Chipping Away at the Iceberg [Jayde]

[Adrien Célestin Chevalier]

The Second-in-Command sat in his massive sitting room that branched off of his master bedroom, seated comfortably in a deep crimson armchair. His cold blue eyes stared straight ahead, observing the gorgeous gardens of his estate. He found it rather ironic that a place filled with primarily Vampires (excluding some of the human servants) had one of the most exquisite and renowned gardens in all of New York, but, nevertheless, the old and powerful Vampire could not deny that the estate was pleasing to look at under the moonlight. The moon was nearly full tonight, looking rather large and glowing a yellowish-gold colour while floating low on the horizon, signaling it was only early evening. Even the nearly one-thousand year old Being felt at peace this night, all thoughts about the vile Lycans and troublesome political issues cleared from his mind... or at least pushed back into the recesses of it at this moment. Adrien was a very busy man and it was nice to take a break every once in a while, even with his ambitious mindset.

His heightened senses were able to pick up a soft set of footsteps going through the hallway and heading towards his direction at the end of the wing. He was instantaneously able to decipher who they belonged to, knowing them more than well. The Vampire had been listening to them for the last one-hundred-and-fifty-six years, noting that they were even more quiet and graceful minus three winters. The corner of his lips twitched and curved into an ever-so-slight and minuscule smile, the ice-filled eyes melting a bit. The wonderful creature he sired so many years ago (and yet it felt like moments at times for him) was the only person whom he had these warm feelings toward, always distant and cool around most others with the occasional sensation of respect towards a very select few. Adrien stood up from his seat and strode over to the well-crafted, mahogany door, opening it a few moments later.

And there she was: Alexandria Adair. While the Second looked evenly and calmly at her, if he had the need to breath the man was most certain it would have been taken away. The woman stood before him wearing a modest yet elegant, cream-coloured, satin laced gown, the thin belt fitting her small waist and the skirt falling down a little past her knees. As always, the stunning woman, while dressing richly, did not come across as ostentatious, wearing simply pearl earrings and a simply but pretty wristwatch. Her big, doe-like, hazel eyes looked up into his blue orbs, blinking in slight surprise. Before the female could ask whether she could come in, Adrien stepped inside of his room, motioning with his arm for her to enter.

"Please, come in, Alexandria," said he with his soft, bass-baritone voice. While the corners of his lips stayed consistent and straight, his eyes crinkled slightly, giving the impression that they were smiling ever so softly down at her. "You know you are always welcome to come visit me at all hours for any reason at all. Knocking, or the intent to knock, and previous permission is unnecessary. Come in whenever you wish to. You shall never surprise me or catch me off guard, dear Alexandria."

If the woman had more blood within her system or had it pumping through her veins like a human, her porcelain cheeks surely would have turned a shade of red. Her long, thick lashes fluttered a few times bashfully and she nodded her head, replying, "I-I know, A... Adrien." Pink lips graced the man with a smile and she gave a slight curtsy. "T-Thank you, Sire. You are too kind~"

With that, the Vampiress tip-toed into the room and gently shut the door. His eyes glanced down her form and noticed it was thinner than it should have been. Adrien's lips pressed together in a straight line and he eventually released a sigh. The woman was already delicate to begin with, but the long periods between her necessary meals was certainly unhealthy. The Life Line made the female physically ill, her sensitive body and system unable to consume the mass produced false hemoglobin, leaving her with the only option of consuming real blood. Adrien saw nothing wrong with it, personally only consuming the 'real thing' unless he had to keep up appearances, but his Alexandria was never fond of the idea, not wanting to harm or take away from the humans in any way. More often then not, the Second would have to force the woman to eat, bringing her fresh fluids taken (willingly, mind you) from some of the servants at the manor. Adrien found her beliefs bizarre. While he no longer saw mortals like he once did, lowly maggots which deserved to be stomped and snuffed out, the creatures were most certainly beneath Vampires. If only she would realize and accept this. But, alas, he knew she never would, for it was not in her nature. Deep down, the man found her sweet and caring heart endearing; it was the main reason why he had became as enraptured with her as he had all of that time ago, the woman reminding him of his deceased wife. But still, she looked gaunt and clearly needed to eat, which concerned him.

