To Pay the Piper-Ch.1

Amante paced restlessly, eyeing the clock as he awaited the time he would meet the Master of the City at the Circus of the Damned to account for the ten years he'd been in St. Louis without anyone's permission or knowledge.

Surprisingly, Jean-Claude had not sounded incredibly put out with him on the phone, but Amante knew better than most that what was on the surface really counted for little.

To further put him on edge, Jean-Claude had requested that Amante bring all of his 'cats to the meeting.

He supposed that the Master of the City wished to see how many people had slipped through the cracks without his knowing, but it made Amante's gut tight with worry. It would be within Jean-Claude's rights to have them all executed for failing to announce themselves to him and get his permission to stay in his city.

Amante had also been informed that Anita Blake, the Executioner, would be in attendance, and he worried that she would view his 'cats as a threat to her pard. Not to mention that her 'leopard, Nathaniel, had taken two marks and become his lover nearly a year ago.

What had been even more surprising was the fact that Asher was Jean-Claude's second in command, and would also be at the meeting.

Amante had met the golden-haired vampire only once, many centuries ago, but did not know whether Asher would be for or against his presence in the city, considering that Asher had been with Belle Morte when they met.

Amante turned to face the wine-haired 'leopard, caressing his cheek lightly. "Natani, I've told you more than once not to call me that unless we are in the midst of one of your games," he said softly. "My name is Amante, mon chat. I prefer to hear my name from your lips."

Amante felt something in his chest tighten and drew Nathaniel into his arms, running his fingers through the 'leopard's silky mane of hair. He'd been trying to break Nathaniel of his inborn submissiveness for a while, but the kitten seemed to cling to it like a security blanket of sorts.

"I'm not angry with you, Natani," he assured him, then let him go as the rest of his 'cats filed into the room, numbering more than thirty.

He smiled as they huddled around him, rubbing their faces and bodies along his own as if he were another shapeshifter, enjoying the sense of closeness and family he always felt when he was among his animals to call.

More than half of them were alpha, and yet they still allowed him to take care of them, as if they were his children. It gave him a sense of belonging and purpose that he might not've had otherwise, and he loved them for it.

"As you all know, we meet with the Master of the City tonight," he told them quietly, his voice audible as they fell silent to hear him out.

"Treat him and his people with the same respect you've always shown me, and things will go well," he requested. "If you are challenged, send word to me and I will come. But, please, hold your tempers tonight if you possibly can. We stand on shaky ground, and one wrong move could mean the difference between life and death."

Scanning the crowd, Amante could see fear in some eyes, and resolved to reassure them before they arrived at the Circus. He felt a wave of pride run through him at the fierce intelligence he could see in all of his 'cats, from the most beta to the strongest alpha. This was his family, his home.

If Jean-Claude told him to take his people and leave, Amante would lose nothing. As long as he was with his 'cats, he would have a home. He did not need a roof over his head for that.

"The Master of the City is not a cruel man, but he is practical," he continued. "If he believes we are a danger to his people or his lands, we may be cast out, or hunted. If he should make that decision, do not hold it against him. I would do no less were it your safety at stake. If he tells us to leave, do not argue or attempt to fight. Do not forget that this is the Master that bested the Council and sent them back to France with their tails between their legs like a bunch of scolded puppies," he reminded them.

When they arrived at the Circus of the Damned, Amante corraled them into a rough half-circle, moving among them to offer reassurance and comfort to those that were afraid, and to speak to the alphas, ensuring that they would keep watch on the more impetuous of their numbers.

Because of the leash laws in the United States, Amante had reluctantly set collars around the necks of the wild, natural 'cats in his entourage, with flimsy, easily breakable leashes held by others of his people.

Once they had reached the Circus, however, Amante had ordered the leashes to be taken off, and spoke to his natural 'cats soothingly, apologizing for the illusion of domestication as if they could understand his words, which he believed was true.

The employee entrance opened and Amante stood, two natural leopards, a lion, and a tiger flanking him, followed by the ranks of his lycanthropes, and gave a low bow to the blood-red haired vampire who had come to beckon them inside.

