Vegas Rules

by Jan Stryvant

  "I did," Sean continued smiling. "Or rather, all of the lions did."

  Rudolph started to squeeze Sean's hand then, going for one of those 'bone crusher' type handshakes.

  "Well, I don't think that's good enough, boy! I ain't seen nothing yet that tells me I should let you be in charge!"

  Sean rolled his eyes and looked at the other four, "I know elk can be annoying but is he always this much of a dick?"

  Maya and Terry both snickered while Luke actually laughed. Dax just continued to look unimpressed.

  "What did you call me, Boy?" Rudolph said pulling his other arm back and making a fist while squeezing Sean's hand even harder now.

  Looking back at Rudolph, Sean frowned, "There are three things about me you really need to understand here, Rudy. The first is that I'm a magic user and I can fry your ass without breaking a sweat."

  Sean dodged easily as Rudolph swore and took a swing at him, apparently surprised as he suddenly found out that Sean was at least as strong as him.

  "The second," Sean shifted into his hybrid form and growled, now looking down at Rudolph, "is that I'm a lion, and you had damn well better respect that! And the third," Sean kicked him in the balls, hard, making him cry out and bend over in pain. Sean had hit him hard enough to cause considerable damage, which would regenerate of course, but as Sean was holding tight to Rudolph's hand now, there was no place he could go.

  "Third is that lions have one hell of a temper, so unless you don't want to end up out on the front lawn with me pulling your limbs off and eating them, you will make damn sure that you keep a civil tongue in your head while in my house and in front of my family."

  Sean bent down to whisper loudly in Rudolph's ear. "Are we clear?"

  "We're clear," Rudolph gasped as his crushed gonads regenerated rather painfully.

  "Good!" Sean smiled and standing up straight he put a hand on Rudolph's head and cast a healing spell, causing Rudolph to blink as the pain suddenly went away.

  "Now that we got that cleared that up, how about we all go have a snack in the kitchen while you tell me just why you're all here today?" Sean said cheerfully while looking over the rest of the group.

  'You have a promising career as a diplomat, my Son,' the First snickered. 'Though elk does taste good.'

  'I'm afraid to ask just how you know that, because that's one threat I don't ever want to have to carry through on!' Sean sent back.

  Maya was the first to speak, "The members of the Northwest Alliance Fellowship want to discuss a possible alliance with you."

  Sean nodded, "You do understand that that's not how it works, right?"

  "What do you mean?" Dax asked.

  Sean sighed, "Look, I'm a lion, you've all heard the stories and the myths, and the simple truth is, they're all true. You're our children."

  "You look a bit young to be making that claim," Dax muttered.

  Sean laughed, "I know, right? But you need to understand that I speak for all of the lions when I talk of such things. Regardless of my age, I'm one of them now, completely. I understand what they do, and I see things the same way.

  "So, it's my job to get the boot of the magic users off of everyone's collective neck, because you're our children and the time has come for us to go our separate ways because they're no longer honoring the agreements that we made with them over a thousand years ago. You don't have to come here and ask for an alliance, because helping you is what I'm here for.

  But don't expect to just sit back while I do all the work, you're going to have to do your fair share, to help and contribute when asked. Because I'm not just going to be helping you, I'm going to be helping everyone."

  "Our fair share? And just who determines that?"

  "I do," Sean told him. "I'll try to spread the load, when I can, or do what I can afterwards to make up for it. But I make the decisions; I'm the one in charge."

  Sean could see that Dax and Rudolph didn't like that one bit. Even the others weren't looking all that pleased. But Sean figured it was best to clear the air now and get all the dominance issues resolved before they caused any issues.

  "So you're just going to declare yourself king then?" Dax growled.

  Gathering himself up Sean pointed at Dax and reached down into that special place.

  "Sit!" Sean commanded.

  Dax sat, a surprised look on his face.

  "We're a bit higher up the food chain than that," Sean smiled. "Now, why don't you get up off the floor and let's all go and get comfortable in the kitchen. I know I've worked up an appetite."

