Small Towns 1x1

[BlueJae]

"Have you ever stopped for one second in your incompetent life to ask yourself why? Why is this town so secluded? Why is there only on way in and one way out? Why do you eat meat more then anything else? Why are people killed so randomly? Or maybe where, have you tried that? Where do their bodies go? Where is the rest of humanity? Where do we go at night? Or how? How do we do the things we do? How do we get things when no one comes to town? How has no one found us yet? Ah... Of course you haven't- because then I'd have to kill you."​

 

[ROUX]

This was town number six.


Leon tapped the tips of his fingers on top of the blue album cover, staring worriedly at the clock, counting down the minutes until nine. Today of all days he'd decided to skip his suppressants - well no, he'd forgotten them at first. But he hadn't thought he would really need them so he hadn't bothered to go back for the bottle, he only took the pills for backup, and he hadn't had any episode of the kind for month's now. He was able to control it even without the drugs. Or so he'd thought. Could be the moon, it was nearly full after all. Maybe it was the fact that he'd moved into a population teeming with other wolves, or at least, his senses made it seem this way. It always seemed overwhelming to him, especially an Alpha's sent. The Omega's heightened senses were extremely strong - the abilities seemed to almost be flip flopped, with Alpha's getting the size and strength, and the Omegas on the other end receiving the powerfully acute senses to make up for their own lack of strength. Of course, Leon had done all he could to counteract this, working out at every possible opportunity even though his body strained against it. As a result, he wasn't exactly small and skinny, more lean muscle than anything else. He always hid as much as he could about his rank, not exactly ashamed of it, but highly aware of the vulnerability he had inherited from the transition.


Today, however, was not going to be a good day for that. He fidgeted, shifting from foot to foot as he thought. He should have taken the pills - his heat was approaching with vigor, from being suppressed for too long. It wasn't even in it's full swing and he still felt a bit feverish, as the need tried to take it's hold. He hated himself for this, he really did. He knew what he smelled like, he knew what message it scent, and his expression worsened with every minute closer to closing. It was everything he was trying not to be. Leon tried to convince himself that he was being stupid, that there was a one in a million chance an Alpha would walk into this store, in the span of the next five minutes - in fact, he'd made a point to stay out of the way of all of the other wolves in the area within the area. He had been in the secluded town for about a week now, and he had successfully stayed unknown. All of the other werewolves were part of one pack or another, and Leon had no interest in being the bitch of the group - not after he had fallen from governing the one he'd left behind. He didn't want a pack, didn't need one. And he certainly didn't need to be taken advantage of by some cocky Alpha.
​

 

[BlueJae]

"Well now." Nathinel looked at his shirt with a frown plastered on his face, how messy that had been, all that thrashing and for what? Nothing. It ended all the same way. Everyone had their own particular pricks and ticks of course, but in the end it was all the same. Sometimes he wondered just what he was doing limiting himself, but then of course it hit him, he wasn't. This wasn't a job, it was simply a hobby, and shouldn't be taken so seriously. He enjoyed his work everytime either way, so there was no reason to sit around and complain. This, however, was going to cause him to be late- damn. He would have to make up some bullshit story, but no trouble, they always beleived him- what an angel he was. Bat those eye lashes, give them that smile, and there was no question about it. Maybe he should start with them and see what makes them so dense...No, he would never, oh how terrible- think of all the shit he would have to clean up! Gosh, too much indeed.

That was the sixth one this week.

​

Nathinel Guild, a wolf in sheep's clothing, and while this can go many ways, even literally- it is meant in only one. As a human he is more of a threat than a wolf, and what a gag that is of course- and no one knows. A little game, that's all it is. As himself he's no taller than five ten, wearing glasses that all but give him an unintimidating look, and that's the point. That coy smile, deep brown eyes, the fangs hidden so casually behind his lips, funny how he's much more of a wolf now than ever. Two faced you could say. When in his mundane skin he's nothing but the kind of person you wish to meet one day, doing tasks for you, complimenting you, surprising you in the most pleasant of ways when you least expect it. But that's part of his game. All of it. Now, once a wolf, well- you might've just met your end. Werewolves are not small, alphas are less so. At eight and a half feet tall his black fured build will mostly likely crush those who get in his way. Once extrovert he turns all but introverted and might just go for your throat if you speak before making yourself known. Surprised easily, he is not, strict he is. But what else is an alpha supposed to do when you've a pack to control and a fight to keep at bay daily, nightly? His only escape, his beloved hobby, and now it's over. No matter, now it's just a peaceful walk home. The store lights slowly going out, he can see one that's still open up ahead, slowly approching it with a blank expression.

 

[ROUX]

The second the clock hit his awaited number, Leon sprang from his spot, knocking his head into a shelf from standing up too quick and cursing. He hurriedly crouched to pick up the fallen records, placing them back before dashing around, locking everything up quickly. It was getting bad at this point really, and he panted a bit, feeling the literal heated feeling creep up on him like a devilish fever. The first part of the heat was nothing, however, compared to the pain he'd feel later on. He grimaced as he crossed the room to turn off the lights, every movement, every touch sensitive at the moment, and would only grow stronger over the next day or so. He stopped, feeling the moon's glowing light on his arm as if it were one of the rays from the sun, running a hand through his hair, and wiping away the sweat on his brow. He heeded to go. Now.


He moved away from the window and turned in the darkness, whipping out his other set of keys before opening the door, stepping out, preceding to lock it behind him, before turning and freezing on the doorstep. His eyes flashed gold as his body went rigid, and his pupils dilated as the sent reached his nose. His worst fear had come true - and as usual, he could do absolutely nothing about it. There was an Alpha, and he was close. And if he could smell the Alpha's scent from here...they could definitely sell his own. Leon knew enough not to be around an Alpha werewolf in heat, he couldn't trust them. But what was far worse, is that he couldn't trust himself either. He couldn't hide it this time, couldn't trick his way out of this.


He shut his mouth - he had in fact been gaping - as his mind decided to work again. Door? Or car? If he stayed inside, he could still be caught....no, he would have to make a run for the back of the building. And so he did, taking off, a fast and as silently as possible towards his transportation.

 

[BlueJae]

So much to do, so late, he shouldn't have gotten so caught up but after learning about their arachniphobia...He just couldn't help himself. Now that he thought about it he didn't pull the spiders out of...Nathinel paused, then groaned, bringing his palm to his face- more work. He brought this upon himself, he couldn't argue. Alright, no time to dwindle- course two steps in and his nose was inhaling a familiar scent, well not personally but memory wise. He stopped in time to see the figure slip away. Oh there were so many issues with this, so many, and he was already getting a headache just from previous complications. Alright. Alright. This was not his problem, this was not. Or was it? Ok, think this through Nathin, think, surely you can figure this whole thing out.


