Author: catstark

The Grey House:

(Technically the word is conFINEd, but hey, it’s my site, I do what I want):

Charlie was reminded early the next evening when Joseph grabbed him from his bed and threw him in the dungeon. As the door closed behind him, Joseph informed Charlie that he was to be kept locked up for three days. He would be given food and water, and would not be shackled. Since he left without Vincent’s permission to pursue Vincent’s woman, he would be confined. Knowing it could have been a lot worse, Charlie accepted his punishment and settled in his cell to out wait the three days.

From The Grey House:

The stairs were well built, with reinforced walls on both sides. They were soundproofed, as was the door. At the bottom of the stairs was another locked door. After checking the monitor above him, Vincent punched in a code and the metal door before him slid open. He stepped into the closet sized chamber, and the door closed behind him. He checked the next monitor as the large fans above played with his hair. All was normal therefore he typed in his code into yet another keypad, and the second metal door slid open.

From The Grey House:

He laughed. “Because yeah, the bastard has a dungeon.” He paused, took her shake from her and took a large sip. “Hey that’s pretty good.” He handed the cup back, ignoring the annoyed look on her face. “So, I woke up in a cage, in a dungeon. There were other cages. Most held wolves. Two others held humans. About two minutes after I woke up, a short woman walked in carrying robes. She handed me one without saying anything, then placed the two others on the cages of the two other guys. They were still asleep.”

From The Grey House:

Natalia wondered, though, if he was trying to control her with his body. He could not kill her, but he could play her. He had started caressing her jawline with the thumb of the hand around her throat. He growled seductively into her ear, sending shivers down her spine. Hungry to play, she brought her hand to his face, caressed his cheek and neck with the back of her hand, then ran her fingers down his chest to the line of his pants. Her hand strayed, for a brief moment, to the top of the zipper, then moved around his pelvis to his cheek and stopped at the top of his leg. Her fingernails dug into his flesh, causing him to step even closer.

“It would seem, sir, that you would prefer to have me, rather than lose me to an Incubus.”

From The Grey House:

Joseph caught Vincent’s look before it was tucked away and hidden. No one else saw the look, but Mierka did sense a change. She caught Rebecca’s eye and saw the woman signal Charlie. Richard was handled while money was left on the table for the meals. The werewolves left, heading for the car. Their instructions were to be at the limo first. Charlie was at the car first and held the door open for Vincent and Joseph. Mierka went to the driver seat, Rebecca went to the front passenger and Charlie got in back. He sat by the door and tried to ignore the conversation.

From The Grey House:

“The fate that awaits you is too good for your betrayal.”

He threw Keith at the far wall then followed, going around the hole. The Blitzkrieg had changed to human form and retreated to the door, giving Vincent space to move. He was on Keith in seconds. The younger vampire was still conscious. Vincent was glad. He picked the man up and swung around, holding Keith over the hole by his shirt.

“Have fun,” Vincent stated plainly. He let Keith go.

From The Grey House:

Anthony’s eyes closed slowly as she spoke. He swayed a little but steadied when she asked her questions. “Yes. A lily. I must find one for you. But there are none as beautiful as you. I apologize-”

“Hush.” Natalia had heard this type of rambling before and had no desire to hear it again. Especially when she could hear something more interesting. Vincent had made her job a lot easier. Needing to ensure Anthony was under her control, she held out her hand. It was empty, but she mimed holding a glass. “Take my glass. I’m tired of holding it.”

From The Grey House:

“We met when she saved my life.” He continued the story from there, being as thorough as Vincent asked. He wanted to avoid telling him too much but had no choice but to tell Vincent Natalia’s story as well. There was an uncomfortable moment when he told his boss about biting her to make Natalia his permanently.

“She kicked you out of her life for that?”

“She saw it as a betrayal.”

Vincent nodded. “Was that the last time you saw her?”

“No. We said goodbye after she found out she wasn’t a werewolf.” He looked away from Vincent’s steady gaze.

From The Grey House:

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Natalia spoke into her phone, trying not to clench her teeth.

“The Ocean’s Edge is an easier target.”

“Zechariah, I’ve been there six months, now. It’s an establishment for humans. If you target it, the police will get involved.”

“They may anyway.”

She closed her eyes, glad the Slayer couldn’t see her reaction. She licked her lips, took a deep slow breath and tried again. “Let me see if I can get into The Red Thread. Please.”

He was silent for a while with only the sound of his breathing coming through. Finally, “Fine. See if you can. God keep you well.”

From The Grey House:

Charlie drove Natalia to the doctor in Oakland a bit later. The staff and the doctor didn’t ask questions, and she wasn’t billed. Natalia didn’t question it but did ask about her shoulder. As far as the scan could show, she was fine. Nothing broken, and the doctor didn’t find any indications of tears.

“You’ll heal fine, as long as you keep the arm in a sling. I’m going to give you a better one. If you need anything, call and we’ll take another look.”