Bloodlust and Roses (Vampires)

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

As she looked around Mari never realized how many vampires existed in the city. It had taken Trent months to convince her to come out in public after the disaster with Philip and now, here with him at her side she realized even more just how cut off from everything she was. It made her cringe inwardly and she tried hard to stand up straight amidst all the stares. It was pretty obvious ninty percent of these folks saw her as food and the other ten percent wanted her dead so they could get Trenton to themselves.

Hearing the music she realized just how messed up a world she had grown up in. Just how twisted it really was. Its hard to see what things are different from person to person when you're living in a world surrounded by darkness. Feeling it creep over your skin on a daily basis seeing it judging you for signs of weakness to know when to attack. She watched as bodies swirled about, some vampires feeding in corners and others so close to their prey and each other it was a wonder they didn't merge into each other. She smoothed her red dress nervously but covered it with a fake smile as she stood next to Trenton. Truth be told she much preferred a movie with popcorn to dancing. She didn't even dance all that well.

Shaking her head to clear it she sighed. What did it matter? Even the Trinity Brothers could be corrupted by evil. She had heard the stories of what had happened with Axel and while she wouldn't ever be so rude as to ask Everette what had happened, his hang dog expression was enough of a clue that things were not cool in the Evans home. She wondered how they handled Sam and Lana being together, or even if they knew.

[Trenton Dante Moore]

Trenton could not believe had gotten so lucky. Marina was on his arm for all the world to see. He really wanted her to have a good time tonight. Heaven knew she needed it after everything had happened. With her empathetic powers she felt things deeply and knew that she was still feeling a bit overwhelmed. He glanced at her as she smoothed her dress.
"Relax, Bella. You look ravishing," he whispered as he went to place his arm around her shoulders. Seeing her expression, the vampire decided to speak to her privately. I apologize Bella, I realize you would much prefer to stay in, but I need to make an appearance after everything that has happened. I promise I will try to make it quick, he told her.

As always, his tendency to let his humanity back in when he was around Marina surprised him. He still could not figure out why he allowed himself to feel when he was with her, but he also knew that he would not change anything that had happened since they had met for the world.

Trenton nodded in acknowledgment as some vampires greeted him. He looked around to see other vampires either feeding or stalking their prey. Trenton let out smirk. He loved coming to Bloodlust. It allowed him to be himself...as much as he allowed when around Marina. Speaking of Marina, there was a vampire with a hungry look coming straight for her. Trenton immediately went to tighten his grip on Marina's shoulder, though he was careful not to hurt her. Then he bent down to lay a kiss on her shoulder blade all the while shooting a look at the other vampire that clearly stated "Back off". As long as he was around, no one was going to lay a hand, fang, or claw on Marina. No one.

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

Shifting her hair over her back she relaxed into his embrace, feeling shy and looking up into his eyes, a soft smile on her face for his compliment, "Thank you, Trenton." she murmured as she leaned against him lightly, as he touched her, taking comfort from the contact. Her perfume was light in lieu of the fact that she was in a place where people could smell the least and littlest odor. Just enough for folks to catch the scent of it without gagging on it. It doesn't have to be quick. I'll be alright I just...wouldn't want to come here if you or Diana were not here. she admitted to him mentally.

There was something to be said for going to events that you may not like. It showed solidarity and that you cared about what the other person felt. Just because her self esteem made her feel self conscious didn't mean that Trent didn't need to show he had made his choice. He felt the need to stake his claim and limit his options and while she didn't agree with it, he had the right to make his own choices.

She also felt horribly lonely. The months that had past had left her broken and she knew it. She felt like her heart had been ripped out of her chest. Some days it hurt just to keep moving. To get out of bed and keep on keeping on. She had asked Trent to help her, to make sure she didn't turn into Howard Hughes, and forget to bathe or some other psychotic crap. She was good about getting dressed and looking good, it was more that she forgot to eat. She got so absorbed in other things that it often took Trent showing up with food for her to remember she hadn't had a meal.

