Crescent Moon

Summary: Richard and Jean-Claude realize they must rely on each other in Anita's absence.
Disclaimer: All characters, situations belong to author Laurell K. Hamilton. I'm only borrowing them to help pass the time. Don't sue me.
Author's note: Big thanks to Melinda for the bunny and the beta!

He had always had an affinity for wolves. Nothing could make his breath catch like the unexpected sight of one of these formidable predators on a moonless night. A solitary wolf loping through the dense outer forests was a spectacular thing to behold. Their prowess and graceful beauty intrigued him. To him, wolves were as alluring as they were fearsome; as keenly intelligent as they were primevel. They should be revered.

So it was with a heavy heart that Jean-Claude gazed down at the broken body of the ensnared white wolf. The heavy metal jaws of the trap had captured the animal's midsection and had embedded its teeth well into the wolf's ribcage. Its legs were splayed against the forest's floor at awkward angles. The weight of the trap pinned the wolf's chest to the chains which tethered it to the ground. Blood colored the animal's thick fur and bubbled out of its nose with each labored breath it took.

Talking to the injured wolf soothingly, Jean-Claude dismounted from his horse. He pressed his thumb into the mare's right flank and sent her away into the trees. He knew the smell of blood frightened horses and the wolf was bleeding so profusely, the scent hung heavily in the damp night air. He didn't want the horse taking flight in a fit of panic before he had finished here.

The white wolf peered up at Jean-Claude as he approached. It licked its teeth repeatedly and growled threateningly, choking on the blood dripping from its mouth. It coughed and its body spasmed, causing the animal to emit several piercing whines of pain.

Even in its dire agony, this animal still posed a significant threat to him. It would surely tear him open if he got as close to it as he intended. This is utter madness, Jean-Claude thought, but it didn't dissuade him from taking another step forward. Surely if left alone, the beast would die on its own before the night was through. Even as he told himself these things, he still felt the need to help it in some way. Any way he could.

The wolf snarled fiercely at the figure approaching it and tried desperately to pull its legs underneath it. It managed to stand, but fell heavily back to the ground in a matter of seconds. The blood poured from its mouth now. It gagged and pawed at its jaws, smearing the blood on its long white legs.

Jean-Claude knelt down where he was and locked his eyes on the wretched animal, using his power to reach into its mind. The wolf was nearly insane with misery and its mind had shifted away from cognitive thinking into pure survival instinct. Probing deeper in the clouded recesses of its consciousness, Jean-Claude's power brushed the animal's awareness and found the remnants of its inherent intelligence. Immediately, the wolf quieted and turned its pain-glazed eyes towards him. Jean-Claude smiled sadly.

"I was not certain my power would work on one such as yourself," he mused. "I am happy we have reached an understanding of sorts." Keeping his gaze fixed on the wolf, Jean-Claude folded his arms loosely around his bent knee. "You and I are not so different, mon frere. We are both ethereal and elegant creatures. But we are also resourceful predators, who strike fear in the hearts of men--depised and hunted for our sins against humanity. It is with such empathy, I offer my assistance to you in your...unfortunately fatal consequence."

Dying. Yes. The wolf knew it was dying, as much as it understood the concept of death. Being free of pain was all it could think of, but it didn't really believe escaping would free it of pain, so it battled with its intinct to try to survive. Yes, it would rather just die.

Jean-Claude sighed. "You will not survive your wounds. You will expire before the break of dawn, you understand? Until then, you face hours of torment. Best your instincts, mon ami. I know the pull of an instinct so deeply embedded into your psyche, it is almost impossible to ignore, but ignore it you must. Do not let your instincts drive you to such an end. If you will allow me to approach you, I can take your life now and quell your pain."

The vampire rose slowly, keeping his eyes on the wolf's. The animal tried to crawl away from him and whimpered pitifully, but Jean-Claude could tell it was also struggling to subdue the fear it felt towards him. It kept its eyes steadfastedly on him, and lowered its head in a submissive gesture. When Jean-Claude reached out for it, it licked his hand.

