I'm not your girl.

The magic ended when a guy twice her size bumped into her on the floor, his weight causing her to fall. Once the halfling got back up, she was growling, her eyes flashing as she grabbed the guy by the shoulder and slapped him hard. “What the hell man! Asshole!” The guy looked at her with fury of his own, lounging without much of a thought it seemed. Dina’s reflexes kicked into gear as she evaded the male, as they began a whole different dance, alerting several others who drew back, forming a circle around the two in the middle of the floor, some calling for security. Dina had just delivered a gut punch to her adversary when she heard a familiar voice call her name. Kai.. “Little busy right now Kai.” she called, kicking out again, not caring that the very large guy was coming at her again and again. 

Kai knew how to give. That’s what he did in every relationship, because he thought he needed to give in order to keep people around. In order for people to love him. That is what he was good at. And while he loved to give, he loved that Dina gave him something in return. Something he never thought he’d have. It was a peculiar relationship, yes, but Kai wouldn’t want to change a thing. He loved this woman. She was his, and he was hers, that’s all that mattered. Kai shrugged his shoulders at her words. “Just because they expect me to, doesn’t mean I will. And if it falls back to me, whatever. Do what you want to do, don’t worry about me.” He said softly, smiling against her lips. “Please don’t break it.” He whispered, a little bit of vulnerability shining through.

At some point, Dina was hoping she would stop questioning her own worth and the possibility of simply being in love without there being any strings attached. If they were to have any issues going forward, she knew they would be hers, and have nothing to do with Kai. He was so pure of heart, and the most genuine guy she had ever known. She loved that his strength were her weaknesses. The fact that they completed each other in ways that no one else could. She’d all but given up on love, convinced it was simply an illusion given to inspire compliance and kindness. The fact that Kai had and still was changing her mind was incredible. Oh so unexpected. She half rolled her eyes at his worry free response, though she did so with a small smile. “You are crazy wolfie. But yeah I’m definitely going to do what I want to do.” He could be sure of that. Her smile disappeared a little as she quickly sobered up in response to his vulnerable ask. Almost a plea. “I’ll try my hardest not to.” She murmured quietly, hugging him closer. She couldn’t promise it.. One day maybe. She quietly prayed they’d survive until then. 

Leaning back, he simply observed the other. Watching her every moment as he he wanted to dissect everything about her. The compelling story that she could tell with her body and her eyes. Jaxon was slightly picky on who preformed on his stage. Yeah, she definitely had an amazing body…even that was something he was picky on - he liked to make sure there were different kind of body shapes on the stage. Just to keep things more interesting. There was slight details Jaxon was attracted to ones that most wouldn’t notice but he definitely did notice. Watching the fae closely, he knew that a lot of customers would be drawn to her for more than just her blood. That yes, even he was tempted to drink from her but his hard gaze was strictly professional. 

Dina’s dance proved she’s done this before and Jaxon couldn’t help the shit eating grin that turned into cement on his features. More especially as she stalked back to him. He didn’t flinch, he stayed leaned back in the booth and his eyes never left hers. Just when she sat closer to him, he leaned on the table to bring their faces slightly more closer to her. Jaxon’s favorite game is teasing…flirting with someone else. Letting the other person think they have the upper-hand on him, then taking that slight dominance away from them when it mattered the most. 

“You definitely got the talent and I know more than just the vampires will be attracted to you.” He stated first, shrugging a little as he went on. “You got my vote but the one that matters is my boss, Xavier.” Every dancer had to go through him, after all he is the owner of Magnum-X. Leaning back against the booth, he lit another cigarette. “I’ll make sure to mention you to him and get you an audience with him. You might want to think up another routine to really wow him to land the gig. If this is what you really want.” 

Growing up, Dina didn’t have much going for her. Being orphaned and passed around between families, most who only cared about the disability check coming in each month, not the kid they got the money to care for, she’d spent a lot of time on her own. Alone. Dancing had been an escape. A passion that was hers to explore during those long hours alone in a crappy room or a back yard after or even during school. Her grades had been for shit, but her moves had been epic. Being able to dance again and actually earn her own money, not to mention be seen for her talent, would mean the world. Which was kind of dangerous for someone who worked quite hard to make sure that not much in life mattered because so few parts of her life were hers to control. 

