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Anita Blake RP / Re: Chapter 17: Fall into Darkness
« Last post by Maxx on »Kyle smiled against Jules neck. "Every day, yes. You have to be a trooper to take care and manage a house full of were-leopards. You are certainly all jokes. My health bar is below half... It won't be for long, now that they got the bloody bullet fragments out of me. Can't believe the nut job was using silver glazed rounds. Paranoid much? Still, there isn't any need to fret despite the bullet hitting and ricochetting off my ribs. It will all be good in a couple of days, less if I shift, but I don't see a need to have to do that. Especially not in front of you at your place. A small blessing, I heal faster than the average Joe."
"Why don't you and Justin take some time tomorrow and do what comes naturally?" Jules asked. "I will be well protected. There is certainly enough meat available. Just in case you didn't want to change alone or assumed that I'd be unguarded or unsafe. There is certainly enough room to roam in leopard form. I have three shapeshifters on staff. I've made accommodations."
"No. That won't be necessary. I know you will be safe. I know you are worried, but I'll be up and mobile for tomorrow. There is zero need to subject you to a change unless you absolutely insist on us going to do racket ball tomorrow morning," Kyle assured him despite tensing slightly when he offered to have him shift with Justin. There was no need for Jules to have to lay eyes on him in animal form. Jules might be fine with the idea but if Kyle had his way Jules would never be around him in animal form. Even if the risk was small he wouldn't chance it.
"I've already cancelled racquet ball," Jules said. He canted his head slightly as if listening. "But if you think you will recover fully without changing, you are the expert on yourself. Are you hungry at all? I can have Justin pull and get you something. Or I can call ahead and have a sandwich waiting for you."
"I'm alright. Likely just need some sleep, and after I wake up I will be ravenous. Meat will be on the menu after I rise. I apologize in advance for the fact you will likely see me put away more than normal meal wise, but healing does require energy." Kyle rubbed Jules leg, "Aside from the getting shot thing, last night was quite lovely. If it soothes your nerves, I would be down for something to drink when we get in. I am down in the liquids department, but I am quite capable of raiding your fridge and finding something to drink without setting your chef off to concoct something. What about yourself, are you hungry? You haven't had anything to eat or drink since we were at the Jazz Alley?"
Jules smiled. "Even in this state, you are trying to take care of me. Let me take care of you, just this once. I'll even not fight over who gets to be big spoon while we nap."
"Fine I'll have whatever you are having." Kyle sighed in defeat, "I can tell you won't back down from it, but you have to be exhausted after the evening we've had. After all someone tried to kill you and you have had to slum it in a hospital while you waited for the doctors to dig a bullet out of your boyfriend. Does this surrender of caretaker mode please you? I don't think you realize how hard it is to let go of those reins."
"Oh, I know," Jules answered. "You have no idea how much I enjoy these small victories."
"Don't get too used to it." Kyle grumbled softly."You are so being Little spoon when we crawl into bed after breakfast."
"Oh, I won't. It would reduce the enormity of my joy if i came to expect it. And I have already surrendered that position. You do recall me just saying that I would not fight over who gets big spoon?" Jules rubbed his cheek against Kyle's shoulder in a rather remarkable display of catlike scent marking. "I'm just glad that you will recover."
He kissed the top of Jules head after the affectionate nuzzle. The thought of what might haven't happened if Kyle hadn't intercepted and if Jules had taken the bullet made Kyle slip his arm around Jules, holding him against his body. His fingers gently massaged his shoulder as he did his best to chase the ' what if ' images of Jules, fragile and human, bleeding out on the sidewalk or being vulnerable to taking more than just a single bullet. His inner leopard snarled softy as it paced inside him. He had to agree with the cat, he didn't very much like that thought at all.
"And I am just glad you are safe and well." Kyle said, his voice a husky whisper. "We got lucky today. We are never going to have a repeat of this when I am around. I'm sorry I talked you into not having security. I think it never really fully registered that you needed it. So many times it's a case of people being paranoid. It isn't like you are abroad, where violence and kidnapping break out on the regular. Forgive me for being such an insistent ass. I never imagined you would have some random asshole decide to pull a gun and shoot you because your paths just happened to cross."
Jules almost asked if Kyle was suggesting that it would have been better if Justin had been shot again but wisely chose not to. "It was certainly an unexpected anomaly," he said instead. "Normally I get warning of such things. This time I did not."
"Well, Jeeves certainly was a shit tonight, I don't contest that. However, there is a silver lining about all of this." Kyle replied as he noted they were returning to Jules house. "I suppose you could call it a silver lining..."
"Calling the silver foil that lined the bullet wound is not what is typically what they mean when they say silver lining," Jules said. "Oh, by the way, Justin, once we've parked, I need you to contact IT. Have them scan all my personal electronics for malware, spyware and tracking software and when they find nothing, have them report that to officer Daniel LaFeat of the preternatural crimes unit. And arrange to have the Jaguar picked up at the police station. If it is in pieces, have a mechanic brought in and send the city the bill."
"Of course sir." Justin replied as he turned into the driveway.
