Faline

I can't go to the others like this but I can't seem to calm down. Even my heart rate and breathing have accelerated. I stop so abruptly that Avina bumps into me. She apologizes profusely.

"Enough. Can you take my clothes to the kitchen for me? I need to do something before I hurt someone."

Don't even wait for her answer, handing my clothes to her and damn near ripping off the stupid material covering me. The chain doesn't survive as I rip it off, so I just drop it. Shifting immediately, I take off.

No destination is in mind, just need to run it off. Would be better if I were outside but that can come later. Changeling is at my side, his strides keeping up with mine easily.

Becoming annoyed at that, I push myself to go faster. Sinking deep into the Vampire cat body. Streamlining as I tear through the walkways, jumping off corners at sharp turns and leaping over those cowering in front of doorways or in the middle of the floor.

Vampires growl as I speed past their legs and under tables, tearing at the limbs that they try to grab me with. Shouts from a couple get ignored, the low amount of blood in my head thunders while I keep going forward. When reaching stairways I leap down them, barely touching any of the steps.

Leidolf still keeps pace with me, but I think he's dropped back on purpose. The smell of Were becomes strong as we go through an area dominated by the creatures. The loud hollering voices indistinguishable until one dives at my Changeling.

Yowling, I head for a wall, leaping up and grabbing at it, claws sink deep for purchase. My speed has me running across it as I make my way back, angry all over again. A large Werewolf has a hold of Leidolf's leg, a smile wide over his face as he holds onto his prize. I'm moving so fast he only has a hold of it for maybe three seconds before I'm on his face. Claws rip deep as teeth sink into his nose. Back feet use his chest as a springboard as I push myself off and away.

The idiot had let go, so I do as well, leaping back and twisting in the air to land on my feet. I snarl at my wolf when he tries to go for the man as well, which has him pause. Doesn't for long though, sinking teeth into the man’s hand before following me as I bolt down a corridor.

The others' hooting and hollering in laughter at their fallen companion has me wondering just how they've survived so long. Were-animals are stronger than Vampires, that group could have torn me to pieces, but they didn't. Instead laughing at an injured friend.

My brain doesn't comprehend at first, but the one’s face I used as a chew toy was also laughing. Fucking idiots; they have to be wolves. I didn't pay too much attention when going through, but it was a mix.

Feeling a little better now, now that I've caused someone else to bleed, I slow and angle for the kitchen. We've managed to be in an area I actually know, so I can make my way there with no problem. Blood in my mouth is letting me know that I need to feed, and soon. The brunette and gray wolf at my side has his tongue lolling as if he too feels a little better now. Wouldn't doubt it, actually. Need to get some boxing bags. Really sturdy ones.

Our run winds down as we get closer to our destination. Run itself didn't take very long, the scuffle with the wolves had actually helped so a longer chase wasn't needed. Could be on to something here.

When fighting with my sister, she wouldn't come at me with actual force, but this place is full of fools. Pretty sure I can coax someone to come at me if needed. Whether an actual enemy or just one who's willing for a good fight but not a kill.

Unless it’s an enemy, a kill would really ruin my day.

I can smell the others now - they had gone down this way as well. I slow to a walk before we reach the big doorway leading to the large open room. I stop completely and stand there for a moment before sitting. Leidolf next to me is looking at me curiously, but I keep my eyes forward, tail coming around to lay over my front paws as I just listen.

My usual kitchen crew is talking amongst themselves softly while the newbies are at a table busy eating. Few of them are talking as well, mostly about what they'll be doing. I wouldn't necessarily say that there's a couple that sound excited, but enthusiastic, I guess.

After being on the streets, guess this would be considered a major step up. Milo, the serval Shifter, is one who had been on the streets for quite a while before picked up by Eddie. The others are more reserved but for Viskal, the wolf Shifter.

Can just tell by his voice as he talks to Milo that he's no one's bitch. He had to act like one to survive, but he isn't and refuses to be again. Can hear Orion warning him, so now might be a good time to head in before anything harsh is said without thinking.

Standing, I head in with the wolf next to me. Can actually see the table through the doorway, but just the end of it, everyone would appear to be at the other end. I go in on silent paws, with no real plan on what to do.

No one sees me at first until I jump up onto the tabletop and walk down the length of it. My motion catches the gazes of the others who now watch me as I pad closer to them. Others in the room do the same, Vampire, animal, and human alike.

Avina looks nervous at the far end, so I walk towards her, stepping over bowls and other assorted dishes. Leidolf has stayed on the floor, mimicking my path up the room to the others. When I'm in front of her, my head collides with her chin in a headbutt.

With that movement, she relaxes as do the others who know me. The new ones look on curiously, having picked up on the difference in the before and after. She holds up the dress that I'd been wearing, and I look at it disparagingly.

I grumble in my zombie voice, which startles quite a few so much that I'm glad I'm in the animal's body. My laughing at them probably wouldn't be a good idea. Jumping down, I shift just as my feet touch the floor.

"Thank you."

