The same thin, wiry man she’d seen escorting the targets.

“Er… Yes?” Kahlia managed.

“Messrs. Draconus and Wingright wish to have your presence join theirs upon the third floor.”

Kahlia’s brows raised. It’s them; the scouts! Quick, play hard to get! Normal people would be cautious of strangers inviting them to a private box. “Erm… why do they, er, ‘request my presence’?”

The man stood stiff. “They wish to speak with you.”

That says a lot. “I guess that’s fine.” She stood, bringing her water with her. “I’ll come along then.”

The man nodded, and extended his arm. “To the third floor staircase, ma’am.”

She and the man slipped through the crowd, almost unnoticed by anyone. Kahlia wondered if Jackson could still see her, if he were watching, and the other two that were supposed to be monitoring her via tracking device. Glancing down at the chain hanging low on her stomach, she certainly hoped so. She didn’t want to enter the serpent’s lair alone. She prayed softly that she would be okay.

They reached the third floor, and across the room, Kahlia, by a stroke of luck, caught eyes with Jackson. Thank God, she thought. She saw him nod, and felt much better. She would be okay.

Suddenly, her tracking device vibrated. She blinked. What in the world? She glanced back across to Jackson. He motioned to his ear, then to his midriff.

They have audio built in. She realized at once. They can hear what’s about to be said. That’s good, I suppose. She nodded, mouthing a thank you, and turned her attention towards the front.

The man led her down a black, neon-lined hallway. The doors had been painted purple and red to stand out from the walls. Wonderful color sense these people have, She thought sourly. She wasn’t one for decorating herself, but the place reeked of tackiness. As most dance clubs did.

The man stopped at a door with a gilded number six nailed into the wood. He opened the door, and waved her in. “Please, take your seat.”

Kahlia nodded politely and said, “Thank you.”

The man simply returned the nod.

Kahlia swallowed, stepping into the dim room. As soon as she was inside, she was overcome with an immediate sense of foreboding. Something was not right.

The door shut behind her.

There was no turning back.

The only light source, she realized, was from the large window that took up the northern-most wall. In front of it, two figures sat silhouetted. They both seemed to have long hair dangling down their backs. She could not tell if they were male or female.

“Please. Sit down.” A pleasant male voice said.

Kahlia chewed the inside of her lip.

“Don’t be nervous, my dear.” A second male voice said. “Make yourself at home.”

“I can’t see any chairs.” She said tfullfully. She had no idea where she was even standing.

“Ah. Of course.” A match was struck, a candle lit. It sat in the middle of the table, illuminating the room much better. She glanced down; she was standing right next to a chair. Why hadn’t she been able to sense it there? She slipped into it sheepishly, and looked up.

She fought to hold back a gasp.

Before het tht the most handsome, beautifully crafted men she’d ever seen. And neither of them had been with the VIP group she’d seen enter earlier. True to her earlier observation, they both acquired long hair. Yet one of them possessed dark, raven’s wing black, the other a runny, liquefied silver-white. They were polar opposites, even in dress. The dark headed one wore a black button up shirt, partially open and revealing skin. The light haired one wore a tight, rouge muscle shirt.

Kahlia gulped. These were the scouts?

“Perhaps we should introduce ourselves.” The silver-haired one said smoothly. “I am Vinisus Moongates Wingright, and beside me is my associate, Ceirosan Armenia Ladranna.” The dark-haired one nodded at the mention of his name. “We,” Vinisus Wingright continued, “are scouts, of sorts.”

“Nice to… meet you.” Kahlia said. She had suddenly realized that she was exhausted from her dancing earlier.

“The pleasure is entirely our own.” The second man said deeply, almost purring.

Kahlia blushed.

“Ceiros, you’re making it hard on her.” Vinisus scolded softly. “As I was saying, we’re scouts, in a manner of speaking. We’ve been watching you ever since you entered earlier this evening.”

In her mind, Kahlia froze. They had been here the whole time? Did Jackson know about this?

“We find your dancing to be quite alluring, and were wondering if perhaps you’d like to come with us back to our studio and do a short, photo shoot.”

Tonight? What are these two nuts? What kind of idiot would go with them to a “studio” and do a photo shoot?

She pursed her lips. Obviously the kinds of people who have disappeared.

