A Weekend Affair # 4 - The Black Gala

[Persephone]

Ava questioned the intent of Stavros' gift, unsure as to how to feel about it. It wasn't that he never gifted her with extravagant things before, it was that the timing was very strange.

John: "Maybe he wants to show you his support."

Ava looked down at the ring, finally putting it on. It looked beautiful in contrast to her olive skin; her delicate fingers making it seem as if it were made specifically for her.

"That's not in my father's nature."

Stavros never outwardly supported Ava or told her he was proud. It seemed weak in nature to do so, or so he claimed. While he did gift her presents in the past, it was never for doing something he found noteworthy or as a reward. He said that was reserved for dogs and people who craved acceptance. No, Stavros would simply give Ava a look, and that was his way of saying she 'did good'. So this unexpected gift wasn't unusual per say, but the fact that he sent it the night of her big gala was what was making Ava question it. Still, she couldn't help but feel that maybe John was right. That deep down, he was sending this as a way to express that he was proud of her. That she had taken what she wanted and made it her own as he had taught her since she was a child. Ava ran the pad of her thumb along the diamond, wishing she hadn't answered her phone; her mind plagued with questions.

"I should finish getting ready."

John: "Ava...we can talk about this..."

She had told John before that being together meant they would be completely open with one another. That they could lean on each other and support each other through anything. But this? This was deeply personal to her. Stavros was a wildcard that Ava wouldn't let into her relationship. So she didn't answer John, simply giving him a kiss before trying to cut the tension by joking about having to fix her hair.

John: "Well then maybe you should leave it messy for just a little while longer..."

She smiled at that.

"Maybe you're on to something."

But Ava stood from the bed, heading into the bathroom to finish getting ready. She knew John was hinting at sex, but Ava needed to clear her mind. Hell, maybe getting fucked hard and relentlessly would be the better options; that would definitely get her mind off her father. But alas, she opted to continue getting ready.

Grabbing her curling iron, Ava flipped her head over and began to mess up her once sleek hair, deciding John was right. There was no point in having perfect hair if they were just going to mess it up later. Ava began to curl random pieces of her hair, giving herself a sexy messy curl look. Ava ran her fingers through it as John walked into the bathroom fully dressed now and putting on his cuff links.

John: "Do you think Amanda & Ben are okay with things?"

Ava unplugged the curling iron and softly smiled, seeing him fumbling with one of the cuff links. She took over for him, helping him with it.

"They seemed fine with it. And if they're not, they'll get over it."

She was tired of worrying about whether her court would be angry about certain decisions that were made. This trade was the best possible scenario for ALL sides, and if Amanda and Ben didn't understand that then they needed to open their eyes. Ava finished putting on John's cuff link and looked up at him while shaking her head.

"I told you you didn't have to wear a suit. I know how you hate them."

She chuckled lightly, running her hands down the lapels of his jacket.

"But I must say...you look very sexy."

Lifting to her toes, she gave him a small kiss.

"You've always filled out a suit well."

Ava turned back to the mirror, picking up her perfume and spritzing some on her wrists and behind her ears.

"How much do you want to bet AJ will show up shirtless."

She cocked up a brow while looking at him through the mirror, an amused grin appearing at the thought of AJ's definition of 'upscale casual'.

 

[Steel]

The Black King & Queen's Suite

John knew Stavros. And he knew the way he treated his daughter. And he also knew that Ava craved his approval. He wanted her to think of this gift as something positive, rather than something to be concerned about. This was her night, and she deserved to enjoy it. So he tried to put a positive spin on it.

"That's not in my father's nature."

"I know."

Ava said she was going to get ready, but he tried to stop her, telling her that they could talk about how she was feeling. But she just said she had to fix her hair. He tried to pull her back to him, back to the mood she had been in before, suggesting that maybe they could leave it messy for a bit. But she still got up and went into the bathroom. The silence while they got dressed in separate rooms was deafening to him. So he tried to open up the conversation again, this time with a less volatile topic. He asked her if she thought Ben and Amanda were okay with their announcement about Cassandra and Daniel.

"They seemed fine with it. And if they're not, they'll get over it."

She reached over to help him with his cufflinks, and he smiled warmly down at her. It was little things like that that made him love her.

"I told you you didn't have to wear a suit. I know how you hate them. But I must say...you look very sexy."

She ran her hands over the lapels of his jacket, then stood on her toes to kiss him.

"You've always filled out a suit well."

"I'm King now, I need to look the part. Besides."

He leaned down to plant a kiss on her neck, his eyes looking at their reflection in the mirror.

"You like it."

"How much do you want to bet AJ will show up shirtless."

"That or ripped jeans and a cutoff tee shirt."

He thought about it for a second.

"Which would actually make me pretty jealous."

He slipped his arms around her.

"And maybe it will cool off Alek's, when he sees that Savage is so not trying to be king."

 

[Hex]

Brienne warned Alek that the hemlock he was carrying was very poisonous, though her warning could have been construed to mean other things.

Alek: "Most say the same about you."

"Most are correct."

Alek: "But that's why it's a gift."

"How kind."

She took the bottle and placed it on the table next to the door. Gifting her a drink as a means to butter her up? To say it's been fun but they were done their little games? Or as an apology for ditching her? She couldn't really tell so she played a little game of cat and mouse telling Alek she didn't appreciate how he had left her at the hunt. Hell, if he were any other man she would have cut him off at the knees, quite literally, and watched as he cried in agony until he bled out.

Brienne then brought up Haleigh and the others Queens, telling him she wasn't in favor with them to gauge his reaction.

Alek: "You're already a Queen. In another branch. What fuck do you give what they think of you?"

"Oh I don't. I'm just making a friendly observation."

She grinned cockily.

Alek: "Besides, you seemed very cozy with the Black Bishop when I came to get you for our tour."

Gotcha. So he had noticed her little chat with Benjamin Lewis. Well then, it seemed Alek was a little more interested in Brienne than even she had anticipated. Perfect. Nothing like having a hot King in your bed to keep your warm at night AND fucking with that cunt Haleigh in the process.

"He seems to be the only one from any court who's interested in building any sort of relationship with me, outside of you of course. [gesturing to the bottle] So....does this mean i'm still in your favor, King Alek? Or are you giving me a parting gift because your Queen's want me gone?"

Alek had a look in his eyes that looked animalistic. Fucking hell he was gorgeous when he was angry. She could feel the rage radiating from him despite him trying to temper it. He put his hands on her waist, pushing her further into her suit while his lips were dangerously close to hers.

Alek: "I don't answer to queens. I'm a king."

"Is that so?"

She countered defiantly, knowing she could make him get on his knees for her. Alek's mouth roughly took claim over hers, his tongue invading her mouth heatedly. Brienne kissed him back with just as much fervor until he pulled away, breaking the kiss.

Alek: "And I'm here because I want to fuck you senseless."

A sexy grin crept along Brienne's lips at the thought. He was fucking gorgeous when he was this riled up. These American Queen's were idiots for not snatching him up sooner.

"What are you waiting for then?"