The man's large hand cupped her chin, long, slender fingers brushing over her high-boned cheek, and murmured seriously, "Alexandria, when was the last time you ate?" Her eyes glancing away from his and dropping to the floor reaffirmed his fear and he shook his head at her. The Second made her look back up at him and he ordered, "Alexandria, you must eat. If not for yourself then do so for me, your Sire. I did not save you so many years ago for you to starve yourself like this. I will not allow it. Understood?"

The woman swallowed and eventually gave a small nod. The Second sighed in relief and stroked his thumb against her smooth skin. His lids drooped and he gave her a slightly saddened and worried expression. "If anything happened to you, Alexandria..." The man paused for several moments, closing his eyes and then opening them again. His hand slowly slid off of beautiful face and dropped to his side. Adrien struggled with his emotions and expressing them within his words, finally able to mutter, "I do not know what I would do with myself."

The Vampire turned around and stared at the dark, shadowed wall. Alexandria's hazel orbs glimmered as she stared up at his form, her hand on her cheek when the man had touched her. The woman's other hand started to reach out to Adrien, but once her tips were just an inch away from his back, she drew back hesitantly. Her chin rose up slightly as she gulped and the woman broke the silence. "I... I promise, Adrien. I p-promise I will feed tonight. Please don-" Alexandria then cut herself off, knowing that asking him to do something was out of her place.

When the Vampiress uttered the promise, Adrien face her once more and placed his hand over her fragile shoulder "Thank you," he said.

The two stared into one another's eyes and they stood still, unable to move or speak a word. Each felt drawn to the other, secretly desiring more than this current contact. To hold hands, embrace... kiss... to....- But, just like all of the previous years, they held themselves back with their fears, Adrien terrified of loving the woman and then losing her like his wife while Alexandria was afraid of stepping out of place and believing she was unworthy of her lord. His hand slipped off of her shoulder and he coughed slightly, striding over to his bookshelf and observing his collection while Alexandria planted her eyes to the floor and licked her lips.

Knowing the Vampiress came for a reason, Adrien asked, "So... what did you wish to speak to me about?"

"Oh," she whispered, the purpose of her visit flooding back to her mind. The woman swiveled around and said, "While I realize you wished to relax this evening, there are several important figures going to the night club, Eternia, tonight and... I believe it would prove very beneficial to socialize with them. It... It would really help boost your popularity among the political members and other supernaturals in general. I believe this could help give you more support and-"

The Vampire sighed, rubbing his face, and replied before she could finish her 'convincing' and advice, "Alright, I will go. But you are to go with me, and stay by my side and do most of the talking, per usual. Club and socialite settings... you were always more suited for it than I."

Alexandria blinked in surprise, having expected that she would need to spend at least half-an-hour trying to convince him to go. Her sire was always extremely reluctant to go to social gatherings or places, preferring to be alone or around a very select few people. Plus, he had difficulty with making casual conversation with people and not coming across as cold and uncaring. For over the last one-hundred-and-fifty years, Alexandria had attended and helped him with nearly every social event he went to, doing most of the talking for him since she grew up in that kind of setting when still a human. The woman gave a satisfied smile and nodded, saying she would be more than happy to attend Eternia with him.

