A Darker Side of the Spectrum [Dominique]

[Verena (DELETED 10032)]

[WEARING]

Night time, was the best time to think, it was quiet and more often than not, relaxing even though it was Harper Rock. Verena had read the local newspaper, but she still hadn’t been deterred from her goal. A goal of setting up a practise here within Harper Rock. She hadn’t seen one, or if there was one, it wasn’t easily distinguishable. Perhaps it might be due to the population that were not human that tended to make sure that most people went without counselling, for fear that they might be considered insane and be sent to the asylum.

Perhaps, some that were in the asylum could have been prevented, The woman mused to herself.

The pen lightly tapped against the blank page of the notebook that rested upon the table in front of Verena as she leaned back into the booth. Brown eyes lightly touched upon each person that moved within the late night cafe and she played a familiar game, one that she found oddly relaxing. Take for example, the waitress. The other woman’s uniform was wrinkled, which suggested that perhaps the woman was either, rushed, lazy or under a lot of stress. It was the bitten nails that suggested that the waitress may be under some stress and Verena angled her head to the side slightly, to note the fact that the woman’s hair was tied up in a messy ponytail. A ponytail that seemed as if it was brushed with fingers and pulled up so then it was out of the woman’s face.

Slowly, she reached out to pick up her coffee mug so then she could take a sip of the dark, brown and quite strong concoction. Coffee, it was a heaven send and one that she thoroughly enjoyed. However, as she was about to put down the mug, she then realised that another factor may be at play with the waitress, as careful brown eyes noted how the female seemed to jump slightly when the door to the cafe opened and the bell softly rang announcing that someone was entering the cafe.

Vampires, she finally deduced as she looked to the paper that was tucked away underneath her notebook. Perhaps when vampires were revealed, the other woman got less sleep and had become less effective at every day to day life, for she maybe feared that she could fall victim to a vampire. Yes, the dynamics here in Harper Rock were completely different to those in Edinburgh. Not to mention the fact that vampires also had a mind of their own, after all, they were once human and she wondered just as to what struggles a vampire had to go through. What circumstances governed their actions?

Verena’s hand returned to her pen and she jotted down a note to follow up on, on a later date. Perhaps once she got her business going, she may be able to do research about the mentality of vampires as well as help them and humans a like. Who knew, perhaps vampires were not too far different from the waitress, Verena pondered as she watched the waitress jump as someone scraped a chair along the floor.

As soon as she finished making her notes, she placed her pen down and tucked strands of blue hair behind her ear. Some would never really pick Verena as a therapist, or even the fact that she majored in psychology and it was probably because of the many tattoos that decorated her body; tattoos that were mostly covered up because of her clothing. Not that she was ashamed of them or anything, for a couple of tattoos even adorned her fingers. No, she was definitely not someone that you would expect to work as a therapist, but the line of work intrigued her. At first, it had started with the passing of her older sister and the circumstances surrounding the event. It was the whys that made her curious, that made her dig into people’s minds to figure them out. Often, the answer was never simple and the challenge was sweet, it was never bitter like the coffee that sat in front of her. Human behaviour was always keeping her occupied and there was always new research popping up about different circumstances that could lead to certain responses.

For example, the raid upon a government facility all because of the leak that there was a cure. How many of those vampires wanted the cure to take, or to seal away so then a cure was not possible? What rhyme drove them to launch a vampire terrorist attack upon the facility? A question that the woman felt prudent enough to write down into her notebook. There was so much research that could be done in Harper Rock and also a great deal of people that she could help, including vampires. They were people in her eyes. The opportunities were endless, the woman just had to figure out a game plan.

Step one, build a name for herself which starts with clients.

[Dominique]

HOPE released the handle of the door to the entrance and moved through the open space that was available. A set of bundled up patrons stepped to the side as the petite shadow progressed towards the pick-up and to go counter. LESS reached up and palmed the knit cap on the top of her head sliding it back but not completely off. It wasn’t long before she was noticed by the fifty something hourly employee behind the cash register. The cash drawer glided back into place and the click of the inner mechanisms securing caught her attention.

