Lunar (Tag Amber-Rae, any)

Rebecca was opening the club for the first time in a week. Ever since she had taken over and won the title of Ulfric, the legal process had taken her away from keeping the business going. so she had shut the club down for a week to do some slight redecoration before doing a re-opening event. Tonight was it, and already the air was filled with energy. Her skin was crawling and rising in goosebumps with the combination of excitement and the flow of the shifter workers.

She was in the darkest corner at the moment as she was glancing over the floor. She had just got done checking on the safe house area below, and she was now ready to take the night on. She had dressed particularly for this night. A black leather top with a ripped pattern to them, leather pants and slightly high heeled boots. She had on a pair of golden earrings that reflected the light from above. She never dressed too fancy if she could help it.

Right at seven pm the doors were opened, and the crowd started to come in. Rebecca watched as different shifters came in, humans both normal and special entered, and she was sure once it was safe the vampires would be arriving. Once it was crowded enough, she pushed herself off the wall, and began to mingle. After all...she was the hostess. She had to make an appearance eventually.

It had been a long week. Amber-Rae had been busy beyond belief, the rumour of a new Ulfric for the wolves had been spreading through the Streak like a bush fire and it had caused both curiosity and unrest. The tigers were curious but they were also uneasy as they had previous experience with the local pack. It had been.....bad to say the least, the previous Ulfric believeing that the tigers were his to control during the war. It had caused such headaches and distrust between the two clans so now Amber was here to check out the new Ulfric and the ne club.

Stepping inside amongst the humans, shifters and vampires, the red hed dampened her power. To anyone that didn't know her she would just seem to be a tiger encroaching upon wolf territory. She was so much more than that though. Making her way to the bar, her black heels clicked softly against the floor until she made it over and leaned against the bar. Waiting patiently, the Chang ordered a simple red wine and paid for it before turning to face the dance floor. She could feel the ebb and flow of the shifters within the building but so far she hadn't seen anything worthy of Ulfric. She knew the new leader would be there though. Whoever it was wouldn't miss the opening night of their own club.

Rebecca was keeping her own aura down to beta level that night until it was time for the great reveling so to speak. She wanted to hear what was being said with out people taking caution around her. After all...who would listen to the words of a beta? What she heard was not very good. It seemed that Galen had crossed too many of the other species, and it meant that she had a lot of repairing to do.

Stepping inside amongst the humans, shifters and vampires, the red hed dampened her power. To anyone that didn't know her she would just seem to be a tiger encroaching upon wolf territory. She was so much more than that though. Making her way to the bar, her black heels clicked softly against the floor until she made it over and leaned against the bar. Waiting patiently, the Chang ordered a simple red wine and paid for it before turning to face the dance floor. She could feel the ebb and flow of the shifters within the building but so far she hadn't seen anything worthy of Ulfric. She knew the new leader would be there though. Whoever it was wouldn't miss the opening night of their own club.

She was keeping an eye out for any of the other clan leaders. Intrigued to see if they were intrigued. After the victory she had, and defeating and killing those who had challenged her after, she had ordered that no one reveal that the new Ulfric was a female. At least not right a way. She had to get a feel for the waters first. See the damage that was done. Not to mention but at first it would be a great decoy in case anyone felt it necessary to try and kill the new Ulfric to put one up the prefered.

Her eyes fell upon a red headed beauty who was reading off as a low level tigeress. She didn't mind that. She was attractive, and when it came to beauty, rank didn't really matter. Perhaps now it did for her, but it was not like she would take the tigeress on as her mate. She finished her round of the room first, before she made her way casually to the bar, and next to the red head. She ordered herself a lighter drink to start out for the night, and the music changed to the next song. The music ranged from American, to Latin, to J-Pop. She was going to try and keep it the way it was with the music so that it would hit all genres to bring in a wide crowd.

Rebecca glanced over to the red head before turning completely towards her as her drink was slipped into her hand. "Hello, I'm Rebecca," she said over the music, "what do you know of this place?" she asked playing it off like she was new in town.