The vampire seemed surprised to see Nathaniel at Amante's side, but said nothing, instead waving at them to go inside.

Making his way down the hallway and entering a large sitting room, Amante looked around, enjoying the extravagent flair that Jean-Claude seemed to have for decoration. The dramatic spill of silver embroidered black velvet against silver trappings and shining black furniture delighted him to no end.

Amante turned, laughing softly. "You know you love it, Ryan," he said teasingly, grinning almost wide enough to flash fangs as the 'leopard blushed guiltily.

"Lovely name. Thank you, Damian. Tell Jean-Claude to take his time. We don't mind waiting," Amante told him, sitting casually on the black leather sofa, Nathaniel cuddling against his chest.

Damian nodded and took his leave, and the remainder of Amante's people took up places on the sofa, curling around each other at the foot of the couch around his feet after the sofa was full.

Jean-Claude had apparently taken him at his word, for they were kept waiting for nearly an hour before Amante could hear the approach light footsteps and the murmur of voices speaking rapidly in French.

Most of his people were dozing, and he chose not to wake them, knowing that the meeting had worried some of them to the point where they were unable to sleep well.

"I know you find it distasteful, mon ami, but really...Did you have to insult Belle to the point that she lost the ability to speak?"

Amante recognized Asher's laughter as he replied. "Ah...I wish I could have seen the expression on her face as I did it, Jean-Claude. I am finished with bending to her wishes. I will not rejoin the Council's entourage. I am quite happy here, and she did not seem to understand that when I employed politeness."

"Yes, but now she will be insulted, and you know very well that she does not take that lightly. She has killed people for much less," Jean-Claude said.

"I know. I have seen it. I was the one charged with such tasks, when I was too young to disagree with her orders, Jean-Claude. You bested the Council at their last visit, however, and they will treat you and your people carefully. Padma is terrified of Anita, and he will pass that fear to others," Asher said reasonably.

Jean-Claude arched an eyebrow at the dozing lycanthropes, and Amante smiled slightly, holding a finger to his lips in a gesture for quiet.

Looking dimly amused, the Master of the City gave a slight nod of acceptance and gestured for Amante to join him in another room.

Nathaniel clung to him with a whimper as he tried to move, and Amante waved one of his other 'leopards over, exchanging places with him without disturbing the sleeping wereleopard.

Asher blinked as he recognized Amante, then gave a slight smirk, following Jean-Claude into the adjoining study.

Giving the Master of the City courtly bow, he answered, "Amante," then sat in the offered chair with a catlike graceful sprawl.

He smiled at the golden-haired vampire that stood at Jean-Claude's right side. "Asher, it is good to see you again, even better that you have left Belle Morte."

Asher's lips twitched as he hid a grin. "Ouí. It is a relief to be away from her. But, you know that. She made you, correct?"

Amante was unable to keep the bitterness from his expression at that reminder. "Yes, if by that you mean that she was the one who caused my death and rising. I prefer to claim the one who told me what I was and stayed with me as my maker."

Asher looked thoughtful. "I remember your outburst at the gathering you held in your castle, but she assured me that you were lying and that you had run away. I assume that was not the case?"

Amante laughed. "Hardly. She was called back to the Council before I awoke from death, and forgot that I existed," he said. "I woke naked in the snow outside of her residence, and found the building stripped of furniture, with not anyone living or dead within. The gathering she brought you to was the first time I had seen her in over two hundred years."

Asher sighed. "Belle has always been...easily distracted, but one would think she would remember a vampire she had created. I believe you, Amante. I remember the look on her face when she recognized you. It was as if she truly did not know you existed until that moment."

Amante nodded. "Yes. And I think it pained her that I had survived after she abandoned me to the snow and sunrise. I believe it wounded her pride that I did not need her."

"That does sound like Belle," Jean-Claude said, smiling slightly. "But, let us move on to the reason we are truly here."

Amante frowned. "Is the 'leopards' Nimir-Ra not coming? There was something I needed to discuss with her as well."

Jean-Claude nodded. "Ma petite was called in to work at the last moment. She will arrive later. Let us finish our own business before addressing that particular issue, non?"

