Kierra

Benjamin’s glance at me shows him my widened eyes, the startled look on my face. Looking away, I think over the things I've learned.

"It's instinctual. A Silver Wolf emerging and having a pull like that of an Alpha."

Feeling a little green around the gills, I roll the window down. The blast of cold air on my face is like a slap of reality. Those at home had said something about a pull, but this is ridiculous.

"Is there a way to turn it off?"

My quip comes out sounding sarcastic, but I'm very serious. I don't want an Alpha draw. I don't want to cause any trouble with the Red or the Gray Packs. His shrug does nothing for me.

"Wrong person to ask, I only know bits and pieces about animal matters. Information I do have I've stumbled on accidentally."

Not sure how a Vampire can 'accidentally' learn things about any of the animal groups, but the more I learn, the more I question Asher's knowledge. According to him, none of the groups had anything to do with the other, yet the more I learn, the more that's proven wrong.

Granted they aren't holding hands and singing campfire songs, but still. Something's off. The more I know, the more confused I get, it seems.

"We're almost there."

Jarred from my thoughts, I actually see what I'm looking at. We're Downtown and heading for the middle of it, the River District. Not much foot traffic, barely any at all aside from those going in and out. No dawdling.

I didn't think there were that many clubs in Rockford, period. More or less those bowling alleys combined with bars being more of the 'clubby' type. There's an LGBT-like club that I'd pointed out to Xavier once, but that's the only 'club' I know of. Even it's more like a bar.

Clearly, I don't know much.

"So have you been to this place before?"

The nod I get intrigues me. The small dark-colored beads threaded onto the long hair on his chin glitter in the lights going by outside. When he doesn't elaborate more than that, I clear my throat.

Eyes slide over to me, reflecting while he gives a grin then move back to the road. Walkways may be practically deserted, doesn't mean the establishments are. Cars line the road to either side, people even more paranoid with the heavy snow falling.

It's not a whiteout but has the looks that it might turn that way.

"Hopefully this doesn't take too long, I'd like to get back home before the snow builds up too much."

The Vampire leans forward, looking up and around before sitting back once more. Another grin slides across his face as he focuses ahead.

"Can always crash at my place for the night."

My snort makes my nose throb in memory from earlier.

"Seriously doubt you want me in your place, I shed."

He smiles wide, fangs flashing.

"Imagine that, so do I."

I shake my head, smiling. Closest I've been to 'his place' is his basement office at the old publisher. The pile-up of boxes and scattered paper there has me wondering if he's got a hoarders complex. Can't really judge one to the other, but I can't see Benji anywhere else but there. Well, aside from the times he's been to my home. Which has been quite a lot lately... Hmm.

"I wasn't aware tigers shed all that much."

His wink at me has me blushing for no reason. This is going to be a long night, I just know it. He finally finds a place to park, inside one of the many parking garages that can reach up to at least twelve floors. Hate these things with a passion, they're like mazes.

"We have to go back a couple of streets."

Nodding as I get out, that's not surprising. Some event has to be going on somewhere for everything to be full up, which means when it's over the streets are going to be hell. We're on the fourth floor, but luckily these things now have elevators.

We make our way down and out without mishap, admiring the various gang tagging along the way. Once out, we're walking on a thin layer of snow. Looking up, soft touchdowns land on my face and melt instantly.

My nose flares as I take in the surrounding smells; wet concrete, car and bus exhaust, alcohol, and even urine. Blinking, I look around me, and sure enough, there's an older homeless man tucked in close to the wall. Thanks to recent donations being sent out, he's not in rags and does have some padded insulation.

Seeing him reminds me of another homeless man I'd met. I've run into him twice and have yet to get his name. Last seen he was in Wisconsin, with a group of others, so I don't think I'll be seeing him around anytime soon, if ever.

The Vampire next to me barely makes a sound as we walk along, the snow helping muffle anything that the passing cars don't cover. Glancing up, his brown crew cut has a dusting of snow, the hair at his chin also tangled in white. Chuckling, I look forward once more and keep going.

"What?"

