#I have an entire pack of wolves funning around the place so I had to make it clear he owns a luxurious cabin | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mymoodwriting · 22 days ago

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Disconnected

Omega!Reader x Werewolf!NCT

Genre: A/B/O

Warning: Amnesia, Nomad Travel, Club Atmosphere, Alcohol, Magic, Teleportation, Rituals, Blood, Demons, Deals, Revelations, Torture, Yelling, Manipulation, Shifting, Nightmares

Words: 4.4K

Chapter Eight

(Prev//Next) (@peanutpinet @starillusion13)

Prompt: By removing the weakest link, werewolves were able to grow far more powerful than anyone could ever imagine. They lived in peace knowing they were top of the food chain. That is until a certain pack made an unbelievable discovery, causing them to question their past, present, and future. Omegas aren’t supposed to exist anymore, but they couldn’t deny the fact they had found one.

“Ugh… what happened… where are we…”

As Sicheng regained consciousness, sitting up and taking in his surroundings, he couldn’t ignore the throbbing in his head. It seemed the rest of his pack mates were also waking up, finding themselves with the same questions and aches as Sicheng did. They all seemed out of it. Although even in that state Taeyong got to his feet and did a head count. Everyone was present, but disoriented. They had been traveling for a long while now, looking for their own place to call home, but something about the morning was off. No one really knew what though.

While they gathered their things and prepared to continue on their journey, Taeyong looked for the spell book he had, wondering if there was something he could do to help with this fog. Although while looking he discovered that the spell book was gone. He clearly remembered having it, and he asked his pack mates about it too, but they didn’t have it. Somehow he had lost it, but while searching he came across something just as odd. There was a random note in his pocket. The handwriting was unfamiliar, but it was a location with some rather vague directions and descriptions. He showed the note to the others, but no one claimed it.

“This whole day is weird.” Jaemin mumbled.

“What are we going to do about the note?” Doyoung asked. “We’ve just been nomads for a while now, this is an actual place to go.”

“I say we follow the note.” Kun added. “Maybe it’ll answer why we’re all messed up.”

“It could be some kind of trap.” Renjun countered.

“We can take a vote if everyone agrees to go along with the outcome.”

The pack agreed to take a vote on the matter, and in the end the majority decided to follow the note. It was certainly dangerous, but the curiosity of this location might drive them insane as well. Soon enough they were on their way. The place they were going wasn’t exactly nearby, so they didn’t arrive till nightfall. They didn’t have a proper address, but with the information they did have they came to this place that seemed to be some sort of night club. It was a strange place to end up at, but there were possible answers here.

Since it would be too strange for all of them to enter, Taeyong would go in with Johnny and Ten while the rest waited outside and out of sight. Despite being a club, the atmosphere was a lot calmer. There weren’t too many people around, but Taeyong was well aware of all the eyes on him once he entered. He figured the best place to start was the bar, but as he and his boys went over a woman suddenly stepped in their way. She was looking them up and down, clearly not impressed.

“So, what are you three doing in a place like this?”

“If I’m being honest, I’m not entirely sure.”

She scoffed. “That type of answer won’t fly here, mutt.”

“Excuse me?”

“What? You think you wolves can just waltz in here for fun. This isn’t really a place for your kind, and my people here don’t really care for the treaty.”

“Treaty…? This is a witches gathering place?”

“Don’t play dumb.”

“I’m not.” Taeyong admitted. “Something happened to me and my pack, but I don’t know what. The only reason I’m here is because I had this mysterious note on me. I want answers, and it seems it was a good idea to come here after all. A witch could help.”

“You’re not wrong, but the witches that gather here don’t really do charity work. Especially not with you mutts.”

“There’s-”

“But, I know there’s one witch here who will at least entertain you. Follow me.”

The three followed the witch towards the back, into what seemed to be a VIP room. She knocked before letting herself in.

“Kihyun, I have something for you.”

“Something interesting.”

“I guess you’ll see.”

Taeyong and his boys saw a gentleman sitting at a table with a drink in hand, watching two dancers. He told the dancers to leave, and soon it was just the four of them in the room.

“So, what are a bunch of werewolves doing here? I wouldn’t say this is a safe place for you.”

“We came here looking for help.”

“In regards to what?”

“I don’t know.”

Kihyun scoffed. “So you’re here to waste my time?”

“No. This morning I found a random note in my pocket that led me here. I don’t know where it came from, but I was correct in believing it would give me answers. Something happened to my pack recently and I don’t know what. The fact I’ve unknowingly come to a place where witches gather, there is no better place to find help.”

“Hm… interesting…”

Kihyun set down his glass and stepped closer to the trio. He raised his hand, a dark purple glow emanating from his palm. He seemed to be scanning them, stopping as he reached their head, letting out a chuckle.

“I do sense magic on you, so something has been done to you and your pack.”

“Then, can you help us?” Taeyong asked.

“This little mystery of yours is quite intriguing. We should take this conversation elsewhere. Where is the rest of your pack?”

“Outside.”

“Noted.”

Kihyun finished his drink, summoning some money to put on the table before snapping his fingers. In the blink of an eye the atmosphere changed. The trio were no longer at the club, and no longer alone. The rest of the pack had appeared around them, and they were all very confused as to where they were. Their surroundings seemed to be that of a luxurious mansion, and at the moment they seemed to be in the entrance’s lobby.

“Welcome to my home, follow me.” Kihyun began to walk down a hall, calling out to someone else. “Shownu, I have guests. Keep the kids away, I’ll be busy for a while.”

The pack came into what appeared to be a common area. Kihyun told them to make themselves comfortable as he went over to a cabin and poured himself a drink. Of course the pack needed to get updated on the situation and Kihyun took the lead on that.

“So, it seems a bunch of werewolves got on a witch’s bad side. Although, considering you’re alive and relatively unharmed, I’m very curious to know what happened. This mystery around you is why we’re all here. I want answers, just as much as you. For starters, I need a volunteer. We need to figure out what kind of magic was used on you, and by who.”

“You can do all that?” Jaehyun asked. “Can we trust you?”

“You don’t have many options, and I am willing to help. We’re doing things step by step. So first, let’s figure out exactly what happened to you, then we’ll go from there.”

“I’ll do it.” YangYang volunteered. “You can use me.”

“Excellent, come here.”

YangYang stepped forward, trying not to be nervous. Things had happened so fast, and now he was in a witch’s home, allowing said witch to do something to him in order to help his pack. He wanted things to work out more than anything. Kihyun gave the boy a smile before placing a hand on his head. His palm glowed once more and he closed his eyes. For a moment YangYang felt some discomfort and then the witch stepped back, laughing.

“What… what is it…”

“Your memories have been messed with, but not just by a witch, but a coven.” Kihyun continued laughing. “What the hell did you wolves do?”

“We have no idea.” Taeyong reminded. “So, can you restore our memories?”

“The spell placed on each and everyone one of you is rather unique and would require a lot of power to remove. That won’t necessarily be a problem, but something else is.”

“And what would that be?”

“The price.” Kihyun went over to sit in a chair, enjoying his drink. “The information I would gain from restoring your memories is wonderful, but it is hardly enough to justify helping an entire pack.”

“What do you want?” Kun asked. “What’s your price?”

“A favor. From each and everyone of you at a time of my choosing where you’ll do whatever I ask. How does that sound? And before you open your mouth, I’m not negotiating. Talk among yourselves, take all the time you need.”

The price was certainly something that needed a moment to register. The boys all gathered together, letting Kihyun enjoy his drink and scroll through his phone.

“Is this a good idea?” Mark asked. “Owing a witch a favor? All of us? We’d basically be his lap dog.”

“Do we really have a choice though?” Hendery wondered. “Our memories have been altered. You heard him, we messed with a whole coven! Who else would actually help us?”

“He could be lying.” Jungwoo said. “About everything, just to get us on a leash.”

“That is possible.” Johnny added. “After all, that club was for rogue witches, the least trustworthy of all.”

“I don’t think he’s lying about our memories.” Chenle stated. “Something really does feel off with my head. Something feels really wrong.”

“I feel it too.” Yuta admitted. “Like this emptiness in my chest, and it just keeps hurting…”

“Right now it just seems that worst case scenario, we owe a witch a favor.” Xiaojun said. “Might have to kill somebody but it doesn’t seem like a bad trade off.”

“Not to mention, he’s technically taking a bigger risk here.” Jisung added. “It’s gonna take a lot of power to help us, and doing so will likely make him an enemy to whatever coven did this to us in the first place. I say we do it.”

Everyone was sharing looks, but in the end all eyes fell to Taeyong. He was their leader, and they’d follow his command. Taeyong took a moment before stepping towards Kihyun.

“So? What’s the verdict?”

“You have a deal.”

“Wonderful.” Kihyun stood and held out a glowing hand. “Let’s make it official.”

Taeyong shook Kihyun’s hand without hesitation, feeling a strange sting in his chest, the others as well, but it was soon gone.

“Take a few minutes, I need to prepare some things.”

Any sort of spell required prep-work, but this would need more. Kihyun excused himself for a while, going off to get whatever he needed. When he returned he had a few items in hand, and a companion.

“Wonho, set this up on the table.”

A few symbols were drawn on the floor, and some candles lit as well. All the boys were told to gather around, Kihyun at the center of everything.

“Wonho, would you mind?”

Kihyun held out a knife to his friend. The other happily smiled and slit his wrist, bleeding black onto a certain symbol. No one commented on the revelation. If anything, something like this was expected. A powerful witch like Kihyun would certainly be friends with a demon, and using its power for such a spell was a logical conclusion.

“You’re going to feel some discomfort and pain, I swear it will end, so please, bear with it.”

Kihyun took a moment before placing his hands on the bloody symbols on the ground. He shut his eyes and began speaking in a different tongue, his hands and the symbols beginning to glow. No one knew what to expect but it came to them so suddenly. A head splitting pain overtook them, as if their mind was on fire. The room was soon filled with cries of anguish, but there was nothing to soothe the pain. It seemed like the ache would go on for eternity, as every second was torture. Among all that suffering images began to flash before their eyes, memories buried deep inside slowly uncovered, and it hurt in a much different way.

The pain may have started suddenly, but it was slow to dissipate. Each of the boys slowly began to calm down, now having to deal with the weight of their forgotten memories settling in. Despite not having any magic used on him, Kihyun also needed time to recover. When he had finished the spell he collapsed, Wonho picking him up off the floor and setting him down back in his chair. He got him a drink, and Kihyun assured him that he was fine. Part of the spell had allowed him to peek into the wolves’ mind, so he had the answers he wanted, and he couldn’t help a little laugh.

“You found an omega… that’s quite the discovery…”

“You don’t sound surprised.” Taeyong mumbled.

“Don’t be upset now… it’s not common knowledge among witches to know about omegas either, I’m just one of the few outside those particular covens to know… and I won’t exactly be telling, don’t want to start a war here.”

“Noted.”

“So, now that you remember everything, what are you going to do?”

“Simple.” Johnny breathed out. “Get her back.”

Kihyun laughed. “Seriously? You already kidnapped her once before, and that worked out so well, right? If you try that again, you’re definitely dead.”

“Shut up.”

“I’m just saying. I could snap my fingers and bring her here right now, but you still wouldn’t be a proper pack.”

“… could you help with that?” Jeno asked.

“It took great power to remove omegas from your packs, many many coven elders. I appreciate the compliment, but I don’t have power like that.”

“Not omegas, just her.”

“Hm?”

“We just want her, could you put her back?”

“Ah… well, you see, something like that would cost you a very high price.”

“How much?”

Kihyun laughed again. “Shouldn’t you ask me how I would do such a thing before talking about the price? You don’t even know what you’d be getting into. You don’t seem to understand what you’re asking.”

“Then explain it.” Doyoung stated. “Enlighten us.”

“Well, it is complex.” Kihyun took a moment. “The thing about you wolves, is that there has to be balance. That’s why omegas still exist, even if they’re not with you. The balance isn’t perfect, but good enough. So you see, when omegas were removed from your pack dynamics they became a whole new pack. Technically, there are two werewolf packs now. The typical one filled with alphas and betas, where you come from, and the secret one which solely consists of omegas. I can’t put one lonely omega back into your pack, the idea itself is ridiculous.”

“So you’re just lying to us.” Hendery growled.

“No, no, not at all. You see, the logical solution is to start over.”