Sensing hunger from the vampire coming forward, Mari leaned into Trent gently and purred softly at the kiss to her shoulder blade. She smiled contentedly and closed her eyes, it was obvious that she was happy to be near him. She wrapped her arms gently around his waist, letting the world see how she felt about him, it always made her feel conflicted, she wasn't one to show off or boast but she was happy to be with him. It also gave the vampire something to think of as he came forward. He'd have to be an idiot to make a move and if he did she was confident that someone would step in if needed. Ai and Robert were always somewhere.

[Trenton Dante Moore]

Trenton smiled as Marina relaxed against him, and smiled up at him.
"You're welcome, Bella," he responded. At her mental assurance that they didn't have to make it quick, he smiled softly. His Bella. Always willing to accomodate everyone but herself. Though he could definitely see her point about not wanting to come without him or Diana here to escort her. And we would not dream of you coming here unguarded, he added.

Then, Trenton glanced at Marina. He knew that the changes of the last few months had been hard on her and that she was trying to put on a brave face, but that it was hard. He gently went to squeeze her hand to let her know that he was there for her. Marina leaned into him and purred as he kissed her shoulder blade.

The other vampire locked eyes with Trenton who snarled a warning. He was not going to accept disobedience from a lust-filled vampire. His arms wrapped around Marina protectively as he snarled again as the vampire kept advancing.

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

She smiled up at Trent, now was not the time to show her insecurities publicly so she quietly just relaxed with him as she might have done if she had been at one of her father's parties. If you couldn't verbally articulate how you were feeling without being weak the best you could do was maintain a quiet silence. She stood as tall as she could at her five foot four height and used him for balance. They had decided to go without her braces in favor of her being on his arm for long term support and dancing. It kept her close to him and kept those vampires who were not used to such things from asking too many questions.

There was a feeling of relief that came to her mind voice as she spoke with him, I appreciate that. I know there are things here that I probably shouldn't see or that aren't my business. She knew that being the Princess of the Vampires was a title in name only. It carried very little weight given that she wasn't an actual vampire. She always was aware that her voice was resented by a number of vampires. She rarely spoke on any topics, and it seemed as though Trent did not wish to speak of things that he considered "business" around her. She rested her head against Trenton's chest, leaning her head to the side slightly and showing his mark as much for him as the other vampire. The gesture also showed the other vampires that she accepted Trent as the King of the City and that she was claimed.

Feeling her hand grasped by his she forced herself to breathe with the growing intensity that was washing over her from the other vampire. She could feel lust and that he was not likely to back down, at least Trent could see for himself just what she went through at times. Why she was so hesitant to make herself vulnerable and enter public spaces.

The anger she felt rolling off the other vampire staggered her. She felt her guts twisting and contorting from it and forced herself to remain calm. She had to trust that Trent could handle himself. Inwardly made her muscles try and relax but it was hard work. The vampires were trying to make her afraid, trying to get her to back away from him. She trembled as she felt his arms wrap around her and she tried to make herself as small a target as she could to help him move if he needed to move.

[Trenton Dante Moore]

Trenton nodded at Marina's mental voice as she stated that there were things that she probably should not see or were not any of her business. It wasn't entirely true. It wasn't that they were none of her business, he just preferred to protect her from it. Beside him, he could hear Marina trying to force herself to relax, probably trying to relax and he turned to her and gave her a reassuring smile. He knew that she did not have it easy as most of the other vampires did not give her the proper respect one would usually show a vampire princess.

He felt Marina tremble from beneath his arms and he glared at the vampire who was still approaching.
"Stop," he warned low enough for only him to hear. It was the last and only verbal warning. Before the other vampire knew what was happening, Trenton had released his hold on Marina and had grabbed the vampire in a headlock. With a swift twist, the other vampire's head was ripped off of his shoulders.
"Let this be a warning. If anyone dares to attempt to hurt Marina again, this will be your fate or worse," he said holding up the head, speaking loudly so that everyone could hear him. Then, turning to Marina, "I am sorry, Bella. But there was no other way to stop him," he apologized as he once again went to take her into an arm as the other hand still held the head.

