Oh the gloves had come off, and Jay never saw the verbal jab she'd hit him with. But this was a game Jay knew all too well, and he didn't even flinch as he took in what she said; and hell, to an extent she was right. Aside from a few flaws in her analogy. "Well," he said politely after a moment. "Saying men are dogs like that is kind of unfair," he paused. "To dogs. Hear me out: dogs can be trained to do whatever you tell them, even to do certain jobs. They protect you, they come to you when you need a friend, and when they run away, you know as long as nothing happens to them, they come back."

He took a sip of his drink, looking at her with a smile. "I guess 'men are cats,' doesn't ring as well, does it?" he added after a second. "Well...for the most part, men are pigs. But the pigs give the Labradors and the Golden Retrievers a bad rap." He gave a smirk and a shrug before turning back to his drink for a moment; his tone wasn't rude, but matter-of-factly with a little bit of a joking air to it.

"Like I said, I'm the new guy," he answered. "Haven't been in New York very long. From a town as small in mind as it is in population down in the South. Like many, I decided to start fresh, make a name for myself elsewhere." Taking a sip from his drink again, he gave her another smile.

Poseidon wasn’t a stupid man. He prided himself on his abilities to read people. It was helpful for running a criminal empire as it assured him that he always knew whom he could trust and who was getting ready to break. While Khalil shared with Jorge all the whimsical smiles that he wanted, the crime lord had a sharp enough eye to spot those hairline fractures spider-webbing along the demon’s crimson exterior. He was trying to keep things together, to remain as mirthful and sweet as always. But Jorge knew. He knew of the festering questions and doubt that was bubbling just underneath the surface. It was the same look that others gave him right before he “retired” them for good.

>>"Boss, you worry too much! I'm just outta sorts because the healer took care of the kid, first--I mean, I asked them to take care of the kid first. But she only took care of me part-way. I'm still sore."

Jorge grunted in reply, taking another sip of his drink. While he was feigning believing Khalil, there was clearly another wave of scrutiny that swept over the demon before he sigh and looked back out over the dancefloor. There would be time enough to comment on the arsonist’s recent behavior. For now, he just wanted to enjoy his party -- and subtly send a text to River to start stockpiling all surveillance footage containing the winged man.

>>"Nothing a little more alcohol and some good company can't help."

A smirk and the man nodded, patting the demon on the shoulder. ”Truer words have yet to be spoken,” he chuckled.

>>"To your health, sir, I'm gonna go see if I can't find some... lucky lady... to inflict myself upon."

Holding his drink up in reply, Jorge watched as Khalil sauntered away, the sway of his tail following him as he started to lurk throughout the dance floor in search of his prey. Poseidon’s smile faltered until it vanished into a small, contemplative line. Khalil wasn’t all right, that much Jorge was sure about. And while he didn’t care for the dropping of mutant blood, the man also wasn’t going to risk the shadows of his organization to someone whose commitment was clearly on shaky ground. Pity.

Another sip. A turn of his heel. And Jorge was one again milling through the crowd. He would have his fun tonight but he would ensure that he set enough time for River. It seemed that final preparations were being made.

Steph was adept at spurning the advances of men. She had plenty of practice, so she knew how to go for the throat when the time came. Her comment about men and dogs as cutting, but to Jay’s credit, he ran with it. He was willing to self-deprecate, and he was smart enough to align himself more with dogs than with men. Maybe she smiled at that; she did like dogs more on the whole.

Jay was looking for a fresh start, which almost made sense for someone who would hitch their wagon with Poseidon. As a businessman and a leader, he was very smart and his goals were very attractive. It sometimes felt like she was just a sick pet project he kept around to satiate the screwed up personal needs he must have had. ”We all come to New York looking for a new start, don’t we? I’m sure our lord and master over there will gladly build you up into something new and impressive.” And capable of terrible things.

Well, they were all on their way to hell anyway, so why not have a little fun? ”Okay, let’s humor you for a minute and say I’m a dog person. What exactly can I expect out of you?” She sidled up a bit closer to her suitor. ”Dogs are cute, and you’re very cute, I’ll admit.” She went so far as to place a hand on his cheek. ”Dogs are also loyal to the point of being needy. Am I gonna have you following me around like a wide-eyed puppydog? Because if my daughter can’t have a pet, I don’t think it’s right for me to keep one of my own,” she teased, not thinking about the mention of her daughter.