"Yes. I kept my people hidden on the outer limits of St. Louis so that Nikolaos would not notice them. I heard of the way she treated her people. I do not allow mine to be abused in such a manner," Amante said.

"Admirable," Jean-Claude commented. "But, why did you not come forth when Nikolaos was no longer a threat?"

Amante ran a hand through his hair, brushing the long raven tresses away from his face. "I have seen many Masters throughout my life, Jean-Claude. I meant no insult, but until I was sure that you would not become the same kind of Master Nikolaos, or hundreds of others were, I could not risk my people's safety," he said.

"I have no designs on your city. I could take a city anywhere I wished, and before coming here, I held most of Ireland as my territory," he admitted. "But, this is the nineth generation for my people. Their fathers and grandfathers were content in Ireland, but more than half of my people have succumbed to the wanderlust that is so common now," he said with a slight shrug.

"I do not need to hold a city to keep my people safe, and it matters not where we live. My 'cats are my home, whether we live in a city, or sleep in the forest," Amante said. "They wanted to come to the United States, so we came."

Amante smiled. "I love my 'cats," he said. "And yes, I do speak of them as if they are my children," he admitted. "They are my family, in every way that matters. Bloodlines do not matter to me. Every one of my people would kill or die for me, and I would do the same for any of them. They serve me because we are not a monarchy, but because we care for each other."

Amante nodded. "Of course. I have given away many of the girls in marriage and let them move away to settle and raise families where they wished. They know that if ever they need to come back, they are more than welcome, their families as well, whether they be lycanthrope or human, or otherwise."

"It would seem that you and I are alike in many ways, Amante," Jean-Claude said. "But, answer me this: What would you do if I told you to take your people and leave my city?"

Amante's expression became somber. "I would leave without a fight, but I would not stand by and watch my people slaughtered again. I do not wish there to be a battle between us, but I would fight you to my last moment to protect my 'cats."

"You say you will not watch your people slaughtered again...Has this happened before?" Jean-Claude asked.

"Belle Morte did not take his dismissal of her well," he said. "While he was away on business, she had his castle attacked, his people murdered and left for him to find upon his return."

"She left a scroll on my gate saying that it was the punishment for my lack of respect for her and the Council. It was signed by Belle herself, and the Master of Beasts," Amante said softly, the old hurt and anger tinging his voice.

"October twelfth in the year fifteen twenty-three," he answered without hesitation. He could never forget the day his world had collapsed around him. "She left no one in my employ alive. Not my servants, who were human, and not any shapeshifter, nor their children. I came home and found my people torn to pieces and strewn about like so much rubbish, the bodies of the babies and young children piled in the corner, burned nearly to ash."

"It was Belle's work," Asher agreed. "After it was done, she summoned me to her, and took me to see what was left. I believe she feared I would leave her and wished to frighten me into reconsidering the choice."

Jean-Claude closed his eyes briefly, the horror of what had been done touching him because he had experienced Belle Morte's wrath himself before.

Amante nodded, glad that he was not being made to recount further. "Yes. You may pick from among my people, any that you wish, to serve you for one month in any way you see fit. As your second in command, Asher may choose someone for himself as well. My only request is that you do not cause them permanent harm, and that you do not force them to do anything that frightens them."

"Rotting vampires, or being made to lay with a zombie," Amante said. "Oh, and you may not choose Nathaniel," he added. "His service is not mine to give, despite him being under my protection. I believe your Anita is the one who you would speak to about him."


