Appointment with Rhostislav Mihailov @0200 hrs.

I stifled a yawn as I straightened everything in the room around me.  I had been up early and had tried to take a nap but, to be honest, I was excited.  And nervous.  How often could a person say they  met a vampire? Oh, excuse me. A vampyre? Sure, people brushed by them every day thinking they were humans but I knew that Mr. Mihailov wasn’t. And not only was he a vampyre he was one of the older ones.  I didn’t know why he had scheduled this session but it was bound to be-

“Good evening.”

“Jesus!” I let out a squeak and a book went flying across the table and sailed toward the floor.  Just as quickly a pale hand grabbed it and flicked it back into place.  I looked up to see him grinning widely.

“I apologize.  I did not mean to frighten you.  Sometimes I forget that I walk so silently.”

“I-it’s not a problem Mr. Mihailov.”

“Please, call me Rho.” He flashed another grin before strolling over to couch.  Sitting down he glanced around the room before focusing on me.

The pen in my hand trembled as his full focus was on me.  ”Uh…”

“Am I making you nervous?”

“Just a little.”

“Ah, I try to put people at ease but I always seem to fail.  Why is that do you think?”

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking the questions?”

“Da. Yes, this is true.  So, perhaps you should ask your questions before I am called away.”

“Called away on what?”

He shrugged languidly.  ”Business.  There is always something I must do. The protection of others is what I take the most interest in.”

“Protection against who?”

“My enemies. Their enemies.  Blood frenzy. You must understand I take my job seriously.  And when I fail it pains me greatly.”

“Have you ever failed?”

For the first time he looked away from me. “Yes.”

Rho likes to be in control of any situation.  He’s not that different from a human after all.

“Indeed I am very different from a human.  I hold onto my humanity with both fists because if I let it slip-” His eyes flashed red before he shook his head. “Nyet. That will never be my fate.”

“So, you can read minds?”

The tension slowly left his body as he slowly nodded.  ”If the human, I beg your pardon, if the person is projecting strong enough.  Beside the fact that I can read your handwriting from over here.” He chuckled when my hand flew to cover my notes then his head tilted as he studied me.

“Are you reading my mind?”

“Hm? Oh, yes but it is more of a background noise.  I was just thinking that you are a unique individual.  You do not do this for fame or fortune but to actually help people.  That is rare in this age.”

“Thank you.”

“You are welcome.  Now, come.  Ask me your questions that you have written down there.”

“I like to be prepared,” I muttered as I scanned my notepad.

“That is a good trait to have.”

“Have you ever been back to Russia?”

“There is nothing, nothing, for me there.”

“You have no other family?”

“Any family that I had has been dead for centuries.  My clan is my family. As are some packs.  Family is not all about blood.”

“Have you ever turned anyone?”

“…You must understand that, for a time, I was lonely.  I wanted a companion that would understand what I was going through.  I found a woman near death and saved her life…by making her as I am.”

“And how long were you two together?” She watched as his hand curled into a fist.

“One hundred and twenty years, six months and eight days.”

“Did you love her?”

“I did. And she betrayed me.  Betrayed everything that I thought we stood for.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know how I was turned, you know the evilness of it and I swore that I would never do that.  I would rather walk into the sun, have someone drive a stake through my heart, then turn a defenseless human without cause.  And she did that.  A little boy.  Because she wanted a child.  It was like staring into my past.”

“And then?”

“The child died and I had to put her out of her misery.  Next question if you please.”

“Umm…”

He smiled faintly. “Yes, I have had sex with a man.  I have loved a man.  Wanted to spend my eternal life by his side.  But he grew old and I buried him.”

“So you loved a human?”

“Is that so wrong? All beings just want love.  I do not turn for pleasure or selfish reasons.  I would not want someone to come to hate me as I once hated what I am.”

“How did you lose your eye?”

“It was not lost.  I took my own eye.  In a delirious haze.  I always had visions and being a vampyre only amplified them.  Can you imagine knowing you have to drink in order to survive but also knowing that the blood comes with a price? Their most painful memories made mine.  And my Maker used to pick the most wretched humans for me to feed off of.”

“Why didn’t it grow back?”

“Because I wasn’t a full vampyre yet.  My circumstance was unique.  I would rather not get into it now.”

