Path of the Vampire forum

Alex didn't waste anytime getting dressed after her bath. One thing she had learned in the last year was always be ready for anything. Between getting summoned into the middle of a fight and ending up half naked across town in the middle of the night the blonde always made sure to know what she was putting on next and having clothes waiting and ready.

She quickly jumped into her new flannel pajamas with nearly a dozen (most well hidden) pockets sewn throughout the tartan pantsuit as she made sure her sword and gun were close enough to grab in a split second. Alex had actually practiced a few times but was ready in case her reaching for her weapons couldn't outrace the grab of a summoning.

Having lost her best weapons between breaking in a new thrall and so many frequent deaths, Alex had other ways of defending herself now besides using Marital Arts or Firearms. The blonde pinned up her hair in a bun with a pair of poison tipped chopsticks and then poured herself another small glass of wine.

"My how time flies..." The Allurist murmured to her cat as the feline nosed her way into the blonde's lap the moment Alexandrea's bottom hit the edge of the bed. Penny Valentine took up all of her two legged friend's attention for a little while but as with most cats that young was soon distracted and racing off after something invisible to the eyes of humans or vampires. The wine was set to the side, Alex picked up her calender and filled through the next few months.

"It'll be a year in about two months. I can't believe it's almost October already. Again. Should't time seem to slow down once you are supposed to live forever?"

Another myth shot to hell. Time was fleeting no matter who or what you were.

The calender was tossed to the floor behind the wardrobe and the Allurist chuckled. Maybe the reason she preferred to use a paper calender was for the satisfaction of seeing it fly across the room. "Actually what really seasons my steak is that it ISN'T even October yet and and there are already enough parties and events and shows and Nox knows what other hootenanny being planned that I'll be lucky to find time to vote."

Penny Valentine paused in her game of 'Zoom-Kitty' and looked curiously at the blonde. Alexandrea pursed her lips at her cat as the two met eyes. Often Alex would speak into an animals' thoughts, using her gifts of sending images mainly but with words as well. She always got the idea they understood but then she had always thought animals understood a lot even when she was a human. They just chose to ignore you most of the time.

The feline looked into the Allurist's eyes unblinkingly and the tipsy vampire fancied that the cat was actually listening.

"Not that I have made up my mind yet for sure who to vote for but I still have time. I still have to get my new id and get registered to vote first."

A silent meow was all the response the cat had as Penny got the wind up her tail again and zipped off out of the bedroom.

"Yeah thanks for the help!" Alexandrea called out to the cat and finished off her wine. She opened her laptop and went to Crownet, pulling up the section with the board that was just for business adverts she typed out a short post and created herself a help wanted ad that was different from any other she had ever posted before.

Hello to any interested parties. And to those of you not thinking of applying, feel free to gossip about this. Word of mouth is always the best advertising. ;)

I'm Alexandrea Quartermaine but I just go by Alex. I run a few business and I am very active in several organizations across town. That means I get a chance to go to a lot of parties and events. Going stag really isn't my thing but I am not looking for love. Not at all. I would just like to have someone pick me up, take me to these places I want to go to, have a few laughs and then escort me home. And then leave.

That's right boys, I'm looking for arm candy.
No strings.
No sex.
No relationships of any kind beyond a business arrangement and casual friendship and the only benefits are monetary.

Clean up nicely and would like to get out to social events and mingle with with the movers and shakers?

Drop me a line and we'll set up an interview time.


Steeling her nerves, Alexandrea hit submit and closed her laptop before she could just chicken out and delete the post. Pouring herself another and larger glass of wine helped start to distract the blonde and thanks to Netflix, a Leverage marathon did the rest of the job.

Vincent was bored out of his mind. After coming to this town, he wasn't completely sure he wanted to stay but there were some odd things he wanted to learn more about. But what was he going to do here? Going back into a gang was very temping but that would be disrespectful to his family, the gang he belonged to before they all had been taken out by a rival gang, then having to flee the city after he gave information to the cops about that gang. They wanted a better life for him. But his business degree may not be worth the money. Maybe he could find a management job here somewhere. He needed something to do.

He leaned into the booth of the club. He sighed softly. He kept boozing on the drinks he had been sent over, it sure was nice not having to pay for any drinks. Now if he could see a lone chick to chat up. Suddenly people sat all around him and one lady yelped when she looked beside herself and saw him there.

