The Nightwalker

Delivering A Message

So after many, many gaming sessions, Food comas and generally taking it easy for the whole weekend. I was rested and ready to face whatever Hannah was going to throw at me. I had a feeling that she was going to flip a table when she saw me.

Channelling my inner Tony Stark, I strolled into work at 8 pm on the dot. I looked around and didn't see Hannah anywhere. Loki wasn't here yet either. so I went at sat at my desk and waited. Fiddling with the clutter on my desk.
"Hmm wonder if I should learn how to make swans out of post-it notes?" Surely someone has done a youtube tutorial on it. I looked at Loki's office door "He did say to be at 8. I'm pretty sure he did" I muttered as I glance at my smart watch and sighed. Do vampires have a concept of time?

After watching about 5 videos on how to make a post-it flower and making the most lopsided flower ever, The elevator doors pinged open and Loki emerges, Looking all serious and ready for action. Clearly, something is on his mind.
"Emily. Good, You're here. We have a lot to do" He went to walk past my desk. I stood up and went to follow. He then stopped and turned to smile at me "I'm sorry. Pardon my manners, How was your weekend?"
"Pretty boring really" I scrunched my face up.
"Oh?" Loki folded his arms.
"Can you blame me for thinking it was? I mean I went from attending a fashion show to nearly being killed by a rabid vampire. Human life is dull" I leaned back in my chair.
"You would be surprised but there is one thing I can promise you one thing, This job will never be dull"
"Well, so far so good" I smiled as Loki sits on the edge of my desk. Loki picks up the little flower I just made and turns it in the light.
"This is adorable" He gently places it back down. I blushed as Loki looked at me "Have you been waiting a while?"
"I like to be on time" I fiddled with my jacket's buttons. Loki smiles enigmatically "So what do you need me to do?"
"I do actually have an assignment for you. Although it will be dangerous?" Loki smiled as he stood up.
"When is it not?" I tilted my head. Loki nods as he chuckled a little. I clapped my hands "I'm in"
"You are far too brave for your own good" He seems pleased with my answer.
"Would you have me any other way?" Why did I say that? Loki's mouth opens and then shuts again. I smirked.
"You... will need that bravery tonight" Loki whispers as he beckons me to his office.

