Faline

Few hours go by just making those dishes. Alfredo pasta, spicy Mexican rice, and breaded mushrooms are next to be started. Serval Shifter is still working on her sweets and is quite the trooper.

Even when the rest of us had stepped back for a break, she kept going. The way I have things going, we'll spend a few hours doing a collection of dishes, then change to something else. The finished food either gets put on one of the island counters or directly to the tables for those coming in.

The salad bar rotates between holding salad fixings, veggies, and sweets. Even if I made five pounds of that Mexican rice, it would be gone within the hour. Beginning to think that some of the animal patrons are also coming in and bringing buddies; many not being in any type of uniform and don't look familiar. Granted I don't know everyone here, but I thought I knew most. Even my crew slides glances over to see and watch the newcomers.

I wave Seth in closer, with all the chatter going on at the tables and the room in general, there's no overhearing convos unless you're right next to them. Handing him a plate that I just piled stuff onto randomly, I look from him out over the room.

"Do you recognize any of them? They aren't subs so they have to be from elsewhere. Is there an event going on up front or something?"

When I don't get a response, I look back at him. Over seven feet worth of wolf is just looking at the plate I'm still holding out for him. Looking at it myself, I have to do a double-take before I start laughing.

A giant turtle brownie is topped with Alfredo pasta, a side of mashed potatoes piled on lasagna, all next to shrooms. I grin and hold it up.

"I dare ya. Don't make me go into the triple dog dares, that's just cheesy."

His ears go back as blind eyes raise to mine.

"No, what's cheesy is that brownie covered in cheese sauce. This...this is a mess. You expect me to eat this?"

I grin mischievously.

"Well, of course, you're a dog aren't you? Dogs eat everything."

I think every single canine in the room looks over at me. Seth makes a grab for the plate as I burst out laughing. The conversations of everyone either lower in pitch or stop to see what's going on.

Putting a hand over my mouth does no good, as the various expressions just eyeball me. Looking over, even Salem and Marie have their arms crossed and try to pull off unamused expressions. Scarlett has a raised brow as if just daring me to say anything more.

Temporarily forgot that half my crew are canines, the other half being all male kitties, who as of right now are grinning at me with glittering eyes. Unable to hold it, my mouth opens wide as I burst out again. Every one of my kitchen buddies joins in, so I look back at Seth. He's still looking at me, but I see the shining in his eyes. Looking out over the room, I try to make up for the insult.

"Oh come on, you guys cannot take offense when I just called my sister a dog as well. Granted she doesn't go around humping thi..."

Salem comes up behind me and covers my mouth, which just makes me laugh all the more. From what I can see of the newcomers, they're either shaking their heads or openly grinning. The Werewolf at my back is only a few inches taller than me, so the move isn't that awkward.

She lets go shortly after as I try to contain myself. To keep it from going all over the floor, he had grabbed it, but Seth is just holding the plate, unsure what to do. I smile at him while biting my lip.

"I'd eat it, but that's because I miss food so much. I, or someone else, can make you up a different plate if you'd like."

I legit would eat it if I could. An explosion of flavors right there, man. Maybe not exactly good flavors, but still. He shrugs, taking it off to the wall counter where he leans and eats it.

Putting my hands on cocked hips, I give him a look. All that trouble and he's going to eat it anyway.

What the hell.

Shaking my head, I turn back to my counter, frowning at it when I realize that my question was never answered.

Doesn't matter now though, as Avina comes back in. I turn to Kerry and let her know the two rooms she can most likely find me in. If not in them I'm either being held in the Mistress's rooms or somewhere else I don't want to be.

Not sure why I'm telling her, but it just seems like a good idea that I let someone know. She gives me a wondering look, so I flick my eyes toward the human coming toward us. She blinks, then dips her head in understanding. I hope.

Turning back around, Avina is just reaching my set of counters, looking out at the new faces.

"Do you know any of them?"

She looks startled for a moment before nodding.

"Who are they?"

The collar that had been around her neck when I first left is no longer adorning her throat. Thin frame wearing only the typical uniform of loincloth and clamps. Really hate those things. Never worn them, but they just seem like they'd be annoying.

Her long black hair is pulled back, per usual. Seems many of the longer haired slaves have their hair put up. Only reason I can figure is another thing to grab onto.

"Don't know them by name, but they work for my Mistress, much like Seth does. They've been gone for a while and just recently came back."

Looking over to the mentioned Were, he's licking at his muzzle, half his food gone. No utensils needed, he either uses his hands or his teeth to grab whatever he wants. Dude has to spend half his time in the shower with as grubby as he gets.

"The Mistress would like you to accompany her on an outing."

I sigh, knowing that was coming. Every time this submissive comes near me anymore it's because her 'Lady' wants something. I know it's not Avina's fault, but it's getting harder and harder to look at her with anything other than trepidation.