	St. Louis 2003 Amante paced restlessly, eyeing the clock as he awaited the time he would meet the Master of the City at the Circus of the Damned to account for the ten years he'd been in St. Louis without anyone's permission or knowledge. Surprisingly, Jean-Claude had not sounded incredibly put out with him on the phone, but Amante knew better than most that what was on the surface really counted for little. To further put him on edge, Jean-Claude had requested that Amante bring all of his 'cats to the meeting. He supposed that the Master of the City wished to see how many people had slipped through the cracks without his knowing, but it made Amante's gut tight with worry. It would be within Jean-Claude's rights to have them all executed for failing to announce themselves to him and get his permission to stay in his city. Amante had also been informed that Anita Blake, the Executioner, would be in attendance, and he worried that she would view his 'cats as a threat to her pard. Not to mention that her 'leopard, Nathaniel, had taken two marks and become his lover nearly a year ago. What had been even more surprising was the fact that Asher was Jean-Claude's second in command, and would also be at the meeting. Amante had met the golden-haired vampire only once, many centuries ago, but did not know whether Asher would be for or against his presence in the city, considering that Asher had been with Belle Morte when they met. "Master, it's time to go," Nathaniel's voice pierced his thoughts gently. Amante turned to face the wine-haired 'leopard, caressing his cheek lightly. "Natani, I've told you more than once not to call me that unless we are in the midst of one of your games," he said softly. "My name is Amante, mon chat. I prefer to hear my name from your lips." Nathaniel flushed and nodded, casting his eyes down submissively. Amante felt something in his chest tighten and drew Nathaniel into his arms, running his fingers through the 'leopard's silky mane of hair. He'd been trying to break Nathaniel of his inborn submissiveness for a while, but the kitten seemed to cling to it like a security blanket of sorts. "I'm not angry with you, Natani," he assured him, then let him go as the rest of his 'cats filed into the room, numbering more than thirty. He smiled as they huddled around him, rubbing their faces and bodies along his own as if he were another shapeshifter, enjoying the sense of closeness and family he always felt when he was among his animals to call. More than half of them were alpha, and yet they still allowed him to take care of them, as if they were his children. It gave him a sense of belonging and purpose that he might not've had otherwise, and he loved them for it. "As you all know, we meet with the Master of the City tonight," he told them quietly, his voice audible as they fell silent to hear him out. "Treat him and his people with the same respect you've always shown me, and things will go well," he requested. "If you are challenged, send word to me and I will come. But, please, hold your tempers tonight if you possibly can. We stand on shaky ground, and one wrong move could mean the difference between life and death." Scanning the crowd, Amante could see fear in some eyes, and resolved to reassure them before they arrived at the Circus. He felt a wave of pride run through him at the fierce intelligence he could see in all of his 'cats, from the most beta to the strongest alpha. This was his family, his home. If Jean-Claude told him to take his people and leave, Amante would lose nothing. As long as he was with his 'cats, he would have a home. He did not need a roof over his head for that. "The Master of the City is not a cruel man, but he is practical," he continued. "If he believes we are a danger to his people or his lands, we may be cast out, or hunted. If he should make that decision, do not hold it against him. I would do no less were it your safety at stake. If he tells us to leave, do not argue or attempt to fight. Do not forget that this is the Master that bested the Council and sent them back to France with their tails between their legs like a bunch of scolded puppies," he reminded them. There was a smattering of laughter at that, and Amante smiled. "Come, my loves. We must go." When they arrived at the Circus of the Damned, Amante corraled them into a rough half-circle, moving among them to offer reassurance and comfort to those that were afraid, and to speak to the alphas, ensuring that they would keep watch on the more impetuous of their numbers. Because of the leash laws in the United States, Amante had reluctantly set collars around the necks of the wild, natural 'cats in his entourage, with flimsy, easily breakable leashes held by others of his people. Once they had reached the Circus, however, Amante had ordered the leashes to be taken off, and spoke to his natural 'cats soothingly, apologizing for the illusion of domestication as if they could understand his words, which he believed was true. The employee entrance opened and Amante stood, two natural leopards, a lion, and a tiger flanking him, followed by the ranks of his lycanthropes, and gave a low bow to the blood-red haired vampire who had come to beckon them