Amber's golden eyes scanned the crowd in a steady sweep as she sipped at her wine until someone stood next to her. Turning to face the newcomer, the Chang smiled as the woman introduced herself. She was pretty, blonde hair and a nice figure, seemingly what every man wanted with a nice name. Unfortunately, the woman was also a wolf. Amber-Rae could smell it on her like a strong perfume and the thought occured that any human male would certainly have their hands full. She seemed to be a low beta but then Amber was masking herself as an omega and she knew not to be too friendly, just in case. The distance would add to the illusion of being an omega as well, as most Tiger omega's kept their distance from other shifters.

Nodding slowly the red head listened and then shrugged as she sipped her drink once more. When she spoke it was commanding and loud enough to hear over the music. Unfortunately the years of training for the job and learning how to be commanding, couldn't be forgotten in one night. Hopefully Rebecca came to the conclusion that Amber was a dominant Omega that was steadily moving up the ranks.

"I have no idea. I've never been here before. I know this place is pack owned though. Are you knew in town or something? All the local wolves are Lukoi and would probably come here for a night out..Have you been to see the Ulfric to get permission to stay and things?"

As Rebecca watched the tigeress, the impression that she was no ordinary Omega grew in her mind. She was quite confident for one. Perhaps she was growing out of the Omega stage? She thought as she took a sip of her drink. However something still tugged at the back of her mind that it was not so. The years of needing to be aware of those she's speaking with or watching was just picking something up.

Rebecca stiffened a little at the tone of her voice. The voice was too sure, too demanding, and most of all too commanding. This Tigeress was not as she seemed. Granted neither was she at the time. The thought of little Queen entered her mind, but the attitude...no. Could this be the Chang?

Her eyes roamed over the tigers body again, but this time not to look her over in a sexual way. Her eyes picked up the subtle way of movements, the lack of unsurety and nervousness, and how the woman just didn't seem to find her...worthy perhaps....of looking at her directly. Only one way to find out I suppose. She thought before answering her. "Mmm...no not new," she said her own attitude now shifting to nearly match hers, but her face grew blank...and a little empty. Her normal face when she wasn't trying to make an impression any more, "Just never been here before under old management...but then he lost the sight of the whole pack...one of the many reasons I took him down."

Her voice was lower at the end. Just loud enough for just her ears to pick it up over the music. Had she truly been an omega or beta she would have kept the act up. However if she were Chang, or even a little Queen then pretenses and disguises would only hinder possible alliances. She still kept her power level down for the time. If she didn't believe her...no big deal. She was due for her...re-opening speech that the Manager had suggested her giving tonight. It was also the night of revealing who the new Ulfric was...the rumors of that had been spread for sure to get as large of an out come as possible.

Amber's eyes flicked up to Rebecca's face as the womans tone changed. The Chang made sure to listen carefully and give the woman her full attention, especially when it was revealed that this woman was supposedly the Ulfric. It was possible, power could be hidden and though female Ulfric's were rare they were not impossible. Amber couldn't laugh the idea down anyway, she was a female leader herself after all and the only reason she was hiding was to avoid any possible trouble or conflict. No one would bother someone giving off as little power as she was, it wouldn't be worth their time or effort.

Siighing softly, the red head chuckled and held out her hand to the woman. If this was the Ulfric, and it probably was because shifters had no need for anything like a stalking horse, then Amber had no need to hide from her. Being aquainted would actually be beneficial to both Streak and Pack. Though admittedly, hiding probably didn't give off the best impression but Amber as sure that the Ulfric would understand. There were humans here as well after all and vampires. Amber didn't ant to run in to a bloodsucker that could call her Streak.

"I'm Amber-Rae also known as Chang Amber of Il clan dell'ondulazione. My congratulations on taking the Ulfric's position, you must be good, i hear female Ulfric's are rare."

Rebecca smiled pleasantly as introductions were made, and she took the offered hand. "Pleasure to meet you Amber-Rae, Chang of Il clan dell'ondulazione. I am Rebecca Romano, Ulfric of the Il clan dell'onda. I thank you on the congratulations. I apologize for the intense look over," she said smiling unashamed, nor not looking very sorry at all, "Yes well...for females claiming the title...not only do we need to be better in skills, but smarter then the big brutes." She said chuckling before looking out over the dance floor.