Eying Jaxon curiously, though trying not to seem desperate, she found herself appreciating the fine lines of his features. Those high cheek bones and defined eyebrows, not to mention those curls.. She’d had a thing for boys with curly hair when she was younger. The texture of their hair was just a lot of fun to play with. She didn’t interrupt him when he started talking. It was always wise to stay quiet and wait, hear the other person out. Slowly nodding, Dina’s mind was already on what routines she could combine or change up to make them really impressive, without being too over the top and yet showing her technique and skill. “Thank you, I really appreciate that. I do really want this.. so any other tips or pointers you’re willing to give?” 

kai could tell that this conversation wasn’t easy for Dina. As far as he knew she didn’t have a ‘normal’ relationship in her life and their relationship was a far cry from it as well. He didn’t even begin to understand everything that she has been through but he could imagine it wasn’t very easy for her to adjust and giving her ‘rules’ and ‘boundaries’ wasn’t gonna make it any easier. He meant what he said though, he didn’t mind her having sex with other people, because he knew that it was only physical. Her heart belonged to him and that is what matters. He knew that at the end of the day she would come home to him, no matter what, and that was enough…..for now. He ran his thumb over her cheek gently, noticing how tense she was as they talked about this subject. “I wouldn’t call myself a saint….not at all. I don’t possess you, Dina. You are not my property and I will never treat you as such. I love you with all of my heart and I will try to always be honest with you.” He said with a soft smile before leaning forward to kiss her softly. “For the record….” He started whispering against her lips, “….You have my heart as well. It only beats for you.” 

It was hard to imagine something you’d never really had. A sane, stable, consent-filled relationship was kind of like an end of the rainbow chest of gold, it was something Dina knew existed but had never expected to find. She hadn’t been the girl for long relationships in the past, save for the one she’d shared with Brynna. No matter how safe and sane he made her feel, she couldn’t really trust that she wouldn’t destroy them somehow. Yet every time she thought they would hit a snag, he managed to make it all okay. She couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “You know you’re speaking greek or something right? I get that it is your intention not to treat me that way, but you have to be aware that half this city expects you to, and by law I am your property. If I fuck up, it all comes back to you.” Sighing against his lips, she leaned into the kiss, closing her eyes for a moment. “I will treasure it as best I can.” she murmured back. 

There it was. The face Tatiana wanted to see. A smile broke out as she neared Dina’s cell, her walk lazy but determined, kind of like a cat sashaying through lands it held no fondness for. Silken mockery. 

Months had passed since the human had last seen her friend – the two of them probably both too caught up in their own affairs. Though, on the bright side, Tatiana had caught word of the fact that Dina’s former mistress had, once again, gone MIA – which, she could only assume, pleased the changeling greatly. “Quite indeed. How’ve you been holding up?”Based on the way the other brunette looked, Tatiana wouldn’t have said she had it extremely rough. “Why’re you still here? Shouldn’t someone have snatched you up already?” 

Dina had to admit, her friend looked better than she’d seen her since their reunion here at the prison. Being out and about as a claimed slave seemed to be very good for her, giving her back her glow and color. Not to mention the chance to style her hair and outfit like a queen bitch. No surprise there. 

Truth be told, the halfling had missed the human terribly when she left. After a year of having no true friends to confide in, it had been a big relief to reconnect with Tatiana and have her around. Without her Dina had realized that she hadn’t made a lot of friends among her fellow prisoners. Sure she was on speaking and cordial terms with most, but none of them were genuine friends. The only person who might end up being the exception was Violet. “Too long if you ask me. I’ve been alright. A bit bored and lonely but otherwise good. How about you? Being claimed suits you by the way.” The fact that Dina felt like she was going strong had a lot to do with Kai. And well, the fact that Brenna had disappeared out of the blue had eased a lot of stress and worry, no doubt about that. “This ought to be my last day here. Kai sent in the paperwork yesterday. As soon as its approved I’m out of here. Finally.” 

Kai laughed along with her, glad that they were able to laugh together and enjoy their time together. His heart felt so much lighter when Dina was around. Kai listened to her words intently and nodded his head. “I know I will never understand but if you ever wanna talk about her, what happened with her, I’ll always be there for you. Even when I don’t get it.” He said sympathetically. He was never gonna judge her for things he didn’t understand. He trusted her judgement. Kai frowned instinctively at her question, a little caught off guard by her words. He looked away and into the distance for a few seconds, trying to think about what she said. He sighed before locking eyes with her once more. “I would never ask anything of you that you’re uncomfortable with…” He started, reaching up with once hand to cup her cheek gently. “….I don’t care who you spend your time with or how you spend it…..as long as you return to me every night and let me love you. Just don’t let them treat you like garbage. You deserve so much more and now you have the freedom to do whatever or whoever you wanna do…” He chuckled a little at his own joke, showing her that he really meant it and that he was okay with not being exclusive right now. “…I love you. All of you. I don’t mind sharing your body as long as I’m the only one who has your heart.” 

