Darkness Rising: Cursed Guardians

Welcome to Cauldron

After hanging up with Cass I called Sybil and got no answer. Feeling again. Maybe she was just having an off day. Cass arrived about an hour later. After letting Marge look her over she came up front to work the rest of the day in book store with me where she asked my question after question after question. When we approached hour two going over what happened in the alley way I threatened to screw with hair while she slept. Instant change of subject. She's very fussy about her hair. At five we went to the back so Cass could do an entire ensemble swap and I could switch out my skinny jeans for my leather pants but not before Cass looked at my injures. Truly they were more scrapes and cuts then injuries. After doing several turns in the mirror I went into my bag to see if I had any other top options. My normal clothes for the shoppe are jeans or cute dressy pants and an accompanying top. Today I had on a green sweater that had gormets and chains and buckles all over and was nicely curve hugging but not enough to make me uncomfortable. Normally this would be fine to wear to Cauldron but I wasn't feeling it with the leather. Rummaging I found one of my corset tops, one of my absolute favorites. It was black leather and deep red lace mixed together. Lace pieces made up the cap sleeves and the sides of the top had strategic places where the lace was placed so you could see a little tiny bit of skin and the boning. Though the demon attack early had ruined my pants I was able to buff out the scuffs on my boots. 5" heels, 1" platform, black leather with buckles going up the shaft and one across the ankle. Divine. 

Cass was a true sight. She looked like a French maid gone naughty goth. The fluffy skirt had fishnet swen onto the hem, had a slit down the middle to her navel, and was so short it barely kept her covered when she bent over. She'd get good tips tonight if we had a busy night. She added red thigh highs attached to a garter belt and some sling back black heels to complete the outfit. Her hair was expertly done as usual with parts pinned up and glam make up to highlight her already gorgeous face. I inwardly sighed envying her gorgeousness. Cass turned her attention to me and touched up my hair and make up then we headed out to Caulron.

At the back door I saw not one but four security cameras and couldn't help a huge stupid grin which Cass immediately gave me a look. I took Cass through the back door and got her set up in the employee lockers then went to Demetri's office. I knocked and opened the door to find Demetri in his normal position behind the desk and again I got the stupid grin again thinking about the cameras. When he looked up at my face he gave me the most amazing smile as he got up to go through our normal routine. I however went a little faster and met him beside the desk to give him the most heart felt hug and kiss on the check I could muster.

"Not that I'm complaining" he mummered "but why the gorgeous smile and affection?" He pulled me closer wrapping his arms around me more. Gulp. I looked up at him and smiled.

"You installed security cameras. Not just one but four."

"Ah. Well would I get another kiss if I told you lights are getting installed tomorrow too. Maybe this one on the lips?" He raised his eyebrows up and down. I playfully smacked his chest. In compliance I gave him another kiss on the check but closer to the corner of his mouth. Que another dazzling smile. "That was closer darling." Again smack on the chest. "Well you can't blame me for trying. He finally released and then seemed to notice Cass standing in the doorway.

"Good evening Cassady. Do you prefer Cassady or Cass or something else maybe?" Demetri asked. Always so polite.

"Cass is good if you please. Cassady is so formal. I hope I got the attire right. Sabella seemed to approve." She smiled and did a little circle. I love my Cass.

Demetri watched her turn. "I'd say you nailed it. Just make sure you mix it up and also know we have theme nights sometimes. Anything you need just ask Sabella. A few things. First if you have any kind of history with the vampires and killing them I'd steer clear of them. I do have a no violence policy but alcohol and pissed off beings you never can be too careful. Second the basement is off limits. Also stay in the VIP area. The VIP area and the rest of the club are seprate that includes the bar and servers.You're a VIP hostess so you only serve the VIPs in that section and from the VIP bar. Lastly just do what Sabella says. She's your boss and also the head hostess and manager. Follow her lead and you'll have good tips and even enjoy the job. She has that effect on people." He smiled at me. I may have blushed slightly. "Also if you could keep an eye on her for me that would great given the events of the last couple of days. I am quite fond of her and would be extremely put out if something happened to her." All said while looking me in the eyes. Internal shiver. Cass gave a curt nod.

Looking away from Demetri I said to Cass "Lets go get you a headset and we will do a meet and greet with the staff." At that moment Stefan appeared and the tension in the room went up a thousand degrees. Wow they really don't like each other. Cass stiffened and then started the glaring. Okie dokie then. I grabbed Cass by the hand and lead her way around Stefan who was glaring right back at her.

"I'll be back in a few if you still want to go over things." I said over my shoulder. He nodded. I took Cass out into the club and began the introduction which ended up being to the other servers. Apparently she had already met the other bar tenders the previous night. We went quickly by the kitchen and to meet the staff at Witches Brew and of course Boris the bouncer. I handed her a headset and gave her a quick rundown of how we used it and what channels to use. I left her with Eve the other VIP hostess and Jack the bartender whom she was already acquainted and told her I would be back before opening.