Ok, let's be reasonable here. You've never seen them in your life, never smelled that scent. Happens all the time with th minority pack- oh but that was an issue that he would have to do somethig about, they'd be cossing pack borders if that was what he was thinking about- scratch that. Maybe they were just new? But then he'd have to initiate something to figure out where they belonged...Oh for fucks sake no matter which way you looked at it he had to go after them. They weren't from his pack, he knew this for two reasons, his own pack would never run from him and they certainly did not smell like such. Well, wasn't this just dandy. Fan-fucking-tastic. He'd be later than expected but at least this gave him a formal and reasonable reason. Ok. Wolf, not human, treat it as such. He turned his head, eyes reflecting the pools of light coming from the moon before they flashed. He closed them for a moment, or rather just blinked very slowly, and when he opened them back up he could feel the stir. Good, it was up, they had business to deal with. Despite being the same person, creature, beast, their differences were evident, he had to put the damn thing to sleep to actually do what he loved most. Now then, down to business, it wouldn't be too hard, that scent was absolutely suffocating, and speaking of, didn't that mean...Could this night just stop already? Pain in the ass aside, he proceeded.

 

[ROUX]

"Come on, god dammit, open, please," He muttered, fumbling with the keys as he tried to open his car door - which currently was refusing to budge, no matter how hard he tried. The warmth was rolling down his skin in burning ripples, and his eyes refused to turn back to their normal sky blue as the gold had swallowed their original color. The other wolf's cent was not dwindling at all. If anything, it was growing stronger, which had to mean that the Alpha was coming closer. Leon nearly let out a howl of frustration upon realizing this, instead settling own a low growl as he shoved at the lock again. For the thousandth time that year he wished he was back to the way he used to be, never having to deal with any of this....this...need to submit. To anyone. he fought it, and it hurt, it burned, but he refused to succumb to what most omegas were considered to be.


Making use of his current state, he threw the keys back in his pocket and watched as the nail on his index finger elongated into a wickedly curved claw, which he took advantage of, picking the lock. He stared at it furiously, not even twitching when all the effort started to make his finger bleed, more concerned with the dominant scent that wafted his way. He wanted to follow it. He wanted to -


Leon growled again, feeling his fangs push at his gums as he tried to hold it back, and having a small moment of triumph when he heard the click of the lock. He pulled at the door once more.

 

[BlueJae]

"Leaving so soon?" The voice came across smooth, like an undisturbed waterbed, but under the surface it held something more serious- as such. His arms were crossed and he'd been watching the other struggle for the time, the frustration had been building up so much he'd been waiting for the other to just break the window and hop in. Humorous. What could possibly be going through that head of his? He wondered, maybe if you took back the first- no. No. That was against the few morals he had. Either way, he needed to focus on the task at hand, focus on keeping his 'friend' awake and alert, but you could see that for yourself.


His shadow was cast by the moonlight but it resembled him not, no, it resembled his wolf- as if he himself wasn't standing there but his counterpart. Where the eyes could be was a glint of light, as if there was a hole in his shadow, but it was as described...An eye. You could say the shadow could see, and in a sense, it could.


His wolf watched the other through his eyes, however, and it showed. The eyes were still reflecting, narrowed, his lips looked like they wanted to peel back into a snarl but he kept it in a straight- serious face. Trespassing was no joke, assuming the other was apart of the other pack or that he was apart of neither, it was Nathin's job to adress the issue and he would not over look it or take it lightly. Something needed to be sorted out. That was, of course, assuming the other didn't just drive off. That would be a violation, a bigger one, and a hunt would need to be commenced to find him and either A. drive him out or B. kill him where he stands. Right now, Nathin's wolf was itching for the latter, but he wasn't unreasonable. Though it had been asleep it was now feeding off his irritation from earlier circumstances and was now taking it and using it for energy, power. Some called it tyranny, he called it power. It was all the same, but he was fair, just, if you weren't a fuck up- that is.

 

[ROUX]

It was hard to tell what his body was quivering from at that moment - could it be the fear, or his heat? Probably both, but Leonardo didn't want to feel either one of them, yet it was unavoidable when he whipped around to face the other werewolf, who had leveled him with a gaze that froze him like a deer caught in headlights - or rather, a wolf. Beside the pain from desperately trying to hold back his less than pure intentions paired with his omega instincts, and the panic he was experiencing while silently trying to think his way out of the situation, there was the tiny, tiny pinprick of annoyance. Sure, he had known what he was getting into when he chose this town, he knew of the packs that resided there, and how long they'd been tied to the land. He'd risked it because of the perfect location, risked it because he'd thought he had gotten this new side of him under control, and thought that he had finally found somewhere where he could forget about the mistakes of his past life. But no. Nooooo, he had to run into an Alpha while his pheromones drove him crazy. He just wanted to be able to exist for a while without causing trouble, and without having to talk to anyone about the monster inside him that he had grown to hate. He missed his damn human life, and the irritation only seemed to put him more on edge.


He breathed out, not realizing he'd been holding it in for so long, before looking back at the Alpha. he wasn't intimidating just from mundane looks, that was for sure. But the omega could sense the danger under the surface, and it worried him. His mind told him to get the hell out of dodge, risk whatever consequence there was and make a run for it, it was one person against the might of a 2011 Range Rover. However, his feral side knew better - and was slightly influenced by the face that every single nerve in his body wanted him to jump the man's bones right then and there. Leon clenched his teeth, then stopped, realizing his fangs were in the way. He didn't bother bearing them at the Alpha, no reason to make him more suspicious. Instead, he answered, attempting to sound calm, though not exactly compliant - he needed to get home. No Omega's self control was that high, not on a night like this.


"I - Yes...why? I'm not trying to case trouble here, alright? Just leave me alone."

 

[BlueJae]

The wolf bristled, or, the shadow did. Something the other said pricked it, he could hear the low growl echo in the back of his head, feel his own pupils shrink vertical wise. However, other than this, Nathinel made no movements, he was a practical statue at this point in time, the way he was facing you couldn't even tell his chest was rising and falling. His blinking was rare. At his, what would you call that? A demand? An order? Nathinel could feel that growl screaming at him to break from his throat- it did not. That was it, yes of course, he didn't take orders. Rules aside, pack or not, this blood born one would not order him around. No one would, and maybe that was his wolf talking. Maybe that was his ego, if he even had one, it didn't matter. He'd rip their vocal cords out, see what they'd tell him to do then. What might they say, how might the say it, write it in their own blood? Funny. Would he write it down with the little strength he had left? Would he still try to fight despite the invevitable bleeding out? Would he try to fight in general? Of course, who wouldn't with their life in danger? Who truly wants to live through that pain, willingly? No, they will fight, this one would to- undoubtably, just as any other would. But that was enough of that, he wasn't going to tear his throat out, even if every being of what he was, what he really was, was clawing at him to do so. Brutal animals they were, but just how much of that was under their control? More than they thought. Nathinel, for example, had taken his wolf and exerted it to a shadow, taking most of it's hold on him out. While he still let it in mentally, physically, he was in control of every movement. Could the other say the same? By the looks of him, it was a no, so, they might as well push this along before he got any worse and the two of them shifted in the middle of town. The last thing Nathin needed was those minorities on his ass for pinning a loner- if he was even that.