“Huh?”

“Removing an entire species of wolves is insane, so is putting one back, but it’s not impossible for someone like myself to remove all of you from your pack, and remove her from hers. All of you without an actual pack, well, with the help of some magic, you could form a new one. In all honesty your little pack would be more balanced than any other.”

“You could make us a new pack… one outside of the rules from our current one, and the one the witches are hiding.” Taeyong was stunned. “Is that really possible?”

“It’s not without its consequences. If you do this you’d basically start over. You’d forfeit the power of your ancestors, and sever the ties with your original lineage. You won’t be as strong as you are now, but no other alphas would ever have power over you. A whole new pack all for you and your little omega. Quite a deal if I say so myself.”

“Then what exactly is your price?”

Kihyun smirked. “In exchange for properly reuniting you with your omega, you’ll be my pack.”

“Excuse me!?”

“What? My terms are favorable for you. I’m risking a lot here. Your little omega technically belongs to Jinki’s coven, and it’s not exactly a good idea to cross him. As my pack, I’d provide you with some nice land to call your own, and make sure you’re all hidden away and safe. No one would ever find you or your little omega.” Kihyun chuckled. “Of course as my pack, you’d certainly have to do as I say, but I’m not cruel, and I certainly won’t be bothering your little omega for anything. So, what do you think? That’s my price, and I’ll accept nothing else.”

“Deal.”

Everyone quickly glanced over at Yuta, seeing determination in his eyes, although no one took him seriously at the moment. They had all been so busy with the current conversation they had forgotten one of their own was suffering. Yuta wasn’t even on his feet, instead on his knees with a hand over where his mating mark once was.

“Ah, right, the bond.” Kihyun stated. “My condolences. What was done to you is extremely cruel and unforgivable.”

“When we get her back… if I bite her again, will everything go back to normal?”

“It won’t be the same. A part of your soul was torn out when the bond was removed. If you mate again, it would be somewhat healing, but the pain would always linger, at least a small part.”

“But she’ll be better?”

“I have no doubt the coven she is with is looking after her, so I can’t really answer you. The question is whether or not you’ll accept my proposition. You can of course refuse, regaining your memories and owing me a favor was our original deal. You’re free to go if that’s what you really want. I have no problem sending you back to where we met.”

“You’re not lying to us, are you?” Sungchan asked. “You could make us a proper pack with her?”

“Personally, I don’t know of another solution to your request, but I will admit I’m not the only one who could do this. A lot of power, and a ritual spanning a day or two would be necessary, but this isn’t impossible. Your only issue would be finding someone willing to do it. If you were to make this request to another, you could end up dead.”

“We need to discuss this.” Taeyong said.

“Of course, take your time.”

“There’s nothing to discuss.” Yuta snapped. “We’re getting her back, no price is too much to pay.”

“Yuta, I need you to calm down for a second. I know-”

“You don’t! This feeling was bearable when I had no idea what it was, but now that I do… she’s gone, not just in a physical sense, not for me. There’s this hole in my chest, and it hurts. It’s so cold and empty… I think I could get lost in it and never resurface. I need to get her back, by whatever means necessary. You may not feel her loss like I do, but you must feel this pit in your stomach too.”

“…”

“I don’t hear anyone disagreeing here.” Ten mentioned. “Sure there are things to discuss, but I don’t think whether we do this or not is one of them.”

“We’ve already done a lot to be with y/n.” Shotaro added. “We can’t turn back now, so let’s go all in.”

“Okay.” Taeyong turned to face Kihyun. “We’re in, you have a deal.”

“Excellent.”

♥♥♥♥♥

“I’m gonna get you!”

You were running behind houses and jumping over fences as Seokmin chased you, the two of you playing a friendly game of tag in your wolf form. Speed and agility had always been a talent of yours, but Seokmin loved chasing you around nonetheless. You’d weave through the witches around, hearing some laughter and playful shouts to be careful. This was home, and you loved it. All you focused on was getting away, but next thing you knew you were tackled down. You knew who it was, and after a few rolls you shifted, and so did they. You wound up in Seokmin’s arms, giggling and resting amongst the dirt.

“Gotcha.”

Seokmin pressed a soft kiss against your head, nuzzling your face. You shivered, not necessarily from his touch, but a cold sensation inside of you. Seokmin noticed your actions, sensing something off. He didn’t comment on it though, instead licking your face and making you burst out laughing.

“Cut it out! You’re not in your wolf form!”

“Do I need to be in order to show you my love?”

“Well, no, but this is so weird.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll stop.”

The two of you remained tangled up together for a while longer before getting up. You walked around, hand in hand, ultimately coming near the edge of the village. There wasn’t any danger beyond the border, but you made a strange discovery. While walking you suddenly hit yourself on something and stumbled back a step.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah… yeah, I just felt something…”

You took a step forward only to hit something again. You let go of Seokmin and reached your hand out, soon to discover there was a barrier around the village. Although it didn’t seem to affect everyone. Seokmin could pass the border just fine, but you were clearly confined to the village. Just as questions were coming to mind someone appeared.

“Y/n, what are you doing?”

“Huh? Master… I was just walking with Seokmin… I wasn’t trying to leave or anything.”

“I know.”

“Did… did you… put the barrier spell on me?”

“Yes. You’re still recovering, so I prefer you don’t wander outside the village.”

“Oh…”

“I know you’re strong, but I just want to be careful for now.”

“I understand.”

“Good. We should go back to the house, it’s about time for your meds.”

“Okay.”

“Seokmin can come.”

“Awesome!” Seokmin took your hand. “Let’s go.”

Seokmin returned the smile to your face and then the two of you were rushing back to Seungcheol’s house. Even though you were fully healed, there were other things you needed to recover from too and Seungcheol had the perfect potion for you. It had a sugary and delightful taste, so there was never any problem drinking it. You felt sleepy afterwards which was a common thing, and Seungcheol had you shift before you passed out.

“You can stay with her.”

Seokmin didn’t need to be told twice, asking Seungcheol to set you down in the sun, and the he curled up around you, happily taking an afternoon nap with you. Things were quite peaceful until you started tossing around and whimpering. You were having some sort of nightmare, but with the potion in your system you wouldn’t be waking up anytime soon. Seokmin cuddled against you, softly nuzzling you, meanwhile Seungcheol was petting your head, the two soothing you until you calmed down. You slept peacefully for the rest of the day, not really waking up until nightfall.

You opened your eyes to see darkness but it was to be expected. Sometimes your meds really knocked you out. You remembered Seokmin was with you, but he was nowhere to be found right now. That wasn’t surprising either, his master likely called him back. You stretched and made your way outside, remaining in your wolf form, and wanting to get some fresh air. You sat out on the porch, staring up at the starry sky. It was so pretty, but you didn’t really feel happy looking at it. There wasn’t a chill in the air, but you still felt cold. It had been like that ever since you got back. You didn’t understand but you figured Seungcheol was taking care of it with the meds he gave you.

After a while you got up, wanting to go for a little walk. The village was certainly different at night. It was quiet, like a ghost town, but also peaceful. Without really thinking much you wound up at the edge of the village once more. You sat down and pawed at the barrier. You were caged up for your own protection, yet a part of you yearned to go beyond this place. There was something out there, but you had no idea what. While you were lost in your own thoughts you didn’t realize someone approached you, not until you shrunk in size and got picked up. You expected to see Seungcheol, but were instead met with another witch.

“Why are you up this late? Can’t sleep?” You nodded your head, getting soft little pets. “Let’s go ask your master for some help then.”

You were happily carried back to Seungcheol’s house, getting pets and belly rubs along the way. You got back just as Seungcheol was rushing out. Although once he saw you he quickly relaxed, going over to take you into his arms.

“Thanks, Jeonghan, I was just about to go look for her.”

“No problem. It seems she was just out getting some fresh air.”

“Yeah, she’s been out all afternoon, but now is not the time to be roaming around either.”

You did feel kind of warm in Seungcheol’s arms. A fuzzy sensation began to overtake your mind, and you slowly found yourself drifting off to sleep. Since Seungcheol had woken up to find you missing, he had panicked. Even if you were safe in his arms now, he wouldn’t be going back to sleep anytime soon. So instead he sat out on the porch, Jeonghan staying with him.

“You seem worried.”

“I am. I can feel something different about y/n. Despite everything there’s this sadness and numbness inside her. I’ve done my best to ease her pain but it doesn’t seem to be enough.”

“Her mate bond was broken, a part of her soul got ripped up, that leaves a deep and permanent impact. It would be worse if she actually knew what had been done to her.”

“Those stupid wolves. We should have just killed them. It wouldn’t be this bad.”

“Perhaps, but you need to focus on the present and what you’re going to do now.”

“The thing is I’m not sure. How do you heal a broken bond?”

“You could create a new one.”

“What?”

“She is supposed to mate with Seokmin. I know technically it’s supposed to be down the line, but a new bond could help her heal. She won’t be much of a familiar to you anymore, but it would be good for her soul. Maybe even have her breed. Having pups might give her something else to focus on.”

“Hm… that’s not a bad idea, but I wouldn’t want to force her into all this either.”

“Just a suggestion, nothing more.”

“Yeah. I just want what’s best for her.”

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tiny-cloud-dragon · 5 months ago

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FF7: Random Bits 02 - Chapter 1

I went to my old fanfiction.net page and started trying to recover my fics that I have posted there. I'm trying to get them saved on my laptop since they went bye-bye on my damaged external drive.

This is an AU where Zack never died, and it takes place after the events of Advent Children. The two idiots have started their own army for undisclosed reasons (aka I couldn't think of a good one, but thought it would be fun if they did).

[Setting: Zack and Cloud are out in the field, terrorizing,..er, training the new cadets.]

[Location: Training field, early morning. The new cadets are learning all about marching columns.]

"You call that a marching column?!" Zack snapped at the cadets lined up in front of him.

"Look at this, Cloud!" he continued in exaggerated disgust.

"They think that raggedy mess is a proper line!"

"I've seen circles with straighter lines." Cloud agreed quietly.

"You hear that?" Zack shouted at the trembling cadets

"General Strife has seen circles, circles, with straighter lines!"

"Your granny's back is straighter,"

"My granny's back is straighter, and she has scoliosis!"

A snort of amusement emanated from the group of new cadets, fluttering skyward like a bird breaking cover. The entire platoon, as one man, tensed up like a cable under strain.

Zack's glowing eyes pinned the offender with a sharp, disapproving gaze. The young man was suddenly treated to an unwanted close up of Zack's face. The term 'high definition' took on a whole new meaning.

"Did you just laugh at my granny, cadet?" Zack growled, the sound resonating all the way down the chain of evolution to snarl threateningly at the cadet's vestigial inner prey animal.

"S-s-sir, No Sir!" the cadet shouted desperately from his unwanted 4k view of his life going down the toilet. Tickets to the show must have been sold out because the rest of the platoon had somehow managed to take ten steps away from him without doing anything as offensive as actually moving.

"It sounds like he thinks your granny's back problems are funny." Cloud remarked casually.

"You think my granny's crooked back is funny?"

"Sir, NO SIR!"

"I should certainly hope not! She ruined her back spending years doing back-breaking work,"

"Hoeing," Cloud interjected.

"Hoeing every day!" Zack continued without missing a beat.

"Something wrong with hoeing, cadet?" Zack bellowed a mere hair's breadth from the young man's face as he tried and failed to hide a smile that was slowly crawling across his mouth like a sine wave.

"I don't think he likes hoes," Cloud said in that off-handed tone.

"You got something against hoes?" Zack demanded. "Do you know how many businesses would be shut down without hoes?"

"People would starve,"

"People would starve, cadet. Starve!" Zack shouted. "Have you ever tried to garden without a hoe? My granny can't grow vegetables without a hoe! You want her out there, with her crooked back, pulling weeds by hand so you can have fresh vegetables?"

"He's grinning like he needs more vegetables in his diet..." Cloud pointed out.

"Is that why you're grinning like that, cadet? Your guts have a hostage situation going on?"

The cadet's face went red under the strain as the laughter built up to critical levels and he desperately tried to keep the lid on it. The tendons on his neck stuck out like cords as his lips peeled slowly back from his teeth. Tears began streaming from his eyes.

"That's one heck of a bathroom war face."