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

The fact that Trent smiled at her let her know she was doing the right thing. She tried not to show her fear and run away screaming but it was hard. Granted she had seen much in 26 years but when you suddenly had your world upend on you it made you a bit skittish.

Mari watched the body explode into dust, well it made for an easy clean up at least. She thought as someone vacuumed the dead vampire up and his head started to disintegrate, only the fact that Trent held it for a moment kept it from turning to dust as well. Well it got his point across.

The vampires were silent. Wether from fear or respect it was hard to say, she looked at Trent and blinked at him, "Trent, you don't need to apologize." she said gently as she felt him wrap his arm around her and she spoke with him silently, You protected me from a vampire. I'm not going to yell at you for it. She admitted to him with a slight smirk.

[Trenton Dante Moore]

Trenton knew that Marina was doing her best to relax and that it was hard for her, not that he could really blame her. She had seen so much evil---much of it his doing---and it could make a human unnerved.

Trenton smirked as he saw the looks on the other vampires faces as they stared at the head in his hand. I do believe I got the point across, he thought to himself. Someone started vaccuming the vampire's body and he let the head drop, allowing it to disintegrate as well. He then smiled gently when Marina told him verbally that he didn't need to apologize and then added mentally that she was not going to yell at him for protecting her from a vampire. Well I know that you abhor violence and I was trying to give you one night without it, he told her mentally. Well, so much for that part of the evening...

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

Exhaling softly she relaxed against Trent now that the immeadiate threat of becoming a midnight snack was over. She stretched a bit and tried to relieve some of the tension in her body as her adrenalin slowed down and she felt her body go languid for a bit. She closed her eyes and rested against Trenton. She looked a bit pale but just let people see what they would given that she needed to focus on the conversation she was having with him mind to mind. It wasn't easy for her and took most of her attention to do it.

'We have plenty of quiet times watching movies. Besides, this is still much less than what my father subjected me to. I'm just a little unnerved because I don't know anyone here and this is a new place for me.[/color]' She admitted shyly to him. She was out of her element and it made her more on edge than she might be elsewhere. She needed to get used to being out and about so she decided to try her best to soldier through it.

[Trenton Dante Moore]

Trenton felt Marina relax against him and he let himself do the same. The danger to her was past and she didn't need him going on high alert when she was already feeling out of her element. At her mental comment about their quiet nights together, he smiled. This was true. They had many nights together that were uneventful and he was starting to treasure those nights. At the reminder of what her father had done to her, Trenton frowned. Well, those days are behind you, Bella. I want you to know that, he told her. Then, he turned his attention back to the party, giving warning looks to all the vampires that caught his eye. He knew that this wasn't really the girl's scene so he wanted to make sure that it went as smoothly as possible, no matter the cost.

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

Sensing his smile, she did her best to act like he hadn't just ripped off the head of a vampire because of her. It bothered her that he would have to fight just to be with her. While many women would be thrilled for the attention she worried that she put him under too much strain and didn't want him to feel pressured. She bit her lip and looked up at him, locking eyes with him as she did her best to speak to him mentally. 'I am sorry if my presence causes you problems. I never wished it to do so.'

She sighed softly, 'I realize you would probably still have to make a few heads roll just because of the change of authority but it should not be because of me, Trent. She felt he was committing social suicide and did not wish the vampires to turn on him because of her. There was a real possibility of such a thing happening given that she was his weakness, his Achilles heel that he showed off at every chance he got. She didn't understand such things. She'd been locked away and hidden because she had been a weakness and here was Trent parading around with her. Unless it was possible that he was hoping that he could get rid of his greatest competition this way by seeming to be in control and unafraid. It made her head hurt just thinking on it all.

