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Fantasy Finding Pack and Finding Home

Ghost's ears forcefully lay flat on her head when Sarah continues to compliment her. A growl comes out of her snarling teeth as she instead gets up and goes somewhere else. Shifting back into her human form, she grabs Maxwell's hunting knife without care of what they would say and walks up to one of the logs. It's annoying that the military took everything away from her, like her phone and throwing knives. Until they're able to get into town and get some more, she'll have to make due with making her own. Her hand pries at big bark pieces that are peeling away and with much force, rips some off. Then, she begins to carve them into a more sharper end, her eyes scanning each direction the bulky knife goes.

Throughout the night, Ghost never stays still, having been asleep constantly "getting rest" is dumb. She occupies her time making throwing weapons, trying to find where she's at through the odors around her, and analyzes this pack. All this to get her mind off of Sarah, there's even points that she'll walk away from the fire and take a walk around the perimeter of them. But the smell of Sarah is polluting the air, worse than the city ever could, at least with oil and cigarettes she can learn to deal with it. This smell makes her heart race and knowing why makes it even more irritating. She's been alone this whole time, for so many years, blocking out a lot of people, for the first one after escaping to be her mate. It might be the fact that the whole day has been overbearing, she really needs to get things off of her chest. Whether that be fighting something, annoying the tar out of this pack- anything.

All this pent up energy for Ghost lasts through the night and the longer the night goes on, the more angsty she gets. Some hour she'll be somewhat close to Sarah and then the next she can't take it anymore and has to go off. There was even a few times that Ghost started exercising away from the pack in hopes to get back in shape. All those months of hardly moving and being force fed whatever made her lose her six pack and some toned muscles. Thinking about the other things those humans did to her gets her pissed off quickly. One day, she'll get them back.

As Ghost was doing sit ups on a tall branch, she sees how the sky finally shifts to a lighter but dull blue. "Finally." she grumbles, letting go of the branch and shift into her wolf form mid air. The warm tones scattered across her fur are a bit easier to notice now that it's getting lighter. She walks back to the pack with her head high as well as her tail. Usually such a pose is meant for the Alpha or someone else stronger in the pack, which is her. Not that she'll be part of this one anyone, the pack is not only small but ludicrous.

Her paws feel warm as it walks towards the fire, breathing it in. Sarah's smell isn't as consuming as it was hours ago, Ghost had to train herself to not focus on it too much. But it's still difficult, but her pack trained her for things like this. Opening her amber eyes, she starts barking loudly. After a few barks that makes Fesle flinch awake in paranoia, Ghost is satisfied and shifts back into a human. "Okay, come on, let's get moving. We've stayed here for too long." She cracks her knuckles as she walks to Lucas and nudges his leg with her foot. "At'em up Jester."

Making her way over to Fesle, she grabs her bookbag and lays it on her lap. The heaviness of it, if not the barking, completely wakes Fesle up and catching her bookbag. The wound reminds her it's still there and she grimaces at the weight the bookbag put on that arm. "Good morning to you as well." Fesle mumbles before slowly getting up, using Maxwell as support. Rubbing her eyes to get rid of the sand, she has to put down her bookbag because she can't carry it right now. "Why are you in such a hurry?" she asks curiously through a yawn.

Ghost raises a brow at her, "Why am I in a hurry to get further away from the military? I thought that would be an easy question Fessie." her sarcasm can't strike Fesle yet simply because she doesn't want to be bothered with it yet. However, the nickname did bring a half smile to her face, reminding her of the days humans would call her that. Ghost finishes stretching and cracking her bones from the exercising before looking down at Sarah. She might not be as flustered as before, but just staring at her beauty for a few seconds still wipes away that hardening gaze and tight fists. "Good morning." is all she can say before grabbing the viles Sarah made and shoving them into their dufflebag.
 
Max had given a soft growl of warning when Ghost retrieved the buck knife from where it was by Lucas, just letting her know that he wasn't happy with her using it. But he knew he didn't really need to watch her and his attention went back to being split between listening to what was about them, and Felse asleep on him. He was a very pleased Alpha that she felt safe enough to sleep on him when she had hesitated before. So, in the first morning light he was admiring her features when their new pack mate decided to jar them in surprise. Max growled a very loud warning, because he wanted Felse to wake naturally, but it was too late and those gorgeous bright eyes of hers were open. He nearly pouted when she got to her feet. Standing, he did what he had yesterday and carried her bag.

Lucas had nearly reached out to grab the knife from Ghost but stopped himself, there didn't need to be a fight. So, he stretched out on his side while keeping the fire, one foot touch his brothers and he only had to stretch out an arm to touch his sister if needed. Though he didn't sleep, it was easy to tell that he had gotten very relaxed. So, he jumped when Ghost began to bark, an odd sound he's never heard outside of playing. It has him looking around before growling at her as she calls him a Jester yet again, a card not even used in the deck as he gets very slowly to his feet. "If they're still searching for us, you just gave them a hint as to where we were." He grumbled, busying himself with putting out the fire.

Sarah had finished refilling all the viles that were empty with medicines they had been without for awhile and getting to make more than enough energy should they need it. Before morning light, she had actually start to drift just slightly, trying to take a nap before the barking started and she jolted, half rising up to her knees before falling back onto her butt. She watched, silently as Ghost went about disturbing the back, annoying both of her brothers faster than she had ever been able too before returning to stand close to her, as she had most of the night. Blinking a few times, bright blue eyes looked up into misted grey before Sarah was smiling "Good morning." She said, watching as she tried to help by putting the viles in the duffle bag. "Thank you, but they actually go in here first." She tells Ghost, showing her the smaller bag that's been resting in her lap. It's a bright red, long empty first aid kit from the cabin they grew up in. Putting the viles in their place, she drops it into their bag before collecting their small cooking pot to put inside as well.

The hard part, despite the healing process having begun, is getting up off of the ground for Sarah. Her movements are still stiff, and she favours her wounded leg as a stinging sensation occurs all along the back of her thigh. Grumbling softly, she stretches out a hand into the air as she silently asks someone, anyone, to help her up. Max is making sure Felse is warm and doesn't see because his back to her as he also determines which direction they should go in. Lucas, glances at Ghost and them to his sister. He doesn't want to get attacked if he helps, so he stands almost frozen, a hesitant step between helping and moving away.
 
As Ghost had made her way over to Fesle, Lucas' response made her chuckle. "You're such a good boy, I should give you a bone for a decent common sense response." she says in a somewhat mushy tone, like she's talking to her favorite dog. Fesle can't understand why she's so bent on giving them a hard time, but she knows she can't make any moves against her yet. If Tyson is right about how dangerous Ghost is, she'd probably be able to put Fesle down in a heartbeat. Last night is a perfect example, she went into Ghost's space blindly and didn't have the reflexes to back away in time. That could have been her last night if Ghost would have attacked head on.... so why didn't she?

There's still a lot to know about werewolves and she was hoping to peacefully gain knowledge through the triplets. However, now that Ghost is here, it's true she can make a good pack member....but what exactly is she going to bring to the table? Can Fesle really trust anything that comes out of her mouth? If it wasn't for Sarah being around her so calmly and looking at her with a sort of dependence, Fesle isn't even sure she'd try with Ghost. It's the way they look at each other that's almost like her and Maxwell's gazes- just with more rigid and sharp tongue. In a way, it also seems like Ghost is trying to communicate something to Sarah but is having a hard time doing so.

Fesle looks to the side and sees Maxwell carrying her back, making her sigh. "Max, I can carry it, don't worry about it." she tries to reason as she goes for a strap. Using her good arm, she tugs knowing full and well that it's no use. Her wound won't surpass his strength and his kindness won't hinder. As that goes on, Ghost willingly lets go of Sarah's viles so that she can put them away correctly. She didn't expect Sarah to be so organized due to Lucas and Maxwell's.....repetitive...mindsets. As Sarah puts them in the first aid kit, Ghost seems to be taking notes through her eyes and nods. While she crouches in observing, she doesn't notice how close she is to her, if she were to move slightly closer to the other wolf, their heads would be touching. Ghost volunteers to hold the bag open while she puts the pot in.

Thinking it's all done and they can get moving, Ghost hoists herself up and stretches some more. Her want to get back in her previous body figure might have gone overboard as she feels a knot in the back of her shoulder. A good massage would treat it, but she'll be damned if she'll ask anyone here for that, even if Sarah was the one to do it. She's got to remember how close she gets to Sarah or it'll be too late and she'll never get to leave. About to take the first step in a direction rather than waiting on Maxwell, she stops, looking down at the wounded woman before her.

Her delicate but slender fingers reach up in the air, knowing that wanting help is the last thing she wants to do. Perhaps her wound would be a bit better if Ghost hadn't kicked her. That means her actions are still not paid for and she needs to at least fix what she started. Ghost glances at Lucas' frozen figure, "Pft, she's your sister." she grumbles before taking Sarah's hand. Though her voice sounds as if she's complaining, there's a small smile on her face, causing her scar on her lip to stretch. That's what she wants out of him, to hesitate, just like Fesle hesitates to take a step towards her now as well. A simple, not so deadly, action causes a ripple of peace, perfect.

