alluring, beware

alasdair. master. crossroads demon. old as shit.

[alasademon]

lostxdarragh·:

   Darragh thought that was pity. It felt like pity. He didn’t want pity from the master.

    Still, the slave slid into the passenger seat, doing his best to keep any sign of discomfort from his face. He looked at the seatbelt before deciding against it, knowing that the feel of the seatbelt against his tender ribs and bruises wouldn’t do him any good. “I am fine, sir.” He told the man. Not wanting the master to think he was damaged goods. Even if he thought he’d be dead soon, he didn’t always want to be.

Alasdair let out a deep sigh as he shut the door and pulled his seatbelt on with one hand, the other putting the key into the ignition to start it. Not surprising to hear the other say he was fine when he seemed very much not fine. But what could Alasdair do beyond just offering to take care of the other and giving him the time needed to heal. “What do you want, Darragh?” Alasdair questioned as he drove away from L’Enfer and made his way down the hillside. “Not as a slave, you’ve made it quite clear that you want to simply please your masters. But I’m asking as a person, what is it that you want? Whether it is something you can change or something that you could have in your possession.” For some the answer was an easy answer: freedom. For others it could be something else. Something tangible. 

[alasademon]

littlcbambi·:

“uh… yeah… but i’m used to it. i mean i grew up needing to just get over desiring things…” she shrugged as she buckled herself in for safety. “uh… not always. i get really bad at taking care of myself.” she admitted as she picked at some fuzz on her skirt. “i am just a good listener. i don’t know… i try not to anger them at all… i just don’t do punishment well.”

“Not every punishment is a bad punishment,” Alasdair mused with a soft chuckle. He could think of a few of them that he did enjoy very much. And he hadn’t ever heard complaints about them. As he drove down the streets, Alasdair eventually pulled into the parking lot of a small restaurant and turn the car off. “I could hardly see you ever triggering someone to be truly angered. You’re very much one of innocence, dear Bambi.”

[alasademon]

chanceblackwell·:

“You’re not wrong I probably would be. No matter how much she’s grow from when I met her, she always surprises me somehow.” Nodding Chance wanted nothing more than to protect her. In his head, no matter how much she grew or how strong she was, places like this city could ruin a person. He feared she could lose her life if things got very bad. “She’s special Alasdair. As weird as it may be, she’s the closet thing to family I have right now. Aside from my mate and her child. What’s she gone through in life…..I don’t wish to see it happen ever again. I love her and will do what I need to make sure she doesn’t end up strangling a guard and loosing a hand.” 

The laugh that left him had his head shaking. First chance she got Kora would have a trail of heads behind her. “Yes, loyalties. Between us, I uphold my loyalties. So long as those in my circle are safe.” The alpha couldn’t help but laugh. “I do. You can thank the vicious puppy that lives with you. I wasn’t always this way and I won’t be. Piss me off enough and I’ve got a dark side like everyone else.”

That was indeed something Alasdair had been learning about when it came to Kora. She was certainly special and never ceased to amaze him. Perhaps why he’d ended up taking such an interest in her after that day in Enchanted. What was such a simple and normal conversation had morphed into Alasdair being far too curious and wanting. “Well, I do think she’s done quite enough damage to the guards already and I don’t think she’ll run into any trouble with them in the future. Although if one of them infuriates me and I feel the need...” Alasdair chuckled. A casual threat with very little heat to it. Alasdair rarely had trouble with the guards.

“And here I thought you were Mr. Dough boy, so soft and starry-eyed.” He knew better than to underestimate anyone but it was far too much fun to mess around with the werewolf. “Anyway, off the topic of lovely Kora, there is some council business that should be attended to if you have the time.” He crossed his arms over but kept his pleasant expression. “I’m curious about if you have any future plans for the guards.”