She goaded before their mouths collided once again, Brienne gripping Alek's long hair and holding him firm into their kiss. She was already soaked for him, feeding off his anger and lust like a leech. His hand slipped between them and past the waist band of her leather pants. He immediately could feel how badly she wanted him, gasping between their kiss as his fingers hooked inside her. Alek then pulled back, Brienne panting out heavily with a mixture of excitement and passion. His lips then went to her ear.

Alek: "You already feel so good..."

She grinned at that, pulling back enough to look at him in the eyes.

"And it's all for you, love..."

Brienne undid Alek's belt and pants while her mouth continued to stake claim on his. She pushed his pants a bit down so they were resting low on his hips, releasing him from the confines of the material. At this point she was walking backwards, bringing Alek with her until she met the edge of the couch. Breaking the kiss, Brienne turned herself around so her back was to Alek, pushing her leather pants down over her ass while simultaneously bending over the arm of the couch for him to take her. She turned her head to look over her shoulder with seductively eyes.

"I'm yours."

If Ashley, nor Ava, nor Haleigh wanted him? Brienne would have him, and give him whatever he wanted.

 

[Persephone]

John looked so incredible cleaned up in a suit. There was something about an Englishmen in a suit that made Ava's heart flutter. But she knew how much he disliked being dressed up, opting for a more casual look.

John: "I'm King now, I need to look the part. Besides. You like it."

He could have dressed in jeans and a t shirt and still looked the part as king, but what made Ava smile was that he was doing it for her. But her smile became a grin at the thought of something.

"If I listened to what you liked, i'd be naked all the time."

Laughing, Ava turned back to the mirror to put on some perfume before she would get dressed. John came up behind her, kissing her neck and wrapping his arms around her waist. Ava couldn't help but keep the smile off her face, the thoughts of Stavros fading far into the distance. She extended her neck, allowing him more access. Then an amusing thought came to mind about Savage and how he'd likely show up shirtless.

John: "That or ripped jeans and a cutoff tee shirt. Which would actually make me pretty jealous."

Ava chuckled, looking at John through the mirror with a warm yet exasperated expression.

"Then wear jeans and a t shirt, babe. You're king, you can do whatever you want now."

Speaking of kings...

John: "And maybe it will cool off Alek's, when he sees that Savage is so not trying to be king."

Ava gently shrugged at the thought, though she doubted Savage showing up in jeans and a t shirt would comfort Alek in any way. In fact, for some reason Ava believed it might even piss him off because he wasn't dressing appropriately to the party.

"I think it's going to take a lot more than Savage under dressing for Alek not to be threatened. I hate to say it, but his 'relationship' with Brienne might be beneficial to us. It could keep him distracted....or at the very least, happy."

Alek was the only royal member without a significant other....outside of his relationship with Haleigh, which truly was no relationship at all. And with a baby coming? Ava had no doubt in her mind that Cameron was going to become extremely territorial which would lead to even more issues beyond just Ashley and Savage. Little did Ava know that it was already happening. She turned around to face John, placing her hands on his chest and gently pushing him backwards.

"You....out."

She playfully teased with a grin.

"I need to get dressed."

 

[Berserker]

Brienne's Suite

Alek brought up Ben, and seeing him with Brienne.

"He seems to be the only one from any court who's interested in building any sort of relationship with me, outside of you of course."

"You don't need a relationship with anyone else."

He could have told her all the ways in which she was culpable in not gaining any of the other queens' favor, but right then? He didn't really give a fuck. All he wanted was hot sex, with a hotter woman. He knew she wanted to be wanted, so he gave her that. He showed it to her, his animalistic desire.

"What are you waiting for then?"

His fingers slipped inside her as they kissed heatedly. She was so ready it made him hard, and her hands undoing his pants got him the rest of the way there. She pulled him towards the couch, then turned and bent herself over it. He growled, low and deep in his chest. Her bare ass was in front of him, and he smacked each cheek, hard. He pressed himself against her, letting her feel his need. His hands slid from her waist upward, pushing her top over her breasts so he could grip them. He reached down and ran the tip of himself over her wetness, then pressed it inside her. His arm hooked around her waist and then he slid himself all the way in. His chest pressed against her back as his hips collided with her ass as he fucked her. He slammed against her fast and hard, his hand leaving her breast to grab her hair, tilting her head back so he could capture her mouth deeply again.

He raised himself up and released her hair so he could grip her hips with both hands and increase his pace. Fuck everyone who looked down on him. He was a king. And he was fucking a beautiful European queen. He was no one to laugh at. He would be treated with the proper respect. He grunted as he thrust harder into her. He wanted to make her come, he wanted her to scream his name.

When he felt her body shudder her pressed his chest against her back again, keeping himself inside her, making a smaller but no gentler motion in the deepest part of her. He reached down to stroke her sex, his mouth on her neck.

"You feel so amazing Bree...so fuckin' amazing...."

 

[Steel]

The Black King & Queen's Suite

She told him he didn't have to wear a suit, but he told her he had to look the part of a king, and also that she liked it.

"If I listened to what you liked, I'd be naked all the time."

He grinned, wrapping his arms around her.

"Sounds good to me."

Ava laughed that AJ would probably show up without a shirt, and he said or in jeans and a t shirt, making him jealous.

"Then wear jeans and a t shirt, babe. You're king, you can do whatever you want now."

He kissed her neck.

"I want to be the best king I can for you. And that means not dressing like a roadie."

He suggested that maybe if Savage did show up in a tee shirt & jeans, Alek would realize he wasn't competition.

"I think it's going to take a lot more than Savage under dressing for Alek not to be threatened. I hate to say it, but his 'relationship' with Brienne might be beneficial to us. It could keep him distracted....or at the very least, happy."

Steel shrugged.

"Yeah, for tonight. But what happens when Brienne goes home?"

Alek was always so calm and collected, put together. The model of a king, really. Until this weekend. And it made John nervous. What if Alek had something planned? Or what if he was just going off the rails? The Black Court was coming together, but the other two courts looked like the smallest change could tear them apart. And with Haleigh and Cameron trying to have a baby...change was coming.

He was standing there, pondering the situation, when Ava's hands came onto his chest and she suddenly was pushing him out of the bathroom.

"You....out. I need to get dressed."

"Wait - I thought you were going to be naked all the time..."

He grinned at her before turning and doing as he was told. Heading into the living room, he took a seat and waited for her to be ready to go.

 

[Discord]

By the time Daniel Reed got back to his suite and new home at The Hellfire Mansion, he was feeling pretty good. He had gotten everything he wanted this weekend, and he had gotten it swiftly. It was a trait he was hoping the members of his new inner circle would pay attention to. If you wanted to get things done? Ask Daniel. But he was not too cocky, there was a part of him that didn't like he had been traded like he was a baseball card. He wasn't reading too much into it, but he definitely felt a bit of pressure to prove to both Ava and John that they had made the better trade. Retiring to his private salon, Daniel turned on some music, disrobed and stepped into the large marble shower, the water steaming as hot as he felt right now. He squeezed an obnoxious amount of shampoo on his hands and began to work the lather through his raven like hair as he enjoyed the flurry of emotions rushing through his body in the way that only an omega level empath and illusionist could.

