"For Will to kill me with his bare hands in front of the crowd."  She said softly. 

"Durden tried... hard.  He said things that should have made Will want to hurt me, instead, it made him want to protect me.  He fought Durden."  She shook her head.  "He was in no condition to fight after letting me way-lay on him.  I'd bashed his face in." 

She showed her father what was left of her hands.  "Durden didn't have to work hard.  He put down and he was out cold all night and into the next day.  I was starting to worry he wouldn't ever wake up.  He still can't walk straight without help."  She motioned to where Will was across the lawn.

"I'll probably let him stay the night here tonight.  Get him seen by a doctor.  It's the least I can do.  He still has no idea how the hell we made it out alive."

"how did you make it out alive?" he asked

One thing about Tyler is that he doesn't let people walk away without a reason. 

"I had to agree that I'd pay him back for the intel on who came after us at your home."  She KNEW Sal would not be happy with this, but nothing was good about any of it so... she had to come clean.  She could lie but if Sal found out later there would be hell to pay for it.  Isabella was reckless at times but she wasn't stupid.  It was far better to face her father's bark than his bite.

"Since he is aware now that I didn't give the information to you and that it was me who hunted down the truth.  He told me if I wouldn't agree to uphold my end of the bargain... he was going to use photos of Will and me to start a war between Detroit and Philly."

"While I'd like to believe you could can be a calm and rational man... I saw that look in your eye just now.  The one says what you want to do to Will for making me bleed.  My blood is the blood of a Godfather, you said it yourself earlier... if over looking getting your okay to date me warrants a man getting beaten for the disrespect it shows you... I can imagine what making me bleed warrants."

"And, yes, I know what I looked like last night.  For as angry as you are now seeing me tonight, it's not nothing on last night's horrible mess that I looked.  I knew there was fair odds that in the right context, you might kill Will for what happened, even though he's the fucking hero in this story.  Hell, maybe you still will kill him, but if you do - Durden is going to use that to make you and the Godfather of Philly turn on each other because the Godfather of Philly adores Will."

She shakes her head, "You can dismiss Durden if you want, but he got you to kill a Godfather that he now insinuates he fabricated the evidence against.  If he did do that... if he tricked you into war once, who's to say he wouldn't pull it off a second time?  I knew if I didn't say yes to him in the moment he'd keep us captive while he stirred the pot between Detroit and Philly and I couldn't be responsible for a war.  So... I told him what he wanted to hear.  I honor my debts."

"Killing Will is not on the top of my list. Right now... Now I am going to have a conversation with Tyler." he says getting up from the table and signaling to his men. 

"I am sorry to leave but I have a flight to catch." He says to Isabella. 

Sal turns to Junior

"Get the men ready and find me, Tyler Durden, NOW!" the man nods and runs off. 

Sal gives his daughter a kiss on the cheek before turning to leave. 

"DAD!"  she said standing up from her seat, realizing that her father meant to find and kill Durden - tonight.  Salvatore didn't stop though.  He was gone before he ever heard her speaking. 

Isabella watched him disappear into his car and very quietly she said to herself, "I love you."  Silently she sat down, praying it wasn't the last time she'd ever see him again.

Vela complied with her friend’s orders, knowing time was a valuable thing and it should not be wasted. She put her arm in his, forcing a smile despite feeling a bit tipsy from having a bit too much drinks and cupcakes. Was there something in the cupcakes? Vela grunted, thinking that she’d have to talk to the caterers later, or maybe it was just her stomach acting up as usual. She saw William_Bowden at a table, his expression looking conflicted. Vela stalked towards him with Tenkai by her side, shrugging in his direction and pointing her thumb to William.

“It’s been a long time.” She grinned as she took a glass of cocktail from a waiter that passed by her, taking a few quick sips before she began to speak.

Now in these kind of confrontations or first time meetings, she would be rather uncomfortable at the start and probably do something weird. She playfully punched William in his right shoulder and cringed slightly when she realized she probably distracted his train of thought.

“William!! I’m sorry to disturb. Remember me? Vela? Skinwalkers!” She beamed, her voice louder than usual because of the excitement and causing a few heads to turn. Vela pursed her lips, ducking her head as her cheeks went scarlet. “I’m a happy duckling to see you tonight. I hear you’re in Philly doing big things. Hope all is well?” Vela invited Tenkai to sit down next to her as she pulled up two seats from another table.