“Of course.  You and Caine’s father were close…”

“Yes, he was like a brother to me.  I’m Caine’s godfather you know. ”

I smiled at the hint of pride in his voice.  ”You love Caine.”

“I would do anything for that boy.  Risk anything.  I made a promise to his father.  I will carry it out.”

“What was the promise?”

“That, my-ah sladkaya, was between Bernard and I.” He winked and I felt myself blush.

“What did you just call me?”

“It’s a form of sweetheart.”

“Oh! Um…”

“You remind me of Alana.”

“I do?”

“Yes, she’s such a sweet child.  But she has a fierceness about her that she hasn’t tapped yet.  But there will come a time…” Rho frowned then straightened.  ”I must go.”

“What?”

“I must go.  Something is-”

Between one blink and the next Rho was gone.

Heart thudding I put down my pen.  Rho was beyond writing down a simple summary.

Appointment with Julius Vanderwall @ 0930. Set up by Alana Westford.

“So then I was all: “I just want to go home!” and they were like: “No one cares that you want to go home!” Then we got into a fight. They kinda beat me up but I escaped.”

“Were you scared?”

“Oh yeah. I’d never been in a fight in my life. And that lady was mean to me too. I’d never been by myself before ya know? My mom has always been there for me.”

“What about your dad?”

“My dad…my dad isn’t very nice.”

“Yes, I’ve met him.” I bit my tongue to prevent myself from saying something else.

“Yeah, everyone gets that voice when they talk about him. Everyone but Caine. He lets everyone know that he hates him. Caine doesn’t like him but I know why he doesn’t like him.”

“And why’s that?”

“‘Cause my dad killed his dad. And he’s still sad about it.”

“Who? Your father?”

“No, cousin Caine. He gets a sad look in his eyes when he thinks about his dad. He must have loved him a lot.”

“I’m sure.  I like your hair cut.”

Julius ran his fingers through his hair then shrugged. “It’s just a trial hair cut. Miss Alana said she’s going to style it better today.”

“How come, how come you’re not writing anything down? Cousin Caine said said you always write stuff down.”

“I’m always writing things down with Caine because he’s always saying so much. You and I are playing a game though.”

“Yeah, don’t Wake the Llama is always fun! Me and my mom always used to play it before my dad said it was for babies and threw it away.”

“Have you spoken to your mom yet?” I carefully placed a stick down and watched it wobble before it stilled.

“No…I want to but I don’t wanna worry her even more.”

“Why would knowing where you were worry her more?”

“‘Cause then she’d want to come after me and I don’t think cousin Caine likes her either. And then I don’t know if she’s still with my dad. I don’t want to go back home if he’s still there.”

“Why not?”

“You sure do ask a lot of questions.”

I laughed. “That’s my job.”

“Maybe I should get a job like that. Caine says if I’m not eating then I’m talking. Miss Alana sure can cook.”

“Is that right?”

“Uh huh. She cooks all the time and she always makes enough so I can have seconds. And she smells good too. And her skin is soft. And she’s smart.”

“Really?”

“Uh huh. Caine likes her too. Alot.”

“How can you tell?”

“He’s always looking at her and sniffing her. And he calls her princess…but she likes him too.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure! When he’s not looking at her she’s looking at him. And she always gives him double portions at the dinner table. And she doesn’t move away when he touches her.”

“Yeah, that sounds like they like each other.” I placed another stick and watched as the whole thing collapsed.

“I win!!!!”

“Again!” Laughing, I picked up the sticks. “So Julius. Why don’t you want to go back home if you’re dad is there?”

Julius scratch his head then sighed. “Because I hate him.”

I opened my mouth to say something but there was a knock on the door then Alana poked her head in. “It’s time to go Julius!”

“‘Kay! It was nice meeting you ma’am,” Julius said as he hopped from the chair.

“It was nice meeting you too Julius. Take care.”

“I will! Thank you!” She watched as Julius skipped out of the room. I waved to Alana and she gave a quick wave back before quietly shutting the door.

After putting the game away I grabbed my notepad and wrote one sentence:

Ethan Vanderwall has scarred his son, perhaps for life.

Finally finished transferring my written notes to my laptop I closed it with a snap and heaved a sigh of relief. Another day done. My schedule was clear for the day. I felt like going home and taking a nice, long bubble-

I jumped, startled, as the door flew open. Caine stood in the door with a frown. Throwing a glare over his shoulder I heard him mutter:  “She is too fucking here. Liar!” and without an invitation he strolled in then began to pace back and forth in front of me.