"That's what happens when you don't like hoes," Zack continued mercilessly, "You can't grow vegetables, so you can't eat vegetables, so you get the dry butt-brownies! It's just wrong!"

"Irregular."

Zack turned away, deciding that the young man had suffered enough. The poor kid was still just a cadet after all. He made a low woof! sound and one his large mako-wolves appeared. Sparkling a faint blue around the edges, the wolf bellied up to its pack leader, waiting for his command.

The ability to summon a whole pack of the creatures was one of Zack's special abilities. It turned out that SOLDIERs could continue to evolve, and most gained a variety of unique personal abilities, along with the ability to take on an alternate animal form after gaining their wings and reaching the rank of 1st Class ELITE.

Zack looked down at the fawning wolf and said "Bring me a hoe!"

The wolf poofed away, and reappeared seconds later with Scarlet, who was not at all happy with her lunch being interrupted.

“No!” Zack said snapped, impatiently at the wolf , “A garden hoe!”

The mako wolf poofed away, taking an irately screaming Scarlet with him, and returned moments later with the correct item. Zack took it, and dismissed the wolf with a pat on the head and a "good boy!"

He turned to the trembling cadet and said "This is your hoe. You will carry it with you at all times. If an officer asks you why you are carrying it, you will respond with, 'This is my hoe! I love hoes, sir'!"

"And hug it," Cloud added.

"And you will hug that hoe, cadet! Is that clear?"

"Sir, yes sir!" the cadet replied in a carefully measured tone even though he was screaming internally.

"Now line up!" Zack ordered. The cadets snapped into a much better version of a tidy marching column. Good job, boys! he thought proudly, while maintaining the outward expression suggesting that the cadets had just barely avoided the grade of U for Unsatisfactory.

Zack stepped aside and relinquished command to Cloud with a flashy salute. It was his turn to observe and take notes on performance.

"Cadets, forward march!" Cloud moved the cadets forward and started the marching cadence.

"I'm a Barbie girl,"

"In a Barbie world!"

Zack relaxed into a comfortable slouch, recording the drill on one of their fancy new camcorders. All of their drills, exercises and activities were recorded strictly for evaluation purposes to determine what methods and techniques would work best for each group (and in some cases, individuals), and what parts of the program needed adjusting. It was definitely NOT so Zack and Cloud could watch them later in their quarters while eating snacks and laughing.

Zack caught movement out of the corner of his eye and he left the camera on its tri-pod, setting it to follow the tracker on Cloud's armband. Memory sidled up and went pssst! as it passed him a mental note. Oh, yeah, Him! Zack thought with a mischievous grin. The Inspector had arrived, and he already looked unhappy.

#ff7 #ffvii #cloud strife #zack fair #clack #zakkura #final fantasy vii #final fantasy 7 #ff7 fanfic #ffvii fanfic #tiny cloud dragon #dragon au #dragon!au #dragon!cloud #ff7 random bits 02

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cherry-queens-blog · 10 months ago

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Here's my werewolf AU where gyutaro is a werewolf who takes a liking to reader for a specific reason. I really hope you guy's like it I worked hard on this and kept fixing a lot and adding stuff in. I felt really nervous about posting it thinking it's not as good as I think it is.

Note: I will have to post a part two cause this is already pretty long.

WARNING: violence, death.

FULL MOON

After collage had ended you decided to meet up with your friends to discus the plans you all talked about on going camping for the whole week. You couldn't help but feel nervous about the whole thing, since you've never been camping before but all your friends seemed pretty excited about it so why shouldn't you be?, they even knew of a good spot too so maybe everything will be fine?. What's there to be worried about anyways besides well, all the wild life like bears, wolves and other animals that will be out there with you guys. You walk out of the collage, looking around for your friends when you hear Mia calling out to you. "HEY Y/N OVER HERE" she shouts while waving her hand in the air, gesturing for you to come over. While walking up to them you noticed they had already been discussing the trip without you which was a bit annoying since it was agreed on that it would be discussed once everyone was together, but they decided to start without you anyways. "so uh.. what's the plan here?. What all are we doing while we're there?" You ask but it seems they just ignored your question entirely, just flat out talking over you while laughing at some stupid jokes they were cracking back and forth. Mia who was your best friend since high school also seemed to busy pestering her new boyfriend, planning to sleep with him on the trip instead of listening to you as well as the other two. You just stood there, watching everyone, starting to question if you even wanted to go at this point since none of them seemed to be acknowledging your existence any more so, you just start preparing yourself to be ignored through this whole trip that was planned out.

Kana who was the more popular one in the group had mentioned something about drinking and partying which didn't interest you since your not much of a drinker at all but if it helps you have some form of fun then why the hell not?. "hey y/n don't forget to bring blankets and a swimsuit alright?" Kenji said causing you to snap out of your thoughts. "uh sure... okay". Monday came around and you got up pretty early to pack all the things you needed like your mp3 for music, a book, blankets, swimsuit. Once you had all your bags packed up for the week, doing a double check just to be sure your not missing anything important. "okay so.. warm clothes, check, blankets check, swimsuit.. I should be good" You muttered to yourself as your friends pulled into your driveway ringing your phone to let you know they had arrived to pick you up. Grabbing what you could you head out, swinging open your door to see Mia standing there by your front door to help you load up your luggage into Kenji's truck. "you ready to go and have some fun y/n?" she teases a bit before taking your bags from you, loading them up while you shrug and head back in to grab the rest of your stuff, before locking up your house and getting in the van with Ren, Kana, and Mia.

The drive there was quite long and a bit noisy all ready since Kana and Mia were already popping open a beer and shouting with giggles following after. Teasing each other about all sorts of stupid things you didn't care to hear about that's why you felt glad you had brought your mp3 player so you could listen to music instead of listening them be loud the whole drive. They didn't get drunk but man they were acting as if they already were. After a hour long drive you all arrive at this beautiful spot with a lake that glistened in the sun light, nice tall trees with big green leaves, beautiful plants that laid about the whole place, birds chirping, the nice breeze with the fresh air. Everything was beautiful there and felt so relaxing and peaceful you couldn't help but feel glad you had came along with them, though being a bit ignored still wasn't the best and was highly annoying. You all stepped out of the vehicles, grabbing all the bags, chairs, and tents. The guys started setting up the tents while you and the other two girls just sat up against Rens van watching. "hey Kenji come over here and help me set this up yeah?" Ren stated. While the guys set up everything they also couldn't help but keep screwing around like they always do while Kana and Mia sat there chatting with each other. "god tonight is gonna be so fun" Kana said to Mia as she agreed. You just sat there feeling a little unsure of that since you're already not having as much fun as they are, nor were you really even excited about this anyways, but at least the place was lovely and seemed quite relaxing. The boys finish setting up everything, even setting up a hammock for you since you are more of the relaxing type anyways which is why they brought it in the first place.

Kana grabs Mia by her arm and pulled her over to their bags, pulling out their swimsuits, stripping down without caring that everyone could see them changing before running and jumping into the lake with the guys following in after. Just sitting and watching as they all splash around in the water, you hear a sound of a twig snapping from behind a tree that was behind you. Turning to look you didn't see anyone or anything which made you start to feel a bit uneasy, having a gut feeling you were being watched by someone. "HEY Y/N COME ON IN! THE WATERS GREAT" Kana yells out to you making you jump a bit before turning back around to their direction, a small smile forming on your face as Mia gets pounced on by Kenji causing a chuckle to escape your throat. You get up and start getting in your bag to grab your swimsuit, you head over behind a tree to change, pulling off your top and bra when you caught a glimps of someone peering out from behind a tree before quickly disappearing behind it. Quickly throwing your shirt back on, you start screaming out for your friends who immediately rush out of the lake, running to your aid as fast as they could. "what?.. what happened? you okay?" Kenji said as you pointed over at the tree where you saw the person. "I saw someone over there, watching me" You stated, your voice full of panic. Kenji and Ren didn't waste any time and went over there cautiously in case someone was right there. As they approach they find no one "well if they were here, they ain't now" Ren said while walking back over with Kenji.

"who ever it was their gone now, so no worries alright. we will make sure nothing happens" Kenji reassured you while gently placing his hand on your shoulder. "just put on your swimsuit and let's not worry about it, we came here to have fun so lets do that" Ren followed up after Kana walked away with Mia back to the lake with Ren following behind them, smacking Kana on her ass while you couldn't help but feel shaken up. "hey you're safe y/n, alright. Me and ren won't let anything happen and if whoever that was comes back we will be ready to catch whoever it was" Kenji said giving you a pat on the shoulder before walking off leaving you alone to change. Looking back at the tree taking a deep breath with uneasiness weighing down on you as you let out a sigh before changing into your bathing suit and joining your friends.

Night falls and the moon was full shining brightly in the sky along with the stars that looked like tiny diamonds. The boys get a fire going as the girls grab the beers and snacks from Kenjis truck, taking a seat in the chairs around the warm fire that cracked and popped while everyone drinks. You couldn't help but keep glancing back at the tree where you saw the person a few hours ago, unable to take your mind off of whoever it was watching you undress yourself, wondering how much that person saw when Ren walks over and hands you a beer. "here have a drink Y/N." he says while taking a seat by you. You take the beer from him cracking it open taking a sip. It wasn't the best but whatever takes your mind off of what happened right?. Kana starts the truck up and gets the radio playing before coming back over and sitting on Ren's lap. "Now that's more like it" she says with a giggle while Mia and Kenji are busy making out with each other, running their hands over each others bodies, feeling turned on while being a bit drunk. "I think Mia and I are gonna go and have some real fun" Kenji smirks before getting up and heading into the woods with Mia. "ohhh i think me and Ren might do the same. what do you say babe?" Ren smirks at what Kana had said before picking her up and going to their tent leaving you by yourself next to the bon fire.

You look up at the stars wishing you had someone as well but here you are, all alone again while your friends are busy making love to each other. Standing up, you head over to the hammock with your mp3 and lay on it, putting in your headphones to listen to music gazing up at the lit up sky. The moon was full and so beautiful, so pretty surrounded by the stars and dark clouds drawing in a peaceful night with the slight breeze in the air, while your favorite song played through your headphones. Closing your eyes, setting into the relaxation of the night feeling at peace for the moment, just laying back worrying about nothing. The moment lasted for a good few minutes until you could hear the sound of Kenji screaming over the music, making your eyes shoot open in concern. Sitting up, you rip out your earphones as Ren and Kana come rushing out of their tent after hearing Kenji's scream as well. Kenji came running through the camp looking back over his shoulder, covered in Mia's blood. Your heart instantly sank into your stomach while getting up out of the hammock.

"what the hell happened!?" you shouted at him as panic takes hold. Walking over to him only to be stopped in your tracks when a man sized beast pounced on him at full speed, sinking it's teeth deep into his throat, blood spilling onto the ground as Kana screams seeing Kenji getting his throat ripped out. Your eyes widen at the horrific sight falling backwards onto the ground not believing what your seeing right now. It's fur was black with slight green highlights through it, a black wavy spot that decorated its snout, it's eyes a bright orangish color, as it's body was beyond thin like it hadn't eaten in months. The beast stands up being about 6'7 in height as it looks over at you, your heart pounding in your chest as it lets out a deep growl before Ren catches its attention drawing it away from you as tears formed in your eyes from the amount of fear you felt pulsing through your body. Ren gets in front of Kana as it growls more watching Ren with blood lust as he picks up a small thick branch off the ground to use as self defense against it only to be charged at, at a fast speed he couldn't react in time. You watch helplessly as Ren gets knocked into a tree that was closest to him so hard you could here his body make impact with the tree, his ribs shattered and his skull busted open from the brute force. Kana screams out as it takes her down with such force, screaming as it claws puncture her soft flesh, shredding it like paper, tearing through, ripping into her stomach and pulling her intestines out, feeding on her right in front of you. Watching as your friends are slaughtered in cold blood by this monster with tears running down your face, covering your ears to drown out Kanas screams, squeezing your eyes shut, feeling to scared to move from your spot as your body was trembling and your breathing grew heavy.