Not wanting to take it slow because that'll just hurt more, Ghost pulls Sarah off the ground with a quick pull. Stabilizing her, she puts a hand behind her back, careful not to touch the wound around her ribs. Her hand on hers' is tight but the one placed along Sarah's spine is delicate. Fingertips barely touch her body and are hard to trace on skin but her palm is placed firmly to assure Sarah won't loose her footing. Ghost's bangs touches Sarah's forehead as Ghost looks over Sarah with a sort of dominating demeanor. It's not the same one she gives to the other members, it's instead somewhat of a protective gaze. "Guess I'll have to be your Beta." she smirks before letting go after she knows Sarah won't fall. Why did she say that?
 
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Max gently pulls Felse's hand away from the strap, offering her a smile "It's alright, I got it already. Take the time to heal." He says, pulling her sweater and coat carefully up on her shoulder to cover more of her. He doesn't know why he's gone to such care, but hes beginning to know that she's his weakness, he went for her before he went to his own sister. "Come on, let's get started." He adds after a moment, holding his hand out for her to take as they start a little more South West this time, like he's trying to go to that small town he meant to go to the other day, like doing so would fix everything that's happened.

Lucas looks at Ghost, showing his teeth as a warning that really doesn't mean much in human form as she treats him like a dog. She's really beginning to annoy him. But then it came to helping his sister up, and he opened his mouth to quip something at her, but he can't. He doesn't know what to say and instead moves around them swiftly to scoop up the duffle bag to carry it. He's then grumbling under his breath as he walks away from them towards Max, following the other pair when they start walking.

Sarah knows the hand that grabs hers doesn't belong to one of her brothers, and doesn't feel like Felse's. Ghost's touch feels different, feels firm but caring as she gets tugged up in one smooth motion. But it also nearly throws her off balance as she doesn't want to put weight down on her leg just yet. Hair that isn't hers brushes her forehead and clear blue eyes have a front seat view to gaze into a deep grey mist while their breath is mixed. One small move and their noses would touch. The hand on the small of her back with its light touch of fingers, is all she tries to focus on, but her senses are overwhelmed with that addicting scent and goosebumps break out over every part of her skin as she tries to find a way to breathe clear air, only to be treated with her amazing voice speaking in softer tones, and she shudders moments before she's left standing there, leaving her to feel alone with thoughts tumbling around in her head. "Guess so." She says, in a sort of whisper and she isn't sure why. But the idea of Ghost as Beta fills her with a sort of sense of pride.

It takes Sarah a moment to get her bearings before she's starting to carefully walk after the pack, her arm tucks into her side as it hurts to actually breath now that they're moving, a rib certainly cracked. Her other hand rests on her leg, gently gripping it in an effort to distract from the fact that it hurts with use. She trails behind that morning, this time unintentionally due to injuries but is clearly pushing herself to keep up with her pack. If they're still being hunted, she doesn't want to be the reason they're caught. Max sets a steady, slower pace and with Felse at his side keeps checking over his shoulder to make the rest are there and safe. Lucas keeps touching the bandage on his face, scratching at the edges of the tape that bother his facial hair.
 
Fesle's lips pucker a bit in a hopeless pout as her, she knows that she shouldn't take this as him doing more than she can, but she can't help it seem that way. That's all her life has consisted of is paying others back and vice versa, a normal human way of life. This constant lesson that wolves don't tally up good deeds is something she's going to have to get used to. While Maxwell wants to see if her scent can be tracked easily, Fesle still has so many questions running through her mind. She doesn't know if these questions he'll take kindly to or not, like how he takes her hand in his. But there's only one way to find out and there's a feeling inside her that even if he's offended by a question, he's not going to hold a grudge against her.

Noises of crickets and frogs begin to drown out as the day gets brighter while birds and owls take their place. Occasionally, a squirrel will run across them and up into a tree, but nothing of big value. Maybe the fire and the ruckus they caused drove big hunts away. "So Maxwell," Fesle starts after looking around the scenery, "did you and your family ever communicate with people outside your pack?" The question seemed like a good one to start off with. Just like yesterday, her other hand takes hold on his arm, pulling herself closer to him so that they touch as they walk. When she walks with him, she feels at ease, it may be due to his height and muscles, or that he's an Alpha. Though there's something deeper than that, something that plucking more at her heart strings that sing a comforting symphony. Like nothing in this world could harm her or him.

Watching the pack leave, Ghost can't help but to stop behind them to wait on Sarah. When she turns towards her, she folds her arms in an impatient manner. Ghost has only taken a few steps compared to the others, trying to stay there for Sarah in case he falls. Just walk away, this is none of your business the thoughts keep telling her, and she knows if her family was here they would say the same thing. Her last name, history, blood- everything about her is saying to leave her behind. That it's survival of the fittest and if Sarah falls, it's how it's supposed to be. But there's something deep inside her that tells her to screw her upbringing, to hell with the rules of her family.

Her tongue clicks against the roof of her mouth, "This is getting sad." she comments before tapping her foot. "If you won't let me carry you I swear I'll beat you before the military can." her threatening words don't sound so grimacing when it has a slight whine behind it. "Just hop on my back already." Ghost turns her back towards Sarah before crouching down to the ground. "We don't have all day."
 
Max smiled as he walked with Felse holding onto his arm, it contented him, pulled at a different part of him to know that she was as close as she could get because it meant that she was safe. Slowly, as they walked along while the day got steadily brighter, he kept himself from chasing after the distant scent of rabbit, needing to be close to his pack to help keep it safe this time, because their new pack member was... Different from before. He was glancing up at the sky to make sure that they were still on track when she asked her question. "Hmm, you mean before all this, before we started traveling?" he asked, offering her a smile. "Not really. Our parents did... They'd take turns to take these long trips to the nearest town to come back with a few items we needed, and it was always before they ran out of coffee." he said, not really aware how that sounded. "We got to go only a few times, it wasn't an easy or short trip. Once, we had to wear our best, all dressed up in the cleanest and nicest clothes we had. Which wasn't much when you live away from it all. But we wore them, kept them as nice as we could as we went down the mountain. We sat in this tight little space, each one of us in order, Sarah, Lucas and then me... Our picture was taken and we got these little slips of paper that said we were. Dad brought us these plastic things with those pictures and our names on them a week later... I think we still have them." he said, casting a look around to try and find out which of his siblings had the duffle bag.

Lucas slowly walked up when he heard Max start to tell Felse the story, waiting as he listened to the way he spoke about their parents. He knew that if given the chance, he'd have given up the search years ago, but that he pushed on for their sakes. Still, as he told the story, even he could hear the fond affection in his voice at the mention of coffee and their most memorable trip into the human town. He personally remembered getting to try what humans called fast food for the first time. It had sat heavy in his stomach but the taste was not something soon forgotten. They'd gotten to be just regular people then, acting like pups in the middle of town. "Here." he said, having been digging around in the bag to pull out the small plastic card that was worn and slightly faded photo of Max, ten years younger who had only hints of facial hair and hair twice the length of his current do.

Sarah growled in annoyance as Ghost told her that she was slow "I'm not that slow! I'm only..." Sarah had thought that she was a few paces behind her brothers, but come to find that when she was actually further back than was safe and they hadn't noticed this time. They were distracted and she could hear hints of the story being told. Grumbling, she pouted and moved towards the sweet over powering scent to climb onto her back as her heart felt like it was racing. "Only because I'm falling behind." she tells her as she wraps her arms firmly around her shoulders to press herself into her back as she set her chin on her shoulder. Hooking her legs onto Ghost's hips, Sarah could have sworn her heart skipped a beat, and she tried not to wince at the pain from her ribs. "Thank you." she said, glad no one could see the warm feeling in her cheeks.
 
Fesle listens to him, smiling at things that are normal to her but he has difficulty describing. Not wanting to sound like a know-it-all, she just looks at him, depending on him to guide her, and takes in his story. It's a different world than hers', but the thought of not taking trips to humans and letting your parents do it sounds rather harmful to the kids themselves. Watching the siblings reacts to the stench of the city, different types of people, and vehicles/trains shows how "sheltered" they might have been. Then again, when it comes to tracking, migrating, and survival- Fesle knows she has a lot to learn from them. So, instead of seeing this a disadvantage to the pack, it might become a balance foundation of different knowledge. It makes her wonder what Ghost could bring to the table...besides a cracked rib and a bitten neck.

When he said that they might still have a picture of them, Fesle smiles widely with a sparkle in her eyes. "Really? You mean when you were younger?!" As if on cue, Lucas shows a card and she grasps it with a thank you. Her hands unravel from Max's as she awes at the picture. "Look at you Max, you look so precious, like a teenager on Picture Day!" she coos. Not wanting them to take it away from her, she walks a bit faster than them, her eyes glued to the picture. "It looks like they gave you guys some sort of ID, maybe just in case you had to go into town yourselves. But oh my goodness, you look like a baby without your beard!" The lack of facial hair and length of hair are completely different and make his age obvious, but his eyes haven't changed. They pierce through and are vibrant even though the color is wearing off the photo. "It makes me wonder what would it be like if we all met at this age..." her soft voice wonders what that would be like.

"I wish I had a picture of myself, I used to but a random homeless man took it. Perhaps one day we can go back to my hometown! It's small and not the best, but you could see the people who raised me-" Going off on her idea made her not look at the cluttered floor below her and she trips over a tree root. Trying to catch herself just shoots a pain in her neck wound, but she chuckles it off as best as she can. "Maybe you guys wouldn't have been friends with a clumsy wolf like me, who never admitted to who she was."