In the back I knocked on Demetri's door which was opened by Stefan, who stormed away from Demetri who was standing in the middle of the room, passed by me in an extremely pissy mood. "He okay?" I asked walking to where Demetri stood. He sighed. "He's not happy about Cassady. He'll get over it. Any idea why they don't like each other?" he asked putting his hands on my shoulders. "Not a clue. I thought you would know for sure." I replied. He shock his head then seemed to focus completely on me. These intense stares made me twitchy and nervous and slightly heated.

As he looked at me he rubbed my shoulders and said "How are you? I mean truthfully? Are they treating you okay? Has he threatened you?" His voice was full of concern and his eyes bored into mine for the truth and perhaps something else. I looked back into his lovely eyes and said "Honestly no one has threatened me and they are treating me just fine. I feel like trouble is coming. " I sighed heavily feeling the weight of the past few days. Still looking at him I added "Truthfully I'm really okay just tired of being attacked. Assholes are getting bold. I got jumped in broad daylight today." Immediately he froze.

"What?" He bit out in a very low, chiling whisper. Seeing his reaction I quickly recounted the demon attack this afternoon. When I was finished I could feel the boiling anger rolling off of him in waves. He leaned down to put his forehead against mine and said "I can protect you Sabella. Don't go back tonight come home with me where I can keep you safe." That one statement was so laced with emotion and care it stunned me for a moment. I also realized there was definitely something else lying beneath the care and it's name was desire. Twitchy. I was very twitchy. Gotta move. I lifted my head and cupped the sides of his face with my hands.

"I know you would keep me safe and I can not put into words how much it means to me that you want to protect me but right now my place is with Cass. I'm completely certain of it but when that is done and if I'm still in danger and the offer still stands I might just take you up on it." He put his hands over mine and studied my face for long moments. Finally deciding he couldn't persuade me he dropped ours hands but kept hold of one to lead me to my usual seat so we could go through our routine. When we were done I left to go train Cass.

The night went smoothly. We had several VIP parties come in which included a group of elves who took an immediate liking to Cass. Lucky for me she was an extremely quick study. After the first few hours she had hostessing down asking various questions when she had them and making sure to interact with everyone from the clients to the staff. Around 12:30 I started getting a more intense feeling in my gut but it eventually subsided. Cass was attending to the elves while I had a group of shape shifters. The club was packed as usual and it appeared the bar was doing well. Over all a good night and I had to smile because my idea of having Cass work here had serious potential to work out. 

At last call all the VIP clients had gone and those left in the lower club were making their way towards the door. That was when I noticed one of the triplets in a corner in the lower level. Seeing me walk down he met me at the steps that led to the VIP area.

"Hey there Marco triplet. What brings you to Cauldron?" I asked though I was fairly positive I knew.

"I am Marco and Draco sent me to watch this place given you were attacked in broad daylight today." He said in a very bored tone.

"Oh well that's nice of him but you're not Marco." I was just pointing out a fact but it seemed to take him off gaurd.

Making a face he said "I am Marco. Why would you say I'm not?"

"Because you aren't. Marco took Cass to the Graces the night that I first came to the house. He has a crescent shaped scar underneath is left eye. You are also not the youngest of the three. He has a small dimple in his chin. You're the middle brother marked by the small mole on the right side of your nose." I'm a very observant person.

 He looked so stunned. "How could you possibly know all that?" "I watch people for a living so I notice things. I know Marco is the oldest because he carries himself as the one with the most responsibility, a common trait amoungst older siblings. The looks that you and Marco shot at your younger brother when he asked if he could keep me screamed that he is the youngest. I have three cousins who are exceptionally close in age and when the youngest makes a comment that the others don't approve of they give her the same look." Only difference was that Ange usual got a look and punch in the arm.  He paused a moment the stuck out a hand. "Marcus." He said and we shook."I assume you'll be following us home and I'm to report straight to Draco about the demon attack?" He nodded. Oh joy. Well if I was gonna get the third degree at the house then I was gonna have some fun before I left. Walking over to the our resident DJ, a devil named Sam stage name DJ Horns, and asked him to play something ass shakin good. Giving me a grin filled with pointed teeth he nodded and scanned his play list as I turned to go.

I jumped up on the bar and beckoned Cass to join me. By this time our patrons were gone and the bar staff from the lower level as well as from Witches Brew had made their way to VIP. "Cass my darling" I said from atop the bar "we have a tradition of bringing the house down on a good night and I'd say tonight's a good night. Hit it Horns!" I yelled turning to see Demetri leaning in the doorway to the back. Super Massive Black Hole by Muse came blasting through the speakers and the ass shaking began. When we were done I hoped off the bar and walked to Demetri who was smiling like a child in a candy story. I gave him the most innocent look I could while behind me the ass shaking party continued. "What?" I said innocently. He made a throaty noise and stroked my cheek with the backs of his fingers. "I could watch you do that all day long." I smiled and rolled my eyes walking back to the office to complete functions for the night.