𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 / 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐃 ,

Félix kept his mouth shut as the interrogation came to a close. He almost couldn’t believe that the woman was letting him go. Unharmed too. He didn’t know whether she believed his innocence but he wasn’t about to take it for granted. Even as she walked away, Félix didn’t stand up. The boy didn’t even breathe until he was sure that the woman was gone. And Félix. He turned his head when she called his name. Her words filled with threat and ill intention sent a cold shiver in his spine.  His eyes remained locked on her as she walked away. Félix would definitely never pay a visit again. Not if he has a choice. In fact, he would prefer that he never bump into any of them ever again.

He hummed, turning the thought over in his head before speaking. He knew plenty on the Wizengamot that could only be described as hardasses. They never laughed and he often wondered if they knew how to smile. “Some are, some aren’t. Best not to take either to extremes,” Alyosha said. He had hedonistic predilections himself but recognized you didn’t last long if you gave into every whim. He need only remember his father to know that. “As long as we don’t call it a bribe, I’m happy to accept. What do you have on offer?”

delphine.

“   You’ll have to forgive my complete lack of faith in your colleagues.   ”   He may have understood her plight himself once   -   although certainly these days they were on entirely different playing fields.   “   And what would I want bribe you for?   A friendly voice in the government?   Not quite my agenda.   ”   Not that she’s going to discuss what is.   Little more than a glance at the man at the bar and two glasses are produced,   along with a bottle from beneath.   She pours each of them a glass.   “   For you only the finest.   It's your bad hands that pay for it after all.   ”   That and the raids.   The raids supply it too.

Félix’s eyes were glued on her as she laughed. He doubted that the woman really found the question funny or the situation hilarious. He took note of the fact that she didn’t answer. Instead she threw the question back at him. Félix didn’t have the time to act surprised. Hesitating might convey the wrong message. He held unto his breath for a few seconds before answering. “No,” Félix replied decidedly and sternly. “I was just curious,” he repeated probably for the nth time already. He didn’t give any more excuses and risk sounding defensive.  He quickly shut his mouth when the woman caught him off and opted to listen instead. “No, you don’t.” He shook his head without breaking eye contact. “I don’t have any more questions.” That was a lie, of course. Félix learned very little about the place and this interaction with this woman just gave him so much more unanswered questions. But it was clear to him that he’d regret asking more. If he wanted to learn more about the place, he’d have to find out on his own because he was sure he wasn’t going back to visit.

delphine.

“   Well you know what they say about cats.   ”   She doesn’t move from her stance,   palms still planted firmly on the table,   eyes locked.   Everything about her signifies a certain dominance   -   and she can tell he knows it too.   “   Good answer.   ”   It’s with his final confirmation that Delphine decides she’s seen enough,   she motions for the two men at the door to step forward,   pushing herself off the table.   “   My friends here will escort you out.   ”   Eyes linger on him as the wolves approach,   though it's clear that she's reached her limit as far as the whole ordeal is concerned.   “   And Felix   -   ”   she speaks just before he exits,   “   next time you decide to pay a visit,   don’t be shy.   ”

Tarquin gasped as her nails tore in his flesh but bit his lip to keep himself from making a sound even as pain flashed across his features. He wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction. It wasn’t enough to stop him though and while Delphine might have been stronger, he was taller and bigger and he’d be a fool not to use it to his advantage. He let her charge at him, standing his ground this time. He knew he couldn’t let her topple him, this time he wouldn’t be getting off the ground. He brought up his leg to knee her in the stomach. “You’re not the only one disappointed,” he said with a breathless laugh, his voice taunting as he tried to reach for the back of her neck, hoping to use her own forward momentum to slam her into the wall behind him.

delphine.

She’d groan if it weren’t for the fact that she had no breath left in her.   Feeling his hands plant on the back of her neck,   Delphine’s next few moments happen in a flurry of movements that she can do nothing to stop,   ending with her splayed on the ground.   If he needed further evidence that she’s not exactly hinged...   it can be heard in the prolonged laughter that erupts as she lies there.

“   Not bad.   ”   Reaching up wordlessly as if to ask for help back to her feet,   Delphine does her best to look the part of exhausted loser   (   it helps that she’s breathing a bit more rapidly than she’d like,   though he doesn’t need to know that part is involuntary.   )   Eyes closed,   the wolf waits to see if he takes the bait,   her next move to pull him back to her level   -   she’d underestimated the leverage he had.   That wouldn’t happen again.