Thoughts aside, his voice rang out again, hardened "Believe me, that's the only thing I want to do- but I can't, it's my job to know just who you are and where you belong." Belong. Packs. Such misused words. Packs, no they weren't complete animals, it was family. Like extended brothers and sisters, cousins and neices. Belong, maybe that one was ok, but where they lie sounded better. You lie with your family, that was so much better than you belong with your pack. They worked just like any other mundane, what was the real difference other than their wolves? Take that away and they were the same. Something the minority would never understand. He would teach them, what he did, his work. That wasn't the only reason he did it but it was a plus of course. Enough of that though, his eyes were still glued to the other. He could wait forever. Whether the other ran or they got this over with, no matter how long it took. He could wait. Many unfortunate souls knew this well, he was a very patient man.

 

[ROUX]

Leon had topped shaking when he sensed the anger, the rage that lurked beneath the surface of the other man. Sure, alphas were usually egotistical maniacs anyway, but this guy...that wasn't normal. No, for a few terrifying seconds, Leon thought he'd went too far - not that he let it show - but even just as the Omega's eyes had flicked to the other's changing ones, a chill had rolled down his spine, contrasting his current condition. though he really did not want to have his head ripped off, the man didn't want to give the Alpha the satisfaction of knowing anything about him. After all, he already knew more than most, he usually went out of his way to mislead people away from his wolf's rank, coming off as a beta almost 95% of the time. But now? If his senses weren't all wildly raging at the moment and he could manage to think straight, he might have felt extremely embarrassed at his current predicament. Highly embarrassed. And he didn't need to be any more than he already was, not even if he was talking to an Alpha who would probably snap him in half like a toothpick if he wanted.


His emotions were running wild and he was surrounded by the ones he was trying to ignore for the sake of retaining at least some of his dignity. Lord knows this man was probably getting a kick out of seeing him try and hold back his need, the poor little Omega stuck with an Alpha on the verge of a full blown heat. It was a nightmare, and he needed to get out of there. He was barely retaining the little hold he had on himself, despite the anger he'd felt from the other.


"I don't belong anywhere, or to any one, god dammit. I don't have a pack, if that's what you're asking, it's just me. I don't want to belong anywhere, I just want to live my life without being questioned by annoying ass Alphas that apparently can't recognize how dire a situation is, ignoring their senses simply to ask for ID," he growled back at the man, now flashing fangs. He wouldn't have acted like this if it wasn't for his current predicament, no wolf would dare speak to an Alpha this way, but at the moment to Leon it was worth it.

 

[BlueJae]

Nathin didn't just growl, no, he snarled, his fangs extending themselves, this was not something he could hold back. His skin seemed to ripple, just like that water bed, as if someone had thrown a rock in- or in this case, as if someone was just begging him to turn. He always did that when his wolf wanted out, sometimes it was barely noticeable, now was not one of those times. The shadow lurched back, as if daring to lunge and snap the other's spine. Of course, his eyes flashed, the brown tinted red, more notable than he would've liked it to have been. This aside, he waited for that reaction, whatever it was- that spark of acknowledgement from the other- and then he stopped. He blinked, and then his lips pulled back into something else, something, odd. A smile, or something close, like the cousin of the. His arms were still crossed, but his whole expression and reaction had changed, even his wolf of a shadow was now sitting, if that was even possible- at least that's how it looked. Both had pulled back from an aggressive stance to something else. How...Interesting, this one that was. Despite the fact that he still had the undying urge to hang him by his innards, which was only after he shoved him into that damned car behind him- through those windows until the glass punctured his skin, only before he dragged him back by the throat willing or not and threw him into 'The Fold', listening to his torture before he himself dragged him back out- by then the other would be dying, and then he'd end it. Slowly. So, so very slowly. Yes. Yes despite the fact that Nathin still wanted nothing more to do than that, and his flashing eyes still showed it, as if he would snap any second, his expression said other wise. To be honest, his eyes and expression didn't go together at all, and even if they were supposed to, it was the look of a mad man. However, if you wanted something disturbing then the thing was, he was anything but mad. His sanity was there, his mind was there, and they worked just. Like. That. You could say a mad man had no idea what he was doing, scary fact was that Nathin did. He always did, and he always would.


This of course was all but beside the point and for that he would let this one live, but that was only because of his outburst. The ability, if you could call it that, to actually go against your nature was...Oh what was the word, amusing. Now then, back to the basics, maybe it was a smile, maybe it was a smirk, but whatever it was Nathin was wearing it as as he was a chuckled escaped his lips and his once crossed arms swayed out to the sides, as if a signal that he was giving up- he was doing anything but "Not bad," he mused, shifting the weight on his feet, and what he said next may or may have not been expected "if that's the case, then I'll let you do as you please. It's not my job to force you into anything, that's your own." He flashed a frown for a moment "But youR choices come with consequences- and since I found you first I suppose that makes you my responsibility." Nathin let out a sigh as if to say 'What a pain'. But then his previous expression came back, it was certainly a smirk this time "But like I said, consequences. Your's, not mine, I'll leave you to it then." He said, taking a step back before bowing and turning heel. His responsibility, he almost wanted to scoff at his own answer, but that was a subtle way to put it "Until next time, pet." He said, back to the other but waving before he shoved his hands in his pockets and retreated towards the alley way.


And then he was gone.

 

[ROUX]

Leonardo was seriously hoping that being over six feet under, literally, would work just as well as being soundproofed, because he was screaming bloody murder at the walls for at least, oh, seven straight hours at least. He had barely gotten the last of the heavy chains hooked securely into the stone walls before he hit the main run of his heat - and began to bear the main course of the pain. He hated every moment of the struggle, hated himself for not fighting it hard enough, for being stupid enough to let this happen again. He could just hear that nagging voice in the back of his head wishing that Alpha he'd met that night had taken advantage of him, at least that pain would be a good pain unlike the agony....but no. He couldn't, wouldn't be used, and so he endured. His wolf wanted the escape of being overwhelmed by some damn overwhelming and overpowering brute force of nature, while Leon himself simply used reasoning to tatter the logistics of the notion. Pet. Who did he thing he was calling pet? He belonged to no one, he had said so, and he certainly did not need to be protected or to be anyone's damn responsibility, thank you very much.