The Second went over to his desk and called to have one of the estate's vehicles pick them up. The two proceeded to leave the sitting room, Alexandria quickly grabbing one of her purses, and the two left the building, walking down the large outside entry stairs and entering the black window, the driver holding open the door for them. Alexandria slid in first, proceeded by Adrien, and while heading over to the club, the two casually conversed with one another. The woman took over the conversation primarily, Adrien always preferring to listen and to speak as little as he possibly could. She spoke about the recent books she had just read with the last week and he could not help but internally chuckle at the clear joy and satisfaction in her eyes and elegant voice, talking passionately about the things she learned and about the various stories. The Second always enjoyed listening to Alexandria. She was so different from others of his kind and himself. So full of life and passion, having so much love and goodness bubbling within her being... He saw her almost like his own personal rays of sunlight that he could gaze at without fear of getting harmed.

Within forty-five minutes, the limo rolled to a stop and the driver opened the door for them. The two slipped out and Adrien told their driver to wait in the area for them until they were done, at which the Second would call him to pick them up. The man nodded and went back into the vehicle, driving away. Acting as the proper gentleman, Adrien held out his arm and Alexandria hooked her slender one around his. He proceeded to escort his companion forward, instantly being let in the club. With one look, the Bouncers immediately knew who he was and did not even bother asking questions. The two entered the building and his cool blue eyes glanced around. The club was lively, full of numerous people, mostly Vampires and Lycans. He could not help but narrow his eyes ever so slightly, disliking being around his past wolf brethren. But he hid his feelings, burrowing them deep down. Adrien was here for one reason: to boost his popularity. With being such an important political figure among the supernaturals, doing such things was absolutely necessary, as much as he wished it wasn't.

Alexandria slipped her arm out of his and looked up at her sire, asking, "I am going to secure us a private booth. Is it alright if I leave your side for a brief moment, Adrien? I shall be back shortly."

Even though he did not feel comfortable with the woman being away from him, particularly in such a setting, the man simply nodded. The Vampiress gave him a smile and walked off into the crowd. Adrien's hands slipped into his grey silk suit's pockets and he glanced over to the bar. Seeing that they served warm, fresh blood (with a combination of various types of hard liquors), the Second strode over to the bar counter. Before he even had to order a drink, the fast-working and observant bartender slid over a glass of blood and vodka, bring down his head in respect, as if giving a mini-bow. Adrien grabbed the beverage and lifted it up, acknowledging the man with a nod. He raised the glass up to his lips and took a sip, the liquid swirling around within his mouth and trickling down his throat. The Vampire then brought the glass back down and rested it on the bar counter, his fingers and hand still wrapped around it. His form leaned against side of the bar and he stared off into the crowd, waiting for his Alexandria to come back to him and take them to their seats.

[Jayde Archer]

Jayde was making the rounds, greeting those who she felt were important enough to get some face time with, and simply ignoring those who didn't put a blip on her radar. Her club was open to any and all immortals. They didn't discriminate when it came to admittance, but there was a noticeable hierarchy once inside. Those who were important enough or well-known enough got special booths on the upper floor overlooking the dance floor. They had drinks served directly for them without them having to approach the bar once. They were swarmed with attractive humans who were told to go to them and treat them. Jayde felt no guilt for using humans to make her club a better place. Many praised her efforts to merge the races together. But it really wasn't as altruistic as that. It was simply business and over the years, she'd learned how to run a successful one. Her success wasn't unknown either. Many knew her name and if they didn't, they knew the mysterious woman who ran Eternity. But Jayde didn't aim for anonymity. She enjoyed people knowing her name.

But Jayde made sure to keep tabs on everyone who entered her club. She made sure that her bouncers and club workers were on the lookout for particular people - those leading packs and covens, those with a juicy amount of information available at their fingertips. So when the Second of the Vampires made his way into her club, it took only moments for the information to hit her ears. Eyes had been watching him and they also told Jayde where he was in her club. Her cool gray eyes sifted over the crowd and toward the bar on the lower level. She stood tall on one of the upper levels, looking down over the railing. She wore a cream colored halter dress that hugged her form flatteringly. Her hair rained down around her shoulders in golden waves and her red lips turned into a slight smirk as she looked down at him.