Running his long fingers through the wolf's pelt soothingly, Jean-Claude drew up behind the animal and lowered himself to his knees. He caressed the wolf's massive head and bent to rub his cheek along the soft heated fur between the wolf's folded ears. Pleased by the wolf's obvious comprehension, Jean-Claude poured his power over the beast's mind once more, and used it to alleviate the animal's fear and pain, much in the same way he rolled the minds of his prey. He marvelled at the wolf's ready submission. No animal had ever responded to his power this way before. It both thrilled and grieved him.

Grasping the animal's head on either side, the vampire placed a soft kiss on its domed skull and took a deep breath.

"Au revoir, mon frere," Jean-Claude whispered into the wolf's fur. With that he wrenched the animal's neck completely around, snapping it in two. The wolf went limp against him.

A nervous chuffing from his mare drew his attention away from the dead wolf. Jean-Claude rose to his feet and looked in the direction the sound had come from. The horse's head was up, small pointed ears pricked forward. Her nostrils flared as she repeatedly blew air forcefully from her lungs. She had caught the scent of something, and Jean-Claude was sure it was more than the wolf's blood that had startled her.

Scanning the thick shadows beyond the trees, the vampire saw several shapes materialize from the darkness. Several pairs of eyes were looking at him. Low gutteral growls filled the stillness of the night.

More wolves. Drawn by the scent of blood perhaps and the fear they sensed in the horse. They were circling her. They were hungry, but cautious, holding back at the unexpected sight of the man before them. They knew men and they feared men.

Jean-Claude edged towards his horse, hoping she would not bolt in blind terror at the wolves approach. At that moment, he wished he could touch the mare's mind the way he had the dying wolf's. He could have calmed her and assured her she would be defended.

"Do not trouble my equine companion, mes amis," he murmured, using the power in his voice to emphasize his threat. "I forbid it."

As if understanding his words, the wolves turned away from the horse and peered curiously at the vampire.

It occurred to Jean-Claude then, he might be able to communicate with these wolves through his power as he had the white wolf. It was worth a try. What did he have to lose? Perhaps he had only been able to touch the white wolf's mind because he was dying, weakened, and afraid. These wolves were not, but they were focusing entirely on him now. At once he knew their minds were sharp and calculating, and their bodies were strong and healthy. There was a connection there. He could feel it.

Stretching out towards the pack with his vampiric powers, Jean-Claude called the alpha male forward and once again became aware of several things at once. The alpha male was dead. He was the one in the trap. This was his pack. The alpha female had taken over the pack in his absence. They had only just found him.

A pregnant gray wolf stalked towards the vampire, keeping her head low, growling softly in her throat. She walked hesitantly past Jean-Claude and sniffed at the carcass of her mate. She looked up and whined, an expectant expression in her eyes.

Jean-Claude reached out and touched the wolf's muzzle. She curled her lip back, flashing her fangs instinctively, but clearly influenced by the magic he poured over her.

"So sorry, my lady," Jean-Claude whispered. "But I know there are many fine young wolves left in your clan to take his place. Your children will not go hungry."

The gray wolf dropped to her stomach and rolled over, her eyes ever locked on the vampire above her.

Jean-Claude smiled. He knelt down and languidly scratched her chest. She snarled again, but remained submissive.

"Yes, ma belle loup, you are mine now," he told her, triumphantly. His heart was beating wildly as his mind began to comprehend the significance of this newly dawning ability he possessed. He raised his head and gazed towards the remaining pack. "You are all mine. Show yourselves. Come to me."

Slowly, cautiously, the wolves materialized out of the shadows. There were sixteen of them altogether. Seven young males and nine females. Soon, they were pacing around Jean-Claude in an agitated, eager swarm. They didn't understand the power overtaking them and they fought it, reacting aggressively towards each other at first. A couple of fights broke out among the younger wolves and several snarled menacingly at the vampire.

