Thaddaeus*Bishop

As the last hint of sunset surrendered to the shadow of night, the sound of horse hooves broke the crystalline silence. The moon illuminated the little two-room shack with an eerie sort of life that would make the observer think it might rise up and eat him.

As he urged Bishop forward, Thad kept a firm hold on both his daughter and upon Bosco's lead, grumbling to himself. A vague tug on Bishop's rein sent the horse trotting around back to the kennels. Keeping a firm grip on Hallie, he dismounted, Bosco's rope tightly in his fist as he threw an ugly glance at the dog. Opening up a kennel, he pointed a finger as thick as a sausage and spat. Get in there, mutt.

Bosco

He jumped trtying to keep from choking.He saw the kennels and whimpered but when he was told to go in he did.

Hallie:She watched but didn't dare move.

Thaddaeus*Bishop

He gavea satisfied sort of grunt as Bosco meekly entered the kennel, and kicked the door of it shut with his foot, not noticing or caring if Bosco got out of the way in time. Using his free hand, he came up with a padlock, attaching this to the latch of the kennel and thus preventing any more brilliant escape ideas by Hallie. He added the key to the growing ream of them on his string, and turned to Hallie, jerking her arm as a command for her to dismount.

Hallie

She yelped and dismounted but did not fight him.Her hair now covered her face.

Thaddaeus*Bishop

A smack to Bishop's rump sent him off to graze. Later on, Thad would have Hallie put him away, but for the moment there was something more important to do. He hadn't been out in the shed in a while, and he was probably rusty... but it was necessary. He gave Hallie's arm another tug, walking forward toward the shed. She had two choices: walk, or be dragged. Either way, she was coming.

He opened the door to the tiny shed with an air of whimsy, a grin given to his daughter that was almost reminiscent of the good days... back before... He'd never allowed Hallie in the shed as a child, fearing that she'd get hurt on the many semi-dangerous tools here. And then, when his wife had died, he'd spent solid weeks here, leaving Hallie to fend for herself back at the house. Now, finally, he was dragging her in here, because the shed had the tools he needed for the job.

The shed was nearly as large as the two-room shack, sporting all manner of rusted and non-functional farm tools adorning the walls, from scythes to worm-eaten horse bridles. The rafters above were thick with cobwebs, and the door creaked ominously as Thad shut it behind him. There was no electric lighting here: it was not needed, though there were no windows. Every square inch of the floor was cluttered with some half-decayed machine, leaving the back left-hand corner as the only open space. In this corner was an old blacksmith's anvil and portable forge, with all the tools necessary for making anything you could possibly want from metal.

Thad locked the door behind him and let go of Hallie's arm, almost gently, not even pushing her to the side as he did so. With a soft, Don't touch anything, he proceeded to ignore her, moving back and pushing some scrap metal into the forge, working with an easy skill that spoke of years of experience.

Hallie

She followed him not sure why he was going to this shed which he use to spend his life in.She stood where he let her go and just watched him. Her teeth gridding unsure of what was going to happen.

Thaddaeus

With a delicate skill that looked strange in such square, blunt-fingered hands, Thad operated the bellows and, after a moment extracted the molten metal. Using a clamp-like tool, he began to pull the molten metal through a strange mold: made of iron, it had about a dozen little holds drilled into it, going from about the breadth of two fingers down to an almost infinitesimal pin-sized hole. He pulled the scrap peice of silver through the first half-dozen of these until it became a long, thin wire about a half-inch in diameter. He held it up to the light and turned it this way and that, eyeing it expertly before giving a grunt and turning to the anvil. Taking up his hammer, he began to pound the silver into shape, slowly making a small loop. He picked up another tool and began to carve, then another and pounded some more.

Finally done, he dropped the finished product into a nearby barrel of water. The steam erupted with a hiss, and he waited a moment before sticking a bare hand in to extract his creation. It was a small, almost delicate and feminine looking bracelet, the metal engraved with a complex pattern of whorls and designs. It was heavy, being about three-quarters of an inch thick and an inch in width, but it was uniquely beautiful. It was held together with an iron clasp.

He turned toward Hallie and reached for her, smile gentle as he said, Present for you, baby girl. His hand moved slowly toward her wrist.

Halllie

She watched him. She watched every part of the process. Then he reached for her wrist and she was unable to move not like there was any where for her to escape.She didn't say anythingl. What was this for?

Thaddaeus*Bishop

Again, his touch was almost gentle as he took her wrist in his hand, moving it up toward himself as he unclasped the bracelet and placed it on her wrist. He closed it, again with that startling tenderness, and clicked the clasp shut.

Letting her hand drop free, he looked up and met her eyes, and for just a moment... even with his intentions for the bracelet, his eyes were again the eyes she had known as a little girl. He gave her the same soft smile, the same look, and reached up a gentle finger to brush a bit of hair behind her ear. But then, the moment was gone, and he was broodingly silent. Gruffly, he spoke to her. Come on then, Hallie. Let's... I need you to put Bishop away. Even now, he was strangely pleasant, and his tone made it almost like the request one would make of his daughter, not an order as his words generally were. Come on.