"You're what, gracefully going slow-motion?" Ghost asks in a teasing, picking way as she puts her hands on her hips. As Ghost waits for her to get on, she overhears the pack's casual conversation. She watches as Fesle trips and can't help but to groan. Of all the pack mates to save me, I get these clowns. The way Sarah places herself on Ghost makes a low growl emit from her chest. It's not one of irritation, rather of satisfaction that she couldn't stop herself from having. Sarah could probably feel it right when her body stays against her back. Her arms, her fresh scent, now under Ghost's nose, all for her. She'd rather focus on that rather than the pitiful sight in front of her. Ghost has to close her eyes and take a deep breath when Sarah's legs lock around her hips, grasping near her waist. The ancestor's disappointment becomes evident when Ghost's hand slowly glides up Sarah's calf to get the area behind her knee.

"No problem doll." Ghost says quietly, more quiet than she wanted, as she slowly stands up and starts walking fast to catch up with the others. She could probably tell that this isn't Ghost's first time having to carry someone as Ghost is already used to the weight on her. Plus, she carries Sarah and walks at a certain speed that won't run down her stamina. This is different from her plan of detaching herself from Sarah, by a long shot. A plan had formed all night, just for it to be halfway ruined by her want to help her. At least now she can get information from Sarah now that the others are distracted.

"So Sarah, when you mentioned that you had a 'feeling' when wanting to get me out from that place. Do you know what that is?" she asks, wondering if Sarah even knows about mate bonds. From the sound of them relentlessly looking for their parents and nothing else, it seems kind of one-track-mind of them. If she was in their shoes, she would have given up a long time ago and just went to make her own pack. Then again, Sarah probably has a better perception of her parents versus Ghost's, coming from their stories and fondness over them. Just the thought of her own parents makes Ghost glare at the path ahead of them. I wish mine had disappeared....
 
There on that plastic card, though worn it still manages to clearly show every letter of his name, his date of birth, the small mountain town the P.O. box was in and when he had been born. It also stated clearly under his picture the year he would turn eighteen. Exactly eight years ago. He tried to snatch the card from her grasp, with its bold lettering it declared to her exactly where in the Rocky Mountains they were from. "Hey!" He said with a big smile as she practically ran away from him. He rushed forwards when he noticed she was about to trip, but hadn't needed to catch her as she caught herself. Not trusting that she wasn't hurt, Max moves towards Felse and wraps his arm around her again as they continue on their way.

"Do I really look that young?" He asked her, smiling as they walked. "Your family has pictures, don't they?" He asked, wondering if for once, they chose a destination before hand and went there to see these human who had helped her by taking her in. "I think we saved a few small pictures. We didn't take them very often, but we brought important ones, to remember." He said with a big grin as they continued on, letting her hold that small coloured bit of plastic. "You think things would be different if we met back then? We rarely left the mountain." He told her, deciding to ignore their new pack members quip in favour of keeping the peace. He needed to keep their small patched up pack, together.

Lucas laughed as he watched Felse with Max, like that little plastic card meant more than anything else simply because it had a photo of him from ages ago. He wondered what type of human would steal another's personal photo and was confused by it as he kept following after them on their path. He grumbled softly at the thought of going to another human city, afraid it would damage the fractured pieces of their pack.

Sarah had felt the rumble and had unconsciously responded in kind as she leaned fully into her, that feel of goosebumps broke out all over her skin, unhindered because she didn't have a sweater any longer. The ways shes being carried this time is much different than last time, and she enjoyed the sense of pride that filled her at the other women's display of strength and ease she could carry her. Though she wasn't too sure as to why.

"Hmm?" Sarah asked, half turning her head so that her breath brushed against Ghost's high cheek. "Oh, um... It's not like with my brothers, but its deep inside, like this powerful pull and drive that says I had to find you. I had to know you were safe and that I needed to be close." She told her in a soft voice, aware that this seemed to be something they were hiding from her brothers. "It like our pack bond, but stronger, different." She adds, glancing at the three who weren't all that far ahead of them. She caught sight of what was in Felse's hand and realized she had probably missed the story about how they got those so called important pieces of plastic. They were only a memory now.
 
Fesle had tripped simply because she wasn't depending on Maxwell to guide her, but simply her blind footing. Her eyes were too focused on all the info scattered along the card rather than the ground beneath her. Specifically, she found the address on the card and her eyes had a slight look of shock before the fall. The shock could easily have been from tripping, so she was able to disguise it well as she got back up. The warm, strong arms around her simple frame makes her smile before thinking he's going to snatch the card from her. Like a weasel, she slips back out of his arms and hides the card behind her back.

A girly giggle comes out as she nods, "Very, you sort of look like an old man with your beard, you and Lucas." she jokes, glancing at the card with caution as to not trip again. Keeping the card tightly in one hand, she doesn't run ahead of Maxwell anymore and walks beside him. "Well, when you suddenly adopt a washed-up child into your family, you have a few pics of them." She thinks back to all the times she had to stand for pictures, causing her to hum. "Not all humans are like this, but it's common to take many pictures, it's like a cherished memory to them." A small, warm smile stays on her face as she thinks back to the old days, "I remember if I accomplished anything, they would hold that cheap camera you buy at gas stations and take a picture. A lot of them weren't that good." she chuckles, but a hint of sadness shows in her slump shoulders. Sadness of the days she had no clue what she was but was happy to be able to hide her true self, as if that was the greatest- loneliest- accomplishment ever.

"Hm, you guys probably wouldn't have liked the fact that I smelled like manure and humans. And the fact I was a lot more reserved in my younger years." She admits, looking down at the card once more, "I don't remember a lot of my parents, like I already said, I don't even remember their faces- only how they made me feel safe, happy,....and free. There's one thing that they told me all the time, in case of an emergency. That if we were to ever split up, never show who I really was, and to go with my gut on who was a good human- stick to them no matter what until they found me...." Saying those things for the first time to another person makes her slow her pace to the point of stopping. Having her parents never around- probably dead- has been something she's grown accustomed to for years now. However, something about saying it to a pack that at least had their true parents around- something hurt. A mix between jealousy and mourn digs into her heart. They never found me, I kept hiding...and they never came...

Carrying Sarah made Ghost feel like she had a sense of responsibility, one that she wasn't going to deter from no matter what it takes. Each time Sarah moves, Ghost returns it with an unconscious rubbing thumb along the side of her knees. Once Ghost does notice it, she picks up the pace so that she's beside the triplets and Fesle again. Ghost nods as she listens to Sarah, "But you don't know what it means?" she interrupts after Sarah finishes, "Good." is all Ghost says in response. Like hell she'll admit to Sarah that she feels the exact same way, only it's more dangerous. If anyone were to touch Sarah, whether it be military, creatures from Hades- anything, she would not hesitate to kill them. But she knew she had to suppress it if it means she'll be able to escape from this heart-tugging trap. No, not be able to, but must escape, her life depends on it. Sarah's life as well....

Ghost changes the subject as she listens to Fesle, continuing to walk ahead even when she stopped. There was no intention to care about her sadness, big deal, in fact, Ghost was lucky and would gladly take her position. However, knowing- feeling- that Sarah would care about Fesle meant she had to act like she cared as well. Ghost finally stops, several steps after Fesle did, and turned around to look at her. The disdain on her face gives Ghost a clear sign that Fesle might not be in a state of blunt comments. But, being Ghost, gives zero craps about that and doesn't even notice.

"Sounds like they did you dirty," Ghost comments, making Fesle look up at her, "you're telling me that they taught you to stick with humans rather than trying to find your own kind?" When Ghost says it like that, it makes it feel like a stupid question. Fesle's brows furrow, "I was only three-" "More of a reason to stay away from humans, it's bad when I could tell immediately when we met that you are soft." Her honesty hits Fesle like a brick, as if talking about her dead parents wasn't enough of a blow. She doesn't needs this from Ghost as a short growl leaves her chest. "Then how do you suppose I change that huh?"

The growl, because she's an Alpha's mate, does naturally make a chill go down Ghost's spine. It's her wolf instincts to react that way toward a high rank in the pack but in her Altamura's blood, she doesn't budge. She's not going to let some human-raised mutt subdue her simply because of her scent and mediocre power. "You do what every Queen in a chess game does, defeat the opponent." Fully facing Fesle, she shows a flash of her canine teeth, "If you can actually manage to beat me, maybe then I'll look at you like you're actually a wolf." Talking about fighting makes her lighten her grip around Sarah, not as if she's about to let her go, but she's about to be ready to set her down to do what she's talking about. By the look on Fesle's face, she's contemplating it as well. Ghost has so far has been able to push the exact buttons of her own insecurities to get her blood boiling.
 
"Old man!" Max declares, a bit outraged, arching a brow as Felse moves away from him again, protecting that little bit of plastic in her hands. "I trimmed it, surely that helps." he says, walking towards her as he watches her with very careful eyes. "I don't think we would have cared what you smelt like, you still mostly smell of pine. Manure can't be that bad." he says, unaware of what it even is because he's not spent enough time with the humans. "Maybe we should get one of those cameras you talk of." he says, not aware they're an uncommon thing now. But that doesn't seem to matter as he quickly picks up on her distress as she speaks and he reaches out his hand to slip his arm back around her shoulders and pull her into his side as she stops. Max was about to comfort her, to tell her that just because her parents hadn't been able to come didn't mean that they hadn't cared or loved her. But his attention was half pulled away as he watched Ghost walk by with his sister on her back, he felt this inflated sense of pride as the biting words that came out of this new pack members mouth, only caused a fire in the woman at his side. Felse had growled in a way equal to his own and he couldn't help but grin because he felt like she really was meant to be at his side. But he didn't want to facilitate a fight before knowing that they were safe. "No, there will be no fighting. Not until everyone is healed fully and we're safe." he said in a deep and firm voice, giving a look that said his word as Alpha wasn't going to be broken.