  Sean led them all into the kitchen, making sure to seat Roxy on his right, and Jolene on his left. He motioned for Maitland and his mother to sit at the foot of the table and put the visitors to either side of it.

  Then placing a surprised Daelyn in his lap he sat down, maintaining his hybrid form, as a constant reminder until they got used to him.

  "So, what's your situation like?" Sean asked.

  Luke was the first to speak up while the others still eyed him a bit warily.

  "Well, for most of us it's pretty good. Maya was telling the truth when she said there weren't many magic users up to the north of here. Portland and Seattle have a fair number, so does Eugene. But east of the central mountain range in Oregon, none of the major councils have anything until you get to Minneapolis."

  "But the minor councils," Maya picked up, "there are a couple in Bend and Spokane, same for Casper."

  Terry joined the conversation then, "There are a few eccentrics or singletons who lived scattered through the whole territory. Most don't really care about us, a couple of them are downright evil, and we'd all like to see them dead, and some are friendly, and we willingly give them a hand when they ask for help."

  Sean nodded, "Well that all sounds good, so why are you here?"

  "We're here," Rudolph sighed, "because everyone in the Fellowship decided that if you really were the real deal, that we should come down and join with you before the councils all decide to re-enact the 'Silver Death' on everybody."

  "And there's that little detail of our kin who are being held in bondage in all of those cities with sitting councils," Luke added with a look over at Rudolph. "If we can free them and keep the magic users from considering us their personal property to do with as they see fit, then we're going to do it.

  "Honestly, I figured that if they work, we'd just start buying up these amulet things that we've been hearing about and try and do it ourselves."

  Rudolph nodded, "Yeah, we outnumber them damn near everywhere now, so killing them off shouldn't be all that difficult."

  "Killing the magic users is off the table," Sean growled. "We are not going to start a war."

  "But they've been killing our people for centuries!" Rudolph said, looking a combination of both shocked and upset.

  Sean nodded, "Yes, I know. They murdered my father, my adopted father, and have been trying to kill or capture me for months now." He looked around the table, "Several of our allies have made it clear that they don't want a war, the lions that I answer to have told me I cannot start a war.

  "Furthermore, two of the major councils are now on our side. Eruditio, who have been backing our freedom for several decades, and now Sapientia, who has just told all of the other councils that keeping slaves is no longer allowed under their traditions."

  "So one of the councils said to free us, so what?" Rudolph complained.

  Sean rolled his eyes, the First was right, elks were annoying.

  Jolene spoke up, "The Council of Sapientia sets the rules and traditions for all of the magic users. They are the first and oldest council. They are the keepers of the traditions, many of which they created to help all of the magic users to prosper. True, not everyone is going to heed this new ruling overnight, but many will and more will have an excuse to not replace their lycans after Sean takes them away."

  "Why is she..." Rudolph opened his mouth and started to give an angry retort when Daelyn cut him off.

  "B
efore you go and say something rude or nasty to Jo there, I think it's only fair ta warn ya' that lions are known for killing people that insult their wives."

  Rudolph scowled a moment, "I'm sorry, I didn't know she was your wife, I was only going to ask why a magic user and non-lycan was sitting here with us. Now I know."

  "Nice save," Terry whispered, and both Maya and Luke smiled. Even Dax seemed about to grin.

  "So who is the leader of your council?" Sean asked.

  "Jonas, the leader of the Washington pack, is our leader unless you're planning on taking over?" Dax asked, still sounding a little sour.

  Sean gave a small shake of his head, "No, I don't have the time for that; I've already got more than enough to do. Honestly, I'm rather happy you all came down here and saved me the trouble of trying to track you down myself. I haven't sat down with my advisors to determine our next step, right now I've got my hands full just making sure we can hold on to what we've got.

  "What I'm going to need from you, and probably as soon as you can get it to me, is someone who knows what's going on in those cities with councils in them, so we can start looking at our plans. I'd rather start with the majors first, as that makes it a lot easier to encourage the minors."

  "What are your plans for them, after you're done?" Maya asked.

  "The lycans we free? Why to integrate them back into society of course."