Back and forth, in and out, fire and ice, they were the motions of his thrashing. His screams melded with the animalistic howls of his wolf as he shifted back and forth, his bones twisting and breaking every which way, the horror of his spine moving and sliding every time like a loose wire in his back, and his teeth and nails constantly puncturing his skin and gums every time they'd come through. It was his own personal torture, the only time his body fought back, relentlessly punishing him for not giving in to his instincts, for becoming an omega and warring with his wolf to retain his Alpha state of mind. His skin may have been on fire, but the flames fueled the drive, and though he knew he had five more nights to go of this, he wouldn't let up. They'd have to drag him.


----------


This was strange...yet, predictable. It was interesting how predictions made from common sense could be so straightforward and explainable, but baffling at the same time. Of course, others had said the same about him, and what he did, what he was doing now - but Damon preferred to think of himself as rather simple all the way around, or at least he tried to appear that way. After all, every story needed a villain, and society had no qualms with shoving him into the hole when it was uncovered, making sure he would never be able to climb out again. Sure he was angry for a while, but really, it was him against everyone else, so he gave in. He embraced it. And instead of wasting his energy climbing up, trying to correct their botched self appraising version of their idea of why he'd done what he had, Damon had dug deep, much deeper...and eventually, he'd struck gold.


He had been making the rounds around the edge of the Nightshade's territory, alone, for the fourth time that night. He was nearing the heart of the civilization, getting closer and closer to the edge of the town itself, the main part he should say. Of course, their territory didn't run all the way through, the middle was basically no man's land. It might be a bit if they refused to walk on one side of the road within it, and be able to give no reason to the numerous annoying humans. Of course, this did not include the one on which he was currently snacking on, no, this one was long gone, with no chance of turning of course. That was forbidden, and strictly so, but then again, so was what he was doing. If anyone found out, if his own pack found out...all hell would break loose. But he did it anyway.


Damon's charcoal tipped ears swiveled above his head as he finished off the heart, the thick blood dripping from his jaws, hot and steaming against the chilly air as it would after any other kill of his. Was it wrong? Of course. Did it make him more of a monster than the rest of them? He wasn't sure...after all, everyone has secrets. He dipped his head to sink his teeth into the bloodied and battered carcass again, the red staining the snowy fur on his muzzle, making for it's side before he picked up a sound. He stopped what he was doing, freezing as he tried to listen. yes, faint, the sound was, but it was unmistakably...howling. Uncontrollable, pain filled howling. He lifted his head now, his eyes strolling over the forest behind him, curious, then back to the body. It could wait...for now. If the other pack found it, they would have no reason to point fingers at him anyway.


The white wolf bounded back through the trees, leaving the town behind as his black paws thudded against the earth beneath them, slowing only when he had found the site of the noise. And then it stopped, and so did he, thinking he had been discovered for a second...but nothing happened. Damon scanned the area for a second time, and walked around it, intrigued when he found a scent. It was...he knew this scent, didn't he? And yet, he couldn't place it. It was omega, but what and why wold an omega bother to come all the way out here? Unless...


Damon's right ear flinched in amusement as he found the small latch that covered the trap door, pushing the leaves out of the way with his paw. He would have to shift to discover whatever treasure was hidden below...he could hear the ragged breaths of the being beneath his feet in the deep cellar, and he craved to approach it, as if the scent was calling to him. This would be an interesting night.

 

[BlueJae]

"Please?"


"No."


"Please!"


"I said no."


"Please."


"You can ask me a thousand times and the answer would still be no Quinton."


The two walked along, two of the few that weren't shifted despite being at the core of territory with everyone else- who were all but wolves "But I'm your best friend-" Quinton began to whine, Nathin only adjusted his glasses "Percisely why you can't come with me." He said, only letting out a small sigh when the smaller boy kept going "and best friends are supposed to do everything togetherrrr." he finished, Nathin just looked down at him, two years younger, Quinton was only sixteen. He was a small, precious child, couldn't really be much of anything despite having been born into a rank of hunters. He really should've been a scout, if anything, but that was too dangerous- and this was a prime example why. Scouts had scented out a trespasser, no doubt some wolf from Nightshit- shade. Nightshade. Right. Them. Nicknames and insults were commonly exchanged, and Nathin didn't much care for it, but sometimes his...Immature side got the best of him you could say "I said no and that's final. You'll stay here where you're safe." Nathin said, and that was an order, one Quinton wasn't allowed to say no to, despite his objections, and he had a lot, ongoing for what seemed like forever "You never let me go anywhere with you." He could see Quinton's invisible tail hit the ground, it made Nathin feel bad, it always did. Nathin was one of the few things that kept him grounded, kept his sanity in check, one of the few indeed. Looking ahead he could see the scouts waiting for him. They weren't fighters, no, but they could fight. This, though, meant their time had to be cut short "Tell you what, become a delta and I'll bring you with me whenever you want." He said, watching Quinton's face light up, it wasn't impossible, he was close to the rank already, unlikely however- it was "Really?!" He said, that invisible tail picked itself up and wagged at intense speeds "Really." He said, watching the boy scamper off to tell whoever. Nathin rubbed his forhead before he lurched forward, skin twisting and breaking, and before long a slick black wolf replaced him. Other's bowed their heads as he passed, he took notice of it not. What he did take notice of was the older female among the crowd, those striking silver eyes on him at all time. At the point where he was almost to the scouts was when she made her way over to his, those eyes turned soft as she came closer. Nathin pinned his ears in embarrasment when she pressed her forehead against his face "Must you in front of everyone." He grumbled, his words a bit rough due to the body change, the female looked him in the eyes, there was a sense of pride and love in those silver orbs "You may be the alpha to them, but you will always be a little black pup to me, and a pup needs their mother to look after them." She said, Nathin growled off to the side "I can take care of myself." He said, whinning in annoyance when she licked him "That kind of confidence will get you killed, we are your family, it will not hurt you to let us treat you as such. Nor will it to let me treat you as my son." She said, Nathin only shook himself "I will be off, then." He said, padding ahead, he heard his mother bark at him "Back before midnight." She scolded. He was alpha, he was at the top, and yet- his mother would always be higher than him. That woman and her ways.