There was a lot one could say about Jay, but one couldn't say that the man gave up easily. In fact, until it was definitive that he didn't have a chance, he stayed focused. (If he'd been that determined about other endeavors in his life, then maybe he would have amounted to more than a merely-local musician by the age of twenty-seven, but that really didn't matter at the moment.) She bought his lie, which was good, but then again there really wasn't a way to fact check right now, and once she did, well...after that it really didn't matter anymore, did it? "New York does seem to be the perfect place for that, especially for mutants these days," he answered with a small grin.

He weighed her words carefully; this woman--whom he realized had yet to give his name; she was quite the tease, it seemed--had quite the sharpened silver tongue. There were uses for that, but first, he had to come out of this battle of wits in one piece. "Well, not every pet is a lapdog, my dear," he said, that Southern charm bleeding through. "Certain types of dogs have no room to be crippled by dependence. Can you imagine if a guard dog or an attack dog needed constant pets? Me though....I'm more of...let's say an abandoned stray. I enjoy attention and affection, sure--who doesn't? But at the same time, I know how to get by without." He took another sip of his drink as he looked her over another good time, letting his icy blue eyes linger a little this time.

He caught the mention of a daughter, and he had to wonder how he always seemed to go for the women with kids. Ah well; that really wasn't any matter. It wasn't like he usually met the children, anyway...

>> ”Intimate experience. I would rather enjoy learning how she is doing now.”

The serpentine grin amused him and he was not surprised to hear she knew of the women. That she had tussled with the woman under the sheets – if they’d even made it to a bed – was fascinating. Perhaps this was who had invited her?

Across the floor they went, greeting the trio with velveteen word and still softer smiles. It was extremely entertaining that Agnes chose not to point out she knew the one woman. Perhaps her partner wasn’t aware? Oh that was sure to be delightful. All three were total foxes!

>> ”Agnes. And it is lovely to meet you.”

“Warlock, a pleasure,” he bowed his head only slightly, though his eyes never dropped. Only a fool put their eyes to the floor. It was respectful to acknowledge likely peers; it was a death wish to take your attention off of them.

---

It wasn’t long – perhaps it had been too long – and Warlock felt the need to get a libation. “Let me fetch us a drink,” he interjected in the conversation. “What would you prefer?”

With her order he detached from the conversation and found his way over to a bar tender. The evening called for whiskey and this bar had the finest bottle of Balvenie, Dalmore, and who knows what else he’d seen in far too long. Well-funded and willing to shell it out for the staff? That was quality and class right there. He studied the room carefully as the drinks were prepared, eyeing the others in conversation including the tête-à-tête of the woman and the man in jeans. The likely boss was still making the rounds while the lowly demon was flicking about.

What a crew. What a mutant crew. Interesting odds that.

Agnes smiled in greeting to the trio. They were quite a mish-mash, with only one person whom mishes were mashed. She gave Gwen a knowing, smirking look, but she did go so far as to state anything out loud. That would unruly and crass. Besides, if the comely blonde next to her was her intended for the evening, far be it from her to cause a stir. Maybe later, but not right now. Instead she would be on her best behavior and greet these fellow mutants (she was sensing the theme already) with sweetness and mysterious.

Besides, it helped to have the young Warlock at her side. He was a handsome one and certainly capable to luring any number of prey within reach. The night was young and there was plenty of little fishes to paw at before pulling out the claws.

***

Time passed. The itch for a new drink began to stir within the crowd. It was a fact that was not seemingly lost on her companion as the man stepped forward to announce if there any fresh drinks to be had. Agnes turned to him, electric blue eyes flashing as she held her empty glass up for him to take.

>> “Let me fetch us a drink...What would you prefer?”

”Oooh...umm...I could certainly go for another Bee’s Knees, darling,” she cooed. ”Don’t be long.” She smiled, watching him go before she turned her attention back to the gathering. Maybe she would join him in a few minutes...

Stephanie gave the party a cursory glance to confirm she was not the only eligible bachelorette around at the Syndicate party. Steph was aware of her appeal, but there were other girls, some that would have caught Steph’s eye had they not been part of a certain shadow organization. Jay could have cut his losses, but he seemed dead-set on occupying her time.

They were the mutants of New York, looking for a new start and all the trouble that came with it. For Jay, that meant Syndicate and Stephanie.