And he opened the door, leading her out. He gave a whistle that brought the black horse to him, and he handed Bishop's lead rein to Hallie. Go on... get him settled.

Hallie

She could feel the tenderness in his hands and the look he gave her but she didn't pay any heed to that.Those loving days when she was younger when she loved him as a father were gone.She followed him and took the reins. She led the steed toward the stable. She wondered how heaven was doing.

Thaddaeus*Bishop

Just to be difficult, Bishop pranced and sidled as though he had seen something in the shadows, though he actually had not. He was going to make her beg and speak sweetly to get him in his stall tonight. With a light whinny he reared up, not far enough to tear the rope from her hands but enough to jerk her around a bit as he held the rear. Finally, he settled to the ground, still prancing and sidling, but not so frantically.

Thad followed them with a vague and unreadable smile on his face.

Hallie

She growled as the horse reared and pranced.She would make him run into a fence if he wouldn't settle down. She was not in the mood to sweet talk the horse not with her father following her.She yanked down on the reins hard.She knew how to handle horses and was not about to allow this steed to take control. She now got to the barn doors and enteredit.

Thaddaeus Bishop

The forceful tug on the rein was Bishop's cue to let out a pained squeal, all acting of course. And the noise of it was all that was needed to snap Thad back to reality. His sharp voice lashed at Hallie. You watch what you're doing, my bit! That horse's worth more than your life, wench. Better treat 'im like it or I'll see that you pay. But he quickly settled again, grumbling to himself. Bishop was HIS horse. If anyone was going to bully Bishop, it would be THAD, not that girl.

Bishop gave a snort of derision and trotted more tamely behind her, though he still dodged around a bit, just to make her life hard. As they entered the barn, he nudged her with his face, almost playfully, a soft whinny leaving him.

Hallie

She heard him but did not reply.She just walked on she felt the nudge and that made her think about heaven.Stop bishopShe said just so the horse could hear her.She then tied the reins to a rein pole and began to untack the horse and then she switched his bridle for his halter and then groomed the horse off and then placed him in his stall.

Thaddaeus*Bishop

Bishop gave another snort: he'd gotten his way, a bit, for Hallie had been forced to be sweet to him, if not to beg him. So he stood still as she groomed him and went into his stall tamely enough, head immediately dropping into the food trough and the sound of munching commencing.

Seeing Hallie was done, Thad spoke softly. Well, come on, then, Hallie. Supper. And he stood back to allow her to go before him, not out of manners, but so that she wouldn't leave his sight as they walked.

As they came inside and he locked the door, it became obvious that dinner was already half-way done. A delicious-smelling pot frothed on the stove, and he began to set the table as it finished cooking. Finally, he ladeled out some casserole for both he and she, and sat down, starting to eat without waiting for her.

Hallie

She watched the stallion for a second and then walked out of hte barn and headed inside. She watched him dish out the food.She then watched him start to eat and then sat down and ate as well though alittle hesitant.

Thaddaeus

When he had finished eating, Thad stood and set his plate in the sink, which was once again full of dishes due to Hallie's absence. He walked around the house for a few moments, ensuring that all the doors were locked, including the one leading to Hallie's room. He had no idea how she'd escaped the room before, not having thought to check the floorboards, but he intended to see that she didn't have the option to run in there and escape again as he made his next move.

Moving toward the tiny closet in his bedroom, he came up with a chain about an inch in width. Grasping it firmly, he moved back toward Hallie with a distinctly creepy grin on his face, reaching for her arm. The bracelet... merely a decorative excuse for putting something on her that he could chain her to. She hadn't struggled when he put on the bracelet, which had been his goal. Since she'd had no idea what he had given her the bracelet for, now there was no way for her to escape.

Hallie

She glared at him. and put her dish in the sink and then just sat back down and kept to herself till he came back with a chain. So thats what he planed to do. Wonderful but she didn't fight him.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

With a satisfied grunt, Thad fastened the chain in place on the bracelet, fussing with it a little until he was satisfied. Now, the only was for her to get it off was to take a torch to the bracelet, which might prove very uncomfortable to the skin of her hand. He was about to say something more to her when the revving of an engine and a squeal of tires caught his attention.

Outside the window, there was a clear view of a deep-green motorcycle with chrome wheels parked in what served as the driveway, and the dark-headed figure that sat easily astride it called out in a deeply pleasant, yet somehow alluring voice. Hail to the house!

Hallie

She watched him and then her head snapped toward the drive way and when she heard the voice her face paled.That wasn't good now she had to deal with her x boyfriend.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

A grin spread across Thad's face, noting Hallie's pallor and knowing the voice in the driveway as well as his own. He raised his own baritone, calling to him. Lucian! My slippery friend, get in here!

Always ready to oblige, Lucian dismounted and grasped hold of the door, pulling it open with a strength that suggested he might have torn it off of the hinges. A smile lit his face as he stepped toward Thad, hand outstretched.