“You are late.” The lack of customer greeting didn’t surprise her. It was how she expected the welcome to go. The man tightly fitted in a yellow ‘Hot ‘n Fresh’ T-shirt appeared less than pleased with her arrival. “If you expect me to come up with your tiramisu then you need to get here sooner.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. I had to pick up some parts on the way over and they were backed up.” The keys in the palm of her hand disappeared into her right hip pocket. Now that both were empty the petite shadow braced her healthy appearing palms on the edge of the counter while leaning forward then slowly back as if she was looking for someone to appear any moment. “Is she still here?” While waiting for the answer she spotted the large pink cake size to go box with a black heart stretched across the top. Small x’s and o’s lined up underneath. It was an answer to her question and now she was disappointed. “No!”
“I told you…” A burly hand pulled the sliding door to the pastry case. “I don’t know why you expected any different.”
“I texted you!” Dominique popped up with the aid of her fingertips giving her skin petal pink at the ends. “You couldn’t keep her around five extra minutes?”
“Momma waits for no one.” The door clicked to close as the box came to rest on the counter. “You get her wheels fixed?” A large meaty hand came over the top of the box and slid it further back out of her reach. “Because I can’t let her drive the delivery van anymore. She backed into the neighbor's fence and two customers are threatening to take me to court for dents she put in their cars outside.”
“It’s not a simple thing getting the panel for a ‘59 Fiat Abarth Berlina Corsa Replica.” She started to explain but was witnessing the box leaving the counter which inspired the growing pout on her face.
“Ahhh, hell no.” The door was sliding open as the growl of the voice grew louder. “I gave you an extra week, Mini!”
“And if you would let me finish!” HOPE dropped to her pocket and pulled out the keys. Half of a blue permanent shark became visible as the keys that were not hers dropped to the counter. “It is done! You can’t be so damn mean all the time, Shorty. You need to let me finish before you get your arteries all clogged up with the undue stress you are quick to put yourself through.” She hopped up as the box came back into view and with a dexterous stretch she snagged it into her possession like a cat scoring the flying bug from the air. Like the lioness she was she landed with well executed control back on her feet in the blink of an eye. “You know better than to stand between me and Momma’s tiramisu.”
“You are damn that lucky she likes you as much as she does.” He tapped at a few buttons and tapped the cash drawer shut as soon as it popped open. His eyes pinned on her with a knowing focus. “And that I put up with it.” A thick hand waved at her in case she tried to offer money for the pastries in the box. “She still is complaining about the actor that she was such a fan of. That one that opened up that casino she hangs out at. Won herself a copy of his book at the double or nothing Wednesday night bingo. Had the hots for him like she was sweet sixteen and never been kissed. You should have heard her when she found out he has a set of fangs. She is hoping to see him one of these nights out there in Chalktown so he gets to hear what she thinks instead of me.”

Dominique’s lips twitched at the mention of the one she recently spent some time in the arena with. Shorty had a point and Dominique knew it all too well. Momma was on fire mad to find out that some of her favorite customers were vampires. She told the shadow as much on a recent pick up. As far as the eight and then some decades old Italian woman was concerned it was a sign of worse things to come. She was more willing than most to tolerate what came to be as long as it didn’t interfere with her business. Once she informed a person of that she went on with the hour long tour of her life. The short version is just as good.

She survived a war and grew up with fifteen siblings-four of which she was nearly positive were pawned off neighbor kids and not family. She dropped out of high school to sell matchbooks and there under the big top she met the love of her life the night before he died tragically in a fall from a flying trapeze- which she witnessed from the ground. She proved she was strong and bounced back to endure two failed marriages. One was because she never had anyone kiss her between her legs before and the other she admits she was drunk when the papers were signed. A visible scar peppered on her face sheds proof to her claim of contracting a case of something that had her in an infirmary for several months that was never diagnosed. Despite all that she managed to reach her shining moment and alone without a pot to piss in she gave birth to nearly seven foot tall Shorty. It was a rough delivery that had her ripped wide open. Booze was her only friend through the process. There was no room at the inn so she winged it on the fishing docks of the east coast. The best she could come up with was the back of a salami truck that she had no choice but to live in when his deadbeat dad went awol.

The woman sort of reminded Dominique of her own grandmother as far as the brutal honesty went and of course the tenacity. The only striking difference in the stories is her grandfather was the most amazingly honorable man who walked the planet and would have never treated her grandmother so dirty and wrong. Then again her grandmother would have flattened any man with that salami truck who did her like that. That is pretty much where Dominique got her personality from even if the deceased woman denied they were truly  that much alike.