Jean-Claude drew more power to him and sent it out over the pack. They quickly calmed and many became as submissive as the alpha female had, creeping closer to him on their bellies.

"Forgive me, mes amis, this is new to me as well," Jean-Claude stated softly. He stretched out his hands and touched the wolves nearest him. Some growled, but most just licked his fingers and whimpered.

The vampire straightened and looked around him at the milling wolves. Overjoyed, he raised his face to the night sky, wrapping his arms around his body in a tight hug, and laughed in sheer uninhibited delight.

He knew what this meant. His powers were such now that he had finally become a master. His increasing independence as of late had hinted as much, but this, this confirmed it. He was a master vampire and he had the gift to call an animal. That animal was the wolf. ********

Richard Zeeman strode purposefully through the underground passages of the Circus Of the Damned towards Jean-Claude's luxuriant living room. Jamil and Shang-Da followed closely behind him, eyes sweeping this way and that in careful scrutiny of their surroundings, ever on the alert for possible threats to their Ulfric.

Richard stopped abruptly just outside the living room and held up his hands. Jamil and Shang-Da exchanged glances.

"Wait here," Richard said and took a deep breath.

Jamil frowned, placing his hands on his slim hips. "Do you think that's wise? Confronting him alone?"

Richard shook his head, his long brown hair dancing around his face with the force of the movement. "I'm not confronting him. I just want to talk to him." He looked from one bodyguard to the other. "Even if I was confronting him, Jean-Claude knows better than to try to hurt me, gentlemen. Such a thing would be...self-defeating." He forced a smile. "And if there is one thing Jean-Claude is not, is self-defeating."

Without a second thought, Richard pushed his way past his bodyguards and into the vampire's living room. He had walked all the way into the middle of the room before he realized no one was around. He stopped and sighed heavily, thinking he should have called first. Jean-Claude wasn't one to sit around at home on a Saturday night when he was the owner of three very successful night clubs. In fact, ever since Anita had left, Jean-Claude made a point of being out almost every night.

"Damn it!" Richard swore, dragging his hand roughly through his hair. He stretched out his power, feeling his way along the metaphysical link which connected him to the Master of the City. There was a distinct sense of his presence. Jean-Claude was here after all. Somewhere.

"Damn what?" came a sudden, unexpected voice from across the room.

It was familiar, but it startled Richard nonetheless. He whirled around on his heel to find Asher walking slowly towards him. The tall, blonde vampire seemed to have appeared out of thin air. Only seconds ago, there had been no one in the room.

"Jesus, Asher," Richard said, his frown deepening.

His exclamation only made Asher smile. "A little on edge tonight, are we, mon ami?"

"I'm fine. Where's Jean-Claude?" He glanced around the spacious living room once more before focusing his attention back on Asher. When he did, he noticed to his surprise, the vampire was now standing so close to him, their bodies were almost touching.

"He is around," Asher answered, waving his hand through the air in a noncommittal sort of way. "Perhaps there's something I can do for you in his stead?" He reached up and suggestively traced the line of Richard's unshaven jaw with his index finger while placing his hand in the center of the Ulfric's chest. His power slid coolly over Richard's body.

Richard jerked away from him, then shot Asher a menacing glare. "One of these nights, you're going to push me too far. You know I don't like you coming on to me, yet you persist. I think, just to annoy me."

Asher threw back his head and laughed. "Is that what you think? I can assure you, I do not...'come on to you' just to annoy you. But forgive me such ill regard for your sensitivity, mon ami. I cannot seem to help myself around you."

The werewolf folded his arms across his chest impatiently. "Where is Jean-Claude? I need to talk to him."

Moving almost as if in slow motion, Asher turned slightly and gestured towards the short hall leading back to the bedroom. "He's coming," Asher said with several breathy pants. He offered Richard a small, sly smile.

At first, Richard didn't catch what Asher was insinuating, and readily started towards the bedroom. When it finally did strike him, Richard abruptly stopped. He turned to face Asher, knowing his expression betrayed his shock and disbelief.