Welcome! Thad roared, shaking Lucian's hand and thumping his back, and being thumped in return. You've come just in time! We were about to... play a game.

A bit of laughter left Lucian at Thad's words, and it would have seemed almost innocent in nature to a stranger, but Thad knew the boy well. With a graceful step, he raised a hand, one finger outstretched to stroke along Hallie's jaw, like a possession needing to be shined. Hello, sweet.

Hallie

She closed her eyes as the door opened . If her father wasn't enough. He eyes opene to now stare into lucian's.She didn't speak. Play a game?Her hands go into fists but she just sits there una ale to fight ..

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Lucian knew from experience that she was balling her fists up, wanting so badly to fight but knowing it was useless. A grin split his face and he tossed all that dark hair over one shoulder, his finger running down her jaw and over her arm to come to rest stroking the fisted hand. Now, now... didn't you even miss me? Then his fingers crushed in on her arm, twisting to bring it up behind her back as he leaned forward to plant a bruising kiss on her lips.

Thad stood back and watched, silent for one.

Hallie

She listened to him.NOShe hissed but then felt his fingers and then her arm go behind her back.She winced adn then felt his lips upon hers and she just went with it not daring to fight him.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Lucian gave a smile as he pulled back from her, feeling her begin to relax in his hold. There, I was sure you'd remember. He held her for another moment in emphasis, then released her arm with a sudden lack of care, turning back toward Thad, who still held the chain in his hand.

Thad pulled on the chain to bring Hallie with him, and hooked the chain into the wall in the kitchen on a bracket he had installed for this purpose. You. Dinner for two, and hurry it.

With that, the two men headed to the living-room portion, sitting down and chatting, completely ignoring Hallie.

Hallie

She let her arm fall back to her side and then followed her father.She listened and then began to make the dinner. It took her a half hour to complete it.Then she called to them and the stood against the wall.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

At hearing Hallie's call, both men staggered up from their seats and over to the table. Lucian sat as Thad flung another order in Hallie's direction. Hey. Useless. Get the good wine outta that cupboard, and a couple clean glasses. This calls for some serious celebrating. Which meant, of course, that it called for Thad getting quite drunk. It took him much longer to get drunk on wine, but he had never failed yet to reach a drunken stupor if he was determined enough.

Lucian sat quietly, watching with a smile on his face. He did not need to holler and order Hallie about, as Thad did. He had... more subtle ways of controlling her.

Hallie

She looked over at him.Great she thought but got glasses and a wine bottle out and placed the cubs on the table and poured the first rounds and then moved away leaivng the wine at the table.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Thad immediately drained his glass, and gave an ugly glance to Hallie when she did not immediately refill it. But most of his attention was focussed on Lucian, whom he began to ask about his recent life and what he'd been up to since Thad had last seen him.

Lucian chatted along aimiably, though he only sipped his wine. This was the one place where Thad and he parted ways: Thad loved getting drunk, and Lucian despised it. Watching Thad had given Lucian a definite distaste for the loss of dignity that alcohol caused, and so he always drank lightly.
I haven't been doing alot... driving around the valley, making some connections with the police force and whatnot... just to cover my butt, you know? He and Thad had a good chuckle at that one, for everyone knew that the cops around here would bend any rule, any truth, if the price was right.

Lucian was abstaining from the liquor for the most part, but Thad seemed determined tonight to test his legendary capacity to the limit.

Hallie

She filled his glass everytime it emptied and then just listened and stayed back.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Thad tossed the now-empty bottle back over his shoulder, a signal for Hallie to bring more. His hands hadn't yet started to tremble, so he was just getting started. He kept pressing Lucian for updates, which the dark-haird young man gladly provided with the air of a jester.

It was in this taunting tone that he turned his eyes to Hallie, voice soft and dreamy. And you, sweet? What have you done with yourself? It was an invitation to say anything, and he knew that she might say something ugly about her father, but Lucian enjoyed watching them feed off of one another's tempers.

Hallie

She got another wine and poured it for her father and then her eyes turned to lucian as he spoke to he.had a life before scum bag found mewas alls she said now moving away before either of them could do a thing.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Thad snapped back at her. Watch your mouth, wench! But he was too busy draining his glass again to get up and bash her around.

Lucian smiled, watching him react and knowing that Hallie was ready to burst with fury. He was a manipulator of others, and he knew his Hallie very well. Really, sweet? Did you miss me while I was gone? Of course you did. What were you doing with yourself?

Hallie

she glared at both of them.Miss you? I didn't miss you! I was living a real life not some fucked up life with assholeShe hissed glaring her hands in fists. She should of seen this comming.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Lucian gave a light little laugh and rose from his seat, coming slowly over to her and reaching to grasp each wrist, touch almost gentle, though it could turn iron-hard in a second. Now, now... so rude. And after I came all this way... just to see you, sweet. And you didn't even dress for me. Remember that pretty red thing I bought you? Low-cut back, nice v in the front, clingy silk? Couldn't you have worn it, just for me?