As Justin parked the car, Kyle chuckled softly as he still had his arm around Jules. "Not what I mean't, but I guess the silver lining for me is that I think I can say that what we have been doing since the summer has been elevated to another level, " Kyle whispered into Jules ear. "I don't get shot up for men I semi enjoy hanging out with, or even just kind of vibe with. Welcome to the inner circle of ' I care about you enough that I'd take a bullet for you'. It is a small and honored circle. I'm trusting you. " Kyle didn't add the 'to not make me regret it.' It was after all an unspoken thing. It had been a very long time for Kyle to let his guard down in a relationship. Was it a horrid idea to proclaim such things after the night he had? Only time would tell. However, there was definitely a line that had been crossed for the pair of them. It had changed things and opened eyes for each of them as far as Kyle was concerned, he hoped Jules felt the same way.
Jules was silent for a long second before turning and giving Kyle a chaste kiss. "No one has ever been willing to take a bullet for me unless they were being paid to do so," he said softly. "That level of trust and commitment is a rare and wonderful thing."
Kyle chuckled as he and Jules made their way into the house as he made his way to Jules bedroom. "Let's just hope it is an isolated incident. I have zero desire for this to become habitual," he explained. He gingerly removed his pants, staring at the blood. One suit destroyed and beyond salvaging, but it was a small price to pay for saving a life. Kyle looked down at his chest at the dissolving stitches they had used on him. They already were starting to itch slightly. "Shower first?"
* * *
When Jules rose from his sleep, he was greeted by Justin who indicated that he had a package arrive in the mail. The box was of course sitting on the living room coffee table for him to open at his pleasure. With Altair and Keid soon coming in for the night, Justin gave Jules a nod and updated him on the car situation. He explained that he managed to bring the car home and that it was not in fact in several pieces. The early release had to be a good indication that there had been no evidence of the car being tampered with in Justin's eyes, despite the police refusing to give him any details. The young sandy haired wereleopard chatted with Jules about the day's itinerary but broke the veneer of professionalism to ask Jules a question. The times Justin opted do do so were rare, but they had a way of instantly making him seem younger and more vulnerable. He made note to Jules that Kyle would likely try to overdo things and to, if possible, take good care of his pard mate. Kyle was after all a full-grown man and did outrank him, but that didn't mean that Justin didn't worry. After the end of that conversation and the night shift bodyguards coming in for the shift, Justin wished him and Kyle a good evening and headed home for the night.
With Justin gone, Jules could turn his attention to other things, like the parcel on his living room coffee table. When he returned from his office with letter opener in hand, he found Kyle entering the room with his overnight bag slung over his shoulder. He was sporting a pair of his silk pajama bottoms that he had lent the wereleopard.
Kyle cocked his head, his nostrils sniffing at the air aware that the letter opener was silver. For a man dating and employing shifters, Jules certainly had a lot of silver in his house. "Evening," Kyle said sleep still in his voice flashing a soft smile, his eyes flicking from Jules face to the opener and then back again. "Your newest Wish orders come in has it?"
"Wish is appropriate enough," Jules said. He looked at Kyle for several long seconds. "You said you trusted me. This package may be a test of that. In fact, your reaction to what is in this box may forever change things between us."
Kyle walked over to the couch as he looked at Jules quizzically. "I am sure you have some idea, as you tend to consult Jeeves regularly." He said as he reached out and gently began to knead Jules shoulders. "Am I to believe you have skipped doing that?"
"Yes," Jules said. "There are some things I do not consult Jeeves on. You are one of them. I am not going to base a relationship on the advice of a demon." He reached out to stroke the box. "Do you recall a conversation where I asked if you wanted me to help with California? And I offered to let you look behind the curtain but warned you that you could not unsee what you would see and that it might change your opinion as to which of us was a monster. Do you recall that conversation? We were on the boat." Jules tapped the box. "Here is a physical manifestation of that curtain. If you choose, I will open it in front of you. It will change the way you think of me. All I can say in my defence is that this was done out of love and to protect those you care about, although even that may not be enough."
Kyle paused his kneading. "We have had several good long talks on your boat. I do recall that conversation. It feels like forever ago," he confessed recalling the news of Cali raid. Despite not going to help, so much had happened during that trip. Kyle rounded the couch to sit beside Jules. He could send the cortisol increase within Jules. It was rare to see Jules ruffled, it had only happened once before when they had come across that suspended body on their date. And yet the scent was not the same. Jules had a more fearful scent to him back then, this was different and yet clearly he could smell and see in the body language that Jules was while not fearful certainly anxious. "Alright, I'll sit down for this and do my best not to judge. " He answered Jules earnestly.
The silver letter opener zipped along the tape that secured the flaps that closed the top of the box. Kyle immediately smelled coffee. Jules carefully folded back the flaps. Inside was a mylar bag that was clearly vacuum sealed. Jules removed it and set it on the table. He carefully cut it open to reveal a second, transparent plastic inner bag, one that was also vacuum sealed. It looked like there was something made of black fur inside. Jules took a deep breath, before piercing the inner bag.
Kyle suddenly smelled leopard.
Dead, tanned leopard.
"Meet Dallas," Jules said.
Kyle watched in silence, as Jules unblocked the package. At the scent of leopard, a wide range of thoughts and feelings crashed though his mind like a tsunami. Hazel eyes stared at the coffee table. He knew that there had been five seconds of silence as his hand rose, a single index finger raised and poised not at the table but pointed heavenwards. "Processing... Don't stab me." His nose sniffed the air, and he closed his eyes, trusting that Jules wasn't going to panic and try to take him out with the letter opener.