There was five of them, counting him, the other four trailed behind him. For all they knew the other's could out number them by an immense amount, yet the others followed him without question. Who knew just how many there were, the minority pack mightve been smaller than them but it was not small in general. The fact that these wolves trusted him with their own lives was enough for him to respect them. He was young, that much was true, he wasn't as experienced as his father was, that much was also true, but his whole life was training for this moment- the time that he would be alpha, and now he was. Hell, he was trained in areas he should never have to use, like hunting for instane, that was the packs job but he still knew how to. Not to say he was a god at it, no, but he knew how to feed himself at least. All these reasons not to trust him, think him a suitable alpha, and yet they had. He'd been in the postion for three years, he hadn't let them down yet, and he wouldn't now- or ever. If they were outnumbered they'd have every reason to flee, and he would let them. There is a difference between him and his father. His father was a hard ass, he expected everything to be done his way no matter what. But there were reasons, reasons why some couldn't do certain things, the inability to and unlike his father Nathin realized this. He wouldn't push them, no, not like his deceased old man- despite being an asshole may he rest in decent peace. Looking ahead they were illuminated by the moon's light, their path wasn't clear, or at least not to Nathin completely, but the scouts knew what they were doing, and going- and he would follow them as they did he. This aside, he picked up his pace, and it was around the time that the intruder's scent was picked up he had them stop. Objections, there was always objections, how he couldn't just go alone or the potential dangers. They never understood. This was not why he couldn't go, this was why they couldn't- As such, they were left to go back to the pack, and they did. He waited until they were out of sight before proceeding. Thing was, they missed one, single, familiar scent. Responsibilites, they were back.

 

[ROUX]

The only reason he had stopped his howling was that his throat was bloody raw from it. The twisting of his vocal cords was now painfully obvious as he shifted, so differently than doing it of his own free will, which was a quick and almost numb experience as he'd gotten used to it. Now? Not so much. He would have thought his body would have been exhausted by now and he'd slip into the bliss of unconsciousness that he'd done on his first heat, when his wolf had first reverted to being an Omega. But then he took into account the fact that he was weak then, most of all mentally, and he thought he had lost everything. He had lost everything, and half of that he had taken away from himself with blind trust, the hope that he could figure out this thing that he had become - naivety. He regretted it more than anything else he ever had, and it had been his downfall. He had indeed walked away from it, shutting out his past and becoming the lone wolf he vowed to always be.


So it came as a shock to him when one of the biggest pieces to that said past came down the stone steps to the underground cellar, the only thing shocking enough to break through the haze of his current heat, actually trapping him in between forms for a moment as his eyes slowly focused, his nose twitching at the impossible scent that wafted through. He could not speak as his eyes rested on Damon, due to his current form, and his golden gaze widened as he confirmed his thoughts with the visual.


---------


Damon could not believe who he had found. He didn't want to. And this was not because of the fact that he was not only on enemy territory, not because if they found out that he made Leon what h was against the strict orders they would kill him, but because he had always been afraid to see the result of what he had told his former soul mate to do after he'd left. He didn't have a right to be hurt, but he still was, and the heart he always denied was there cracked at seeing the other man like this. His feet echoed in the space over stone, and he didn't bother closing the hatch above him before making his wy down to see the forever breaking body restrained down below. The five heavy chains linked to the wall, and then to Leonardo, around his ankles, wrists, and then neck, stopping him from blindly attacking anything that would move in his heat - which Damon could feel, and it continued to drag him forward. The Omega whimpered in front of him, and Damon's eyes flashed red, but he held his own wolf back. The bond, it was broken, and Leon would not let him in as he once did.


"Ah.....Leo.....what have you done?" Damon murmured as he knelt down on one knee in front of the Omega, the sadness in his gaze evident even through his facade. He hesitated, before reaching out to the other werewolf, placing the side of his hand on the man's face, and something painful went through him when the other man flinched away from his touch. He narrowed hi eyes, though he could not allow himself to be angry.


"God - Leo - you aren't supposed to be here. You were never supposed to...."

 

[BlueJae]

Umber eyes stretched across the land, splitting through the darkness, looking for a source. Well, no, that was a bit of a lie. The minute he'd caught the scent he knew who it was, he had to, he found it part of his work after all- as alpha that was. Always know your enemy. Now, he didn't much care for this one, their quarrels weren't much of anything ever, whether it be between them or the packs in general, no one ever did anything- this much was true, if they had, the town would be long gone. This just defeated the purpose. At least that was Nathin's theory. It didn't much matter, either way, he had to come back with a report whether he liked it or not. His eyes drifted up towards the moon, dazing him for a moment's time, it's bright light now not only lighting his path but his pupils as well. How many acts had he done under it's watch? Unspeakable acts? Too many. If there really was a man in the moon, what bloody tales might he tell about him? What tone might he use, disgust, fearful? His works were between him and the moon itself, a blessing and curse, seen either way. A Goddess to some, a devil to others. There were two types of wolves in this world, whether you liked it or not, you fell on either side. There were those who embraced what they'd been given, and then there were those who'd all but lost control. Control. Did it matter at all? One's spirit and their wolf were two forms taking one shape or the other, in a constant fight for this 'control'. Why not reason, sync, come together? Was it so impossible? Just maybe. The wolf itself was a beast, the soul it was stuck to the host you could say. He wondered just what relationships each had with their wolf. What was his, even? He wasn't sure, his wolf came when it was needed and needed the occasional push down but other than this they were at a constant truce. Could this be as close as one could come to being at this 'sync'? Even if so, it was only convinient, nothing else.


Nathin blinked, he'd been standing there for a while, like a deer in the headlights, enlargened pupils and all. He shook himself off, moving ahead. He's make a half-assed sweep and call it good. To be honest, he cared not unless he actually caught someone or they were too close to the pack. This, alone, was the biggest nerve Nathin had. His loyalty to his pack was his biggest weakness, if anything, he would do anything to keep them safe. Maybe this was why they trusted him so, but they still didn't completely understand his reasoning for everything he did- like going off to find an enemy alone. With no knowledge of the numbers. However, the scent was the same and no traces of any other accomplinces hit his nose. He was alone...No, that wasn't right. He wasn't alone, another scent dragged the black beast on, and he could only guess they met at the end, entertwined, as for what he would do about this he wasn't sure. Even if he did make that half sweep, he would cross the paths. If he was lucky they wouldn't be doing anything too...What was the word? Undesireable. Slowly, he made his way into the shadows, his figure losing itself. It wouldn't be long now.