I shake my head, but can't hide my smile. If I were to ever be stopped by cops, they'd never believe I'm not under the influence. Why? Because I can't walk in a straight line to save my life.

Always thought it was about balance before, but I still do it even after getting more centered from my inner animal. And even short, I can still keep up with long-legged peeps with no problem. Fast walker. Weaving might be from habit when dodging around slower people, I dunno.

"Alright, I've never been to a place like this before, so what am I supposed to do?"

Pulling a hand from his coat, he lays it on my shoulder to slow my pace.

"Just be yourself. I know you enough to know you won't be a bitch unless provoked. I don't see you joining any of the activities either, but just in case, ask first."

My brow raised, I look at him curiously.

"What kind of activities go on?"

He shrugs, but a small smile does appear.

"Depends on the people within. Stay close to me and follow my lead when you're unsure. The entrance is relaxed and toned way down as not to shock anyone new who walks in."

Benjamin's eyes look over me then back to my face.

"Will you enter as mine?"

I blink at him, not understanding and not liking the sound of it.

"Uh, what do you mean?"

He smiles once more, stopping my forward momentum with a hand on my shoulder. This area is much busier, people going by and even crowding together in groups, laughing and talking about today's happenings.

"My consort. Will make explaining anything easier if I can claim familiarity."

I look out at my surroundings, unsure but also feeling like I'm making things difficult. Biting my tongue, I nod slowly, still unsure. His eyes flicker with something, but I still can't read him. Nodding, he warns me of what's to come.

"In wanting to see the whole place, you will see many things you may not agree with. You will see people in pain, but that's what they're there for, you do not have to rush forward and save anyone, understand?"

Giving him a droll look, I nod. I may not be able to read him right now, but I'm picking up others just fine. I think I would know the difference of someone in actual pain, fearing for their life, and erotica pain.

Smirking, he tosses his head to the door just ahead of us. Looking at it, you'd never guess what it's holding within. A larger building, even the windows are shaded dark so you can't see what's going on inside.

A man stands by the door, looking almost casual as he leans against the wall. Tall and even through the thick coat you can tell he's not one to mess with. The thick outer layer hides most of his shape, but I'm being stereotypical here since he's a very dark male.

I've never seen a flabby black man, thick yes, but not flabby. Seeing a black man in Rockford is hardly a shock, let alone Downtown. The shock here is his light brown eyes.

Inhaling, he's all human, just gifted from some relative or another. The large sign above the door proclaims the place as 'Club Avernus'. I blink at the name, wondering if they know the meaning of the terminology. If they do, that just makes things even more interesting.

Can't recall everything about it, but 'Avernus' was the name of an entrance into the underworld in the Roman mythos. One of the many, depending on the story you read.

No other markings on the building are curious in and of itself. No advertising for anything, no ads, no other signs.

A pressure at my back is felt as Benjamin's hand nudges me forward, his body next to me as we move closer. The dark man at the door nods to the Vampire and goes back to his languish watching of the random groups. How often does my Vamp come down here, not to be stopped by the bouncer?

Don't answer that.

The door's opened and we go in, my following after my companion. Grabbing my sunglasses, I put them in place. Not a fashion statement, but it hides the reflecting and if my eyes change color. Normal human eyes just don't do that.

Inside is dimmed, a small in-between room before you actually go into the club itself. Here is where flyers are put up listing the different happenings and goings-on here and elsewhere. The one offering sword fighting classes catches my eye and makes me smile. Nifty.

Through another door and we're officially inside.

"Can I get your coats?"

Benjamin removes his and hands it to a woman as my attention is directed to him, so I barely see her at all. Oh my lordy. My inner female wakes up and starts drooling, which in and of itself is embarrassing and annoying. The world is a cruel place for those who are chaste.

Dressed in black leather pants with random buckles and zippers, snug yet loose where it needs to be. Benji has too much groin for tight all over. His sheer top is long sleeved and tucked into his pants.

Pale skin shines through where able, otherwise, it shows off his tattoos quite nicely. One thing that wasn't there before, is the nipple piercings. Having accidentally called his tiger once, it led to my seeing him very nude. No metal then.