William winced ever so slightly at the punch to his shoulder, but it was a pain he didn't mind. It had been far too long since he'd seen the pair standing in front of him and he beamed with joy in spite of all that had happened.

"Of course I remember you! I'll never forget my time out in LA with all of you. I miss the old pack, but at least I got Yvette with me over in Philly. I know she misses you all too. As far as big things, I guess I have been hitting my stride lately. They've taken good care of me so it's the least I can do to return the favor."

With a sweep of his hand William gestured to the party going on around them and the beautiful building next to it.

"It looks like you all have a pretty good setup here. I've heard some rumors that I'm not the only one with big things happening though. How's life been in Detroit for you all?"

A little of his worries returned as he noticed Salvatore leaving in a hurry and he couldn't help but get a little distracted. The words slipped out without any recognition of them. Might have been the injury or the comfort he felt being with his old packmates.

"God I hope I didn't cause angel too much trouble with her father. He's gotta just about hate me right now."

He smiled ,nearly choking in a laugh , seeing Vela in a tipsy manor, he held onto her arm, to keep her from slipping into a fall as they walked, and as he helped her sit down, she sat next her, as it was offered, he hadnt seen will in what felt like forever, he had missed him.

He missed is old family, but he was glad to be able to get this family as well, for great things were coming his way, he couldnt wait for the future, he loved it.

"Well, you seem to be doing great in the streets, i hear good things, im happy for you ." he said joining the conversation with them. 

“Nah, not me. Tenkai over here is a big deal in Detroit!” She winked playfully in Tenkai’s view and returned a funny grin.

However a few seconds after, Vela noticed the slight discomfort in her friend as she followed where his eyes were looking. Catching up was great and all, but she couldn’t help but feel like his mind was drifting somewhere else.

“Earth to William_Bowden? Are you okay?” Godfather Sal was placing a kiss on Isabella’s cheek, and her heart warmed seeing it, but seeing William’s reaction to him heading out made her think otherwise.

He began to speak again and expressed his discontent about being a hassle to Isabella and her father. Vela bit her lip as she tried to come up with a way to calm his nerves. “Look, worse comes to worst, you won’t be alive in the morning. But that’s Godfather Sal, and as a father to Isabella, he is a little more overprotective than most men- so just breathe, and think of his tactics as a… test?” Vela shrugged before taking her glass of cocktail again, and taking a sip. She raised her brows as the liquid ran down her throat. “Alright now that’s enough drinks for tonight.” Vela scrunched her nose as she set it back down on the table, pushing it away from her.

"So what is it about my boss that you like so much?" Curiosity filled her mind, but she didn't want to force an answer out of him. He still seemed taken aback by meeting Isabella's father. "Or Tenkai and I can treat you to a shot of vodka?" Her adventurous side was starting to come out, but this was incoming danger as she was a really bad lightweight. 

"Sorry, just a lot been happening the last couple of days. I wish I could join you in that shot, but I took a pretty hard hit to the head last night and probably shouldn't push my luck."

If Sal's actions were a test, then he had a feeling the hard part was yet to come. Still, it wasn't bad advice. Vela had always had a pretty good read on people, even if she did seem to be a few drinks in.

"I'm not worried about what your Godfather will do to me. His bullet would be just the same as anyone else's and if I was worried about dying I'd have gotten out of this work a long time ago. I just don't want to put more on Isabella's plate by upsetting things too bad."

A brief moment of hesitation followed as William considered her other question. He wasn't entirely sure what he felt for Isabella yet. All he knew for sure is that he put his life in danger for hers without a second thought and it still seemed like the only right thing he'd done that night. He let out a pent up sigh and grinned at Vela.

"Your boss is probably the toughest woman I know, and I could tell that just knowing her for a day. She's also got to have a kind streak a mile wide since she's taking care of my dumb mug with how beat up I am. She does seem like somethings eating her up though and I worry about that. I gotta admit it's all been a whirlwind so far so I'm not sure what I'm going to end up thinking, but I don't mind trying to figure it out."