 

[ROUX]

Damon's eyes flicked to Leonardo's arms, and the self inflicted scratches and bite wounds and tears bleeding over his skin, and he looked back at the man's face, questioning, as if asking for permission this time to touch him. Leo stared, before lowering his eyes. He wasn't sure if Leo trusted him at this point, or if he was just agreeing because of his lack of energy to do otherwise. Either way, Damon was not going to miss the opportunity. He moved closer, and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and letting it out again. These Alpha instincts...for once, he could not let his wolf get in the way, could not let it succumb to the tantalizing sweetness of Leon's scent, he didn't have the time for that. He pushed away the tainted area of his humanity, the part that had been excited in the wake of the bloody mess that was his Leo, the part that would have taken him apart like all the others he had done it to - he had never ever let that side out near the man, and now was no different. He swallowed, the salty taste of his last kill still fresh on his tongue, but instead of satisfying him, it disgusted him. His eyes turned scarlet red slowly, the color seeping in like a plague on his usual icy blue as he stared at Leon, who cringed, trying to move away, but Damon's hand shot out, gently gripping his shoulder as he gazed. "I'm not going to hurt you. I wouldn't," he said softly after a moment, the words so foreign coming off of his tongue. He was anything but what Leon made him feel, really. He was a killer, a serial killer more like it, even by werewolf standards, and he liked it. He couldn't stand humans, but Leo's humanity...it was soothing to him. An example, to him, of how the wolf could be controlled, or at least balanced out. He raised his left arm to his mouth, and the four fangs slid out through his gums before he bit into his wrist, then pulled away as the rivulets of blood flowed down his arm and dropped to the floor. He moved forward again, slower this time, and Leon allowed Damon to pull him close, holding him upright almost as Damon silently raised his wrist to the other man's wrist, only wincing a bit when he felt another razor sharp set of fangs dig into his flesh there. His blood would heal, obviously Leon could not heal himself at the moment and it was the least that Damon could do, at least for now. He knew, he knew when the heat wore off, Leon would be able to think straight, and he would not remember this. He could speak freely now, knowing the heat would erase his words from his mate's mind. His mate, who no longer considered him to be the same.


He shifted, leaning the smaller man's beck against his own chest, burying his face into the back of the Omega's neck, breathing him in, knowing it would be one of the last chances he'd get. He always wanted what he couldn't have...but this, he'd screwed up for himself. Something he couldn't fix, but he hated himself for not even trying. It was too late now, Leon was here, presumably to stay...he'd see Damon for what he really was.


He was in trouble - he could feel the other Alpha's presence, he always could, and said Alpha was closing in fast. Damon didn't bother to move, however, he would milk out this moment for as long as possible. It was nostalgic, holding his onetime lover in his arms, healing instead of killing for once. He closed his eyes again with Leon's cheek against his, and whispered just loud enough for him to hear. "I love you...I left you, yes, but try, try not to forget how I was before what you'll see soon. Because you will, and they won't let me hide from what I've done, they on't let you look away, but this...remember this side of me, Leo. Please."

 

[BlueJae]

Nathin raised his head when the enemy's scent faded. Just where had he gone? Was he running? Huh, Nathin wasn't sure if he felt this natural or not. Either way, he shook himself back to human form, adjusting his collar before glancing around. Alright, well, investigation it is. He headed forward, brushing his hair out of his face. It would be a lie to say that he saw the hatch so when he tripped he was more or less surprised when his face hit the pavement. He got up, dusting himself off quickly "Charming." He breathed, realizing his glasses had gone elsewhere, his vision hindered a bit. He could see, but things at a distance seemed rather blurry. This didn't hinder his stride or usual, upper look however, when he felt around and eventually found the stairs. That scent again, he hadn't paid too much attention to it before, only the looks of the other. Now that he was scenting it, he stopped, glancing around for a moment, his wolf tugging at his senses, nagging him, but he shoved the creature down and continued on.


It was weird, his wolf had never seemed so attentive, maybe because last time it had been too angry to notice, but now it certainly did. He ignored it, or well best he could. He stuck his hands in his pockets- yes it was still there. He'd had plans to go do some work but that got cut off. Luckily he still had the box opener in his pocket. When he made it to the bottom he knew the other was there despite his inability to see, and his wolf was now ramming those walls of his subconcious to be let out and do...Whatever it was it wanted but he couldn't exactly tell "What'd I miss..." He muttered, squinting to see the other, chained, ah. That.

 

[ROUX]

The moment Damon had left him, Leonardo had dragged himself to a corner, the wall farthest away from the entrance he had gone through. His brain was still doing cartwheels, but his focus seemed to have returned - along with a bit of his self control. A bit. The scent of Alpha not only lingered, but was growing stronger. Different this time, more recent in his memory he had to admit...he heard a thud, and the wolf ears that had set themselves atop his head swiveled towards the noise, before flattening against his skull as he pressed his back to the wall, staring at the steps. Him again? No. He couldn't deal with this one, not now, why the hell was he here?


Leon let out a low growl, a warning growl if you will as he huddled in the darkness, the chains around his left arm and ankle straining against his efforts. His wolf was restless, Leon refused to move, even though it wanted him to go straight for the Alpha. Why was this scent so...enticing? Hell, the only other person who had ever had that effect on him was Damon, but this was somehow even more powerful. Must be the heat. It had to be...and either way, Leon was afraid of it. He had managed to change nearly all the way back to his human form save for the eyes, ears and tail as he stared through the black.


"Don't."

 

[BlueJae]

Nathin stopped, he was a safe distance away so to speak as he squinted into the darkness, his wolf inhancing his vision so he could see the other more clearly, urging him to move forward. But why? He was chained by the neck, ankels, and wrists, what purpose would he even serve? Nathin did his best to shake it off but it was hard, and he was persistent, which meant his wolf was persistent. At the other's words he gave a small, quirk of the brow "I'm not here for you, if that's what you think." Nathin said, examining the room, cellar, whatever you would like to call it. The scent was faint, but it was there, he must've been here. Breaking the rules, again. Great. Of course. He never went to their territory why must they invade his? Irritating, he could be doing work right now, but, then again. He could improvise- later, if he could get this urge out of his head. What was it? Annoying, needy, disgusting really.


"Always getting into trouble...Which way did he go?" Nathan muttered out the questions, playing with the box cutter in his pocket. A bit rusty but sharp. His wolf seemed to pause, feeling his agitation. They were two souls in one body, so it reacted to his own feelings with it's own mind. Of course, the scent was strong enough to overpower its logic. Soon it was back to pushing him, and yet, he didn't move. He waited for an answer quietly, if he cut the chest, an incision maybe, he could reach a heart artery. No, it wasn't coming from there. Aim lower, his hips maybe? Thighs? Or maybe it was all in his head. He would have to cut the weakest side of it, it would hurt, but it would heal to. Maybe he could cut this urge right in half- before it tipped him over.

 

[ROUX]

"You - you mean Damon?" Leon asked slowly, keeping his eyes trained on the other werewolf until he had stopped completely. He had to have meant Damon, that was the only other scent that was here. It was all over the room, and distinctive to the young Omega. Familiar, once comforting even, and that scent was all over him too. In fact, that was where it was coming from strongest, and he raised a hand to his lips, pulling it away after his fingers had touched, and stared a the red on them. He could remember bits and pieces really, his mind was fluttering in and out. If he had taken Damon's blood, then the Alpha had healed him, and he hadn't refused...he couldn't decide how he felt about it, no, not now. Not with this other in the room, clouding his senses. His wolf was killing him, and he leaned his head back all the way, his throat exposed as the back of his skull thudded against the wall behind him when he let out a low guttural groan, shutting his eyes as the full extent of his energy went to not crossing the room. He was embarrassed enough, cheeks flushed as he clenched his fists, knowing the obvious signs of what his body wanted were portraying themselves without shame - damn Omega rank was ruining him. He dared not to speak again, for fear of what he might say - or ask, beg or plead even.