As I enter Loki's office, he starts to shuffle through some files. He looks like he is trying to find something.
"You need to clean your desk up" I pointed to Loki's desk.
"So you remember the feral that attacked us on Friday?" Loki said, ignoring my comment.
"The grey bones" I shuddered.  I can still smell its breath.
"Yeah, Well I found out his identity. He is, or was, James Mondo. He was a bartender for another council member" Loki held up a file that said greybone's name.
"Okay and that's bad" I took the file of Loki and started reading. James Mondo sounds like he was a normal guy. No kids or spouse. The family was from Texas "Seems like a normal guy" Loki nodded.
"As I told you the other night, New York is spilt into 6. I run technology, and Hela runs entertainment. Sif runs fiance and Fandral runs commerce."
"So who are the other two?" I put the file down on Loki's messy desk.
"There Hogun who runs Politics and then there's Volstagg" Loki's voice strained as he said Volstagg.
"I don't think I like your tone when you said Volstagg"
"He is the member of the council that is in charge of Crime" Loki leaned on his desk, Hands on either side of him, Gripping the wood "In the 1920s, Volstagg was a gangster and he was a brutal killer. He did not share any remorse in anything that he did"
"I like to meet the man. he sounds like a stand-up guy" I spoke, My voice dripping with sarcasm. Loki chuckled "I take it got worse after he turned into a vampire"
"A lot worse" Loki nodded, he put his hands in his pockets "Volstagg has his grubby hands on every last bit of organized crime in this city. You think or name it. He's done it"
"Whose idea was it to put a mobster on the council of the Vampiric Avengers?" I tilted my head. These vampires sound like a bunch of idiots.
"When the pact was formed, Volstagg was already a powerful vampire in this city" Loki looked to the ground. So it wasn't his idea "All he has to do is snap his fingers and he has an army of criminals at his feet" Loki clicked his fingers.
"Again, He sounds like a stand-up guy" I rolled my eyes.
"We had two options, Let him in so we could work with him and try and control his actions or"
"Or go to war with him" I sighed. Loki curtly nodded "So no choice then?"
"Oh, we had a choice. And this is the consequence. We let a monster have a seat in the council" Loki walked over to the windows.
"The way you are talking about this guy, I am starting to think that I would rather sit on Hela's lap" I scratched under my chin.
"Hela was a kitten compared to this guy" Loki stared at me. Great, Is this one gonna wanna sleep with me? "So as you know, The council issued a no more turning order once our clans hit 29 plus one leader"
"Yet we know that someone didn't listen to them and did it anyway" I crossed my arms. Loki nodded again "But you think that since James Mondo was employed by Volstagg, You're thinking that Volstagg is behind this?"
"How did you work out it was Volstagg that he worked for?" Loki crossed his arms as he walked back to his desk.
"Elementary, my dear Loki. It was obvious who it was since you said that Mondo worked for another council member. If Mondo worked for Volstagg then he must have been the one to turn Mondo into a vampire which failed and he become that walking shit bag you call a feral"
"Such a clever one" Loki mumbled.
"I have my moments"
"Either way, It does seem to be pointing damningly in Volstagg's direction" Loki agreed.
"So my job tonight is to what, work for Volstagg as a new bartender" This sounds like a bad idea. I only know how to make a Martini.
"No, You're staying in this job. We must deliver a summons to Volstagg. So he will appear before the council and account for James Mondo" Loki held up a large letter with a wax seal "Per council law, this summons is to be delivered to Volstagg in person. He's holed up at his bar, Asgard's Lion" I knew the bar. I hated it. Place stunk of beer and piss.
"So let's go" I took the letter and took a step forward but Loki didn't move "Or not"
"I can't. For some reason, My clan nor I cannot go in. His guards won't let us" Loki shuffled on his feet and pulled a strange face at me. Like he was hinting at something.
"So I'm to be a messenger?" I crossed my arms. Loki nodded.
"You catch on quickly"
"What else can you tell me about Volstagg?"
"He is dangerous, Brilliant at what he does, Ruthless and a sadist" Loki sat on the end of his desk.
"So the mobster version of Christian Grey?"
"Christan Grey was a saint compared to Volstagg" Loki scoffed.
"You've read the book?"
"I had a business flight to Spain and needed to pass the time" Loki shrugged "Anyway, back to Volstagg. I heard a rumour once that he flayed a man alive and sent the man's skin to his family"
"Sick bastard. Why would he do that?" I placed a hand on my stomach.
"He insulted the Volstagg's dog"
"I like this man already" I rolled my eyes.
"There have been more than I like to think about people gone missing from his club. under what we would call mysterious circumstances" Loki put his hands in his pockets "And given his close relationship with the law. Those that go missing, tend to be forgotten about"
"So I have to go into the dangerous lair of the ruthless mobsters and murderers and serve him a subpoena" This is going to be the classic case of shooting the messenger. I'm starting to get the feeling that I should have stayed at SHIELD. Or ask for my job at Starks's back. Loki nodded "Great"
"If I could go myself, I would but it is not possible" Loki muttered. But then he held up one finger "But I can do something that will ensure your safety" Loki glanced away.
"Oh, and what is that? If it means you turning me into a vampire then get stuffed. Not happening" I raised an eyebrow. Loki's eyes dimmed a little. Was he hoping that I would become a vampire?
"I would never turn you, Emily" Loki spoke softly "No, what I could do, is brand you. It shows the others that you are under my protection"
"The same brand as your clan right?"
"Only, This brand will only last about a week instead of a lifetime. It's more of a burn"
"A burn?" I looked at Loki over my glasses.
"I should warn you, It will be painful"
"As are all burns" I shrugged.
"But everyone will know you are protected" Loki stood right in front of me "Up to you, Would you like my brand"
"Fuck yeah," I said a bit too enthusiastically.
"Truly a brave one, you are" Loki shook his head.
"More like a wise idea. I'm about to enter Lion's den." Loki reaches for my left arm, Turning it in his hands. He gently runs his hand from my elbow to my wrist. His fingers linger over the veins that were barely visible under my skin "Just do it already"
"As you wish"

