Disclaimer: OK I know I'm terribly behind on getting this posted but here it finally is. No one can ever tell me that belonging to this group isn't a challenge. I think this is one of the hardest stories I've ever written. It didn't just spring out of the inner workings of my mind it was something I had to work on. Whew! Pug has also been keeping me quite busy lately. *evil grin* so you can all hopefully understand the delay. You all know which characters belong to LKH. Here we go...

Pulling into my parent's driveway, my daughter was already squealing from the backseat for her nana. I honked the horn once to announce my arrival and my mom and dad came outside to greet us. Usually I would get out and take her inside the house but I was really running behind and I didn't want to be late for the party tonight.

Ashley watched as my dad opened the back door and undid the belt of her car seat. She held out her arms, "Ganpa, Ganpa!" she hollered trying to convince him to pick her up. He obliged gratefully and as he carried her inside the house my mom ducked inside the blazer to get my daughter's overnight bag. She rummaged through it in an effort to make sure that; I had packed everything that her granddaughter could possibly need. I sighed. "Mom, you know I've got half of the house packed in that bag. I haven't left out anything that she can't go wiothout for one day. I've packed juice, snacks and plenty of pullups. I've even got a few of her toys and her favorite pajamas in there. You know, the ones with the puppies on them."

Mom just; nodded her head and pulled back out of the car. I may have been sitting in the car but I watched her eyes roam over as much of me as she could. "No offense, but I hope you are not going out looking like that."

I held in a laugh. If she knew what I was wearing to the party she would probably pray that I was going in my sweat pants and T-shirt instead. "No mom, I'm not wearing this. I just haven't had time to get ready yet. I'm going home now to fix my hair and put on something special." I gave her my most innocent smile.

Mom tilted her head to one side. She usually didn't like my idea of special clothing. "You behave yourself young lady."

"Oh I will" I promised as I crossed my fingers in my lap and pulled out of the driveway. If she only knew what kind of party I was going to tonight she never would have agreed to keep Ashley for me. Especially since Gigs and Tam were having it at Guilty Pleasures. The problem is that mom and dad do not believe in the whole rights for supernatural beings. They are content with the way things have always been and they don't want to change now. My parents just don't like the fact that creatures they've always thought were fictional are now real and residing in St. Louis with them. Maybe that is the reason I never dated anyone other than human men. Sure I had plenty of friends that were lycanthropes or vampires but I could easily hide that from my parents. If I had a boyfriend that was anything other than human they would eventually find out. I could just picture me bringing a vamp home to meet mom and dad. They would look for the first opportunity to set him out in the sun to bake. They probably wouldn't be very pleased with a werewolf either. I could just imagine them asking me if I was going to have puppies. trying to please them is making me miserable. Everyone deserves a little happiness, don't they?

Gigs had been trying to persuade Kash into hooking me up with one of Luce's relatives and I had been trying to avoid it. I could just picture some green scaly demon standing next to Luce, helping herd evil little humans into the pits of hell with a pitchfork. However Kash had assured me Pug wasn't that kind of demon. She said that he is as human looking as Luce. I had to admit that Luce is good looking, but human, no way! He made my skin tingle when he was around, hell anyone who had a lot of power made my skin tingle. The more powerful the being the more my nerves pulsed.  I have always been sensitive to things like that, ever since I was a small child. My parents always said it was just a figment of my overactive imagination,  but my grandmother knew differently. When I got older she explained what I was feeling. She knew because she had the same gift. Apparently it had skipped over my mother. My grandma never made me feel like a freak and when she died I became very lonely.  She would have gotten a real kick to know that vampires and lycanthropes really did exist.

I arrived at my tiny apartment and my mind was still considering Kash's offer to set me up with Pug. He is a demon, but Luce is the devil and Kash seems happy, happy enough to marry him even. I had to face facts; the men that I had been dating lately were definitely not cutting the mustard. Most men run as far away as they can when they find out you have a child. The ones that do stick around are either complete bums or abusive assholes. I've seen both kinds and neither situation is very pretty. I do have to say that the last boyfriend that thought he was gonna get away with kicking my ass quickly disappeared. I think one of my friends may have eaten him but I never quite worked up the nerve to ask. I wasn't sure I really wanted to know. He’s gone and my daughter and I are safe, that’s all that mattered.

I ran inside and quickly jumped in the shower. I was determined not to be late and all this thinking was depressing me. I used my raspberry scented bath cream to bathe and my raspberry shampoo and conditioner in my hair, they always made me feel better. Once I was thoroughly clean and smelling sweet I turned off the water and toweled off. I walked into my bedroom and noticed the light on the answering machine was blinking so I pushed the play button. It was Gigs. "Hey T, just calling to let you know you need to dress up extra special tonight. A certain demon is gonna be making an appearance. Just thought I'd let you know. See you tonight." The machine cut off and I was standing there feeling awful. I really yearned to meet someone who could fill the void in my life but was a demon what I really needed? Hell, he's got to be better than the scum I've been dating lately I thought as I let out an exasperated sigh.