The vampire chuckled deeply. "Don't look at me like that. I implied no such thing." He paused and smiled wide enough to show the pointed tips of his fangs. "But at least I got you thinking about having sex."

Richard shook his head. "There's something definitely wrong with your wiring, Asher," he mumbled and stalked back over to him. "You know you don't have a chance in hell with me. Why do you keep trying?"

Asher spread his hands in a gesture of innocence. "It is partly because I know my teasing gets the most exquisite rise out of you, and it is partly because you are so very handsome, I get a little rise from it as well." He raised his brow provocatively.

The werewolf glowered at the vampire which only made Asher laugh more. Asher walked up to him and threw his arm amiably around Richard's shoulders.

"Let me apologize again," Asher went on. "I am harmless, really. You know you are like a little brother to me."

"If that's the case, you really are twisted," Richard began, his voice deepening some as he allowed the vampire to steer him towards the sofa. "You know, I have a theory about you."

Asher pursed his full lips and considered this for a moment before replying. "A theory? By all means, mon ami, do tell."

Richard slipped out from under his grasp and sat down. He looked up at Asher and cocked his head. "One night, when I'm in a better frame of mind, I'm going to surprise you and put this theory of mine to the test."

Asher clasped his hands behind his back and gazed down at Richard with an open expression. "You think I am only bluffing, but when you do decide to make me your test subject, I may surprise you as well, Monsieur Zeeman," he muttered under his breath.

Richard locked his eyes on Asher's, and sunk himself deeper into the couch cushions. He smiled slowly. "Maybe. Maybe not. We'll see."

"Always nice to have something to look forward to," Asher said and sighed rather wistfully. He bowed slightly. "Until then, mon ami."

Richard suddenly realized Jean-Claude had entered the room. He was fully dressed, and in an outfit far too pristine and elaborate to have been engaged in what Asher had hinted at earlier. The Master of the City also looked somewhat perturbed and preoccupied.

He had several papers and a leather document folder in his hands. His eyes scanned the length of a few pages before glancing up.

"See, I told you he was...coming. And here he is," Asher declared and laughed lightly.

Feeling gullible, Richard shot him a scathing look.

Jean-Claude furrowed his brow, not comprehending their peculiar exchange, and looked from Asher to Richard and back to Asher again. Both merely stared up at him innocently. Finally, he sighed heavily, but apparently decided not to pursue the matter, and returned his attention to the documents he held.

He must have sensed the tremor in the connection he shared with Richard when the werewolf reached out with his power to search for him. The master vampire certainly wasn't surprised, or particularly pleased, to find the Ulfric in his living room.

"And to what do I owe the honor of your presence here tonight, Richard?" Jean-Claude asked flatly, still reading.

Richard rose to his feet and approached Jean-Claude. He neither bowed, nor greeted him in any way. He only stood before him and frowned. If this lack of respect upset Jean-Claude, he didn't show it. Jean-Claude didn't bother extending any formal courtesies either.

At one time Richard's Ulfric had given him to Jean-Claude on loan. A token of the pack's on-going amiable relationship with the Master of the City. Now Richard was Ulfric and considered himself equal to the master vampire in more ways than one. The triumvirate they had formed with Anita had further instilled this belief.

Jean-Claude looked up at him finally. "Has Asher been pestering you again? You have that...'put off' look on your face." He spared a quick admonishing glance at his friend.

"I need to talk to you. I've got a little problem brewing in the pack," Richard began, ignoring his question. "I...need your help."

Jean-Claude looked back at Richard, the faintest smile playing on his lips. "Only a little problem, mon ami? Yet something so minor, forces my rival to my door, and subjects him to seek my assistance with his pack?" He shook his head and clutched the black leather portfolio to his chest. "Something tells me it is more than just a little problem."