He just continued to stare at the woman warily. Instead of putting him at ease, her flattering words did nothing but make him more nervous. “Are they-” Félix swallowed a bit of saliva to coat his drying throat. “Werewolves?” His voice was a hush that barely carried itself to the other side of the room. “No!” He was quick to deny what the woman had assumed. “I’m not looking to fight! Really! I’m not. Just look at me.” He opened his arms wide to show that his for was no way fighting fit nor was he in any delusion that it was. “I’m not a fighter. Of any kind,” he said truthfully even if panic shook his voice. Félix was ranting now. No doubt due to fear and nervousness. Was it bad that he was letting her now that Félix isn’t one to put up a fight? Perhaps not. But the best way that Félix thought of to diffuse the situation was to deescalate it. Given the woman’s domineering attitude, it probably wasn’t wise to present himself as a challenge to her authority anyway. It’s best to remain weak, compliant, and definitely not worth her time. “I was just curious. That’s why I came here. That is all.”

delphine.

His whispered question elicits a laugh.   She hadn’t had anyone ask that before   -   though,   most of their regulars were nothing like the boy in front of her.   Still,   there was a familiar quality about him   -   she could sense that.   “   Are you?   ”   The fact of the matter was,   answers did not come cheap.   And here,   she certainly didn't have many people to answer to.   From her new spot behind the table,   Delphine leans forward again,   both palms flat on the table.   Eyeing him appraisingly,   brows knit together in suspicion.   As the boy begins to ramble though,   she rolls her eyes,   impatience growing by the second.   Cutting him off,   Delphine sighs.   “   We don’t like narks.   Bottom line.   Do we have to worry about that,   Félix?   Or can I trust that your curiosity is satisfied from this little visit?   ”   The question dangles in the air between them,   and with it,   the possibility of his release.   Regardless of the answer,   she’d have him tailed for a day or two.   It was the usual protocol when people came around that stuck out to her   -   to scare them,   usually,   if not to cover her own tracks.

Just because he served in the Wizengamot, just because reporters often crowed that he was the example his species should live and learn by – none of that meant he was faultless. He had his vices, had a crooked grin, a large Gringotts vault, and a never-ending desire for entertainment. Sometime he found his entertainment in a luxurious dinner party; sometimes he found it in a werewolf-run gambling den. Both had their charms. “I’m not known for my discipline, Bisset.” In contrast, his voice comes out amused rather than insulting. “You’ll get it plenty at the tables. No reason to rob me of my galleons and my fun.”

delphine.

She didn’t particularly enjoy gambling herself   -   of course,   she saw the merit.   And she’d participate from time to time.   But Delphine’s real joy lied in the fighting pits.   “   Not many of your occupation are.   ”   Sardonic words drip from her tongue,   though there’s an inkling of humor there.   Ministry officials were no better than the rest of them,   and most of them were just as crooked as herself   -   if not more.   “   The least I can do is buy you a drink.   ”   She casts a knowing glance in his direction then,   shrugging.   “   We’ll call it an investment?   ”

“Me? Never.” Sofia had grown nervous since the bite, her excitement limited to work, drunken endeavors, and motherhood. Here, though, she didn’t need to hide; she could be herself without the constant fear that someone would find out her secret and look at her as a monster. No, around Delphine and the pack, she blended right in. “Only the ones who pay me.” Sofia smiled devilishly, but she couldn’t deny that she was avoiding the question. There was nothing, nothing she wouldn’t do for the pack, for Delphine - she owed them everything. Without them, she’d be lost, alone, a monster amongst innocents. But no matter how dedicated she was to them for the sense of purpose she’d gained with their acceptance, the part of her that clung so desperately to the life that had been ripped from her would always be a witch first, a werewolf second. “I’ve missed being here,” she sighed, casting a pout towards the room. “Next night off, I’ll be here until you kick me out, I promise.”

delphine.

“   Good answer.   ”   Sofia was clever if nothing else,   it was only a shame that she didn’t show interest in being more involved.   But then,   not everyone grew up the way Delphine did.   Upbringing was everything,   guaranteed loyalties that were otherwise impossible to gain.   Such was the importance of starting them young.   “   I’ll hold you to that.   ”   A promise is a promise after all,   and she doesn’t take them lightly.   She’s studying the other as she surveys the room,   before a question leaves her lips,   true curiosity evident there.   “   And what of little Hannah?   Taking good care of her?   ”   She might be a number of things,   but it is undeniable that Delphine has a particular soft spot for children.   Especially those that belong to members of the pack.