She was silent a moment before speaking again, "I would like to discuss negotiations with you. I know the previous Ulfric really messed things up with everyone. I want to show as quickly as possible that I have no intention of repeating his actions." She said before looking over again.

"Perhaps we could find something that we agree on to show a better alliance?" she said before leaning over and placing a very light kiss on her cheek, "if you'll excuse me a moment...I must welcome my guest." She said chuckling before slipping away from the bar with a fluid movement that showed she had years under her belt of using her speed. She made her way up to the DJ stand just as the current song ended and the DJ spoke into the microphone.

"Hey, hey how's it going tonight?!" he called out as the various people then screamed out, howled, or what ever sound they felt like making, "alright, alright. Sounds like we're going to have a good party in here. Now I know you all are wondering who the new Ulfric is, and tonight was promised that you, the preternatural community, would be informed on the re-opening. Well here is the Wolf of the hour. Rebecca Maria Romano!" He said building it up before passing it along to Rebecca. The DJ was from America, and hence why the big ol' grand speech.

At first the reaction was unsure. Only the other wolves in the crowd cheered as Rebecca stepped up. "How's it going tonight?" She asked and a few whoops were called out, "I'd like to thank-you all for coming tonight, supporting Lunar like you always have. I hope you enjoy the new set up, and to show our thanks, your first two rounds of the night starting at midnight are on the house." At that the whole room nearly exploded. After all...who would reject free drinks.

Passing the mic back to the DJ, she let him get to his job again. She dropped her walls now and let her aura brush over any that came close. A sense of welcome, invitation, and seduction rolled off of her besides her level of power. She did still keep it under control. There was no need to frighten off her guests. She soon rejoined Amber-Rae again, a slight flush to her face as she finished down her drink.

"If you would be so kind...remind me to never convinced to do something like that again," she said with a slightly sour look on her face as she leaned against the bar. She then looked over to the Chang, "So...I hear other than myself, you are the next youngest leader. Tell me...does it ever get easier?" she asked with an up raise of her eyebrows and a slight smile forming on her lips.

So Rebecca wanted to discuss negotiations. How quaint considering Amber had made no move to mention negotiations of any sort whatsoever. All she was here for was to check out the club and the Ufric. In all honesty she would rather ally with the leopards, Jon was an established leader who had proved himself time and again, Rebecca had yet to do that. In Amber's opinion, until Rebecca proved her worth as leader, negotiations and allegiances were not part of the cards. It was both arrogant and stupid of the Ulfric to assume she knew what Amber was there for, not the best first impression by any means. She may not have wanted to repeat the previous Ulfric's mistakes but she needed a stable pack before anything else could be addressed.

Feeling the kiss on her cheek, Amber resisted the urge to growl before watching the Ulfric speed off. According to Amber's upbringing it was bad etiquette to touch the Chang without her permission if you were a different species, just as it was bad etiquette for Alpha's to date outside of their species. With a frown, Amber watched and listened to the theatrics of the introduction of the new Ulfric. She preffered something much quieter and whilst all the Tigers knew who she was, it was simple word of mouth that had spread the news to the rest of the shifter community. No doubt there were still those who were clueless as to her identity. The reaction from the rest of the crowd was as Amber had expected. The humans and Vampires still didn't trust the shifter community and they were rightly dubious about the whole ordeal. It seemed they were happy enough once free beer was offered however.

Shaking her head, the red head quickly schooled her face as Rebecca made her way back to her. Remaining silent, the tigeress waited as the Ulfric finished her drink and started speaking. Interesting, Rebecca didn't like public shows yet she did that. Was it a reflection of her will to do anything to make the wolves liked again? Or was it just pure theatrics? It didn't really matter to Amber as she was taking everything with a pinch of salt. Rebecca still had a lot to learn and unlike Amber, the wolf hadn't been raised to lead. Shifting position slightly, the gold tiger sniffed and shook her head.

"Leading never gets easier but you get used to it. Your pack are your responsibility, from the weakest Omega to the strongest Alpha and everything they do is a reflection on you. Your pack is in dissaray, unstable and adjusting to the power shift. It will take time before they trust you and believe in you but it will take longer to believe in yourself."