Finishing her drink, Isabella stands from the table.  She'd had about as much of a party as she could possibly take for one night.  Wordlessly she walked past her celebratory crew and wandered into the house and up the stairs to her bedroom.  Maybe life would feel a bit more hopeful after a few hours rest.

Undressing she put on a silk night gown, opened her window to let the fresh air and happy sounds of party-goers into the room, and slid between the sheets.  Closing her eyes she found Elias was already waiting there for her.  He held out his hand and smiled.  Wordlessly the two of them went on a long walk together among the stars and everything was as it should be, for just a little while.

Vela found great joy from hearing William's thoughts on her boss, Isabella. She crossed her arms and her ears perked up as she listened attentively, the loud chatter in the room beginning to silence as everyone stuffed food in their mouths. It was dinner time, and she too was hungry from having had so much alcoholic beverages in one night. "Hey look, I didn't mean to present a threat. Well, you know what I meant. And you're so sweet!" She chatted, uncrossing her arms and bringing it up to her hair. Her black hair was really starting to annoy her, and she pushed it back. As she returned her hands to her sides, she let out a deep sigh, wondering how long she had been at the party now since she felt like she had been here for ages. Consuming vodka shots one at a time. "Apologies. I need to excuse myself." Vela started to feel sick to her stomach, and she politely excused herself from the conversation before turning around to look at Tenkai apologetically. She waved a hand in the air. "No no. You stay. You two catch up and I'll just be in the ladies room. I feel really.. dizzy." Her eyes widened when she suddenly felt nauseous. Vela didn't want to make a mess on the floor, so she turned around in the direction of the bathroom, not looking back to hear Tenkai or William's response to her sudden disappearance. "Gosh, seriously... Get it together, Vela." Her heels stomped across the hall, gathering a few looks from the members, to which she reacted to by giving a forced smile. "Don't mind me, guys." She held her evening gown up in case she'll trip on it, knowing her luck. 

Once she reached the bathroom, she felt herself relax. The thought of vomiting vanished immediately, and she slid down against the bathroom wall. Sitting down on her butt now, she brought her knees up to her face and took deep breaths. The music, food, drinks and friendly conversations were enjoyable, but Vela knew she could get ahead of herself sometimes. For example, taking one too many drinks. The glass of cocktail would be her last, she promised to herself as she rose from her position and made her way to the sinks. Her reflection in the mirror made her smile, but her eyes were glossy from incoming tears. When she was drunk, she could be emotional and affectionate. Tonight, the consumption of the alcohol would bring her to think about her mother, who was pretty much a mini version of her. "I miss you, Ma..." Vela sniffed, bringing a hand up to her eyes to wipe the wetness from her eyelids. Her hand shook, and she clenched both of them into fists when she brought it back down to her sides. "Vela... stop. Look at you. You're a mess." She thought so lowly of herself, but really it was the only way to get her out of the past. Vela shook her head and put her head close to the tap as she used a hand to turn on the water. She adjusted it to be lukewarm, so she could wash her face as if wetting her face could relieve her of the past. Now she turned off the tap, raising her chin as she wiped her face with some tissues. When she walked out feeling better than before, her eyes landed on Isabella who seemed to be in a rush to get back upstairs. 

Her heart softened as she saw a look of tiredness rush over her boss' face. Vela wanted to stop her and say goodnight, but she respected her space and left her to get some rest. She proceeded to walk across the hall, coming back to Tenkai and William. "Yeah. I'm sure you guys saw the Don slipping out of the party too right?" Vela sighed, sliding back into the seat she was sitting on before next to Tenkai. She stuck her nose in the air, looking up at the ceiling which was high enough to reach the sky probably. As her eyes looked around, she almost shut her eyes and drifted to sleep. "Should we wrap this night up? One more shot of vodka?" Vela asked, raising her eyebrows playfully but stopped herself when she got serious expressions in response. "Okay okay I'm kidding.. Geez. Well it was nice to see you again, William. I hope this won't be the last meeting, though I'm not worried it will be. It seems as if wherever Isabella is, you are there by her side." Vela smiled wholeheartedly and offered her hand out for a handshake, since maybe a hug would be too... much. But she hadn't seen him in forever, so she removed her hand and instead embraced him in a hug. "We didn't talk much I know so this is probably weird to you.. but damn it feels good to meet someone who was a previous Skinwalker." She spoke excitedly. Vela's attention flicked to Tenkai, and she pouted. "Aww c'mere. Group hug!! Feel better William!!" She gushed, her soberness leaving her side completely and a wave of overwhelming happiness rushed over her. In that moment, she wished the world would freeze so she could cherish this moment. The family was safe, and she promised to herself that she would help to maintain the safety of those around her. 