 

[BlueJae]

Nathin would've made a snark side comment but he was side tracked "Yess, that one, I suppose he would've gotten far by now- what a bloody pain." He breathed, a pain indeed, just like that nagging. It wouldn't stop, and Nathin didn't dare take even a glance at the other in case his wolf might...Burst, and it felt like it would. He needed a way, shape or form to distract himself from this, all of this. He woudn't stay for long, couldn't he supposed, for either of them, but he could have a message relayed. Assuming the other would listen and assuming he could distract himself long enough to get his message across.


He flipped the box cutter out, catching it by the blade, his hand bled but he ignored it flipping the utensil right around, where to start, the jawline maybe, a challenging task when he would be talking. Very well "I don't who else I'd be talking about but since you know his name I take it you know him in general," He said, putting the blade under the left side of his jaw nearest to his ear and dragging it right around, it cut so neatly- admireably really "I take it if you do know him though you might know he's a real pain in the ass," he continued, stopping at the other side of his jaw, then sliding down, narrowly avoiding that oh so important vein that led the blood to the brain "and, I'll go on a limb here and say there's a chance you might encounter him again before me," He said, repeating the same thing on the other side, disturbingly percise and symetrical "if you do have the pleasure," he continued, droping lower and cutting along the collar bone and around his shoulders, to be exact his neck best he could "do tell him to quit causing so much shit, it's hard for me to do things with his ass running around like he owns the place- he doesn't," Nathin's head might've come off if he cut deep enough, right through the skin to the other side, and he couldve if he wanted, but he stopped, and it healed now that it was no longer being cut, soon it was as if it wasn't even there "he wouldn't dare listen to me, but judging by the smell of you, you may do better than I- speaking of I've work so I'll leave you to your ways now that the imidiate threat is gone I guess." He said, cracking his neck before turning right around, now where the hell were his glasses.

 

[ROUX]

Four days he'd been stuck in that damn cellar, re-locking the door after the first night's...activities...and not even bothering to come out until after the heat was completely over. He was starting to wish he had literally barricaded the door the night before, and could have avoided that entire situation. He probably would have stayed under for another three days, his hunger be damned, but he needed to get back and take the suppressants that he's forgotten the night before - the action that had put him in this mess...never again, that was for sure.


Hours later, he had retrieved the said medication, and was on the way to the record store to grab some stuff he had left there the day before in his haste to get away from the first Alpha - another thing that had been a complete and utter waste of time and cause of embarrassment. It wasn't like he wanted to associate himself with the two packs that apparently resided here. Or at least, he guessed two unless Damon and the other were...


He snorted, picking his jacket up from the chair with an annoyed expression, writing off the thought. There was no way. And even if there was, why should he care? He just needed to get out of this damned store and to his apartment. He didn't need to deal with two crazy ass alphas, one who had been carving himself like a goddamn turkey right in front of him. And the worst part was that he...liked it? No, his wolf liked it, for some insane reason that he dared not to delve in to. He may have had been an alpha for a year or two before, but he didn't understand half the things what his wolf wanted or did, he didn't grow up like this. He had no family to tell him whatever the hell was wrong...he just had Damon, and the man wasn't with him when he reverted to Omega.


Leon sighed, throwing the jacket on with a few other things under his arm, including the phone that was clutched in his left hand before he pushed open the door with his right. He stepped out into the sunlight, which still felt strange after being in the dark for so long, before he continued down the sidewalk. He hadn't bothered to drive, his home was close, only a few blocks from here.

 

[BlueJae]

He just wanted sleep. It had been a painful night trying to figure himself out but of course the night was too short and by the time dawn was there Nathin found himself with a cold, wet nose in his face. He growled "What is it?" He grumbled, eyes fluttering lazily, his mother shifting beside him- still trying to sleep "Nathinnn." When his eyes fully adjusted they were eye level with hazel ones, Quinton "Alex won't let me go out into the town." He said, ears flat against his head in irritation, Nathin rolled "Go back to sleep- it's too early." He muttered, blowing hot air in Quinton's face "It's early afternoon..." He muttered, and he hadn't move either, not even a bit. Nathin glared into the darkness, he just wanted sleep...And he wasn't going to get it "Five more minutes." He snapped, happy to hear the excited padding of feet exit, unhappy to know those five minutes were the last of any shut eye he would get until the night.


"I can't believe you're actually letting him wander."


"What harm can he do, really, we're keeping an eye on him after all, Alex." Nathin looked over at the female, she was their lead fighter, well- there were no leaders in those ranks but she was the best they had- even if she wasn't the biggest. She used size and speed to her own advantage, well, that and her locking jaws. Once they'd hooked on they wouldn't let go until you gave up or you bled out. The jugular was her favorite spot to aim for. Either way, she hadn't liked the idea of Quinton wandering town so freely, the three of them, you could say were like the three musketeers on a regular basis. Regular hadn't been around as of late, but now, they had. Quinton wandered in front of them, the two trailing closely behind "Watch him hurt himself- And when he does I'll say I told you so." She hissed, Nathin rolled his eyes "I'm sure he has the capability to avoid that." He muttered, Alex arched a brow when Quinton stumbled over a raise in the sidewalk. Nathin only inhaled and looked up at the sky, a done look written across his face "Watch what you're doing, Quinton." He groaned, rubbing his face, the smaller boy only grinned back at him "Sorry!" There was, in fact, a reason they didn't let him out of the pack- and Alex was right, it wasn't the best idea, but with the two of them certainly they could prevent as much damage as possible "Maybe we can corral him into one of the shops." Alex whispered, leaning in towards Nathin "Five bucks says we can get him into the book store." He whispered back, there was a pause then in sync they rolled their eyes and muttered "Bookworm." That said they sped up to reach the boy's sides "Hey Quinton, you want to go see that new book shop?" Alex mused, then looked over at Nathin who picked back up "And you know, I hear it's a two story." The two high-fived behind his back when he excitedly agreed, it really wasn't that new, some old, weird lady had turned her little lone space into a book shop, upstairs and downstairs, and she lived in the shop. Neither of them were sure how much business it got but it didn't much matter. If they could keep the tiny ball of innocent out of harm's way for the day it would be satisfying enough for them. Held open doors led them straight in, sun beating down on them until the entered the air conditioned shop. Ohhh, that was nice. Nathin and Alex kept Quinton within view as they relaxed in front of the fans.