"All these people talking 'bout us now..."

Daniel sang along out loud, while deep in thought.

He would start his campaign by attempting to form a much closer relationship to John. With his appointment, the black court was facing a philosophical and political revival. John would help move them in a different direction, and Daniel wanted to make sure he was on the ground floor. And though he hadn't know Ava for long, there was an implicit trust there by way of a unique energy they both shared with one another. Ava trusted John, and more than that - she loved him. If there was any person who might be able to change her mind, it would be John. And sometimes it was the job of the Bishop to know when his rulers needed to be turned in a different direction. He HAD to have The Black King's trust, not to mention the fact that he was an absolutely deliciously carved obsidian stone of a man. There were worse kings to look at, something Daniel definitely KNEW after serving under Alistair.

Daniel rinsed off his body as he danced a bit joyfully to the music filling his bathroom. Though an empath, he was not a natural softy. He liked to control his message, so he rarely allowed himself to display anything that might give somebody power over him. But he was alone, and he couldn't help it. He was happy. As he toweled off, his mind wandered to Helena. Many would be quick to call him a traitor, and although it was ironic given the fact that she was now actually deceased, if there was one thing Helena had taught Daniel was how to survive. That as long as you were alive, there was a chance to tip the scales in your favor if you knew what to look for. Daniel believed that in coming to the American Court, he was in a sense carrying on her legacy, doing what she would have done, showing them that although he was not her child, that he was a legacy child in his own right. But he was not the only one who had learned a great deal from Helena.

"Alek."

Helena loved Alek. If she could have been contacted from beyond the grave, she would tell Alek that she respected his move. One thing he intended to change was the relationship between the red and black court. He may have been on the black court now, but he would not allow the red to be trampled by the white. Helena would kill him. If the red and black court could work together, the sheer amount of resources they had would make them able to steamroll over anything in their path. It seemed as if Alek and Ava were softening on each other, and Daniel felt he had made good strides towards a relationship with Alek, which became increasingly important to him as he got dressed. Slipping into a sleek black short sleeve button up shirt, he slipped into a pair of perfectly tailored slate grey fitted chinos, made for him by the people of Caraceni, one of the most famous italian tailories in the world. From his suitcase, he brandished a black leather harness, slipping it over his shoulders. He knew his Queen would appreciate the dramatics, and Daniel was feeling his hot leather daddy oats. Slipping a spiked black bracelet over his dominant and left hand, he slipped on a pair of black patent leather combat boots, made specifically for him by Tom Ford, whom he had once had an on again off again affair in his early twenties. He laced them up with a sultry smirk.

Running a bit of pomade through his hair, he styled himself in a high fashion rockabilly style before giving himself a once over in the mirror. He may have had competition in Europe, but there was now doubt to him in this moment - he was the best dressed man of Hellfire America. The night's trajectory was becoming clear. The professional that he was knew he would arrive before the other member's of The Black Court, allowing him ample time to put some finishing touches on the event before John and Ava arrived. He had a pretty good understanding of Ava's taste and knew what she would want and what he would need to nix immediately. From there, he was going to make sure to get a bit of alone time with John as well as Alek, and in the back of his mind, the other Queens remained as well, although now he was not looking for the same thing. Now he needed to get a sense of how they felt about Ava and John, and use his powers to get the black court what they needed - information. Spritzing a bit of insanely priced cologne, Daniel headed down towards the conservately, pleased that the decor seemed to mimick what Daniel was wearing.

Bretta was there. As was Haleigh. It was clear to him that people were feeling bad for not showing more fanfare for Ava's coronation of John as her king. The fact that the Queens had shown up before most of their inner circles and their kings meant that people were worried. This was a good thing. Daniel weaved in an out of the party and staff like a well trained ballerina, navigating his way through the crew, approving or dissapproving of some last minute aesthetic choices and grabbing a flute of champagne.

"Well if the big dogs are going to show up before the pups, I guess I better take advantage."

Announcer: "We welcome..the newly appointed American Black Rook...Sir Daniel Reed."

He liked the way it sounded. He moved through the crowd as Bretta O'Malley, his former Queen introduced himself. Daniel caught Damien out of the corner of his eye, unimpressed. It was a mistake, having him come here, but that wasn't his problem anymore. His conversation with Bretta had left him resolved to let Bretta move her court where she wanted.

Bretta: "Haleigh, dear. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Are we taking meetings? Because I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting the White Queen either?"

Daniel smiled and raised his glass in a celebratory fashion before taking a small sip. He bowed before Bretta as a sign of respect and awaiting for Haleigh to dictate where she wanted the conversation to head.

"Daniel Reed. Black Bishop...Hellfire America."

He bowed his head in reverence.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, your majesty."

 

[Hex]

Alek came there for a reason, and it wasn't to talk or drink. She could feel the anger from him - the rage of what had happened earlier in culmination with other factors she assumed had to do with Haleigh. He wanted to fuck. He wanted to be the king he knew he was. He wanted to take her and dominate her....and who was she to stop him? Brienne loved sex in all forms. But she enjoyed it even more with someone who could match her mixture of pleasure and pain. The Red King was that man.

Alek: "You don't need a relationship with anyone else."

An answer to her stating she had no relationship with any other member of the American Inner Circle outside of him. She grinned wickedly at that before asking him what he was waiting for. Their mouths met heatedly, hands exploring each other with need and desire. She was already so wet for him, undoing his pants with a quick ease before pulling him back with her toward the couch. She then turned around, pushing her own leather pants down over her ass and bending over for him. If he wanted to fuck his frustrations away, she would let him do just that. He slapped both of her ass cheeks hard, her skin turning a pink hue from the force of it. She transferred that pleasure to Alek, showing him how turned on she was from how rough he was being with her. He then pushed himself against her, showing her how turned on he was. Brienne began to breath hard, her sex already pulsing with anticipation.

"Fuck me."

She ordered with a growl. Alek roughly pushed up under her top, grasping her breast while running the tip of himself against her. Her chest heaved with need, grabbing his hand that held her and flooding him with exactly what he was doing to her. Every synapse in his body firing, causing him to become dizzy with pleasure and frustrated with need. Then, he finally pushed himself into Brienne causing her to grunt out a low growl, letting her head hang for a moment as he held himself motionless. It was a taste....only a taste. And finally he gave her the meal she had been craving. He began to fuck her relentlessly, pounding his hips against her ass rough and hard without pause. Brienne cried out as he yanked her by her hair, pulling her head back and capturing her mouth. She moaned out loudly between their kiss, each connection of his hips causing her so much pleasure she couldn't keep quiet. He then let go of her hair, opting to grab her by the hips now so he could pull her even more forcefully against him to fuck her even harder. He was not only fucking her with need, but with power. A power he was taking BACK from everyone who had wronged him. Brienne gripped the couch cushion and clawed at the pillows. With each thrust he pushed her to her brink, Brienne crying even louder as she reached her limit.

"FUCK ALEK!"

Screaming his name, she came hard against him, keeping every bit of pleasure for herself this time. She didn't want to give it to Alek, not wanting him to come too soon. Brienne wasn't done with him yet. Alek pressed his chest against her back, his motions slowing but his cock pushing deeply into her. It made her already trembling body shudder more, gasping in breaths and low groans.