Richard licked his lips and looked away momentarily, trying to collect himself. "Don't try to start anything with me, Jean-Claude," he warned. "I'm not your rival anymore. We both lost. She doesn't want anything to do with either one of us right now. So, can we stop dancing in circles, and get down to the point? Are you willing to help me or not?" He put his hands on his hips.

Jean-Claude gave the Ulfric a rare exasperated expression. "You are the one waltzing around the room, my friend. I am standing completely still, and entirely unenlightened." He put up his hand to quiet Richard's impending outburst. "The pack is yours to deal with, Richard. I cannot interfere with any of your internal strifes. Besides, do you truly expect me to pledge to you my assistance without knowing the kind of assistance I'm expected to give?"

"My problems are your problems, Jean-Claude," Richard shot back. "The triumvirate made sure of that."

The master vampire took a deep, measured breath. "Ah, if that is so, mon ami, then shouldn't my problems concern you as well? Yet during the territorial dispute I had last month, you were no where to be found. I could have used you then. I called my wolves to me for a show of support, but you were not to be counted among them."

Richard put his hands on his hips. "You knew I wouldn't come. You knew I couldn't allow myself to be seen in such a public place with so many...."

"Monsters?" Jean-Claude finished for him. "Soon, hopefully, you will come to terms with who and what you are. Until then, that should be the only problem you struggle to solve. For that is the single stock root which nutures the vines of all your other...little problems."

Richard shook his head slowly. "I should have known better than to come to you for anything," he mumbled. He turned around and started towards the hall.

Jean-Claude lowered his head wearily and rested his chin on the folder he held. He closed his eyes and moaned audibly. "Richard, Richard, Richard. What am I to do with you?" He opened his eyes and saw Asher coming to stand beside him. "It is a two-way street, mon ami!" he called after the Ulfric, and glanced over Asher.

"Actually, in your case, it's a three-way overpass," Asher said.

Richard stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Yeah, well, our third isn't exactly available at the moment. And like Jean-Claude with his territorial disputes, I need a show of support."

The vampire began massaging his eyes as if he suddenly had a nagging headache. "You are being challenged again, aren't you?" Jean-Claude surmised. "The third time in four months?"

Asher peered over at Jean-Claude. "That has to be a record somewhere, I am sure."

Richard frowned. "I'm not being formally challenged, but my authority is," he explained, then laughed humorlessly. "I have the most dissatisfied pack in werewolf lore. It doesn't seem to matter I best my challengers time and time again." He looked distractedly about the room as he went into a litany of grievances. "My power in itself, doesn't impress them anymore. They could care less about my ability to actually organize and lead them. They just don't like my politics. And my lupa is nowhere to be seen. The changes I'm trying to bring about are too radical. But then I haven't killed anybody yet. I'm too civilized for their tastes."

Jean-Claude took a deep breath and walked over to his sofa. He tossed the leather portfolio on his coffee table and motioned for Richard to sit down as Asher dropped into a chair opposite them.

"Neither one of us are too terribly good at politics, mon ami," Jean-Claude grumbled. He gestured at the various documents he had been reading. "Ever since I extended an open invitation to shelter vampires within my borders in exchange for their loyalty, I have been inundated with requests. They flock to St. Louis en masse. Even vampires nearly equal to my power base seek my protection. In my humble opinion, many are just biding their time before they put my authority to the test."

Richard swallowed thickly and hesitantly sat beside the master vampire. "You think vampires are entering the city illegally? To challenge you?"

Nodding Jean-Claude sat forward slightly and shuffled through the documents. "I know they are. There are vampires milling about in my lands who have not yet pledged their allegiance to me. I can feel them, but there is no way for me to monitor them all."

Richard stared back at Jean-Claude incredulously. "What are doing about this? At least stop the influx of new vampires."