He had never met Dallas in the flesh, but Minnie had certainly talked about him.
Meet Dallas...
Here sat the pelt of a fellow were-leopard, but one that had been a menace to Minnie and her subordinates. Dallas hadn't been around to challenge. Now he knew why. But he was looking at an animal pelt and not the skin of a man. During his time with Jules he had been trying to learn more about the mystical side of things. Not that he would ever dabble in magik himself but to understand the occult better and therefore Jules and his world. "Can you fully pull it out so I can get a better look?" Kyle asked as he opened his eyes.
Jules lifted the pelt. It was taller than he was, barely. Kyle could see tiny silver buttons, as if the pelt was some bizarre sort of coat. "It's not a rug," he said. "You're obviously aware of my appreciation of shapeshifters. I must confess to a cowardice where they are concerned. You see, I could never be one. My ego and my vanity would never allow it, without the guarantee of being able to rise to the level of Alpha. This is something of a compromise. It will allow me to change shape, without binding me to the moon, or making me vulnerable to silver. Such things are rare and highly illegal. You see, Dallas had to be alive when he was skinned. From what I understand, it was less than he deserved."
"So it is what I think it is? An enchanted pelt? One that can be used to change shape, like the Navajo skin walker stories, or adjacent to it?" Kyle asked his tone soft hazel eyes roamed among the dark glossy fur. "Can I touch it? Is it safe to touch?"
"Safe to touch," Jules said, nodding. "I don't think I have ever heard of a shapeshifter wearing one, so I would not advise putting it on. This particular enchantment was done in Mexico."
Kyle was taking it remarkably well but that wasn't necessarily going to remain the case.
Kyle reached out to stroke the pelt and leaned over, giving it a sniff. Likely due to having been processed, the skin didn't smell as strongly of were-leopard as he would have thought it should. However, Kyle had to remind himself that this was not a living, breathing leopard. The fur through his fingers was soft. "So you had this arranged before any of them had their summer holidays? It was done in Mexico? So you can turn into a leopard with this whenever you want?" He shook his head over a hundred questions that we wanted to all have asked immediately, but he frustratingly could only ask one at a time as his mind raced.
Jules had arranged to have Dallas killed due to him worrying about his family going down to California to help Minnie out with her problems.
Fuck....
It was entirely messed up, and yet part of it was kind of hot in a fucked up way. It showed he was willing to go to extremes to help and protect him and his pard. Kyle would have killed for his family without hesitation if it kept them safe. So Jules might have done a thing so to speak but he did it out of love and to protect, unless that was an excuse and Jules just wanted a pretty pelt and this made for a good excuse.
"He needed to be taken before the full moon and smuggled into Mexico. And yes, it gives me the power to assume leopard form. I would look just like Dallas's cat form. I've been warned that I will not be as strong or as fast as wereleopard. But it is the closest I will be able to get without infection." Jules reached out to touch Kyle but pulled his hands back. "I've seen examples that were over a hundred years old and still functional. I'm told this practitioner is very reliable."
"Do you retain your human faculties when wearing something like this or is it more like when we do it where depending on the month more or less of the animal is in the driver's seat and we get to be passengers and do our best to backseat drive?" Kyle asked as he withdrew his fingers out of the furs pelt and opting to rest them on Jules knee.
"I have full control," Jules answered. "I've been told that there is a significant learning curve when it comes to using it. Whereas when you change, you are intuitively a cat, I would need to learn everything. Walking. Running. Jumping. I would not want to experience the cat who previously enjoyed this skin. From all accounts, he was an asshole in any form and I would not want to have to fight that every time I used it."
"Is the essence of the person- " Kyle stopped and frowned. "I'm struggling with the word choices. Sorry. Is the soul or persona or personality of Dallas tied to that pelt, then? Or is this a case of you won't battle with the spiritual enemy of some asshole rapey wereleopard and that it is just a case of you don't have any experience with having the opportunity to don a wereleopard skin."
Jules shook his head. "No, Dallas does not inhabit the skin. I have never worn a leopard skin. I would need to learn by trial and error. If you saw me trying to move in it, I suspect you would think I was either a newborn or drunk. It would essentially be the former."
"That is fair. I suppose it could be difficult to learn as well." Kyle said, his fingers idly tracing circles on Jules knee." You would likely learn to move a lot more authentically with advisement or guidance of a wereleopard. We might be able to arrange that. I appreciate your honestly in all of this. I am certain you are not used to this level of candidness so thank you for trusting me."
"I must admit that this was not what I was expecting," Jules said, his fingers stroking Kyle's wrist. "This could have been a dirty little secret that I kept from you. For you to have such acceptance is far more than I deserve. Truly, Kyle, you are too good for me. You are willing to die for me, whereas I am only willing to kill for you."
Kyle shifted on the couch, reaching out to gently rest the pelt on the table. He shifted from his spot to straddle Jules. With Jules hands free of letter opener and pelt Kyle placed his hands on the back of the couch. Looking down slightly at him Kyle gave him raised brows and a hint of a smile. "And what reaction were you expecting?"
