(Miriam Reference)
Miriam stared hard at her reflection in the mirror, and the scowl darkening her face.
“What the heck does he mean I 'need his protection’?” she groused, folding her arms tightly over her chest. “I can take care of myself.” When Raven had left that night, he’d specifically told her to stay indoors. “It’s too dangerous for you to go out at night; you’re still young and you’re weaker than most vampires your age. You need me to protect you. So just stay at home til I get back. It won‘t be more than a few days.” Yeah, that’s what he said, and while it did make a lot of sense in some aspects, Miriam was still a hurt that he thought she was so weak she needed him by her side constantly. He was always hovering, always saying those dreaded words ‘Let me do it,’ or ‘I’ll take care of this.’ She glowered at her reflection, and then lifted a hand and pointed ominously. “You know why he always tries to protect you? ‘Cuz you look like a delicate little flower, that’s why. Look at you! Your pretty little dress and long hair.”
Her gaze narrowed further. “You need a change.” Slowly, her hand lowered and picked up the scissors lying innocently on the vanity. “Maybe if I…” She held them up, and took a lock of long, silken hair between her fingers. Closing her eyes, she set the scissors to it, and cut it off. An ominous ‘snip’ and the lock was gone, fluttering to the floor to lie in a lonely pile. Miriam tugged lightly on the now ridiculous short lock of hair, and with a determined scowl, she set to work on the rest. The scissors snipped and snapped and in no time, her hair was extremely short, no longer reaching the middle of her back. It curled and spiked up above her ears, and Miriam observed herself in the mirror with a smug grin. Pushing away form the vanity, she leapt to her feet and strode over to the closet, rifling through it’s contents until she found a dark shirt she hardly ever touched, and a pair of dark pants that looked nearly brand new. Grinning to herself, she pulled her dress over her head, and slipped into the clothes from her closet. She glanced at herself in the mirror; she looked darker, different. No longer the delicate little flower she was certain Raven always saw when he looked at her, but a stronger woman, one capable of taking care of herself.
“I don’t always need you to do everything for me,” she murmured, running her fingertips along the edge of the mirror. “Heaven knows I love you, you big idiot, but I can take care of myself too. And…and I’m going out tonight, whether you like it or not.” Since become a vampire, Miriam had only gone out with Raven. He always said she might attract too much attention, or she’d get into trouble, or she’d get hurt, and where she went, so did he. But tonight, she wanted to do something. Go for a walk, get some coffee (because she missed going out to cafes by herself from time to time) just…just do something! She stomped through the house, every movement quietly defiant of Raven’s orders. She knew he’d probably be angry when he got home (or if he ever found out) but Miriam had something to prove to him…and maybe, in a small way, to herself. “Sunny,” she called to the Lab Rattegan who was lounging around on the couch on a rather large pillow. He squeaked quietly, and lifted his head. “I’ll be back later. Don’t wait up.”
She giggled to herself as she pulled on a jacket and stepped out into the night. The cool, crisp night air pierced her already cold skin, and she breathed deeply, savoring the scents and sounds of the night. Her keen sense picked up the sounds of soft murmurings as couples walked through the park, or headed towards the café. For a moment, Miriam felt a pang of loneliness and longing for Raven so deep, she nearly doubled back and went home. Just the idea of disobeying her mate and maker made her stomach clench hard in anguish, but Miriam studiously ignored it. It was a good thing she wasn’t hungry, or that ache would’ve been ten times worse. She could always have gone to Astraea and Sole for some company; both were always happy to see her and spend time with her, but Miriam wanted a night out on her own. She was certain she could handle herself. Well, she was certain until she passed an alley she’d passed a thousand different time and a cold, clammy hand reached out and dragged her into it.
The scream died in her throat when she remembered what she was, and she rounded on her attacker with blood-red eyes and bared fangs, hissing furiously and clawing at the hand clamped firmly around her arm. What she faced, however, was not what she expected. Instead of a frightened human, she found herself staring up into the darkening eyes of another of her kind. And from his scent, he was much older than herself. “I suggest you let me go,” she intoned quietly, her voice dripping venom. “You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.” The vampire smirked, baring equally sharp fangs down at her, and crooked one elegant eyebrow. Miriam couldn’t help but think his looks paled in comparison to Raven’s. “I don’t know,” the vampire mused. “From the smell of it, your maker hasn’t been around for a while, has he? What was his name? Raven Varro?”
Miriam’s eyes widened a fraction and she shuddered. If this man knew who Raven Varro was, then he should’ve released her by now. He was either unafraid of the powerful family, or he was ridiculously stupid. “Y-yes,” Miriam warbled, trying to keep her chin high. She dug her nails into the man’s hand, but he neither noticed nor made any indication that he felt it. “And when he gets back, he’ll tear you limb from limb if you hurt me.” The vampire chuckled darkly, shifting and adjusting his grip so he could sling an arm around her waist. “Oh, don’t mind that, I know very well what he could do. But by the time he returns, I’ll be long gone. Don’t worry,” he added at her shocked look. “I won’t hurt you…much. I just need a little fun tonight, and I think you can I could paint the town red, so to speak.” He laughed to himself, his grip tightening when she tried to pull away. “Come now, dear sweet girl, won’t you spend the evening with me?”