Vincent grinned, "Hey good lookin." he said.

"Dude, what's up with the leprechaun?" one of the guy's said.

Vincent eyes narrowed, he sprung up onto the table and punched the man square in the nose which promptly started to bleed. "I'm not a damn leprechaun!" he growled, then quickly headed out of the club before he got thrown out.

He went to a nearby cafe to get a cup of coffee and scan the business section using the computer. One caught his eye right away, he clicked on it and read it carefully.

"Hmm.." he mused, he did like parties and the name of this chick, he was sure he heard it before. Yeah, when he roamed the mall, he'd been in her shop a few times. He grinned a moment, well this could be very good for him either way. Even if it was just friends, there may be a free female at one of these parties he might be able to ask out for another time.

He sighed and frowned, of course finding a female that doesn't shoot him down just because of how he looks. And it does say pick up, he couldn't exactly drive unless the car was rigged with all hand controls. He had enough money saved up to get that done though.

So he decided to send her message.

Greetings Alexandrea, my name is Vincent Sweeney. I would like to set up an interview if you would. I do love parties and I sure don't mind being there as arm candy. But I do warn you, I'm a bit on the short side, hope that isn't a deal breaker. he sent the message though he was sure when she did see him, being on the short side would be a bit of an understatement.

He finished his coffee and logged out. He'd check it later on his phone. He left to go find himself a nice car and to get it modified.

He had started to continue his journal, but there was too many distractions to allow him to focus. Andrew thought the journal idea was stupid to begin with, but had slowly warmed to the idea in his own sweet time. He began surfing (exploring. Surfing was such a stupid term) the net to distract himself for a few moments.

A loud crash in the kitchen caused him to look away just as he was about to put a winning bid on an item at the on line auction. "DAMN IT!' he shouted.

"Sorry boss," a tittering laugh slipped out from the kitchen.

"Clean up whatever the hell you just messed up now!" he growled as he took a sip of Jack Daniels.

"Okay, Boss Fireball," again that tittering laugh that sat his teeth on edge.

"I swear, I am going to take her and trade her in on a small dog." he fumed as he looked over the other options. He missed the one he needed, so signed out and began random poking about the want ads. Having a thrall was proving to be more of a headache than the asset people said it would be. He paused and lit a Havana as his eyes explored the ads.

The man cocked his head at the screen as he read the advertisement a second time. Quartermaine? There was a Quartermaine's in the building he worked in, so he wondered if it was the same person. He also wondered what kind of person still resorted to such ads like this. Had to be a older woman. Lonely. Probably refined and above all the young pups running around. "Don't even think it, Andrew, my boy." he said to himself as he found himself typing.

Greetings, dear lady. Never ask a boy to do a man's job, and be sure the man is actually a man and not some troll looking for a victim. A more vintage model of the male side of things addresses you now. Yes, there is some miles on this one, but has a few features missing from most newer models, such as common sense, respect, knowing your boundaries, and first and foremost-treat a lady like a lady. I do occasional work as a bodyguard, so that is also an extra feature in this classic package. McGee is the name. Andrew McGee. Regardless if you are interested or not, please have a good day and I hope you find who and what you are looking for.

He re-read the post. Personally he thought he sounded a tad pompous, but even Mini told him he did at times, so he might as well be honest up front. He took another puff of the cigar, followed by a sip as he pressed the submit key. If nothing else, it could be fun. At worse, she'd tell him no way. "Well, that solved 10 minutes of boredom," he sighed just before the sound of a glass breaking in the kitchen could be heard.

"Sorry boss!" *titters*

"Mini had the right idea. Get a turtle," he sighed while rubbing his temples.

It was later the next night when Alexandrea decided to see if her ad had gotten any responses yet and she was pleasantly surprised to see she already had two waiting. She read them both and decided she would give them each an interview. It was always nice to meet new people and even if neither one worked out it gave Alex a reason to get out and do something different.

Not wanting to keep either gentleman waiting, the Allurist quickly reread each message and replied to them in order.

Vincent wrote: Greetings Alexandrea, my name is Vincent Sweeney. I would like to set up an interview if you would. I do love parties and I sure don't mind being there as arm candy. But I do warn you, I'm a bit on the short side, hope that isn't a deal breaker.