"Suspicion. Perhaps accusations. Certainly not an offer to teach me how to leopard. Truthfully, I'm not certain of the next step." Jules met Kyle's gaze. "I doubt your entire Pard would welcome me with open arms and certainly captain Neubosato would have questions that I would be unable to answer to her satisfaction."
"I've always conducted my relationships from a point of there needs to be transparency and honesty, Jules... Lies and deception are the ruination of many a relationship. We can take things a step at a time but I agree there might be some mixed feelings on letting you cat out with us. I've not been around anyone wearing a pelt so I don't know if you will pass as cat or smell like prey wrapped in a spicy nori wrapper." Kyle replied in earnest as he studied Jules face.
"There will be some questions that will need to be answered," Jules said. "It would seem that when it comes to wereleopards, I am something of an opportunist. Justin was shot. When I arrive at the hospital, after making certain that he was being taken care of, the first thing I do is make moves on one of his pard mates. I had no idea you were so far up the hierarchy until I realized who you were. And in a situation where a leopard needs to be eliminated, I find myself unable to resist acquiring his pelt. I am, by far, the bigger monster, my love."
Kyle rested his forehead against Jules. "I think I have an inkling. But I'm not freaking out about it yet. I do however need to ask you several more questions so I can sate my curiosity. Yes or no answers only. Have you had experience wearing other types of shifter skins?"
"Yes," Jules answered. "Some years ago, in Prague, I had the opportunity to wear the century old skin of a Russian werebear. It left an impression."
"Have you purchased or can you claim ownership of shifter pelts that were treated so they can be worn to take on the shape of your desired animals?" Kyle asked calmly.
"Not any more," Jules said. "Although once I had several. They didn't feel right. Then again, as I have been told, there is a learning curve."
"Yes or no Jules. I haven't run yet, it's very doubtful I will. I understand they might be hard truths. So you are not in ownership of any pelts beyond this one right here?"
Jules tilted his head slightly, in a manner similar to but not exactly the same as when he listened to Jeeves. "As you wish. Although I will ask for clarification. Do you mean ownership or possession? It is possible to own something without having possession. Equally, it is possible to possess something while not owning it. You must realize that precision is important. And I will point out that I am aware that there can be no pleading the 5th in the court of Kyle."
Kyle sighed and gently poked Jules. "You can split that into two separate questions. Starting with the do you own and the second being are you in possession. We could tango all night with the will you or won't you answer things, but if you don't want to answer these questions, you likely will get the next few after this. If you are that worried, ask Jeeves if I am going to head for the hills after any revelations you make tonight. Truthfully, I'm sitting in a weird valley of strangely turned on and intrigued with a slight hint of mama bear."
"I told you, I am not asking Jeeves for advice on my relationship with you," Jules repeated. "Own? Yes. Possess? No. Call them on semi-permanent loan. Favours are a currency in my world. And I will admit that I find the fact that you are strangely turned on to be equal parts concerning as well as disconcerting, with a touch of reciprocity mixed in for good measure."
"No one ever said it was easy living in the preternatural shadows." Kyle said laughing softly his fingers straying to run through Jules dark hair. "I accept those answers. As you can see, no running away. I'm still here. But I do have more I want to ask. So I am going to rip off the band-aid so to speak." His eyes opened slowly and Kyle locked eyes with Jules. "Given what you've said and not said tonight, would it be safe to assume you are the captain's Moby Dick? Or is it better to ask if you have ties or perhaps business dealings with the Seattle skinner? "
Jules sighed. "Yes."
Kyle nodded solemnly. "And do I have to worry about any harm coming my way or towards my pard mates due to you directly or indirectly?"
"No. A thousand times no. Assuming things do not change radically from the way they are now," Jules said. "I apologize for not answering simply yes or no. Certain questions, like this one, require a caveat. I cannot forsee any reasonable situation where I would need to harm you or anyone in your pard."
"Good answers." Kyle whispered as he gently kissed Jules throat. "I will likely have more questions later, but you answered the hardest and most important ones that would keep me up at night. I can think of several ways to reward you for being honest with me. But the one way I want to show you right now requires for you to either kiss me now or come into the kitchen. So we can have a mild impromptu make out session between what I want to make for us."
The trace of a smile crossed Jules features. "So my choices are kisses without a Kyle special reward or kisses and a Kyle special reward. I'll take Mild Impromptu Make Out Sessions In The Kitchen for $1000, Alex."
Kyle grinned. "Good then let us make our way to the kitchen. If you are so inclined you can sous chef for for me. I'm plan on making the silliest most serially sinful hot chocolate you ever had. Of course you have options of it being a traditional Belgian dark chocolate, Mexican spicy, or a extra warming circulatory hot chocolate that's infused with ginger and nutmeg? " He offered Jules a hand helping him to his feet. Pulling him close he kissed Jules throat again. "Getting shot delayed my plans but I had every intention of a fireside hot chocolate complete with marshmallows, homemade of course. Made them back on Thursday. I didn't forget the comment about you having never sampled marshmallows in any form. We will discover tonight if you are a fan or not."
"So it seems," Jules said. "I have been asked to make sure you do not overly exert yourself. Helping you make cocoa and resting by a fire sounds sufficiently sedentary. Given the options, I will choose ginger and nutmeg as this will be a new experience for me."