HOPE opened the box and had a sample of the homemade authentic tiramisu between her fingers. With all of her mortal aura keeping her blending with the rest of the cafe patrons she slid the small portion between her lips. She could consume like the rest of them she just was denied the true flavor. Instead the shadow adapted early on after her transition and relied on her vivid memory and sense of smell to savor what was otherwise bland on her tongue.

“Perfect!” Dom purred out her summation and closed the lid on the box. “Full tank in Momma’s car. We good?”
“Yep.” The deal seemed complete with Shorty’s answer so a turn on her heels had her ready to head out. “Wait. Mind dropping this to the lady over at the table?” He pointed to the young woman sitting rather studious like. “Tell her it is on the house.”
“No problem.” HOPE wrapped around the drink while balancing the large pastry box in the other hand.

Carrying the drink didn’t require a lot of effort on her part. It was right on her path to where she was planning to exit as soon as it was dropped off where it was intended to go. Shorty and Momma had been damn nice to her and it wasn’t any surprise they were making sure to keep the new faces and customers that came in equally happy.

“This drink is compliments of that beast of a guy behind the counter. His name is Shorty. He said it is on the house.” Dominique nodded back towards Shorty who was towering over the counter helping a couple with paying their tab. Her wide dark eyes returned to the table she stopped at and the woman who occupied it. The ink on her fingers was enough to start a conversation between strangers. “You new to town or passing through?” Dominique had a regular and loyal clientele with the tattoo shop. She also could spot most work done by other local artists. The small samples that were visible didn’t seem all that familiar.

[Verena (DELETED 10032)]

Conversation drifted around her, some full bodied with excited tones, others with a little less enthusiasm as if they were doing something that went against their better judgement and with some familiarity that went along with it. One could always tell when someone knew another with a sense of familiarity just by their body language alone. However, along with this sense of familiarity was a sense of bargaining and she watched the two by the counter for a moment, before lifting her mug and finishing off the last dregs of her coffee.

After placing the mug down, fingers grasped the newspaper and pulled it free from underneath her notebook and glanced over it in thought. How many vampires with different goals, attacked the facility? She wondered before placing the paper down just as the woman from the counter approached with a cup and a box in hand. Red lips curved into a natural smile as she lightly took the cup from the other woman and held a hand out in front of her. ”Would you like to sit? She offered as she nodded to the empty seat across from her.

Brown eyes slowly moved over the woman’s form and noted the tattoos upon her own fingers. The smile continued to remain upon her lips before she brushed more blue locks from her eyes. ”I’m new and intending to stay. I even have an apartment lined up along with a business that I am in the process of setting up. Harper Rock is my new land of opportunity,” Verena said with a soft chuckle as the pen that was held within her grasp, lightly tapped upon the headline within the newspaper that sat in front of her. ”It seems as if things have been rather busy here. Vampires. Who knew that they existed? It seems as if some of them could benefit from having someone simply listening to what they have to say. It seems as if too often people shoot first and ask questions later." Verena noted as as she lifted the mug to take a sip of the black liquid within, while observant eyes watched the woman in front of her.

So far, she had gotten mixed feelings about the article. Some people felt that vampires were all a threat and were often jumpy much like the waitress that she had been observing. Such a response was a classic one due to the fear of unknown, as the unknown made a lot of people nervous for they didn’t know what to expect. These people were often people who didn’t take risks, that loved their comfort zone. It were more risk takers that seemed to be more open minded about the fact that vampires walked their streets. However, that didn’t always mean that those who weren’t risk takers, were not open to the idea of vampires, it just varied upon their experiences with the unknown.

Right now, the woman was gauging the other woman, testing the waters on where she stood when it came to vampires and she angled her head slightly to the side to encourage the woman to speak. Verena enjoyed listening to the different viewpoints of the people that she met, even if the run in was short and brief. People gave off cues that they were not aware of and it humoured the woman, even for a brief moment. She, on the other hand noted the fact that the woman who had brought her coffee, had paid attention to the ink upon her hands and she held a hand out to the woman. ”Ah, sorry. The name is Verena, Verena Crow.”

[Dominique]

Dominique's eyes went down to the woman’s extended hand and HOPE stretched out offering a warm shake thanks to the beverage Shorty sent over in her care. The box balanced with LESS handling the minimal weight within. A gentle squeeze and release was carried out as she reeled her hand back in with a relaxed effort.