Hello Vincent, It would be a pleasure to meet with you. I'm no Amazon myself but I swear I'll leave the short jokes at home if you will. The best things do always come in small packages. We take up less room, consume fewer resources, we're faster and we're always cuter.

For our first meeting, please excuse my cautiousness as it is a requirement. One can't be too careful these days. Please meet me at The Metronome Club in Wickbridge at 9:30pm tomorrow evening. If that is inconvenient, please reply with a better date, the time and place are not negotiable.


I look forward to your reply.

~Alex Q

Alexandrea reread her reply a few times, this Vincent seemed sweet and a bit vulnerable. She hoped her words would put him at ease.

She hit submit and moved onto the message from the fellow she had already nicknamed, 'Slick'.

The blonde grinned in amusement as she reread the second email comparing males in their youth to those in their prime. The writer of it certainly had an air of maturity about him, it showed in the easy confidence of his words.

Andrew McGee wrote:Greetings, dear lady. Never ask a boy to do a man's job, and be sure the man is actually a man and not some troll looking for a victim. A more vintage model of the male side of things addresses you now. Yes, there is some miles on this one, but has a few features missing from most newer models, such as common sense, respect, knowing your boundaries, and first and foremost-treat a lady like a lady. I do occasional work as a bodyguard, so that is also an extra feature in this classic package. McGee is the name. Andrew McGee. Regardless if you are interested or not, please have a good day and I hope you find who and what you are looking for.

Salutations, Mr.McGee. I like how you think thus far and enjoy the cut of your jib. Your qualifications seem ideal and I'd like to discuss the job with you face to face.

And given your message, I suspect you won't be surprised that I'd like to show some caution. I'm not by any means a helpless female but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Please meet me at The Metronome Club in Wickbridge at 11:00pm tomorrow evening. If that is inconvenient, please reply with a better date, the time and place are not negotiable.


I look forward to your reply.

~Alex Q

After a quick proofread the last message was sent on it's way and logging out, the Allurist chuckled. Even if no other applicants expressed any interest, she had already had a bit of fun.

Trolling through the internet with his eyes closed Mordechai scanned the financial reports, went over some of the days news, spent some time reading the newest from the political pundits, and finally on to some of the classified ads. Slowly swiveling in his leather executives seat a low chuckle seemed to escape him. Just a low rumbling noise, but for the laconic killer it was a sign of pure amusement. He was officially bored. After the suspenseful week spent 'politicking'' with Pru, and a lot of introspective soul searching, he found that at this exact moment in time, he has absolutely nothing to do. Nearing the end of the classified's Mordechai came to the personals. As a human, he had often gotten a chuckle out of some of the ways people tried to package themselves for sale. As a vampire, they were just one more thing to read, with very little amusement factor, that grew less and less the longer he survived. Nearing the end, his mind had already started to wander, opening other tabs, looking for anything to keep his high intellect occupied, when he suddenly sat up straight, and his mind locked onto one of the personals.

Hello to any interested parties. And to those of you not thinking of applying, feel free to gossip about this. Word of mouth is always the best advertising. ;)

I'm Alexandrea Quartermaine but I just go by Alex. I run a few business and I am very active in several organizations across town. That means I get a chance to go to a lot of parties and events. Going stag really isn't my thing but I am not looking for love. Not at all. I would just like to have someone pick me up, take me to these places I want to go to, have a few laughs and then escort me home. And then leave.

That's right boys, I'm looking for arm candy.
No strings.
No sex.
No relationships of any kind beyond a business arrangement and casual friendship and the only benefits are monetary.

Clean up nicely and would like to get out to social events and mingle with with the movers and shakers?

Drop me a line and we'll set up an interview time.