Thad was watching them, amused, now pouring his own wine with hands that had finally acquired the tiniest tremor.

Hallie

She did not dare to try and move to avoid him as his hands close on he wrists.She glared at him.She snorted and turned her face away.Im not wearing that whether you like it or not i hate it its pathetic and i don't like it so deal with itShe hissed grinding her teeth.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Again, Lucian's face kept the smile, though something cracked in his eyes and the glow of it no longer carried into the blue depths. With a sudden, complete movement, back went her arms again, he using his strength to drag them up til her fingertips brushed the top of her shoulder-blades. But his voice was still oily-sweet. I bought it just for you, sweet, for you to wear so that everyone could see what a pretty girl I've got. And he trailed kisses down her chin before pulling back. How're they gonna now how awesome you are if you always hide in those rags? Again, a soft kiss on her cheekbone, and draw back. How, sweet?

Hallie

She glared at him and had seen something leave his eyes but did she really need to care? She yelped as her arms were brought back and up.She felt his kisses and she glared.Hmmm Maybe thats why I don't like it cuz it makes people stare at me and it also makes people think i love youShe hissed at him and spat at him.Her eyes holding the flare she had acquired when she had left this place.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Thad spoke from the table, now turned around and merely listening while he drank. If I was you, Lucian, I wouldn't let her get away with that mouth of hers. Makes her think she's someone important if she can mouth off like tha'. And he downed another glass.

Lucian shook his head, still smiling, voice still soft. But you do, sweet, whether you remember or not. You loved me, once, loved me truly. Now its too late to take it back. And the ice came into his eyes, a possessive strain in his voice as he said it. You're mine sweet... like it or not, you belong to me. I won't let anyone else have you.

Hallie

She glared at her father and tried to get her arms free.I do not belong to anyone! I loved you once before you showed your true self now i just resent you!She screamed her eyes narrowed.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Lucian laughed as she struggled, tightening his hold to a heavy, almost bone-crushing grip to keep her from getting awy. Told you... it's too late. Once you're mine, you're mine. I've got your life on a sheet of paper, sweet, signed in blood. I asked you to sell your soul to me, you did it. Now you've no choice. Of course, she had done no such think, but he altered the facts as he saw fit. Truth was, he'd slit her wrist and signed her name on this "contract" with her own blood, a contract that made her his. She hadn't wanted to, and the contract was in no way legally binding, but he'd made her do it. Physical strength had always been a great persuasion.

Hallie

She glared at him her eyes narrowed.She attempted to knee him in his groin.Go to hellShe hissed glaring but no longer struggling.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

As she went to knee him, he lifted a leg, blocking her most effectively and using his weight to push her knee back into her, she now standing on one foot. No thanks, sweet. I've already been there once this week. There was now no light between them, his body completely molded against her flesh and his nose right in her face. Unless you'd like to make the trip with me... through the tunnel of love... Again, a kiss taken without her permission, the muscles in his forearms flexing to keep her still.

Thad had turned around to watch them, smiling an intimate smile as he watched Lucian paw his daughter.

Hallie

She glared at him and stood still on the one leg.She ignored his kissing.hmm let me think on that.......NoShe hissed.She pushed at him trying to get away.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Her pushing did jar him a bit, enough to allow her to rest her foot on the ground once more, but he moved immediately back to her, giving her arms an extra twist. Don't try that one, sweet. Don't you remember what happened the last time? And he unwound her wrists from behind her back and gave a heave, lifting her into the air by sheer strength, all her weight now supported by her wrists alone. I won't have defiance, he told her sweetly. I'll have obedience out of you, sweet.

Hallie

She glared at him and then yelped as he twisted her arms.She glared now and just stood straight as he lifted her.She squinted her eyes from the pain.She had o choice.I'im sorry!She whimpered trying her best to will the pain away.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Lucian gave a satisfied smile, voice still soft and oily. There now, sweet. That wasn't too hard, was it? We get along so much better when you mind. But he let her hang for a few moments more before he lowered her back to the floor, letting her thump down the last few inches.

He turned to Thaddaeus. See there, Thad, there are ways to make the girl learn without leaving a mark. She only needs reminding of a few things.

Thad stood and thumped Lucian's back a little harder than perhaps was necessary, making Lucian stagger a few steps before he gained his balance. Yes, I see you've got a way with her, Luce. Lord knows she needs to be taught to behave.

Hallie

She almost buckled when she landed but caught herself.She didn't speak not even to her fathers words though she wanted to.She rubbed her wrists.

Thaddaeus*Bishop*Lucian

The two were laughing together like old friends when movement outside the window caught Thad's eye. He moved forth and peered out of the glass, a soft curse hitting the air as he turned to Hallie. Blast it, woman, can't you do anything? You've forgotten the double latch on Bishop's stall again! Get your ass out there and fix it! And he removed the wall-end of the chain down from it's bracket, handing its end to Lucian. Make sure she does it right, now.

Lucian waited until Thad had turned his back before he smiled a secret smile at Hallie. He had, of course, released the black horse, just to get Hallie in trouble with her father. How he enjoyed baiting them against one another. He smirked and tugged on his end of the chain to lead her outside.