"Good? Why is it good?" Sarah asked softly of Ghost as they were getting closer to the rest of the pack, who she realized had stopped. "What does it mean? Tell me." she says as they went right past their pack and a frown creased her brow as she half twisted to look over her shoulder at them, sensing and smelling the distress in the air. A grunt of pain comes from her moments before she's letting out a satisfied hum as Ghost comes to a full stop and turns around. But it's soon quickly followed by this soft annoyed and displeased sound at the thought of a fight that could lead to more injuries and she pulls her left hand free to give a reactionary and firm tap on a strong shoulder before wrapping her arm back around her to help keep her balance. "No." she scolds softly, before Max puts his foot down. Sarah scoffs and rolls her eyes as she ignores him and she says "I don't need more work right now. I have at least four injuries to take care of, two of them mine. Give me a week first." Sarah's words, firm but light in tone are right by her ear. "Remember, no making any more work for me right now." she says before taking in a deep breath of that rich scent and relaxes fully into Ghost. She's so content and happy to be so close to her.

Lucas huffs, rolling his eyes as he watches the two pairs talk about possibly fighting and about injuries and whatever else. He's bored and annoyed by it all. A hand reaches up to scratch at the tape still making him itch. "Okay, no fighting. No whatever else, can we keep going please? We're low on all our supplies." he says, bringing in a voice of reason and still showing a calm that hopefully keeps them all safe. He really doesn't want to experience another fight, even if they know how.
 
She bursts out in laughter from his offence towards her name calling, unable to keep it in when he doesn't hide his displeasure. "It does help, and you look really handsome." she says as she walks up to him and puts her hands on his cheeks. Traveling down, her fingertips graze his jawline that's shielded by his fiery red beard. "Trust me, it's really bad, maybe if we go and visit them they'll put you to work." she suggests jokingly, laughing at the thought of the triplets doing farm work. Lucas might kill a cow behind their backs.

Maxwell's words snap her out of her stance that she already had formed. Fesle was going to completely ignore her wound and shift right there. That sense of territory over her spot only brings her back to what Tyson said once again. Relaxing her shoulder and lightly touching her wound, she sighs, "You're right," looking back up at Ghost once again with a calmer glare, "I know you have a lot that you can teach me...but I also know that I have things to teach you too." She points out, making Ghost's lip twitch. About to retort back, as if anything this mutt could teach her could be worth while, she feels a light tap on her shoulder.

Sarah easily reasons with her like how her breath warms up Ghost's ear. It's her turn to gain goosebumps as she is pointed out just how close they are to each other. The fact that Sarah isn't reasoning with her from a pack's standpoint, but just from her own, makes Ghost mumble Italian in annoyance. This woman that so easy to get under her skin, already knows how to reason with Ghost to get her to stop. This is bad, really bad, and not helping Ghost's plan at all. "And I told you no promises." Ghost retorts, but instead of it having so much defiance like seconds ago, it's more of defeat. A sigh escapes her scarred lips before glancing at Fesle, "One week, then I'll teach you something that your precious Maxwell can't because he's too afraid to lay a finger on you."

Ghost looks at Lucas, Fesle thinking she's about to give Lucas another response to get him wild up. Fesle tilts her head as Ghost then looks past Lucas and shows her canine teeth again. Fesle turns around to see what she's looking at but doesn't see anything. "Go on without me." Fesle flicks her head back when Ghost said that, seeing her slowly put Sarah down to the ground. Ghost's fingers graze Sarah's body one last time before walking the opposite direction of them, back to where they were coming from.

"Wait Ghost, where are you going?" All signs of aggression disappear as confusion takes its place. Fesle can't help but to want to keep the pack together, just like Maxwell, and isn't understanding this sudden change. Ghost stops walking, looking into the woods and sniffing the air, it's really faint, but the smell of a canine mixed with city is in the air. "We're being followed," Ghost finally speaks, "and I'm not going to ignore it any longer, I'm facing it head-on." She plants her feet into the ground, making it obvious that she's not backing away from her decision and wants to be alone with it. In that moment, though it could have been just her wanting to be away from the, Fesle sees how Ghost stands between whoever is following them, and the pack.
 
Max curls his own lip in warning as Ghost says that he won't lay a hand on Felse, because he knows that its true. While he could teach her to fight in a different way, show her how to properly show dominance... He's about to tell them that they all need to keep going when she's setting Sarah down and moving around them. He tilts his head at her stance, her protective stance before her words reach his ears and he bristles at the thought. How did he miss that? How long had they been followed before she decided to say something? Why had he not noticed it? As Alpha he should have caught that they were being tracked and handled it on his own. But she isn't the only one who isn't injured and he gives Felse a reassuring squeeze as he moves forwards to start scenting the air. He can't figure out what the scent is, and grumbles. "Be careful, I won't stop Sarah from coming back for you if you take too long to handle this." Max growls softly from where he stands a half step behind Ghost before turning back to start getting the pack to move. Only two of them can safely shift, him being one. This isn't the time for a fight, as he'd just said.

Sarah lets out a soft sigh "I don't care what you said, I said no extra work." she softly tells her, holding onto her tightly. She lets out a sound of protest as she's gently set back down on her feet, letting out a soft growl because she doesn't get her way. Pouting slightly, she watches as Ghost moves to protect them and she stands a little taller because she caught something that the rest of them had somehow missed. Maybe it was the lack of wind, or that they were all distracted, but none of them had noticed and she carefully makes her way over to stand beside Felse as Max moves to stand to protect them as well. "So, what do you think that is now? We haven't even gotten to the next town yet." she said softly, watching every move that Ghost was making with very careful eyes because she could only hope that she wasn't going to have to tend to her as well. It's with great reluctance that she lets her brother take her arm to direct her into start walking in the direction they were already going in.

Lucas turns around when he realizes that Ghost's eyes aren't focused on him, and he's scenting the air to try and figure out what it is that she's looking at before she walks around them to stand between them and whatever is behind them. They had been stopped too long, it seemed someone found them and he snorts slightly as the city scent behind them stings his nose. He huffs and turns away from it, hoisting the duffle bag high on a shoulder as he takes Sarah's arm to pull her away. She's too hurt and until their injuries heal, shifting it a risk. He knows this, he'd done it to feed them yesterday and they could have been so much further if they were all wolf. But even still, they'll all heal faster than a human but still, they need the time. And its safer if they move away from the danger. He doesn't want a scar on his face, even if that would make him more dangerous looking. So, the four them leave their new pack mate there, alone. But the further they get, the harder it becomes to drag his sister and he needs to stop and do as he had before because she fights him. Lucas is more careful this time as he picks Sarah up to carry her further and further away from Ghost, and it pulls at his heart when she starts to softly whine.
 
"Pft, I won't take as long as you," Ghost says towards Max, still eyeing the specific direction the scent is growing stronger in, "I'll be back shortly, don't try to miss me." She continues to walk away from them. Her fists tighten as she feel the need to sink her teeth into something, something of her own kind. One of the most damning, ferocious things that the Altamura family taught her to do. She hopes that Sarah will leave and not see what she'll do because it's something that's become second-nature to her.

Fesle looks away from Ghost to focus on Sarah, putting a hand on her shoulder, "We better not find out, it's too risky for all of us to be here. It'll be a distraction rather than an advantage." Carefully, she takes Sarah's hand in hers, offering a look of certainty, "She's dealt with the military for who knows how long. I think one thing isn't going to stop her." With that, she helps lead her away from Ghost, gently but also painful to watch. No doubt she'd react the same way, and has, if she was forced to leave Maxwell behind.

Ghost catches sight of a dark colored figure walking through the trees before turning her head halfway. "I promise I won't give you more work Sarah." is the last sincere thing she says before fully focusing on the opponent in front of her. The dark brown wolf with beige patches emerges from the trees, walking around their campfire without hesitance, before shifting back into her human form. She's the same wolf that attacked Sarah in the alleyway, that gave her those wounds, but Ghost doesn't know that. All that she knows is that for some reason, this wolf is out here alone, away from her pack, for a purpose. It doesn't take Ghost a second longer to realize what that purpose is when she sees those vibrant green eyes glare at her. The middle-aged woman stops walking, her long, wavy brown hair is thrown into a ponytail. Below her green eyes is a bruise that Ghost assumes is from a fight, but that's the only thing Ghost sees as a weakness. Everything else about this woman spells experience in fighting, a few scars scattered across her arms.

"I can't believe they set you free," the woman starts with a growl, "you should have died in that hole the humans made for you. The flames of hell are waiting for you and you disappointed them." Her threat only brings a mocking smirk onto Ghost's lips. "Lucifer should be used to disappointment by now, but do I know you?" Right when she asks that, the woman throws something at her. It was a curved throw, a type of hand movement that told Ghost that she isn't aiming at her. So, she folds her arms and lets whatever she threw at her stab into the tree beside her. Some flakes of wood hit her cheek as she glances at it before her eyes widen at the knife. It's not just any knife, it's a dark wooded handle with a stone-like pattern opposite from the sharpness of the blade. And on the blade, Italian words are on both sides. It's a sleeker one than Maxwell's hunting knife and is perfect for combat and throwing. It's not just any blade, it's a blade crafted in the Altamura family.