Sipping her red wine, the Chang decided to set her wolf counterpart straight on a few things before she got her hopes up.

"I have no intention of forming an alliance with you or negotiating anything. You are a new leader and have yet to prove yourself to me. Until you do that, it is far too risky to involve my Streak with you in any way. Observation however, that i can do."

Rebecca noticed the stiffness in the Chang when she returned and the reason of which she could only guess that it was because of the attention she had given. It had been brash, and something she should not have not. This she knew, and because of her nerves had forgotten. She deserved the way she was getting treated by her equal. She did not get upset, but instead took it in. "Something that I have every intention on fixing," she assured the Chang.

Sipping her red wine, the Chang decided to set her wolf counterpart straight on a few things before she got her hopes up.

"I have no intention of forming an alliance with you or negotiating anything. You are a new leader and have yet to prove yourself to me. Until you do that, it is far too risky to involve my Streak with you in any way. Observation however, that i can do."

Rebecca expected that rejection of the negotiation offer. However she had to put it on the table. Make the first move to show she was at least willing. "I respect that, and I hope that as the time moves in and the pack restores itself to it's old days...that I'll gain the respect of the rest of the leaders," she said as she ignored the new drink that was brought to her.

"I must also apologize. I was too forward and broke protocol with my action moment's ago," she said as she took on the blame, "I assure you it won't happen again." With that said she fell silent again. Her mind working over on what she could discuss with the Chang with out possibly appearing less trained.

"What do you think of the whispers that are being said of the new Master of the City?" she asked, figuring that might be safe grounds. She'd have to tread lightly still.

Amber was impressed. Most leaders were not used to dealing with the Tigers but Rebecca was taking it all in stride, adjusting to the way Amber worked in order to keep things peaceful. That was a good sign and meant that Rebecca was speaking the truth when she said she wanted to make things right. Of course, Amber could smell the truth but with a high level alpha it was always good to watch the body language as well as the actual behaviour. Some could mask the smell of lies after all. It was causing the Chang to see the Ulfric in a slightly different light already. The apology was considered as accepted.

Arching an eyebrow and thinking for a moment, she pondered everything that she had heard relating to the new Master of the City. In truth she hadn't heard much and she hadn't been near the theatre lately either. She had a few vampire contacts, fledglings mainly but she supposed they were adjusting just as the wolves were adjusting. She would no doubt find out more when the Kiss was back to normal.

"In truth i haven't heard much. All i know is that the new Master is male and of Belle Morte's line. I don't even know if he has an animal but if he does we'll soon hear about it no doubt."

Finishing her glass of red wine the Chang stood a little straighter and made eye contact with the female wolf. Whilst she could still talk to the Ulfric, it would perhaps be best if they discussed this matter elsewhere. There were vampires here after all and their hearing was almost as good as a shifters.

"Could we discuss this somewhere more private? Speculation can become rumour and rumour can instill panic."

Rebecca frowned a bit in disappointment at the news. She had heard much of the same thing, and that was with her very limited resources. The image of the new Master of the City seemed to grow more mysterious, and with it more caution on her own part. It did unease her that he was of Belle Morte's line. The whispers she had heard of that bloodline did not settle well on her.

Upon the request of a more private location, Rebecca didn't say a word, but merely pushed off the bar counter, and gave a simple glance to the tender, who read off as a high Beta. They gave a nod of their head before moving on to a customer, and Rebecca lead the way to the blocked door.

The bouncer that stood there had already stepped aside, and she opened the door, and left it open for the Chang to follow. Upon reaching the bottom of the short flight of stairs, the door would have been closed at this point and all noise from the club was silenced. "This area, I am hoping of rarely having to use," she told the Chang to pass the time as she walked to the office, "a safe house for anyone who needs to disappear for a while."

Upon reaching the office, she opened the door, and allowed the Chang to enter first. As there was no one down here at the time other then the two of them she left the door open, and she went to sit on the edge of the desk. "It troubles me a little, that the new master comes from Belle's line," she admitted to the Chang, "everything I've heard of the line burns my ears of trouble." She said as she folded her arms over her stomach. The Chang would have the choice of a few comfortable chairs, or a long couch with no back, and one upraised end for one to rest their head on or to merely use it as further support to lean again. Then there was the desk, and a comfortable looking leather chair behind it.