“Dominique. Welcome to Harper Rock.”

It was a name for a name. Dominique should suffice. The shadow had nothing to hide whatsoever but she wasn’t handing out her deets to strangers either. Truth be told she was generally comfortable anywhere at anytime while under any set of inspecting and curious eyes. The set sparkling beneath a veil of vibrant blue hair were no different in their focus. Humans were by nature and especially now that the climate of politics and controversy had risen to epic proportions as of late. Really there was nothing to hide but when had she really? Then again she also wasn’t out to make a statement either. She gave no fucks what the world thought either way.

It wasn’t terribly long ago that she rolled into Harper Rock herself. Actually it was more like sprinted into city limits without stopping. With the backdrop of flashing lights the wanted car thief from New York headed through a couple alleyways, jumping more than her fair share of fences to get rid of the cops chasing her. It was successful. She got them off her back but in turn picked up the attention of something else she never anticipated crossing paths with. Fate found her sweating bullets. Him. He was larger than life then and more so now. Her large dark eyes pinned the woman seated with a paper in front of her. The light tap to draw attention to the headline that went along with her mention of vampires had Doc coming to mind. Specifically the first time she set eyes on him.

The salt in the sweat framing her human lips back then made a mental return and had her smile fading as her mouth closed. It felt as though lifetimes had passed since that life changing moment yet so much of her still felt as though it was only the night before. Their shared conversation, their time spent in a cafe similar to the one she stood in now. The scent of the world’s best and eventually lethal chili formed in her mind. It took this long to realize the smile that slowly returned to her own lips was that much stronger and wiser.

What didn’t kill her made her that much more prepared to appreciate what was breathing and registering a heart rate of seventy and looking at her. Four chambers were firing and pumping away doing the work expected. A low whooshing and base pulse was nice and even. Healthy and promising. So much was possible for what was only a few feet away from her. All the willpower and discipline in the world couldn’t keep what she was from making such notes. It was then that Doc’s suggestion several years back that she head out of town and never look back came to mind. The expression of seriousness fit over his features left no question he was not saying it in hopes she would stay. He meant it. And there she was standing as proof changed for eternity that she never listened to the best advice anyone had ever given her.

“Those that keep their mind open?” The answer to who would believe that vampires actually existed was delivered and Dominique didn’t shrug. Her face was set with certainty on what was coming out of her mouth. It was fact in her mind. “I was hanging with Santa two nights ago but he could drink me and the elves under the table so I quit while I was still ahead and walking out on my own volition. Rudolph is not into Uber driving when the Big Guy is incapacitated. So, yeah, a vampire or two hanging around is no surprise to me.”

The shadow let that sit there while she took a couple guesses at the woman’s angle in the statement of people needing to talk. Was she a reporter? Nope. Not giving off that vibe at all. Mona was definitely one. She knew all too well how that ball rolled. However, another therapist in the city would likely be beneficial. Dom was nearly certain something along that line is what she was speaking with. Humans and vamps as well as the super classed were crawling the walls over the recent **** storm that was thundering after rumor of a cure and even worked up over what could come if that was in fact true or not.

“Everyone needs someone to talk to and get things off their chest. You find a few out of sorts and need some cheering up then refer them to Shorty’s and Momma’s place. They welcome everyone.” Dominique sent HOPE into her jacket pocket and pulled out a business card for Twisted Sister that listed the other business’ she operated on the back. Why list only one on a card when all needed equal advertising and exposure? “Need ink stop in. I can set you up with whatever you are looking for. Happy to do the work myself.”

[Verena (DELETED 10032)]

”Dominique…” Verena said more for herself rather than for Dominique’s sake. Brown eyes watched the woman as she spoke and took note of the other woman’s tone of voice. It sounded as if she really believed that she wouldn’t be surprised if there really were vampires walking the streets. Quietly, she pursed her lips as Dom continued to speak and then produced a business card which she took from her with a smile upon her lips. After glancing over the card, she slid the paper off of her notebook and gently placed it upon the page that she had been working on, only to close the book itself just as her phone beeped at her from the table in between them.