[alasademon]

ghstadventure·:

realistically, he’d love to put a demon, angel, or vampire on camera. but as an entertainer and ghost hunter, he knew what would happen if he did. people would say it was fake and he’d probably lose a lot of fans. besides, those were all physical beings and truth be told, he was still unsure if he was in some sort of drug induced trance to believe all this shit or not. at least with ghosts, he didn’t have to worry about the black eyes and wings. or the fangs. he just had to worry about orbs, ghostly images, and EVPs. “ not sure i care too much about everyone else ‘ere. i’m still under the impression that i’m just bloody crazy and this is all an illusion. ghosts were less… stressful. “ the fact actual demons existed was crazy. he had met with a priest each time he went on a demonic investigation and it did nothing to keep him safe. “ easy to be called a faker when most of these… creatures have physical and corporeal forms. “ 

“I can see ghosts being less stressful,” Alasdair admitted with a shrug of his shoulders. “However, I can think of a number of people who might be sad or even insulted that you hold no interest in their species. They all have a story to tell, you know.” He’s almost sure some would turn their stories into something fanciful rather than the cold hard truth. It never occurred to him that there are people out in the world who would deem a demon or a vampire fake. Humans do have a unique ability to color their vision in order to hide from the reality in front of their eyes. “I never thought about how people might perceive me should they see something of my demonic abilities. Should I be happy that most people out there would deem it fake or should I be insulted?” Alasdair chuckled, clearly not bothered by it. He had plenty of people who ever non-believers till they found their way to a crossroad in desperation.

[alasademon]

sasswclf·:

          His lips are soft, and she indulges herself before briefly pulling back. “I….I was never meant for life spent in a cell, doing the things others tell me to do,” Koras words are hesitant but if she can’t be honest with Alasdair, who can she be? Her trouble stemmed from a stubborn nature. She is a wolf - a born one at that. Her only crime had ever been caring for the wrong man. One who didn’t mind leaving her caged. She regretted ever meeting the witch, but at the time she had known very little of witches and demons and other supernaturals.

           Their position changes smoothly, and Kora finds herself laying back upon the couch. Green orbs spark against the flames dancing within the fireplace across from them as she stares up at the master and council member. “Subtle threats.” A little smile upturns her lips. “You probably felt it  - I was terrified of you that day,” he was a demon after all, and the last had their fun making her scream until she couldn’t anymore. Alasdair was not the same. “But even then you promised to take care of me,” things become serious suddenly, and Kora glances away. “And now - I find myself willing to do anything you ask of me.” She takes his hand to bring it toward her face and allow her lips to press against his palm where Sidians plants had once cut him.

Not a shocking bit of information to hear that she had been terrified. Alasdair tended to get that response from many who'd had previous run ins with demons that weren't like himself. Something about Kora had drawn Alasdair in that day. He'd felt protective over her as their conversation continued. He knew very little about her relationship with the witch but he'd assumed she would have been safe with him. 

Wrong. Even after those events, when he'd heard about what happened, Alasdair felt compelled to protect her from everyone. Even herself.His eyes shift down to where her lips press to his palm. Soft and gentle. "I always will take care of you." Alasdair's words are firm, not a single hint of wavering but full of truth. "I will not put you in a cage. You were born to be free and I will give you that as much as I can." Alasdair's fingers shifted in her grasp to run his thumb along her bottom lip. "You will be mine but you will be your own just as much."

[alasademon]

lostxdarragh·:

   Darragh was confused at that statement. Why would a master wish to risk any sort of possible addiction with a human? His species was weak. It caused too much confusion for Duke to ponder on just that moment so he put a hand up to his head, willing for the pounding to stop. He thought he might be sick but knew better than to allow himself to show that to a master.

    The words the man said all meshed together. He wasn’t sure what he said.

   With a blank look, Darragh nodded his head, “Yes, sir.”

    At least he had the ability to follow after the man. Keeping his distance from both the man and the guards. Protect himself. That’s all he could think to do.

Alasdair pursed his lips as he turned to look in front of him as he made his way to his car. Everyone handled their time in the cells differently. Some had barriers to protect them. Some required time to heal not only physically but also mentally. Granted, most of them were hardly allowed that time. Perhaps that’s why slave broke so often.

At his car, Alasdair unlocked the door and motioned to the passenger side. “Careful getting in. It isn’t too horribly long of a drive.” The demon said before he opened up the driver’s side and slid into the seat. With a careful tug, Alasdair closed the door and dropped his cell phone into the center console before fishing his keys out of his pocket to turn the engine on. “Admittedly, it’s sad to see that someone has done such a number on you but can’t be helped. Some things require time.”