She couldn't help but notice he seemed out of place. She was aware of his lack of communication. She knew because this was one of the few times he ever made it inside of her club. He was a man of few words and he often had a little girl by his side who did all the talking. A curious way to show power she thought. She nodded to the one who had informed her and the girl bowed slightly before scurrying off to keep her eyes peeled for any more important people. Taking a deep breath, out of habit and not necessity, Jayde moved with a practiced grace down to the bottom level, nodding and smiling to a few people who tried to get her attention - mostly male vampires and werewolves who wanted to conquer her and brag of their expedition.

"Ah, if it isn't the reclusive Adrien Célestin Chevalier, Second of the Vampires," she addressed coolly, her voice smooth like silk. A few who heard her turned their heads to get a look at the man, those who were uninformed of the politics of the immortals or those who had never seen his face before. A few people gasped and smiled, whispered to each other and the news spread quickly. His quiet night out was soon known to those who dared to care. She smirked at him. "What brings a man of business and not pleasure into my sweet club?" Her eyes darted to his side, noticing that his usual lap dog who she had heard so much about was no where to be found. "Perhaps you'd like a more private area. I am happy to accommodate you." She smirked again, her full lips parting mischievously.

[Adrien Célestin Chevalier]

Adrien was quietly sipping his mixed drink, leaning against the counter in a slightly relaxed manner, when the liquid promptly stopped smoothly sliding down his throat at hearing with his heightened senses a pair of high-heeled shoes tapping towards his direction, intermixed with the crowd loudly talking and the music playing. They were clearly not Alexandria's, although the sound was vaguely familiar. It took him a moment to recall who they belonged to, but, once he did, the man gave an internal sigh and placed the drink back down on the bar. It was Jayde Archer, the owner of Eternia. This particular Vampiress was rather known for getting introducing herself to important political figures and sticking her nose, so to speak, in quite a bit of politics. It was not uncommon for her type or even for their race in general. Having knowledge of what was going on in the supernatural political world while staying out of it personally was very beneficial. It was not this trait of hers that bothered him, considering he was ambitious as well, but it was the fact that whenever Adrien was around her that he felt forced to speak more than he personally liked and also because of the constant mischievousness and playful manner in her eyes. Able to recognize Jayde's highly manipulative and 'user'-type nature, the Second would not trust her farther than he could throw her (granted, he trusted her less considering the man could throw pretty damn far.) Right before the woman reached him, Adrien turned towards her, his icy blue eyes meeting her orbs. There was no avoiding this woman so he might as well go along with the club owners little social game. While the Vampire preferred for Alexandria to do the talking, the man was not inept at conversation. Having been once a noble of the royalty of the Franks and early France, he knew the ropes of proper discourse and could even speak large mouthfuls when necessary.

"And if it is not Jayde Archer, owner of the renowned Eternia Club," he remarked back. Adrien proceeded to add with a nod of acknowledgement, "It has been a little while since our last encounter. Things are going well, I presume?"

The Second took a quick gulp of his beverage, finishing off the drink, before setting it down once more and pushing it forward to be taken away. His attention went back to Jayde and he answered, just as seriously as ever, "For exactly that which he is: business. From my understanding, there are a handful of other important political figures here on this night. I would assume you already know that, though, and have their locations mapped out, considering you have come to greet me only after little more than a minute of setting foot within the building. It is rather impressive how quickly you obtain intel, I must say."

His eyes slid across the club, searching for his companion. Not finding her, the man sighed and looked back at the woman. The location she would take him to would most certainly be the best in the entire club. It would be foolish to not accept her offer, although the Second did not want to leave Alexandria wandering alone without him too long in a place like this. Even the thought of other men hitting on her irked him, even though the two had never established a romantic relationship. The feelings were there, but she thought of herself as not being worthy (which he internally believed was ridiculous) and he found that he could not bring himself to admit his feelings, deep down afraid that the fate of his deceased wife, whom Alexandria was so similar to, would become the fate of woman he had sired. Adrien stood up straight, revealing the full extent of his height, and said, "A private area would be most appreciated, although I must ask for a course of action to be made first. Currently Alexandria is searching to get us a private booth and I would not want to have her search for me among the crowd alone. Would you have the location passed over to her and have her escorted over to me?"

