In another world, another time

It couldn't be helped, it won't be assuaged...

Her back was to bill, her dark brown hair her swept over her shoulder.

"On the other hand, I welcome you to try. I will no doubt find your efforts amusing."

She was teasing him. Shame pretty boy didn't seem to want to play along.

Rick's face began to redden, the level of anger in him rising with each passing moment.

Bill stood up, rounding the table to come and stand in front of Rick.

He was putting down to coincidence the fact that this act decreased his proximity to Steffy. Or even more, the fact that he could feel the beast rise in him was neither here nor there.

Completely irrelevant.

Hands in his pockets, Bill stared down at Rick.

"To a man like me, blood is sacred."

He stepped an inch closer.

"And those who hurt my family," he tilted his head, "I always find a way to make them reap their due consequences."

"Caroline..." Rick started but did not get the chance to finish as Bill interrupted him by moving an inch closer, the act predatory by the manner in which the aggression poured off him and towards his victim.

His voice was whisper soft, lethal in its gentleness as he stated,

"I protect my own..."

Rick's eyes flared as the outrage within him reached that point that Bill had wanted to goad out of him. He saw it coming miles before the young novice in front of him had even decided to do the deed. With his array of skills, he could have easily dodged the punch being thrown his way. But he didn't. Rick's fist connected with his lower jaw, knocking his head to the side. He tasted the blood before he felt the slight twinge of pain on his lip.

The beast's muscled tightened slightly at the act, the violence scratching at it for retribution to be exacted.

His head, having barely moved an inch, Bill eyed Rick, licking the blood he could feel swelling up on his lip.

Bill edged forward, lowering his head until he was eye to eye with his opponent and murmured,

"Want to try that again?"

He summoned the beast to amble, it's rising presence adding to the ferocity of his aura.

He saw the sliver of fear that ran through Rick, the corner of his lip curling upwards at the sign of weakness within him. Seconds turned into minutes as he continued to stare down at the boy in front of him.