[alasademon]

tctianc·:

The elderly man’s gaze didn’t bother the human, she didn’t mind the fact that it seemed to be falling on her more often than not. A warm smile pressed to her face, the fact seemed to only improve matters. When Alasdair leaned in to whisper in her ear, a low and quiet chuckle escaped from her mouth as she nodded in understanding. “Not an issue, I enjoy the ambient.” Her eyes scanned over the menu lazily while she did her best to keep up with the conversation that Al’s CFO and Mr. Rubenford seemed to be engaged in. The latter seemed to be much more at ease talking to John, Tatiana occasionally flashing him an encouraging smile. 

“I think I’ll have the pesto fettuccine” Tatiana voiced, her eyes falling down to the hand that warmed up her thigh. Funny, the slit in her dress exposed quite a bit of flesh – flesh that the demon’s hand was now casually resting over. She wouldn’t deny that the small gesture sent a shiver down her spine – he was, after all, a very attractive man and had the circumstances been a little different, she would have not hesitated in turning a little more flirty. But this was not the time, nor the place. Sweetness invaded her mouth as she brought the glass of wine up to her lips, taking a small sip as her eyes remained ever so subtly focused on the two men. “This is going well.” Tatia mumured into Alasdair’s ear “Mr. Rubenford seems to be far more relaxed than he initially was when we first made our entrance. The tension in his shoulders seems to have loosened up and his jaw isn’t nearly as clenched anymore.. who knows, maybe by the end of it all, he might even find that he enjoyed the oh-so-dreaded business meeting. It looks like the odds are very much in your favor this night, Mr. Rowe.”

Alasdair smiled into the rim of his glass at Tatiana’s words. She was clearly not wrong, the man across the table from them had appeared to relax but he knew it had a great deal to do with Tatiana’s presence. More research. Alasdair had learned the man was generally very suspicious and nervous by other men but when it came to women, he seemed far more relaxed. Was it a worry about being threatened? Alasdair wasn’t sure. Mr. Rubenford had also very much been a mama’s boy as they’re called when she’d been alive. “Let’s hope they stay in my favor. It’s thanks to you considering your presence seemed to help.” He moved to set his glass back down on the table before he leaned toward the other two men himself.

“Mr. Rubenford, if I may interrupt, John here can prattle on for ages and we all might lose years of our lives.” That managed to get John to roll his eyes at Alasdair but the two were close enough that it was hardly more than lighthearted fun. “You’ve built yourself quite an establishment after everything you have been through and for that, I truly thank you. I can imagine that it must have been hard to go through such a thing.” Alasdair knew to himself it was bullshit rose-colored words. People got through hardships every day. People have been through far worse. But Alasdair learned long ago that being the demon he is today requires a certain...empathy that he had to feign. “You’ve done such a wonderful job and I only wish to extend my assistance and lighten the burden on your shoulders. You could finally go on vacation, enjoy your life as you’re meant to, and as evident by my track record, your company will be in great hands.”

Not a surprise to Alasdair, he watched Mr. Rubenford squirm in his chair and tug at the collar of his shirt. He sputtered out a few incoherent words before he took up his glass of water to take a sip from it. “I-I’m very aware... everyone speaks graciously about DIRE Industries... It’s just, well, the company... it’s very... special. My parents wouldn’t have ever sold it over,” the man stammered out, his eyes avoiding Alasdair as much as possible in favor of looking at the table or Tatiana. “I-I d-don’t want... to do an injustice to them..”

Alasdair waved his hand in the air as he sat back in his chair. “Understandably so, they intended for it to be a small company, kept to the family and passed down. But there’s so much potential and I would hate to see it fall short of that. This is why I am offering you twice what your company is worth, Mr. Rubenford. John has gone over the numbers with you, I’m doing what I can to ensure you never have to worry about anything and your company will flourish.” Alasdair’s words were echoed by John, pointing out what they’d gone over before Alasdair and Tatiana arrived. Still, there was uncertainty in Mr. Rubenford’s expression as he squirmed in his seat. “All good and well, Mr. Rowe, I just.... I’m still not sure--”

“What would Elizabeth want you to do?” Alasdair interrupted with a smirk. Elizabeth was certainly not his wife.

[alasademon]

sasswclf‌:

         “A true business man.” She knows the type - certainly has a thing for them it seems. Kora has always had her own agendas though, growing up the way she had taught her hard lessons and the cruelty of others. And to survive she had to align herself with others like Alasdair. However, there isn’t much work to do within this city other than burn it to the ground, but the wolf is smart enough to keep those thoughts inside her head and not voice them aloud.          Warm lips against her throat are a wonderful distraction from such thoughts and she lifts her chin to expose more skin. A little smirk teases the corner of her mouth and yet the words good girl cause annoying heat to spread across her cheeks. There is just something about that sort of praise since this whole thing started that affects her in ways she can’t explain. “Even good girls misbehave once in a while.” Call her curious.