When Jayde mentioned she would be more than happy to accommodate him, like always there was that devilish expression. He suspected it could mean more than simply helping him find a seat, knowing she was willing to do just about anything to weasel important information out of the people who had it, but he chose to ignore the tone. She had yet to ever make advances towards him and the man figured she was intelligent enough not to do so. Even if she tried, Adrien was not easily swayed, unlike others. It would take much more than her manipulative games and skills to gather what she wanted from him, if it was at all possible. Adrien was nearly impossible to pry open and only opened himself up when he chose to do it himself, which was a rare occurrence, indeed. A small pounding began to lightly throb in his skull, the buzzing and loud sounds of the club bothersome and because of the forced conversation. While he was capable of doing so, the man disliked talking so much, having used more words now to come across as pleasant and polite than he had with anyone else, excluding Alexandria, for the last few days. It was true that Adrien was a man of few words and he began to regret coming here, already feeling weary from conversation and knowing it would just worsen. But, alas, this was the life of a politician, particularly one as important as himself.

[Jayde Archer]

Jayde smiled at him as he addressed her confidently. She could tell he didn't want to be approached, but when did that ever stop her from getting what she wanted? The two had had their run-ins before but nothing substantial. Jayde was hoping to make this encounter finally something to make note of. Being swept under the rug was never a comfortable notion for Jayde. She had been someone of relative importance her entire life. The idea of suddenly having her status and titled removed was all too frightening. But her confident air never let any such thoughts of fear enter the minds of others. To others, she was afraid of nothing and nothing phased her. Quite an appearance and at times she felt herself tired at the end of a long night of putting on a face of confidence.

His second words Jayde took them as a compliment. She did in fact have all of them mapped out. She even knew exactly where his little lap dog was scurrying around to. She gave him a toothy smile as she noticed his icy eyes leaving hers to scan the dance floor. Surely he was looking for her. Jayde couldn't help but find herself curious of their relationship. Was it romantic? Platonic? If anything, Jayde would find a girl like that hanging around her every word a nuisance, but she kept such thoughts to herself. Perhaps it was a hint of jealousy. Despite not being familiar with the Second, any woman put ahead of herself was an instant enemy.

He accepted her offer for a private booth at the request that his companion be found. She nodded. "Of course," she said amiably. She brought a hand up and motioned for one of her henchmen to approach her. A burly werewolf took a step next to her and Jayde leaned close to whisper instructions into his ear, her gray eyes never leaving Adrien. The werewolf nodded before quickly going into the mass of people to look for the girl. "This way, my Second," she said with a slight bow before turning her back to him to lead him up the stairs. People parted for them, knowing who she was and many knew of him as well. A few whispered as they passed, those who were informed and cared about Vampire politics.

She led him up a flight of stairs and took him through the second floor dance floor, approaching two large men guarding a polished oak door. They opened the door for her and she led him up another flight of stairs. She took him into a large room decorated modestly. There walls were clear glass overlooking the entire club, but at the touch of a button, Jayde could have made the glass frosted for any desired privacy. A large bed was pressed against the wall along with a large sofa in the middle of the room, positioned so it faced the glass. There was a mini bar to the far end which Jayde casually walked over to. "Would you like anything to drink?" Jayde made herself a glass of vodka and blood, making two more just in case her guests wanted them. She looked over her shoulder and she could tell he was thinking about his companion. "She will be found shortly, I can assure you." She smiled at him, with a hint of sympathy and understanding in her eyes. She stepped toward him with a second drink in hand for him. "I'm assuming your her sire?" she asked, taking a wild guess.