Every time they came to another crossroads like this, Dina was scared that the change would end up ripping them apart. Or rather that her fears would. And while she was at times keenly aware of them, at other times she was not. The years she’d endured of captivity had in a sense given her strengths, but it had also been quite a shock when she no longer had a firm set of rules to adhere to. Without rules, she found herself being much more impulsive and rash, reckless even. Which was fine when your actions only had consequences for yourself, but the second he sent in the papers to claim her, all her actions would mainly have consequences for him. “I know that..” she nodded, smiling faintly because he was being so sweet and caring. It seemed like there was no bounds to his kindness and it made her both feel happy and safe as well as insecure. She still didn’t entirely belive that he knew what he was getting into with her. Nor that she was worth the effort. When he looked away, her stomach began to knot up, and her free hand fisted underneath the table. She was asking too much, just like she’d feared. Sharing wasn’t typically something wolves were known for.. especially not if it was a mate sort of situation. Her eyes dropped and she shifted uncomfortably on the chair, wishing she could just disappear. She could feel his eyes returning to her though, and despite the effort it took she forced hers to level with his again. While she wanted to reply, she felt too emotional to string too many words together, especially hearing that last part. He was really okay with this? If she hadn’t felt the warmth of his fingers on her cheek so keenly she would have had to pinch herself to believe she was still awake. Once he was done speaking, Dina exhaled heavily. “You really are a freaking saint, you know that? But look, if at any point you’re no longer okay with it, just tell me, okay? And we’ll figure it out.” Her smile turned just a little shy as she continued. “You do have my heart. Every inch.” 

Indeed, he was sizing her up not just for being a possible candidate to show to Xavier if she impressed him enough that is. Though he was also starting to wonder if maybe Isak would enjoy the audition just as much. He could smell her the moment she stepped into the building, however, he remained in his little corner due to her already being with someone else for the night. Which he was glad that she pried herself away from them and wondered her changeling little self over to him. He’s yet to taste fae blood but the tails and the smell combined were leaving him highly curious. 

To say the least, he was already impressed that she’s already had experience being a dancer. This was just going to make his enjoyment a lot better. At the last thing she said, however, Jaxon brought his index and thumb to each corner of his lips and whistled to catch the attention of one of the workers. 

“Play some music would you?” He demanded before redirecting his attention towards the other.  “Since you have the experience - dance wherever you think you perform the best.” He instructed. “Take your time, there’s no rush.” 

While Dina had never been the kind of girl that thrived off and needed to be the center of attention, she wasn’t uncomfortable being in the spotlight or holding someone’s interest for a while. In a club full of vampires, she was well aware that she instantly stood out and would draw eyes to her because of her blood. And where others of her kind had been taught to hide and disguise themselves she had learned how to use how she smelt to her advantage. Living with a vampire for years she knew how intoxicating the simple smell could be. Now if you paired that with showing some skin and being able to move your body, there was no telling what could happen. 

Her eyebrows rose curiously as he whistled, demanding music to be played. Subtly sliding her arms out of her jacket, the halfling waited until she was given perimeters, glad that he was being generous in giving her some leeway by telling her she could dance where she wanted and take her time. With an appreciative nod, she moved out of the booth, counting the rhythm of the music before settling backwards on a nearby chair. Without needing to think much, Dina fell naturally into one of her favorite routines from her stage days. It was fairly modern and she got lucky given that the music had a decent build, making it possible for her to pick up the pace as she used the chair to amplify her moves. In order to finish off big, she added an ending of her own, stepping up on one of the round, single tables and freezing when the song ended. A small smirk grazed her lips for a moment when several onlookers applauded, giving her that amazing rush that came after finishing a number for an audience. God she loved it. 

Stepping back down, she purposefully dragged the chair she’d used over and sat down, this time much closer to Jaxon. “So, whats the verdict?” she asked, trying to stay calm and centered despite the fact that she was of course a bit out of breath and her heart was hammering with nerves. She hadn’t realized just how badly she wanted this before her dance was done. 

