Trying to catch a scent

[Synistergrrl]

~Liam parked the car a bit away from the townhouse and glanced over at the snake.~

We should head around back. Keep an eye out on a look out from the cops.

~He waited for the snake to nod and then he opened the door, slipping out. As they started to walk, Liam cocked his head to look at the snake.~

So, Kael seems to feel that this isn't David? What do you think?

~He shifted to head into the alley, following the snake's lead.~

They aren't setting you up, you realize that, right? If it's not David, then it's not you that was set up. It's all Eli. Cause you haven't been around anyone else other than David. You've had no one else.

~Liam frowned as he said that, turning to look at Sigh.~

I didn't want to say anything infront of the others, infront of Dane. It would only serve to upset him and I'm not sure how everyone else would react if they felt it was just Eli.

~He was staring at the snake and then he cocked his head.~

I know how important he is to Dane. And as annoying as he can be, I'd do whatever I could to help Eli and that means you too, Sigh. That being said, I'd really like to stay here, and if you and Eli leave, Dane's gonna follow and so am I. I'm a wolf, don't do well without a pack. So, I'm just... this is me asking to try and keep Eli here... least for a little while?

[LittleDeadGrrl]

-The snake nodded quietly. He wasn't a big talker and right now he was focused. He walked with the wolf glancing around slowly-

If we spot them I can shift ... get in through the vents and catch the scent myself ...

-He was trying to recreate that night in his mind before Liam asked that question and he shook his head slowly. He didn't think it was David. He looked down chewing on his bottom lip idly-

I know it's someone going after Eli. Or Dane. A vampire. If it had been David he'd have just cornered us in the townhouse with some shifters and tried to drag us back. This reeks of vampires, or what I've seen of them, sneeky.

-He paused a bit-

If it is Eli they are coming after ... maybe I should take him away. Keep him safe. We could lose them underground. Tell me ... if it is Eli only ... the pack will protect him right? More so then if it was me ...

-He cocked his head to the side asking honestly. He frowned when the wolf asked him the favor ... -

I know that. I'm staying for him ... I've always stayed for him ...

-His brow arched as he took a step in closer-

You think I take any pleasure from this place? I don't like being around wolves ... or coyotes ... or much of anything else. I'm hated at worst and distrusted at best.

-He tugged at the collar around his neck-

This ... I wear for Eli. He wants to be here ... he wants to be with his maker but if you really want us to stay it's not me you have to talk to. It's Dane. HE needs to work on how he treats Eli. He is not a child anymore ... and Dane still treats him like that. Me and Eli have one very important thing in common ... we don't like alphas. Dane tries to act like one to him. In the end Eli won't take it forever .. and we will leave ... and I think it best you and Dane don't follow. If Eli doesn't want you along ... I'll do my best to keep you both at bay.

-He shrugged slowly before they continued on stopping as he glanced around back of the warehouse. The snake was honest if anything. He liked the wolf, as much as he could like anyone that wasn't Eli ... -

[Synistergrrl]

~Liam listened to the snake, nodding just slightly. The wolf stared at the snake before he took a step in.~

I can't speak for the whole pack, Sigh. I'm not the alpha. But I'll say this. Dane means alot to Kael, and Eli means alot to Dane. Also, Kael isn't big on thinking his own, or anyone under his protection is being fucked with. And both of you are under his protection, living in his house. I would be honestly surprised if he wouldn't protect both of you. But for myself, I'm with both of you. I'd lay my life down to protect Eli.

~Liam meant those words but then the snake began to speak again and Liam nodded some more. He cocked his head and then he smiled a bit.~

I'm fully aware you stay because of Eli and I know that collar and the cuffs before, it's all for their perceived idea of safety.

~He sighed, nodding and moving towards the rear of the house.~

I know Dane needs to chill out with Eli. It's, I don't know and I can't talk to him about it. I mean, I do, it's just hard to tell him how to handle this situation when I don't know that much about it.

~He stopped at the back gate. Slipping up and over easily, he waited for Sigh. They were quiet for a bit, just checking to make sure they were alone and then they crept in through the back door to the dark house.~

If you both leave, just tell me, Sigh, if we aren't welcome, I'll make sure Dane stays away until Eli wants to see him.

~His last words were a whisper. Liam just seemed to ignore all the coldness from the snake, as if it were just nothing. But Liam was also fucking a vampire, it said something about the type of people the wolf seemed to choose as friends.~

[LittleDeadGrrl]

Just because he means something to Dane?