[Adrien Célestin Chevalier]

When the Lycan walked up to Jayde, the Second simply looked at the two with emotionless, cold eyes. But deep down, the Vampire was disgusted with the presence of the wolf. Many, many years ago, the two races were considered brethren. They lived in harmony. Adrien remembered those days,lived through them. But after what the Lycans did to him personally... he would never be able to fully forgive the revolting dogs. Because of his important political position, Adrien has to pretend he wished for peace and that he wanted to get along with the Lycans. In all honesty, the Second wanted them all of burn and die excruciating death. The whole world would be better without the horrendous creatures, that he could be certain of. All of these feelings were unreadable in his expression, for they were hidden deep within his cold and hardened heart.

At Jayde's bow and words, the man nodded his head and followed after the woman. Even without his heightened senses, the Vampire could hear all of the whispers surrounding the two, most of them being about his presence. He could not help but internally sigh. Gossip was just so troublesome. Fortunately, none of them tried to stop him to talk about foolish and unimportant matters. They simply stared, gawked, and squawked like turkeys. Adrien simply ignored them all, striding up the stairs after the Vampiress and going past the large wooden doors. Up and up the two went until they reached a large, empty room. Of course, it was only empty of people, but not of extravagant furniture. His icy eyes could not help but notice the large bed. This room appeared to have numerous purposes, it seemed. He walked to the center of the room and gazed through the massive windows that overlooked the club.

Able to smell what she was making, the Second slipped his hands in his suit pocket and remarked, "What you are having will do fine, Miss Archer."

The man was, like always, thinking of Alexandria, his eyes searching for her in the club. He could never be certain that she was entirely safe unless she was right by his side. It was not only because of his dislike for talking during social events that he had her with him. Another reason, and perhaps the main one, was to have her under his personal protection and guard. While she was a Vampire, the woman was delicate and, even though she was technically more powerful then she was as a mortal, Alexandria would never even hurt a fly. The transformation never changed her outlook on life and her kind-heart. While at times he found her lack of survival and self-protection skills exasperating, it was those very sweet and good traits that captured his interest and fascination so many years ago.

At the mention that Alexandria would be fine, the Second let out a sigh and closed his eyes. He knew she would be fine and would be there shortly, for the male did not sense any chaos down below, at least any of the dangerous variety. At Jayde's question, he inhaled deeply, not out of necessity of course, and exhaled. Memories of those times, the night her turned her, flashed through his mind. It only further supported his immense hatred for the Lycan race. While an early hunter (there were so very few at the time, not like now where they had an organization) tried to finish her off and Adrien was forced to kill him, none of it would have happened if it had not been for the Lycan attacking her.

The man nodded and opened his eyes. His explanation was more of him speaking his thoughts aloud. "Yes. I sired her in 1859. While Alexandria went out on a late night ride, a Lycan attacked her before being finished off by a human. I beheaded him before he could do the same to her and offered her the chance to live. She took it and I turned Alexandria there. She would have died otherwise. In fact, she only had moments left for her wounds had been fatal and she was bleeding out. Even still, she holds nothing against the humans and Lycans..."

He was about to say that he wished he could be the same way, but the Second immediately stopped himself. Adrien had to be careful about what he said around this woman, or anyone, in fact. The man turned around and faced Jayde, the lids of his icy eyes drooped slightly. The Vampire said seriously, stating an opinion he did not mind sharing, in fact, usually making a point to share, "I am Alexandria's maker, bringing her into our world of the night, and I must ensure her safety. I only wish my brethren would take the act of siring other beings more seriously. It should only be done as a last resort and never for selfish, petty reasons. I have heard far too many stories of irresponsible and foolish Vampires creating more of our kind in monstrous ways. It sickens me. I do not tolerate such behavior. We are not beasts and should not come across as so."