Alek: "You feel so amazing Bree...so fuckin' amazing...."

"Mmmm baby....you've felt nothing yet..."

In that moment Brienne began to push what she was feeling into Alek's body; the pleasure, the heat, the sexual desire. Everything he was making her feel in that moment she made him feel. His cock would be on fire, hardening to a state even he never experienced. She then felt Alek's hand reach down to stroke her, making her moan out even more. She didn't sever their link, Alek able to feel everything Brienne felt in real time. And she was so close...so fucking close to coming again. But this time, she wanted to take him with her. Brienne began to push herself back against Alek, grinding against him. The movement became fast and faster until she let Alek take over. It didn't take long before her body became overwhelmed with pleasure once again, Alek fucking her hard and relentlessly until Brienne began to cry out once again, this time coming with Alek in a powerful crescendo between both king and queen.

Brienne's breath was shaky and heavy as Alek finally stopped moving, her body trembling and hot with sweat. She still didn't sever their connection, the intimacy between them heightened as they both settled from their shared high.

"Fuck..."

She whispered to herself, shutting her eyes for a moment to try and steady herself.

"Feel better?'

She asked with a bit of a breathless laugh. She personally felt like she just ran a fucking marathon.

 

[Avalanche]

He was just about to give Kate Middleton to good ole' what for, his consciousness stirred. The black all around his line of sight began to dissappear from view as he made out that he was lying in his bed at the Hellfire mansion. Shooting up quickly, Archer rubbed his eyes, his chest heaving. Exhaling deeply, his breath lingered in the air, thanks to the low temperature of the room. He was told that he had likely gotten alcohol poison, that his body had an adverse reaction to all the drugs in his sytem. Which reminded him. Reaching over towards the nightstand he unscrewed the top off a prescription bottle and popped two blue pills in his mouth.

"Fuckin' bollocks is what it is."

Archer was indestructible. In fact, for most of his twenties he thought that his ability to ingest any number of deadly chemicals and survive was in fact his super power, and that all the ice stuff was just a fluke. This was something else, and he knew immediately it had everything to do with Ava Cassadine, but he couldn't figure out what. She would have ensured he didn't wake up, so he knew she didn't want to kill him. Perhaps it was just a bit of tit for tat. Archer reached for his phone as he found he had almost no service. He grimaced as he sat up in his bed, the black silk sheets draped around his mid section, his breath still heavy in the air. At that moment a sliver light pierced the room as Brienne entered his suite.

The two spoke freely. She believed it was Ava as well, and she believed that her intentions were not as superficial as Archer wanted to believe. They went over scenarios and decided that the best defense was a good offense. They were going to be exaggerated versions of themselves, really test the limits of loyalty and see if there were any cracks that might lead them to somebody planning one hell of a move on The European Black Court. As Brienne left to go fuck Alek, Archer showered and changed, his mind racing. Part of him wanted to rip Ava's head off for the embarrassment of the event alone, and the other part of him wanted to see what she might look like in the shower. Whatever the case, it was clear to him the Americans thought him stupid or weak, and he wouldn't suffer it any longer. They wanted to humiliate him? Even if he died doing it, he would not stop until he returned the favor. Slipping into a black vee neck, black designer jeans, sleek boots, and a motorcycle jacket, Archer moved from his floor, his vitality being restored with every step.

He approached the archway of the entrance as he grabbed a glass of whisky from one of the server's passing by.

Announcer: "European Black King - Archer Fairchild"

[loudly]

"EVERYONE CAN NOW EXHALE! I am alive and well, no matter how unfortunate that may be for some of you!"

He downed the glass quickly as he grabbed another. He looked as members of The Inner Circle's eyes went to him and gave a cheeky smile.

"Well don't anybody trip over themselves to see how i'm doing!"

Archer laughed. This was going to be fun.

 

[Prophet]

While the alcohol was helping, The White King found himself needed more clarity than vodka was able to provide, so he stowed away to his private chambers and treated himself to a bit of meditation and relaxation. Sitting indian style in the center of the room amid candles and incense, Cameron hovered above his meditation rug, centering his mind as his eletric red psionic energy signature flickered around him. He was filtering through information, processing his feelings, psionically energizing and vitalizing his mind, and he needed it now more than ever. He was worried that he was becoming more like Diana, something his mother and Haleigh had always been concerned with. Though he was Kelly's son, there was nobody that could truly nurture his powers in the way that Diana could. He spent many hours under her tutelage learning to refine his powers, to become the weapon he needed to be in order to survive. He had always admired her skill, and at times, though he didn't like to admit it, he wondered what move Diana would make in certain situations. He was born into the black court and he was now the sitting White King, and there were more personal reasons for that shift. That and Ava would have killed him if she had been forced into wearing white.

"And now a son..."

The very fact that Haleigh was growing his son inside of her changed him. Even before he was conceived, the words falling out of his wife's mouth, telling him that she could bare him a child made him instantly different. All at once he began to feel some very primal and very instinctual feelings. He wanted to be the cool husband, the one who knew that their love was something that could never be fractured, and the other part of him wanted to put in her a glass display box or stasis tube until she gave birth, to protect both her and his son. An heir brought great risk to the both of them. They were essentially breathing a very large weakness for both of them into existence. Their son would be born a bargainning chip, a tool to be utilized for them or used against them. And the part of him that wanted desperately to be the father he never had wanted to run away. Take Haleigh and retire to somewhere beautiful and tropical, raise their son naked in the wild, the way a force of nature should be raised. There were so many conflicting thoughts, so many moments to come that would test both of them in a number of ways, and he felt like he had messed up the first step.

"I cannot have that man around my son."

It didn't matter if Haleigh was unwaiveringly loyal to Alek. He had shown that he was more dubious than he let on, and the fact that he had offered Cameron's son protection made him like the man even less. He didn't put it past Alek to play some sort of 'cool uncle' role to his son before using him to his own purposes. More than that, Cameron was an alpha male, and Alek seemed to be a little too interested in threatening that. The White King would not tolerate it. His wife had asked him to stop whatever it is that he was planning, but the wheels were already in motion. As Cameron touched the ground, he telekinetically expunged the candles and headed into his bathroom, seeing a text from his wife that she would meet him there.

"Just perfect."

When your wife was a technopath, you had to work very hard to navigate around. But it had also enlightened him on how to craft sophisticated communication systems with his own powers, and that was something he was very good at. Cameron passed intel through his power, implanting psychic impressions at various check in points, where his own pawns could use to mentally leave information that he could later hone in on and collect. No firewalls needed. His mind scanned his vast network of 'check in' points until he found the ones he was looking for. He needed to come up with a way for Alek to distrust Archer which was not an easy task. The two were fast friends and companions and had a bond and brevity that Alek didn't have with most people. But that was built on the fact that they respected each other's hustle and stayed in their own lanes. While both dabbled in The Black Market, they were able to maneuver around the other easily. But Cameron knew that if either ever made a move against the other, it would be a blood war.