inside. The vampire seemed surprised to see Nathaniel at Amante's side, but said nothing, instead waving at them to go inside. Making his way down the hallway and entering a large sitting room, Amante looked around, enjoying the extravagent flair that Jean-Claude seemed to have for decoration. The dramatic spill of silver embroidered black velvet against silver trappings and shining black furniture delighted him to no end. "Oh, boy...He found someone who decorates like he does," one of his alpha 'leopards stage-whispered. Amante turned, laughing softly. "You know you love it, Ryan," he said teasingly, grinning almost wide enough to flash fangs as the 'leopard blushed guiltily. "The Master will be with you shortly," the blood-haired vampire told him. "Thank you...I don't believe you told me your name," Amante said amiably. "Damian," he answered. "Lovely name. Thank you, Damian. Tell Jean-Claude to take his time. We don't mind waiting," Amante told him, sitting casually on the black leather sofa, Nathaniel cuddling against his chest. Damian nodded and took his leave, and the remainder of Amante's people took up places on the sofa, curling around each other at the foot of the couch around his feet after the sofa was full. Jean-Claude had apparently taken him at his word, for they were kept waiting for nearly an hour before Amante could hear the approach light footsteps and the murmur of voices speaking rapidly in French. Most of his people were dozing, and he chose not to wake them, knowing that the meeting had worried some of them to the point where they were unable to sleep well. "I know you find it distasteful, mon ami, but really...Did you have to insult Belle to the point that she lost the ability to speak?" Amante recognized Asher's laughter as he replied. "Ah...I wish I could have seen the expression on her face as I did it, Jean-Claude. I am finished with bending to her wishes. I will not rejoin the Council's entourage. I am quite happy here, and she did not seem to understand that when I employed politeness." "Yes, but now she will be insulted, and you know very well that she does not take that lightly. She has killed people for much less," Jean-Claude said. "I know. I have seen it. I was the one charged with such tasks, when I was too young to disagree with her orders, Jean-Claude. You bested the Council at their last visit, however, and they will treat you and your people carefully. Padma is terrified of Anita, and he will pass that fear to others," Asher said reasonably. "We shall see, mon amour," Jean-Claude said, then fell silent as they entered the room. Jean-Claude arched an eyebrow at the dozing lycanthropes, and Amante smiled slightly, holding a finger to his lips in a gesture for quiet. Looking dimly amused, the Master of the City gave a slight nod of acceptance and gestured for Amante to join him in another room. Nathaniel clung to him with a whimper as he tried to move, and Amante waved one of his other 'leopards over, exchanging places with him without disturbing the sleeping wereleopard. Asher blinked as he recognized Amante, then gave a slight smirk, following Jean-Claude into the adjoining study. Casting a glance at his 'cats, Amante followed, shutting the door quietly behind himself. "Please, make yourself comfortable, Monsieur..." Jean-Claude trailed off expectantly. Giving the Master of the City courtly bow, he answered, "Amante," then sat in the offered chair with a catlike graceful sprawl. He smiled at the golden-haired vampire that stood at Jean-Claude's right side. "Asher, it is good to see you again, even better that you have left Belle Morte." Asher's lips twitched as he hid a grin. "Ouí. It is a relief to be away from her. But, you know that. She made you, correct?" Amante was unable to keep the bitterness from his expression at that reminder. "Yes, if by that you mean that she was the one who caused my death and rising. I prefer to claim the one who told me what I was and stayed with me as my maker." Asher looked thoughtful. "I remember your outburst at the gathering you held in your castle, but she assured me that you were lying and that you had run away. I assume that was not the case?" Amante laughed. "Hardly. She was called back to the Council before I awoke from death, and forgot that I existed," he said. "I woke naked in the snow outside of her residence, and found the building stripped of furniture, with not anyone living or dead within. The gathering she brought you to was the first time I had seen her in over two hundred years." Asher sighed. "Belle has always been...easily distracted, but one would think she would remember a vampire she had created. I believe you, Amante. I remember the look on her face when she recognized you. It was as if she truly did not know you existed until that moment." Amante nodded. "Yes. And I think it pained her that I had survived after she abandoned me to the snow and sunrise. I believe it wounded her pride that I did not need her." "That does sound like Belle," Jean-Claude said, smiling slightly. "But, let us move on to the reason we are truly here." Amante frowned. "Is the 'leopards' Nimir-Ra not coming? There was something I needed to discuss with her as well." Jean-Claude