Loki reaches into his shirt and pulls out a necklace. At the end of the chain was a metal circle that bore Loki's insignia. and then he pulls out a lighter, Heating the metal till it is red hot.
"Is that the brand?" I gulped.
"Yes," Loki speaks as he then grabs the metal in his hand. His flesh sizzles as it burns.
"Are you fucking mad?" He then presses the amulet onto my forearm "Holy fuck" I jerk away instinctively. Yet, Loki's grip on me is tight "Ow, Ow, Ow" I jumped around. Granted it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would but I am a human, We tend to be drama queens.
"I've got you. Emily, look at me" I look at him. His eyes are calm and gentle. I can feel the pain vanish. I need to learn that trick.

Loki finally pulls his hand away, Leaving behind a red burn of his brand. I watch as his blood links with mine. It's almost hypnotic. I watch as the skin heals. The raw tissue twisted to form the mark.
"Cool," I smiled as the pain disappears and replace with a funny tingly sort of feeling. I trace the mark gently.
"You are a strange one. Not many people can take being branded so calmly" Loki tilted his head at me.
"Please, I grew up on a farm. getting kicked in the ribs by a horse hurts more" Tell a lie, Getting punched by Black Widow hurt a lot more than this brand.
"One more thing" Loki smiles as he walks over to the office bathroom and pulls two dresses off the back of the door. That reminds me, I forgot to bring the other dress back "Volstagg enforces a very strict dress code at his bar"
"I get to dress like a lady from the 20s?" I love the dresses from that era.
"Luckily, we are prepared. So which one?" There was a choice between a stunning blue flapper dress and a beautiful glimmering gold flapper dress.
"Gold one" I grab the dress and pop into the bathroom and changed quickly.

I returned to the office, Feeling utterly fabulous in the dress.
"I feel like a time traveller" I did a little twirl.
"You look incredible" I see his eyes skin over me once more before he turns back to be all serious again. He let out a cough "Now, there are some guidelines that you must follow"
"Bring it on" I clapped my hands.
"Firstly, You must announce yourself as a representative of a council member"
"Got it" I nodded once.
"Then as you approach Volstagg, You must bow your head as you present the summons"
"Announce and bow" I listed. I get the horrible feeling that I am going to get on wonderful with Volstagg.
"The rest is common sense. Get in and get out" Sounds like my ex.
"I should go now. I don't want to think too hard about what I am about to do" Loki places a hand on my shoulder and squeezes gently. I swear my brand just tingled.
"Be safe" I nod as I leave the office. I quickly gather up my things and depart for my mission. Alone.

I looked at the map on my phone and the directions said to go to an eerie dark alley in the warehouse district.
"I'm going to get eaten," I thought as I looked around. I could hear some faint music from up ahead. As I got closer, I could see some smart-dressed guards outside the doors. They were wearing suits and derby hats. Once at the door, A guard stood in my way.
"Well isn't this dress the bee's knees" He spoke. Arms folded.
"Good evening sir" I bow a little.
"What's your business, Madame?"
"I'm here to see Volstagg"
"Another one of his playthings are you?" The guard picked at my dress's long necklace "Good luck sweetheart. Nice knowing you"

The inside of the bar was coated with thick smoke and the old-school bar was surrounded by people wearing 1920s gear. the decor is a mix of modern and old-timey stuff. Animal heads are mounted on the wall.
"I wonder what Volstagg looks like" I looked around. Everyone looks the same here. From another room, I could hear cheering and someone being punched. I followed the sound and it lead to some stairs "I must be mad" I thought as I walked over to the bar.