"You took everything from me- my previous pack, my mate, my sister- everything!" the woman's voice gets rougher with each word. "When I found out an Altamura-" "Save it for someone who cares," Ghost interrupts, not wanting the pack to even hear that last name, "you knew I was going to die in there, so why did you come all the way from you city to stalk this pack?" She gets to the bottom of the other reason why she's here, or why she might truly be here. "After I was going to make sure you were dead, I was going to finish what I started- I injured a healer that defied my Beta and I want to ensure she never comes back." The woman admits before shifting back into her wolf form, her ears flat against her head as ever fur on her body is raised.

Ghost's eyes loose sight of everything else when the woman said that, "The healer.....so...you're the one who hurt Sarah?" her tone is almost emotionless as she just stares down at her. Her rabid-sounding growl confirms to Ghost that this wolf is the one who gave Sarah her injuries. She's the reason to why Sarah yelps and whines in pain. An anger rises inside of Ghost to the point that it doesn't show on her face. A cold, classic Altamura facial feature shows as her veins pop through the skin of her fisted hands, arms, and even her neck. The silence from Ghost and the chilling, lifeless gaze is enough for the woman to know that this is it, time to repay her deceased pack what is long overdue.

"Finally," Ghost starts in a low but calm tone as she slowly reaches up to grab her family knife, "I've been waiting to get this off my chest." she says before her lightening reflexes, the same as with Fesle, pulls the knife out from the bark and throws it at her. The next few minutes, Fesle couldn't hear their conversation, but tenses at the growls and snaps of jaws. She can barely hear the other wolf's bark aside from Ghost's. I was really challenging to fight her... They maybe have walked for five minutes before a loud yelp echoes the forest, causing any birds close to fly away in fear. Fesle flinches and grabs Maxwell, knowing that yelp is the last yelp that wolf will make. She can't help but to feel bad for this life she didn't know about, what if that wolf was seeking help?

Not too long after that yelp, Ghost comes jogging back with a smile that makes Fesle's skin crawl. Blood that isn't hers covers her shirt with blood splatters across her face, not bothering to wipe it away. If she was in wolf form, her tail would surely be wagging. Ghost seems more at ease and not as grumpy as she's been the whole time they've been together. And as if nothing ever happened, Ghost grabs Lucas' shoulder tightly. "I'll be taking her now." her voice is mixed with joy and relaxation.
 
Sarah pulls on Lucas' shirt as she tries to get him and the others to stop as she turns her head towards the sound of a loud yelp, a deep fear inside of her that it might be Ghost's and she needs to go and check. "Put me down! I need to-" she cuts herself short as relief washes over her at the sight of Ghost returning to them, but its washed away almost just as quickly when she sees her covered in blood. The moment Sarah is put back down on her feet, she's rushing towards Ghost and reaching out her hands to touch her. She hesitates for only a moment but she can't ignore the deep driving need to know the other woman is okay, she can only give her a look to silence any protests, its a firm dark glare that says she won't accept no for an answer. She gives a quick search over her before she's letting out a sigh of relief, then giving her shoulder a push "Don't scare me like that." she scolds, but its easy to hear and see that her heart isn't in it. She's just relieved and happy to have her there safe and in one piece.

Max lets out a soft sound when Felse grabs his arm tight at the sound of the very loud yelp that comes from behind them. He can't help but turn his head to look over his shoulder, knowing that whatever has just happened, is final. It feels and sounds so final. He isn't sure if he feels pride, or fear when he sees their new pack member, Ghost come jogging up to them. Whatever animal, creatures... Wolf, had been following them, it won't be doing so any longer. She's a stronger, and far better fighter than he's realized and he knows that if any fighting is going to happen in the future, its not going to be an easy one. He clenches his jaw tightly at that thought and turns back to wrap her arm firmly around Felse's shoulder to hold her tight to his side, protective of her now more than before. Max presses a kiss into her hair "Let's keep moving." he says softly into her hair as he directs her to keep going, confident that the others will catch up or follow.

Lucas growls at Sarah as a warning as she pulls at his shirt before his blood runs cold at the loud sound of the yelp from behind him, but he doesn't plan to stop. He wants to keep pushing forwards because that was either Ghost, or some other wolf. He doesn't want to be easy to grab if that wasn't Ghost. But he's barely gotten a few steps when her scent invades the air around him and her hand grabs his shoulder to pull him to a stop. His eyebrows shoot up when he realizes that she's covered in blood, he looks her over before slowly setting his sister down. He rolls his eyes hard when she launches into healer mode, needing to check for wounds because when she first started to learn, he'd been swatted a few times over the head when he tried to stop her. There was no stopping her and she had patented a look much like their mothers to silence them. Turning his head at the sound of food steps, he followed after Max to leave the newer pair alone. They'll catch up, and he knows his sister is safe if Ghost just won a fight.

Sarah feels a new sense of pride at the fact that Ghost had remained unhurt, though she wishes she wasn't so covered in blood as she waits for her to turn so she can climb back onto her back. They're certainly going to need to find a place to clean clothing, or get new ones after this as she makes herself comfortable, unconsciously pressing her nose into a clear spot on her neck to calm and satisfy her wolf further that the other woman was okay. A very happy and pleased sound came out of Sarah, rumbling all through her chest so that Ghost can feel it on her back. "We're getting left behind." she mumbles, slowly relaxing into her again.
 
Once Lucas puts her down, she's satisfied and raises her chin as Sarah comes over to her. However, once she realizes Sarah is doing it more out of concern than congratulating, Ghost's smile wipes away. An eye twitches as Sarah begins to touch her again and instantly grabs both her wrists before they traveled further down her body. The grip isn't too hard, as if she's still in protecting mode for the woman she killed for. To know that she'd instantly do it again, no, attack a whole pack for Sarah, makes Ghost wonder if her efforts of futile. "I said to stop touching me." she protests, letting go to only push her shoulder as well, but delicately.

Ghost eyes how they keep seeing looking down her body and only now notices the amount of blood over her sleeves and bottom hem of the shirt. The smell of blood used to be an everyday occasion to her that she didn't mind it, like Fesle doesn't mind the city musk. Rolling her eyes, she shoves it aside, "It's not like I skinned her alive or anything." her voice is back to it's ruthless jokes until she shifts into her wolf form. Then the blood becomes more obvious on her pale fur. "I only broke her neck and slit her throat." her voice rumbles into a growl. Now that woman won't ever hurt Sarah again, and it'll probably be better if Ghost didn't even mention who that woman was. After all, her initial reason to following them was for her last name. The best thing Ghost can do to protect her is by deafening her from her own name as long as possible.

"We wouldn't be behind if you didn't get yourself hurt in the first place." Ghost points out, already walking and switching speed as she catches up to the others. Even though the fight is over and that's the only wolf who followed them, Ghost ears flicker in every direction and her tail stays in a straight line from the floor. She's ready to fight again if needed to, already feeling a bit like herself again rather than a jumbled up mess of emotions. All she needs to do now is try to get herself away from Sarah. Just a week and I can leave...or whenever I see a chance to. "I should be teaching you to fight, not Fesle, you look messed up."

It takes a little longer than Fesle wanted to, but at some point she hears the clattering of what sounds to be of metal. Coming a sense of oil and machinery, it's probably a car repair shop they're near. Since it's a small town they're going to, it's not like they have to walk a few blocks to find stores. The time to find what they need will be cut in half from Queens, especially without the interruptions of an aggressive pack. "What do we need to get?" Fesle asks Maxwell, making sure she stays on task this time. The last thing she wants is for them to get split up again, so the sooner they leave the town- or stay the night- the better.
 
Sarah growls a warning when her hands are grabbed, she won't be stopped from checking her for injuries, especially since she was covered in blood. But she stops touching her as she realizes that she's safe, and unharmed. She gives her a look to let her know that she's glad that she's safe, and is rather proud of her before they're continuing on their way. "I'm glad you're safe... If a little messy." she whispers to her with a smile. She isn't sure what to think of what she did, so she chooses to ignore it. But she will admit that it's odd for her, holding tight to a wolf as she's carried yet again. But its somehow relaxing despite it all and she practically falls asleep she's so relaxed to be surrounded by her scent before she's crinkling her nose as the smell of humans invade her senses once again. Ringing metal was followed by the smell of oil, gas and something distinctly metal makes her grumble as she carefully slides off of the other to her feet to walk as the entire pack slows down, she knows she won't have an issue keeping up. "I need more medical supplies the humans make, they're easier to use on injuries." she said, wincing slightly as a hand goes to her ribs to hold exactly where the cracked ribs are. "I also need a new sweater... Maybe a jacket, I couldn't find mine." she adds, gesturing at the bag Lucas is still carrying.

"I want chips." Lucas says, as his means of saying what he wants more than what he actually needs. He's glancing at Ghost and shakes his head "You're going to stand out like that." he said, scratching at his bearded cheek much the same way Max does. He doesn't appear to know what to do, he heard both pairs talking as they continued on towards the town. He had heard what their new pack mate had done and wasn't sure how he felt about the fact that his sister was so unbothered by it. Maybe because she had kept them safe from, whatever that other wolf had wanted.

Max lets out a soft sigh as they kept walking, holding Felse to his side as they walked with ease in silence. It wasn't until the ringing of metal reached his ears before it was followed by why he knew was the scent of a small repair shop. A bit of a frown creased his brow because he knew that they were going to stand out as the place came into sight, and his siblings spoke of what was needed or wanted. "Ghost and Sarah need clothes." he says softly as they draw nearer to the town. "Every stay human, and stay close. The sooner we're through and out of here, the safer we'll be. If we must, we'll find a place to stay the night. But I'd rather we didn't stay here." he says as he keeps a slow pace as they continue along. "Clothes and then supplies. We'll get what we can with whatever money we have." he says as they keep walking. Digging into his pocket, Max produces the remainder of their money to start counting it, his arm looped with Felse's as they walk along and stay close together. "What do you need?" he asks her, glancing at her with a sweet smile he seemed to only use for her.
 