Hallie

She knew it had to of been lucian.She glared but said nothing.She followed lucian outside and looked to the horse.BISHOP Come!She called out.

Bishop*Lucian

Lucian watched, chuckling softly as the huge black steed danced and pranced around, refusing to come to Hallie's call. The stallion flicked his tail in her direction and gave a soft whinny as he trotted in a quick circle and headed around to the other side of the house, laughing to himself, ignoring her completely.

Hallie

She glared andthen glared at lucian.Your a fucking asshole!!!!!!!!!SHe screamed at lucian and then moved after the horse.

Bishop*Lucian

Lucian did not move, flinch, or react as Hallie got in his face and screamed. No, he waited until she's headed away and then gave a forceful backward tug on the chain, meant to send her sprawling. When she landed, she would be met with the sight of his smiling face hovering over her silently.

Bishop continued to make little laps around the house and around Lucian and Hallie, giving a warbling whinny of horse-laughter as he watched them. Two-legs were funny that way.

Hallie

She let out a small scream as she felt it and then fell down and laid there.She glared at him.She then spat in his face.Basterd

Lucian*Bishop

Lucian's grin spread wider as she cursed at him, letting his soft baritone come in a chiding tone as he wiped her spittle from his face and onto her shirt, making sure his hand wandered someplace it oughtn't to have been as he spoke to her. Now, now... play nice, sweet. You know I can make you sorry if you don't... And he dug his nails into the skin of her chest, hard enough to draw blood, and make sure to give a good twist before he finally released her. Now... you need to get Bishop in his house, sweet. Looks like its about to rain, and I'd hate for him to catch cold. Soft, sweet, unlike Thad's loud cursing, but far more dangerous...

Hallie

She let out a hollar as he did this.Small mount of blood leaked from the fingernail wounds.She glared at him but spoke not.She moved towards the horse and went in her pocket and pulled out sugar cubes and held them out.Come here boy its alrightShe softly coed to the horse.

Lucian*Bishop

His voice warbled softly in a husky laugh that had captured many a girl's interest, including Hallie's. It was a bait, one that had never failed him, but there was no merriment in his blu eyes: only cruel enjoyment.

Bishop's harks perked to Hallie's sweet tones, and he stopped in his little dance to peer over at her. Sugar cubes! Oooo... and the ebonite stallion trotted slowly to her, swiping up the treats with a crunch and a gobble, nuzzling the hand in hopes she would produce more. For just a moment, the sugar cubes brought up a memory that consumed him, and he was the sweet stallion Thad had brought to the farm years before. Years ago, back before the man had found it necessary to beat obedience into him, before the horse's personality had been warped by the constant mistreatment. Hallie had been so kind to him then...

Why had he started teasing her, making her life as hard as he could? Bishop couldn't say for sure, couldn't even name it to himself. Perhaps because it turned Thad's attention to her rather than to himself, made her the subject of the man's anger. Had Thad not been involved in either of their lives... would they have been friends, or even remotely peaceable? Now there was no way to tell.

As if to make up for it, Bishop nudged his dark muzzle gently at her shoulder. He knew that in just a moment, Thad would look through the window, spot them, and this little moment would be over. Both he and Hallie knew that meant that Bishop would have to go back to being the pain in the ass that he was. But just... just this short moment... he was her friend.

Hallie

She ignored lucian now and smiled at the stallion.come on boy ill give you more if you go back to your stall with me

Lucian*Bishop

Lucian scowled at Bishop. Why was he cooperating? He remembered the horse hating Hallie, or at least he thought so. He was half tempted to throw something at the horse to spook him, but if Thad saw through the window he'd be onto Lucian's game, which wouldn't do. So he contented himself with a mental scowl, making sure to project that arrogant smirk on his face to disguise his displeasure.

Bishop nickered and gave her a small, tenative nuzzle, almost as if he were afraid of being pushed away. But as she began to head to the barn, he followed her tame as a kitten.

Hallie

She smiled and soon droped four sugar cubes into his feed bucket. Once he entered the stall she did up the latchs and momentarily looked to the empty stall and she sighed in side her self.Then she turned to leave.

Lucian*Bishop

Bishop gave a last nicker of farewell as he scooped up the sugar cubes, a little sad. Their moment had ended so quickly... he knew they didn't dare lengthen that small moment, but he was sad all the same. She was really a sweet girl...

Lucian stood to greet her as she existed the barn. The chain was long enough for her to go inside without him following her, and he simply could not stand the smell of a barn.

Hallie

She glared but walked right past him back toward the house.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Lucian gave Hallie a self-satisfied smirk in order to cover up his confusion, but followed her silently into the house and refastened the chain back onto the bracket with a metallic click.

The sound caused Thad to look up. Get that animal tied down, wench? Better've done a proper job this time.

Lucian gave that slippery smile to Hallie and then walked over to seat himself next to Thad. The two then proceeded to ignore Hallie as they chatted.