"Acceptable. We can do this and then, then clean up the kitchen so your chef can work on the meat portion of tonight. Are you vibing for anything in particular, or are you just going to tell him to surprise you and see what comes of it." Kyle asked, flashing him a mischievous grin as he made his way into the kitchen.
"Why don't you and Justin take some time tomorrow and do what comes naturally?" Jules asked. "I will be well protected. There is certainly enough meat available. Just in case you didn't want to change alone or assumed that I'd be unguarded or unsafe. There is certainly enough room to roam in leopard form. I have three shapeshifters on staff. I've made accommodations."
"No. That won't be necessary. I know you will be safe. I know you are worried, but I'll be up and mobile for tomorrow. There is zero need to subject you to a change unless you absolutely insist on us going to do racket ball tomorrow morning," Kyle assured him despite tensing slightly when he offered to have him shift with Justin. There was no need for Jules to have to lay eyes on him in animal form. Jules might be fine with the idea but if Kyle had his way Jules would never be around him in animal form. Even if the risk was small he wouldn't chance it.
"I've already cancelled racquet ball," Jules said. He canted his head slightly as if listening. "But if you think you will recover fully without changing, you are the expert on yourself. Are you hungry at all? I can have Justin pull and get you something. Or I can call ahead and have a sandwich waiting for you."
"I'm alright. Likely just need some sleep, and after I wake up I will be ravenous. Meat will be on the menu after I rise. I apologize in advance for the fact you will likely see me put away more than normal meal wise, but healing does require energy." Kyle rubbed Jules leg, "Aside from the getting shot thing, last night was quite lovely. If it soothes your nerves, I would be down for something to drink when we get in. I am down in the liquids department, but I am quite capable of raiding your fridge and finding something to drink without setting your chef off to concoct something. What about yourself, are you hungry? You haven't had anything to eat or drink since we were at the Jazz Alley?"
Jules smiled. "Even in this state, you are trying to take care of me. Let me take care of you, just this once. I'll even not fight over who gets to be big spoon while we nap."
"Fine I'll have whatever you are having." Kyle sighed in defeat, "I can tell you won't back down from it, but you have to be exhausted after the evening we've had. After all someone tried to kill you and you have had to slum it in a hospital while you waited for the doctors to dig a bullet out of your boyfriend. Does this surrender of caretaker mode please you? I don't think you realize how hard it is to let go of those reins."
"Oh, I know," Jules answered. "You have no idea how much I enjoy these small victories."
"Don't get too used to it." Kyle grumbled softly."You are so being Little spoon when we crawl into bed after breakfast."
"Oh, I won't. It would reduce the enormity of my joy if i came to expect it. And I have already surrendered that position. You do recall me just saying that I would not fight over who gets big spoon?" Jules rubbed his cheek against Kyle's shoulder in a rather remarkable display of catlike scent marking. "I'm just glad that you will recover."
He kissed the top of Jules head after the affectionate nuzzle. The thought of what might haven't happened if Kyle hadn't intercepted and if Jules had taken the bullet made Kyle slip his arm around Jules, holding him against his body. His fingers gently massaged his shoulder as he did his best to chase the ' what if ' images of Jules, fragile and human, bleeding out on the sidewalk or being vulnerable to taking more than just a single bullet. His inner leopard snarled softy as it paced inside him. He had to agree with the cat, he didn't very much like that thought at all.
"And I am just glad you are safe and well." Kyle said, his voice a husky whisper. "We got lucky today. We are never going to have a repeat of this when I am around. I'm sorry I talked you into not having security. I think it never really fully registered that you needed it. So many times it's a case of people being paranoid. It isn't like you are abroad, where violence and kidnapping break out on the regular. Forgive me for being such an insistent ass. I never imagined you would have some random asshole decide to pull a gun and shoot you because your paths just happened to cross."
Jules almost asked if Kyle was suggesting that it would have been better if Justin had been shot again but wisely chose not to. "It was certainly an unexpected anomaly," he said instead. "Normally I get warning of such things. This time I did not."
"Well, Jeeves certainly was a shit tonight, I don't contest that. However, there is a silver lining about all of this." Kyle replied as he noted they were returning to Jules house. "I suppose you could call it a silver lining..."
"Calling the silver foil that lined the bullet wound is not what is typically what they mean when they say silver lining," Jules said. "Oh, by the way, Justin, once we've parked, I need you to contact IT. Have them scan all my personal electronics for malware, spyware and tracking software and when they find nothing, have them report that to officer Daniel LaFeat of the preternatural crimes unit. And arrange to have the Jaguar picked up at the police station. If it is in pieces, have a mechanic brought in and send the city the bill."
"Of course sir." Justin replied as he turned into the driveway.
As Justin parked the car, Kyle chuckled softly as he still had his arm around Jules. "Not what I mean't, but I guess the silver lining for me is that I think I can say that what we have been doing since the summer has been elevated to another level, " Kyle whispered into Jules ear. "I don't get shot up for men I semi enjoy hanging out with, or even just kind of vibe with. Welcome to the inner circle of ' I care about you enough that I'd take a bullet for you'. It is a small and honored circle. I'm trusting you. " Kyle didn't add the 'to not make me regret it.' It was after all an unspoken thing. It had been a very long time for Kyle to let his guard down in a relationship. Was it a horrid idea to proclaim such things after the night he had? Only time would tell. However, there was definitely a line that had been crossed for the pair of them. It had changed things and opened eyes for each of them as far as Kyle was concerned, he hoped Jules felt the same way.