When Sarah finally compliments her in a certain way relating to the fight, her tail starts wagging. She stays quiet as she's now able to analyze the situation without having all that pent up anger in her. If they're going to keep in contact with other wolves, Sarah finding out her last name is inevitable- all of them even. The scent alone should have been a dead giveaway to her identity, so she at least knows that they don't know about her. The question is should she wait to reveal her identity and let others do it for for her; or should she just tell them. Wait, what is she saying!? She's leaving before they even have a chance to find out, that should be what she focuses on!

When she catches onto the odor that everyone else smells and shifts back once Sarah is off of her. But once she does that, she notices eyes are on her yet again because the blood on her shirt, it begins to annoy her. These people who don't seem to care about her now see her as a distraction all because of coppery splotches on her shirt. She groans in frustration before finally just taking off her shirt. Smacking it down on the ground, she doesn't care that her grey sports bra shows and that it's still a bit chilly this morning. It's normal for her to exercise without a shirt on anyway. Though when she does take her shirt off, she has to walk away from Sarah, as she can't look her in the eyes now that she's shirtless.

"Speak for yourselves, you all look like you got into a fight and lost horribly." Ghost retorts to Lucas before walking beside Maxwell and Fesle. Folding her arms in judgment of the repair shop, she looks over to the Alphas. "Well, what are we waiting for, an invitation?" she asks but a coat is already offered to her by the time she finishes. Fesle can't let her walk around without a shirt on, even if in Ghost's mind it's normal, besides, there's still a cold breeze this morning. Both of them don't say anything as Ghost takes the coat that reeks of both Max and her. Shoving her arms through it, she doesn't bother zipping it up as she makes her way into the city.

Even though she knows she'll never get a thank you from Ghost, Fesle has to remember, wolves don't keep tally of good deeds. Still, she tries to smile, thankful that Max had given her a sweater to hide her white shirt that's covered in blood as well. "I still have clothes and supplies, so nothing for me is necessary." she's grateful that Maxwell asks her, even if he probably already knew that. An idea pops into her head, "But, I do want coffee from a local café, a nice warm drink with energy to kick me up sounds delightful." Giving him back that warm smile, she hopes he'll at least let her have that since it's something their parents would drink all the time. "They also might have chips there for Lucas." she adds, trying to reason with him like a kid in a candy store.
 
Max scoffs at Ghost "One those is your fault." He says, arching a brow as she moves around them and demands to keep going. "You're blocking the path." He tells her as they're forced to stop because she's standing there. The money in his hand, he knows that this is likely going to be the last of it as he leads Felse around their new pack member to continue down this town's side walk, looking for what they need. It's relatively easy to find the first place, a small second hand store that looks like it's been there forever as he opens the door for his pack. "Clothes first. Then supplies and a coffee stop." He says, watching and waiting for them all to go inside.

Lucas is trailing the pack, staying a fee steps behind his sister as he gave her his own sweater to wear to hide the blood staining her own shirt. The wound on her side had stopped bleeding the night before, but she hadn't checked on it since she put bandages on it, he knew. He intends to help her find everything she needs as they arrive at the store, practically glued to her shadow as they head inside and towards the organized sections of what appeared to be outerwear.

Sarah gives a dry laugh "Yea, but you're covered in blood." She says only moments before her eyes go wide and a blush tints her cheeks as she sees a lot of Ghost's skin. Her mouth feels dry as she swallows thickly, wishing that sudden fast thump of her heart would cease as that casual image is forever seared into her brain. She nearly gets left behind as they keep walking and probably would have if not for Lucas. Slowly, they make their way to the store they need before heading inside and the first place she goes is to try and find herself a new sweater, hoping that maybe she can get it to match her shoes, even though that's not practical for walking unseen through the woods. She got her way before and knows she had do it again if she has too. But even though she knows what she's looking for, her eyes keep straying towards Ghost and eventually she moves to be closer to her, forgetting that she needs things for herself.

Max doesn't really know what to do with his pack being the only ones in this store. He blinks as he watches them, tilting his head as he keeps close to Felse. He notices, that his sister can't keep her distance from Ghost and watches how Lucas isn't shopping for himself. With a heavy sigh, he just shakes his head and slips his arms around Felse, his bright red beard disappearing as he hides his face in her neck and just breathes her in. The pack feels like more work and they've only added two new members, the one he holds though, he knows hasn't added much to that. "Tell me when they're done." He says without lifting his head, the old womans voice from the last store playing in his head as she asks how long they're been together. Is that what this feeling is inside of? Is that what instinct has been telling him? Why can't he figure that out?

Lucas doesn't find another light pink hoodie that can fit Sarah, but he finds a good grey one and a deep blue as thick as the ones he and Max wears. He told them as he heads for her to hand them to her, but he stops and diverts himself back to the front when he sees that his sister is doing that undeniable draw thing again.

Sarah's fingers graze lightly over the fabric of shirts, not paying attention to what she's touching because she's trailing Ghost around like a lost puppy. Even wrapped in a sweater that holds her brothers and Felse all over it, she can't help but focus instinctually on the sweeter warm one coming off of Ghost. Her baby blue eyes are hooded as she tries to find ways to get as close to the other woman. Tries to find ways to touch her that some deeper part inside of her is demanding. She reaches out to graze slender fingers against hers when they touch a shirt, pouting if they're drawn away. Sarah knows Ghost doesn't like being touched without permission, but she's craving a closeness and can't seem to help herself as she invade her personal space among the clothing items. Things she also needs.
 
Ghost pretends to contemplate Maxwell's response while her voice doesn't sound interested at all. "You know, none of the injuries would have happened if you were- I don't know- a real Alpha." she comments so peacefully that it causes Felse's lips to tighten into a straight line. "Besides, I'm not in the way, you guy are exactly where you need to be, behind me." Ghost says as she continues her pace towards a store. The town is not familiar to her but the vibe around it is like many others she's gone into. An independent town that's not to bent towards upgrading their city. No bus lines or taxis and there's still phone booths by mini super markets. Almost as if she went back in time

Ghost shifts the oversized coat over her shoulders with a huff as she walks past Maxwell and into the store. There's a man at the scratched up glass counter, but he doesn't bother to greet them and stays glued to his phone. He does, however, look up at Ghost as she walks by him, eyeing her sports bra. Fesle thanks Max before skootching to the side to get away from the entrance, knowing that she's not going to get anything here. Now, she could be going out to get coffee herself, knowing she won't need the whole pack for such a simple task. On the other hand, there's something telling her that she has to watch over the pack with Maxwell. Ghost's comments might get out of hand and, if Fesle isn't nearby, it could cause an uproar that she has to prepare to stop. It's going to come at some point because she knows Maxwell won't tolerate her comments much longer. How she's going to stop this fight she doesn't know because something she's always been taught by humans is that you never get between two canines that are fighting.

She snaps out of her thoughts when Maxwell nuzzles into the non-wounded side of her neck, causing her to chuckle a little bit. "I told you that you should have gotten some sleep, I could have stayed up." Her hand makes its way to Maxwell's hair, her fingertips massaging his scalp in a way as they run through those fiery strands. "It's not just you anymore that's looking after everyone, we're in this together." she says with honesty, knowing that it's right for her to say that. It feels right to include herself beside him and doesn't think it's a one man's job anymore. As long as she's there, he's not going to bear this alone. "Do you want any coffee as well?"

Ghost's hands are shoved into the deep pockets of a coat that doesn't belong to her. Her silver eyes scan the shirts around her, maybe once a while her fingers will part the sea of clothes to look at one. This whole time she's doing her best to ignore the obvious presence behind her, following her around. Is it because I flashed her? She's not used to such behavior from another wolf, usually when she gives off clear signs of personal space, a wolf gets it or they'll pay the price. This whole mate bonds concept is getting more confusing the longer she thinks about it. I thought my dad said it'll die off if I ignore it long enough?

Not able to ignore Sarah any longer, Ghost stops when her hand touches the coat. A sigh and growl combine before she slides a hand across her face, thinking of a way to respond to Sarah. Maybe she should try to combine reasoning and aggression? And with that, Ghost turns around and put a hand on Sarah's throat. She's not choking Sarah, just giving her the clear sign that she can, along with looking into those crystal sea eyes with no hesitation too. Then, that hand slowly slide up Sarah's throat, grazing her Adam's apple, and uses her thumb and index finger to hold Sarah's chin in place. Ghost leans closer to her so that her next words are private, not caring about how close they are because deep down she enjoys it. "Sarah Crescent, I swear on my family's bloodline, if you do not find what you need so that I can get out of this dump; I'm shopping for you and dressing you myself." Reluctantly letting go of Sarah's chin, Ghost forcefully turns Sarah around so that she's facing Lucas rather than herself. "And I won't be gentle about it." Ghost whispers into Sarah's ear, threatening her in a low raspy voice before walking away, snatching a random black t-shirt on the way out of the isle.
 