  "No, the magic users. What happens to them?"

  Sean shrugged, "I don't really care. If they want to hire some of us to work for them, great. If they don't, fine by me. It's time for us to go our separate ways."

  They talked a little while longer, mostly about some of the problems that those who lived by the cities were facing. Sean mostly ate the food that was set in front of him and nodded a lot. After about fifteen minutes, he stood up but waved the others back into their seats.

  "I have work I need to get back to. Feel free to stay, look around, talk to whomever you want to. Roxy's in charge if you need anything or have any questions. You're welcome to spend the night if you wish." Sean smiled and nodded to them all, "Until later."

  Walking back to his shop, Sean shifted back, took off his clothes, and then turned to smile down at Daelyn who had followed him back.

  "Now, just where were we?"

  Dinner at Steve's

  Sean knocked on the door and smiled as Steve opened it.

  "Sean, Roxy, Daelyn, Jolene, Cali, Peggy, Roberta," then he leaned out and looked around. "I didn't miss anybody did I?"

  Sean sighed, "Really?"

  "Hey, it's been two weeks, aren't you due for another one?" Steve laughed and stood to the side as the girls all smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek as they each passed.

  Steve looked at Roberta as she walked in last, "Suddenly all those wives don't look like that bad of an idea..." Steve looked back at Sean, "Why do you have a keg?"

  "Because Daelyn's a dwarf and she gets the good stuff. Seriously, Steve. You'll never drink wine again. Besides one bottle of wine just isn't going to cut it for this crowd," Sean grinned and grabbing the handle on the keg with one hand, he picked it up and followed Steve into the room.

  "Hi, Chad, Max!" Sean said.

  "Is that dwarven beer?" Chad asked from the couch.

  "What other kind is there?" Daelyn laughed.

  "The bad kind, that's what!" Chad grinned.

  "Where's Terri?" Sean asked.

  "In the kitchen, cooking dinner," Steve said. "When I told her how many were coming over, she looked a little shocked.

  Nodding Sean went into the kitchen, and after setting the keg down, he went and gave Terri a kiss and said hello while Daelyn tapped the keg.

  "Beer, Sean?"

  "Taste it, then make your comments," Daelyn grinned and was already in search of a glass.

  "That cabinet," Terri pointed.

  "Thanks!"

  "So, Steve tells me you've got a big surprise for me tonight?"

  Sean chuckled, "Several actually," Sean turned his head back to the room's entrance, Roxy had just come in, "ah, Rox, the money please?"

  Roxy handed Sean the backpack which he then presented to Terri.

  "What's that?"

  "One point five million dollars. Cash. For the two helicopters."

  Terri looked at Sean, then looked at Roxy, "What did you two do, rob a bank?"

  Roxy grinned, "Nah, a couple of casinos." Roxy then gave Terri a kiss. "Hi, Terri, need any help in the kitchen?"

  "Maybe a little. I'm still a bit confused, Stevie told me that he was inviting Sean, Chad, Alex, John, and their partners, and then tells me to cook for twelve guests? I know that something is going on with Sean there; from the way he's trying to look innocent."

  "Yeah, innocent isn't our Sean these days," Roxy giggled.

  Sean heard another knock at the door, and a moment later he could hear Steve greeting Alex and Demon.

  "I'm gonna go say hi to Alex," Sean said, "I haven't had the chance to ask him how things are going."

  "Tell Steve I'll be out in a few minutes, I just need to check a few things," Terri said.

  "Okay."

  Walking out to the living room, Sean shook hands with Alex and Demon.

  "How's things going down at the detailing business?" Sean asked Alex, "Sorry I haven't been able to stop by, but things have been crazy."

  Alex grinned, "So I've heard. It's going good. We got a temp office set up along with a nice waiting room. I bought a couple of large tents so the guys can work on the cars out of the sun, which makes it way easier on the wax. Daelyn's uncle has got the building gutted and has started on the interior already, by the way.

  "Also, we've got two vans running around to the dealers now, doing jobs on their lots. Deidre tells me that we're actually making a small profit."