Hallie

She glared at him but just nodded and then glared and sat down.She closed her eyes.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

The two chatted for some time, and then Thad heaved his generous frame out of the chair he was in and moved towards Hallie, once again unhooking the chain from its wall-bracket. He handed this end to Lucian, smiling creepily. Well, as it looks like you'll be stayin', boy, I guess you'n Hallie'll have to share a room. Any objections?

Lucian's smile was oily as he turned the blue eyes to his girl. None whatsoever, Thad.

Hallie

Her eyes now widen at this but soon return to normal.Her lip twitched but she spoke not.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Thad missed the expression on Hallie's face as he turned to unlatch the chain once more, but Lucian caught it easily and returned it with a smile, coming up in front of her again and stroking her chin with a finger as though she were a possession. Problems, sweet?

Hallie

She glared at him and turned her face as he touched her chin.Yah you...basterd...She growled hold it in..

Thaddaeus*Lucian

But he wasn't satisfied with her small display of anger. Keeping a firm hand on the chain so she couldn't flee, he backed her up against the wall and once again leaned in to kiss her. He used all the strength of his neck and shoulders to press her head into the wall, forcing her to remain still as his hands began to rove over her body. Without even pulling back, he murmured around her lips. But I'm YOUR bastard, sweet.

Hallie

She glared but knew it was comming and obediantly backed into the wall. she attempted to bite his lip.go fuck yourselfShe snarled at him.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

The bite she gave him only served to awaken his sadistic side, and he returned it, making a sound low in his throat as his body moved in closer to hers.

Thad had been watching both of them with a dreamy expression on his face, but as the action went on, his expression changed slowly. As Lucian began once again to paw Hallie, Thad suddenly leapt up and aimed a giant fist to connect with Lucian's head.

Suddenly, the dark-haired teen was on the floor, looking up at Thad in a very confused fashion. What's that for, Thad?

Hallie

She tryed to push him away and then screamed as her father hit lucian in the head.She backed away from them.

Thaddaeus*Lucian >[? Lucian's face was more confused than afraid as he gazed up at Thad from his place on the floor. But the father's face was twisted in anger and hatred as he snarled down at Lucian. You keep away from 'er, ya hear? Don't ya touch my girl!

Nonsense again, as the liquor began to effect him. Was Hallie herself, or her mother to him at this moment? It was hard to tell which.

Hallie

She rolled her eyes.Im neither of yours! Im not my mother either Father! You killed her so why don't you go drawn yourself already! you sick drunk!she snarled at first she had thought he might of finally changed but my girl ment he thought she was her mother.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Her screaming at him brought Thad's brown eyes to her face, and a scowl set there for her, ignoring Lucian for the moment. Of course no'... you're my girl... my baby girl... and don' you say that about Britt! I didn'... I didn' mean to hurt 'er... she... it was that damned Micah's fault! And he pointed a finger at Lucian, who had suddenly become Micah to him.

Lucian watched him confusedly, wondering what on earth he'd done to remind Thad of... Micah? Who was Micah?

Thad suddenly turned his attention to Lucian, a scowl of fury on his face as he began to stalk toward the younger man. You done enough ta my girl... you lyin', theivin' scoundrel! If'n... if you don' get outta this 'ouse I'll bash your brains in!

Now the slighest bit of fear began to show on Lucian's face as he scootched back away from Thad, eyes growing wide as he backed against the wall, with nowhere left to go.

Hallie

Her father had finally snapped. She glared at him.Why don't you shut up! It was your own fucking fault you piece of shit. You don't care about me your just over drunk!she screamed at him. She pulled against the chain.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

Her infuriated screaming only further stirred his protective feelings, and he continued to advance on Lucian, throwing a punch for the younger man's temple that dazed him, and another that bloodied his nose. The dark-haired man staggered up as Thad began to throw a third punch, seeming to finally gain some confidence.

Thad, you're drunk. Go to bed. As the father aimed yet another blow, he caught the man's fist in his left hand and struck Thad a flat blow across the cheekbone. The burly man shook his head dazedly, roared in fury, and charged toward Lucian, who side-stepped gracefully as Thad rammed into the wall.

Again, Lucian's musical voice came. You're plastered. Go to bed. His voice was cold and calm, as though he hadn't been cowering before this man only moments before.

Hallie

She glared at both of them and rolled her eyes.She sat down by the wall.

Hallie

She just didn't like seeing anyone killed even if it was these two assholes. She stayed on the floor sitting there.Her eyes shut and in her knees.

Lucian

He watched the older man traipse into his room, waiting until the rumbling snores filled the air before turning back to Hallie. His touch was soft, his voice almost gentle as he reached down to stroke her cheek, none of the jester-like fun in his eyes. There now, sweet... no harm done. You know how he gets when he's been in his cups.

Hallie

She heard the snores and slightly looked up and when he made to touch her cheek she smacked his hand away.Get lostShe hissed.