Or rather, there could have been and I didn't see it since by that time it would have fallen out. Meh.

"Miss?"

Startled, I look over to the smiling girl, my blush burning my cheeks at being caught gaping at a man. Clearing my throat, I thank her as I hand over my coat. The Vampire grins at me and holds out his hand.

Feeling all sorts of awkward and so out of my depth, I put my hand in his. The coolness of his touch feels good against my own heated skin. Ripping my eyes away from the art that is his body, I look around.

"Benjamin! It's so good to see you! We haven't seen you in ages. Have you brought a guest?"

Looking towards the happy pitch, a very short woman walks up to us, all smiles. At first, I wonder if she's blind, but as she gets closer, can tell it's just white-out contacts. Dark blue hair is braided around her head, smaller braids hanging down tastefully around her.

The shiny catsuit she's wearing has me cringing internally, but that's just because she's so small. Maybe five-foot, she reminds me of Faline with her tininess, very feminine looking and done up like a porcelain doll, gauzy skirt included.

"Lady Sapphire, it's good to see you, and yes I have. She's new to the scene and has the curiosity of a cat about it all."

Notice he doesn't give her a name, so that gives me the option of giving mine or a false one. Not wanting to have to remember it, I just give her mine when she looks to me.

"Kierra, it's nice to meet you."

Thank God she doesn't offer to shake hands, that crap is all sorts of awkward. Her smile is wide and welcoming, motioning us in further and to a couch. Looking around, this room looks much like any living room within a home.

Small screens playing music videos are set about, tables have available snacks and drinks, and artwork adorns the walls. Each one having to do with the BDSM scene, but not flaunting it. What looks to be a dancing cage is set up next to one of the TV screens, a Gothic band plays some song or another.

Louder music is being played further in and below, can feel the vibrations of it which means the bass is up real high. Devices are set around, small toys that others are standing by and talking about. Each person is done up, from Victorian and Steampunk to modern Industrial with various amounts of skin showing.

I hear Benjamin talking to the woman, but my focus is still roaming the room. A couple people are in collars and leashes, one is even attached to a post near a stuffed chair. Have to admit, being a people watcher myself, the place is very intriguing.

And not a single one looks like they'd be one to buy and abuse a child. That thought alone has my curiousness sobering and looking back to the hostess fawning on the Vampire at my side. Touch here does seem to be a big thing, and not overtly sexual either, but much like how the animals are.

For comfort and just for the sake of touching another in friendship. There's obviously some that it's more, but it's not over the top. Lady Sapphire, for example, constant touching and showing her appreciation of him, but not humping his leg.

Giving a friendly smile when she looks over at me, she comments on my being so quiet. I hate when people do that. Looking at her, I give a shrug.

"Nothing personal, please don't take it that way. I just don't talk much when in a new place. Once I become more comfortable, you'll wish I wouldn't talk at all."

The three of us laugh, but I'm kind of being serious. I speak my mind, nice or not. Family knows that well and avoids going with me to places with lots of people. Crowds aren't my thing and patience is very limited.

"We're all friendly here. You're free to look around, but if you see something you don't like, please don't be cruel or derogatory. Those who come here seek something they can't get elsewhere for one reason or another. If you have a soft stomach, I wouldn't recommend going below at all. In the back, we have a blood set but it's set off to the side. You can't join any of the activities until you've signed a contract, and even then, you must be evaluated by Master Percival first."

I noticed her slight hesitation when mentioning below, so there may be a good place to go. At my curious look, she elaborates on the blood part.

"We do some body-modding here and hook suspension. It's all very clean and Stag knows what he's doing, he's a highly decorated professional that has about eighteen years of experience under his belt."

Something on my face must have given me away because she smiles and motions towards an archway with heavy curtains. Benji is smiling as well when I look over, standing and waiting for me. Standing myself, I catch a few onlookers glancing over, more so at the male at my side, can't say I blame them.

My boots are silent as I move closer to the small woman, the lighter colored wood polished to a fine sheen. Soft laughter and conversations fill the air behind me as I close in on the heavy panel cloth. The closer I get to it, the more my nose picks up, raising the hair on my arms.