nodded. "Ma petite was called in to work at the last moment. She will arrive later. Let us finish our own business before addressing that particular issue, non?" Nodding, Amante gestured for Jean-Claude to continue. "On the phone, you said that you have been here for ten years, correct?" "Yes. I kept my people hidden on the outer limits of St. Louis so that Nikolaos would not notice them. I heard of the way she treated her people. I do not allow mine to be abused in such a manner," Amante said. "Admirable," Jean-Claude commented. "But, why did you not come forth when Nikolaos was no longer a threat?" Amante ran a hand through his hair, brushing the long raven tresses away from his face. "I have seen many Masters throughout my life, Jean-Claude. I meant no insult, but until I was sure that you would not become the same kind of Master Nikolaos, or hundreds of others were, I could not risk my people's safety," he said. "I have no designs on your city. I could take a city anywhere I wished, and before coming here, I held most of Ireland as my territory," he admitted. "But, this is the nineth generation for my people. Their fathers and grandfathers were content in Ireland, but more than half of my people have succumbed to the wanderlust that is so common now," he said with a slight shrug. "I do not need to hold a city to keep my people safe, and it matters not where we live. My 'cats are my home, whether we live in a city, or sleep in the forest," Amante said. "They wanted to come to the United States, so we came." "You speak of your people as if they are your children," Jean-Claude observed. Amante smiled. "I love my 'cats," he said. "And yes, I do speak of them as if they are my children," he admitted. "They are my family, in every way that matters. Bloodlines do not matter to me. Every one of my people would kill or die for me, and I would do the same for any of them. They serve me because we are not a monarchy, but because we care for each other." "Would you let them leave you if they wished it?" Jean-Claude asked, curiosity in his voice. Amante nodded. "Of course. I have given away many of the girls in marriage and let them move away to settle and raise families where they wished. They know that if ever they need to come back, they are more than welcome, their families as well, whether they be lycanthrope or human, or otherwise." "It would seem that you and I are alike in many ways, Amante," Jean-Claude said. "But, answer me this: What would you do if I told you to take your people and leave my city?" Amante sighed. "We would leave within twenty-four hours, and you would never see me or mine again." "And if I told you I would have you all killed?" the Master of the City questioned. Amante's expression became somber. "I would leave without a fight, but I would not stand by and watch my people slaughtered again. I do not wish there to be a battle between us, but I would fight you to my last moment to protect my 'cats." "You say you will not watch your people slaughtered again...Has this happened before?" Jean-Claude asked. Amante began to answer, but Asher beat him to it. "Belle Morte did not take his dismissal of her well," he said. "While he was away on business, she had his castle attacked, his people murdered and left for him to find upon his return." "How do you know it was Belle?" "She left a scroll on my gate saying that it was the punishment for my lack of respect for her and the Council. It was signed by Belle herself, and the Master of Beasts," Amante said softly, the old hurt and anger tinging his voice. "A scroll? When was this?" Jean-Claude asked. "October twelfth in the year fifteen twenty-three," he answered without hesitation. He could never forget the day his world had collapsed around him. "She left no one in my employ alive. Not my servants, who were human, and not any shapeshifter, nor their children. I came home and found my people torn to pieces and strewn about like so much rubbish, the bodies of the babies and young children piled in the corner, burned nearly to ash." "It was Belle's work," Asher agreed. "After it was done, she summoned me to her, and took me to see what was left. I believe she feared I would leave her and wished to frighten me into reconsidering the choice." Jean-Claude closed his eyes briefly, the horror of what had been done touching him because he had experienced Belle Morte's wrath himself before. Changing the subject, Jean-Claude asked,"Have you a gift?" Amante nodded, glad that he was not being made to recount further. "Yes. You may pick from among my people, any that you wish, to serve you for one month in any way you see fit. As your second in command, Asher may choose someone for himself as well. My only request is that you do not cause them permanent harm, and that you do not force them to do anything that frightens them." "And what would frighten them?" Jean-Claude asked. "Rotting vampires, or being made to lay with a zombie," Amante said. "Oh, and you may not choose Nathaniel," he added. "His service is not mine to give, despite him being under my protection. I believe your Anita is the one who you would speak to about him." "What about me and Nathaniel?" a feminine voice asked, catching Amante off-guard.