-Sigh arched a brow and looked as if he didn't believe Liam. It wasn't an insult, or a slight, the snake just didn't understand that kind of loyalty, pack, or love. To him none of those words meant anything. He knew Eli meant everything to him, maybe that was love, he didn't know. The snake nodded slowly respecting the wolf couldn't get involved in such a long and sordid history. It was the problem with vampires. They always had a history ... -

You mean it?

-When the wolf nodded the snake nodded as well ... -

Then I'll tell you. Maybe it won't come to that ...

-He paused and sniffed around slowly before he managed to open up the backdoor easily as they slipped inside the building. He glanced around slowly viewing the grizzly scene that was still wrapped up in tape-

We won't have much time ... let's see if we can get some kind of scent ...

[Synistergrrl]

Don't sound so incredulous, Snake....

~Liam smirked and then he shrugged.~

Yeah, I mean it...

~He looked at the house and then back at Sigh.~

That's all I can ask for you.

~They crept into the house and Liam's head lifted, trying to catch a scent. He glanced at Sigh and nodded, slipping from the snake to try and pick up a smell. He frowned as he crept through the house. He made a quick round and then came back to the living room. He stood there, staring at the room. When Sigh reappeared, Liam cocked his head.~

Nothing... there's nothing... no scent at all. not even yours...

~He frowned, staring at the marked places the bodies had been. He turned to Sigh.~

You feel that, right? That buzzing? We need to bring L... No... West. West could see it. I bet. We should go, come back late tonight with West. We'll need it to be really dark and really late. Whatcha think?

[LittleDeadGrrl]

I'm always incredulous of anything I don't understand ...

-He shrugged a bit slowly-

I was found by wolves when I was very young and they were not good to me. Eli is the first one I feel anything for ... other fear maybe. David I thought was pack ... but slowly I grew to understand I was slave and he was master ...

-He shrugged easily before frowning as they moved around. He sniffed slowly. He kneeled by the ground and touched the carpet nodding-

I don't understand ... how can this be? Can a vampire do this?

-He looked up surprised before nodding slowly-

I think it's a good idea. Let's go back and see if he will come. Will Kael let him go alone with us? I think his mate will come up with him ... it'll be harder to sneak in 4 ... 3 would be easier ...

[Synistergrrl]

~Liam didn't say anything to the snake's confession, what could he say other than sorry and he was pretty sure that Sigh didn't want to hear that from him. Inside they were both looking confused and Liam nodded.~

I think Kael would let West come with me and you and yes, Quinn too. He could be our look out. I think it'd be impossible for him to let West just go with us. I can't really blame him. But I think it's best we get West.

~He turned and they slipped from the house just as easily as they'd come in. Leaping over the fence, they started back towards the car. He got in the drivers side and waited for the snake before starting to drive off.~

I don't think vampires can do that. I don't know for sure, but... in London, you could always smell them. You know that smell, that sweet sort of smell that all vampires have?

~He didn't want to say rotted smell, but that's kind of what it was, but to a wolf, it smelled good, strangely so.~

You can always smell them when you're close to them and their territory. They've never masked it that I know of. But that's not to say they can't do it. We'll have to talk to Dane and Eli about it.

[LittleDeadGrrl]

Fine ... let's go back then and you can present it to Kaelan and West.

-He was not going to be saying shit. He knew him asking was not going to go down well so he let Liam. When they got back to the car the snake dropped down in the passenger seat and stared out pensively watching the houses full of people go by with little interest. He finally grinned a little bit-

Rotted a bit. I know it ... Eli reeks of it but I like it. His scent changes based on what he feeds on. I think I prefer his scent when he feeds on people ... then animals ...

-He glanced back at the wolf-

You and Dane are very strange couple. Aren't you worried he might feed and take too much from you? He could kill you ... you trust him that much?

[Synistergrrl]

~Liam smirked a bit in the driver's seat. He couldn't help the amusement, being the snake was talking about how Eli smelled. As Sigh asked that question, Liam gave a shrug.~

Do you trust Eli that much? He drinks much more from you than I of Dane. He could over power you, kill you?

~Liam eyed the snake for a second.~

I trust him... And I like it... don't you?

~His mouth turned up into a smile that just toyed at the corner. He drove them home though and climbed out of the car, heading inside. He found Dane and Eli together, sitting down about to talk to Kael about something, but Liam interrupted that.~

Hey... listen... there's no scent. I mean no scents at all. It's like it's just blank, just completely blank. Can't even smell blood. I think, they masked themselves.