Even though I say it, I don't really mean it since I don't want it. Taking it though, I slip it on, still grumbling the whole time. The healer and Danica are also at the table, looking on with smirks and grins.

"Think I prefer my wet clothes over the crap she bid me wear."

My heavy sigh has Orion smiling now as well. Laugh it up, chump. I glare at him and threaten to put him in the damn dress with my eyes. He just smiles wider.

Looking over the new 'recruits', I wrack my brain with what to do with them all.

"Alright various critters; first things first - are any others beside Alastor, Diego, and Skeet leaving?"

Each shakes their heads, Chandrika looks a little torn then just shrugs.

"Okay, you still have some time before you have to decide."

I look over to Viskal then to Orion.

"Viskal, I wish you keep your fire, but there are times for it and other times really not. When in this room you're free to be yourself with no fear of punishment, but when around the Vamps, please be careful."

He eyes me with his striking gray orbs before dipping his head.

"I want to spend a few minutes and talk to each of you to get what you prefer..."

I look up at the Vampires in the room who aren't being very subtle in their staring. I scowl at them before revising my words.

"...but not right now. When those of you who are staying are done eating, I want to assign you with another. They can take you around and show you the place, give you an idea of what goes on, what is requested, and all that other junk."

I wave my hand absently, thinking of who I can pair with each one. Looking up, Thessily is eating on her own. I smile, the food itself seems to have brought her around a little. I know the perfect one for her.

Turning around to look over my crew, I call for Ty. He himself is soft-spoken, calm, observant, same critter breed, and just the man for the task. The dark-skinned man comes over, wiping his hands on his apron.

"Ty, I have a task I wish you to do. You're the perfect one to do it."

His brow rises as I smile. Soft, dark brown eyes flicker over those at the table before coming back to me. The six-foot clouded leopard Shifter stops next to me with a question in his movements.

"Have you met Thessily yet?"

He blinks and shakes his head. Motioning with my head, he looks down the table at her. Can see his gaze flicker in doubt before coming back to me. I shake my head, looking stern.

"There's still a chance if only given one. There's still spirit there, just buried deep. You're the most patient person I know here."

I give him a smile of encouragement, trying to show that I believe he can do this. Everyone else would give up on her or wouldn't have the patience required. Submissive does not mean having the patience of a saint. Unless you're Ty.

He's by no means a pushover though, he has a core of steel. When he nods, I go on.

"I'd like you to show her around. She will not be going out on the floor until she comes back and can make a choice herself. Make sure you swing by the solarium."

Nodding, he goes back to finish what he was doing to give her a chance to finish eating. I catch the giant lion shaking his head as he leans against the counter, so I snag up a biscuit from Avina's plate and throw it at him. He catches it, but I ignore him and call Kerry down.

Both being serval Shifters, she gets assigned to Milo. He's done eating and ready anytime she is. Nibbling my lip, I ask Avina to run and get me a few others. Don't want all my crew off running around.

While waiting is when I notice Marie is gone. I assume she got called for a patron, but Salem lets me know that she's washing my clothes for me. When I blink at her, she points to Kerry, who pats her apron as if she has a pocket.

Smiling at them both, I dip my head to them in thanks. My sister's secret blade that had been in my pants is now in my counters somewhere. Danica had run off with Avina to help, so they return shortly.

Helps that they had been close or making their way here to begin with. Everyone at the table has now finished eating, so I can send them off almost immediately. I give those who'd been coming this way a chance to grab some food first though.

Leon is put with Kyle instead of Joey. Bobcats galore. Denice with Viskal as wolf Shifters, Rika and Moon as hyenas. When they all head out, it just leaves those who will definitely be leaving at the table.

Diego had been set on the seating bench with a plate, so hidden, but very there.

"Alastor if you wanna see the place, talk to your uncle. Skeet? What about you?"

He had been looking around curiously, but now looks between me and Orion, his way home.

"He won't leave without you, you have my word."

His gaze shows him unconvinced, so I just shrug.

"Suit yourself. Avina, I'll be having you show Tasha and Kell around when they're up to it. Tasha should be able to come out after she wakes, but Kell will be a while yet."

She nods, plucking her biscuit from the lion's hands. He blinks at her in surprise which has me laughing at him. That's all her, she had spunk when I met her, just didn't show it that I know of.

All fuzzballs were given instructions to come back here in a couple of hours. After maybe five minutes Skeet finally asks if he can go as well, the thought of sitting here that long making him antsy. I nod but keep my smirk to myself.

He's assigned an animal guide and goes off to do his gawking. Alastor isn't too interested, more intent on food. Growing boy an all. Salem has been slipping glances at the wolf next to me, so I shoo him over to her for some grub.

Doesn't take much, he's really hungry. I scratch the little fox's head while talking with Trisha about the new room arrangement for the animals and detox rooms. She's all for it.

I don't mention asking Lady for another to help her, not yet and not here. Just thinking about that woman has my blood pressure spiking.

Heh, I made a funny.