Security (open) - Darius and Crew

She turned and looked up at Darius.

"Did I help?"

He nodded.

"Yes, love. You helped a great deal."

She, however, didn't seem to agree. She just opened the door and disappeared into the night.

She purred and rubbed her cheek against his knee before resting her head in his lap.

"She will be yours. I have seen it."

He smiled and tugged Elizabeth's hair affectionately.

"I know you did. Good girl, Elizabeth. Thank you."

She gave a soft moan and sighed happily. She had done her job.

"Thank you, Master."

He picked up his glass of wine.

"She surprised me. I didn't think that was possible."

She nodded.

"She was hurt. So very hurt. How did she surprise?"

He leaned back, looking thoughtful.

"She knew. Most people do not know or realize how my powers work, other than those who are of my lineage. We know how it works, obviously. Most others do not. I'm surprised that she knew. Other Kindred tend to want to bury their heads in the sand, pretend that we do not exist. She's smart. Very smart. And that could be dangerous."

He took a sip from the glass in his hand, then turned to look at her.

"Little one, advise me. Should I do as she asks? Let her lover go? Would that hurt or hinder the plan to bring her to me?"

She bit her lip.

"She is hurt, and you are the cause of her hurt. If you instead become the cause of her great joy, namely in her lover being freed, it might help her come to your side."

He nodded, taking another sip from his glass of wine.

"Then it shall be done."

She wrapped her hand around his ankle.

"What more can Bethy do for you tonight?"

He smiled, reaching down to caress her cheek.

"Tell me what reward you would like most for your good work this evening."

She smiled up at him.

"Piercings."

He tilted his head, a bit of a surprised look on his face.

"Piercings, hmm? Any kind that you've been wanting that you haven't told me about?"

She giggled.

"Suspension and bondage."

His brow rose.

"Suspension and bondage. As well as piercings. My, my, you've been keeping quite a bit from me, haven't you?"

She hid her face.

"Internet has opened eyes to so much. Not hiding. Learning new and interesting things."

"Why haven't you mentioned them to me before now?"

She smiled up to him.

"No reason for reward until now."

He smiled at her.

"You get to pick one. I have to save something for later."

She bit her lip.

"Piercings."

He nodded.

"Very well. Go shower first, while I ready the room."

He wanted her clean -- sterile and safe. Not that she wasn't clean. He was just cautious.

She squeaked and jumped to her feet, running for the bathroom and disrobing on the way. Soon he could hear the water running hot.

He went to his bedroom. He had a thought of how he wanted to see her -- piercings, as she had asked for that reward -- and went about actually gathering the sterile instruments and needles that he would need to make her reward a reality.