@imjustprotected

It generally took a lot to get Alaric across the country. California… the chances were slim to none, but Los Angeles? No, he wouldn’t have come here for much. He didn’t really like flying, but he wasn’t driving twenty-five hundred miles across the country, either. And there was no way to do that without Damon going along – and until he knew Kate Lockley as more than just a name, a reputation and a voice on the other end of the phone, he wasn’t taking that kind of risk. The less contact Damon had with hunters of any stripe the better. Until he learned when to keep his mouth closed. Another century or two, maybe?

Alaric couldn’t even remember now who had first mentioned the woman’s name to him, but he’d been intrigued enough to do some research. Sounded like they were running similar businesses, in a way. It tickled him enough to come and check it out. Besides, she obviously knew her weapons and they had some trade to discuss. Never seemed to find the time for the trip, though.

And then her name had come up again. Buffalo had an infestation of ghouls, horrible things. And when Alaric went looking for something more efficient and less messy than the knife he’d been gifted by an older hunter a few years back, Kate’s name had come up again.

He didn’t bother looking for a hotel. Figure it out later. He flagged a taxi at the airport, grateful the timezone change meant he had a better than even chance of finding the shop open.

From the outside, it didn’t look like anything more sinister than an antique store. If it was warded, the wards were better hidden that Alaric’s (and if it wasn’t – they had a lot to talk about). Though Alaric’s wards were supposed to be a visual deterrent, too, and really, spooky shit on a magic shop never went astray.

He pushed the door open and was immediately entranced by the dark wood everywhere. He forced himself to look away.

                    ‘You murdered an innocent woman against her will and inhabited her. Liquefied her insides. Forgive me for being somewhat sceptical.’ Kate had never had the honour of meeting Winifred Burkle face to face, but she’d heard great things which left her uncertain how to feel about this new, powerful creature that had overridden a fallen comrade. Besides, demons and vampires had never been her favourite to begin with. She did, however, trust Angel and if he trusted this person, then she supposed she should start as well. ‘Fine. Let’s pretend for one minute that we do trust each other; what can I do to help?’

She had a serious distaste for the supernatural world. It was obvious. One look at Stefan and she’d already put him into a category. Her idle threat of putting Damon in a cell with a view nearly made him laugh. He traced over his daylight ring and his lips pulled into a tight line. She also wasn’t afraid. Funny, she should be. “Look- if it was up to me I’d let you have him. But you and I both know that the moment your men try and take him they’re as good as dead.” Stefan stepped closer, looming over the blonde officer while his fingers curled into fists. While Damon was the gift that kept on giving, he was also his brother. “Now why don’t you just run on your merry way and forget you ever met us.”