With my complexion being so pale I don't use a lot of foundation, just enough to cover up any blemishes or dark circles. I do have a two-year-old to run after you know!  I finished my make-up with a light touch of blush and my favorite cinnamon colored lipstick. My hair is naturally a very dark brown but thanks to Clairol it's a cute shade of red.  Fixing it is quite simple. I pulled some thin bangs down and curled them under. I parted the rest around the crown and pinned the top part back in a black clip that matched nicely. I let the rest of my hair trail in large curls down my back. I usually blow-dried it straight but tonight I wanted the curly look. Now the only thing left was to get dressed.

I had gone shopping yesterday for a cute outfit. It probably wasn't as flashy as what some of the others would be wearing but I was saving that for the wedding. I had saved up to have something special made for that occassion. I grabbed the outfit off the hanger in my closet and wiggled into it. I stood back and looked at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a white, silky, short sleeved top with three buttons on it to hold it closed over my breasts. I had bought a special bra to wear with the shirt so nothing accidentally fell out unless I wanted it to. The rest of the shirt hung to my waist with small slits cut in it so when I walked I couldn't help but show skin. My pants were black velvet and tight fitting except where they flared out slightly at the bottom. I had a pair of black, high heeled sandals that I slipped on and I was ready to go. I grabbed my little black purse and my keys and dashed out the door. I cranked up the blazer and headed off to the club. It looked like I was one of the last guests to arrive because the parking lot was almost completely full. 

 I finally found a parking space and made my way to the door of the club. I saw a short, dark haired woman going in ahead of me and  recognized Anita's small form. I smiled. That meant I couldn't have been too late if Anita was just getting here. I caught a quick glimpse of her black jeans and red tank top and I felt a little better. At least I wouldn't be the only one underdressed.

Buzz was doing his regular duty as doorman and he opened the door for me to enter. As I drew closer to him I felt the familiar tickle rush over my skin but it wasn't anything extreme. He is a young vampire so he doesn't give off as much power as most of the others do. I took a deep breath and braced myself before stepping inside. Buzz noticed what I was doing and he gave me a smile wide enough to flash fang. He must have realized what kind of effect he was having on me. I shook my head at him and entered the club. The minute I stepped inside the air felt thick with otherworldly energy. The feeling was so overwhelming it was hard to catch my breath. I wrapped my arms around myself and had to focus on my breathing. A few moments later the feeling eased off but I could still feel the energy pulsing over me like an electric current. It wasn't as strong as it had been before I got control of myself but it was noticeable.

The lights were still on in the club so that meant the show hadn't started yet. I caught sight of the bar off to the side and thought that maybe a drink would help ease the discomfort. It was probably gonna have more than one but I was sure that if I got too drunk I could find a friend to stay with. I looked around for any signs of Damien and Lyza but I didn't see them. I was betting they were somewhere looking for a little orivacy before the whole party got underway. I leaned onto the counter when Richard raised up from behind the bar. His shocked me and I jumped. He gave me that boyscout smile of his. I wasn't fooled. "What will you have pretty lady?"

Mmmm! I was a little slow on my response because I was busy gawking at his outfit or the lack there of. I couldn't see what kind of pants he was wearing but his chest was bare and his only adornments were a studded collar and spiked bracelets? The view was wonderful from where I was standing.  I sprang out of my x-rated daydream. I must have blushed because the smile on Richard's face got really wide. I tried to ignore it and gave him my drink preferences. The show would be starting soon and I didn't want to be distracted by making a run to the bar.

"I'd like a Lemon Drop and a Tom Collins please."

Richard raised his eyebrows at the fact that I wanted two drinks but he kept his mouth shut and made them anyway. I took the shot glass and the taller drink and proceeded to find a table. I found several of the women sitting around and engaging themselves in idle chit chat. I took a seat just as the lights began to dim and Jean Claude's voice filled the room. I could feel it as it poured over my skin like the caress of a lover's hand and I shivered. I glanced around and the other women in the room seemed to be feeling the same thing. If he could cause these kinds of sensations with just his voice I had to give Anita credit for withstanding the vampires advances as long as she had. I looked over at her and she seemed completely oblivious to the voice tricks he was using. I guess being a necromancer helped her a whole lot, that or the fact that she was his human servant.

Jean Claude had finished his introduction and handed the show over to Tam and Gigs. Gigs looked dangerous in her tiger themed outfit. Turning into a lycanthrope was definitely becoming on her, plus I'm sure the power of the triumvirate she had formed with Asher had Tamara hadn't hurt her either. Tamara finished her little speech and then the opening number began. I wonder which of them came up with the theme song of 'It's Raining Men'? It seemed awfully appropriate.