         “I have never caused trouble intentionally for you.” He watched out for her down in the cells, protected her even,  but she couldn’t help her temper and lack of patience toward everyone else. With lips so close, she leans in to capture them, helping the demon forget what he lost if only for a moment.

A true business man. That is Alasdair to the core. One day perhaps he would indulge himself in retiring like normal people do but that day would be far in the future. Alasdair is hardly sure what he would do retired. Poor Kora would have to find him something to keep him entertained other than herself. Certainly a hard accomplishment consider Al found himself rather fond of Kora, especially when he could feel the heat of her skin flare up from his touches. 

"No, you've never intentionally caused me any trouble. But you've misbehaved more times than I can count," Alasdair chuckled against her lips before leaning into the kiss himself. One of his hands came up to cup her cheek, keeping her as close as possible. It felt good and Alasdair only wanted to cave into it more and more. With the ease of his abilities, Alasdair flipped them over to press Kora down into the couch, hovering above her. "How did this happen, hm? You were telling me about quaking chicken bones of death and now... now I'm horribly addicted to you."

[alasademon]

chanceblackwell·:

“Belongs to you? I’d like to see you tell her that. I am going to keep an eye on her. Until I am satisfied she is safe and will not run nor anything happen to her. I’m sure you understand. I’ve known her a long time and she’s special to me. It’s nothing against you.” 

“She has her freedom but if you posed the question of belonging.... well I can’t speak on Kora’s behalf but perhaps you’d be surprised of the answer.” He wouldn’t speak as if he knew every facet of what went on in Kora’s mind, but Alasdair only had to think of that night to feel confident. “But yes, I understand. You just want to be certain that she is safe and her wellbeing is taken care of which we all want.” Alasdair cocked his head to the side with a smile -- a sharp contrast to his usually dismissive expression. “I only wished to extend a gentle bit of advice to be wary of loyalties. Those of us in power must learn that lesson lest we allow someone to up-end everything. You have a big heart, Chance.”

[alasademon]

lostxdarragh·:

    Darragh nodded his head. At least, it seemed, Darragh was the type to at least like to pretend that his partners were fully willing. It was hard for him to pretend when the act caused so much pain. He took the man’s hand, though his motions were empty and devoid of any real thought– simply a habit of a slave who knew how to protect himself.

   “I don’t use pain killers. It’s not my place a slave.”

    Too much risk for addiction he’d been told growing up. That and a slave should embrace the pain. No easy ways out. It had never been easy for him.

Alasdair assisted in getting Darragh up to his feet, at least happy to know the other would be able to walk himself. Carrying the man would have been an interesting sight for all of the guards to see. “Considering you’re a human, pain killers should be a basic necessity in this world. And whomever taught you your place as a slave clearly did not know what they were doing,” Alasdair said with a roll of his eyes before he disappeared to outside the cell, waving down the guard he’d been keeping close to him.

When the cell was unlocked, Alasdair waited only half a beat for the slave before he began walking. “I have business to attend to tomorrow, payment of a soul, so you’ll be mostly on your own tomorrow. Kora’s free to come and go as she pleases if she doesn’t come along with me but should she be home and you need anything, she should be able to help you.” Alasdair stopped at the front of L’Enfer, a quick conversation and exchange before he gestured to the front door. “I’ll spare you the teleportation and I don’t fancy leaving my car here.”

[alasademon]

lostxdarragh·:

   Something had happened– but it was Darragh’s fault. It was always his fault, not matter what he did. He could be perfect, and still they wanted to break him down. Wanted to remind him that he was nothing but their property to use and abuse as they pleased.

   Alasdair would eventually do the same. They always did.

   Darragh didn’t have it in him to deny the man. He wanted to sleep, to rest– but if Alasdair wanted him to come home with him, it’s what he had to be. Slowly, the slave pushed the blanket from his form, uncovering the bruises and cuts, and sat upright.

    “If you want to fuck me… Will you do it quick?” That’s the only question he had. He’d already been torn– he wasn’t sure he could handle more sex with extreme pain.