Lucian

Even as she smacked his hand, his smile lit his face, so sly and conniving as it was, as he spoke softly. Aye... and if you hate him so much, why not see that he meets with... an unfortunate accident? It wouldn't be too hard, especially now when he's stoned as can be. I'll help you, even. What you say?

Hallie

She now looked up at him with a glare.But she would. Her father needed to go even though thatmight be a bad idea for lucian would be given full control over her...She glared for a moment later and then grabed the butcher knife that she had used before. This time she would remain calm and strike for the neck...

Lucian

He let her have the knife, though he was careful to pick up one of his own and check his loose clothing for the gun he carried on him. He was nobody's fool. Hallie would be as likely to take a jab at him when she'd finished with Thad, and so he wasn't going to give her that chance. Pulling the chain from its bracket in the wall, he wrapped it around his waist and fastened it so that his hands would remain free, and then turned to Hallie, that sickly smile on his face. After you, sweet.

Hallie

She glared and then spat at him and then made to her fathes room.Once in there she looked at him and then quickly made to bring the knife down on her fathers neck.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

So lost in his drunken sleep, it wasn't until the sharp pain of a knife on his throat reached him that Thad sat up with a howl that was more animal than human. A large hand was sent flying at her head...

But suddenly, Lucian was there, catching the blow across the broad side of his forearm and driving his own knife deep into the man's shoulder at the same moment.

This wrenched another howl from Thad as he flailed, trying to get free.

hallie

She had backed up when he howled and she jkust stood there frightened and shocked that she even did that.

Thaddaeus*Lucian

The raven-haired young man ducked another enormous, poorly-aimed fist as he hollered at Hallie, who was now crouching against the wall. Get up here, wench! You're the one who wants him dead. You stop now and I'll haul him off to a hospital and let them heal him. No skin off my nose!

And, as if to prove it, he hauled his blade back out of Thad's shoulder, ducking and blocking the various drunken blows that the injured father attempted to land, his dark blue eyes flashing between Thad's flying hands and Hallie against the wall, waiting for the girl to make up her mind.

Hallie

She closed her eyes shut her hands on her head then she stood up. If she let her father live now she would surely be killed so she got up and slashed at his head and then abdomen.

Thad*Lucian

Hallie's slices landed with ease where they'd been intended, bringing another roar from the wounded man, though it was somehow less ferocious than it usually was. Again, a fist flailed for Hallie, and again Lucian caught it with a grunt across his forearm. Let Hallie wonder why he was defending her, he was too busy taking his own slash across Thad's chest, his long black hair flashing behind him as he darted in and out like he was made of something almost liquid.

Hallie

She was shaking badly now. She aimed now for his neck and once if that hit or not she collapsed on her hands and knees shaking.

Thad*Lucian

Thad's next scream was cut short by Hallie's attack on his throat which, though it was panicked and poorly aimed, still did the job. He swung a hefty arm at Lucian in an even less accurate attack than normal... and then there was the gurgle of blood in his throat, and the mammoth man lay still in the blood-soaked sheets.

Hallie

She just knelt there shaking. This didn't settle or live though. For now lucian had more control over her. What was she to do?

Lucian

Even as he listened to Thad's life fade in that last gurgle, the dark-haired young man kept his guard up, knife and arm still raised to defend himself should the dying man try to put up one last attack. But when he had lay still for several minutes, and Hallie still on the floor, all a-tremble, a dark chuckle left his lips, and he dropped his defenses. "Well... see you on the other side some day, Thad." This done, he took Hallie's chain, which had remained wrapped around his waist this whole time, and hooked it easily into the wall-bracket, though without jerking her about as he might usually have done. That done, he tucked the blade into his pants and knelt down to her level, taking her chin in his hand and lifting her eyes to meet his. "There you have it, sweet... you're free."

Hallie

She let him lift her chin but she glared and then made to spit in his face.Yah from one assholeShe hissed.The butchers knife lie a foot away.

Lucian

He gave her a smile as he wiped her spit from his face, moving over to take up the knife lying on the floor before she could do so herself, adding this to the one already at his belt. "Well come on, sweet, we can't just leave him here. I imagine we'll have to get Bishop to drag him away, as it were, 'cause heaven knows I can't lift him. We'll take him and the sheets out back and throw them in a hole. Come on," he said, detaching the chain from the wall and wrapping it about his waist one more. "Let's go saddle that monster of his."

Hallie

She glared.Bishop isn't a monster!She hissed glaring so hard that if glares could kill it would.She was so pissed she needed to get away but how? either that or he would have to atleast give her some freedom.I won't help you unless you give me partial freedom meaning i can go where i please unless you want to go somewhere with me I'll be your girl again if and only if i can have freedom!

Lucian

That got a laugh out of the young man, and it was the same one that had attracted her to him in the first place, without a hint of the darkness that lurked within him. "Ah, sweet, what a funny thing you are! You're in a poor position for bargaining. I've got you on a chain, and in a brief second's time, I can call a few of my policeman friends and have you arrested for your father's murder. And of course Bishop's a monster. Thad raised him, and if there's a talent he has besides drinking himself into a stupor, it's raising cute little monsters... like you, sweet. You're an adorable monster."