A shadow of a smile passed over the master vampire's face. "Under normal circumstances, I would not have a problem. After all, the Executioner, a powerful necromancer, is my human servant. My triumvirate is the rarest and one of the most powerful unions ever forged. No master vampire would dare challenge me. But word is spreading that my triumvirate has failed--that I am weakening without Anita. As you are aware, she is blocking us. She has effectively severed her connection to us. I cannot even tap into her power when I need to. Our triumvirate may not have failed completely, but it certainly is not functioning the way it is supposed to. The truth of the matter is, you hate me and Anita has rejected me. It is only a matter of time...before I am challenged once more myself."

Richard bowed his head. "I don't...hate you. I may have once, a long time ago, but we're too much a part of each other now for me to keep hating you." He looked up and fastened his gaze on Jean-Claude. "Sometimes, I feel as if you are the only one I can turn to--the only one who will ever understand me."

His eyes searching Richard's expression, Jean-Claude peered back at him questioningly. "Am I to believe your concern for my well-being stems from more than the metaphysical connection we share?"

The werewolf slowly licked his lips. "You can believe me. There's a lot of reasons, besides how your death will effect me, why I care what happens to you."

Jean-Claude grinned. "I can taste the truth in your words," he stated. "I must say, I am surprised and quite touched."

Sitting forward, Richard scowled. "Then put an end to this open invitation of yours. Stop bringing new vampires into this city. You're tempting fate, if you don't."

Jean-Claude exchanged looks with Asher before facing Richard once more. "Ninety-six percent of them have valid reasons for wanting to come here. Many are oppressed by their masters and seek refuge with me. These I do not wish to turn away."

"Oui, there is a lot of oppression going on out there," Asher added. "Jean-Claude has a reputation now of being despotic, but fair."

Leaning back against the sofa, Jean-Claude shrugged slightly. "These vampires prove to be the most devoted. They benefit me. It is the other four percent which concern me. They seek complete freedom from all masters, as I have. They've no wish to submit to another, no matter how 'fair'. Instead, they want to be me. They want my city." He paused and shifted his body to better face the Ulfric. "I have ordered my vampires to seek these beings out and bring them before me. Then I give them an ultimatum. They will either become my subjects, leave my territory, or be killed. Seven have been found so far. Two chose to leave, four decided to submit to me, one forced my hand."

Richard dragged his hand through his hair and exhaled his breath forcefully through his nose. "I...didn't realize." He looked back at Jean-Claude sympathetically. "I guess your knee deep in it yourself, aren't you?"

Jean-Claude smiled slightly and gave him the barest of nods. "You could say that."

Asher made a scoffing noise deep in his throat. "I have said this before to no avail. But if Anita's absence is so vexing, why don't either of you try to contact her? If you cannot reach her through the marks, at least pick up the phone, and give her a call. If she knew what was going on here, surely she would come to your aid? Or at the very least, lower her shields so you could utilize her powers."

Richard and Jean-Claude exchanged dubious looks. Both lowered their heads and sighed simultaneously.

Asher shook his head. "Am I missing something? Isn't she supposed to be in love with both of you? Anita has always struck me as being a very generously giving and protective soul towards those she loves." He stared unblinkingly at Richard and Jean-Claude. "Looking at both of you now, one would think otherwise."

Jean-Claude looked up sharply. "You will not condemn her for doing what she believes is right. Anita needs to find herself, and learn to control her powers before she can offer those powers to us. You saw what she did with the munin. You know it destroyed something inside her to unleash that kind of power. She knows what she is now, and wisely seeks the counsel of another to better understand her abilities. We will not speak of contacting her again."

Asher rose to his feet and started pacing around the room in exasperation. "Fine. Then you both need to find a new power source in each other. I think the time for a little cooperation is at hand." He pointed a long slender finger at Jean-Claude. "It took a lot of humility for Richard to come to you for assistance, mon ami. Do not turn him away. Especially after the way he has confided in you. Anita is not here, so you are the only one who can give him what he so desperately needs."

Taken aback by Asher's support, Richard turned towards him and inclined his head in a gesture of thanks. He had expected Asher to side with Jean-Claude.

Asher smiled and offered Richard a small bow in acknowledgment.