Those piercing blue eyes did not hold back in tracing over the other’s body that was visible to him. A number had been done on the slave - a stark difference to the condition that Alasdair had returned Darragh back to L’Enfer. The other’s question did take him by surprise, Alasdair raising an eyebrow questioningly. It was to be expected so why he was surprise, he wasn’t sure.

“I won’t have sex with you, Darragh. Not unless you wanted and in better condition.” The demon held out his hand to help the slave up to his feet. “There’s plenty of pain killers at my home to help get you through whatever pain you might still be in while you’re recovering.”

[alasademon]

lostxdarragh·:

   Darragh wanted to laugh, to scream at the man for assuming that Duke had any other option than to be overly pleased to see the man. His emotions weren’t his own, they never had been. He should jump up from the bed, kiss the man– greet him. But Duke didn’t want to. He didn’t want to pretend to be happy about anything.

    He didn’t want to pretend that he was worth anything to one of them.

     He didn’t want the man to see him. To see the evidence of an evening long torture that still remained on his skin. The man had taken most of it away, but left just enough that you’d be able to see healing patches of whip marks and bruises from where the man held him too tightly. Those marks often invited more.

    “I’m fine.” The words were nearly devoid of all emotion, evidence that Darragh had checked out. “I’m sorry.” The apology was a habit. Darragh had one option here; completely shut himself down or he would fall apart.

“You don’t owe me any sort of apology,” Alasdair said with a sigh as he stood up. “I can assume then that I’m correct in something happened and considering your position it doesn’t take too much to assume that someone likely had a hand in it.” Another guard? The warden? Another master or mistress -- that was the most likely answer. If he truly wanted to he could go up to the records and see who was the last to rent Darragh from the cells, or at least the list of most recent but Alasdair had no claim.

“I’d rather not leave you here,” Alasdair said. “You can come with me, rest at my home for a few days under my protection until you’re in a better head space. If you’d rather stay here, then so be it but I can’t make any promises that you’ll be left alone. My pull can only reach so far, Darragh.” In his mind, the answer seemed obvious. “You’ll owe me nothing, I have a room you’re welcome to stay in for the period of time I have you. My wolf Kora is at home but I can see that she’ll leave you be if you’d prefer that as well.”

[alasademon]

ghstadventure·:

he still couldn’t believe he had been given a camera. in the long run, he expected to be turned down. who would want to give a slave something he wanted? but alasdair wasn’t like the rest of them. for a demon, he was almost… nice. or perhaps grayson was just fucking stupid to trust him. “ s’not not bad. “ he admitted, fingertips brushing over the lens. it was nice. expensive, too. “ i don’ understand what you mean by destroyed, mate. if you bought it fer me, why would it matter? “ truth be told, he just didn’t want to leave the demons house. it was nice. comfortable. better than anything he was expecting, that’s for sure. when he had been rented, he half expected altars and human sacrifices happening, but it wasn’t even an option in the house. “ but i guess i should thank ya regardless. so… thanks. “

“The guards will end up taking what belongings you do have no matter who buys you what. Occasionally some things are allowed here and there. Besides, if the guards didn’t end up taking your camera I’m sure one of the slaves would and I’d hate to have to buy a new one every other week.” That would be a bother. And a waste of money. “I can’t promise you’ll find anything worth capturing on that camera. Demons, vampires, angels... All common here.” Perhaps that was different where the other was from, Alasdair knew the supernatural reach was far but humans were notoriously... persistent. Maybe they were all driven out. “Unless you’re only interested in ghouls. Then I might have to redirect your attention to a few places.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of his pajama pants. “And you’re welcome, it was hardly much effort on my part.”

[alasademon]

lostxdarragh·:

   It had been some time since a master had managed to worm his way into his head, to break him down to the point that Seth had. It was the first time in years that he had wished the man had killed him instead of drawing out the torture. It would be a gift. Perhaps the slave would be lucky enough to be at peace, or even more lucky, to discover that there was nothing on the other side.

   He just wanted to fade away.

    Whatever normal ability Darragh had to be cordial, well-trained– it had all faded away. He’d pulled a blanket over his form on the cot, hiding the shaking that he hadn’t been unable to stop. The guards would see and it would only make it worse. As his name rang out in the cell, Darragh just tightened the blanket over his form.

   Please. Please go away.

    He couldn’t do it today. 