  Sean nodded, "Nice to see that you two are still doing well," Sean nodded to Demon who had his arm around Alex the whole time they were talking.

  Demon actually blushed a little, "Yeah, so are we. Me especially. The idea of actually being able to have a long-term relationship and then finding someone to have one with has been taking a bit of adjusting."

  Alex grinned, "And the best part is I get to take him to the park and make him play fetch!"

  Sean's eyebrows went up, Alex was several inches shorter, and quite a few pounds lighter than Demon, who, like most of the werewolves who were on an assault team, was pretty ripped. From the way Demon blushed even redder, Sean didn't think Alex was joking.

  "Really, Hon?" Demon whispered.

  "Just be happy I don't tease you in front of your pack," Alex grinned. "Besides, it's not like I don't do even worse things to them!"

  "Worse things?" Sean asked.

  "He gives them dog biscuits when they do a good job," Demon sighed.

  "Dog biscuits?" Sean said in a very surprised voice.

  "Worst part about it, is that they taste really damn good, so no one wants to turn 'em down, or he'll give it to somebody else. We're still trying to figure out where the hell he gets 'em."

  Alex grinned at Sean, "Just wait until I break out my laser pointer later on, I'll have you and Roxy running around the room!"

  "You really do like to live dangerously, don't you, Alex?"

  Alex laughed, "I haven't had this much fun since high school. The guys and gals in the pack are great, and then there's my Demon here," Alex grinned and gave Demon a hug, which made Demon smile happily.

  "I'm surprised they put up with your practical jokes."

  Demon grinned, "The fact that he's not scared of any of us, even though we're all way bigger than him, works in his favor. He honestly doesn't give a damn that we're not human. It's pretty refreshing to just be accepted for what you are for a change."

  John showed up then, and Sean went over to say hello, then took the time to introduce him to each of the girls, John hadn't met Roberta, Cali, or Peg before.

  Terri came out of the kitchen then and looked around the room, a bit curious.

&n
bsp; "John, I thought you had a date?" Terri asked.

  "Eh, she's a mundane and Steve warned me not to bring her."

  Terri gave John a look as Steve came up to her and gave her a hug.

  "Seeing as we're getting married here in a couple of weeks, I thought I should share with you a few things that I've learned about in the last few months," Steve told her.

  "Should I be worried?" Terri asked, looking at him.

  "Nah," Steve grinned, "but you know how your dad always likes to go on about how there's a lot of strange things in the world that nobody can explain?"

  "Umm, yeah?"

  "Well, you're about to meet a bunch of 'em."

  "They're just your friends, Steve," Terri grinned, "even if they are a bit weird."

  "Okay, you know Sean of course. Well, Roxy there is his wife. So is Jolene, Daelyn, Peg, Cali, and Roberta."

  "Wait, how does a guy who didn't even date for years end up with six women?" Terri asked looking at Steve, "Group marriages aren't that strange, more than a few of our clients are in one, but Sean? You're putting me on, right?"

  "Nope. You see, what happened was Sean was bitten by a lion-were. And well, they kinda like having prides. Roxy there is a cheetah-were, Peg's a fox-were. Daelyn's a dwarf; apparently, we have a dwarven community to the south of us. Jolene's a witch, Roberta is a sorceress, and Cali's a dark elf from," Steve looked up, "Norway?"

  Cali nodded.

  "Norway."

  Terri looked around the room, and then back at Steve. "And just when did you find all of this out?"

  "About a week after Sean got bit. Back when all that crazy stuff was happening around town."

  "I'm surprised you're not asking to see proof," Daelyn said.

  "I'm not sure I want to see proof," Terri said looking around the room. "Cause if he's lying, we ain't getting married. But if he's telling the truth, well, life won't ever be the same now, will it?"

  "We're getting married, life is already not going to be the same," Steve pointed out.

  Terri snorted, "This is what I get for marrying a guy who plays D&D and likes to spend his evenings planning oddball marketing campaigns. Okay," Terri pointed at Sean, "You first."