~Kael frowned at that, his eyes flickering to Sigh waiting for the snake to nod in agreement. When he did, Kael just shook his head. He cocked his head watching Liam.~

What are you thinking?

~Liam took a deep breath.~

We want to go back.... with West. I think he might be able to see something that we couldn't smell. We'll take Quinn as well, the three of us can protect him.

~Kael frowned at that, not liking this idea. But he also understood that West's gifts might help them. He nodded.~

Liam, go get West and Quinn... If he doesn't feel like he can go, then he won't and you'll have to ask Lark, alright?

~Liam nodded. And then he turned, leaving the other four there. Kael dropped onto the sofa, running a hand through his hair.~

[LittleDeadGrrl]

He could ... I trust him ... but I also don't care to be honest. You seem to care ... you have a pack ... I wouldn't think you'd want to risk death ...

-He blinked as he stared at the wolf and spoke honestly. He wasn't saying it depressed or being a martyr, it was just a fact, he loved being with Eli, it was all that brought him any pleasure and if the vampire killed him one night, it'd be a good death. He snorted faintly-

Of course I like it ... else I wouldn't allow it. It's also why I don't let him drink from another supernatural and why he drinks so much from me ...

-When they got back Sigh made a beeline for Eli and nuzzled against his neck keeping him close as he looked up and watched Liam explain their plan. Sigh moved and dropped down slowly before looking at Eli-

Can vampires mask their scent? Mask all scent?

-Upstairs West was reading a book while Quinn was playing a video game. When a knock came at the door West's head snapped up as he set the book down letting his hand rest on the braille. Liam came in a moment later and made his request. West nodded easily-

Of course I'll come. Tonight?

[Synistergrrl]

~Liam had shrugged at the snake, but there was a smile there, the two of them having this in common. Back at the house, Kael watched Liam go up the steps and then he turned his attention to Sigh and Eli, Dane as well. Dropping down, he watched Eli who was staring at the snake. His brow cocked and he frowned.~

No, not that I know of. I've never heard of such a thing. Dane?

~Eli leaned into Sigh, happy to have him home, but it would seem he would be going back out. Liam had gone up the steps and he knocked on the door before going in. He explained it to them and West was agreeing, but Quinn was standing up.~

Wait... I don't... I don't like this.

~Liam frowned a bit and nodded.~

I kinda figured, but it wasn't like we were going to take him without you, Quinn. We know your a hand in hand combo.

~Quinn frowned, his eyes flashing for a moment, but he looked to West and when the boy moved in closer, Quinn wrapped his arm around him, but knew they were going, even if he argued. So instead he just sighed and moved along with West when Liam nodded that, yes they'd like to go now, tonight. They moved down the steps to find Sigh, Eli, Kael and Dane waiting. Eli looked up at the snake with narrowed eyes.~

I'm gonna come too. I want to see what your talking about.

~Liam sighed at that.~

We can't have too many people, Eli. And we need West and Quinn.

[LittleDeadGrrl]

-Dane leaned back near Kaelan thinking about the conversation he'd have with the alpha later but for now they had to focus on what exactly was attacking them. He frowned softly-

I know of vampires that can mask their own scent ... some that have no scent. It may be possible for them to mask others but I've never really heard of it either. Still, it seems more likely if a vampire was involved he had outside help or a gypsy or something like West ...

-It was not a pleasant thought, a vampire working with a gypsy. Upstairs West was grabbing a bag shoving a few things he might need. If someone was masking their presence he'd need help to decipher it. He paused next to the coyote and smiled-

It's ok ... I'm safe with them ... and you'll be right there ... besides it's an empty house ...

-West passed by Liam and arched a brow at the comment as if to say, shut up. But he didn't say anything he just moved down the steps easily, this house one place he no longer needed help getting around in. Sigh got up slowly as he arched a brow looking down at Eli-

It might be good to have a vampire Liam ... he might pick up something we didn't. Maybe Quinn doesn't have to come? The coyote serves no purpose ...

-Sigh was not known for his phrasing. West touched Quinn's hand gently gripping it so the coyote didn't get mad-

He comes as well but he'll stay in the car. You can stay in the car too Sigh. Eli can come in to be fresh perspective and Liam to guard ... this way only three go back inside ... the more of you that tresspass the scene the harder it will be for moe to see anything.