Jean-Claude frowned. "My little tale of woe was not relayed solely for your amusement," he began. "It was to convey the fact I have no power to spare, so to speak. Soon I will be forced to resort to measures I swore I would never consider, just to maintain the status quo."

"But don't you see," Richard countered. "If we pool our resources instead of trying to go at this alone, we can draw from each other. Neither one of us can afford not to at this point."

"Anita's absence has not rendered us completely powerless. Her absence only makes us not as powerful as we have been, or could be," Jean-Claude pointed out.

Richard shook his head. "Our powers, combined with Anita's, damn near make us invincible, and it's not as if I believe your powers and my powers are anything to scoff at. But if we continue to avoid each other, we will eventually weaken. You know that as well as I do." He moved a little closer to the master vampire. "Surely just having me next to you strengthens you. My power is not as influential on you as Anita's, but I know you can use it like you use hers. I want to use your proximity in the same way--to increase my power. That's all I'm asking."

Jean-Claude blinked several times as he studied Richard's expression. "And when I am in need of your proximity, will you stand by my side as well, mon ami? Will you let me take from you what I need to best my opponents?"

Nodding readily, Richard openly poured his power over the vampire beside him and drew Jean-Claude's power back into himself. "That's only fair," he whispered. He raised his hand tentatively and offered it to Jean-Claude. "Feel it, Jean-Claude. This is what we have to give one another. If we combine our strength, our individual powers double. We can put a stop to these challenges once and for all."

An awed expression settled over the master vampire's face as he took Richard's hand in his and reveled in the powers they shared.

"Very well," Jean-Claude stated. "We will put these rumors of weakness to rest once and for all. I may not have my servant beside me, but I will have my animal to call. My pack's true Ulfric. My...friend."

Relieved, Richard grinned and nodded. "Yes. Your friend. Finally, your friend."

"Splendid," Asher said from across the room. "Now that we are all one big, and oh so happy family, what, specifically, would you have us do for you, as a 'show of support'?"

The werewolf pulled free of Jean-Claude's grasp and rose to his feet, keeping his eyes fixed on the Master of the City. "I want you to come to the lupanar this Thursday. I need you to help me impress the hell out of my pack again. I have a plan in mind--a bluff, actually. I need your power, but I also need someone of your...unparalleled deviousness to pull it off."

Flashing a toothy grin, Jean-Claude leaned back into the sofa cushions and spread his arms out along the back. "I am truly flattered, but your wolves will not appreciate my presence there, Richard."

"My enemies won't like it, but that's the point," Richard went on. "My wolves are your wolves too, Jean-Claude. You will be there by my personal invitation. Maybe, with a blatant display of our solidarity, my opposition will think twice and back down. Maybe I can stop the bloodshed before it begins."

"How very conscientious of you, mon ami," Asher proclaimed somewhat sarcastically. "If your wolves confront you, you are deluding yourself thinking there will be no bloodshed. Especially with an army of vampires by your side. No matter how much power we exude, we'll be the first ones your revolutionaries attack...beside yourself, of course."

Richard shook his head and started pacing a small circle beside the sofa. "That's why I don't want anyone with me but Jean-Claude. He is their master as much as I am. They wouldn't dare try anything with him. I'm not asking him or his minions to fight my battles. I only want his support--his power behind me. If he comes to my lupanar with a hoard of vampires, it'll send out the wrong message. I don't want it to look like a declaration of war. Besides, I can't vouch for the safety of any other vampires."

Asher was beside Richard in the blink of an eye. Like a flag in the wind, his power unfurled from him with an almost audible snap and made Richard unintentionally step back.

"No," Asher hissed. "He is not going alone. Don't be foolish."

"Asher," Jean-Claude said. His voice was deep with unspoken warning.

The blonde vampire turned to face him, his eyes flashing with anger. "You cannot be seriously considering it," he spat, then faced Richard accusingly. "You would risk his life so ignorantly for your principles?"