Generosity was hardly a trait that could be equated with the alpha, and while this decision of his wasn’t entirely sound, he saw an opportunity to reap some benefit and no downside as of yet. “There’s no one else that will have his loyalty should he decide to stray. The boy was staring at death at every door, and this was his only saving grace. Or at least the one the little wizling could stand to stomach.” Putting away his wand and living amongst the muggles would be a fate worse than death Fenrir would wager. “If he steps out of line I’ll wring him of his last breath myself.”

delphine.

“   Well then I suppose there’s work to be done.   ”   A last resort.   That’s all they were.   But there’s little sense in arguing what is clearly a moot point.   She knows he means the words,   and that’s enough quell her for now.   Delphine settles back into her chair,   heaves a sigh as her head lolls back,   the silence settling between them,   emphasizing the finality of the conversation.   The boy was one of them now.   There was little else to do but wait for him to fail.

Panic instinctively kicked in as two men grabbed his arm on each side. This wasn’t how he expected his visit to be. So used to blending into the room, he didn’t think he’d catch anyone’s attention given how non-threatening he looked. Or perhaps that’s exactly why he stuck out in such a place. Eyes quickly surveyed the room he was shoved in. There was no way out. But underneath his thundering panic, Félix found a certain calm with the fact that if it ever comes to being coerced to talk, he didn’t know much about the Order to begin with since he kept to the side. Before speaking, however, he reminded himself that there was no reason for her to suspect that.

Félix was forced to sit down. He didn’t know whether it was the chair, the claustrophobic atmosphere of the room, or the woman’s domineering presence that made him sink into the chair. Perhaps it was all three. “Well… uh.” Félix‘s throat was starting to constrict. It’s taking him a lot of effort just to get the words out. “I take it you’re in charge.” He forced himself to look at the woman to show that he wasn’t hiding anything. Not anything she has to worry about anyway. “I just wanted to know… are all your fighters really… you know?”

delphine.

“   Handsome and observant.   We got ourselves a winner here,   boys.   ”   The mocking words elicit a chuckle from the pair keeping watch,   cold in the way that Delphine has become so known for.   She huffs,   the delight she’d taken just moments before still present as the boy sinks lower into the chair.   “   Afraid I don’t know quite what you mean.   ”   She meets his gaze as she speaks,   prompting specificity.   If he wasn't going to be straight with her,   she'd have to come to her own conclusions.   Chances are that would be more fun,   anyways.   Delphine’s leaning towards him as if in thought.   “   Oh   -   ”   false recognition dawns.   “   You're craving some first hand experience in the ring,   scoping out the competition.   A bit scrawny,   but I've seen my share of underdogs walk through these doors.   ”   A pause,   a hum of thought as she hoists herself off the table,   moving away as if to size him up.   “   Though,   they don't usually walk back out.   ”

So Tarquin may have acted out of desperation but it had still gotten him out of the chokehold and that was enough for him in the moment. He was panting heavily trying to catch his breath when she released him but was still within his feet in an instant. “As tempting as it is, I’m going to say no.” Tarquin couldn’t help the grin that spread across his lips because he had drawn blood and that counted as a point for him. He winked at her, “For now.” He didn’t give her a chance to attack this time, moving immediately and aiming for a kick in the centre of her stomach in the hopes of knocking her back or knocking her down. Either worked. 

delphine.

She’s half tempted to show him anyway,   it would certainly teach him a lesson.   And it was obvious to her that he needed one.   The wizard is quick on his feet,   Delphine notes,   and there was clearly some merit to all the chatter he’d been raising.   But the wolf woman was raised to fight,   and she is not that easily bested.   She moves to catch his leg mid kick,   pointed finger nails digging into whatever flesh they can,   just long enough to keep him still for a moment.   “   Predictable.   ”   Tone is critical,   and then she’s twisting his leg hard before shoving him back with a grunt.   If it was dirty fighting he wanted,   it was dirty fighting he’d get.   This time she doesn’t give him a minute to recover,   fueled by the spirit of competition,   she immediately charges on him again,   aiming to topple him.

Downing the rest of his drink before he lifted his arm to rest behind his head as his jaw worked. What was done was done, however Fenrir wasn’t entirely sure he’d made the right call in turning the lad. “Because I decided to toss him a bone. Come the next full moon he’ll be one of us until he manages to get himself blown up again.”

delphine.