Amber followed the Ulfric silently, making sure to note the way just in case. That way she could get out on her own if there was any kind of trouble. She raised an eyebrow as she heard that the lower area would be a safe house. It was a potentially dangerous move and it was foolish to let the Chang know the purpose of the room. If one of the Tiger's caused trouble and needed to disappear from Amber's sight then this would immediately be the first place the Chang looked. Then again if they needed to disppear from their Chang then they woud probably be disappearing from life when she found them.

"I have a request in regards to this room. If any of my tigers request to use it, running from me, then please decline. I do not want my tigers spreading their trouble throughout the city. If they have to run and hide from anyone else then it will be me asking for them to use the room."

With that out of the way, Amber turned back to the topic of discussion and frowned slightly. She had heard the rumours about Belle Morte's line as well but she knew that not all of them were bad. Alegro for example, one of her....friends....was of Belle Morte's line and sired by someone named China-Rose. Alegro wasn't bad in the least and according to what he had told her before the whole war broke out, China-Rose held all the devils of the line but was kind and professional, never using his powers without a humans permission. She had also heard on the street that the Témoin was one of Belle Morte's and she had to wonder if it was this China-Rose she had heard about.

Taking a seat on the leather couch, Amber rested her side against the raise before speaking softly.

"Apparently they are not all bad. Alegro for example. A young fledgling that is of Belle Morte's line, he is quite modern and keeps his power to himself. He tells me that his sire is like him, Belle Morte's line but careful about his power. Sex and seduction is expected from them however."

Rebecca gave a respectful nod at the Chang's request, "If you do not speak to me directly of the matter, I will turn your tigers aside. To gain the ire of the other shifters is not the goal." She assured the Chang as she gave her word of keeping the request. Granted only time would tell of whether or not it would be kept.

"Well that is pleasing to hear. It gives me a little hope that perhaps this Master will have more sense about them," Rebecca stated with genuine relief at hearing this news. She could not help but smirk a little on the last comment, "is sex and seduction not part of all of the preternatural? For each person, the sex and seduction is different."

She watched as she took a seat, any interest that had been there earlier in the evening was gone. "As relieved sounding as your assurances are, I am curious. Does the bribe, the Ardeur, that the line offer pose a threat to Omega's and Betas who are not as strong in resisting sexual offers?" There were a few she had to deal with in her pack when it came being taken advantage of due to their submissiveness, and if it did pose a threat she wanted to make sure they keep away from the theater a while until she could get them a bit better.

Amber's eyes narrowed dangerously as Rebecca spoke. It seemed the Ulfric was underestimating the power of the Ardeur and underestimating the power of sex and seduction. It would not bode well for the pack if the Ulfric continued in the same vain. Straightening her posture, Amber decided to let the truth of the matter be known. Omega's and Beta's were the least of their worries.

"You think sex and seduction is so easy to brush aside? You think we all have what the line of Belle Morte have? We don't. Sex and seduction is their power. They feed off it, they thrive off it and they use it against their enemies. Omega's and Beta's are the least of our worries. A vampire strong enough can overtake an Ulfric with the Ardeur, spread it through a room like a wild fire just from a simple touch. They can become addictive, like a sexual drug. They can love you to death. Do you think all have sex and seduction now? Are all preternaturals on the same level as the Masters of Belle Morte's line?"

Perhaps Amber was being a little too harsh but it was important that the Ulfric did not underestimate the power of Belle Morte's line. Amber had researched in to it in her spare time, only to find that three quarters of the worlds City's were held by a vampire of Belle Morte's line. They were one of the strongest vampire lines and as such could not be underestimated. The Chang would rather overestimate them and be disappointed.

Rebecca's lips pursed into thin lines as she stood up and walked to behind the desk and took a seat. Her aura remained fairly calm, with perhaps a faint hint of concern. She had not known of the information she was told, and mentally cursed the former Ulfric further for not including it in lessons for training. She would correct this immediately, and would look into each bloodline herself to learn of it, and then teach her pack what to expect should they come acroos them.