When Ashley and Cameron had met earlier, they had decided Archer would die. They just needed to come up with a way for him to die without getting any blood on their hands, and right now it was Cameron's job to stack the deck in their favor. The second a kingship was open on the European Black Court, Ashley and Cameron would make the push for Alek to leave. He was beginning to believe, after his conversation with Haleigh that this would be a much easier said than done task, but he had promised Ashley, and if he didn't think he could sway his wife, he would have never made the promise. If he pulled this off, Ashley and Cameron would share a great deal of loyalty, and he would find himself very protected in terms of alliances. Ava was like a sister to him, his wife was the White Queen, and if all went well, he would be the one to help get Ashley what she deserved. He would be sitting fucking pretty, and with a son on the way, he needed to stay that protected.

"Bingo."

One of his pawns left word that Alek would soon be notified that Archer had expanded his diamond trade business, using Alek and Ashley's operations as a cover, and that he was not cutting them in on the profit. More than that, several operatives would report that Archer's men were attempting to recruit, offering sweet benefits from guerillas in Africa & The Middle East if they decided to leave. Most of The White King's pawns had powers of a psionic or telepathic nature, which allowed them to cause such believable anarchy. Pleased with what he had found, though worried his wife would become aware of his newfound alliance with Ashley he began to get ready for the Black Gala. His mind wandered to Brienne, curious as to what kind of game she was attempting to play with his wife, but confident that when the time came, he would slit her throat and paint the walls with her blood just as he had done with Morgan Victoria. If there was magick to be had in the world, Cameron would always make sure it rested in the hands of the Kings. He changed into an all white suit with black shoes and black stripes at his wrist - though he was The White King, it would be ignorant of him to ignore his origins, and as a sign of his respect for his mother and his lineage, he always made an effort to honor the black court in his presentation with small accents.

"Showtime."

As he walked down towards the conservatory, he shot a mental thought to Ashley - again a rare occurence, but the situation they were in required certain methods of communication.

[to Ashley] "I'm miserably failing with my wife, but in other news, you should be getting the information we discussed earlier any minute. Keep me posted as to how you want me to play this. Save time for a drink later?"

Walking into the conservatory he was impressed with the decor, it was decidedly Ava. The European Red and American Black had done a bit of business and moved a few pieces around the board. Benjamin Lewis was the new Black Rook, and Daniel Reed had crossed the pond to become the new Black Bishop. Cassandra was now The Red Princess and as he saw her, he thought of his sister. He would need to spend a bit of time with her later to make a few things clear and to ensure that she was not about to pull a Sybil on them. His head throbbed for a minute - there was so much work to be done tonight. So many conversations to have. He needed to keep Ben from his sister, keep his sister from killing anybody, get his wife to not be pissed at him, put the nail in the coffin of Alek's grave, figure out Brienne's endgame, figure out exactly what happened to Archer, and firmly plant the EWC onto his side. He saw a group of Inner Circle members gathering, making wild gestures and speaking energetically. Cameron wasn't quite ready.

"I need a minute."

And he thought he could get one, until a voice from the speakers announced his arrival. He rolled his eyes for a moment, before grabbing a glass of scotch from a tray, sniffing it and giving it a swish before taking a sip. He bowed and smiled and waved at people in the party as made his way towards a quiet corner of the area. Though Cameron usually loved the spotlight, he needed to step back and let things unfold a bit before he made his next move. That and he wasn't quite sure how to act around Haleigh, and took the fact that Daniel, Bretta and Archer were surrounding her as a welcome sign of relief that he could relax for a minute. His face searched the crowd for Ava.

 

[Goliath]

The evening had brought about a whirlwind of change, and Ben was excited. Ever since the revelation that Erika was his sister came to his attention, he had desperately wanted to wrestle himself free of the shackles that had kept him down for so many years. There had always been a place at the table for him, it was just that nobody had ever let him know. And he was intent on changing that. The fact that he had just become The Black Rook helped matters. His job was no longer in the shadows - he was to be a presence for the Black Court, and enforcer and an advisor. It was a big step up for him, and it proved to him that he had been making the right choices so far. While he knew that his assignment this evening was to look after Brienne and build a bridge, he found himself preoccupied with thoughts of Amanda Soto and how her lips tasted. Of how her long and slender frame felt as strong as an oak tree against his own stone hard body. He pictured himself pulling her long silken hair and watching her cry out in esctacy. A weight had been lifted from Ben and he was no longer capable of looking back, only forward.

The problem of Cassandra Johnson had been solved as well. Everything that seemed to be in his way this weekend had been removed and he took it as a sign from the universe that this was how things were supposed to unfold. Life seemed to be calling him, and Ben was certainly going to answer the call. As he showered and changed for The Black Gala, Ben refocused his mind towards Brienne Shaw. A well timed alliance had been struck between himself and Daniel during The Red Hunt, that they would both look after each other, and now that Daniel was their bishop, Ben was ready to test Daniel's words. If he was worth the trade he would still be able to work Brienne or at least put in a good word for the black court. He also intended to get into a more intimate setting with Erika so that he could at the very least talk to her, and start getting to know her.

Changing into a plain black t-shirt and jeans with a vintage motorcycle jacket, Ben headed over towards Amanda's quarters with a bottle of champagne in hand, ready to celebrate. He had been made Rook, she would soon be made Princess, and Ben was ready to get back to whatever it was that happened between them at the armory. He knocked on the door steadily.

"Housekeeping!"

 

[Wallflower]

Amanda was taking an extra long bubble bath with a particularly potent bath bomb, allowing the events of the day to wash out in the water around her as she sat in candlelight, her olive skin glowing against the incandescent flames around her. She was trying to remain present and positive. Her conversation with Cassandra had given her a bit of perspective that she hadn't had before, and she was trying to lean into the mistake she had made earlier. The Black Knight always prided herself on being perfect, of having a flawless record. She had been punished quite publically today and she knew that her name was flying through the gossip expressway at the speed of light. But she also knew that as a writer, people gravitated to those who's flaws they could identify with. While Amanda had sacrificed a bit of her pride during this weekend, she was determined to let it work for her. If anybody identified with her feelings, felt the slightest bit of sympathy for her situation, they would make themselves known tonight, and Amanda was prepared to use that against them. She was putting her foot in a different pool, and she was trying to embrace the change.

Her conversation with Cassandra had led her thoughts towards Ben. She felt like an absolute garbage dumpster of a person for sitting there, listening to Cassandra wax poetic on her relationship with Ben after she had just hooked up with him in the armory earlier, but as the water danced against her bare breasts in the tub, she couldn't help but feel Ben's hands on them. Something had changed him this weekend, and caused her to look at him in a different way. She had always viewed him as a bit of a gentle giant, but now, she saw him as less gentle, and far more giant. She knew that she had done good work with Archer considering the circumstances and she knew that the title of Black Princess was hers for the taking, it just wouldn't make sense to have her rewarded this weekend after such a disastrous afternoon. All things considered, Amanda was mending fences with John and Ava, healing with Cassandra, and had just secured herself a large chunk of power in the form of merging some of her assets with Ava Cassadine and the newly formed TRICELL. This was the beginning of her campaign to be a power player within Hellfire, but it was not without it's risk. She had made a move against Archer, who was very good friends with somebody she considered to be a very good friend - Alek. She wasn't sure what he would do when he found out what she had done. But this was a move put into motion before her relationship with Alek, before Ava was ever Queen. It was always in the works.