I pushed my way through the crowd, Waving the thick smoke from my face and to the bar and I ended up walking into someone.
"I am terribly sorry" I look up to see a greasy-looking vampire, blocking my path.
"Can I help you, sweet checks?" he barks.
"I'm looking for Volstagg" I grip the letter in my hands.
"Oh you are, are you?" The vampire licks his lips as he stares at me. great, I'm gonna get my neck snapped.
"Look, Danny Zuko wannabe, Can you help me or not?" I tried to sound confident but deep down, I was terrified.
"Oh, I think I can be very helpful" He stepped menacingly towards me, But after I lift my arms up. he stops glancing at the brand on my arm "Oh, You're branded"
"Uh, yeah. I'm protected! So bugger off" I pushed the vampire away.
"I would like to apologise. I never thought. I never meant" He bowed.
"You need to get away from her!" A large 1920s Viking-looking man said at the top of the stairs. The room instantly quietens and all attention is on him. The vampire harassing me scurries away. He walks slowly toward me. Two beefy men on either side of him "Harlet, What are you doing in my club?"
"I was sent here by Loki Odinson" I bowed my head.
"Is that right?" I could feel Volstagg studying me "I suppose you are his type. human and cocky" He spits after he says the word, human. I lifted my head and stare at him "Come here then, Trollop"
"Fucking dickhead" I walk up to the man and bowed my head. Volstagg snorted, Pleased at my submissive behaviour.
"Hey look at this fellas. The little kitten here knows her place. I definitely like her"
"If I could slap you" I get close enough to hear Volstagg wheeze on every exhale "Erugh, He smells like a sausage" Volstagg leans in close.
"What does the little kitten have for me? It better be good, you fucking tart" I politely handed him his summons. Even though I wanted to headbutt him. He snatches the summons from my hands, Glancing at it casually "Oh good. I got summoned! Something about creating ferals, Blah blah" He throws the summons behind him and gestures to this thug "Grab her"
"Hey!" I yelled as they grabbed me by my arms, Lifting me off my feet. Obviously, I fought against them. I tried to kick them in the skins "I am under Loki's protection"
"That mark means that we can't hurt you but there is no law that says I can't lock you up for 6 months to break little Loki's still beating heart" Volstagg placed his finger under my chin "And I have a very special place for honour guests"
"Please don't hurt me" I pleaded, I tried to fight out the guard's grip. But who I am kidding? I'm a human against vampires. These guys could snap me like a twig and not even blink an eye "I'm just a messenger. Loki will make it up to you if you let me go!" Volstagg smirked as he leaned in. I could feel his stank breath on my ear.
"And what if I don't want anything from Loki, My sweet?" my eyes grew wide, This man is a creep "Besides, I will get to watch him squirm."
"Please. I am begging you. Let me go" I begged once more.
"you should have thought about your safety when you walked into my club. Now you will pay the price" Volstagg straighten up and looked at his goons "I tire of this thing. Boys, take her to the cells"

The goons drag me down a long hallway. It is rather disorienting. I keep on fighting them I kick and scream but let's face it, They are too strong for me.
"Hey! Help! Someone!" I beg and plead. It's no use. I will accept my fate. I looked down. the goons then stop.
"Oi! Who are you!" I look up to see a figure with long blond hair at the end of the hallway. I tilt my head. he has a large hammer attached to his thigh "Fuck off! This doesn't concern you" The figure then starts running at vampiric speed.
"Enough!" in one fluid movement, The figure draws his hammer, Yelling, as he swings it and cuts through the air in a sharp crisp line.
"What the fuck!?" I yell as the hammer connects with the first goon's head. The guard hisses as his head pops off his neck and he crumbles into ash and blood.
"Ben!!" The second goon yells as he launches towards the man. Slashing at his chest with a dagger but my hero ducks low and slices the goon's arm clean off. As the good staggers around, The figure pulls a wooden stake from his jacket, Twirls it and stabs it into the goon's chest.
"Die" The figure orders. The goon grunts and then he crumbles to dust.
"I... um... thanks" I look up into the glowing eyes of my rescuer.
"We need to move now" He grabs my hand and pulls me down the hallway.
"Who are you?" I frowned in confusion.
"No time to talk. We have to get out of here. Now!"