Well, that was not the response that Alasdair had been expecting when he’d arrived to the cell. He hadn’t expected the slave to be thrilled either but he’d been hoping for a much warmer hello than what he’d gotten. Pursing his lips, Alasdair closed the file and within a moment was inside of the cell with only an absent look to Darragh’s cellmates before looking down at the man in question.

“Now, I can only assume that something must have happened because you would have greeted me had it been like any other normal day. And our parting had been rather pleasant, I thought.” Alasdair knelt down in front of the cot though he made no move to grab the blanket even if there was an urge to do so. “Will you keep hiding from me? Or allow me to help?”

[alasademon]

chanceblackwell·:

“Ah yes you’ve claimed her. Don’t worry, I know the rules. Though, she is part of my personal pack. Don’t fuck up like that witch. Or I’ll have two heads above the fire place.” 

“While I do appreciate your ability to run your pack and to make threats, I can assure you no harm will ever come to Kora under my care. I think I can say with certainty I’ve already done far more than most have within this city for her. And I do appreciate you remembering the rules -- I get a bit testy when people mess with what belongs to me but I’m sure you can understand that, Chance.”

[alasademon]

tctianc·:

It was definitely something seeing this master smile.. female intuition, I guess, told Tatiana that he didn’t do it very often. Thus, she admired the brief gesture from the corners of her eyes. “I bet it is. But, I assure you, my secrets aren’t worth reaching through the flames. There’s much more interesting things that I keep out, in plain sight.. for those who wish to see.” – they were secrets for a reason and Tatiana hoped that they’d remain just that.. buried in-between the ashes. She didn’t need this to turn any darker than it already was. 

A pleasant smile decorated her features as they made their way to the table, two pairs of eyes already greeting them with curiosity– though she was sure the latter was more so aimed at herself. Something that could, very well, work in Alasdair’s favor. It wasn’t a surprise to see that Mr. Rubenford looked quite.. on edge. Tatiana could notice his jaw clench slightly in discomfort as he shook the master’s hand. He was already at disadvantage, the poor man.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, gentlemen.” she flashed them a toothy smile, taking her seat at the table as everyone else sat down. 

Alasdair sat down at the table between his CFO and Tatiana. It kept him beside her while also ensuring that his own employee didn’t find himself distracted. It wasn’t hard to see how Mr. Rubenford seemed a bit more at attention now that Tatiana was at the table and while the man seemed to do his best to meet Alasdair’s eyes, it wasn’t hard to miss the direction they tended to fall toward. Alasdair let John take over the beginning of the conversation as he ordered two glasses of wine from the waitress who stopped by to check up on them. “The boring preliminary part of these exchanges,” Alasdair whispered into Tatiana’s ear as he stole a menu from in front of John to give her. John was only going over information that would be in the contract should the other man decide to sign, but the offer had yet to be placed on the table.

“I think I might go for lobster today,” Alasdair hummed as he looked over his own menu. He’d been to the restaurant a number of times -- he knew the menu far too well. When the glasses of wine were brought over to both him and Tatiana and then filled, Alasdair uttered a thanks before he ordered his dinner. He placed his hand on Tatiana’s thigh as he looked over to her. “Order whatever you’d like.”

[alasademon]

hellcanis‌:

The hellhound was patient as he decided their order, pleased by what he chose. Mila chose her company carefully, she only entertained creatures that could do the same for her and this man did so upon first introduction. Not only a demon but a demon of great power. She could feel it in the air but had failed to realize its source until he spoke and her curiosity was peaked. “Mila Ronan. Hellhound but currently I serve no one.” There was no pride or shame in the statement, merely a statement of fact. She was a creature born to serve but had yet to find anyone that could hold a candle to her former master at his peak wickedness before humanity touched him and made him soft.

“I was able to gleam the Hellhound fact, but to serve no one. Now that’s a rarity. Did your previous master fail in his duties?” Majority of the hellhounds that Alasdair came across had a master that they served. Depending upon the master depended upon their freedom and temperament. Alasdair knew a number of demons who kept the Hellhounds in their service in top condition, deadly and single-sighted on one thing only and that’s souls. Others used their Hellhounds as their own protective guards. Alasdair had two currently in his own service, always at his side when he was called upon to the crossroads. “Well, Ms. Mila,” Alasdair started as he raised his glass toward her direction. “A toast to an eventful evening and good company.”