Everything just happened so fast that nobody could do anything to save themselves, just dying like helpless animals. Slowly you start opening your eyes, looking up to see it staring you down while growling as it stepped towards you. "please... please no" You begin to beg though you knew it wouldn't do anything to stop this thing from killing you. It gets closer but it's growling soon faded into a slight whine while lowering it's ears before turning away and running off into the woods, leaving you alone with your dead friends as confusion started to set in as you watched it run away only leaving you alive. You sat there crying before screaming out at the top of your lungs as everything sets in again. All that you witnessed flashing through your head on repeat as you screamed, cried, and felt helpless. You had cried for hours until the sun started to rise in the sky, shining down upon the gruesome scene before you. The smell of death starting to linger in the air as the flies started to swarm around the bodies that laid around. The feeling of tiredness creeping into your system as you laid there on the ground feeling a bit traumatized, scared out of your mind. Though you were tired you couldn't sleep, not after what happened drowning your head with questions you couldn't help but want answers too, as you felt the urge to go find that thing and kill it like it killed your friends.

Minutes passed by and you finally found the strength to get up and start packing a bag with waters, snacks, and a blanket ready to head out and hunt that thing down. Once you were ready you start walking into the woods, taking a quick glance back at their bodies one last time, watching the bugs crawl on their flesh before turning away and continuing your walk, keeping an eye on all your surroundings, not trusting a single noise that is heard. On your walk you stop to collect the biggest sticks you can find, collecting them to use as markers so you can find your way back to the camp so you didn't end up getting yourself lost, digging each one into the dirt in a upright position while being cautious of each noise that is heard close by. The walk was long and quite exhausting especially since you hadn't slept yet and the sun was starting to set in the sky. As you stop to place down another marker you spot a small cave in the distance which would make a good resting place for now, where you can stay and sleep for the night since it was getting dark and you wouldn't be able to find your way back to the camp before it got to dark and you were also deep in the woods with no flashlight.

As you get closer to the cave you could make out a figure of someone sitting near the entrance, making you pick up your speed a bit, now running to see who it was and hoping they can help you out somehow. "HEY" You shout to them, but as the person looks up towards you they quickly get up and start backing away as you get to the entrance, stopping for a moment feeling out of breath from running, dropping your bag in the process. The cave was damp and very cold inside but now you can fully see the man clearly who looked at you a bit unpleased by your presence, his body language showing hostility, ready to attack at any moment. "whoa hey please. I'm not here to cause trouble" You say while putting your hands up as you slowly approach him, making him get more defensive until he started screaming at you. "GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME". his scream made your blood run cold as it was a bit raspy and just unsettling. His face was scrunched a bit out of anger due to you not backing off, but as you got closer you get a really good look at the man as the sun lowers shining inside the dark cave. His hair was black and green, black splotches on his skin, thin waist. Then it hit you, The werewolf you saw had the same black spot over its nose as this man, the hair color was the color of the wolfs fur, the thinness on the wolf, and how thin this man was. Your heart dropped into your stomach as anger fully took over you, making you lash out at him, the feeling of wanting to kill him for what he did fully took hold. "you...you killed them... YOU FUCKING KILLED THEM YOU MONSTER!!!" out of anger and hurt you rush at him without even thinking.

You just wanted to kill him and that's all that mattered to you right now, just putting an end to this foul being, but as you rush at him and try to hit him, he gritted his teeth letting out a low growl in frustration before grabbing hold of your wrist tightly and slamming you onto the ground and getting over you, pinning you down quickly. He was hoping you'd just leave since he really didn't want to hurt you but now you gave him a reason to. Staring down at you with his face still scrunched like he was ready to tear you to shreds, eyes widening as you laid underneath him in his tight grasp that was a bit painful. "wait.. please" You muttered but he didn't seem to lighten up at all, he was pissed that you would make such a dumb decision to rush at him. "I'm sorry... please" Tears started to fill your eyes and his face turned from anger to sadness as he sighed, sensing your hurt and fear before letting go of your hands and moving away from you, sitting himself up against the damp wall of the cave. You start to get up slowly, starting to approach him again when he lets out a low growl warning you to stay away from him. "why... why did you kill them?" He ignores your question as he continues to growl giving off a strong warning to keep your distance, but every part of you wanted answers. "ANSWER ME GOD DAMN IT!.. WHY DID YOU KILL THEM!" As you yelled at him he growled more and turned towards you, quickly getting up and getting directly in your face making you go quiet instantly, now feeling intimidated by him.

"why?... please, just tell me why you killed them but not me" Your body was shaking from the amount of fear you were feeling, knowing that he could kill you at any moment, your voice breaking as you spoke to him. "WHY!?... CAUSE I CAN'T CONTROL IT" he snapped while still having you cornered up against the cold hard cave wall, his gaze starting to soften like he regrets what he had done, as he pulls himself away from you, knowing he's scaring you. "you need to leave... and don't come back" he follows up as the sun disappears from the sky allowing the moon to appear as the wind picks up making the temperature in the cave drop down to freezing. You felt so on edge now but yet you couldn't leave, instead you grabbed your bag and sat down causing him to glare at you even more until you speak up. "I can't, not till morning. I don't have a light with me" You felt pretty stupid not grabbing a flashlight when you packed up the duffle bag, you also didn't expect to find the monster that killed your friends either, yet here you are stuck in a cave with him, a man that turns into a wolf every full moon and luckily for you last night was the last full moon for awhile. "how stupid" he spat out before sitting down as you go through your bag, pulling out your blanket, a water, and a snack. He took notice that you had a snacks with you, The smell of the food filling his nose as you opened up the package making his stomach growl. He couldn't help but move in, slowly coming towards you before grabbing your food from your hands, sinking his teeth into the brownie. "HEY" you shouted while trying to take it back from him only resulting in him growling causing you to back off, having no choice but to just let him have it. "you can have it i suppose" You sighed while sitting back down, wrapping yourself in your blanket for warmth. "what's your name by the way?" You ask trying to start conversation with this man dog that your stuck with till morning.

He looks over at then at the ground. "Gyutaro.... my names Gyutaro. and yours?" His names gyutaro? you thought while debating giving him your name but it's only fair since you asked for his. "Y/N." you respond with a yawn, laying down on the hard ground, still shivering a bit from the freezing breeze that blew into the cave. Gyutaro noticed you were cold and slowly made his way over to you after finishing off the brownie that he took from you. "You look cold" He said while looking down at you with his head tilted to the side a bit. "uh.. y-yeah" you stuttered a bit closing your eyes trying to just sleep off the cold night. "I can keep you warm if you want" His words had struck you, sinking in catching you by surprise, your eyes opening wide, looking up at him, feeling unsure if you really want him next to you, especially after what he had done the other night but with how cold it was tonight, it didn't seem like a bad idea at all. "uh... I... ugh, yeah... you can". Once you gave him the okay he made his way behind you, getting under the blanket and wrapping his arms around you, giving you the feel of his warmth, his heart pounding in his chest while you couldn't believe you letting him lay with you, but his skin was so warm against yours. Slowly closing your eyes ready to sleep for the night since you had a long walk back.

Morning comes as the sun starts to rise, shining into the cave down onto your face disturbing your peaceful sleep, pulling the blanket over your face to block out the sunlight only to be interrupted by the sound of plastic wrappers being stepped on. Sitting up, you look over to find Gyutaro rummaging through your bag, looking for more food after he had left a bunch of wrappers laying on the ground with empty water bottles. He was really hoping you had more but he did eat and drink everything you had on you leaving you a bit frustrated with him. "GYUTARO WHAT THE HELL" you yell at him, making him get defensive for a moment before relaxing as he looks at you, starting to whine a little bit. "I was hungry" he admitted. He was pretty skinny so you could understand why he would take all your food, though you were pretty hungry and quite thirsty yourself, but you can grab some food on the way home you guess. Getting up and packing your stuff up into your bag ready to head out while Gyutaro watched with a depressed look on his face. "you know... i didn't really want you to leave". You stop and look over at him, seeing how he was looking at the ground, his expression showing sadness for once since you've been there. You end up getting an idea that was rather a pretty stupid one but you did kind of feel bad for him, all while wondering if taking him with you would actually be a good idea or not since every full moon would be a massive problem, and you'd have to find a way to keep him at bay so he doesn't go around killing people like he did the night before. "hey what if you come with me?" as you say that he perks up, looking at you with surprise that soon turns to a scowl real fast. "are you fucking stupid or something" he snarks at you. "come with you? so what you can lock me up in a god damn basement!" you sighed and shook your head. "no I won't do that to you gyutaro.. I promise" He was taken by surprise again as you promised you wouldn't chain him up if he went with you. "fine" he muttered under his breath feeling unsure if he can fully trust you or not, yet you seem so different and he just can't seem to shake off the fact he really liked you ever since he first saw you, though he wouldn't admit that to you. He also didn't want you to leave either, he wanted to stay with you, be next to you all the time. He eventually agrees to go with you, joining you on your walk back, constantly taking glances at you as his head is filled with worry. You couldn't help but glance back catching him looking down at you, he was taller then you which made you feel nervous about taking this strange man home with you, was it cause you were desperate to have someone who actually paid attention to you? who knows, you already agreed to let him go with you so there's no going back now.

As you both arrive to the camp you couldn't help but feel sick seeing your dead friends again when Gyutaro looks down at you feeling guilty for what he had done to them, he just couldn't control himself. It was hard on him and seeing how scared he had made you that night had hurt him pretty badly on a deep level. He looks away from you in absolute shame, taking in a deep breath "I'm sorry" he whispered, turning your attention back to him. "let's just go" You grab all your things tossing them into Ren's van, grabbing his keys and getting into the van with gyutaro, shutting the door before starting the vehicle. Gyutaro was pretty busy looking around at everything inside, being curious about all the stuff inside. A hour drive back, you pull into your drive way shutting off the engine and hopping out to unload your stuff as Gyutaro gets out, looking around feeling a bit uneasy with this new territory he's in right now. He is so used to staying in the cave and doing whatever he wants that this is just way to new to him, making him whine a bit wanting to go back to the woods when you walk up, placing your hand on his shoulder. "It's okay gyu" You reassure him as you walk up to the door unlocking it and pushing it open. Setting your stuff down in your room while gyutaro enters inside unsure of everything at the moment, cautiously looking around before curling up by the couch. Though he is human right now he still as the attitude of a man and dog combined together but you guess it does have to do with him being a werewolf.

A couple weeks pass by and he had gotten used to the place, though he did start taking meat from the fridge to eat it which was a bit annoying. Every time you catch him tearing into the package, it's always a fight for it, chasing him around the house trying to take the meat back. "AT LEAST LET ME COOK IT FIRST" you'd yell out while chasing him. "NO IT'S MINE!" he'd yell back with a slight growl. He isn't fully human so can kind of understand that he'd have a hunger for raw meat so it's understandable why he would keep taking the raw meat you buy from the store. As Thursday rolls around you start marking down important stuff on your calendar when you realize that tomorrow night is a full moon making you start to panic a bit. "aw shit" you muttered to yourself while looking over at Gyutaro who was sitting on the couch scratching his arm. You make your way over, sitting down by him as he looks at you sensing your nervousness. You were nervous about bringing this up to him since you did promise him you wouldn't do this but it's gonna have to be done. "hey Gyutaro... tomorrow is uh.. a full moon" you started as he continues looking at you, still sensing your nervousness that was radiating from your body. He starts to growl a bit, scrunching his nose "you're gonna chain me up aren't you.. even after you promised me you wouldn't" he says as he starts becoming defensive towards you. You didn't want to but at the same time you really can't take any risks right now, and if people see him they might try and kill him and you couldn't let that happen. "I can't let you kill more people, I have to, for my sake and others sake Gyutaro". He growls more but it dies down as he understands why you'll have to do it since he didn't want to hurt you of all people. He really couldn't careless about other people but you it's different, He loved you though he wasn't good at showing it, he did. "Fine. but only cause i don't want to hurt you" He growled in irritation leaning back against the couch. "I'm sorry gyu. I just can't take any..." He scrunches up his nose, showing his teeth to you before cutting you off. "YES I KNOW DAMN IT" he lashes out before taking a breath and looking at you. "I know". You sigh knowing he really isn't happy about this but it's for the best. "look once the full moon has passed I'll let you out okay. I'm not gonna keep you down there locked up".

As you state that to him, he calms down a lot and sighs. He knows you don't have bad intentions towards him except for when you two first met and you tried to kill him of course but even that was understandable cause he did slaughter your friends. "once the sun starts setting, that's when I'll lock you up okay". He growls again but understands though he still hates the fact he's going to be chained up for three whole nights.