Jules was silent for a long second before turning and giving Kyle a chaste kiss. "No one has ever been willing to take a bullet for me unless they were being paid to do so," he said softly. "That level of trust and commitment is a rare and wonderful thing."
Kyle chuckled as he and Jules made their way into the house as he made his way to Jules bedroom. "Let's just hope it is an isolated incident. I have zero desire for this to become habitual," he explained. He gingerly removed his pants, staring at the blood. One suit destroyed and beyond salvaging, but it was a small price to pay for saving a life. Kyle looked down at his chest at the dissolving stitches they had used on him. They already were starting to itch slightly. "Shower first?"
* * *
When Jules rose from his sleep, he was greeted by Justin who indicated that he had a package arrive in the mail. The box was of course sitting on the living room coffee table for him to open at his pleasure. With Altair and Keid soon coming in for the night, Justin gave Jules a nod and updated him on the car situation. He explained that he managed to bring the car home and that it was not in fact in several pieces. The early release had to be a good indication that there had been no evidence of the car being tampered with in Justin's eyes, despite the police refusing to give him any details. The young sandy haired wereleopard chatted with Jules about the day's itinerary but broke the veneer of professionalism to ask Jules a question. The times Justin opted do do so were rare, but they had a way of instantly making him seem younger and more vulnerable. He made note to Jules that Kyle would likely try to overdo things and to, if possible, take good care of his pard mate. Kyle was after all a full-grown man and did outrank him, but that didn't mean that Justin didn't worry. After the end of that conversation and the night shift bodyguards coming in for the shift, Justin wished him and Kyle a good evening and headed home for the night.
With Justin gone, Jules could turn his attention to other things, like the parcel on his living room coffee table. When he returned from his office with letter opener in hand, he found Kyle entering the room with his overnight bag slung over his shoulder. He was sporting a pair of his silk pajama bottoms that he had lent the wereleopard.
Kyle cocked his head, his nostrils sniffing at the air aware that the letter opener was silver. For a man dating and employing shifters, Jules certainly had a lot of silver in his house. "Evening," Kyle said sleep still in his voice flashing a soft smile, his eyes flicking from Jules face to the opener and then back again. "Your newest Wish orders come in has it?"
"Wish is appropriate enough," Jules said. He looked at Kyle for several long seconds. "You said you trusted me. This package may be a test of that. In fact, your reaction to what is in this box may forever change things between us."
Kyle walked over to the couch as he looked at Jules quizzically. "I am sure you have some idea, as you tend to consult Jeeves regularly." He said as he reached out and gently began to knead Jules shoulders. "Am I to believe you have skipped doing that?"
"Yes," Jules said. "There are some things I do not consult Jeeves on. You are one of them. I am not going to base a relationship on the advice of a demon." He reached out to stroke the box. "Do you recall a conversation where I asked if you wanted me to help with California? And I offered to let you look behind the curtain but warned you that you could not unsee what you would see and that it might change your opinion as to which of us was a monster. Do you recall that conversation? We were on the boat." Jules tapped the box. "Here is a physical manifestation of that curtain. If you choose, I will open it in front of you. It will change the way you think of me. All I can say in my defence is that this was done out of love and to protect those you care about, although even that may not be enough."
Kyle paused his kneading. "We have had several good long talks on your boat. I do recall that conversation. It feels like forever ago," he confessed recalling the news of Cali raid. Despite not going to help, so much had happened during that trip. Kyle rounded the couch to sit beside Jules. He could send the cortisol increase within Jules. It was rare to see Jules ruffled, it had only happened once before when they had come across that suspended body on their date. And yet the scent was not the same. Jules had a more fearful scent to him back then, this was different and yet clearly he could smell and see in the body language that Jules was while not fearful certainly anxious. "Alright, I'll sit down for this and do my best not to judge. " He answered Jules earnestly.
The silver letter opener zipped along the tape that secured the flaps that closed the top of the box. Kyle immediately smelled coffee. Jules carefully folded back the flaps. Inside was a mylar bag that was clearly vacuum sealed. Jules removed it and set it on the table. He carefully cut it open to reveal a second, transparent plastic inner bag, one that was also vacuum sealed. It looked like there was something made of black fur inside. Jules took a deep breath, before piercing the inner bag.
Kyle suddenly smelled leopard.
Dead, tanned leopard.
"Meet Dallas," Jules said.
Kyle watched in silence, as Jules unblocked the package. At the scent of leopard, a wide range of thoughts and feelings crashed though his mind like a tsunami. Hazel eyes stared at the coffee table. He knew that there had been five seconds of silence as his hand rose, a single index finger raised and poised not at the table but pointed heavenwards. "Processing... Don't stab me." His nose sniffed the air, and he closed his eyes, trusting that Jules wasn't going to panic and try to take him out with the letter opener.
He had never met Dallas in the flesh, but Minnie had certainly talked about him.
Meet Dallas...