He knew her, they had had a few business transactions. Occasionally they had teamed up on other business ventures, like killing sirens. One more business venture together would not hurt. Mentally he started to send a reply to the email address that had been supplied, then paused. Kennedy. He knew how it affect him when she was close to other males...he wondered if she would think the same as he did. Casting a thought into the ether, he smiled as he located her, and poured his thoughts into her mind, ''Heya kennedy,'' then sending the verbatim message from Mz Quartermaine to her, he asked ''I am thinking of helping her, it is only as a person to talk to, nothing else is involved, is it alright with you?'' A few moments passed before his phone danced on the desk. His mind spread all over the webs, Mordechai opened the phone and clicked to his inbox. '' NO SEX...;) it is fine, I<3U '' Closing the phone his mind continued the answering email


Mz Quartermaine,

My name is Mordechai, I have on occasion had the pleasure of sharing a few business opportunities and/or ventures with you in the past. I have recently had large tracts of time appear on my schedule. If these tracts occur concurrently with the events that you are in need of an escort for, I offer my services. You have always been a courteous and honest business woman in your dealings with me, therefore I do not foresee a problem in the successful culmination of your goals. Price is negotiable.

Mordechai.

Sending it through one of the anonymous nodes that he regularly used for business transactions he closed all but one page of his minds browser. ''hmmm' he thought, '' maybe I should see what that thing is the girls were giggling about....what was it.... ahh yes..'' A simple thought made the connection.

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looking over the page, he decided to check with kennedy before making an account....

Vincent went on through the town, he needed some better clothes for this interview. If he wasn't chosen, he could still use these clothes to look for a job. Surely his business degree would be appealing for someone. He shouldn't give up on this town yet, he was sure no one would find him here from his old life.

He returned to the place he was staying, he should invest in an apartment. Maybe he'd check out one of the tower buildings later. He put the clothes he bought up, it was hard to find anything decent that fit him. He'd have to find someone who could custom make some clothes for him.

He sat down and checked on the ad. He read it and smirked, well he was sure she wasn't expecting someone as short as him but what she said was funny. He replied,

Yes very true, we do take up less room and all that. I take up even less space than most..
I completely understand, and wouldn't mind a public meeting place myself. This is one weird town. The meeting date is fine, I will meet you there, I go to that club from time to time. It won't be hard to figure out who you're looking for.

Vincent

He logged out and got something to get something to get then go to bed. He spent the day trying to figure out his resume, "Pitiful.." he muttered, he had to list some odd jobs, the one real job he had and his education but there was some gaps he really couldn't fill in. Background check would show a criminal record, he was never charged with anything really major. But his resume would also show he had cleaned up his act.

He sighed softly, looking at the time. He slid off the chair and got dressed for the interview. He always needed a little extra time walking to places, short legs were awful that way. He went to the club, he looked around and found a seat that would boost his visibility, for both her being able to see him and him being able to see her, and anyone else for that matter.

"Hey boss! Your comp is dinging."

"Stay away from it!" Andy shouted. "Don't touch it! Don't even look at it!"

"Okay Boss" *titters*

He walked into the room where he kept his computer and looked at the girl. "Ya know, I got a job for you."

"Oh?" Her face brightened up.

"Yes, I am beginning to wonder if someone is stealing the rats in the sewers, so I need you to go count them for me."

"I can do that, Boss Fireball!" she tittered.

"Good girl. Count them twice to be sure now, okay?"

"You got it, Boss!" the little gothic punker saluted and ran out of the room. A moment later Andy heard the door slam shut behind her. He sat down in the chair at his desk and rubbed his temples.

"Sweet Jesus!" he exclaimed. "City full of fangers and I end up with that one." After pouring himself a drink, he turned on the monitor and checked for messages. He logged in and found one new message from the Quartermaine woman.

Salutations, Mr.McGee. I like how you think thus far and enjoy the cut of your jib. Your qualifications seem ideal and I'd like to discuss the job with you face to face.

And given your message, I suspect you won't be surprised that I'd like to show some caution. I'm not by any means a helpless female but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Please meet me at The Metronome Club in Wickbridge at 11:00pm tomorrow evening. If that is inconvenient, please reply with a better date, the time and place are not negotiable.


I look forward to your reply.

~Alex Q

"Well now," he cracked his knuckles as he considered how to reply. His fingers touched the keys and froze as a thought occurred to him. What if she was a vampire? He had not considered that when he answered the post. For the most part, he could keep that little fire alarm in his head that screamed 'VAMPIRE!' down to a dull roar. Crowds never bothered him much since that feeling kinda drifted around him rather than focused on one person. There had been only two of them that did not set him off into a edge of anger for the most part. The brainless thing that had just left to count rats for him and Mini, but that was because he knew them.

"I can do this," he thought as he began to type.