Removing my apron, I toss it on my tables in annoyance. Eyes from all around the room watch me as I wash up and follow the girl out. Seth comes in at my back as we go into the hallway.

"What do you mean 'outing'?"

She glances over at me, her hands clasped in front of her casually.

"Remember how I told you she goes out and 'collects' people? Where she gets them from? Apex takes her to these places and arranges transport for any she likes. She's going out to one of those places tonight and wants you to join her."

Walking on in silence, I recall Lady's actions earlier today just after Apex had come in. The 'goods' he mentioned and having an address. Her nodding and saying I should accompany her but not revealing any more than that.

"Do you know where it is she wants to go?"

The submissive shakes her head. It's funny, many of them are taller than me, but they all seem so much shorter from their shyness and hesitancy. I hope someday in the future I can bring many of them out of their shells more, able to develop an actual personality.

All the animals in the kitchen right now I've been able to coax out slowly but surely, each one developing not just in body but spirit as well. The guys, for example, have seemed to form a pecking order; Joey being the head of the whole group. That isn't too surprising, if he didn't keep it hidden, he'd be quite the leader.

Ty is his second and Lex the third. Where Ty is more serious and observant, Lex is more playful, laid back. Salem seems to be lead female after Kerry, with Marie and Scarlett being at the bottom with Lex. Doesn't make them less, just not as assertive. Both are really shy and Scarlett is still pretty jumpy. Reminds me of Maii, but even he wasn't this bad.

I swallow a smile down at the thought of the young coyote. Upon first meeting him, he was an anxious little guy. I say 'little', but he's a couple of inches taller than I. Since taking him out of here, he's really blossomed. Showing interest in so many things, like how a child half his age would look and react. He wasn't clueless by any means, just unaware of some stuff. Since I have no idea of his background, I couldn't even guess as to what he does or doesn't know.

We go to the room where I have my bag and shoes. Kind of surprised they're still here, to be honest. Figured if someone hadn't run off with them, Avina would have taken them to the Witch's rooms.

After equipping my feet, she takes me up to the front. Bunch of people are milling about randomly. Vamps all done up in either fetish wear or medieval fluffery.

Have a feeling that's how you can judge many of their ages. There are a few done up more in a modern casual, but it's still Gothic based. Think they all watch too many movies.

A range of looks get passed my way, from curiosity to outright hostility. With Lady's earlier threat still fresh in my head, I don't react how I usually would, instead just try and avoid any direct contact.

An older looking woman whips out and grabs my arm. Done up in the years ago fashion, all black and spotted in gold, eyes fly to hers immediately, both others and mine. The submissive next to me seems to shrink in on herself. That action more than anything else steels my spine. With a raised brow, I look at the woman.

She had been Converted later in life, skin is smoothed out and pale, but you can tell. She has that 'old' feel to her. The whole top of her head is in a midnight wrap, draped in thin gold chains. Thicker gold adorns her hands, throat, and body. Faded green eyes look into mine while I feel Seth coming close. The woman spares him a glance, a look of disgust on her face. Oh yeah, this woman and I are not going to get along at all.

She's sitting at a small table situated between pillars set around the room, submissive at her side in the position and head bowed low. The smell of feline is strong around her, vaguely reminding me of Kie's friend, Benjamin. Tiger.

Her grip hardens as she tries to pull me closer, so I go forward willingly. Being up close to her just makes it that much easier to strike out if I need to. Her hands are enfolded in silk gloves, but I can still feel the nails.

"I don't know what you want lady, but if you don't let go of my arm, you and I are going to have some issues."

Surprise shows in her features for just a second, so fast that I'm not sure if I saw it or not. She doesn't let go, but she does loosen her death grip.

"You're the pet of the Lady of the house, aren't you? I've been hearing many stories about you. Tell me, are you the one they call Faline?"

With her grip loosened, I twist my arm out of her hand, resisting the urge to rub the barely-there red mark. Expression falling into one of annoyance as I respond to her.

"I am no one's pet, and most of those stories are probably bullshit, so don't take them to heart."

Her head tilts as she looks me over. Even though she's sitting, it's obvious she isn't that much taller than me. That won't mean much though, older Vamps will be stronger than your run of the mill everyday Vamp.

Nicolaus is older, Lady older than he. This woman feels older than that. Pissing her off probably isn't a good idea, but doing so is what I'm best at.

Taking a step away towards the front doors, she reaches out again. Expecting it, I pull out of the way, turning and glaring at the woman.

"I'm not a damn squeaky toy either, quit grabbing me. You're older, where're your damn manners?"

The air in the room seems to still as we look at each other. A small quirk of her lips is followed by her motion to resume. Dipping my head, I take a few steps back before turning my back on her.

Avina is shaking at my side and Seth is a heat at my back once again. Apex is up ahead, watching the action from a safe distance. His face shows nothing, but those eyes show his laughter.