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the-lunar-library · 3 months ago

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TO THE RAVENS

To many who live on the Moon, the matriarchal dog-worshipping Dog Heads are barbarians, but Lykedon thrives in the cosmopolitan luxury of the lunar capital – and in the palace of the mysterious King Endymion no less. His exact job isn't on official record, but superficially he's known as the royal librarian, and his knowledge of both lunar and Earthborn literature is second to none. A careful and canny man, Lykedon isn't easily surprised. But when a famous prophet rolls into his city on a strange mission, even Lykedon finds himself surprised – and more than a little amused.

I've talked a lot about how my research ended up shaping the book's setting and placing realistic limitations on the characters. But the Dog Heads? They were a chance to let loose and have fun, so that made Lykedon a fun character to write. I think he's intriguing, a character I've only scratched the surface of. He's very confident and secure, but not at all loud about it. He'll let people insult him, but he almost always retains the upper hand. That can't have always been true. Where did he start in life? Why did he leave his homeland behind? What about his voracious passion for literature? Even as the author, I don't know the answers to all these questions. I think any crucial information about Lykedon would only come drip by drip, and largely by his own choice.

His name is pretty straightforward – Lykedon, “wolf-like”; Dog Heads love incorporating dogs and wolves and foxes and their different attributes into their names. In my write-up about Dog Heads, I talked about how the Greeks and Romans of the time would have had stories of dog-headed men. Though Dog Heads aren't werewolves by any means, they believe they're descended from Artemis' hunting pack, who were honored and turned into humans. The Greeks and Romans had werewolves in their myths, at least humans who were changed into wolves. As far as I know, the myths themselves don't link werewolves to the Moon, but the Greek language does link wolves and nighttime – an ancient Greek word for “twilight” is lykophos, literally “wolf light”. Also, Lucian situates his own “dog-faced men” on the Moon.

As for Lykedon's design, I wanted to incorporate the flame-haired men Lucian writes of. Probably not all Dog Head men dye their hair in fire colors, especially once they leave their homeland. I never give a reason for it, but it probably relates to something in their mythology. One of my sources discussed a (quite cruel) Roman religious ceremony involving tying firebrands to foxes' tails and releasing them to run around. No one really knows why this custom came about. (It reminds me of things like foxfire and kitsune, so I wonder if there's some deeper, very basic symbol at play.) The point is, I think it's fair, when world-building, to include things that exist without explanation. Similarly, Lykedon's silver facial tattoos are mysterious, as the designs are used all across the Moon in Artemis worship, but they're so old no one's entirely sure what they originally meant. Their design is made up, but one of my sources talked about how some Thracians in ancient Greece had silver facial tattoos. (Sadly, no word on what they depicted.)

I like having these things unexplained. If I ever write more about the Dog Heads, it gives me room to experiment and develop their customs more – or leave them open and mysterious.

Through his smarts and excellent people skills, Lykedon has very successfully made his way into Kynthian-Roman culture, but he's proud of his heritage and still does the whole Dog Head thing: fiery hair and a dog-shaped headdress. More often he wears his casual headdress, which includes a small dog skull with false inset eyes. His fancy one is painted wood with dog's teeth and tassels along the back. Its design was inspired by two ancient Greek drinking cups.

Despite his startling hair and headdress, there's something pleasant, optimistic, solid, even a little warm about Lykedon. I would say don't trust it. Lykedon is certainly capable of forming close relationships, caring about others, even loving others. But he's an intelligent, well-connected, and highly maneuvering man, so... don't always trust it.

#original character #writeblr #writers on tumblr #indiauthor #character design #lykedon #dog head #to the ravens #meta

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gremlin-dreams · 24 days ago

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The Office with dinosaurs.

(fake names for privacy)

So it started out as if we were inside a game of minecraft, heavily modded, and we had a camp set up somewhere that was supposedly safe, however my teenage nephew (we will call him D) died and respawned way away with nothing so I was readying myself to go out there and fetch them and bring them home safely. The others were making fun of me for struggling with these ridiculously unfair mods, like new monsters everywhere, like boats were a bitch, and like swimming was damn near impossible, it felt like pulling yourself through literal treacle.

Anyways I finally reached the other side of this river by our base, heading out to save D, when Leon (a dickhead, D's biological dad) was there and came over to start mocking me further, honestly I just wanted to punch him, and then he pointed out that after all that preparing and struggling, D had already basically wandered all the way back to camp alone and somehow unharmed.

I gave up. I threw my gear at him, took my helmet off and threw that too, and all my armor, and wandered right off into the woods. I climbed into a tree and just sat there, and the others were all worried about my safety, someone jokingly cut the wood down from my tree so the leaves were slowly disintegrating, and that's when it slowly stopped being a minecraft game and turned into a far more realistic place, almost the real world. There was a pack of angry minecraft wolves below me on the ground, and they morphed into a real and scary pack of black dogs as I was about to fall into them, all the others had scampered leaving me entirely alone.

Part of me knew there was no way to outrun an angry pack of big black dogs, but obviously I wasn't keen to be torn to shreds either, especially now it was no longer a game, so as I inevitably fell through the leaves to the ground I bolted, making a break for it. During this, I slipped, falling into this cave structure and the dogs were basically right on top of me at this point, I thought I was screwed, and the dogs all fell/jumped down too, to chase me, though when we all hit the bottom, I took a second to dust off and collect myself wondering why I hadn't been eaten yet, and the wolves were scarpering through this smaller cave tunnel. I turned around and on the other side of the big chunk of open cave I was in, a black silhouette of a pretty big Dinosaur.

I was in disbelief, it looked like a slightly smaller version of a T-Rex, like maybe only 8 foot tall rather than a whole fully sized rex. Anyways it took my brain a second to comprehend, but then the damn silhouette began walking toward me and that was it, I bolted too. I ran for the only escape, because the cave entrance was now way above us, I went for the smaller tunnel those wolves had taken, hoping it would be too small for this thing to fit through.

So I'm struggling, panicking, pulling myself through the tunnel and when it opens up a bit on the other side, no sign of wolves, I take a breather, all going quiet- and then BANG, BANG BANG. Along with its roars echoing throughout, the beast was actually trying to break its way through the tunnel, and it must have been a tough motherfucker because it was working.

So I bolted once more, now, safe to say, even worse off than the dogs, running deeper and deeper into this tunnel of this cave, twists and turns, and saw some weird shit in there (maybe even a bigfoot?) With a big dinosaur chasing me trying to fit through, until weirdly I turned a corner and started seeing equipment, hospital beds, tons of them. It was like the cave had morphed into some backrooms version of a hospital, messy rows upon rows of curtains, beds, equipment everywhere, and then just like that the cave was gone.

I am now confused as hell, but I heard a scream and a roar, alerting me that the danger was far from over. I broke into a run again, lost in the many rows and columns, seeing actual people in the other ones also running like headless chickens, until I slid past this big curtained area and stopped, trying to see if I could hide there, and wouldn't you know it, my sister Sara (D's mother) was in one of the beds, looking real crappy. I tried to silently gesture to her to stay fucking quiet and that the dinosaur was nearby but she couldn't keep her mouth shut, I felt a big puff of foul smelling hot breath on the other side of the curtain from me and cringed, knowing I was screwed, so as it broke through sending the curtain flying and literally killing my sister, I bolted again to try and save my own life.

Now looking around, the location had changed again. I was in a really big supermarket, doing some shopping amongst tonnes of others also shopping, and the single small rex was now two fully grown ones. They burst through some big shelving units sending everyone into panic.

Amidst all the running and chaos I actually bumped into somebody I knew, my best friend Jim and his Fiancé Pam (Yep, from The Office) and their two kids, a baby boy and a toddler little girl. God I knew I had to help them get out of there safely even if Pam is not that fond of me for whatever reason, which was okay because this was literally life or death, petty shit can be pushed aside for now.

Anyways I helped them get to the door of the huge store, Jim told Pam to run ahead and unlock the doors of their car and start the engine. He took their son, Jameson, and I was pushing the cart with little Bella sitting in it. We were running as fast as we could. So far the dinosaurs were still wreaking havoc inside but still, we were shitting ourselves and desperate to get the kiddos to safety, who were also like nephew and niece to me, maybe even god-children.

Anyways Pam is shaking trying to unlock the car when we reach it, and Jim pulls open the door to try and get Jameson in his car seat and I did the same, opening the boot and helping Bella into her seat, doing the buckles for her. I also threw whatever groceries were in the cart into the boot alongside her thinking provisions might be a good idea, before I shoved the cart away and closed the boot. At this point Jim was still struggling with the buckles on Jamesons car seat (He had managed to hit his head somewhere earlier in the store and was a bit shaky, possibly concussed) so I told him to get in the damn car whilst I buckled up Jameson too, then climbing into the back seat myself as Pam put pedal to the metal and we tore off, which was just in time too, because I looked back and saw the T-Rexes burst out of the storefront along with some smaller dinosaurs, maybe raptors.

So we drove for a little while and it was my first time visiting their new house because they had moved recently and it was more off in the country so they thought safer from this weird Dinosaur Apocalypse, and of course they went about unbuckling their kids and taking them inside, so I grabbed all the provisions and food from the trunk and closed up the car, also struggling to fold up a pushchair before carrying the bags inside.

It was a beautiful house dont get me wrong but I couldn't focus on that, I had a lot more on my mind. All the crap I had just been through. So when I got inside and put away the food in their huge kitchen, I sat down and basically started to dissociate, my anxiety sky high. Here's the thing, I'm not going to lie, Jim was my best friend and Pam did not like me very much because she thought I was trying to break them up (I never did such a thing, they are such a cute couple) but deep down in the truth, I was actually in love with Jim. However I was not a homewrecker and he had children and a soon-to-be wife so I never told him anything. When things had calmed a little bit, the children had been ushered upstairs and Pam reading them a story, Jim came over to grab some ice for his head and also check on me.

He could see that I was mentally checking out, and that my anxiety was getting the best of me, because he knew me better than anyone, so he didn't even say anything, he just walked over to the little breakfast bar and hugged me, really tight, and just held me there for a minute. As far as he was concerned he was just looking out for his best friend and also knew that the deep pressure helped a lot, both of these were true but I was never going to tell him it was anything more. He tried to get me to talk to him, but I struggled, I was really quite a mess, and Pam came down with that disapproving subtle glare even though I wasn't doing anything (I think she was worried because I was Jim's best friend, when years ago Pam and her old fiance were engaged, Jim was her best friend, so... I guess it makes sense she would be paranoid) and Jim told her to back off a bit and leave me alone because from what he could piece together I had literally just spent hours fighting for my life, and then seen my sister die right in front of me.

Honestly Jim standing up for me, best friend or not, it was all I wanted, his hug was strangely soothing and grounding and yeah I had a duty to hide my feelings so I didn't mess with their relationship (they were good together, happy, and had two adorable children) but that doesn't mean the feelings weren't still there deep down.

Later on a few more of our friends from the office came around with more supplies, apparently it had been decided that Jim and Pams place was the one to go to and gather and hold up, because it was sorta in the middle of nowhere, it had a basement, so people were bringing themselves and food and whatever - probably because Pam did not want it to be just them and me, and it was a bit awkward because I'm pretty sure one of the office friends also knew (confidentially) that I was in love with Jim, but they were like sympathetic because they knew I wasn't a bad person or a homewrecker, so they knew I was dealing with a whole lot PLUS unrequited love, it sucked.

#dreamjournal #dreams #dreamlog #dinosaurs #minecraft #the office

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kinglyisms-archived · 1 year ago

Text

@prerodinu asked:

Aurel had attempted to hunt down Elliot, having decided that visiting Radovan was boring and dealing with Elijah and Dacian wasn’t what he wanted anyway. So he was searching for Elliot. “Elliot.” Aurel spoke finding the other as he leaned in fingers digging into the others shirt so he could get as close as possible. Snuggling into him and sighing softly as he did so. He was content. Was he holding the packs beta hostage. Sure. He didn’t care though, his fingers toyed with the fabric and he was happy to lounge and nap the whole time. He wasn’t about to get up and let Elliot go do something else. “I don’t want to move.” He almost pouts not caring if Elliot wants to. “We stay.” He lifted up Elliot’s hand kissing the inside of his wrist before dropping it and pushing himself against the other like a cat.