[Jayde Archer]

She smiled when he addressed her formally. "Please... Call me Jayde, My Second," she purred lightly, handing him the glass. Taking a sip of her drink, Jayde listened to his story, actually taking an interest in what he was saying. It was usually her practice to let what someone said roll over her, taking the important information as it came and ignoring the rest. But Jayde found herself actually enraptured by his story. It didn't mean she didn't like Alexandria any more. In fact, she found something strangely persistent about her.

Then he mentioned the lack of discipline their fellow Vampires had when it came to turning humans. His rant left her quiet and she was left staring at him as memories flooded her mind. Memories of a heated argument and then teeth and the taste of blood. And then abandonment. Being left to figure out her deformity on her won. Being forced to come to terms with what she was. Having no choice in the matter. Craving blood and feeling a rush of euphoria when she got the first taste of human blood. It was a nightmare and Jayde had tried so very hard to keep those memories sealed away. She was quiet for a long moment before she blinked suddenly, clearing her throat and turning her back on Adrien. She down the rest of her glass before making herself another one.

She honestly didn't know how to respond to his words. She felt similarly, but Jayde hated making any kind of political stance. "Yes, some of our kind can be quite the beasts." She took a sip of her new drink, having quickly composed herself before she turned back around to face Adrien with that million dollar smile of hers. "And we sometimes like to put ourselves above the werewolves. Sometimes I see no substantial differences." She took a step toward him, getting close to him. "It's quite a tale to hear - you watching over such a beautiful girl and then coming to her rescue," she said softly, with a coy smile. She tilted her head to the side as she heard a knock at the door. "As a matter of fact, I think they may have just found her. You came to her rescue yet again." She paused a moment before announcing, "Come in!"

[Adrien Célestin Chevalier]

The Vampire took the glass and nodded at her in gratitude for the drink. Knowing proper social interaction (just not using it all that often considering his lack of conversation), the Second added, "If I am not to use formalities with you, then you need not do so either, Jayde. Certainly, at least, in private. Call me Adrien."

His observant icy eyes did not miss the tension in Jayde's form at his words. It was clearly not nervousness, so he quickly concluded with how she reacted that she had, in fact, been turned in such a way. It was such a shame. The Second could only imagine how unnerving and frightening it must have been for her and any other forcefully turned and then abandoned. Being a pure-born, Adrien never had to experience it himself, but he had no respect or tolerance for the beasts of his race. He would never accept such irresponsible behavior, and he never did. While the Second kept it under wraps, he himself would take care of some of the rogues of their kind. They were threats to exposing their identities to humans and that would only create unnecessary chaos. Siring Vampires so readily and easily was dangerous and foolish.

The smile of her's simply confirmed his suspicions, yet the man did not say a word, instead taking a sip of his drink. He despised people prying into his private life and past so he did not do the same... or, at least, not when necessary. This case certainly did not require him to dig into her history. At the mention of Lycans, Adrien closed his eyes and took another gulp of the drink. Once long ago, the man felt that he was equal to his wolf brethren, but those sentiments completely dissolved when he was personally wronged. Delfine. Even after all of these years, a lump rose in his throat and he forcefully pushed it down with another sip of the liquid. The monstrous beasts could never be equal to him after what they had done to his beloved deceased wife. Seeing nearly the same thing happen to Alexandria only further supported his belief. They were rabid animals that needed to either die off or be put down. Of course, as the Second, he has to pretend to believe otherwise.

"Many years ago, far before your time, there were no substantial differences," Adrien said coolly, opening his icy eyes, which stared straight ahead without the slightest hint of emotion. "We even saw one another as brethren. But time and certain... events change... things."

He snapped his mouth shut after that, knowing it was unwise to say anymore. His crystalline orbs moved over to her eyes, watching her carefully. The woman went very close to him but he showed no reaction, standing his ground. This woman could certainly never intimidate him and he would make it clear that she didn't. The Second remained silent and then eventually gave a short answer that he knew would effect her, eyes staring straight into her's with that unreadable and seemingly emotionless gaze, "It's as it should be, Jayde... always."