"Should we attack Miss Isabella_Luciano with a group hug or do you think she's already sound asleep?" Vela appealed, abandoning the group hug and looking back at William_Bowden and Tenkai with blissful eyes.

Vela seemed to be in a rough way when she left the table, but by her own admission she was a few drinks in. William just shrugged at Tenkai and finished off the small bit of food he had on his plate. When Vela returned, she certainly seemed to be in higher spirits and William was glad when she decided to go for a hug instead of a handshake. They hadn't spoken much but he'd always seen the way Vela lit up the room and had grown fond of having her around.

"I promise you'll see me around again. I haven't been to Detroit nearly enough to visit you guys and it's about time I fix that."

William was starting to tire out from the stress of the day and it was showing. It had started well and it was ending well, but the middle had been a trudge that would weigh on him for a while. He smiled at Vela's concern for both him and Isabella, but it didn't quite reach the rest of his face.

"I'll be fine with a little bit more rest. I've been roughed up pretty bad before and know it isn't gonna stick. As far as your boss, she's had a hell of a lot on her mind. Let's give her a chance to relax on her own for tonight. Maybe tomorrow you can catch her for that hug, I think she'll be appreciative."

He was proud of his old pack mates for all that they seemed to have accomplished. They were keeping a part of the group together and safe and in this line of work that was a tall task. Yet here they were safe, sound, and happy. If he weren't so damn tired he'd probably spend the whole night drinking with them and really catching up, but there would always be more chances.

"Hey, would one of you mind showing me a place I can catch up on rest? I'm afraid I'm about to pass out on you guys."

Overhearing this new guy, he wanted a place to rest. I walked up to him," William, right? I had heard about a request. I can show you to a most comfortable guest room if you would like, that is if Don Isabella did not mind."

I had filled my plate somewhat, maybe drank a little bit too much, but this was a good time. I had seen GF Sal here, and had hoped that was a good thing rather than what most people think when the GF shows at an event. Not that he cannot come to whatever he wants, mind you. Everyone seemed like they were having a good time, so that was good. I did not knoww much, if any about this William guy, so I will be watching this guy more than likely.

In between her muffled words and tired sighs, she nodded in response to William's statement. "That won't be a problem. There's actually a room right across from the boss' own chamber. You can take that one, since I don't think Godfather won't be here for the night." Vela had seen Godfather Sal exit the premises, so she assured William that it was free for him to take. Vela suddenly noticed Jewel, her presence hanging close, and she expressed her greetings to William. "Oh. Perfect timing. Jewel can escort you there then, if you don't mind." Vela returned a gentle, but lazy smile towards Jewel, who seemed to be a little tipsy, but it wasn't that noticeable anyways. The tables were being cleaned, and the decorations were being taken off the wall. Vela sensed the night coming to an end, and she turned to Tenkai as she let out a long sigh. "Alright you robot, lets head home as well." 

 " Yes,  know that room, that would be perfect for William. I believe it has been cleaned and put bag together too." Just whenever William is ready, I do not wanna rush him, if he, I dont know needed to do something else first. Hospitable, is that what it is called, well you know if that isnt right, what I mean I am sure. Sometimes French to English does not always come out right."

He looked over at vela, and listened to her speaking , he was surprised she could speak clearly , seeing how typsy she really was , he could see she was excusing herself, as she was saying herher last statements .

As she called him a robot, he nearly cracked a smile , almost making him laugh , he shook his head and smirked at her , he stood up, and walked over to her , extending his arm , so she could get up steadily , he then watched her stand, and they madmade their way towards the head quarters, and he sighed picking her up , cradling her into his chest , as they walked up the steps , going to her room .

"Hey , me being a robot, keeps you going and makes sure your safe ." He chuckled a little .