Here sat the pelt of a fellow were-leopard, but one that had been a menace to Minnie and her subordinates. Dallas hadn't been around to challenge. Now he knew why. But he was looking at an animal pelt and not the skin of a man. During his time with Jules he had been trying to learn more about the mystical side of things. Not that he would ever dabble in magik himself but to understand the occult better and therefore Jules and his world. "Can you fully pull it out so I can get a better look?" Kyle asked as he opened his eyes.
Jules lifted the pelt. It was taller than he was, barely. Kyle could see tiny silver buttons, as if the pelt was some bizarre sort of coat. "It's not a rug," he said. "You're obviously aware of my appreciation of shapeshifters. I must confess to a cowardice where they are concerned. You see, I could never be one. My ego and my vanity would never allow it, without the guarantee of being able to rise to the level of Alpha. This is something of a compromise. It will allow me to change shape, without binding me to the moon, or making me vulnerable to silver. Such things are rare and highly illegal. You see, Dallas had to be alive when he was skinned. From what I understand, it was less than he deserved."
"So it is what I think it is? An enchanted pelt? One that can be used to change shape, like the Navajo skin walker stories, or adjacent to it?" Kyle asked his tone soft hazel eyes roamed among the dark glossy fur. "Can I touch it? Is it safe to touch?"
"Safe to touch," Jules said, nodding. "I don't think I have ever heard of a shapeshifter wearing one, so I would not advise putting it on. This particular enchantment was done in Mexico."
Kyle was taking it remarkably well but that wasn't necessarily going to remain the case.
Kyle reached out to stroke the pelt and leaned over, giving it a sniff. Likely due to having been processed, the skin didn't smell as strongly of were-leopard as he would have thought it should. However, Kyle had to remind himself that this was not a living, breathing leopard. The fur through his fingers was soft. "So you had this arranged before any of them had their summer holidays? It was done in Mexico? So you can turn into a leopard with this whenever you want?" He shook his head over a hundred questions that we wanted to all have asked immediately, but he frustratingly could only ask one at a time as his mind raced.
Jules had arranged to have Dallas killed due to him worrying about his family going down to California to help Minnie out with her problems.
Fuck....
It was entirely messed up, and yet part of it was kind of hot in a fucked up way. It showed he was willing to go to extremes to help and protect him and his pard. Kyle would have killed for his family without hesitation if it kept them safe. So Jules might have done a thing so to speak but he did it out of love and to protect, unless that was an excuse and Jules just wanted a pretty pelt and this made for a good excuse.
"He needed to be taken before the full moon and smuggled into Mexico. And yes, it gives me the power to assume leopard form. I would look just like Dallas's cat form. I've been warned that I will not be as strong or as fast as wereleopard. But it is the closest I will be able to get without infection." Jules reached out to touch Kyle but pulled his hands back. "I've seen examples that were over a hundred years old and still functional. I'm told this practitioner is very reliable."
"Do you retain your human faculties when wearing something like this or is it more like when we do it where depending on the month more or less of the animal is in the driver's seat and we get to be passengers and do our best to backseat drive?" Kyle asked as he withdrew his fingers out of the furs pelt and opting to rest them on Jules knee.
"I have full control," Jules answered. "I've been told that there is a significant learning curve when it comes to using it. Whereas when you change, you are intuitively a cat, I would need to learn everything. Walking. Running. Jumping. I would not want to experience the cat who previously enjoyed this skin. From all accounts, he was an asshole in any form and I would not want to have to fight that every time I used it."
"Is the essence of the person- " Kyle stopped and frowned. "I'm struggling with the word choices. Sorry. Is the soul or persona or personality of Dallas tied to that pelt, then? Or is this a case of you won't battle with the spiritual enemy of some asshole rapey wereleopard and that it is just a case of you don't have any experience with having the opportunity to don a wereleopard skin."
Jules shook his head. "No, Dallas does not inhabit the skin. I have never worn a leopard skin. I would need to learn by trial and error. If you saw me trying to move in it, I suspect you would think I was either a newborn or drunk. It would essentially be the former."
"That is fair. I suppose it could be difficult to learn as well." Kyle said, his fingers idly tracing circles on Jules knee." You would likely learn to move a lot more authentically with advisement or guidance of a wereleopard. We might be able to arrange that. I appreciate your honestly in all of this. I am certain you are not used to this level of candidness so thank you for trusting me."
"I must admit that this was not what I was expecting," Jules said, his fingers stroking Kyle's wrist. "This could have been a dirty little secret that I kept from you. For you to have such acceptance is far more than I deserve. Truly, Kyle, you are too good for me. You are willing to die for me, whereas I am only willing to kill for you."
Kyle shifted on the couch, reaching out to gently rest the pelt on the table. He shifted from his spot to straddle Jules. With Jules hands free of letter opener and pelt Kyle placed his hands on the back of the couch. Looking down slightly at him Kyle gave him raised brows and a hint of a smile. "And what reaction were you expecting?"
"Suspicion. Perhaps accusations. Certainly not an offer to teach me how to leopard. Truthfully, I'm not certain of the next step." Jules met Kyle's gaze. "I doubt your entire Pard would welcome me with open arms and certainly captain Neubosato would have questions that I would be unable to answer to her satisfaction."