Pale fingers lightly tapped the stop button and double checked the time that flashed upon the screen. Ah, she had an appointment with the real estate agent. ”I will probably hit you up for more ink eventually, it’s sort of like my own personal drug. Much like motorcycles and cats. An odd combination I know, but…” Her shoulders rose and fell in a shrug as she offered a friendly smile. ”A friend back in Edinburgh had said that I would turn into a crazy cat lady, but I have yet to see it.” Verena said with a simple wink and gathered her notebook, paper and phone into a neat pile in front of her. ”Well, Dominique, I hope you don’t mind but I have to get moving as I have an appointment with a real estate agent. I’m seeing some places in the Veil Tower, I’m rather looking forward to it, because it’ll be just me for once. No room mate to interrupt me while I'm dealing with patients.” She chuckled as she rose from her position at the booth.

The blue haired woman paused long enough to down the rest of her coffee and shift away from the booth, ”I will probably see you around as I quite like this ca-” Something made her pause for a moment before she glanced down at her phone and then simply smiled at the other woman as a realisation dawned on her, she didn’t exactly know where the Veil Tower was. Of course, the real estate agent had told her, but she hadn’t exactly gotten to know Harper Rock quite well. Besides, it would give her the opportunity to dissect Dominique at length. Clearly the other woman had been paying attention to her with an… observation that most people lacked. What didn’t directly affect them, they ignored and while Verena could potentially be a paying client for the other woman, she didn’t think that she would directly affect Dominique enough for her to even bother with a conversation.

”I feel… A tad sheepish.” She said with soft chuckle tinged with a hint of embarrassment, at least, that’s what she wanted her to think. ”I don't know where the Veil Tower is, do you mind walking me there? I prefer to walk when it comes to new towns, it helps me to get a better understanding of it.” Verena said with a smile, while brown eyes watched the other woman. Clearly, there was something about the other woman, she seemed to have… A sense of humour? While some people would have simply described the drinking encounter as simply a guy dressed in a santa suit, she simply didn’t and managed to place a lighter spin on things by bringing in elves and Rudolph. When she had been talking, Verena half expected the other woman to bring in unicorns at some point.

Did she take the vampire matter seriously? Quite possibly, but making light of the situation, probably also meant that she lacked the fear that most humans had. Even Verena had a healthy respect of fear curled deep within when it came to vampires, because not much was known when it came to helping vampires with their… Emotions. At least not on paper anyway. "Oh and I hope that you won't mind if I call you Dom. Dominique is a great name, but it's rather long for conversation. If not, that's fine, but you're more than welcome to call me Vee, most people do."

[Dominique]

“I can show you the way there. Just give me two seconds before I do.”

The shadow shifted the box in her care and reached for the unused napkin on the table. Pulling a pen from her pocket she smoothed out the napkin on the surface of the box and went to work creating a quick, easy to follow miniature map of the key points between the place they were currently standing and the residential and commercial towers she was heading to. A few quick creative symbols and a minor easy to scroll border around the outside of the previously plain napkin had an absorbent recycled map for future use.

“You can either fish and feed a man for a day or you can teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime...or something like that. Right?” HOPE offered up the detailed but easy to follow map and waited until it was relieved from her hand. “Since you are going to be sticking around it may come in handy.”

Her dark full eyes stuck with the woman while she stepped back from the table to give the one who permitted others to call her Vee a chance to prepare for the journey ahead. Map apps were a dime a dozen on any currently used cellular device and this crossed her mind while she waited. Maybe the woman wasn’t into using them?

“Perhaps you haven’t met the right cat yet.”

A verbal confirmation that nothing is set in stone and there is always opportunity and chance at play as well as fate. Dominique’s mind did not drift. Unlike some in such a situation she was prepared for the risk, the chance that could be involved when interacting with the world and those within it. Especially faces and beings she happened to be crossing paths with for the first time. She found underestimating the climate of a conversation asking for trouble, or worse, making the assumption it was nothing more than idle chat between strangers was meaningless. How many times did a stranger ask her to walk and lead her to a location? Her eyes failed to narrow as she continued to watch the female in motion.

“If you are looking for one there are a few shops in the Towers to check out or if you are open to giving a chance to the many on the streets you can take your pick along the way. Pretty sure whoever slacked on ownership prior isn’t going to say much about it.” LESS balanced the box in the cradle of her arm and gave HOPE the freedom to pull open the door to allow the woman to step through. “Ladies first.” Maybe that was saying a lot or saying very little.Dom would never claim to be something she truly wasn’t. Former or current. “Got your map handy?” She asked as she followed through and stepped outside. “Show me the way. I won’t let you get too far off track. Promise.” Dom winked.