The evening went by quickly. Several of us had gotten rather drunk and were really cheering on the guys. We turned out to be a rowdy bunch. Kash looked like she was feeling pretty good too. Whatever Richard had been bringing her all evening seemed to be having a nice effect on her. Damien came out to grace us with his dance routine. About halfway through his focus shifted to the back of the room. I turned and smiled as I noticed Lyza had just shown up. I looked back at the vampire on the stage, he had it bad for her and it was apparent in the look on his face. Lyza's eyes lit up too. Love is nice. I'd like to find myself something like that..

A huge cake was later wheeled out and I had no idea who we'd find inside. Kash seemed to have an idea though and, judging by her reaction she was right, Jason. After jumping out of the cake, he came up to each of us and offered a 'taste' of his delectable treats  from where it was clinging all over his body. Now don't get me wrong, I have no problem licking frosting off a well-built werewolf but something about that werewolf having a girlfriend and her being in the room made me a bit cautious. I decided to keep my manners, so I just stuck my finger in the frosting on his chest and got a bite of his cake that way. He moved on to the next lady in the room until he reached Anita. He teased her by shaking his ass in her face and commented on how long he'd waited for this moment. When she bit him on the ass I nearly fell out of my chair laughing hysterically. Needless to say it took me a while to recover after that one.

Next came the parade of gifts for Kash. Several of the ladies disappeared so I figured they had a hand in the gift-giving bestowel. I watched as each one came out dressed in costume with a present to help Kash 'tame her demon'. Before each present one of the boys came out with a card to announce the gift. A guy I had never seen before came out dressed in a red spandex devil suit. I caught sight of where he had his card and couldn't help but laugh. I looked over at Kash for some idea of who this stranger might be and she just gave me a wicked grin and nodded. So this was Pug. OH MY!

Kash was urging Gigs to grab the card with her teeth so she oblidged. What I wouldn't have given to trade places with her at the moment. Gigs began teasing Pug as he headed back towards the curtains with a teasing pout plastered on his face. He turned once before exiting the stage and his eyes roamed over the crowd as though he was looking for something..or someone. His gaze stopped on me and for a moment I forgot to breathe. His power started to roll over my skin as he started at me causing my shileds to come crashing down. I sucked in a deep breath and looked away, but not before noticing his deep chocolate eyes. Before I knew what was going on Richard tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a drink. I was grateful for the interuption. That little taste of Pug's power scared the shit out of me. It hadn't hurt, it actually felt very good and that was the problem. If it felt so good from a distance what would it feel like if we were up close and touching? That kind of feeling could become addictive...and dangerous.

I finally broke out of my stupor enough to realized that Asher was on stage and nearly nude. Whoa! Even with the scars he was beautiful to look at. Then just suddenly his scars vanished in front of my eyes and everyone else's in the room. Had they never really been there? Had it all been some kind of glamour or mask? Everyone in the room gasped at the sight of his newfound beauty.The room was deathly quiet. I think we were all still in shock over what we had just witnessed. Asher called Tam and Gigs to him and they went willingly. Asher announced Luce and then the three of them headed for a table towards the back of the room. It apeared that Kash's honey wantedto come play with the girls as well. He worked his way around the stage all the while chastising us about pointing out the things that Kash would be giving up. With an artful gesture he then removed his cape and revealed what she would be gaining. Kash nearly fell out of her chair and I had to steady myself or I would have repeated her movement. The crowd roared with laughter as Luce finished his set.

After that the party wound down rather quickly. I caught sight of Lyza and damien making a quick getaway. Jean Claude and Anita had left as well. Gigs was standing in the middle of a group as if she was the center of attention and loving it. I didn't blame her. I decided now would be a good time to leave. After all, I did have to get up in the morning and go pick up my child.

I was almost to the door when I felt someone step up behind me. I whirled around to find a very muscular and naked chest directly in front of me. The sheer height difference forced me to look up to find out who the owner of this lovely sight belonged to. I already had a pretty good guess of who it was going to be though. When I looked up I noticed huge brown orbs for the second time that night and found Pug, the demon, standing inches before me. I must have looked surprised because he quickly said,

"I didn't mean to sneak up on you like that. I saw you watching me from the stage and I wanted to introduce myself, my name is Pug. I hope you aren't leaving." I was holding my shields in place and he was keeping his powers in check as well but being this close to him caused his energy to eat over my skin like tiny pinpricks. It wasn't painful or pleasurable…yet. But I knew it could be, depending on what he wanted me to feel. I took a step back and found myself pressed against a wall. I looked around and there was no one nearby. This couldn't be good.  I guess I had delayed answering him too long because he asked me again. "Are you leaving?"