“Caine, I’m sure my receptionist told you I was gone for the day. I-”

“Yeah, she said that. Obviously you’re not. I could smell you from out there.” He waved a hand toward the waiting room and continued to pace.

I decided to ignore that comment. “Caine, I was just on my way home. If you’d like I’ll pen you in for tomorrow morning at nine. I-”

“I don’t get it. I just don’t get it! That woman runs hot and then cold. I know she wants me. I can smell it and I can see it in her face when she thinks that I’m not looking. But the minute she sees me noticing her noticing me a wall comes between us. What the hell is that? Huh? Huh?”

“Caine-”

“And sure we might not have known each other that long. And we’ve never been on a date or had silly phone conversations until four in the fucking morning but that doesn’t mean that I don’t know her!”

“Caine-”

“She likes the morning. She’s one of those weird, fucking morning people. She wakes up all mussed but chirpy and I just want to put my face in her neck and breathe her in. She has to have a cup of coffee right off. She puts in two spoonfuls of sugar, takes a sip, winces and then adds another. She does that every fuckin’ day as if the taste is going to change.” He laughs and runs a hand through his hair.

“She hates germs. Like seriously hates them. She rewashed all the dishes in Rho’s place and wiped down the windows. She threw all the clothes in the wash and neatly folded them back. She loves sappy, romantic movies, hates onions but loves those crunchy onion ring chips. When she sleeps she likes to curl against me. So how the fuck can she say that I don’t fucking know her?”

“CAINE!?”

“What?” he snapped, tossing his arms in the air.

“Why don’t you have a seat and we can talk about this?”

“I can’t sit. I can’t stay long. I had to go out and get some milk. Anything to get out of that house. Her scent is all over the place.”

Getting comfortable I grabbed my notepad.

Appointment with Duncaine Lancaster @ 1600

Caine seems to be struggling with his feelings toward Alana Westfield.

“What are you writing? I hate when you do that shit!”

I shook my head. “I’m taking notes Caine. That’s what I do.”

“Look, I know she’s my mate. I know that here,” he pointed at his head, “But I’m more concerned about here.” He pointed to his heart. “Alana wants all that sappy shit that comes with being in a relationship, and not saying that she doesn’t deserve it, but I don’t know if I can do it. I don’t have it in me.”

“The fact that you’re even thinking about it, struggling over it, means that you have it in you Caine.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake! Of course you’d say that! You’re a chick. I sound like a fucking pussy. Getting all worked up over something that I really don’t have the time for. I have other things that I need to be thinking about…but I can’t get her out of my head.”

“Caine, have you told Alana any of this?”

“Hell no! She’s antsy enough around me. The last thing she needs to hear is this shit!”

All I wanted to do was go home and take a bubble bath.

“Anyways, I guess I better go. Alana wants to bake a cake and needs the milk. That kid is going to eat us out of house and home.”

“What kid? Caine? Caine?”

“Thanks for listening Doc. Later.”

Caine is conflicted about his emotions toward Alana. It’s obvious that he’s in love with her but is overthinking the entire thing. And just what kid is he talking about?

Appointment with Ulrich d’Allemagne @ 1300hrs.

One minute I was by myself and the next my hand was being kissed.  The man shot me a wink before reclining on the floor.

“What’s up doc?”

“Ulrich I presume?”

“That would be me.”

I watched as he reached into the pocket of his tight leather pants and pulled out a cigarette. “There’s no smoking in here.”

“Just a quick drag on the fag love and then I’ll play nice,” he said in silken tones. I blinked rapidly then shifting in my chair shook my head.

“Sorry. You can step outside if you’d like.”

He tapped the end of the cigarette into the palm of his hand before giving a shrug.  “I’ve been smoking for over one hundred years. A few minutes isn’t going to kill me now is i t?” Winking, he slipped it back into his pocket.

Ulrich speaks casually about being a vampire. A vampire is…

“That would be vampyre with a ‘y’ doc.”

He grinned, showing a sharp incisor when I stared at him in shock. He tapped his forehead. “Before you write it you think it…and broadcast it loud enough for everyone to hear.”