Rising from her bath, Amanda slipped into a custom designed dress, pulling her hair into a high and messy bun that gave her geisha blood pause before adding a dramatic lip and black lace shoes that completely the theme. Pleased with herself, she was just about to pour herself a glass of wine when she heard a knock at the door.

Ben: "Housekeeping!"

She pursed her lips into a smile, happy to know that perhaps it hadn't been just her thinking the thoughts she was thinking. Walking over towards the door, she opened it with a smile and a wink.

"Thank God, I need these sheets washed and replaced immediately."

Ben: "Did the Red Knight make another visit?"

Amanda smiled taking in his scent. It was brutish and masculine and hypersexual. She gestured with her hand, her new snake ring on her finger as he entered her suite.

"Yes, and I've decided to just let myself go and really mess things up, so would you be a dear and send the footage to The Red Queen. I'd like some pointers."

The two laughed.

"I was about to have a glass of wine, but we should probably get down to the event. No doubt Daniel is already there, lips puckered and ready to suckle at Ava's breasts."

Ben: "He a bit of an ambitious scag, but he's going to be good for us. I can tell."

Amanda nodded, pouring them both a glass of vintage red, swishing the glass in her hand before handing it to Ben, looking him up and down for a moment.

"I know this. But come on, we have to haze him a little bit..."

She paused as she held the glass in her hand, taking a delicate sip.

"I assume you've come to escort me? Or did you just need to borrow a bit of eyeliner?"

Ben smiled at her as he leaned in, their bodies incredible close. She gripped his forearm with her hand, almost getting lost in the moment.

Ben: "Please, take a look at these baby blues. They don't know need any help."

Their eyes met as the gap between them closed, their noses touching. Amanda closed her eyes, allowing her skin to sense his every touch with intrigue and excitement. He felt so big and strong, it almost overwhelmed her. Just before their lips touched, desperately so, Amanda pulled away, grabbing her clutch from the bar, mindlessly searching through it for some lip gloss.

"That's all well and good..but Cassandra will be there. We need to be on our best behavior. I already feel like a monster."

Ben: "Cassandra isn't our problem anymore, A. We don't have to hide anything."

He grabbed for her arm as she wrestled herself free in the way only a Cobra could. She flashed her snake eyes at him for a moment before returning to her normal form, applying her lip gloss, using the mirror of her compact as a guide before she turned her gaze back at Ben intensely.

"It's not a matter of hiding. It's a matter of respect. Cass needs this change. If we give her any reason to keep looking to the past, she's going to remain everybody's problem. We want to move forward? We need to remain friendly until we see her face in the porthole of a private jet on the way to London."

Ben moved forward.

Ben: "That's all well and good for the public, love. But I don't see anybody here now...it wouldn't hurt anybody if we were to steal a little..."

Goliath grabbed her in his arms and kissed her lips passionately. Pleasure swelled up in The Black Knight's body as pulsated against his touch, allowing herself to taste his pouty lips. They came up for air.

"What's gotten into you Ben?"

She kind of liked it. Although he was being a little outrageous for his taste, it was good to see him in such a different way. He had confidence. His stature seemed to make sense. He seemed like more of a man, and Amanda didn't want him to lose that.

Ben: "Just finally being myself.."

He leaned in for a kiss as Amanda tugged on his beard.

"That's all well and good...but we have a job to do, and a new co-worker in our midst. I've made enough mistakes for the both of us this weekend."

She kissed him for a moment, biting his lip as she pulled away, placing both hands on his biceps with a smile.

"Let's just keep the status quo for now...but that doesn't mean you can't escort me."

Ben: "Ah piss, you're no fun."

She laughed as Ben extended his arm and she interlocked it with hers. The two made their way to the conservatory which was immaculately decorated. Amanda confirmed her suspicions about Daniel as she watched him move through the floor. There was already a large amount of important people gathering, and it was clear that more than one person here was in rare form tonight. Amanda refreshed her glass of wine as she tugged on Ben's arm a bit as he looked towards her.

"This already looks like it could get messy. Let's sit back for a minute. Cameron's over there. Might be a good idea to say hello to The White Court."

The two nodded making their way over towards Cameron.

[to Cameron] "The White Queen certainly seems popular this evening. Should we be alarmed?"

Benjamin: "I don't think it's anything to worry about. They probably just want to compliment her on how good she looks in that skirt... [looking at Cameron] No offense my King, but come on...The White Queen is a dime piece."

Cameron: "That she is. Benjamin. Amanda. Nice to finally connect. I'd thought you forgot about me. Please do me a favor though..."

Cameron moved forward.

Cameron: "Should anybody have any good news, can you..well mainly Amanda, do your best to look like you are actually happy to hear it? I only ask to confirm that Ava has pulled your ponytail tight enough that it knocked some sense into you?"

Amanda furrowed her brow but remained calm.

"That she has."

Cameron: "Good. Well...that being said, the two of you enjoy your evening!"

And with that Cameron moved several feet away from them, his eyes ignoring them altogether. She assumed she would get a bit of flack from the other leaders, and she had anticipated it. No sense in getting angry. Amanda took another sip of her drink and spoke to Ben in a low tone.

"We'll see who he calls when he needs that son of his defended, because I can tell you one thing..it won't be Heidi Scarborough.."

The two cheersed their glasses together as they waited for the others to arrive.

 

[Berserker]

Brienne's Suite

This woman. She made him want her so much he thought his dick would shoot off. That thing she did, it was like he was on every drug in the world all at once. And when she made him really feel it, the need, the desire, the frustration and anticipation, he had to take her as fast and hard as he could. This was raw, primal, animal. He knew he was playing into her hands, giving her exactly what she wanted, but he didn't care. He just wanted more.

She screamed his name and a devlish grin spread over his face, pressing hard into her despite the fact that she had just come. And then she gave it back to him, and his mind was blown. He moaned loudly, picking up speed, making his movements longer, because he needed to be touched by her or he would die. He had never been so hard, never needed to fuck a woman as much as he did right then. She pressed back against him, and he knew she wanted more too. So he went even faster, harder, until she came again. And when she clenched around him he came too, with a growl. It was so intense he wasn't sure there would be anything left.

"Fuck..."

He could still feel her, in every cell. The high. The amazing high.

"Feel better?'

Their bodies were slick with sweat, and both were breathing hard. He turned her to face him and kissed her hard in reply.

"Shit, Bree, I feel like I could rule the world."

 

[Black Widow]

Hellfire -- Conservatory

Haleigh was discussing strategic details with her Knight when the announcer started to introduce Bretta, and then shortly afterward, Daniel. The Queen was quick to come over. Haleigh smiled blithely as Bretta called her 'dear' and mentioned how nice it was to finally meet.

"Yes, indeed, Bretta. Speaking of meetings, I've been wanting to--"

She began to reply, but Daniel was upon them.