“We believe that you’re perfect camera material.” Said the second man, Ceiros. “If your photos turn out to be something new and exciting, you could become a model, or perhaps a private dancer.”

Kahlia raised one eyebrow. “A stripper?”

Vinius laughed. “No, no, my dear, not a stripper. This is quite above that sort of level. Although your performance this evening was…”

“… rather enticing, shall we say.” Ceiros finished for him, smirking.

Kahlia blushed. “I’ve been to quite a handful of clubs. A lot of them encourage shirt-ripping while dancing.”

“Are you sure that they weren’t actual strip clubs?” Ceiros asked sardonically.

“Watch your mouth, Ceiros.” Vinisus warned, casting his friend a sideways glance. Ceiros chuckled softly to himself, and picked up the wineglass in front of him to sip it. Vinisus continued on without his assistance. “We are not on the lookout for strippers. But your performance, no matter how sexually powered it may have been, seemed to rise above the level of an ordinary stripper. And your partners seemed rather into it, as well.”

Partners? Oh… “Yes. That was the first time I’d ever danced with a stranger.”

“It was absolute amazing for a beginner.” Vinisus complimented, following Ceiros’ example of sipping his wine.

“Pardon me.” Kahlia said. “But I am no beginner.”

“Oh?”

“I’ve been dancing in clubs for two years straight. I go out every other Saturday night to someplace new. And if there’s not a new place, then I return to the best.”

”Which is this one?”

Kahlia shook her head. “This is the first time I’ve been to Griata.”

“Interesting.” Vinisus sat back, crossing his arms. “That explains why I’ve never seen you before.”

“Are you here often, scouting?”

He nodded. “Indeed. Though I rarely venture this far from home to go somewhere other than here, occasionally I’ll visit another club. But I do not have the same amount of luck as I have with Griata.” He smiled. “But we’re getting off topic.”

“Mmm-hmm.” Ceiros murmured.

“Does my proposal interest you, my dear?”

Kahlia tried not to frown. She had to go with them for the mission, but she didn’t like the obsessive gleam in that Ceiros man’s eye. And this Vinisus seemed over confident. But, she had to. For the mission. “It interests me deeply.” She even decided to toss in a lie. “I’ve always wondered what the life of a model would be like.”

”Well, you certainly have a wonderful body shape.” Vinisus nodded. “Do you have a ride home?”

“I came by taxi.” Which was the truth.

“Good. We have a limousine parked in front, if you’d like to come along.”

“That sounds wonderful.” She said, wondering if perhaps she sounded too monotone to be believable.

Vinisus nodded. “If you’ll excuse us, then. Walter will take you to the limousine to wait. We shan’t be long, my dear.”

“Thank you.” Kahlia bowed slightly, and slipped from the room.

I am so de/B>

***

“Did you hear that?” Aidan sputtered. “They’re going to just KIDNAP her! Why didn’t she say no?!”

“Because it’s our mission to find out what’s happening to these disappearing people and put a stop to it.” Danye frowned. “I didn’t like how that Ceiros person talked. I have a slight feeling that they have more than just a photo shoot in mind…”

“Shit.” Aidan spat. “You think they’re going to rape her?”

“They might. Or molest her, or something dirty. We can’t let that happen to her, even if she’s technically not on our team. We put her through this, we have to pull her out safely.” He sighed. “Or her boss will be on our asses.”

Aidan sighed. “More ing,ing, then?”

“Nope.” Danye climbed into the front seat. “This time we get to follow them.” He started the car’s engine. “You’re driving. I’m directing.”

”Great. That’s all I need. You telling me where to go.” Aidan muttered, heading for the front seat.

He and Danye met halfway, ending up kissing thanks to Danye. Aidan opened his eyes. Danye pulled back. “Don’t be mad at me.”

Aidan rolled his eyes. “I’m not. Christ.”

Danye laughed, claiming his bench seat. “That’s what I love about you.”

Aidan crawled in the front seat, grumbling. “Yeah, whatever.”

Danye opened the communication port to Jackson. “State your position.”

“Fuck, man, it doesn’t look good.”

Danye blinked. “What do you mean?”

“She’s being taken to a limousine. I have no on-earthly idea where they’re going after that.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll track them.”

“Yeah, well, there’s just one problem.” Jackson said.