She steepled her fingers together, and thought in silence. "No...after hearing this, I say we are a far cry from being on the same level as the Belle Morte line, Chang Amber," she said using formal title to let her know she understood the seriousness of the matter.

If one strong enough could really over take even one as strong as an Ulfric...or a Chang...the results could possibly...no they would be devastating for many with in the shifters group if that were the case. "You seem to understand the line well...better then perhaps some," she said as a compliment, "is there any sort of way to...say protect themselves from it, or is it something that is out of the hands of the victim?" Her tone was dead, her eyes looked deader as she focused on the Chang before her to listen to every word that would be spoken.

She would have to order caution when around the theater for now. At least until she could meet the Master, and observe his actions. None of her pack would be allowed to go alone with in the building. "I would appreciate any advice you could give, and if possible...where I might be able to do my own research?" she asked politely.

The golden tigress coud feel the concern radiating off of the Ulfric in front of her. Good. At least now the Ulfric knew the seriousness of the matter. Whilst Belle Morte's line may not have seemed scary, they were truly the stuff of nightmares, using pleasure to cause pain. It was a low tactic but one that many had used for centuries and they had used it well. Belle Morte's line merely extended that beyond what humans were capable of.

Thinking quickly, Amber considered everything that Rebecca had said and slowly shook her head. She wasn't sure if anything could stop the Ardeur as it didn't work off the mind, it worked off the body, increasing the lust and using it to the vampires benefit. It was all metaphysics though and as such there should be a way to stop it. There was actually only one thing that Amber was able to think of, pure speculation but the most logical answer.

"The only thing i can think of Ulfric, is to have stronger mental shields than the user. It would be extremely difficult to do that however as the vampires that hold the Ardeur have mental shields that are as developed as the best telepaths and clairvoyants. They have to reign the Ardeur in and block themselves from the effects whilst at the same time, using it to feed and allowing the feeding in to themselves. It is....a complicated operation that only the best could survive."

Nodding slowly the red head sighed and took a pen from her suit jacket. With a flourish she started writing on a pad of paper that was on the desk. It was the name and address of the man that had helped her in her research. It was the only useful thing that Amber could give the wolf leader.

"I am sorry that i do not have an answer and this is all i can give you. He helped me research in to all the lines and delved deeper in to Belle Morte's and Morte D'Amour's lines for me. I think he kept all the research."

Hearing the answer to her question only caused her to become more concerned. She might be able to with stand, depending on the weilder, and at the present only one other wolf. The rest she feared for. The rest...she was at a loss for. All she'd be able to do is merely inform, and hope for the best while being their for the pack should things get ugly.

Her eyes had left the Chang as she pondered over the answer, but as she moved her chocolate eyes snapped back to the other woman. She watched as she wrote the information down, and accepted the piece of paper as she finished.

"This will help immensely Chang Amber. I only regret that the previous Ulfric was a pig-headed, bastard who preferred to rule with fear, blood lust and lack of knowledge," Rebecca said giving the main traits that most any of the other shifter leaders would have seen, "I thank-you." She said as she stood up, and then offered a small smile.

"I must apologize again. I've kept you from the activities of the club," she said as she walked around the desk with full intention of escorting her guest back up stairs before she herself would slip off into the night for a while to find the location she had just been given.

Amber smiled softly in amusement as the Ulfric described her predecessor. It was an accurate description and unfortunately as far as Amber was aware, the man had never tried for respect. He had had a long reign as well which caused the pack a lot of problems. Nodding to the thanks, Amber stood up and made her way to the door and back up the stairs. There was no need to voice that her little audience as over.

"Thank you for listening."

Reaching the door back in to the club, the Chang slipped through and melted in to the crowd as if she had never been there. She was going to enjoy herself for a while because she knew that her head bodyguard, Eric, would have a fit when she got back home. She'd slipped off without him after all.

-Exit Amber-

Rebecca walked with her up to the door, "I thank you for sharing." she said sincerly as she opened the door for her. She then watched her melt into the crowd again before going down stairs once more. She'd send one of the wolves that were loyal to her to look into the place first. Not that she didn't trust the Chang...she just liked being cautious.

-end-