Daniel: Are we taking meetings? Because I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting the White Queen either? Daniel Reed. Black Bishop...Hellfire America.

Heidi: Daniel, that's wonderful! I mean it's really too bad you couldn't be the White Bishop, but I'm happy to have you, even in Black.

The White Knight replied, meanwhile Zach and Erika arrived and were announced, and they joined the group congenially.

Zach: You've joined the Black Court? Excellent, congratulations are in order.

Haleigh smirked a bit.

"My my, Ava has been very busy renovating her court this weekend. Well, good for her. And welcome home, Daniel. You and I should talk--"

Announcer: European Black King - Archer Fairchild!

Haleigh glanced up to see Archer had arrived, and then she turned back to Daniel with a conspiratorial lean.

"Later, we'll definitely talk later."

Archer: EVERYONE CAN NOW EXHALE! I am alive and well, no matter how unfortunate that may be for some of you!

Heidi gave a huff of annoyance and agreed it was quite unfortunate. Haleigh chuckled softly at that, her hand resting on Heidi's forearm for a second.

"I'll take this one for the team. Erika, escort the Red Queen to a nice corner booth and keep her company while I attend the Black King. Bretta, I would like to meet with you, but if you'll please excuse me, there's a fire to put out."

Archer: Well don't anybody trip over themselves to see how I'm doing!

Haleigh laughed as she snaked her arm around Archer's, wasting no time whatsoever in leading him off to speak privately.

"The Ice King survived! Truthfully I'm not surprised. I've been keeping a very close watch on you since the alcohol poisoning. I'm so glad you feel up to partying again. I was concerned I wouldn't get to have any fun with you."

They walked away from the group, down a winding, dimly lantern-lit path that was lined with ferns and flowers.

"I hope my Bishop has turned you on to a mutually beneficial relationship between our Courts. The Nefaria Empire would be a great resource for Sub Zero, and reciprocally, I look forward to doing business with you."

She suggested smoothly. She knew that Gia had not done well with Archer, but feigned ignorance purposefully. And of course she knew Sub Zero had been stolen out from under Archer, but there was no way she'd indicate any awareness of it. Haleigh's heels clicked on the flagstones as she gave him an alluring smile.

"And maybe there's more than just business in our futures?"

 

[Orion]

Hellfire - The White Wing

Zach, after asking Erika about her afternoon politics, discovered she was rather disappointed with the way things had gone. He reassured her that they'd make up for lost opportunities, and when they got back home, he cheered her back up with a little seductive passion. She was a maelstrom of emotions, and for Zach the experience was sublime.

He made it last until it was time to shower and get ready for the evening's event. He had clothes brought over from his suite to hers, a silk white oxford shirt, dark navy blue jeans, a pair of tan boots. He rolled up his shirt sleeves to his elbows, and left a couple of buttons at the top undone. Then he sat on the sofa, brushing his hair with his fingers as he pulled out his phone to check his emails while he waited for Erika to finish getting dressed.

"Ah, you look too good to be true, your highness."

He said with delight when he looked up to find she was ready to go. He wrapped his arm around her waist and guided her to the Conservatory. The space was transformed from a usually serene oasis into a vivid nightlife arena.

Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Erika King, escorted by Zach Armani, the White Rook.

More fanfare, but he was inoculated to it. They made their way to the Inner Circle group that was gathering around their Queen. Zach took a moment to appreciate how much leg Haleigh was displaying tonight, though his gaze lifted once they joined the group. Heidi was gushing over Daniel, who apparently had crossed over to Hellfire America.

"You've joined the Black Court? Excellent, congratulations are in order."

He added warmly, and Haleigh remarked about Ava's court renovations, but they were soon distracted by the grand splash Archer Fairchild was pointedly making for himself.

Heidi: Rather unfortunate for all of us, it is.

Haleigh was amused, and then decided to intercept Archer and spare them all his braying. She tasked Erika with entertaining Bretta before she left. Zach turned to Daniel again.

"We'll have to celebrate your appointment with cigars and brandy after the party. It'll give us a chance to get to know each other better."

 

[Savage]

Hellfire - The Red Queen's Suite

AJ sat up, asking his Queen about being with the 'King', because he could smell the little bear on her.

Ash: I wasn't with him. But I met with him, yes. In my library.

"I don't like the way he treats you. I wish I could have been there to back you up..."

He grumbled in complaint.

Ash: I told him he needed to get his shit together, and put up a better show in public.

She was saying, but she was also distracting him by running her hands over his skin, and kissing him here and there. He'd been concerned, at first, because he wouldn't have been surprised if the 'King' had tried to hurt his Queen, especially if they met in private. However, she didn't seem injured or even disturbed. Also, AJ couldn't remember how to be upset, when she wrapped her body around him like this.

Ash: And I told him an attack on you was an attack on me.

"Well good. Now if he takes a swing at me, I can kill him for attacking my Queen."

He said with a devilish smile, as he began to run his fingers through her hair. He let himself lean into her a bit.

"Do we have to go to another party tonight? We should stay in bed.... I could order pizza, and beer. We wouldn't have to put clothes on at all."

He kissed her neck slowly.

"You've done enough work this weekend. Let's take the night off."

 

[Hex]

Alek had fucked her like a man who needed to prove his worth. It was hot, primal, and rough. Everything Brienne craved and more. They both cried out in ecstasy as they came in unison, Alek still pressed against her as their bodies slowly began to recover from the high. Brienne kept them linked together, their bodies as one. Partly because she was too damn exhausted to think beyond the throb in her pussy, and second because she wanted to show Alek what he was capable of doing to a woman - if there was any doubt in his mind. She brazenly asked if Alek was feeling better now that he had just fucked her senseless, already knowing the answer to her own question. He simply responded by turning her face to him and taking her mouth once again roughly. Moaning into their kiss, Brienne pealed her slick body from his, turning around so she was facing him as they kissed. Her black lacquered nails gently dug into the skin of his face as she held him in place, thoroughly enjoying his tongue in her mouth. But alas, he pulled back, allowing them both to catch their breaths.

Alek: "Shit, Bree, I feel like I could rule the world."

Brienne tilted her head at that, looking at him a bit ruefully. It was the first time her eyes weren't playful or sexy, but soft....almost human. These American's were fucking with his head so badly he was actually starting to question his status and ability to rule. For someone as strong and confident as he was, it made Brienne a bit sad to see it.

"You can rule the world, Alek."

She gripped his face a little tighter, bringing her own closer to his.

"FUCK anyone who says you can't."

She brought her lips to his, but this time not roughly or with an animalistic need. This time slowly, taking her time as she kissed him - tasted him. Then she remembered they were still linked together, quickly severing their connection as she pulled back from the kiss. She never wanted to show a side of herself outside of dark and bitchy. It was weak, and weakness got your killed.

Her eyes met with his for a moment before she finally cracked a playful smile.

"As long as you don't fuck them the way you just fucked me."

Brienne pulled the waist band of her black leather pants back up over her ass and adjusted her black crop top so her breasts were covered and looking fabulous. Running her fingers through her untamed curls as Alek put himself away, Brienne unbuttoned a few more of Alek's shirt buttons, showing more of his chest. Might as well make these bitches drool.