Max let's out a soft hum as he holds onto Felse, keeping her close as he relaxes and feels like he might just drift off to sleep. "I'm not the only one who stayed up all night." He says, his voice sounded husky as he turns his three toned hair into her hand. In the light of the sun, his head almost looks like it could be on fire with its warm mix of red, orange and brown. "I've never had coffee." He says, reluctantly picking his head up and setting his chin on her shoulder. He's hunched a bit to her height just to do that, but he doesn't care because its comforting as her words. Max is glad he isn't the only one who feels that she's meant to be at his side. He heard it in her words as she told him that she can watch over them. But he wants her to heal, and the best way to heal, is to rest when they stop. "I might not hold back if she comments on my status as Alpha again." He whispers to her, his eyes tracking every move Ghost makes from across the store.

Lucas sort of lingers over by the coats, grabbing a dark one he thinks will fit Ghost, maybe it'll be big. He doesn't know, but it's something. Then he's going back towards Sarah as he hears her whimper softly, looking her over as she pouts. Taking her arm, he starts loading them items. They've been traveling together so long, he knows her sizes.

Sarah's heart skips a beat as Ghost turns in an instant towards her and grasps her throat, but she doesn't back down and she doesn't look away. She nearly leans into the touch, because it's something and a soft sigh escapes her lips as she feels that touch turn into a caress. She stares back into a grey mist, falling into them as she shudders from the feel of breath on her ear, but the warning barely registers. She isn't scared to be a little rough, she grew up tumbling in the dirt with brothers. It's the loss of contact that affects her as Ghost let's go and spins her around, turns her away. Sarah whimpers softly, pouting because she needs to start over again, these moments like a game to her. She almost gets to go back to the other woman before Lucas is there and putting coats in her arms, then a few shirts before dragging her over towards the pants. Only then, as he looks through a style she hates, does she dump the clothes in his arms to do it herself. She picks out a hardly worn, tight to her body, dark coloured jeans that will be her second pair before sifting through the shirt he has grabbed to keep the ones she likes.

Finished, her clothes go up front as she wanders the store, practically stalking Ghost like she's prey. She gets close before pulling away only moments before they touch, she retreats a few aisles away, teasing her. It's doing this, that leads Sarah to finding a bag of her own. Resolved to finally carry her own things, she carrys the rucksack up to the front and holds it out to Max "I want this." She tells him, putting a demanding tone into her words.

"You want it... Our bag has enough room for everything."

"I'm getting it." Sarah adds, staring at him with fierce determination. "The herbs will be safer."

A warning growl rumbles out of Max, and he clenches his jaw, barely seen in the deep red of his beard. "Fine." He growls, giving in to that look she's giving him. The one that makes him feel like less of an Alpha. But she is his older sister, there are things he remembers from when they were pups that make it hard to deny her.

A huge grin spreads over Sarah's face and she turns away with a hop in her step to put it on the counter, very pleased to have gotten her way.
 
"I know, and I can see why," Fesle looks up at watches Ghost and Sarah together, "but just know once things have subsided, your constant night watches are going to change." She's stern in her decision, even if that means she'll stay up with him to make him feel bad. It's not good for him to barely get sleep, it can affect his judgment and movements. She needs him to be alert and not exhausted like he is now. That's why she speaks with such certainty that what's going to happen will in fact come to be. "Got that, King?" looking at up him when a smirk as she speaks this odd nickname Ghost gave him.

Hands grip around his arms when he speaks about the inevitable. Fesle knows that Ghost's tongue isn't going to be silent, and Maxwell isn't going to let his position be mocked, but it still feels like Fesle can prevent this somehow. There's nothing in this world that would stop her to prevent Maxwell from yelping like that wolf did in the woods. "Let me try to handle it whenever it happens again Maxwell, I don't want you and Sarah to have to fight over that. It seems she's ready to cuss you out whenever you simply defend yourself." A huff leaves her lips and onto the hairs of his arms as she tries to think of how to ease this tension between them all. After Ghost killed that wolf, she already seems more at ease, but it appears there's still an intercourse inside her that's causing all these outbursts. "Maybe we're still seen as a threat to her, we have to show her somehow that she's safe with us...in a different that we've been showing?"

As Ghost picks a few outfits, she picks each carefully because she doesn't want to be constantly getting things she doesn't need. Besides, she's not one for fashion anyway as she picks a thick sweater that's stripped in patterns of bohemian style. The colors are different, blues, reds, and browns; but all dark colors. It'll be easier to hide blood and dirt since it's dark, with that, she takes it- not looking at the price tag. A couple more black sweaters catches her eyes and gets a few as well before making her way to the shorts section. Due to her being a tundra wolf, it's hard for her to get cold like the others, and prefers to still wear shorts in the fall; even until it starts snowing. She's not picking and randomly grabs black shorts that are cuffed, they're her size so it doesn't matter.

Minding her business and tapping her fingers to the quiet music playing on the radio, Sarah's smell clogs her nostrils once again. When she gets too close, she growls with tight fists, trying to assert her previous threat to her. She thinks it's a game...damn healer... Grumbling in her native tongue, she grabs some thick black boots and some socks before going toward the register. She doesn't go over there just yet, seeing that Sarah is going to check out first. Seeing her convince her Alpha of what she wants make her glare at Maxwell, in a way scolding him for letting such a smaller girl convince him. Then, her eyes scan down to Fesle, seeing that she almost has the same glare Ghost does, but towards Sarah.

Ghost watches as Fesle unties herself from Maxwell and walks up to the counter with Sarah. "You don't need it." Fesle comments, hooking the bag's strap around her index finger and pulling it away from her. "Your herbs are already protected in the first aid kit, we don't have that much money too." Fesle says with a stern that Maxwell would have if she wasn't his older sister. Luckily for Fesle, she isn't her sister nor has the history to convince her yet of following whatever Sarah wants. Ghost and Fesle make eye contact for a moment and thinks that Ghost will come to Sarah's rescue for defying her. However, a smirk grows on the blonde's face as she returns the payback for how Sarah has been treating her.

"She has a point," Ghost walks up and leans against the counter, "you're just acting like a gold digger right now, have you no shame?" her tone is mocking along with a low chuckle. Fesle watches Ghost and for a second she has to fight back a giggle, because the first time they're on the same page it's to try to outmatch a demanding oldest sister. "Plus it's not even that good of quality." shifting her clothes in her arms, Ghost grabs the bag from Fesle so that Sarah can't get it.

"The sowing is off." Fesle comments

"There's a hole in the corner, your herbs will fall out."

"Not to mention it's limited space if you ever decide to grow your medicine. After all, the pack numbers are rising and this bag won't hold all that we need." Fesle reasons while Ghost just points out the negative.

"And it's ugly."

"Well, not pleasing to look at to say the least."

After a few comments back and forth, Ghost slaps the bag into her pile of clothes. "Save your money for something that can do a decent job, how's that?" she scolds as if Sarah's a kid. Ghost turns around with the bag and her clothes before going to try to put it down somewhere. When really, once she's out of their sight, she stuffs her clothes into the bag. After all, she can't pay for any of these clothes, everything that she had has been stolen from her by the humans. Just another simple karma towards society. Fesle hides her smile behind her hand, "Maybe another time Sarah." she says, patting her shoulder before going back to Maxwell with a satisfied smile.
 
Max had let out a pleased hum when she called him King, it sounded far better coming from her than it did their new pack member. "Queen." he had rumbled back, right by her ear before Sarah approached. He can't help but grumble when Felse goes against his yes, but doesn't say anything as she pulls away from him. He rubs his eyes and turns his head so he doesn't have to see Sarah's pout because he knows that she's going to pout. He has to give himself these small talks in his head as they're going back and forth, Ghost and Felse, scolding Sarah like she's a pup. He's Alpha, this is supposed to be his job, but he's always put his foot down before, he's always said no because they had been a pack of three, now a pack of five. Things were going to start getting tight in the duffle bag if they kept getting more pack members. Turning back, he's got a stern and firm look on his face, deciding to take their side over hers. "I'm sorry Sarah, but if the pack doesn't agree, then... Maybe next time." he says, knowing that they'll have to stop again eventually as he steps up to pay for everything, he pauses when he sees its only stuff for his sister and tries to figure out where Ghost has gone. "Find her for me?" Max asks softly of Felse because Sarah's already gone outside in a huff.

Max turned his attention to the teller and offered up a kind smile "We'll start with this stuff." he says, gesturing to what he assumed was all for Sarah. His neck and face tint easily with red when the man states "That bag was only like two dollars, its been here forever." Talking through his teeth, he tells him "Just tell me what this stuff costs, so I know how much is left for the rest." Each item gets carefully piled as its scanned, to be put into the duffle bag when they get to it. Its then he remembers about the dress from the last store, the one he still hasn't been able to surprise Felse with and resolves to do so tonight, to leave the pack to themselves so that he can be alone with her for awhile not having to pay attention to every little thing the pack does. He's been very lenient so far.

Sarah's just about to get to the counter to put the bag down with the strap is snagged and it's pulled right out of her hands. She spins around and looks taken aback by the fact that Felse is telling her now, but she looks down right shocked and offended when Ghost tells her no too. She looks like she's physically been hurt as the two barb her back and forth, she nearly growls at them as an anger bubbles inside of her. She's hurt that Ghost won't take her side, though she doesn't know why, and something inside of her knows that it doesn't matter what she does, there will be no getting her way with Felse. She ranks above her, somehow and she remembers the card analogy from the night before. Gritting her teeth, she relents with her lips pulled into a tight line "This isn't fair. Its a perfectly find bag." she says before pushing past them out of the store, even more upset by the lack of defense from the brother who first said yes.