"I've always conducted my relationships from a point of there needs to be transparency and honesty, Jules... Lies and deception are the ruination of many a relationship. We can take things a step at a time but I agree there might be some mixed feelings on letting you cat out with us. I've not been around anyone wearing a pelt so I don't know if you will pass as cat or smell like prey wrapped in a spicy nori wrapper." Kyle replied in earnest as he studied Jules face.
"There will be some questions that will need to be answered," Jules said. "It would seem that when it comes to wereleopards, I am something of an opportunist. Justin was shot. When I arrive at the hospital, after making certain that he was being taken care of, the first thing I do is make moves on one of his pard mates. I had no idea you were so far up the hierarchy until I realized who you were. And in a situation where a leopard needs to be eliminated, I find myself unable to resist acquiring his pelt. I am, by far, the bigger monster, my love."
Kyle rested his forehead against Jules. "I think I have an inkling. But I'm not freaking out about it yet. I do however need to ask you several more questions so I can sate my curiosity. Yes or no answers only. Have you had experience wearing other types of shifter skins?"
"Yes," Jules answered. "Some years ago, in Prague, I had the opportunity to wear the century old skin of a Russian werebear. It left an impression."
"Have you purchased or can you claim ownership of shifter pelts that were treated so they can be worn to take on the shape of your desired animals?" Kyle asked calmly.
"Not any more," Jules said. "Although once I had several. They didn't feel right. Then again, as I have been told, there is a learning curve."
"Yes or no Jules. I haven't run yet, it's very doubtful I will. I understand they might be hard truths. So you are not in ownership of any pelts beyond this one right here?"
Jules tilted his head slightly, in a manner similar to but not exactly the same as when he listened to Jeeves. "As you wish. Although I will ask for clarification. Do you mean ownership or possession? It is possible to own something without having possession. Equally, it is possible to possess something while not owning it. You must realize that precision is important. And I will point out that I am aware that there can be no pleading the 5th in the court of Kyle."
Kyle sighed and gently poked Jules. "You can split that into two separate questions. Starting with the do you own and the second being are you in possession. We could tango all night with the will you or won't you answer things, but if you don't want to answer these questions, you likely will get the next few after this. If you are that worried, ask Jeeves if I am going to head for the hills after any revelations you make tonight. Truthfully, I'm sitting in a weird valley of strangely turned on and intrigued with a slight hint of mama bear."
"I told you, I am not asking Jeeves for advice on my relationship with you," Jules repeated. "Own? Yes. Possess? No. Call them on semi-permanent loan. Favours are a currency in my world. And I will admit that I find the fact that you are strangely turned on to be equal parts concerning as well as disconcerting, with a touch of reciprocity mixed in for good measure."
"No one ever said it was easy living in the preternatural shadows." Kyle said laughing softly his fingers straying to run through Jules dark hair. "I accept those answers. As you can see, no running away. I'm still here. But I do have more I want to ask. So I am going to rip off the band-aid so to speak." His eyes opened slowly and Kyle locked eyes with Jules. "Given what you've said and not said tonight, would it be safe to assume you are the captain's Moby Dick? Or is it better to ask if you have ties or perhaps business dealings with the Seattle skinner? "
Jules sighed. "Yes."
Kyle nodded solemnly. "And do I have to worry about any harm coming my way or towards my pard mates due to you directly or indirectly?"
"No. A thousand times no. Assuming things do not change radically from the way they are now," Jules said. "I apologize for not answering simply yes or no. Certain questions, like this one, require a caveat. I cannot forsee any reasonable situation where I would need to harm you or anyone in your pard."
"Good answers." Kyle whispered as he gently kissed Jules throat. "I will likely have more questions later, but you answered the hardest and most important ones that would keep me up at night. I can think of several ways to reward you for being honest with me. But the one way I want to show you right now requires for you to either kiss me now or come into the kitchen. So we can have a mild impromptu make out session between what I want to make for us."
The trace of a smile crossed Jules features. "So my choices are kisses without a Kyle special reward or kisses and a Kyle special reward. I'll take Mild Impromptu Make Out Sessions In The Kitchen for $1000, Alex."
Kyle grinned. "Good then let us make our way to the kitchen. If you are so inclined you can sous chef for for me. I'm plan on making the silliest most serially sinful hot chocolate you ever had. Of course you have options of it being a traditional Belgian dark chocolate, Mexican spicy, or a extra warming circulatory hot chocolate that's infused with ginger and nutmeg? " He offered Jules a hand helping him to his feet. Pulling him close he kissed Jules throat again. "Getting shot delayed my plans but I had every intention of a fireside hot chocolate complete with marshmallows, homemade of course. Made them back on Thursday. I didn't forget the comment about you having never sampled marshmallows in any form. We will discover tonight if you are a fan or not."
"So it seems," Jules said. "I have been asked to make sure you do not overly exert yourself. Helping you make cocoa and resting by a fire sounds sufficiently sedentary. Given the options, I will choose ginger and nutmeg as this will be a new experience for me."
"Acceptable. We can do this and then, then clean up the kitchen so your chef can work on the meat portion of tonight. Are you vibing for anything in particular, or are you just going to tell him to surprise you and see what comes of it." Kyle asked, flashing him a mischievous grin as he made his way into the kitchen.