He didn't expect her to take him up on his offer, his concern obviously causing her some discomfort. Don't be such a soft touch, Alister. She's a thief. He had to remind himself, but he couldn't be mad at her. Even now his posture was lax, his tail held low and still, ears fallen back. At the same time his arms were folded tightly to his chest, shoulders square. The shorter woman would have a hell of a time trying to bull her way past him. He wasn't quite Aro's height, but he was close enough, and long hours spent drilling with sword and shield had given him a powerful physique. His muscles were taut and defined, without being too bulky, making him a force both on the battlefield or off.
What she said next shocked him. Hazel eyes were thrown open wide and for a moment he gaped at her, no words coming out. Alister looked absolutely ridiculous, standing there. His arms fell to his sides and it wasn't until the shock died away that he was able to snap his jaws back together. How did she know? The memories quickly flooded back to him. He'd been vague, but something about the way he behaved only seemed to make it clearer and she'd seen right through him. He never had been one for subtlety. The grin on her muzzle was openly mocking, mirth filling her amethyst eyes.
Slowly, he felt a twinge of anger burn through him. His eyes narrowed on her frame, no longer avoiding her, and slowly a single pearly dagger peeked out from his lips. She'd struck a cord, a chink in his armor. Alister's growl was so soft it was nearly inaudible, but he couldn't stop it from sounding. That was a little too far. His fingers tensed, and he was tempted to advance towards her. He was a patient man, but being mocked like this, it angered and frustrated him to no end. Was she so insensitive? To live with honor, was that so unsual? Before he could say anything, retort a reply she changed the subject, and set it aside. He exhaled, teeth clenched, and refused to look at her, nodding only once in her regard.
The woman was unrelenting and her features spoke of her irritation. He could see it in how tense she was. This wasn't looking good for him. Sidra could have saved herself some time and trouble and just handed it over. He knew she had it...or did she? No. He couldn't be doubting himself, not now. There was no one else who could have stolen it. No one. She was the last person he was with before it went missing. It had to be her. Alister tilted his head as he caught further traces of movement beneath her cloak. His eyes narrowed again, and fixed on the spot, then up to her face. Each moment that passed made her guilt that much more obvious.
She lunged at him, but he didn't so much as flinch. A defensive snarl wrinkled his muzzle, but he didn't make any move to reciprocate. He just wasn't going to give her that satisfaction. The tawny man hadn't wronged her before, and he certainly wasn't going to start now. It was an affront to him that she'd held up for so long, but now her vaneer was crumbling. "Oh, so it's your hallway now, is it? What about everyone else who lives here? Hmm...What about them? He watched as she turned towards the wall, crossing her arms against her chest. She was a little more subdued now, but the anger was still there, burning behind pools that, despite the hatred they bore him, still appeared dazzling somehow. The bastard hybrid had still yet to see their like.
"You know what I want, Sidra. And I suggest you give it to me...Now." His voice was strangely commanding, proving that he was more complex than she realized, and certainly no fool. His lips were set in a hard frown, brows knitting harsh lines on his face. Just how long was she going to keep this up?
Photo courtesy of Temari 09
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