Showdown in No-Mans'-Land

Roxine's eyes narrowed. "You know, Carden," she started coldly, flicking the penknife's blade away, but not pocketting the whole thing. "for someone who brags to be the City's Protector and the leader of the Resistance, you sure are making a lot of sacrifices. The Mate and heir of Ryland Blackington - vampire gang leader? Doesn't that seem just a bit hypocritical to you?" she asked, holding her thumb and forefinger up to show a small amount between them.
"Well?"

"I prefer 'clan' to 'gang'." Ryland said in a bored voice. "Oh yes, show him his place Roxine. Mike needs a good talking to."

Roxine sighed. "Must you turn everything I say so it's beneficial to you?" she asked, stamping her foot in irritation.

"Sure," Ryland waved a hand dismissively. "I'll agree to your deal. A little gun happy though aren't you Mike? It's okay I believe they have support groups for things like that."

Roxine snickered, but remained silent, though she did stuff her spare hand into her jeans' pocket in a careless manner.

Ryland sighed. "You're no fun, Carden. I want to hear what the lady has to say."

Roxine blinked at Ryland in surprise, before shrugging her shoulders. "Meh. You always were hard to predict." she muttered. She looked to Mike. "Point so much as a finger at me again and I'll introduce myself to your precious William. You've made it clear to me who comes first - William and his kid or the Resistance." she told him coldly.

"Then I say yes," Ryland sounded even less interested than before. "Will you try to stop me from taking a new mate?"

Roxine's eyes snapped to Ryland, not sure what Mike would say to this. At this thought her gaze flickered between the two for a moment, before it rested on Mike, deciding Ryland would probably wait for his reply before doing anything.

"Good," Ryland strode over to Mike and held out his hand. "We have a deal then."

Roxine smirked despite herself, despite her better judgement, and despite everything her instincts were screaming - she was in the company of two dangerous men, neither of whomshe completely understood, trusted or liked.
"No place like a graveyard to talk about the fates of others." she joked.

"Exactly right. Maybe I should choose you for my next mate," Ryland joked. He knew she was much too spirited for the position.

Roxine shot him a glare despite picking up the humor in his voice. "Over your dead body." she replied flatly, before turning on tail adn walking out.
So much for that head-clearing walk.

Roxine's first reply was a loud snort of laughter. "I thought I made it clear, Mr Carden!" she called over her shoulder. "Our deal is done!"

"Should have secured the girls' safety too Carden. Smart move," Ryland smirked and started walking away.

Ryland smiled and stopped suddenly. Turning in the direction of Carden's house he took off that way. "Forget the Meagan. Something fun's about to happen and I don't want to miss seeing it."