Ryan raised her hands in surrender as she walked out of her hiding space. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m just trying to find a place to hide.” Ryan told her with a shrug of her shoulders. She remembered the slave in front of her, a kind woman who has given her a pep talk a little while back. “What are you doing out here?” She asked curiously as she walked over to the changeling. 

Dina frowned at the blonde, even when she apologized. She didn’t get why slaves were roaming the streets for kicks during a crisis.. didn’t they have any brain cells left? On top she was kind of stressed out, not having been able to locate her best friend nor her boyfriend.. it was possible she would be prone to take that stress out on others given the situation. “Why the hell are you out here hiding? Its like the worst place to look for cover you know..” she said with a small eye roll. The blonde seemed familiar. It took Dina another half minute and the others curious question to put two and two together. They had talked a while back. “I was trying to find my best friend and the guy I’m sorta with but then I was a bit distracted by the rubble. Seems like its leading somewhere..” 

Kai gave her a sheepish look, feeling a little bad about almost giving her a heart attack. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just relived to see you.” He told her, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly and shrugging his shoulders. He walked over to her to check out the rubble she was talking about and shook his head. “I have no idea. But whatever it is, it’s bad. We have to go somewhere save, Dina.” He said as he turned to her. “It’s too dangerous out here.” He said, concern lacing his voice. He didn’t know what was happening but he wasn’t gonna let Dina risk her life out there when there was nothing but chaos around. 

Dina somewhat waved him off. “Its okay. The freaky shit happening today has me a bit on edge. Its good to see you in one piece too.” she gave him a quick smile, that was a little forced given the tension of the situation and had nothing to do really with him. Normally she wouldn’t have left her cell. It was too reckless, taking such a risk so close to being claimed for the first time. But after several hours without Kai showing up or seeing Tatiana anywhere, Dina had decided that she couldn’t just sit around. “Right.. well I gotta make sure Tatiana is safe first. I think her masters house isn’t too far.” she said, meeting his gaze, almost feeling a little sorry for dragging him around as she was too sure he wouldn’t leave her side. “Guess you’re coming with?” her tone attempting to be teasing as she reached out to lace her left hand with his right. If he was smart, he wouldn’t argue with her. Which she was banking on. 

Kai didn’t know what was going on but he knew that he needed to find Dina. He himself that he didn’t claim her sooner because then she would’ve been with him and not down in the cells. He knew the changeling could handle herself and kick some ass but he was still worried and his inner wolf kicked in, wanting to protect her. He tried to find her scent within the rumble and chaos of the city and he was relieved when he found it. He followed it until he found her. He held up his hands in surrender when she yelled at him that she was gonna kick his ass. He definitely didn’t blame her for being cautious about her surroundings. “Dina. It’s me.” He said as he moved closer to her, his eyes checking her for any injuries. “Are you okay?” 

It was in some ways disheartening to see the city crumble away like this. Sure, Dina had no love lost for the people who had built and who governed it, but that didn’t mean that she hated the place itself. The prison she hated. And the guards there. Some mistresses and masters too. But not the vibrant city. It reminded her of her years exploring and living on her own. Those years had been rough and to some degree very harsh, but they had also been years when she had felt independent and free. More in charge of her own life and who she wanted to be than any other time. As her purple eyes narrowed waiting for a response, they widened in surprise at watching Kai emerge. Not because she wasn’t relieved to see him, especially in one piece, but because she hadn’t expected to see him here. It did dawn on her that he probably could have tracked her, which was kind of cute in a stalkerish way. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.” she accused in a slight annoying tone, though her eyes quickly skimmed him while her fingers traced the length of his shoulders and arms. “I’m fine.. I was gonna check on you then Tatiana but then I came across this weird trail of rubble. Do you have any clue whats going on?” 

Unable to push down her curiosity, the brunette began following the trais lof stone, trying to figured out where they might be leading. Of course she shouldn’t divert from her purpose for being out here in the first place, but she just couldn’t help herself. Until she felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise, with that uneasy yet familiar feeling of being watched. “Who’s there?” she said out loud, slowly turning in a circle, growing more suspicious as she could not spot anyone. “Show yourself or I’m gearing up to kick your ass.” she half threatened, speaking louder this time. 