Hallie

She glared at hhim. Her hands in fists.Tears running down her cheeks.She gritted her teeth.The only monsters are him She nodded to thad.and you, You piece of shit!She screamed and then made to kick lucian in the balls.

Lucian

A block made quick work of her vicious kick, her blow landing across his knee and causing pain, but not debilitating him the way that a groin blow would have. And to accompany this, he grabbed the chain and used his strength to haul her to her toes by the wrists alone, speaking sweetly, "Ah ah ah, sweet. Play nice now. We still have to get Daddy all tied up before we can have that sort of fun. Come along now... help me out."

Hallie

She yelped as she was lifted up and her eyes squeezed shut. She didn't speak only did as she was told to do. This was bad. She shouldn't of killed him. Now lucian had full control!

Lucian

After a few moments, he let her down on her feet again, purring, "Good girl. Now let's get him bundled up, shall we? Sheets and all, wouldn't want to leave a mess."

Hallie

She listened to him. Her eyes casted away from his eyes and she turned and started doing as instructed. She needed to find away out of here.

Lucian

He watched, occasionally making comments like, "For god's sake, don't get the blood all over!" And when she'd finally finished, he turned his smiling face to her and gestured to the bundled body. "Well come on sweet, grab hold... he's not gonna bury himself!"

Hallie

She glared everytime he made a comment. Then she grabbed the blanket and began to haul the body toward the back door.

Lucian

As soon as they made it outdoors, he made another order, ignoring her glares. "Alright drop him, and go get the monster saddled. We'll need him to get Thad back far enough where he won't be discovered right away, and to carry the digging tools." Anticipating her pause and her protest that Bishop was not a monster, he turned a glare to her. "Well, do it!"

Hallie

She glared at him and dropped him.He is not a monster! You are!She growled but moved toward the horse stable and tacked Bishop up and brought him out with the digging tools.

Lucian*Bishop

Seeing that the girl was in a rotten mood, Bishop tried to cheer her, nuzzling at her arm as she saddled him, but when she brought him out into the night, he shied violently, and for the first time between them, he wasn't faking. The tangy smell of Thad's blood terrified him.

Hallie

Stop bishop please you have to do thisshe whimpered at the horse now bringing him to Thads body and lucian. She lifted her dead fathers body onto the back of bishop wheather he wanted it or not.She jsut wanted to get it over with.

Bishop

He shied again and sidled, but her voice made him stop, though reluctantly, and allow her to load the body onto his back. The smell had his nostrils flaring and his ears laid back in fear, but he stayed still for her.

And Lucian, never moving to help her, either with the horse or the body, simply tugged on her chain. "Let's go," he muttered, and began to lead the way toward the deep woods behind the house.

Hallie

She just moved following lucian.Tears still poured down her face.

Lucian*Bishop

The tears had almost as bad an effect on Bishop as the smell did, making him trot very close to her and offer what comfort he could with his warm bulk. For two who had so recently been enemies, they had become friends very fast when the horse had realized that their relationship had been self-destructive.

But when they came to a point about a mile within the woods, Lucian called a stop and spat to Hallie, "Well don't just stand there... do it!"

Hallie

She stroked the stallions neck and then glared at him She grabed the shovel and dug as deep as she could and then dumbed his body in and buried it. She then just stood there.

Lucian*Bishop

With the dirty deed done, Lucian turned his attention to Hallie, reaching roughly for her arm and about to breathe a threat.

But Bishop had a problem with that. The black horse let out a peal of sound that expressed his anger thoroughly, and reared up, lashing out at Lucian and sending him backing away from the horse before he'd be knocked out. But even this did not scare the young man for long as he turned an ugly glare to Hallie and the still-bucking horse and threatened, "You get that monster under control or I'll blast him into next week, capiche?"

Hallie

Hallie screamed when it all went down.she hear himd and grabbed bishops reins.Stop bishop its not worth it!she spoke. Let me put him awayShe spoke.

Lucian*Bishop

If nothing else had been gained by this awful situation, at least Hallie had another ally: Bishop wouldn't let the young man hurt her. But when she asked him to stop, he did, settling nicely beside her, and his eyes answering her words. Yes it is, he tried to tell her, knowing that it was impossible for her to understand.

But Lucian spat at the ground, and growled, "Yeah, you do that. And hurry up about it. We still got stuff to do tonight."

Hallie

Stuff to do? What the fuck did he mean by that? She brought bishop to his stole strokeing him and feeding him before coming back out.She looked away.

Lucian*Bishop

The horse whickered unhappily as she placed him in his stall, not wanting to be left there when he knew Lucian was out there with his girl. But when she left, his eyes followed her until she vanished out the door.

And Lucian offered a smile when she came back out, knowing he had her caught in a web she couldn't escape. "Here's how it's gonna work, Hallie... you're gonna do what I say, when I say, whether I've got the chain on or not. And if you don't, it's curtains for your monster in there. So I'd suggest you behave. Got that?"