“No, no. I’m alright, it isn’t much. Couple scratches, bruises. No, there’s no need to bother Toshiro, he’s got enough going on. Yeah, I’ll talk to you later, Elijah.” Elliot, when surrounded by Wolves, wasn’t usually hard to sneak up on. His senses were honed into the Pack, to those around him, and wolves moved a lot louder than the average person. He knew where each member was, and he relied on that since he no longer could his hearing. Aurel was different. Both a Vampies and not a member of the Pack.

Being on the phone he hadn’t heard the door open, hadn’t heard Aurel behind him. The man was quiet for being as tall as he was. When he’s grabbed Elliot let out a sound of surprise, his body jerking and knocking the phone from his grip. It crashed to the ground and he quickly turned around, breathing out a sigh of relief at just seeing Aurel.

“Aurel, you need to be a–little louder. When you talk and move. Or just talk near my ear, of those two. And you’re going to get blood on you gripping my shirt like that.” He hadn’t had a chance to change yet, he was working on that. He tries to catch the other’s lips and at least manages the last part when he takes hold of his wrist to place a kiss against it. Staying. In general or just Aurel here in this moment? The Vampire was going to be the death of him, that’s what he was going to be.

“I’m going to put a bell on you.” He teases, huffing out a laugh. “I’m not kidding, I have a couple I can braid one into your hair and then I’ll definitely hear you sneak up on me.” He took his hand back and reached his fingers up, gently pushing his hand through Aurel’s hair and getting it out of his face.

“I’m also going to need a bit more than we stay and I need you to look at me when you talk. Stay where? Who's staying?” He smiled softly and started playing with Aurel’s hair for fun now, twisting it in his fingers and making little braids. His hair was short, especially compared to Elliot’s who’s trailed down his entire back, but it was long enough he could do things with. Not a lot, but little braids like he was doing. “I should probably change before we have that conversation.”

#♚ — resident; elliot.#prerodinu

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keycarabiner · 1 year ago

Text

Hi! I'm Em. I write fanfiction for fun over on AO3!

♡ Nonbinary lesbian (they/them pronouns)

♡ 20s

♡ Hobby writer

♡ Currently writing stranger things fic (mostly steddie)

My inbox will always be open for any comments, questions, and requests.

Thanks for stopping by! ♡

Masterlist of fanfictions below the cut, sorted chronologically from most recent update:

AO3: mourningshowers

storge (G | 4.1k | 1/1 | part one of forms of love)

Steve Harrington is claimed by his mother the same night he arrives at camp. And it happens in the middle of the campfire sing-a-long, go fucking figure.

Storge, or familial love, refers to natural or instinctual affection, such as the love of a parent towards offspring and vice versa.

carry me home (T | 10k | 1/3)

“I missed you,” he says honestly, the words muffled into Eddie’s skin, and something within him just— Clicks into place. Eddie doesn’t waste a second in climbing up onto the bed to hold Steve, too, his hands stroking up and down his back. Steve continues to murmur, “Even though back then, I didn’t really know you—I missed you so much when you were gone.” “Hey, hey, it’s alright,” Eddie says, and he draws back if only to run his hands through Steve’s hair softly, pushing the strands back just to lay soft lips at his temple. It feels like love, so it must be. Love. He needs it. So much he’s dizzy with it. He leans into the touch. Eddie smiles against his skin. “I never left.” Steve Harrington wakes up in a world where he is loved. It's not real.

any way the wind blows (M | 34.9k | 5/15)

Steve's mind is carefully blank. It has been from the moment his father walked him to one of the castle’s balconies, the one that oversaw his home kingdom in its entirety, and said the word betrothal. He had suppressed every single thing, every emotion and feeling and conviction that had risen inside of him that very moment, and has continued to suppress them, and he will continue well after he is officially wed tonight—most likely until he takes his final breath. He had known for a while now that this would be his fate. He wishes knowing had made it any easier. From childhood, Prince Stephen of the Northlands has been a disappointment. When his parents forged a new alliance with the Southlands, he did not expect his own hand to factor into the treaty. Yet on the dawn of his twentieth birthday he finds himself being carted off to the capital of the Southlands to marry their infamous bloody-handed warrior, Prince Kas. Prince Kas’ reputation precedes him. But upon his arrival Steve quickly realizes that the Southlands aren’t all that they seem to be, and neither is his betrothed.

silver fox (G | 2.3k | 1/1)

Steve stops short. He meets Eddie’s eyes in the water-stained mirror, then his own. A beat passes. Before he knows it he’s crowding up way too close to his own reflection, pulling at his scalp this way and that and sure enough— There are a few hairs that glint silver in the dim bathroom light. “What,” he says again, as he feels his world slowly begin to implode around him. Grey hairs at twenty-one years old, he despairs silently. At this rate he will be almost entirely grey at age thirty, probably. “Kinda super sexy of you,” Eddie is saying, manhandling him a bit out of the way so that he can spit and rinse. “Silver fox Stevie. Ha.”

only i remain (your friend, eddie) (T | 9.5k | 1/1)

Dustin, I’m awake now. Finally. And I’m alive.

Dustin, Weird things are happening. Guess that’s just par for the course in Hawkins though, so I can’t say I’m all that surprised.

Dustin, This is the last letter I’ll be able to write.

hunter's moon (T | 17k | 2/2 | part one of moonstruck)

“What about your pack?” Steve asks, because, well— Werewolves are social creatures. Humans may not be right about the specific dynamics, the leaders and the runts and pack structures, but they got the general idea right. The idea that wolves have a distinct need for life, to be surrounded by it, sustained by it. There is no point in running beneath the glow of a full moon without people you trust. People who understand what it's like. “Don’t have one,” Eddie replies stiffly. “Don’t need one. I have my uncle. And my friends. Even though they’re human, they help with the whole socialization thing.” He’s a lone wolf, Steve realizes. That’s the smell that rolls off of Eddie Munson in irrepressible waves: it’s loneliness.

convalescence (M | 23.3k | 2/3)

Eddie met Steve the year he turned twenty, in a kitchen with peeling yellow wallpaper. Further down the line, he'll remember thinking that the wallpaper was dull in comparison to the glowingly beautiful boy stood at the stove. Even if the boy had the saddest eyes Eddie had ever seen, a deep brown and frosted over like the earth in January. You can be sad and beautiful, Eddie reasoned: wilted roses do not stop being lovely just because they’re looking down instead of up. Or, it’s winter and Steve is stolen.

baby love (G | 2k | 1/1)

Eddie looks better than he has in a long while. His hair is a little shorter and curlier than it was back in March and he’s wearing a short-sleeve Night of the Living Dead t-shirt, proudly displaying the healed, jagged scars that crawl up his arms and neck. His eyes are bright, his mouth fast, his posture relaxed, and he’s— He’s holding a baby. It’s shocking how quickly Steve’s mind goes hysterically loud one moment and then carefully blank the next.

stay safe (T | 4.3k | 1/1 | part 3 of first meetings)

“My name isn’t Junior,” Junior cuts in, like that’s the thing he should be concerned about, not the fact that Steve was calling out his perceived shitty relationship with his father. “Yeah, no shit,” Steve says. “But I don’t know your real name and Hopper calls you Junior, so.” “I’m Eddie. Eddie Munson. I’ve been in your pre-calc class all semester. And gym, but I never go.” “Oh,” Steve says. He recognizes the name, has heard it before, murmured in the halls of Hawkins High or on the back patio during a house party. He’d never been able to put a face to it. Never really cared to. It’s funny how quickly things like that can change.

brighter in the dark (T | 13.9k | 1/1)

Eddie thinks that he’s probably judged Steve too quickly. He thinks Steve’s probably full of surprises, if the past two years are anything to go by. And then, of course, Steve just has to prove him right by stepping out of his BMW in a full sailor suit fantasy that not even the most depraved recesses of Eddie’s mind could have cooked up. Jesus. He’s got the little hat and everything. Cute tiny shorts, too, that are regrettably not as short as the ones included in the Hawkins High gym uniform, but still short enough for Eddie to be able to appreciate Steve’s legs. He has nice legs. Good knees. White socks pulled halfway up his calves, for some reason, stark against his golden tan skin. Wispy little hairs that probably go up his thighs. Eddie needs to stop looking at his legs. “Eddie Munson,” Steve calls as he approaches, his voice all easy and light like they’re actually friends. “Hi.” Eddie blinks at him. Because Eddie's life can never be normal, the summer of '85 finds him working a firework stand just outside of Starcourt Mall, catching up on school work, and tutoring Steve Harrington in all things D&D.

let the light in (M | 19.4k | 1/1)

Eddie’s blood sings out for him in a way that is distinctly not-human, and that’s really the final nail in the coffin. The proverbial one, at least. He’s not so sure what happened to the real one. “What did you do?” Eddie asks, when the horror fully sets in and takes over and the dread crawls up from his chest to claw at his throat and choke. He asks, desperately, “Steve, what did you do?” “What I had to,” Steve answers, and Eddie breathes out with decayed lungs, coughs up some more soil, and weeps. Eddie wakes up.

moonbeam (T | 6.1k | 1/1 | part 2 of first meetings)

Eddie hums. “We’ll figure something out,” he tells Steve, like they’re friends or something. Like they’ll see each other somewhere after this and won’t just let their eyes skip over one another’s faces—like they’ll actually call out to one another, sit down, catch up. Steve knows better. Knows their tentative alliance doesn’t exist outside of this mediocre 24-hour diner, at nearly midnight a few days after the Fourth of July. They both know it, Eddie’s just pretending not to. Strangely enough, it doesn’t stop Steve from saying, “Sure.”

in my life (T | 9.5k | 1/1)

Eddie will say goodbye to Dustin and Mike at the same time then move on to the rest. Two birds, one stone. And then he’ll be off. Easy peasy. Except it isn’t, because when has Eddie’s life ever been easy? He drives over to the Wheeler’s place down Maple Street, parks at the curb in front of the house. Stumbles up the front steps and raps on the door a bit. Is so lost in preparing his last-minute improvised goodbye speech that he doesn’t register the fact that Mike Wheeler isn’t the one answering the door until, well— “Eddie?” Steve asks, eyebrows furrowing. Eddie gapes at him stupidly. Eddie is leaving. Steve is doing his damnedest to get him to stay. Also, Holly Wheeler is a fairy princess.

you win some, you lose some (G | 2.3k | 1/1 | part 1 of first meetings)

Eddie hums. His eyes are blazing with something Steve can't really put a name to. “What were you and Hargrove fighting over?” “None of your business.” “Title of Best Car in the Hawkins High senior parking lot? Captaincy for the game in which you throw balls into laundry baskets?” He pauses, leans forward and grins wickedly. “A girl?”

chimera (T | 5.5k | 1/1 | part 1 of transmutation)

“Friend,” the demogorgon repeats. It reaches a hand up. Long and thin and veiny. Distinctly not human. Black beneath the clawed nail. The tip of its finger comes closer and Steve stops breathing right up until it gently brushes the denim of Steve’s vest. Not Steve’s vest. Eddie’s vest. Steve looks down. Jammed onto the finger is a chunky silver ring in the shape of a tombstone.

fixer-upper (T | 20.5k | 3/3 | part 2 of love letters verse)

Steve wakes up the morning of their two-month We-Finally-Got-Our-Shit-Together anniversary to find Eddie staring at him, crouched over at the foot of the bed with his round unblinking eyes like a fucking gargoyle. It should be creepy. Steve is used to this, though, so now it’s just kind of a thing that Eddie does. “What,” Steve says groggily, wiping the drool from his mouth. “Nothing, angel, go back to sleep,” Eddie trills. Or, two months after Steve and Eddie officially get together, Steve finds himself thinking about home, his heart, and how to let go.

you all the way down (T | 6.7k | 1/1)

Steve steels himself, grips his bat tight, and whips open the door. Instead of the kids, or Wayne, or any of the remaining basketball meatheads that have made Eddie’s life a living hell since the spring, a girl is standing on the stoop. She looks about Steve’s age, maybe a couple of years older. She’s short. Petite. She has freckles all over her round face, kind of like Robin does, with the same hair length, although hers is dark and straight with a chic cut to it. She’s wearing all black, ripped jeans and big heeled boots and an oversized denim jacket. Her dark eyes are ringed with smudged eyeliner and look wide, almost frantic; her hand is poised just above the door, and the dozens of thin silver rings on her fingers glint in the early morning sunlight. “Oh,” she says, her voice all airy like she’d run out of breath. “Oh, sorry. I… I must have the wrong place.”