“Right.” Tossing the pencil to the side, I’d take notes after he’d gone, I folded my hands in my lap. “So what brings you here today?”

“Everyone else was doing it! Why not me?”

“You don’t strike me as the type to follow after everyone else Ulrich.”

“No? What type do I strike you as?”

“Take charge, always in control, secretive.”

“Don’t hold back doc. And I’m all those things. I’ve had to be. You wouldn’t understand my life. No one would.”

“It says here that you have a younger brother? I’m sure-”

“Caleb is the last person I would want to burden with my troubles. He’s a sensitive soul. He doesn’t have the shields that most vampyres have which leaves him open to everything. One of the reason he doesn’t come out very often.”

“You two are close?”

“Yeah, I’m the one that wiped his snotty nose and fed him when he was crying.”

“Your parents-”

“Our mother was a whore.”

“And your father?”

“Caleb’s father was a chimney sweep.”

“And yours?”

Digging around in his pocket he pulled out the cigarette and brought it to his mouth before heaving a sigh as I cleared my throat. “Damn,” he muttered then shook his head.

“I’d only just met my father right before I forced Caleb to turn me.”

“And?”

“He was just a man.”

“I see.” There was something about his tone that told me there was more to that story but I decided to leave well enough alone. “So, have you ever been married?”

I watched in fascination as his muscles tightened one by one. “Ulrich? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I was just thinking about…”

“About what?” Or who?

“There is a female I’m interested in but she won’t have anything to do with me.”

“Why’s that?”

“When you see her ask her for me will ya?” He rose. “Now I’m gonna pay a litte visit to Nolan. I think I need something a little stronger than a cigarette now. Later doc.”

He bowed regally before striding out the door.

Ulrich has father issues that run deep. And an affection for a female that runs deeper. Who is this female and why wont’ she have him?

“I fucked up.”

I blinked. “I’m sorry?”

“That’s why I’m here. I fucked up and the guilt is eating at me. I mean, I know that I shouldn’t have taken Alana out of the house but-”

“But?”

He tapped his fingers against his knee before he shrugged. “But I wanted to do something besides stay holed up in the apartment and cower in fear. I should have went by myself but I knew if I went by myself she just would have followed.”

“Who are we talking about?”

“Alana.”

“Ahhh….”

Alana seems to be an important dynamic to this group.

“Yeah man. It’s just that-” Nolan scrubbed a hand over his face. “My brother is out there risking his life every fucking day and what am I doing? Nothing!”

“Aren’t you protecting the pack that your brother leaves behind?”

Nolan laughed bitterly. “Yeah, I’m protecting them by smoking the ganja. Being Mr. Stoney McStoner as Alana calls me. Jesus Christ! What the fuck am I doing with my life?”

“Nolan…”

“And Caine is never going to talk to me again. I almost got his mate killed. He won’t return my phone calls. He’s the fucking Alpha. He can have me booted out of the pack if he wants to.”

“Do you think he will?”

“Hell if I know. He’s pissed off enough. And I can’t blame him. I almost got his mate taken away. You don’t understand the dynamics of the pack. Without a mate, without pups we are nothing.”

“I don’t think that he’ll force you out of the pack. From what I know of Caine he can be a little hot headed but he’s almost always reasonable. Just give him some time Nolan.”

“That’s what Rho said. How much time should I give him? And damn if I don’t sound like a bitch.” He gave a little laugh before rubbing his forehead.

“Nolan?”

“Yeah?”

“I saw your brother a few weeks ago.” I hesitated before clearing my throat. “He had a message for you.”

“What was it?”

“He said to watch your back and to keep an eye on Caine.” Also not to do anything stupid but I think he has enough guilt eating at him.

“How’s Greg doing?”

“He seemed okay. A little frayed but alright. Nolan, things will look up.”

“The sun will come out tomorrow like fucking Annie said huh?”

I smiled. “Yes.”

I watched as he pushed up from the couch and heaved a sigh. “Thanks doc.”

“No problem Nolan. If you need to talk-”

“Yeah, Rho will probably be in touch with you. For Vamps they aren’t bad. Have you met Ulrich yet?” When I shook my head he grinned before heading out the door.

Nolan appears to have have a form of sibling rivalry. He doesn’t dislike his brother. He just wants to be out there doing something. Hopefully that something doesn’t lead to more trouble.