It couldn’t hurt to have one more grunt at their disposal,   but the distaste is hard for her to mask.   “   Generous of you.   ”   Gaze is fixed on a point ahead of them both,   and she tries to quell the sense of annoyance at the fact that the boy will undoubtedly become her newest underling.   “   The boy was raised with magic.   His loyalties are not to us.   ”   Fenrir isn’t one to allow his judgements to be questioned,   but Delphine hasn’t made it this far by being spineless.   If she can’t speak plainly to him in private,   then what use is she at all?   “   He won't get second chances with me.   ”   

Delphine recognizes a regular when she sees one.  She’s made it a habit to drop in unannounced,   checking on the operations when time allows,   and it’s good business to know the clientele   -   it makes it easier to find the rats when they start to squeal.   Though this stop began as a business endeavor,   she’s never one to turn down a bit of fun.   She’s approaching a familiar figure from behind before greeting in low tones.   “   Can’t keep away can you Talinov?   ”   Despite not minding his presence,   his name still comes out sounding like an insult.   Ancient rivalries between species perhaps.   “   If you’re that eager to part with your money,   we can start collecting at the door.   ”

It was a slow night at the club and Alessia was bored even though dancing was one of her favorite things to do. That’s why she chose the profession. She loved to dance, and she loved to do it in a provocative way. Hurting her parents’ precious reputation was like the cherry on top. Most of their colleagues and friends spent time at the club, and Alessia was getting to know the lot of them very well. Since she didn’t have any of her regulars to entertain, she sought up someone that could entertain her, and her eyes landed on the beautiful woman sitting in one of the chairs. “I’m everyone’s type, sweetheart.” She replied, sliding an arm over the back of her chair. She tilted her head to the side, hair cascading over one shoulder as she smirked down at the woman. “I was going to ask if you needed another drink,” she added with a small chuckle and a roll of brown eyes. “You’ve never been here before, and I always introduce myself to new clientele. Alessia Rookwood,” she followed through, but instead of offering a hand to shake, she twirled a strand of the woman’s hair around her finger. “-and you are?”

delphine.

Dark eyes take the woman in before rising again to meet her gaze.   “   Is that so?   ”   The girl isn't easily scared off it seems.   The confidence she exudes is enticing enough,   but her beauty is something else entirely.   And Delphine has always had a special love for bold women.   She watches as the other leans forward,   an amused smirk on her lips.   Reaching over to grab her empty glass without breaking eye contact,   she quirks a brow.   “   Thirsty,   ”   she answers,   undeniably charming words possess their usual challenging edge.   With her free hand,   she taps a pointed nail on the arm of the leather chair..

who: @moonleds where: werewolf club when: after hours

It seemed like Sofia spent all her time in clubs. Between work and play, most of her nights were spent either at the Merlin Rouge, the werewolf club, or whichever club in magic or muggle London seemed the most fun at any given point. There were worse ways to spend her life, and in truth, it gave her a weird sense of normalcy. By the time she’d arrived, coming straight from her shift, even the fights had begun to die off, but Delphine was still there just as Sofia knew she would be. Walking slowly and purposely through the remaining spectators, every movement sultry as if she was still on stage, she draped herself over an empty chair next to Delphine. It was always so mindblowing to think that barely two years before, such a place and such company would be her worst nightmare, but now - the pack had given her a home, a sense of belonging when she’d found herself with nothing. Sofia owed them everything and loved them all for it. “Hope I didn’t miss all the excitement,” she mused, casting a glance at Delphine out of the corner of her eye.

delphine.

“   I’m beginning to suspect you avoid the excitement,   Sofia.   ”   It had been a long evening,   but she was used to long evenings.   She enjoyed them,   usually,   was happy with her role,   liked being in charge and knowing her flock.   When she sees Sofia though,   she starts to wonder if some of them are beginning to stray.   “   Spending time with the wizards again?   ”   For some of them,   the pack was enough.   Others sought more...   willingly involved themselves in the affairs of wizard kind,   mingled with those that Delphine considered the enemy.   It was a necessary evil perhaps,   in some ways she had to do the same.   Though she never enjoyed it.   And frankly,   the werewolf suspected it muddled the interests of others,   distracted them from the goal.   She cared for the girl sitting beside her,   though she struggled to understand her motivations.   “   We've missed you here.   ”