Promising Submission

The door to Jean-Claude’s office opened and everyone in the room turned to watch as Harry escorted Nathanial into the room. Damian noticed that Harry’s hand was on the small of Nathanial’s back, a position which would provide protection from three fronts. The man moved like a practiced warrior. Damian wondered at it.

“Ah, Monsieur Potter, how good to see you once more. Your moving preparations went well then?” queried, Jean-Claude, the manipulator extraordinaire. Damian mentally shook his head. He recognized the master vampire’s tactics; lure them into a sense of peace and ease and then slip in your request so they agree before they even realize what has happened. It is a tactic that a vampire will use in negotiations with ones they feel are inferior. He wondered how Harry Potter would handle it, for Nathanial’s sake he hoped well.

“Yes, they went splendidly, thank you for asking.”

“Surely you didn’t ask all of us here to ask about this human’s moving preparations?” Ah, Narcissus. Damian was never sure what to think of this one. For this meeting she had come dressed in a mostly fish net outfit that was skintight, and as always, black. She didn’t seem to be showing her pregnancy anymore, so Damian assumed that it was either a termination, or a miscarriage.

“Patience Narcissus, it is only polite to ask about such things to those one hasn’t seen in a while.”

Damian watched as Harry and Narcissus sized each other up. Harry seemed to find the other’s comments humorous, but Narcissus seemed to find Harry fascinating.

“I have heard a great many interesting things about you Mr. Potter. I understand that your tastes and mine are in parallel. You should come down to my club so we can,” here the Oba bit her lip and drew in a shaky breath, “talk about it.”

Harry chuckled, “We’ll see.”

Damian noticed that Narcissus’ eyes lingered on the man before flicking over to Nathanial in a challenge. He was surprised when Nathanial met her gaze, even if it was obvious he was bluffing. There was genuine concern in his eyes, and she smiled maliciously seeing it.

“I am curious as to why you called me here, Jean-Claude?” Harry spoke but it didn’t end the challenge happening between Narcissus and Nathanial, and Damian wasn’t the only one noticing anymore. Asher had begun to watch the two intently. Damian hoped that this was evidence of the crush Asher had on Nathanial before Anita took over their lives, but it could also be frustration that the hyena was thinking about taking another dom.

It was Micah that answered Harry’s question. “We didn’t call you here, I needed Nathanial, but you refused to let him come on his own. You can leave at any time.”

Oddly it was this comment that broke the challenge going on, because Nathanial looked up to Harry with a request in his eyes. Damian didn’t know for sure what the request was but he had his suspicions especially when Harry nodded and ran his hand down Nathanial’s long hair. “Jean-Claude, I am most disappointed by your control of your pets. Perhaps you should give more of them away to those better able to keep them in line.” The Rex, Ulfric, and Oba laughed at the insinuation that Micah was the Master Vampire’s pet, but Micah looked murderous. Damian smiled, Harry was obviously fed up with the Leopard King, and Nathanial had asked for leniency.

“Do not speak of your disgusting tastes here human.” Harry just laughed and waited for Jean-Claude to move things along. Damian though, considered Micah, something was off about him. He wondered if Harry had missed something when he cleaned them of Anita’s influence. It wouldn’t matter much though. If Micah made any more comments like that, Narcissus was liable to cut him to ribbons. Micah wasn’t a particularly strong lycan; it was only the loyalty of those under him that kept him in power for so long.

“I have asked you all here because we have an issue that effects most if not all of you. There is a power hole where Anita was, and a need to fill it before the others learn of its existence.” Damian noticed that Asher’s visible blue eye flashed in surprise for a moment before he covered it up, and wondered if they had not talked about it, or if Asher hadn’t expected Jean-Claude to be so candid with their weaknesses. “I don’t see how this is our problem Jean-Claude.” Narcissus spoke but the Rex and Rafael nodded. “I understand why Richard and your pet are here but she had very little effect on me.”

Again Micah looked ready to destroy something. His actions were more like what Damian had come to expect from Richard, and yet the Ulfric looked to be enjoying Micah’s rage “After all she did for you that’s all you can say about her?” The entire room looked surprised by the comment. Perhaps Damian’s thoughts about Anita’s influence on the man not being gone were closer to being correct then he thought.

Harry stood from his chair and threw an arm out at Micah, somehow immobilizing him. “Legilimins” Damian remembered that word, and how long this could take, and so took the opportunity to speak with Nathanial. He stepped closer to him but not close enough to cause Harry to worry. “Nathanial, how are you?”

The leopard smiled and got up to hug him. He whispered. “I’m good. He treats me well. I miss you though. Are you still living in the basement?” Damian nodded. Nathanial worried his lip and flicked his eyes in Harry’s direction, “Would you like to live with us? I know you hate having to live in that house. I can ask Harry?” Damian considered the offer. He did hate that house. He hated it when Anita forced him to live there, and he hated it now living with the pard and Micah. “I would like to yes. I will ask him though, no need to put yourself out there.” They moved apart with smiling eyes, when Harry moved away from a crying Micah.

“I miscalculated the damage she did.” Harry shot a sympathetic glance at the Nimir-Raj and waved Nathanial over to him. Damian assumed whatever they saw must have been big for Harry to let his pet go to another, especially one as openly antagonistic as Micah had been.

Jean-Claude didn’t seem to be effected by the quietly weeping leopard king and continued on with the issues he thought were important.

“With Anita gone, Richard is in need of a new Lupa and Micah is in need of a new Nimir-Ra. Also without her presence Richard and I are in danger of collapse. It can only be rectified with a new human servant.” At this point both Richard and Narcissus looked equally angry and fearful, and the other Alpha’s looked confused.