Lucas watches and waits, calm as ever as he follows Sarah outside and snags her arm before she can get very far. He pulls her back to him and wraps his arms around her for a hug, letting her growl into his chest and hit him a few times before she relents and just slumps into him. Standing together, its easy to see they're the ones that look the most alike, the same rich brown tones of hair and similar builds, though hers is clearly more feminine. "I thought it was a good bag, let you have as many herbs as you wanted." he told her, rubbing her back as they waited for the pack.

"I just wanted to get my own stuff myself without having to always ask for it if I don't have the bag. I wanted easy access to the medicines and herbs." Sarah pouts up at Lucas, sniffling slightly because the rucksack reminded her so much of the dirty green duffle back on his back. "I know... Here." He says, hand diving into the bag to rummage around before he's pulling out a carefully wrapped worn bundle. "I'll be right back." he tell her, brushing hair from her face as he drops their bag at her feet and leaves her standing next to the paper boxes as he heads back for the store with intent.

Lucas plans to slip back in unnoticed to steal the bag for her, they used to do it all the time anyway, what harm would it be to do it again if it makes things easier on all of them. She won't notice until he comes back anyway, too busy hopefully looking at the small amount of photos they actually brought with them. They were always a nice little distraction whenever any of them needed it.
 
Fesle watches Sarah leave the store with a sigh, not expecting her to react that way. But when her eyes go back to Ghost, seeing Ghost walk away with a sort of regret in her eyes. She knows that their little act of assertiveness might have been too much in the moment. "Yeah, I'll be back." Fesle says in a quiet voice, following Ghost. It's easy to find her since she tracked where she went, seeing her shoving the clothes in that same bag. Ghost has to know that she's there but ignores her, her mind filled just as much as the other person.

"Didn't expect us to make a duo like that." Fesle comments, making Ghost turn around to look at her. Seeing how she shoves her clothes into the bag instead of going to the counter makes her suspicious. Ghost decides to get her mind off the bag by throwing an arm around Fesle, her wincing when her arm hits her wound. "We're women, nagging can kind be a talent of ours." Ghost comments as she puts the bag between them as they walk.

She doesn't know what to make of this sudden close contact with Ghost, not seeing why she would be doing such a thing out of nowhere. "Hey Ghost, do you hate Sarah or something?" she asks her quietly. The ridiculous question makes Ghost look at Fesle with a raised brow, "Why do you ask?" she ready to be defensive and Fesle has to be careful with her next words. "You just seem to not want to be around her." her comment makes Ghost look forward. "I've already hurt her once, it's just going to keep happening." Though her voice sounds mundane, Fesle hears the first honest- possibly emotional- response from Ghost.

Fesle wanted to respond and maybe encourage her that that's not going to happen, until they're out of the store. The ding of the door brings Fesle to realization that Ghost was never intending to pay for any of her stuff. To be honest, she never had money in the first place, she was focusing too much on Maxwell to remember that. Fesle sighs, not agreeing with stealing but can't be a hypocrite and say she hasn't had to do it before.

When they leave, Lucas enters, looking to be on a mission and it makes Felse want to go back in. Ghost looks over at Sarah in silence, the pain and anger she has in eyes just makes Ghost looks away, loosing her emotions as she pulls out the clothes from the bag Sarah wanted. Then, without telling her, just shoves the bag into Sarah's arms before walking away with her own clothes. Seeing Ghost's slumped shoulders and knowing at least one fraction of her thoughts makes Fesle look her in empathy. What kind of life has Ghost lived be like this? It's hard to have empathy for her when she acts so rude, but what if that's a decoy?
 
Lucas starts to head for the bags when it takes him a moment to register the fact that he just saw it go out the door, and he stops, turning around to go back towards the counter where Max is paying. He slides up beside him and leans into the scratched counter top "How about you pay and we get out of here. I think we've been here too long anyway." he tells him, giving him a look that says they need to leave before anyone notices what just happened.

Max turns to look when he can smell both Felse and Ghost walking their way, and he tilts his head as he watches them walk so closely together. He doesn't know what they're doing, but he shakes his head when they're both out of the store before turning his attention back to the man on the other side of the scratched surface. "How much?" he asks before his brother is there, leaning in and giving him a look. He sighs, Sarah can't run if they get caught. So, he leaves a little more than what was asked for and tells the man to keep the change as he collects all of his sisters things into his arms and starts out the door. Barely grabbing Felse's arm as she appears in the door. "I think we're all set, shall we go get the rest of them?" he askes, giving her a smile that says he knows what just happened.

Sarah's leaning against the paper boxes, about to unwrap the bundle to go through some of the old photos when she smells Ghost and looks up. Her mouth drops open when she sees her, arms full of clothes and with that bag, which is quickly deposited into her arms. "Hey! Wait!" she says, nearly dropping things. She bends to grab the duffle, stops and turns when she hears her brothers voice more than she sees him. Deciding that they can pick it up and she can grab her things later, she hurries after Ghost, hopping over the bag and pushing herself a little hard to walk normally. "Why did you say those things if you were just going to give it to me?" Sarah asks, grimacing in pain at the pain that grips the back of her thigh and makes it hard to breath. "We can share it." she adds, pushing herself to keep up with Ghost as she hugs that back to her chest. She had intended to share it with the other woman anyway, she knew how much space she needed and often tried to organize the duffle bag before it became a mess.

Lucas watched as Sarah hurried off after Ghost, holding tight to the very bag that he had been going to steal for her. He rushed to get forwards to grab their bag and hold it open for their sisters clothes before they were following after the pair from a distance. He was watching them, noticing a difference and similarities in how they are from the ones behind them.

Max drops the clothes into the duffle when its held open before his arm goes around Felse's shoulder and held her to his side as they walked at a slower and easer pace behind their pack, watching them to make sure that everything was going to be okay as he watched. "So, she did that far better than we ever did. We usually grabbed and ran." he told her, confessing that they've done that before too. "We still need supplies and your coffee." he says, wondering if she would let him try a sip of hers to know if it's any good. He remembers the smell, how could he not? But the taste was not something he had ever dared to try.
 
"Huh? Oh, yeah, we should go." Fesle agrees with Maxwell half-minded, still thinking about what Ghost said to her. Her smile doesn't copy his' for once as she watches Sarah try to catch up with Ghost. "There should be a pharmacy around here somewhere for supplies...." Fesle mumbles, locking onto Max's arm like before. This time it's not at strong as normal.

Ghost tried to just get away, that's what she's been trying to do the entire time. No matter how hard she tried or how rough she was towards Sarah, it wasn't enough to make her go away. At this point, Ghost is not only hurting Sarah but hurting herself. Because, in the end, Ghost doesn't want to do any of this. In a way, she'd rather live with that lonely feeling she had before Sarah and them saved her- then to hurt Sarah continuously.

When Sarah hugs Ghost from behind, it's like one last string of patience snaps. She can't hurt her again today, this is too much for her to handle after being kidnapped for so long. "I said stop touching me Sarah," Ghost growls, her knuckles tighten to the point they're white, "how many times do I have to tell you. I'm just trying to prevent the inevitable and get out of here." she finally confesses before removing Sarah's hands off of her. Now that her emotions are known to at least one other person, she can't stand it. She hates this feeling of being weak because things like this would normally get her killed. Except this time she's not caring about herself, but this woman that's consumed her mind.

After walking some bits away from the store, Ghost gives a sigh of defeat before turning around to all of them. "Look, let's just face it, I'm not meant to be here. I don't care what you think our paths crossing is, whether that's the moon goddess, fate- I don't give a damn. It's pure coincidence that you just so happened to be in the town I was captive in." She explains to them, not trying to fake it any longer. When she looks at Sarah, her gaze lightens, "The scent that clogs your nose and this 'instincts' you think you have about me," she avoids using the word 'mate bonds', "isn't instincts, it's just emotions...and emotions can change." Saying the exact same thing her father said to her makes her hands shake a little, no matter how far away she is from him, he still has control over her way of life.

"There's absolutely no benefit from letting me be here with you guys so why don't you all just let me go already!" Ghost's voice gets louder. "You don't know anything about me, I could have killed you Fesle- I could have killed all of you." she says before she pulls out the knife that she killed that wolf with back in the forest. Fesle looks down at the knife and can smell the coppery scent from where she stood, the same smell that's under the bandages on her neck. Ghost points out the obvious, not sugar coating anything, just like she's been doing this whole time. But this time, she might not be staying with them, and she can't let that happen, not for Sarah.

Especially since a tinge in her heart hits hard when she says everything Sarah is going through is just fixable emotions. It's not just an attack to Sarah but to her as well. That means her instincts towards Maxwell aren't valid and vice versa. "No....I can't believe that," Fesle stands up for Sarah with grit teeth, "you say that you don't want to hurt her anymore, but the more you deny your instincts the more you're leaving her drained, tired, and angry. You're probably even doing that to yourself-"

"Just shut up already, you don't know everything." Ghost snaps back, gripping the knife harder. "And neither do you," Fesle speaks up with just enough force, "you could be wrong. When I first met the Crescents, you think our different levels of knowledge haven't revealed to us that not all that we're taught is right? You think I felt smart when I didn't even know half of the things they did? It's called life!" As she speaks, she has to force back tears from revealing her own insecurities to the last person on earth she wanted to. Someone who already thinks she's soft. "I don't know what you were taught Ghost, but I think we all here can agree that these feelings we're having isn't a choice, it is instincts."
 

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