 

[ROUX]

Drinking, killing...and reading. The last one didn't belong much if you thought about it, but it's what he'd been doing recently after the first two. It wasn't like he'd had much else to do, there hadn't been many border scuffles, probably because he was the only one with the means or guts to forgo the markers and Nathan probably wouldn't want to start a fight with him knowing he'd only enjoy it - and being given the opportunity to hurt his pack. Damn that man, if there was one thing he did respect and/or envy about the young Alpha...it'be the connection with his pack, with his family. As far as the Luna pack was concerned, Damon was leading a group of backstabbing traitors. The elders that had been watching Damon grow up when he was still with the pack - they'd expected him to turn out like this, and they'd accepted it, done nothing. But the others, the wolves who had sided with him after he returned to the town, they were never supposed to be like him. They'd left like him, but torn apart their own families, and though Damon received most of the blame, even though he was the worst of them, they had made their own decision.


Fiction was...interesting, to Damon. It was different, first and foremost, from what he was used to, which were the cold hard facts of life. They's been hammered into his brain for god knows how long, and no matter how unfair they were, they were there. The stories people told in these fictional books, they were so ridiculous to him at first - to him, the characters should have been dead from sheer stupidity a long time ago. And so many of the protagonists, thy were all so good, and pure. If anything, it was the villains that Damon liked, maybe because he could relate. Others had considered him that for so long, and some way along the line, he had begun to do so also. It was who he was, wasn't it? Always the irredeemable bad guy that the hero would always defeat in the end. Except for a select few...and especially the one he held in his palm now.


The Red Dragon. A personal favorite of his. Hannibal was one of the few villains that flat out accepted he was the villain, reveled in it, and screwed up not one, not two, but three of the series's heroes. Hannibal always won, and he wasn't sloppy about it either. A corner of Damon's mouth turned up in a half smile as he skimmed the pages on the book. It was the first edition, and it's hard cover was worn in his hands. He thought about sitting down when he heard the door to the shop open, and his eyes flicked up the isle. He closed the book, but froze when he heard the voices. He was surprised the trio hadn't scented him out yet - and then he figured it was the fans...the way the air was blowing really. How convenient, in so many ways. He turned back to the book, reading the inside cover, before he heard the young werewolf draw closer and closer to there he was standing. He was on the other side of the shelf that Quinton was ruffling through, and he smirked. This one...this one made him laugh, honestly. If he ever did attack the other territory again, this teen would probably be the one he'd spare from his claws, if only for his baffling innocence. Amusingly enough, if Damon was the villain in a story...Quinton would undoubtedly be that, sole, pure hero. Such opposites, they were, and it interested the Alpha. He didn't know exactly why the other pack sheltered this one so much, but he wasn't going to waste the opportunity to inquire a bit. He gently moved three books over to the left at what he guessed would be about Quinton's level, and looked through, a smile flitting across his face again as he gazed upon the teen curiously, before making himself known by clearing his throat. "Over here, pup..."

 

[BlueJae]

Nathin had his eyes closed, criss-cross on the floor, simply sitting in the fan's way. Alex next to him, brushing the ocassional flying hair out of her face, her obsidion hair refusing to listen. It was silent, and she hated that, she needed something- somekind of background noise, and this fan wasn't working for her. It was just plain annoying. She looked over at Nathin, debated the topic she was about to bring up, then sided with it and leaned back, starting off "You think we'll ever leave?" She asked, folding her hands behind her head, laying back on the floor. She could hear Nathin sigh, this had been a constant debate between them back and forth for god knows how long. Either way, it would start and end the same as it always did, the middle however would differ now and then "You know how I feel about this-" Nathin rolled his eyes when he was cut off, perusua "Would you stop thinking like you should and start thinking like you want for one god damn minute? Please?" Alex hit him lightly in the leg, and he stopped, shut his mouth and waited, then continued "If it will get you off this ridiculous subject quickly then I suppose." He sighed, waving her off, she looked up at him approvingly "Good. Now, how happy are you really?' She asked, Nathin turned to her "Well Ms.Arch, you see, it all started when I was a kid-"


"We're not playing therepist Nathin don't be a smartass."


"You said think how I want."


"Think seriously."


"As you wish," He said, starting off again "I'm perfectly happy, granite the complications over the past few days- this aside, I'm serving my life purpose to the fullest what else is there?" He asked, Alex looked at him incredulously "Are you serious- there's so much- Ok. Ok. What do you want to be when you grow up, no, scratch that, have you ever wanted to be anything other than alpha?" She tried, surprised at the answer "A writer, author maybe, something I do on my free time but it will never go anywhere so don't worry about it." He often jotted down things when he was at 'work'. The whole process, what he learned, the steps he did, results, procedures. All of it scattered in a mess of individual pages. He loved it, it was like writing a research paper, but that was...Not something he would ever tell Alex- or anyone "Really? You write? Is that what you do when yoo disppear in the middle of the night?" She asked, though how she knew he did that...No, it didn't matter "Yes, you could say that. I...Write about science like things, anatomy and how one's mind works you could say. Boring things you wouldn't care for. Next question?" He said, waving her off when she wanted to object "Ok. Isn't there anywhere you want to see, visit? You've seen a map right?" She inquired, Nathin stared at the ground "Oregon. It looks like a nice place. I've seen pictures, at least." He said, thinking about the greenery "Good. Good. I see. Wants to be an author, aiming for Oregon-"


"I'm not aiming-"


"Hush, we're getting somewhere, this is good."


Quinton had all but lost himself in the store. It wasn't really new but it was bigger than that smaller one at the endof the street. Books, they were one of his favorite human things. He wasn't very good at anything, no real body mass, only four feet tall as a wolf compared to six foot Alex and eight foot Nathin. So, if Nathin was good at manipulating people, getting into their heads, and Alex was good with fighting and brute strength, then he would be good at being smart and knowing everything...But that didn't mean that he couldn't have fun while doing it. Historical fiction, it was life. He loved it all, the battles, wars, the inventions, the smarts, the mysteries, it was all so interesting. Besides, people always looked at the past to improve the future, even if it wasnt always realistic. He flipped through the pages enthusiastically, hoping one time his thinking would help his friends. It's all he wanted. He didn't want to be a burden, he didn't want to have to be a protective all their lives. He wanted to be able to hold his own and more...But that wasn't now. He couldn't now, one day he would though. They could all work together then, like that family Nathin was always talking about, he could become delta. Then beta, then he'd be right along side Nathin, and by then he'd be stronger. Better. They could all be together no worries...And it was around then he got cut off, hearing a voice it startled him, needlessto say he jumped. His eyes flicked around left and right before he realized there was actually someone there, his inviible tail went right between his legs. Oh shit.