in the meantime (T | 13.3k | 1/1)

Now that Eddie’s officially retired, him and Steve are engaged and they live in a huge house together in a state where apparently, it is currently at least a little bit legal for two people of the same gender to adopt or foster children together. They have a family; not some ragtag mishmash of people bonded by the trauma of surviving multiple apocalypses together, but an actual family. Two parents, a slew of children, and a home. The mismatched decor of the house suddenly makes a lot more sense, the pastel yellow color of the walls in the family room clashing horribly with the stuffed crow and plastic skull on the mantelpiece. It’s so them it hurts. Mike and El went off the grid for a number of years following the death of Henry Creel. Except it seems as though nothing is truly dead and gone, because the Upside-Down reawakens more than ten years later for reasons unknown. They soon find themselves calling everyone to come back to Hawkins and stop the end of the world from happening yet again. Some people have moved on, though.

two-headed calf; twice as many stars (T | 3.6k | 1/1)

The music has stopped. Eddie mutters something about a quick smoke break and slips out the front door, wood planks creaking and settling in his wake. The old guitar is abandoned against the wall. And who would Steve be, if he didn’t follow?

follow the sun (T | 11.1k | 1/1)

Eddie walks into a Michaels Arts and Crafts Store at 4PM on a Sunday stoned out of his goddamn mind and is immediately accosted by the image of Steve Harrington crouched over in the yarn aisle, wearing glasses and an apron over what can only be described as a grandpa sweater.

love letters in your lunch (T | 20.2k | 4/4 | part 1 of love letters verse)

Rumor has it that whenever any one of the seven or so gremlins that Steve has magnanimously decided to adopt sleep over at his ridiculously large and empty house, he’ll get up extra early in the morning and pack them all lunches in brown paper bags. He’ll make them breakfast, too, and drop them off at school with a ruffle of their hair, a slap on their shoulder, or a pep-talk, depending on the kid. Not that Eddie Munson, of all people, would know anything about it. It's October and Steve starts packing Eddie lunches for work. Eddie doesn't know what to do about it.

wake up the dawn (T | 7.6k | 1/1)

The worst part about the secrets is that Steve will eventually find someone else to share them with, someone else to show his big dorky glasses and play a subdued game of Two Truths and a Lie with, and Eddie will fade into the periphery, into the background, into nothing until he dissipates completely. It’s inevitable. That doesn’t make the dull ache right smack dab into the middle of his chest any less painful. Or, Eddie considers grief, hair, secrets, lullabies, and the unattainability of dreams.

#about #my writing #em.txt

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r-we-taire-yet · 2 years ago

Note

"Not sure if you could tell, but I'm not exactly a people person."

---

Sleepy Hollow was a small town. It was hard to avoid people, no matter how much one wanted to, and Matilda very much wanted to. High school was hard enough without the suspicious glances and hushed whispers of classmates. All her life kids had teased her for being a witch, everyone but Kat. Kat was the only friend she needed, she was the only person she needed. One person was enough when the rest of the world seemed to hate her for who she was.

But Brom Bones was making things difficult. Ever since he started dating Kat, he'd made an effort to get to know Matilda too, and it was really getting in her way of being a loner. Brom would bring his Babes everywhere he went, so every time he wanted to chat they descended upon her like a pack of extremely dense wolves. All Matilda wanted was to read her book and survive senior year so she would never have to step foot in that school again, but Brom as always had other plans.

"Hey, Matilda! What are you reading?" Brom asked as he sat across from her at table in the library.

Matilda sighed and kept the book in place to try to signal her lack of interest in the conversation. "You wouldn't like it."

"Maybe I will!" Brom said. "Why wouldn't I like it?"

Matilda turned the book around to show both pages were entirely full of words without paragraph breaks. "Because Oscar Wilde really liked to write long purple prose."

Brom winced at the look of it but his smile didn't waver. "Maybe you can tell me about it instead?"

"Where are the Babes?" Matilda asked, turning the book around and trying to read again. "Did they abandon you so you decided to bother me instead?"

"Nah, I sent them to find the comic books. You always seem so uncomfortable when we're all around, so I wanted to talk to you one-on-one instead," Brom said.

"And why is that?" Matilda sighed.

"Because you're Kat's friend and I want to be your friend too," Brom explained, almost sounding genuine.

Brom could be a bully. He had all the toxic masculinity of the average high school jock and had a reputation for picking on people who were outside the norm. Matilda didn't know what Kat saw in the guy most of the time, she never wanted to be around him. There were times though, when Brom showed a different side, a nicer, gentle side. Matilda suspected there might be a genuinely nice guy trapped under all the layers of high school bullshit Brom had. Sometimes he seemed just... kind. Dumb, but kind. All the teasing and bullying got in the way of her actually wanting to be associated with him though.

"Who says I want to be your friend?" Matilda asked.

Brom frowned. "Why don't you want to be my friend?"

"Well, you're a bully," Matilda said. "You make fun of people who don't fit in and make their already difficult lives worse. You throw around your strength to intimidate others. You act like women should be glad to be around you as if they don't have their own thoughts and feelings. Your view of masculinity makes your life worse because you won't let yourself be as close to the Babes as you guys could be. Basically, you have a lot of work to do on yourself before I would want to be your friend and I'm really not sure you're willing or capable of doing that."

Brom stared at her in utter shock with his jaw hanging open as he tried to process what she'd said. "... Wow... harsh."

"Well it's true," Matilda said.

"You don't just say that kinda thing to someone!" Brom said. "That's not the kind of thing you're supposed to tell someone who wants to be your friend!"

"Not sure if you could tell, but I'm not exactly a people person," Matilda said. "I'm not looking for friends, certainly not from toxic masculinity obsessed bullies who act like they own the planet. Fix your attitude and then we'll talk."

"... Fine! I will! I'll show you! I'll be the least toxicly masculinity anti-bully you've ever met and you'll see you were wrong!" Brom said, standing up and saying loudly to the rest of the library. "Hear that, World?! From today on I'm a feminist!"

Matilda groaned and covered her face with her book. Why did she feel like this was only the beginning of this insanity?

---

"Hey, Mattie," Brom whispered as he leaned towards her.

Sleepy Hollow was beautiful in the fall. Matilda always loved the colors and smells and the spirit of the season. It was different this year though, there was something warmer about it now. Kat was gone, and that grief was still one of the worst pains she'd ever felt in her life, but she had so much more now. She had Ichabod and Brom, and Verla and the Babes. The world seemed brighter than it ever had before and, frankly, Matilda was happy. She wasn't sure she'd ever felt this happy before.

"What?" she whispered back, still smiling slightly at the silliness happening in front of them. The Babes had convinced Ichabod to play some game with them, and Matilda and Brom had chosen to watch from the bench in the gazebo. She was honestly just waiting until Ichabod had an asthma attack so she could win her bet with Verla.

Brom wrapped his arm around her shoulders and smiled fondly at her. "I told you so," he whispered.

"You what?" she asked, pulling back with a playful smile.

"I told you I'd fix myself and you'd change your mind about me," Brom said.

Matilda laughed and leaned her head against him. "Yeah, I guess you did. I'm proud of you for proving me wrong. Don't do it again."

"You're usually right, but as your husband I think it's kinda my job to show you where you're wrong, just like you've always done for me. I wouldn't have changed if you hadn't roasted me so badly back then," Brom said.

"And we wouldn't be here right now if you and Ichabod hadn't gotten through to me," Matilda agreed. "You may just turn me into a people person yet."

"I would never change you, you're perfect the way you are," Brom said, kissing her head.

"We've already changed each other for the better, no stopping it now," Matilda said with a smile.

#headless #bromtilda #headless spoilers

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casspurrjoybell-29 · 1 year ago

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Forging Ties - Chapter 32 - Part 1

*Warning Adult Content*

Nim tried to look chill about it when Skye got back but Skye could tell he'd been anxiously waiting the whole time.

Nim had a point, Skye supposed.

Their time apart hadn't been the same for both of them.

It had impacted Skye's life in a major way this whole time but he hadn't really felt it.

He hadn't let himself. It was different.

They were also just very different people who had lived very different lives.

Nim had gone through that whole thing with having his mum taken from him and though they'd ultimately been reunited, Skye doubted that had fully healed the scars.

Skye had been abandoned by his own parents, unwanted and he was sure that had shaped who he was now as well.

It made sense that Nim didn't want the two of them to be apart right now but Skye didn't feel like he really processed relationships in the same way.

He almost felt like he needed a little space between interactions to really appreciate them.

Like if they were together all the time, he didn't get a chance to really experience the thoughts and feelings he had about Nim.

While the others talked, Skye practised steering with Harrison by pulling fist fulls of his fur on one side of the other.

Harrison could go pretty fast on four legs if he wanted to.

Skye was faster but he wasn't nearly as intimidating.

Bears were so cool.

Over time, some of the people who had been sitting around the firepit began to wander off.

Perry, Miriam, Sera and Everett went back to the ship and Duran went down to the beach with his friends.

Another man who had been there went his own way at the same time and then Slone wandered off, until finally the only people still there were Nim, Yore, Hamish, Skye and Harrison.

That was a far more reasonable number of people.

Skye didn't think there should ever be more people in one place than he could count and he couldn't count very high.

Especially not people.

People moved around and didn't often stand in convenient rows where they would be easy to count.

"I like you," Skye told Harrison, patting his furry shoulder.

"Bears are cool and I feel powerful when I ride on your shoulders."

"I like you, too," Harrison said.

"Nobody else wants to be my friend."

"Oh. Why?"

"I don't know. They think I'm stupid, I guess. And too big."

"Well, I couldn't ride you if you weren't big."

"Yeah. Nobody's ever asked to ride me before. I carried Duran and Fanner once when I first met them but that's not really the same I think. It was only because we had a long way to walk and their legs were tired. I don't think they really had fun."

"Some people think I'm stupid as well but I don't think I am. I don't think you're stupid, either. You can talk and that's pretty smart for a bear. Bears usually don't talk."

"That's true. I'm very smart for a bear."

"Do you want to be a courier?" Skye asked.

"We could be couriers together. I bet you can carry lots of stuff."

"What's a courier?"

"Like... a person who delivers things."

"Okay. That sounds fun."

"Yeah, it is. I'm really good at it."

Skye spotted Slone walking back towards them and he had a woman with long, dark hair with him.

Skye flattened himself against Harrison's shoulder to hide.

Was she related to Nim?

Her hair was kind of similar to Nim and Yore's.

"Hi, Dad," the woman said to Nim when she reached them, answering Skye's unvoiced question.

"It's been a while since I last saw you."

Nim looked up at the woman but he didn't bother standing from the log he was seated on next to Hamish.

"Well, you know where I live, Zunda."

"And you know where I live and you have a lot more free time than I do," Zunda shot back.

"Ah, yes, that's exactly how I like to spend my day," Nim said. "Basking in the collective disapproval of an entire pack of wolves. I know I'm not welcome."

"You've always been welcome and if anyone has ever said otherwise, I'll have words with them."

"You don't need to say the words. We haven't had a single conversation since you were five where you didn't try to change me in some way."

"Because I'm worried about you, Dad," Zunda said, her voice raising.

"My whole life you've been waiting to start living yours and you'd been doing it long before I came along. I just want you to be a part of the world we live in. That's all I've ever wanted."

"That's fine when you're five but at some point, I expect you to start listening. I can't just forget about and move on from someone who's connected to me by fate itself."

"At some point, you have to."

"I, uh, didn't tell her why I was bringing her to talk to you," Slone said, scratching the back of his neck. "So, uh. Y'know."

Zunda's eyebrows lifted.

"Is there something I should know?"

Nim stood and made eye contact with Skye before holding a hand out towards Zunda.

"This is my daughter, Zunda."

He turned back to Zunda, and gestured towards Skye.

"Zunda, this is Skye."