Richard leaned closer to Asher and lowered his voice soothingly. "He'll be with me. I'm not going to let anything happen to him." If he couldn't reassure Asher, he stood a good chance of losing Jean-Claude's faith in him as well.

Asher spun away from him and knelt entreatingly at Jean-Claude's feet. "Jean-Claude, please." He placed his hands on his friend's thighs and looked up at him anxiously. "Despite Richard's assurances, you could be putting yourself directly in the line of fire. If a challenge is issued, there will be blood spilled. And then he will be far too busy fighting for his own life to look after you. If you want to show power, then do it. Call your vampires. Bring them with you. Surely, the sight of hundreds of vampires will deter his malcontents from acting irrationally far better than you alone could."

"I will not be alone. Richard will be with me. It's not my power as much as our power we need to show." Jean-Claude reached out and stroked Asher's hair. "You were the one who so adamantly encouraged me to help him," he pointed out and sighed heavily.

"I would not have said anything if I knew I'd be compromising you."

With a slight shrug of his shoulders, Jean-Claude grimaced. "The very first time I used my power on a pack of wolves, I was entirely alone and far less powerful than I am now. But I still controlled them. I touched their minds and spoke to them. I eased their fears. They were ready to kill for me before the night was through."

Asher leaned into Jean-Claude's hand and closed his eyes. "These are not merely wild wolves, mon ami."

"I am very aware of that, Asher," Jean-Claude replied. "But it makes no difference. Richard is right. His wolves are my wolves. They will kill for me if I command them to. Or they will give their lives to defend me." He dropped his hand, and peered up at Richard, but continued addressing Asher. "His ideals may be somewhat naive, but if we are to make this triumvirate truly work, we must strengthen our bond and spread the power base equally. I cannot rely solely on Anita's power to support me, and neither can he rely solely on her to support him. We must use each other as well. This will be a true test, not only of our connective power, but of our newly forged friendship as well." He paused and faced Asher again, his expression softening. "I must show him I trust him, don't you see? Or how can I ever ask him to trust me?"

Realizing the futility of his pleas, Asher stood up and shook his head forcefully. "This is wrong," he said to Jean-Claude before turning once more to Richard. "You're wrong." He strode past the werewolf, brusquely bumping his shoulder, and continued towards the hall.

Richard looked at Jean-Claude, but the master vampire made no move to stop his friend's departure. Now Richard felt inclined to try to stop him. Despite the way Asher flirted with him, Richard knew the tall blonde vampire was in love with Jean-Claude. His fear for his safety was understandable and made Richard's heart go out to him. He couldn't let Asher just leave, knowing how upset he was.

"Asher! Wait!" Richard called and held his breath. He was relieved to see the vampire stop to hear him out. Richard cleared his throat. He was feeling more than a little emotional at the moment.

"Asher, I swear to you," Richard continued, walking slowly towards him. "I won't let anything happen to him. I will give up my life to defend him if need be, and he won't have to take my mind for me to do it."

Asher slowly turned to face the Ulfric and forced a thin smile. "As it should be, mon ami. After all, you are his animal to call." He stared piercingly at Richard, letting his startlingly pale blue eyes speak volumes of discontent, before continuing on out of the living room, and disappearing into the hall.

"I'm sorry, Jean-Claude," Richard murmured, feeling suddenly deflated. He gnawed his lower lip and furrowed his brow. "I didn't mean to pit Asher against you. I'm trying hard not to be selfish. I don't want to endanger you or your vampires or my wolves. I'm actually trying to save lives."

Taking a deep breath, Richard finally pivoted around and looked at Jean-Claude, still reclining casually on the couch. The master vampire's face was completely void of expression and Richard couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind, if perhaps he was reconsidering.

"You look like you're miles away, Jean-Claude," he stated quietly. "Let me guess. New Mexico?"

Jean-Claude glanced up at him and offered him a congenial smile. "To be truthful," he began, his smile widening, "I was merely wondering what to wear."