The strange man pulls me out of a back door, Down a side street. We run past the docks and through god knows how many alleys. Finally, we get to a building and he rushed me through an unmarked door. Slamming it shut and locking it with several massive bolts. My heart is racing. Loki was right, This job will never get dull.
"We should be safe," The man says as he checks the windows. I fall to my knees. Panting hard. The man who just saved me sits down on a chair. The glow of his eyes fades and his fang retracts "We lost them"
"Who are you?" I asked.
"That is one way to say thank you" The man crossed his arms as he sits down on another chair.
"Forgive me. Thank you for getting me out of there. But who are you and where are we?"
"My name is Thor and this is my safe house" As I was about to ask more, A door swung open and a little girl and some man covered in tattoos walk in. Both eyeing me up and down.
"Um hi," I waved.
"Uncle Thor, Is she a new friend? Can I play with her?" The little girl clapped.
"Another stray?" The older vampire spoke. Thor lets out a weary sigh.
"Volstagg's men were dragging her off. I had to do something" Thor stood up, crossing his arms. "Emily, meet Love and Astrid"
"My name is Axl" Axl snapped. Thor rolled his eyes.
"You have been listening to too much Guns 'n' Roses. Either way. These two are hiding out here as well" Axl shoots me a glare.
"She's with the council! You should have let Volstagg's men have her" Axl snapped. I poked my tongue out at him. Then it hit me.
"You're the vampires that have no clan. The ones that could turn into feral at any point!" I stepped backwards.
"No wonder Loki hired you. You are a quick learner" Thor beamed. I frowned as I put my hands on my hips.
"How do you know so much about me?"
"Because he follows you" Love speaks. I tilt my head at the child. Thor rolls his eyes "He wants to use you as a spy" Love smiles.
"Axl, Take Love into the other room" Thor pinched his nose.
"Sure thing boss" The two vampires leave the room. Leaving me alone with Thor.

"You've been following me?" I frowned. Thor shrugged. Am I a magnet for creepy bastards? "Thank you for saving me"
"You're welcome" I don't think he was expecting me to say that. I wasn't sure I should say thanks to my stalker but the man did save my life.
"If they had taken me, I doubt I would have been alive this time next week" Loki's brand only lasted a week
"And the last thing I need is Loki tearing up the city looking for you" Thor walks over to the cabinet and helps himself to a drink "You are free to go by the way. Slip out the front door and as long as you blend into the crowd, You'll be fine"
"I ain't playing Assassin's Creed out there. I can't blend in" I scoffed, crossing my arms. I wish I knew how to though. Melody is impossible to jump scare "Hold up, You're letting me go, Just like that?"
"Yep," Thor takes a swig. I rush to the door but then the image of Love pops into my head My hand hovers over the door handle "What's the holdup?"
"So if you guys are clanless doesn't that mean that you will become feral at some point?" Thor looks at me, Cocking an eyebrow.
"Why do you care? You just another lackey" Thor scoffed.
"I barely know anything. I only learnt the truth about vampires on Friday. But you all seem like good people. And yes I care. I ain't heartless"
"That I can sense. So, you have questions. You get five minutes"
"Are you in danger of turning into one of them ugly bastards" Thor stares at me, he then pours me a drink and slides the glass towards me.
"Not all of us needed a brand of an elder vampire to protect. It can be done on sheer will alone. Not many have the strength to do it" Thor looked at his glass and took a sip "We found out that we can often delay the process by drinking human blood"
"But surely it's only a matter of time before--"
"None of us wanted to be turned into this!" Thor stood up, His chair splintering as it hit the floor "Some just wanted to live a normal life. Now we have to hide in the shadows. dreading the day that one of us goes crazy with blood lust and turns into one of those"
"Surely the clans could protect you? Give you all brands or something?"
"They choose not to! They could easily save all my people with a click of their polished fingers" Thor downed his drink "All they care about is their empire" Thor smashes his hand onto the table. The glass shatters into pieces. He grunts as he looks down. He walks over to the cabinet and gets another glass. The door flings open and Love and Axl fly in.
"Is everything okay, Uncle Thor?" Love hugged her toy.
"We heard something break" Axl looked at the table and the table.
"My temper got the better of me but I am fine. It's all good" Thor smiled as he patted Love's head "Listen, Emily, you should go. We wouldn't want Loki to come looking for ya" I look around the safe house. Suddenly seeing the clanless in a new light.
"Actually, I would like to stay" I folded my arms. Thor tilted his head at me "Just till we are sure we weren't followed"
"Really?" Thor looks confused at first but then he seems to make a quick decision "You're welcome to. Go ahead and talk to the others" I glance around and see that Love is playing with some toys and Axl is drinking a beer.
"I don't want to ruin Love's game so I would like to talk to Axl" Thor nods and leads me over to Axl, Who doesn't even look at me.