"Care to escort me to the Black Gala?

She asked rhetorically with a grin as she linked her arm with his and headed out of her suite. Brienne could already hear the music pumping from the conservatory, and as they entered the space, the neon and black lights reflected off her icy eyes as she took everything in. She had to give it to Ava, this was on par with the top clubs in London.

Announcer: "Ladies and Gentleman, I present Brienne Shaw, European Black Queen escorted by Aleksander Hallbjorn, American Red King."

Brienne had the announcer throw in the escorted part for shits and giggles. She lifted a cocky eyebrow up at Alek with a devious smirk before they ascended the stairs into the conservatory. The majority of the inner circle was already there, minus a few, plus Ava and John. It seemed they were arriving right in the thick of things.

"Show time."

She purred, plucking a flute of hemlock from a passing tray.

 

[Valkyrie]

The Red Queen's Suite

Savage knew she'd met with Alek. Not that she was hiding it from him, but she didn't want him to worry. Her hand slid over his thigh.

"I don't like the way he treats you. I wish I could have been there to back you up..."

He was grouchy, but she smiled up at him. He was the only one who stood up for her, and it made her heart flutter.

"You deserved some rest - you've had a long day already. Being my protector and all."

She kissed the outside of his leg, and then gave him the gist of the discussion with Alek as she pulled herself up so she was laying against him.

"And if he did anything, I'd have just come back here, and then you could have killed him."

She said it matter of factly as she moved her shoulders in a small shrug before pressing her lips to his chest.

"But also he might have felt threatened if you were there, and since I was trying to get him to back off..."

She pulled herself into his lap and circled her arms around his neck. But, she told him, she'd been clear with Alek: an attack on Savage was an attack on her.

"Well good. Now if he takes a swing at me, I can kill him for attacking my Queen."

She chuckled, rubbing her nose against his and giving him a quick kiss.

"You know what I mean. You need to be careful around Alek."

She pressed her cheek against his chest.

"Who would protect me if you weren't here?"

His hands were in her hair, and it was incredibly relaxing. She could fall asleep right there with no problem.

"Do we have to go to another party tonight? We should stay in bed.... I could order pizza, and beer. We wouldn't have to put clothes on at all.

"My fridge is full of beer we didn't drink last night."

"You've done enough work this weekend. Let's take the night off."

She sighed, and picked her head up to look at him. There was absolutely nothing she wanted to do more than take the night off with him.

"Ava would literally murder me if I skipped her party, after what happened at her breakfast. Oh Ava apologized to me for getting angry about that, by the way. Though I still don't think she would forgive a second time. But what I promised you is still on: after the party, you and me, all night, no clothes."

She buried her face in his neck, planting kisses there.

"I'll do the rounds at the party, and then we can slip away back here."

She reached up to touch his cheek, her face going a little sad.

"I'd say you could skip the party, but the others might think you were doing it as a fuck you to Alek. And we need to keep them on our side."

She touched his soft hair and smiled a little.

"But you can wear whatever you want...and you don't have to talk to anyone you don't want to. And maybe we could dance a little? It sounds like it might be that kind of thing."

[from Cameron] "I'm miserably failing with my wife, but in other news, you should be getting the information we discussed earlier any minute. Keep me posted as to how you want me to play this. Save time for a drink later?"

[to Cameron] "I'm going to start blocking you if you keep getting in my head when I'm NAKED. We can talk later."

 

[Berserker]

The Black Gala

When they were done, she asked him if he felt better. He kissed her aggressively in response, and told her he felt like he could rule the world. He felt unstoppable.

"You can rule the world, Alek. FUCK anyone who says you can't."

She kissed him slowly then, so unlike her but it was no less steamy. His arms came around her to hold her, and he realized he could still feel what she felt, and for a second he wished he hadn't been so rough with her. Their eyes met, and he looked at her with a bit of surprise. There was more to this woman than her "kick 'em out of bed when you're done with them" persona. But she was still Brienne. And so, she had to make a joke.

"As long as you don't fuck them the way you just fucked me."

"I don't fuck anyone the way I fuck you."

He was going to suggest ditching the party and staying in bed for the rest of the night, but then Brienne was rearranging her clothes and the moment was broken. He pulled up his slacks and zipped himself in. He chuckled as Brienne undid more of the buttons of his shirt.

"Care to escort me to the Black Gala?

He smiled broadly, offering her his arm.

"It would be an honor, Black Queen."

He walked her to the elevator, enjoying the ride up to the conservatory with her. And when they stepped through the doors into the green space, it had been completely transformed. The lights, the entertainers, the animals...it had become something magickal.

"Of course...cats."

Alek wrinkled his nose as a tiger walked by. He couldn't imagine that even a cat enjoyed being neutered in this way. It was much better to take one's chances in the wild, be able to put up a fight, use instinct and ferocity. Here, they were just pets. Speaking of pets, there was no sign of Ashley or Savage. She probably knew the only way to keep the wolf in line was to keep him away from civilized people. But soon enough, even if not tonight, AJ would overstep again and then Haleigh and Ava would demand that he take care of the problem. And of course, he would be happy to oblige. He caught a glimpse of Haleigh, looking radiant. And she was with Archer.

"Show time."

Brienne was having a drink, so he gestured to where Haleigh and Archer were walking away from the crowd together.

"Arch must be feeling better."

 

[Hex]

Being the Black Queen she was obligated to make an appearance at the Black Gala, and she fucking hoped Ava made it a lot more entertaining than her dull ass breakfast earlier that morning. And much to Brienne's surprise, the conservatory had been transformed into an amazing display rivaling any top club in the country. She had to give it to Ava...the bitch could throw a party. As she and Alek walked in, her eyes scanned the guests already noting Archer with Haleigh. Working fast I see. Either Haleigh was trying to gather intel on Archer or trying to finish the job Ava started.

Alek: "Of course...cats."

That brought Brienne back to the party, noting the tiger that walked by. She grinned with amusement.

"And here I thought you were a fan of pussy."

Brienne and Alek made their way further into the party after being officially announced. With her arm still linked with his, the club music was booming and the booze were flowing. Everything Brienne loved when the sun went down. She grabbed a flute of hemlock, indicating it was showtime.

Alek: "Arch must be feeling better."

She was certain he didn't care about Archer, his attention more focused on Haleigh. Brienne took a sip of her hemock, peering over the rim at the the White Queen and Black King.

"Mmm, yes. He bounces back like no other."

She casually stated before glancing around to the other guests, not caring to pay any more attention to Haleigh. She noted Benjamin Lewis whom had recently just got bumped to Black Rook. Seemed he would be more of a fighter than a lover now. She gave him a little wink before noting Zach and Erika near by. Her eyes narrowed just a bit before giving Erika a fluttery wave of her fingers and a smile laced with venom. Maybe she could pay Ava to have one of her tigers maul the bitch. Now that would be a solid way to align both European and American Black Courts.

"I gather your Queen and her pet aren't showing?"

Brienne asked as she looked at Alek, noting the only people that weren't at the party outside of John and Ava were Ashley and AJ.

"How disrespectful."