“I would have been, had I expected a performance of sorts – let’s just say I’m a.. impromptu audience.” Green eyes focused on the scenery – people running around, others standing by with looks of utter shock painted all over their pretty faces — well, some of them were pretty. “Maybe – but in the middle of the chaos, who exactly do you think will be paying attention and what the slaves are doing?” a soft chuckle flew from between her rosy lips “The city council seems a little unprepared right now. Personally, I think that a lot of those that will cause trouble will probably get away with it – but, that’s what makes it fun. At the end of the day, we’re all just going to have to wait and see. ” 

“Aka a watcher. Honestly to me that is the same thing..” For once, Dina wasn’t being too careful while speaking to someone who outranked her. She didn’t see the point given the circumstances, nor the aftermath. Kai would get the paperwork in and she would get the hell out of here. Able to choose who she tangoed with from now on. “Clearly you haven’t been around for long. Last time there was a jailbreak, anyone who tried to run was punished with isolation and even fewer rights. So unless I find something or someone very worth breaking the rules for, I’ll stay put.” The halfling shrugged her shoulders a little, not really expecting the blonde to get it. Most of her rank didn’t, given that they hadn’t experienced first hand how ruthless the council could be towards rogue slaves. “Some might, though I have a claim waiting to be processed, so when the dust settles I wanna make sure I’m squaeky clean.” 

“Depends on the kind of chaos you’re referring to. There’s different levels, not all of which are equally entertaining.” Alexandra mirrored the brunette’s actions, a sharp blonde eyebrow arching in return. Perhaps, to the less fortunate, this was a prime opportunity to showcast whatever they thought they still had up their sleeves – to the dhampir, however, it was just another catalyst to a metaphorical migraine – you know, since she didn’t really have to bother about legit headaches anymore. “You don’t look too chipper yourself.. with that brand on you, I would have assumed you’d be popping open champagne bottles by now.” 

“Oh so you’re one of those. Just here for the show.” Dina nodded a bit in understanding before shrugging a bit. She didn’t much care if someone was here to watch it all unravel. But for once though she was making the smart choice, which was laying low and not doing anything that would end up costing her later. Everyone else might be running around settling scores and getting revenge on those who had scorned them, but she would not. Her imminent freedom meant too much to her. “This isn’t my first rodeo. Anyone with a brain knows that this is temporary. And the more chaos and trouble you make, the more likely you are to have to pay for it later. I’d rather curb my anger and not let i blindly drive me.” 

“I apologize for my own stupidity, my lady.” He said in a very fake British Accent, trying to remain serious. Though he couldn’t keep up the act and burst out laughing along with her. It felt so nice to be able to joke around with her and laugh with her, without her thinking he’s a total moron. How could he not love this woman? And that fact that she loved him back was making his heart beat right out of his chest and swell with happiness. He felt so lucky to have met her. “I hope you know that means you’re stuck with me now.” He told her teasingly after they pulled away from the kiss. “I would never judge you for how you fell, Dina. You spent so much time with her it’s expected to be a little sad that she left….despite what she did to you.” He told her with a reassuring smile. His inner wolf whined in happiness when she said that he could claim her. “Of course. When it comes to me, I don’t want there to be any restrictions for you. I want you out of that cell and as free as possible. I know that it wouldn’t be the same as being actually free and out of Thorn Haven, but I don’t want there to be any rules for you. You can do whatever you want, just don’t get me into too much trouble.” He teased her.

Him trying to emulate a posh British accent did her in, as she had to raise her hand to cover her mouth in order to stifle the laughter she couldn’t hold back. Unable to fully form an answer, Dina shook her head only, sure that if she tried to speak she would only double over in laughter for all too see. The more time they spent together, the funnier he seemed to be. Which she knew she needed, given how easily she was prone to give in to melancholy and drown herself in her own hardships. Kai always made her forget them completely, and she loved him for it. “Yeah, I do know that. I’ll live.” she rebutted, teasing him right back. She nodded a little, aware and as always a bit awed at his capacity for understanding, yet the underlying shame remained. “You know I didn’t use to see it like she did anything horrible to me. Sure, at first I tried to fight her, but once I realized it wouldn’t work it was like my world just fell into place. And I’m sure it will never make sense to someone else, but its still hard to be angry with her, or not feel grateful for what she gave me as opposed to what she took.” She shrugged a little, finding the subject of Brenna one most people around simply couldn’t understand even if they wanted to. Chewing her lip, she tried to decide how best phrase her next question, slightly terrified of his reaction. “But do you want us to be exclusive, or not?” She feared that if he wanted exclusivity right off the bat, she might mess it all up. Especially given that he was presenting her with a life full of choices, of freedom, without rules or any set lines to work within. Honestly she had no damn idea how to even begin living like that, but she would try her best. “Sorry wolfy, I can’t make any promises on that.”