"Making friends now are we?" Axl sulks, staring at his beer bottle.
"Ast... Axl, Behave. Emily here... She ain't like the others. She's opened minded. It could be nice to have someone on the inside" Thor leaned in close "So play nice" he warned.
"Sorry Dad," Axl rolled his eyes before facing me "It's nice to meet you"
"I like your tattoos"
"Thanks. I only planned to get a tat in every country I went to" He looks down at his right arm, smiling "Two bad that I only made it to two places"
"What happened?"
"We got bit. My wife and I. She didn't take to turning as I did. She went pure feral on my ass. she had to be put down quickly"
"I'm sorry"
"So I tried to travel on my own. Sort my head out. But it turns out, I can't leave the country"
"Why? Can you not get a passport?"
"As far the humans are concerned, I died 15 years ago. Jumping on a plane would set off a lot of red flags" Axl downed his drink "That's why I don't like the council. They got to have new lives and we are just dead!" Axl takes a long gulp of whiskey "Sorry for yelling. I thought my life would be different"
"Hang in there mate" Thor patted his shoulder.
"We should not be treated as if we are criminals, We have the same reason to live in this town as the council does" Axl gets up and walks away.
"Is he going to be okay?" I asked Thor as we watch Axl.
"I have no idea" Thor shrugs as Axl sits down near Love "This is what it is like being rejected from both the human world and the vampire world"
"Have you tried to speak to a member of the council?"
"Have I fuck? I won't talk to them because I value my life. The council have the policy to kill my people on sight"
"I think Loki would hear you out" I folded my arms.
"It wouldn't matter. No laws will change unless the council have a majority. they hate us" Thor sighed "Fandral? Hela? Volstagg? They will never change their minds" Suddenly Thor stumbles to the side with a gasp, Gritting his teeth.
"Thor? What's wrong?" I rushed to his side. He presses his hand to his side, It's drenched in blood.
"It's nothing" He lifts his shirt and I see a long bloody gash on his side.
"That is not nothing... That is something" I pointed. I call for Axl.
"Must have been before I found you. I had a run-in with a guard" Thor pressed his hand to his side. Axl and Love crowd around him.
"You need to feed Thor" Axl grabs some rags and presses them to Thor's side.
"I can hold out till later. It's not like we have a willing human" Thor pants. Axl glares at me.
"Yeah, not happening. I'm staying fang free" I put my hands up.
"You're the reason that he is injured in the first place! You should help fix him" Axl bellowed.
"Axl, It's cool. I didn't get this wound from saving Emily. I had a run-in with another guard. And you know full well, I can't make her be the willing human" Thor stands up, wincing a little "Listen, Safehouses are only safe for so long. We gotta get moving"
"Okay" I knew when I wasn't wanted. time to go home.
"It was good to meet you, Emily. Thank you for being open-minded" Thor spoke to me as I held my hand out. Thor stares at it.
"I'm glad I got to spend time with you all" Thor then frowns and hands me a piece of paper.
"My number. In case you need it" Thor grinned.
"Thank you" I took it and put it in my bag "Hopefully I won't be in trouble for a while"
"But do not be afraid to call if you ever need help" Thor smiled. He then frowned at me "Remember don't trust anyone on the council"
"Even Loki?" Granted. I've only just met Loki but I already trust that man with my life. And it's not because he saved my life. There is something else.
"They turn on everyone sooner or later" Thor glared at me. Man, This man is so untrusting.
"I will keep that in mind. I hope we meet again"
"Till then" He pushes the front door of the warehouse open for me and smiles at me as I leave "That dress looks great on you by the way"
"Thank you" I wave bye to the clanless before the door shuts behind m.
"Why are all the good-looking guys vampires?" I thought as I 'blended' into the crowd.