I nodded my head and it took two tries to vocalize an answer. "Yes."

A cocky smile appeared on his face. He leaned towards me and put his hands out, against the wall, on either side of my face.  He was hovering so that I could see his chest rise and fall as he breathed. He whispered into my ear. "Why don't you stay for a while? I'm sure I could find some way to keep you occupied." I'll just bet he could.

I swallowed so hard it hurt. His power was pressing against me and threatening to break through my  shields. He must have sensed my distress because he pulled himself away from me into a standing position. I relaxed and took a deep breath. The pressure had eased off and now I was angry. How dare he just walk right up and flaunt his otherwordly possession in my face. Did he expect me to fall all over him like some lovesick puppy? If so, he was barking up the wrong tree. I'm not easily influenced which is probably another reason I am having such a hard time finding a decent man. None of them seem to be able to handle my temper very well. Pug may be a demon but I'll bet in the attitude department I could give him a run for his money. I pointed my finger at him and poked him once in the chest. Mmmm it was a nice firm chest too, but I mustn't lose my focus now. "If you wanted my name you could have just asked. Where in the hell do you get off using your powers on me?"

I started to walk off and he grabbed my arm.  My skin felt fever hot where he was touching me. I turned around and he let me go. There was a wicked gleam in his eyes as if he knew what sensation his touch had caused and it made me wonder if he had done it intentionally. He quickly lost the look however and bowed his head slightly in my direction. "Forgive me for being so rude." His eyes roamed over my body in a lingering motion. "Beautiful and temperamental. My, my what a catch. Your man is very lucky indeed." 

HA! It was hard not to laugh out loud at that commen. Maybe demons like a little fire in their women, no pun intended, cause all the human men I've met prefer you to be some kind of mute slave to jump and run whenever they summon you. "That was real subtle. Is that your way of asking me if I have a man? Not that it's any of your business but I don't. Most men have a hard time dealing with my attitude. It seems to be more of a turn off then a turn on.

His chuckle sent shivers coursing all through me. His voice had a tinge of Jean Claude's voice tricks and I knew I was in over my head now. "I have ALWAYS preferred an aggressive woman. It makes things more," he paused a moment as if searching for the right word, "intriguing,"

That was the first time a man had ever used the word intriguing to describe me. It was kind of refreshing to find someone who valued an aggressive woman instead of looking to beat me into submission. This could never work out though. I mean he was a DEMON, and I have a child for goodness sake. Demons don't eat children do they? "So you like a woman who gets pissed off easily and tells you to go screw yourself?"

This time his laugh was deep and rich. I was really amusing him it seemed. "Among my kind a dominant woman is a prized possession. The hotter her temper the more valued she is. Demons are the known rulers of hell for a reason. Most women find us very hard to deal with. You would fit in nicely."

Fit in? In hell? Oh what would my parents think of this? "Look, you've got a hot body and I'm sure you have other ‘good’ qualities but it's getting late and I need to get home."

"What's the rush? You can always catch up on your sleep during the day. Why not stay a while and get to know some of my GOOD qualities?"

Here it comes. Here's the part when he turns tail and runs. "I can't sleep in because I have to pick up my daughter in the morning."

His eyes widened just a bit. "You have a child?"

"Yes, a one and a half year old. I'll understand if you want to leave now."

"Why would you say that? If we didn't have children, whom would we have to help us with the duties in hell? The place gets bigger everyday. We always need new blood." He laughed and I winced. I so did not like the sound of that. If he was trying to be encouraging he was failing miserably. I'm not an overly religious person but I believe in God and the Devil and I've always been taught you want to stay as far away from hell as possible. "I see I've frightened you and that was not my intention. Talk to Kash since she is your friend. She can tell you what hell is really like. Luce has taken her there to prove to her it isn't like they portray it in the bible. Think of it as more of a way station. People do bad things and they have to be punished before they can move on. The worse their actions the harsher the punishment. We don't do anything to them that they don't deserve. Just think about that. After you've spoken with Kash let me know. I would be honored if you would consider at least going out to dinner with me. Don't judge me before you get to know me."

Damn I am not a prejudiced person but it would appear that is exactly the way I am acting. I didn't like that at all. The least I could do was give him a chance before I condemned him. Now that was a laugh, wasn't he already condemned? "Ok I'll speak with Kash and if I don't have a problem with what she tells me I will consider contacting you. How can I get in touch with you?"

"Just tell KAsh. She knows how to reach me." With that he grabbed my hand before I realized what he was doing and pressed his soft lips against my palm. The sensation shot straight from my hand to my groin. I squirmed a bit and he released my hand. I noticed the grin was back on his face as he walked off. I went in search of Kash and hoped she wasn't too busy or too drunk for a little girl talk.