]]> http://www.lycantales.com/onthecouch/2009/first-consultationnolan/feed/ 2 http://www.lycantales.com/onthecouch/2009/first-consultationethan/ http://www.lycantales.com/onthecouch/2009/first-consultationethan/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:07:35 +0000 PhoenixFG http://www.lycantales.com/onthecouch/?p=73

Marking a red X through my cancelled appointment I tapped the pen against the table. Well, that just cleared up an hour of my time. Now what did I-

The door flew open and suddenly Ethan Vanderwall was striding toward the couch. Crossing his legs he made sure the crease was straight on his pants before he fold steepled his hands and stared silently at me. Another man stood silently by his side.

“May I help you?”

“I’ve heard some interesting things about  your practice. Things that I need to know.”

“No can do. All these files are confidental.”

“I understand that. However, I-”

“No, I don’t think you understand. My patients expect a certain degree of-”

“Greg, would you care to explain what happens to people who defy me?”

The man barely shot a glance my way before shrugging. “I think she gets your drift.”

“Of course I do! However-”

“You saw my wife the other day. What exactly did she say?”

Pinching my forehead I shook my head. “Mr. Vanderwall, I’m sure if you’re wife wanted you to know she’d tell you. Now-”

“She blames me for our son running away. As if I had anything to do with that. The boy needs to grow a backbone. Maybe he’ll grow one more quickly if he’s out on his own.”

“‘The boy’ is ten years old. No child needs to be out on the streets by himself. Who knows what can happen?” I snapped.

Ethan shrugged his broad shoulders. “That was the choice he made. If-”

“Do you love your son or is he just a pawn for you to use in whatever twisted games you  have going on?”

He was half way across the room before Greg stepped in front of him and pushed him back. “No, she has nothing to do with this. I told you this was a bad idea. Let’s go.”

I watched as Ethan shoved Greg away before he straightening his suit. He glared at me. “Just for the record he is my son. Of course I care for him.”

Which isn’t the same thing as loving him.

Greg walked past me and keeping a wary eye on the door leaned closer. “Tell my brother to watch his back and keep an eye on Caine. Tell him not to do anything stupid. Are we clear?”

I nodded and he grinned, making his stern face almost boyish, before following after Ethan.

Ethan Vanderwall has no respect for anyone else but thinks that everyone should have respect for him. He has an inferiority complex he tries to hide behind a gruff exterior. I need to get in touch with Gregory Blade’s brother.

]]> http://www.lycantales.com/onthecouch/2009/first-consultationethan/feed/ 2 http://www.lycantales.com/onthecouch/2009/first-consultationdomonique/ http://www.lycantales.com/onthecouch/2009/first-consultationdomonique/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:03:48 +0000 PhoenixFG http://www.lycantales.com/onthecouch/?p=75

Impromptu appointment called in by Mrs. Vanderwall’s assistant for 1230.

The silence stretched as Dom, as I had been asked to call her, sat staring down at her knees.

“Dom, I understand that there was something that you wanted tot talk about?” I prodded gently.

She shrugged. “Not really. I just wanted to get out of the house. I can still smell him in there.”

“Smell who?”

“My son. Julius. And it’s tearing my heart apart.”

I watched as she absently rubbed at her chest and felt my own constrict at her leaden tone. “Where is Julius?”

She laughed humorlessly. “He ran away. He ran away so I could be happy again but the little fool doesn’t understand that he makes me happy.”

Dom seems to have a warm, loving relationship with her son.

“Why would he run away? And where would he go?”

“Because of Ethan. Our relationship isn’t the best on a good day but I’ve been with him so long…I know his faults. It’s just over the last few years he’s changed into a person that I can’t stand. And Julius was going to look for his cousin Caine.”

Caine Lancaster???!!!

“So, why don’t you just leave?”

“It’s…complicated. Ethan would never let me leave with Julius and I can’t leave my son with him.”

It seems as if Ethan Vanderwall is a very domineering man.

“Have you talked to a lawyer about this situation?”

She laughed humorlessly before rubbing her hands tiredly over her eyes. “What lawyer wants to go up against Ethan? He has wealth and power and the man isn’t in his right mind.”