His heightened senses picked up the familiar footsteps heading towards the door before the knock sounded throughout the room. He simply ignored her little jest and was just relieved to see the door open and find a serenely smiling Alexandria curtsy and thank the Lycan who escorted her there and walk inside of the room. Noticing her extra-frail form once more, the Second turned to Jayde and asked, "Would you mind giving Alexandria warm, fresh blood? It has been quite some time since she has last fed... per usual."

At the last words of his sentence, his gaze moved over to delicate woman and, with a sigh, he strode over to her and had her thin arm hook his for support. While she hid it rather well, Adrien knew just how weak and exhausted she really was. Her distaste for consuming human blood concerned and even irked him, just as it had with his Delfine. The two were so similar, he could have sworn that Alexandria was her reincarnation... if there was such a thing. Adrien cared for both deeply and protected both like frail, helpless children for, in a way, they were. Stunningly gorgeous and attractive children... The Second walked her over to the couch and told her she needed to sit down until she regained her strength.

"Once again, I must thank you for giving us this private room and for your hospitality, Jayde," said the man respectively before sitting down next to the Vampiress, his gaze switching from Alexandria to the owner of the club.

[Alexandria Alaina Adair]

Once leaving the side of her sire and walking with just her own support, she full-on felt her level of exhaustion and weariness. When constantly reading or being around Adrien, the Vampiress did not notice the toll of rarely consuming blood had on her already delicate body. While she was not fond of feeding from humans or even the idea of drinking their blood for obtaining it could have caused them pain, Alexandria saw that her sire had been right and she desperately needed to feed. There would be no further resistance from her. It not only hurt herself, but she saw how it affected her sire and worried him so, which concerned her more than her own personal health. The woman took a deep breath out of habit to give herself the strength of continuing to walk in order to find her master a private booth. Her doe-eyed hazel orbs blinked when she felt a strong hand rest on her shoulder and she turned around, seeing a rather burly Lycan before her. The male told her that the owner of the club had found the Second and brought him to a private room. He was to escort her there.

Alexandria gave him a gracious smile and bowed her head, responding, "Thank you kindly, sir. I appreciate you taking your time to bring me to them."

The serious and almost stern expression on his face could not help but curl into a small smile. The woman was just so warm, like a ray of sunshine. What a curiously odd case for a Vampire. He noticed that she seemed rather weak while following him so he offered his large, muscled arm to act as support for her. She nodded, thanked him once more, and they continued to walk to their destination. The two talked pleasantly with one another and the Lycan actually was glad he was able to escort the sweet female to the room. Not only was she lovely to look at, but her personality and smile was so captivating and warming. He only wished the walk could have been longer when they reached the room, where he proceeded to knock. At hearing Jayde's approval to enter, he opened the door and Alexandria thanks him for a third time and went into the room. The woman politely bowed to the Second and then smiled at Jayde, saying, "I am so very gracious for the escort, Miss Archer. It was too kind of you~"

There was no falseness in her words and it was clear she meant every word of it, unlike most people who simply said such things to make themselves look better. The woman tensed slightly and felt deeply embarrassed at Adrien's request and the way he said his words and then looked at her. She felt like a foolish child and only held more guilt for troubling the Second... and now Jayde. When her sire strode over to her and took her arm to support her, heading them over to the couch, she whispered another apology, saying how deeply sorry she was for troubling him once more. Alexandria truly was and it was written all across her face. But deep down the woman could not deny that she enjoyed attention from her sire and being in his presence. She also loved being able to hook her arm in his and walking by his side... it made her heart bubble up, even now with her guilt and weariness. Just being around him made the woman feel much better, as if he were the cure for her everything. The man proceeded to sit her down and, after thanking Jayde, went down beside her. To show her gratitude, she bowed her head at the woman as well and smiled once more.