Previously in New York, Part 7


When Ariana left the residence of a best selling writer, she clearly knew why he rarely did interviews. He was a Daeva and Ariana was entirely unaware until that evening. As she walked out of his dwelling, she was furious with Louie for arranging it. Yet, he did not know and she could not tell him. As she walked outside, her normal driver from the newspaper was not outside.

“Good evening Miss Donovan. Lord Bainsworth requests your presence at once.” The words from the Gangrel oozed with anxiety in her ears. She wanted to run, but she would be caught anyway.

She sat motionless in the car which had felt like a hearse as they drove. Ariana knew tonight would be different. She would not let Greg keep repeating history. For the first time in 7 years, Ariana fought back.


A Few Hours Later


Ariana was finally permitted to leave. Fighting back was not the smartest thing she had done recently, but she felt good. Lord Bainsworth acknowledge the point she was trying to make. “I see that the power of the Ventrue is finally rising from your pathetic existence. You are not to be involved with our kind. It is dangerous and forbidden to you. Don’t you see I am trying to protect you?” As he spoke those words she wonder what exactly was more dangerous, the charming Daeva she just interviewed, the Mehket that she had a business friendship who was dangerous himself, or Greg. Ariana’s clothes where torn in several places. Slices were laid into her skin from his rather extensive collection of knives and swords. He was personally entertained doing this to her, and probably others to which she was unaware. This side of Greg, no one saw. The sinister malicious and deadly side of him. Sometimes on nights like tonight, she wished she would have died instead of being brought over to this existence.

There were only a few hours left of the night sky. Greg’s house was on the other side of the city. It was a long walk. She passed through Central Park on her way back. She had fed on her way home, still being very careful. It was rather hard to feed when you looked frightful. After passing through Central Park, she thought she was being followed.

As she was only a few blocks away form her apartment, Ariana wondered who was following her. A few of her open gashes were beginning to close, but the one that ran deepest down the side of her face was still very much open.

Conner stepped out from around a tree and stood in front of Ariana. He said nothing, just looked her up and down. As if cataloging her wounds. Taking note of each and every cut and slice. Each bruise and mark. Conner raised a hand and turned her head to the side to take in the bruise around her eye. Conner shook his head and turned to walk up the path away from her, the way she had came from.

Ariana was not shocked that it was Conner who had followed her. When he turned his back on her, she could not help herself. “Mr. Grey, I am not chasing you down tonight.” She said with defeat slipping from her lips. “Where are you going?” She did not want to be alone tonight, but did not want to ask.

Conner does not respond as he disappears into the crisp Autumn night.