She nodded as Trent spoke, 'I understand. I'm just not used to all the changes.' She had been the princess freed from her tower only she really did not know what to do now that she had such freedom. And she wasn't foolish enough to think that such freedom would last forever. Logan's death weighed heavy on her still and there were days when it was hard to care, hard not to just give up and give in and let Trent do everything. He never took advantage, a fact that surprised her, but it still was hard to find the motivation and trust to get up in the morning. She realized that music started up and looked at Trent to see what he wished to do next.

[Trenton Dante Moore]

Trent went to give a squeeze to Marina's shoulders as she contacted him mentally, apologizing for causing problems with her presence. Do not feel that way, Marina. You are not the problem. Idiotic members of my species are, he responded. Then at her statement that his actions shouldn't be because of her, he shook his head. You let me worry about that, he suggested, keeping his tone light. After all, he didn't want her thinking he was mad at her. He wasn't. He just wanted to protect her and keep her from harm.

Even before she told him that she understood even though she wasn't used to it, Trenton had known that. Thanks to Reginald, Marina's life had been sheltered as she had been hidden away as if something to be ashamed of. Now that he was showing her off, it was only natural that people from every species would be interested in her and would have to learn to keep their place in regards to her. I know Bella, and with your permission I would like to keep bringing you out so that you will grow more comfortable with being seen, he added.

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

Nodding her head lightly she smiled at the shoulder squeeze, ducking her head shyly and nodding as she spoke mentally, 'Alright, Trent.[/color]' He could tell it was hard for her but she was genuinely trying to let him deal with things his way. To the casual vampiric observer it would appear their conversation was going well. She leaned in to hug him gently and buried her head on his shoulder if he allowed.

'If you wish to. I just don't want to be a bother.[/color] She exhaled and knew that she wasn't. Diana said she wasn't and Trent said she wasn't but it seemed to her like Trent was having to kill vampires just to be around her and that was sort of counter productive wasn't it? At this rate he'd be taking a crossbow out with him and offing folks that looked at her funny. She exhaled and forced herself to relax and just enjoy the moment if she could. She was getting thirsty and all this threat of immanent death made her want a glass of water. She debated the wiseness of that course of action, if she drank water and needed to use the privy was she going to get jumped? Ahh screw it. If some chick tried jumping her in the loo she'd chop off her head and kick it out the door. She was sick of having to think of everything.

[Trenton Dante Moore]

Trenton glanced at Marina, who mentally told him that he could still bring her to the events if he wanted to but that she didn't want to be a bother. And he did. However, he was not going to force her. And he knew that it seemed like he was constantly having to kill his own kind in order to keep her safe, but in reality, the attacks on Marina were far and in between, due to the fact that most vampires knew not to mess with him or Diana. You are no bother, Bella. Any man would be proud to be seen with you, he responded.

He heard her relax as she leaned against him and he went to pull her closer. I am going to get a glass of beverage. Would you like anything? he queried silently. Though he did not want to naturally assume anything, he figured that she probably did want something to drink. After all, they had been here for some time now and her body was probably was craving some form of libation. And if there was anything he could do to make things easier for her, he would do it gladly.

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

She broke protocol and hugged him tightly, all pretense at trying to be graceful ceased as she smiled into his shoulder, 'Thank you, Trent. It helps to hear that. After losing so many people she began to feel she was the bane of existence for many people. She wondered if she should even be here.

'You read my mind. I would love a glass of water.' she admitted truthfully as she looked at him and grinned as they moved to the bar and she hopped onto a stool with his help. Once she was settled she looked over at the bartender, "At the risk of insulting you, can I just have a glass of water for now? I'll get something later in the evening thats a little stronger but for now water is fine."

Yes she was the dork at the bar that sat there and ordered non alcoholic drinks. Truth be told it just felt odd. She just felt like the odd person out. Maybe its because of the wild parties her dad threw but the whole party scene bored her to death. She knew she was a freak and a weirdo. Heck she was dating a vampire, a fact that still surprised her.