He was fun. He was very cute. He knew how to work a cute dog analogy without making it weird or cheesy. He was not needy, or at least he claimed he wasn’t, and if he was, Steph had plenty of experience ghosting those men; she did not need shadowform to ghost someone.

For just a moment, she flashed a genuine smile. Maybe for one night, she could just enjoy her time. What was the harm? She had done it at other clubs with other people, right?

Other non-Syndicate people. Other non-Syndicate clubs. That was the big difference. Poseidon was always watching. Keeping her on task. How might she be punished for stealing treats from under his nose. Would Jay suffer in some subtle way? The genuine smile faded. They had a pleasant chat. She never got his name. That was probably for the best.”You seem like a good guy. Maybe a cad, but that’s not a bad thing. Sadly, you might be a precious stray, but me?” She grabbed her drink and moved off the bar, looking to Poseidon as he moved through the crowd. ”I’m kept on a pretty tight leash.”

Not wanting to leave him nothing for his time, Steph did lean in and kiss the handsome man on the cheek. ”Welcome to New York, and be careful. They say it’s dog eat dog.” Stifling a disappointed sigh, she sashayed away from her suitor, joining Poseidon at his side.

She tried not to tense up or appear uncomfortable. It was a party and she knew better. He would expect her to be smiling, and after coming dangerously close to misbehaving, she wanted to ensure she fell in line. ”Having a good night, sir? I know you like to appreciate what’s yours.”

Everything was running beautifully. As Poseidon sipped at his flute of champagne, the man’s eyes roamed every inch of the room, falling onto people who carried with them an interest that only a true god would appreciate. The Syndicate was coming together. Mutants from this side of the rift, those who passed through from the other, they were all finally meeting. This was the day, the day that would go down in history as the one where true, clear thinking mutants united. And it was the most beautiful sight to behold.

As the crime lord mused to himself of the coming plans, his eyes briefly fell onto the slinky, sensually dressed form of Stephanie Graves. His lecherous eyes locked onto her, following her every curve. He would be lying if he said he never wanted to take her back to his bedroom and sample the wares, but there was more satisfaction in knowing how much power he had over her.

Still, with the way things were going, she would eventually be a liability he couldn’t afford. Moving dimensions was going to be tough and there were going to be a lot of people who saw her and would ask one too many questions. No, he would need to make the eventual, tough decision. But, it was certainly a good thing that Stephanie contained with her a consolation prize; one by the name of Malia.

She approached his side and Jorge grinned in a serpentine manner. He sipped his drink again as she hung close to him. He didn’t fool himself. He knew that she despised him, but she was loyal pet so long as he had the leverage he did. So there was no problem in playing along.

>>”Having a good night, sir? I know you like to appreciate what’s yours.”

His hand dipped down, finding the small of her back. ”Mmm, it’s certainly looking up…” he teased. His hand moved up, finding a spot of bare skin. Their skin met. Stephanie had seen him before. She knew what power he had over water -- including what was inside the human body. He teased her, though. He didn’t exert any control, but the threat was very real, and possible, as he stroke her bare back with his fingertips. ”You look amazing, by the way…” he whispered, his voice in her ear. ”...almost makes me want to take you away and forgo the rest of the party.” He smirked. ”Do you think the guests would consider that rude?”

Jay was thinking that this beautiful yet mysterious woman was starting to warm up to him. He caught the smile, and she was seeming to relax a little bit. And then she spoke, and Jay's smile faded. She liked him, he could tell, but something was holding her back. Something was preventing her from taking that final leap.

"Thanks, I understand," he said, disappointed, but understanding. Though at the kiss on the cheek, his smile came back. "Have a good night, alright? It was lovely talking to you," he said sincerely, letting his eyes linger on her figure as she walked away. Hey, a man could dream, right? Besides, he was so close...

And then she went right over to Poseidon. Due to the distance, and the surrounding chatter, even his keen hearing couldn't pick up on what they were saying, but the boss's body language told him enough. He'd just--

Ohhhh shit....

She was kept on a tight leash. And she'd left him to talk to...