Damian knew that their confusion was based on the fact that The Master of the City had no authority to choose the lycanthrope’s mates. It was Harry’s reaction that surprised them though. He simply shook his head and said, “You have been controlled by Anita for too long if you think this is quality manipulation. I will not be your human servant and Nathanial will not be the Nimir-Ra.” Damian saw Nathanial release a great deal of tension at these words. “If your connection to Richard is causing you pain then I would be willing to remove it.” The words ‘for a price’ were deafening in their silence. Harry smirked.

Richard looked hopeful but Jean-Claude started on a persuasive argument focusing on the benefits one gets from being his human servant. He mentioned that Harry’s strange magic would protect him from the compulsion to obey, but everyone could see that Harry wasn’t moving. Finally Asher tried another approach.

“It all comes down to control Monsieur Potter; you are too powerful to be allowed to live here unchecked. I am sure we could consider other options but this was what we could come up with to allow you to live here and us to be safe.”

Harry grinned darkly and shifted. Damian noticed that as he did so a number of weapons flashed and he remembered the deadly accuracy with which he killed Anita. “While I appreciate your candor, there is nothing you can do to make me agree to becoming anyone’s human servant.” Remembering Vampire pension for ending conflict quickly and quietly, and deciding that he would side with his only friend, Damian looked around to determine the danger.

Narcissus had with her a few guards, as did the Ulfric, Rex, and Rafael. Damian knew that the lions weren’t much of a danger as they had little to no actual fighting experience. Rafael and Narcissus had real thugs with them but both looked to be enjoying watching Jean-Claude showed up by a mere human and Damian dismissed them as a threat for the moment. Richard’s guards would only follow him, but they were Jean-Claude’s animal to call and may not be able to help it. Requiem was here as well as some other low vampires used as guards. They were moving to block the door. Damian moved to right next to the door, a move that was both quick and determined which raised a few eye brows. He threw a look at the low level vamps.

Asher tried to prevent the ensuing violence, in the past Damian would have been disgusted by this pacifist nature of his, but now he was appreciative of it. “We are not about to force you Monsieur Potter. That is what this meeting is about; alternative suggestions.”

Narcissus spoke up with a smile. “I would be willing to enter a triumvirate with you Asher and Mr. Potter here. Although I have to admit I don’t share well.” Trust Narcissus to remember the challenge she had with Nathanial at a time like this. Nathanial tensed but didn’t look up at Harry, it was an improvement. Damian wasn’t sure if she was serious though, her worse fear was getting into a situation like Richards; trapped into giving control over to Jean-Claude. She probably assumed Harry would say no and was making a point to Harry and Nathanial.

Jean-Claude jumped on the suggestion with none of his usual poise, “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”

Harry just shook his head, “I have no intention of binding myself with individuals I know nothing about. Perhaps if you tell me what it is about me that causes your fears I can assuage them.”

Jean-Claude and Asher had a conversation with their eyes before Asher answered. “Your strange powers, can you explain them? Are there ways to block against them?”

“I am a wizard.” He paused and searched out the source of a grunt. It ended up one of Rafael’s guards. Harry shot him a glare before continuing. “There isn’t anything you can do to block me, how about I give you my word not to use it on you without your permission unless I or others are in danger.”

The Rex spoke up for the first time. “How do we know your word is worth anything?”

“You’ll just have to trust me.”

After another silent conversation between the Master Vampire and his second, Jean-Claude nodded.

Harry stood up and placed a hand on his heart and swore. “On my magic I will not harm with magic any under Jean-Claude Sourdre de Sang and Master of the City of St. Louis’s protection without their permission, unless they are a threat to me or those under my protection. So mote it be.”As he spoke he was surrounded by a grey light that pulsed with every word and flared at the last part, sealing the oath. He put his hands together, palms joined and fingers up, and gave a little bow, before sitting again.

Jean-Claude nodded. “We are also concerned about vampires of other cities taking advantage of your bondless state.”

“I can take care of my self,” Harry smiled, “but thank you for your concern”

Jean-Claude looked as if he wanted to push the issue but Asher spoke before he could. “Could you give an oath to never betray us?”

Harry laughed and everyone looked confused except for the one guard who smiled with Harry. “Sorry only one oath at a time. Should have made it a better one.” Harry winked. “And with that I think our business is almost finished here. Micah we will be joining you on the full moon.” He waited for the Nimir-Raj’s nod, and then he stood up and went to where Nathanial was kneeling with Micah and helped him to his feet before walking to where Damian was leaning against wall by the door. “Damian you are welcome to come over tomorrow night. Here is the address.”

He left with parting words, “I think you should take some time off, everyone who was deeply effected by Anita and get your life back together. You’re trying to continue on as if your world wasn’t controlled by a power hungry sex bitch for the last year or so. It’s not going to happen. I know you feel like you need to do damage control. But I’m not your damage. Take time off, drink a load of blood, have lots of sex and try and remember who you are, and what you want.”

They left and Narcissus immediately followed him without so much as a goodnight to the rest of the room. She was obvious in her desire to catch Harry. Damian considered following but felt it would be an insult to Harry’s obvious warrior skills.

He observed the drawn faces of Jean-Claude and Asher and felt more then a small amount of relief that they seemed to be considering Harry’s parting words. He walked up to the couch they were lounging on, “I think it would be better if you tried to be his friends. He seems the type to be loyal to those who are loyal to him.” He bowed and walked away, thinking about the best way to find out directions to Harry’s home. They didn’t call him to stop, and he wouldn’t have listened anyway.


AN i know that this is a short chapter but I'm trying to figure out where its going so...