[Verena (DELETED 10032)]

The right cat? Verena asked herself as the smile never wavered from her lips. Observant eyes watched and she waited with limitless patience while the other woman drew a map. For some reason, the blue haired woman was reminded of a teacher, of someone who was taught or was taught to. Sometimes, even the children of teachers reflected such behaviours, after all, people sometimes had a habit of reflecting their parents behaviours. That’s why it was crucial for parents to set good examples. However, sometimes, parents could set an example that a child may either want to follow or avoid at all costs. It all depended upon their emotional development which was a crucial factor with each individual that walked their streets.

After a simple replay within her mind, she realised that she had cut her words off middle word, which gave Dom an opportunity to fill it in with a word of her own. Smart. She thought to herself and made a simple note as she accepted the hand drawn map. Brown eyes drifted over the napkin in silent thought and nodded her head. ”Of course. I’m a firm believer in learning upon the job. Its often a good chance where you will find out where you are likely to make mistakes and then be able to correct them the next time. In my case, I have learned that I need to be far more prepared than I currently am. However, returning back to the previous statement made, I believe that you are correct, I haven’t found the right cat yet, but who knows maybe a cat might catch my eye in a pet store or even a rescue centre.” She chuckled as she made a mental note of the little details of the hand drawn map.

Finally she nodded and stepped through the open door, waiting only briefly for Dominique before she started on the journey of the hand drawn map. ”So, Dominique, how long have you actually been here?” Verena asked as a finger traced over the markings upon the map, that was until a man brushed passed her. A step or two was taken to catch her balance, before she looked up to watched the hunched over figure turn down an alleyway. The woman could have sworn that she heard him mutter as his arms moved to wrap around his midsection as if he was hugging himself.

Such an action, was common for those who were in pain. Sometimes it was due to physical pain, but other times… Other times it was due to emotional ones. It was a classic sign of turmoil within an individual. Turmoil where they found themselves wrestling upon the edge of something, often it was bad. Suicide, death and even murder had occurred if left unchecked and she bit her bottom lip. The woman could always reschedule her appointment with the real estate and what better way to get her business off the ground by helping someone and letting word of mouth spread? Her steps came to a slow stop as she looked down the alley that the man had disappeared down and found him bent over with one hand resting against a brick wall.

It was the brief whiff of decay that almost made her think that there was also a dead body of something down that alley, but didn’t she also catch a whiff of it as the man had brushed past her? This was Harper Rock, so she had to expect those that were a little different, otherwise she wouldn’t get very far. ”I’m sorry Dom, but I really can’t continue to stand here if this man is suffering. Quick me a few moments, alright?” Verena asked the other woman, but instead of waiting for an answer, she changed course and began to walk down the alleyway where she heard the man continued to whisper under his breath.

Verena didn’t want to get too close to him less she startle him, so she stopped just out of arm's reach from the man. ”Sir, excuse me. I couldn’t help but notice that you seem to be in some sort of pain. Can I help you? Do you need someone to talk to? An ambulance?” She softly asked. One couldn’t very well determine that is was exactly emotional turmoil, it could simply be physical pain as well. Pain that was internal and she could simply be able to help by calling an ambulance, which would mean that she wouldn’t miss the appointment with her real estate agent.

“What!” The man snapped as he suddenly spun upon his heels to look towards her and she saw the tips of fangs poking from beneath his upper lip. The female had to ground herself very quickly in order to not take that one step back in fear. Yep, definitely a vampire and it smelled as if the stench of death was coming from the male himself. Breath in, breath out, she mentally told herself as she adjusted her grip upon her notebook. What she failed to take note of, was how the man’s shadow seemed to shake in the dim light that the full moon provided. The man’s posture read aggression now, as if she was intruding and she took a step back so then she wasn’t too far inside of his personal space. ”I was just wondering if, you could use some help, as it seemed as if you were struggling with something internally.” The woman said as she inclined her head to the right.

Vampires, they were so… Different and she couldn’t even begin to understand things just yet from their point of view. To understand the struggles that they went through, but she was willing to try. However, to have a vampire land in her lap that was this agitated? Was probably far more than she could potentially handle, even she knew this. ****, Verena thought to herself as she offered him a soft smile.