Yep. He was pretty sure he'd just tried to go to bed with Poseidon's girl, and having seen a mere taste of what the man was capable of, the shifter was sure his face had gone white as he just sat there holding his drink. Turning around, he downed the rest of his drink as he regained his composure, playing it cool, or at least trying to. Setting his empty glass on the counter, he turned back around to where the temptress without a name had gone and shot Poseidon a glance when he was sure the boss was looking; nothing over the top or extravagant. Merely a look to say 'I'm sorry, I didn't know she was yours.' And a 'Please don't kill me' could have easily been inferred if need be.

Then, he waved for another drink, taking another swig. Maybe in a few moments he'd go find some other beauty to attempt to take home, but right now, maybe sitting alone wasn't such a terrible idea.

Jay, to his credit, was a gentleman. A shameless flirt, but a respectful one willing to back off when he finally received a firm no. It left Steph with a twinge of guilt for not giving him more of a chance to woo her. It was a sweet attempt, but impractical.

She was sure the message would come through clearly when he saw her get close to Poseidon. From that distance, she doubted he would notice her shiver as Poseidon’s hand found the small of her back. Only she felt the goosebumps raise across her skin as his fingertips touched her bare back.

The compliment rang hollow in her ear, because people did not compliment dolls, they just pointed out how pretty they were. She felt her stomach sink and her blood turn cold when he joked about absconding from the party, but the panic faded; she knew that was not his game. She sighed and forced a smile. ”I wouldn’t think to deprive these fine people of their lord and master.” She almost purred out the last word, hoping to appease him on the off-chance he was seriously considering just taking her away. She would be good and play his games dutifully until… well, likely until the day she died.

Oh how he loved to tease this creature. She wasn’t a human, after all, so he didn’t see any particular cruelty about it. She was simply another tool, a diversion that he utilized whenever it was necessary. Steadily her usages continued to evolve, changing from hand-to-hand, person-to-person, until she was practically little more than an all-purpose object for him to breakout whenever it was necessary. Some would say that there was indeed a particular cruelty about the way he treated her -- to which hiss response was “Do you wish to trade places?” Few continued the argument.

Would he ever take her away and finally do what he teased for so long? The answer was deceptive and unsure. Jorge was a sexual being, his appetites seemingly unquenchable. What was to really keep him from taking Stephanie by the hand to one of the back rooms of this massive hotel and sample what he’s been handing out? Well, while the possibility was there, Poseidon kept back for one, single purpose; it drove Stephanie mad.

He kept her on the edge. He kept her wondering just when and if it was finally going to happen. There was something in holding that kind of power over someone that Jorge actually appreciated far above the momentary bliss that came with release. No, the man was drunk with power and he would stay as such.

Fingers continued to trail across the gorgeous woman’s back. For a moment he could feel her shrink away but that moment passed as she replied with her practiced, purring voice.

>>”I wouldn’t think to deprive these fine people of their lord and master.”

He grinned. She was full of **** and he knew it, but there was still such satisfaction in hearing the words come from her. His hand moved to her side, stroking her hip as he did so. He paid no attention to anyone else who may be watching them, or trying to get his attention. Rather he just leaned down, his lips near her ear. For anyone observing it would seem as if he were whispering sweet nothings, but that was far from the truth.

”Ooo, you’re so full of it…” he whispered. ”But, I do love it when you call me that.” A slower song came through the speakers and the old god grinned as he set his drink down on a nearby counter, taking Stephanie’s from her and setting it nearby as well. His hand then slipped into her’s. ”Please,” he started, his voice charming to anyone who passed. ”I’ve seen you stand still in that dress for far too long…” One hand slipping over hers and the other resting on her hip as he pulled her to the dancefloor. ”...I must see it motion.”

The following moments, the fear of his boss had worn off as Jay occasionally glanced back toward the pair. To be quite honest, he was a little bit heartbroken, but the fact of the matter was he did have someone waiting at home, and he was still getting some action tonight. For Jay, this kind of thing was more casual. Sex didn't equal love.

The mutant wasn't in any position where he needed to explain that, so he just ordered another drink, pacing himself less and less with each gulp before realizing he didn't need to get wasted; that would be a bad idea. Instead, he just sat at his place at the bar, drinking until he got a pretty good buzz going. At least that way, he could make it home.

All in all, though, it wasn't a bad party, and hadn't been too bad a night. The ending was looking to be a little shaky, but sometimes that just happened. After he finished what he deemed his last drink of the night, he closed his eyes for a moment, taking in the song that was playing, practically absorbing the thumping bass-line through his ears.