Since my phone was dead and I was closer to my apartment than work, I hurried home. At least I could charge my phone. As I arrive, I see a familiar figure waiting outside. Pacing up and down. He had his phone pressed to his ear.
"Damn it!" He put his phone back in his pocket and gripped his hair.
"Loki?"
"Emily?" Loki spun around and rushed at me, Hugging me tightly. I sunk into his touch "I've been waiting for you! I have been worried sick since you didn't come back after seeing Volstagg. Apparently, you just disappeared?"
"The fat fuck tried to lock me up" I yelled as I pulled away "Your brand wasn't that protective"
"You would have been safe. I have spies in that place. They were ordered to keep you safe"
"Would have been nice to know" I folded my arms.
"They saw you being dragged away. They were planning to break you out when you disappeared" Loki put a hand in his pocket "How did you do that by the way?"
"A clanless vampire saved me" I admitted. Though I get the feeling that was a bad idea.
"Do you know how risky that is?! He could have turned on you!" Loki yelled at me.
"One, don't shout at me and two, There's a difference between clanless and the ones that turn into those mindless beasts"
"I apologize. I shouldn't have shouted at you, it's just... I have been worried sick. And yes, I am perfectly aware of the different clanless types"
"And it's not like I had much choice in accepting the clanless help. he kinda saved my ass and grabbed my hand and we took off running" I rolled my eyes, sighing lightly. I look at Loki's eyes and he seems relieved "They seem really sad and rather desperate. Is the nothing the council can do?"
"I wish. I've spent years trying to petition the laws and had no luck but as you can see, It's full of stubborn assholes" Loki leaning against the wall of my apartment building.
"We have to help them" I insisted.
"I wish we could" Loki nodded "I was so worried about you. I am relieved that you are alright"
"So I was safe? Was there a backup plan?"
"That I can promise you" He takes a deep breath. Straightens up and shakes his head. He put a hand on my shoulder "Go home. Rest up. See you at 8 pm tomorrow"
"Goodnight, Loki"
"Goodnight, Emily" He turns away to leave. And with a sigh, I take my keys and enter my building.

As I walk through my door, exhausted and drained.
"Mel! You wouldn't  believe that shift..." I am a little shocked to find the place quiet. The lights are on and I can see that the video game is paused "Hang on? Why is it paused in the middle of a game?" That was so unlike Melody. I shook off the feeling "Mel, You would not believe the night I have just had" I put my bag on the counter. I looked at the game pause, The controller tossed to the side "Melody?" She must have passed out on the floor. I take a peek around the corner and I freeze. On the ground, lying in a pool of her own blood was my best friend. Her throat was punctured by two bite marks.
"Emily" She gurgled.
"Melody!"