Dear Miss Q,

I totally understand your situation and have no problems with meeting you first to get to know each other a bit before you decide. The time and place you mentioned will be perfect. Until then, be well.

Andrew McGee

As he clicked the send key, the sound of his front door opening caught his attention. The girl came running through the apartment chanting '5,5,5' to herself as she grabbed a notebook and a pen from the desk drawer.

"Five so far, Boss. Thought I best write it down before I forget." she giggled. "I will check and double check for you. Triple check even!"

'That might be very time consuming' he thought to himself as he smiled at her.

"You do that, Sunshine! Never do a job unless you do it right." he winked at her.

"You got it Boss!" she giggled and ran back out of the apartment.

"Next time I will have her count snowflakes," he decided as he finally leaned back and relaxed.

Nim was hanging out in the mall before he had to go in for his shift. He petted Peter, "You going to stay out of trouble?" he said, the wolf was just staring off at the pond. He still liked to chew on things and people. He cuddled Peter who just gunted.. He was looking at the net with his phone.

Alex? She was looking for arm candy? I want candy. He got up and headed inside her shop, "Alex, what's this about arm candy, I want." he said, having no idea what it meant. He got in the cleaning closet, knocking stuff over. "Ow.." he said, "I'm alright!" he called out quickly. He was rather clumsy.

He got the broom out to sweep, hearing the door, he didn't look around. He didn't talk to the people who came in just to make sure he didn't mess things up for Alex, he tried to stay out of the way other than to clean while he was here.

He stopped for a moment to pop some candy in his mouth then went on about his chores until he came to the counter. He stared for a moment, his eyes widened and he scramed. "Alex!" he yelled. There was candy but...blood, such a waste..

He started to cry, "This isn't part of my job duties is it?" he said, curled up in the corner, finding a plant to hide behind.

Peter dug at the door, getting it open the wolf came in, growling. He sniffed around, he stood up on his hind legs and sniffed the limb, it was clear the wolf would take care of it.

When the Allurist's cell vibrated again, she suspected it was either Vincent or Slick, and was pleasantly surprised to be mistaken. Seeing the message was from Mordechai made Alexandrea grin from ear to see and she opened it quickly, wondering what was up and hoping for news of a new excitement going on.

She couldn't think of any other reason why the huge killer would be contacting her, they hardy knew each other outside of a few business deals and passing along tips on current events they both enjoyed. Like raiding and looting building they suspected of belonging to a certain corporation or hunting the strange undead creatures that could be found in the unexpected openings deep in the catacombs that would somehow be there one night and gone the next.

But once again, Alex was mistaken. And again she wasn't sorry that she had been wrong in the slightest. As she reread Mordechai's message, the Killer seemed more and more like an excellent candidate for well, 'dating'. They already knew each other, he already was in a relationship, they already shared mutual respect and the same ethics, at least when it came to business. Not the business was the most important thing in the world but it was important to Alexandrea and in her opinion, how someone conducted themselves when it came to business said a lot about their character.

So long as he could drive, he would be the perfect escort for Alex to have with her at big events where she didn't want unwelcome attention. They would have plenty to discuss during the more dull moments that large get togethers could sometimes have and any lull in the conversation wouldn't bother either of them. And she was pretty sure that he was already seeing someone so that made her feel more secure, so long as whomever she (or he, Alex didn't know and wouldn't ever ask) was, they were aware of the arrangement had had no issues with it.

Alexandrea quickly texted him back, letting him know where she was meeting with the two humans and when. Then ending her response with; "If you could meet with me later tonight after I've given them both interviews that would be ideal. I'd like us to become better acquainted but already know you well enough that I think that you're tailor made for this job. If we agree, I will want to confirm with your... 'relationship status'? I don't think you are single, although it's not something we've ever discussed, so I'll need to know that your helping me isn't going to cause any conflict in your personal life. I hope you haven't any problem with that. Let me know if I can expect to see you and please do dress to impress if you're still interested in the job. ~Alex Q"

She hit send and crossed her fingers. So long as the Killer did clean up well, she very well may have found her Escort. It never occurred to her that the garb she usually saw the killer in was about as dressed up as he ever got.