“But what about your son? You don’t want him to grow up in that sort of environment. “

“No, no I don’t but I don’t want to live my life in fear either. I can’t just run away. I made my bed. I’m a prisoner of my own making…and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“I’m sure if-”

“No, no.” Her shoulders straightened and she stared at me with piercing blue eyes. “I’ve never been a victim. I’m not going to start now. I know what I have to do.”

“Dom, if there’s anything that I can do to help don’t hesitate to call me. I don’t think you’re thinking rationally right now.”

“This is the most rational I have been in weeks. Thank you for taking the time to see me.”

“It’s not a problem.”

I waited until the door closed softly behind her before scribbling a quick note.

I need to get in touch with Caine.

Appointment with Alana Westfield @ 10:30

Glancing up I saw that it was just a little after 10. I still had enough time to run to to the bathroom and maybe warm up-

“Hello!”

Startled I looked around and saw Alana standing in the doorway. She peeked in and a look of relief crossed her face.

“Oh thank GOD!! Everything is so clean in here! You have no idea how worried I was that we were going to be meeting in some dump of a place. I don’t care what Caine says. His idea of clean and mine are light years apart.”

“Uh…Alana? You’re appointment isn’t for another fifteen minutes.”

“I know, but I wanted to make sure I got here on time. I always arrive early. You don’t mind do you?”

Before I could say anything she walked in and sat down…in my chair.

“That’s my seat. You sit there.”

“Oh.” Laughing, she seemed a lot more receptive to me than Caine, she sat down on the couch.

After grabbing a soda and offering her one, which she refused, I sat down and cleared my throat. “So, how are you?”

I took note of the fact that she scooted up on the couch and hunched her shoulders in a small shrug. “I’m okay I guess. How are you?”

“Fine. Is there anything in particular you would like to discuss?”

“I really like the energy of this room. Really relaxing. And this couch is so soft and plush. I had a couch like this. Before it was burned.”

She still  has some anger over Caine burning down her house.

There had a been more than a thread of anger in her voice. “It’s understandable that you would be upset about your house burning down. I-”

“You say  it as if it was an accident. I know, I know! I should be grateful because Caine was saving my life but darn it! I had worked hard for everything in that house! EVERYTHING!” Sucking a deep breath she shook her head. “But he did save the most important thing. I had a lot of important documents in my suitcase. A suitcase I haven’t seen because Greg still has it  hidden!”

I nodded and watched as she scratched absently at her forearm. “That’s a nice outfit. I have something similar to-”

“And that’s another thing. I’m just supposed to be okay with wearing other people’s things? Do you know what kind of bacteria are still left on clothes even after being washed? And I’ve been going without panties for days now. Washing them by hand is just not cutting it.” She shuddered.

She has a severe case of mysophobia, aka germaphobia. What could be the underlying cause of this?

“Alana, when did you first start focusing on germs?”

“I’ve always been focused on germs. I understand there’s good germs and bad germs. I’m not stupid.”

“I never thought you were. I was just wondering where this fear-”

“I’m not scared of germs!”

Alana doesn’t see herself as having a phobia. Will need several sessions with her to discuss it.

A tense silence stretched in the small room and she ran her hands through her hair. “That’s a nice hair color on you. And the cut-”

“Oh, don’t even get me started on the cut! An involuntary cut! But I can’t say anything because the stupid man saved my life!”

“What man are we talking about Alana?”

“You  know what man.”

“Caine?”

“Yes.” The word was hissed out between gritted teeth.

“I see. Caine isn’t the brightest bulb in the shed is-”

“Excuse me? I can talk about the fool but I don’t think that’s very professional of  you is it?”

Biting my lip to keep from smiling I shook my head. “I apologize.”

“I would think so. ” She tapped her fingers against the couch then shifted. “He’s really not that bad,” she said grudgingly. “He really does try. He just ends up fumbling everything. It would be cute if it wasn’t happening to me.” A small smile curved her mouth.

“Are you attracted to him?”

“I beg your pardon?” Her spine stiffened and she crossed her arms over her chest.

“It was just a simple question Alana.”

“There is nothing simple about it. It’s really personally….did Caine say he was attracted to me?”

“Now you know that I can’t tell you any information from another session….however-”

There was a sudden knock on the door. “Come the fuck on Alana! You’re fifteen minutes are up!”

Alana sprung up and yanking open the door shoved her face in Caine’s. “You are so rude,” she snapped. Caine bent down and snarled back at her, “I can be plenty nice…just let me show you.”