Danye froze. “What’s that?”

“Check your transmitter screen.” Jackson suggested.

Danye did so. The dot was still. “Yes? So?”

“Now look at this.” Jackson held the communicator up, now showing her leaving the building with a club attendant.

“Oh…Shit.” Danye swore. “What the hell happened?”

”It came off somewhere. I don’t know when.” Jackson’s face had returned. He wiped sweat from his brow. “It’s now up to you guys to follow them wherever they go. Lack of the transmitted will only make it harder to cloak yourselves.”

“I realized.” Danye cross his arms. “Fuck. When did they take it off?”

“Wherever it’s laying.” Jackson sniffed. “Where in the club is it?”

Danye checked the transmitter. “… Somewhere on the first floor, it seems.”

“Your shitting me?”

“Yes…”

“Then it came off sometime when she was dancing.” Jackson swore again. “Fuck.”

Aidan whipped his head around. “You’re starting to sound like me.”

Jackson shrugged. “I don’t want to lose her. She’s too valuable to us and her colleagues.”

“That’s the thing.” Danye said. “I looked her up awhile ago. She works alone.”

“You’re kidding?” Jackson asked incredulously. “What a shame…”

“She’s been working alone since age fifteen.” Danye said gravely. “I didn’t know her officers hired that young.”

“Special circumstances.” Aidan barked. “Shut that off and let’s go. The limo’s on the move.”

“Alright. Regroup at headquarters later, Jackson. Over and out.”

Danye crawled in next to Aidan. “Let’s ride.”

“Roger than.” Aidan switched gears, and pressed the gas.

***

In the corner of the club, two pairs of eyes watched the girl exit the club. The female of the pair sighed softly, tearing her eyes away. “I’ll never be that close to her again…”

The boy smiled sympathetically, giving her a quick hug. “She’s the one, Rei. We’ll see a lot more of her; don’t worry.”

“But what if she doesn’t remember us?”

“She will. The reincarnation process keeps current memories when it unlocks old ones.”

She gave him a disbelieving stare. He smiled soothingly.

“Vinisus knows what he’s doing. She’ll be fine.”

Rei wrapped her arms around her shoulders. “I want to go home. I don’t feel like being here anymore, Tatsu.”

Next to her, the boy nodded. “Alright, then. Let’s fly.”

***

Kahlia held the glass of water in her hands nervously. Both of the scouts had decided to sit on either side of her. She was very jumpy. They seemed perfectly content and at ease.

They weren’t big talkers when there was nothing to talk about, it seemed. Soft, classical music filled the limousine cabin. Kahlia was beginning to grow drowsy, half because of the exhaustion from dancing. Not to mention she was losing hope of her rescue fast; she’d realized with a start that her chain was missing. She could not remember it having fallen off. She was distraught.

She began to nod off, but snapped awake when she felt two separate hands on either one of her legs. Warm breath invaded both ears at once

“We know what you are, Kahlia, dear.” A voice she recognized as Vinisus’ said in one ear.

“And we can’t let you escape and reveal any little secrets.” Ceiros murmured in her other ear.

”So just relax, dear, and go to sleep for the ride.” Vinisus nuzzled her ear lobe, caressing it with his tongue. “We’ll show you a … rewarding experience when you’ve woken up.”

She realized that she’d been drugged. Or, she felt drugged. Her arms were limp, her legs felt like gelatin. Faintly, she could feel her body being stretched out across the two men’s laps. She groaned, trying to tell them to stop, but it was useless. Already, she felt gently fingers running over her curves through her clothes. Fingers unbuttoned her pants, a hand slithered up her shirt. She opened her mouth to protest, but could summon no words. She tried to squirm when she felt those fingers slipping beneath her underwear, the hands sliding underneath her bra.

”My, my, you are troublesome.” She heard a voice murmur.

Fuck…you… She wanted to say aloud. Fingers brushed her nipples gently, caressing them like fruits. She felt a gentle probing around the edges of her labia. God, they’re going to rape me.

”I think that’s enough for now, Ceiros.” She heard Vinisus say. “I like them when they can resist.”

“Indeed, me too, dear Vinisus.” Ceiros said.

The hands withdrew themselves, and though it could have been the drug, Kahlia felt as if someone was stroking her hair and the curve of her back as she slept.

***