There was still plenty of work to do in her shop before she could leave for the night but she still had lots of time. Alex wasn't your stereotypical female that took hours to change to get ready to go out, there was too much always going on and she'd come to regret not being prepared with clothes a few times. And getting to the club would only take the Allurist a second. The last of the shipping receipts filed away, the blonde headed upstairs to her office to change as the message alert arrived from Vincent. A fast look at confirmed that his intentions to arrive at the appointed time and place. Alexandrea nodded to herself and finished changing, then took a selfie and sent it with her reply:

"I'll should be there on time, just wrapping up a few things at work right now. Everyone at the Metro knows me so just ask them for my regular booth and I'll head there when I arrive. Here's a head shot so you know who to look out for. ~Alex Q"

Something about the tone of Vincent's messages always seemed a bit depressed, although it was hard to read people through a just a text message or two. Alexandrea hoped he wasn't as insecure as he seemed to be so far. She may have to very gentle with him if and or when the time came to let me know he hadn't gotten the job. The Allurist made up her mind to try and make him a friend if he seemed to need one, no matter how the evening should turn out.

The blonde still had her phone in her hand as the next message arrived and she chuckled to see it was from 'Slick'. Something about the guy really made her smile and as she sent a quick note to tell him to also ask the staff for her usual booth, and she included the picture she had just sent Vincent as well. Alex ended the reply with; "Be well, yourself. & Beware of things that go bump in the night. ~Alex Q."

She laughed as she hit the send, she had a hunch he would get the joke. And it charmed her that he had ended his last missive with wishing her well.

Another signal from Alexandrea's cell as she changed into heels was ignored as she finished dressing and shut down her computer for the night. She had checked to be sure that the payroll was on it's way one last time and seeing it finally had cleared, Alex's work was done for the night. The shop would stay open, Breyanna and Nimmy were on duty. The blonde took a moment to see who the latest message was from, having given up on guessing. Getting a fourth reply to her ad was unexpected but knowing the odds of getting a few nuts was bound to catch up with her, the cryptic words weren't.

The Allurist delete the message unanswered with a shake of her head and sighed. If some wacko just showed up without warning, Alexandrea was sure she could take care of herself. Besides, the blonde could always use extra target practice. She had improved leaps and bounds from the novice that had accidentally almost castrated Elliott Lancaster but she was still no match for someone like say, Odin.

A scream from her janitor on the first floor came minutes later andd Alex rushed down the steps of the stairs to find Nimrod and his new furry friend staring at a severed arm. That's hand held a fist full of candy dripping blood. The young woman almost choked trying not to laugh, knowing that it would only make poor Nimmy feel worse, and went over to the older man's side. She wrapped an arm around him gently and led him upstairs to her office where she steered him into a chair and then stuck a cat in his lap.

The Allurist perched on the corner of the desk and held out a box of fruit roll ups she had learned to keep on her desk and within easy reach. "Nimrod, we had this talk last year. Halloween is coming. You can't let those silly kids' pranks bother you. And no, I'll take care of it. You don't have to ever clean up any body parts or blood, okay? Even if they are fake ones."

Alexandrea left out the fact that she knew the arm was no fake but letting the child like man think it wasn't real hurt no one and telling him the truth would terrify him. Alex gave him a kiss on his forehead as she got up to leave. "Take as long of a break as you need, Nimmy. Okay? I'm going out but Breyanna is downstairs and Penny Valentine will keep you company, just don't let her downstairs near Peter. I think she has a crush on him."

As if the cat understood, she mewed in agreement and rolled over in the Janitor's lap, tempting him to rub her belly. Knowing the cat wouldn't really hurt the man, the blonde continued on her down stairs. Peter the wolf and the arm were no where to be seen the blood that was left behind didn't take too long to clean. One gets used to such things once one has joined the creatures of the night.

Soon she was cleaned up herself again and after she left her shop to make her way out for the evening, Alexandrea arrived in short order for her first 'date', with Vincent.

A quick glance around the club as she arrived and she spotted a young gentleman of compact stature atop a tall bar stool and gave him a warm smile as she waved and then made her way over, slipping into the booth so they sat across from each other. Alexandrea held out her hand to shake his, no question in her mind that the fellow sitting on the other side of the small table was who she was here to meet.

"You must be Vincent. I'm Alex. Thank you for meeting with me on such late notice. Can I get you a drink?"