Alana waved in my general direction before shoving past him and stalking down the hall. Caine growled deep in his chest as he watched her walk away.

“I could just take a bite out of that ass!”

“I hear you Caine!” she shouted. He laughed and after winking at me closed the door. Pinching my forehead, where I could feel a headache growing, I made one last notion before I tossed down my pencil and dug around in my bag for some Aleve.

Alana is in denial about her feelings for Caine. There’s a large amount of sexual tension between them that it’s  bound to snap sometime soon.

Appointment at 10:30 with Duncaine Lancaster.

I close my planner and glance at the clock. It’s now 11:05. Maybe he wasn’t-

The door slamming open cued me in that my 10:30 appointment had just arrived. I smiled pleasantly at him as he walked into the room and plopped down on the couch.

“Hello Duncaine. It’s a-”

“So, what hell is this all about?”

“Just two people talking. You always seem to have a lot to say.”

“Yeah, I’m a fucking chatterbox. ”

“Tell me about it. ”

I watch as Caine shifts on the couch. His fingers beat out a fast tempo on his thighs. “Are you nervous about something Caine?”

“Oh. Let me think. Hmm…I spent ten years in a nuthouse where doctors were always asking me questions and trying to shove meds down my throat. So I might just be a little nervous. Besides the fact that I don’t have shit to say.”

Caine is disinclined to talk.

“Wait! What was that shit? What did you just write on that clipboard?”

“Nothing. Nothing.”

He growls something underneath of his breath then crosses his arms and stars at me with a dark scowl. “It ain’t gonna work.”

“What’s not going to work?”

“You. This! Reverse psychology is a cheap trick.”

“Caine, I wouldn’t try reverse psychology on you. I don’t know why you would suggest that!”

“Says the woman who looking at me as if I’m something under the microscope. As a matter of fact I have a bone to pick with you.” He rolls his eyes when I snort out a giggle. “Haha!! I get it. Dog metaphor but just for your information I am NOT a dog.”

“I know you’re not. You’re a fierce Lycan male. Alpha of the pack. Strong-”

“Cut the shit. So, have you talked to Alana yet?”

Seems very interested in Alana Westfield.

“Would you cut that shit out? Jesus, every time I say something you gotta write it down. It was just a question. I haven’t even kissed the girl. Yet.” He grins when I start humming the Little Mermaid song under my breath. “Dude, the prince in that movie was an idiot. How are you gonna fall in love with a chick because of the way she sings? And then spend all this time with her but when someone comes along with the same voice you ditch her? If I would have been Arielle I would have told him to fuck off.”

“I’m sure you would have. So, you like Disney movies?”

He shrugs. “Most of them. But don’t try to distract me. You never answered my question.”

“Which question was that?”

“The only question I asked!”

“No, you’ve asked several. One about something I don’t remember and then the other was in reference to the Little Mermaid.”

“One about….one about something you don’t remember? You’re killin’ me here! So, have you talked to her yet?”

I pick up my glasses and slip them on before looking down at the clipboard. “I have a couple of questions I did want to ask you.”

Groaning he throws up his arms and flops back on the couch. “I’m gonna have blue balls. I know it, I know it!”

“Stop being dramatic! You didn’t even like people remember?”

“Oh, I like her plenty. I just can’t let her know it. What woman wants to tie herself down to a man beast?”

“Plenty…if the man would come out more often.”

He snorts. “That was retarded. I am who I am. Or I am what I am. Which ever.”

He seems torn about the different sides of his nature.

“I didn’t even say anything! How are you writing something down?” he demanded sitting back up.

“I’m just making notations.”

“Peanut butter.”

I looked up. “Are you hungry?”

“No, I was just checking to see if you were gonna write that down too.” He grinned.

I cleared my throat to smother a chuckle. “Caine, you’ve been a Lycan all your life. Why-”

“Sure, I’ve grown up knowing who and what I was. But I’ve never became that beast until…you know what? We’re done here.

“Caine! Caine! We were just making some progress! You can’t keep-”

I winced when the door slammed shut behind him. “You can’t keep these feelings bottled up,” I said under my breath as I sank back down in my chair. I made another notation.

Duncaine Lancaster hides behind his tough exterior. I’m hopeful that he’ll want to speak with me again.