-He turned to look at Kael to see if the alpha would back him up on this plan-

[Synistergrrl]

~When West, Quinn and Liam made it downstairs, Kael was still frowning. He listened to the others and grimaced when Sigh said Quinn wasn't needed. The coyote let a low growl rumble from his chest, eyes narrowed, having moved just slightly towards the snake, but he didn't say anything, as West was doing it for him. Kael smiled and he nodded.~

Do what West says. This is his show now. I trust him. He's the one with the sight, so he'll tell you all what to do. Eli goes as well, to see if there's something else he can sense that we can't. The rest of you, Liam, Sigh and Quinn are there to make sure that West and Eli don't get hurt and that no one sees you. If they do, make sure they don't remember it. We don't want to call anymore attention to ourselves than already has. And be careful.

~Kael was learning, slowly, to delegate these sorts of things. Even though he wanted to go, because it drove him a bit crazy not too, he also knew he couldn't possibly do all this alone. And they were all more than competent. It's the one reason that Maddy had been allowed to go after Phrix when he'd gone after David separately.~

Good, well that's decided, let's go.

~Liam clapped his hand and nodded. He didn't want to get into a pissing match with anyone at this moment, or have to break one up. They turned and the group left, bigger than before. Eli, Sigh and Quinn got into the back as West and Liam got in the front and Liam drove them there, driving by the house on purpose to give West a view from the outside. The house looked strange to him just from the street, all dark and shadowed, like there was a veil on it. Liam parked around the corner, a block down and turned.~

Okay, Sigh, Eli and West goes into the house

~Before Quinn could argue, Liam held up a hand.~

Sigh and Eli were there, They can tell West more what happened then me or you. They'll keep him safe, and you, Quinn, you get out and head down and around the block. Come back around and keep an eye out on that end. I'm going to follow them but remain outside near the ally. Sigh, keep an ear out, I'll call you if something bad starts going down.

~He looked right at the snake and there was trust in the wolf's eyes. He was trusting him to keep West safe, to make sure the packs emissary didn't get hurt at all and it was on the snake if he did.~

Right, well come on...

~Eli climbed out of the car and then offered a hand to West, leading him into the dark alley. It was still so very early in the morning, the sun still down. Eli pulled West in closer, even as Quinn growled. The vampire ignored him and lead in down into the darkness of the ally.~

Tell me what it is exactly that you see? I mean... I heard someone say something about aura's? But you can see us? Me?

[LittleDeadGrrl]

-West gave a greatful smile when the alpha backed him up and trusted him. West leaned into Quinn and followed the coyote outside before they were all driving towards the faithful spot. Once they got there Liam shifted things around. The emissary arched a brow slowly. He didn't feel so safe with the snake to be honest, or the vampire, but he knew Liam would not risk his life if he didn't trust them so he had to trust. He reached out easily touched the coyote's face as he smiled

It'll be ok ...

-Sigh arched a brow watching the way West moved, almost as if he could see, although as they neared the house he reached out and asked Eli to guide him inside. Sigh stared at Liam surprised he did trust him with the emissaries life. He nodded easily as he followed behind the two looking around. West moved with Eli and smiled-

I can see all of you yes. Quinn the best since I have the closest connection with him but I'm working on recognizing others. You ... are a dark green mist ... swirling ... etheral ... never in one spot and never quiet as tangible as the wolves or coyotes ..

-He almost went on until they got to the entrance and he paused and paled a bit. He looked as if he felt a bit ill-

So much blood ...

-He felt the recent murders in this place and it was ... a disturbing feeling-

[Synistergrrl]

~Quinn didn't look happy at all as he was being told he couldn't go with West. He looked ready to argue, but Liam gave him a look before he sighed. He tugged West in and kissed him. As he started to walk away, he stopped near Sigh.~

Take care of him....

~And there was a little threat in those words before he started heading off around the block. Eli smirked at that, finding it cute, but didn't say as much. He lead West to the house and smiled as the boy spoke.~

Green huh? I was expecting black soulless sort of thing.

~He teased a bit, but then the smile fell when West went so still. He cocked his head and then he turned to face the boy, turning him by the shoulders.~

Listen to me, West. Inside isn't... it's not going to be nice. But know that I nor Sigh did that. And we will find out who did. So I need you to think about it clinically, okay?

~He took a step closer, lifting the boys head, as if he could see him, look him in the eye.~

And I'm gonna be right here beside you, and we won't let anything bad happen. Kay? Say it with me, that you're going to be alright?

~He waited for the boy to say it and then he smiled and lead him inside, keeping a hand on West as they entered. And Eli was right, it was gruesome, this murder, violent and cruel, but it wasn't Eli, but whomever it was, they were shielded, just gone, the space empty.~