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storybounded · 1 year ago

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Okay, but. No matter what L.A. canon does, I already adore my version of Deuce's mother and I don't think I'll ever change her. I've probably already specified that I'm keeping a lot of Medusa's old lore. Where she was a beautiful and gorgeous maiden, back when roman gods were at their peak of power many millennias ago. She fell for and slept with Neptune within Minerva's temple. Pissed off, Minerva punished Medusa, and turned her gorgeous hair into a head snakes, and anyone who dared looked into their gaze would turn stone cold. She spiraled, especially when she realized this horrific fact and turned those she was close to to stone on accident. Their emotions locked in fear of her new form. She was Humiliated, ashamed, furious, scared, and grieved over her hideous look at the time. Hell, the village she once called home spurned her out of fear, and she became enraged and turned them to stone when people tried to gang up on her to kill her. Even monsters grew wary, and tried to protect the normies from her. She became both a victim and then an aggressor to both humans and monsters alike. It grew to a point she found a new animalistic enjoyment to terrorize people for sport, especially worshippers of Minerva. It was definitely not a healthy way to cope by a long shot, but it gave her a sense of power to claim back to herself. She shifted her ways to be more productive upon realizing she wasn't the only victim of such a horrid curse. She helped set up a community for gorgon kind, a place where they could feel safe and with no judgment. They were close knit and kept to themselves, and worked together, much like a pack of wolves, when beings tried to hunt them down. But in this world and story, Medusa was never killed and grew to be quite successful despite the hardships. It took a long time, but Medusa was able to reclaim confidence in her beauty and ego, but she was forever changed. In modern times, she is a successful fashion designer. Although she still hasn't reconciled with monsters and refuses to step foot on monster high, she is highly aware that humans are suckers who would buy just about anything. She has an entire brand of clothing under the alias 'Lady M'. She designs and sells clothing, purses, shoes, and make up. And although she sells to the normies, her style is VERY expensive and elegant and beautiful. Most humans do not know that she is a monster, as she can blend exceedingly well. But, through a recent plot, I discovered she has dark green hair much like Deuce, but it is long, elegant, tastefully decorated with gold beads, and a head full of snakes are weaved within (specifically poisonous green pit vipers). She wears contacts unlike Deuce. Enchanted to bend to her will without a flick of the wrist. This way, she can work her way around her curse for business endeavors. She is also a drama queen in personality. Vain. Haughty. Medusa can be a trouble maker, as she still finds enjoyment in terrorizing humans with her abilities. But she loves to have fun and be the life of a party as well. Even crashing them at times, so that attention can be on her in awe (Compensating for the fact that long ago, people used to look upon her in fear and disgust). Due to her long time spent on Earth, she seems to have a collected disposition when calm, and doesn't allow things to stress her out nearly as much anymore, as it would give her wrinkles. Her anger and rage is saved for the people and monsters who get on her or her family's bad side. Especially Rameses and Nefaria. She hates their guts, and would love to send Rameses back to the underworld one day. She absolutely loves her children, and had several throughout her lifetime, Deuce being the youngest and her first boy (a rarity amongst her kind). She doesn't understand why he wants to attend monster high, and hopes that one day, he will see the light of her ways. This causes them to butt heads and have many arguments, but despite that, she is also exceedingly protective mom and doesn't want others to taunt him.

#&&. have this headcanon about Medusa even if she is just an NPC in Deuce's life #&&. I wanted to get this down so I wouldn't forget #&&. deuce ( family: mother )

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crevassier · 2 days ago

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Warm gold was allowed to swivel from gazing at the dirt road before them to properly facing the princess’ pale face. Sylvain wouldn’t make any comments, knowing that there were limits even his bitterness couldn’t cross, but he had to admit that Edelgard was a beautiful girl. Short and definitely scary-looking at times, but beautiful nonetheless. Her hair, a bright platinum, was unlike anything he had ever seen before- so much so a part of him even wondered if it had been dyed or changed in some manner. Beautiful, almost…oddly, otherworldly so.

He knew better than to ask about that, too.

“I see even the imperial princess holds on to duty and diligence with an iron fist…I thought prince Dimitri was the only one in the ‘no fun allowed’ corner.” He joked lightly, a pout on his lips. “Speaking more seriously though. I really love horses, and have been around them ever since I was a little boy. That and…well, when snow reaches up to your knees it can be pretty tiring to do things on foot, so horses are your best pick in Northern Faerghus. It’s a necessity.” Though there were situations in which trekking on foot was mandatory, particularly closer to the Ruskas.

“But outside of military importance and all, nothing’s better than letting your horse run at full speed through a wide, flat field. The wind brushing through your hair, it feels amazing. Like freedom, really.” A smile was directed to the princess alongside a wink. “If you ever want to give it a try, I’m your guy! I know a good spot.” The flirty tone was still very much present, though definitely knocked down a few notches.

As if on cue, the winds seemed to pick up slowly. The sound of leaves and foliage filled the silence as both horses stopped on their tracks. Sylvain hoped it wouldn’t rain that day. At Edelgard’s inquisition, Sylvain stared down for a moment, gaze lost in thought as he went through all possible choices. “Well, it can be due to a number of things. Horses are prey animals, so it’s within their instinct to become skittish and flee if they feel unsafe. Their vision range is also much wider than ours, so they can also spot movement in places our eyes can’t reach without us rotating our entire head.” Going quiet for a moment, Sylvain gauged Heide’s demeanor. So far the mare seemed neutral, ears swiveling around every now and then but perked up.

“A surge of predators could also set them off, such as spotting what they think is a pack of wolves in the distance, or even a flock of wyvern. Does Varley have a significant population of big creatures, such as wolves or bears? Or…Demonic Beast sightings?” It was hard to miss a Demonic Beast, but at the same time one must never let their guard down. The plains of Itha were inhabited by a number of bizarre beasts and many, despite their large size, were able to camouflage in an almost seamless manner. “That, or…magic, maybe.”

Ginger brows arched for a moment, the young man evaluating the possibility. “Like most animals, horses are able to sense things we typically can’t. The report said most of the horses getting spooked were from people outside of Fódlan, so…maybe, there could be some sorcery work being done somewhere and those horses, not used to Fódlan’s magic, feel threatened by it and become feisty.” He then frowned. “Do you have any idea in regards to that, Your Highness?”

@hresvelged

destrier

closed starter for @hresvelged | riding+1

#destrier thread #[support] edelgard

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starlitangels · 3 years ago

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The Pack Run

Still writing like nothing is going on in the canon universe... I wrote this an hour before the last Inversion episode was posted on YouTube so I didn’t know Sam didn’t know what Darlin’ looked like as a wolf until Inversion No Inversion spoilers, don’t worry 3.2k words (a lot longer than I intended... sorry?)

—

“Sam, I told you, you don’t have to come with us. I don’t care what Asher was saying,” I said. “I mean, it’s just gonna be you and a bunch of wolves who you won’t be able to really communicate with. The telepathic link really only works with the pack. It’s not... telepathy in its broadest sense. Not like the same telepathy magic that other magic races use. It’s just a mental link between shifted wolves.

“And besides, you’re a vampire. Even among a group of shifters, you’re going to be faster than any of us. Although, I will admit David might be able to keep up with you. At least a little bit.” I shook my head. “But he’s enormous—his long stride just eats up the ground beneath him.

“You’re more than welcome to stay here. David, Asher, and Milo’s mates will all be watching a movie or playing Charades or whatever the hell they did last year. I wasn’t here for that, so I have no clue. But I’m sure they’d be fine with you joining them. Or you could go back to our cabin and have a few hours of peace after all this. You don’t have to run with us. Literally, that’s all we’re gonna do. Run. We’re not even going to hunt or anything.”

“Darlin’,” Sam said, reaching up and touching my cheek gently with the backs of his fingers. “That’s not what matters. Do you want me to go with you?”

“Well, yeah. It’d be nice to know you’re out there with me. But if it’s going to make you feel awkward or uncomfortable in any way, I can manage running with my pack without you.” I fidgeted slightly and looked around the party. The fact that David had gone out of his way to make sure I knew I was invited to this wasn’t lost on me. I’d struggled to integrate with these people growing up and that hadn’t changed after spending a year-and-a-half or so not socializing with them.

Honestly, I figured after that pack meeting where everyone read me the riot act that I wouldn’t be invited up here, pack member or not. David’s wolf-form might have been pitch black, but I was the black sheep of the pack. The one who didn’t fit.

I didn’t tell Sam that I was desperate for him to go with me on the run. That if he decided not to go, I’d spend the entire run at the very back of the pack, lagging several yards behind everyone. Alone. Again. I could keep up with Asher and David for a while before their higher endurance started to put me behind, but even with my strength and speed, I’d stick to the back if Sam didn’t go with me.

I thought about the years since I joined the pack. In a race through the woods around Dahlia with just David, Ash, Milo, and Amanda, I could keep pace. But every solstice since my family joined the pack, I stayed at the rear. Removed from the others. The older members of the pack—not including my parents—didn’t even know how fast I was. Because they only ever saw me at the solstice run.

But Sam’s comfort was important to me. He already seemed uncomfortable enough just being a vampire surrounded by werewolves at a werewolf party. And he’d been willing to come with me in the first place to support me. That was enough. It had to be enough for me, if he didn’t want to join us for the run. Even if I desperately wanted him there.

Sam’s fingers on my face slowly trailed down my cheek before his hand dropped and found mine. “Darlin’,” he said quietly. “I told you before this trip, and I’ll tell you again: if you want me, I’m there.”

Absolutely throwing caution to the wind, I grabbed the back of his head with my other hand and kissed him. I didn’t care if Asher made fun of me or if Milo made some snarky comment. I’d pummel them both later if they tried—at the same time, and I’d win for once. Because Ash could beat me as a wolf, but not as a human, and I was going to punch him if he tried to start anything.

Sam kissed me back, though I could tell I surprised him.

“Were... were you that scared of runnin’ on your own?” he asked, keeping his voice down, as I pulled away, still clinging to his hand and his head.

“You know me better than that. I’m not scared of anything,” I retorted. “But... I’ll admit I was a little... apprehensive of being on my own with the pack again. Without you there. I just... I want you to be comfortable, Sam.”

He smiled. “Well, if we’re gonna make this work, darlin’, I might be crashin’ this party every year for a while yet. They may as well get used to havin’ me here.” He kissed my cheek. “And I’m glad to be by your side—for as long as you’ll have me.”

—

“Psst, Milo,” Asher said, elbowing Milo in the arm as he passed by.

Milo swore. “What?”

Asher nodded toward the corner.

Milo glanced over to see Tank and their vampire—partner? Mate?—kissing like the damn world was about to end. Milo glanced back at Ash. “You know if you say anythin’ to Tanker they’ll beat your ass into next week, right?” Milo asked.

“Yeah. Which is why I’m not saying anything. For once,” Asher replied. “I just figured you should also be made aware that big, bad, tough, lone wolf Tanker was kissing a vampire at our party.”

“A vampire who can definitely hear you talkin’,” Milo pointed out.

Asher swore. “Have you seen my mate? I should go find...” He craned his neck, looking around.

“Over talkin’ with David’s by the big picture window.” Milo gestured vaguely in the direction he last saw those two menaces gossiping with their heads together.

“Thanks.”

“Ash,” Milo said, grabbing Asher’s arm. “Don’t ruin this for Tanker.”

“If I even tried they’d tear my throat out as a human. I’m not stupid, Milo.”

“Coulda fooled me.”

“You little—” Asher swung an arm, taking a swipe that Milo dodged.

—

Sam sighed. “Your packmates are... rambunctious.”

“Tell me about it,” I grumbled. “What did you overhear this time?”

“I don’t think you want me tellin’ you, darlin’,” he said slowly.

“Okay. Then I’ll guess. Asher running his mouth, Milo making fun of him for it.”

“Somethin’ along those lines.”

“I’ve known those two idiots since we were thirteen. You’d think after this long, they’d have grown up.”

“You’re sure werewolves aren’t frozen in age like vampires?” Sam joked.

I snorted. “I’m sure. But I can’t say the same for Ash and Milo.” I looked over at the party to see Asher ducking under Colm Greer’s gesticulating arm to get to his and David’s mates standing at the window. “But... they’re the closest thing I ever had to brothers. Them and David.”

Sam chuckled. “I hear ya. I feel the same about Vincent and the newborns. The family we choose for ourselves.”

“Yeah. Even... even if it’s hard to connect with them.”

Sam gave me a gentle look. “It’ll get easier, darlin’. If you’re willing to put in the work to get there.”

“I’m trying, Sam.”

“I know.”

—

The frigid wind streaked through my fur. Sam kept pace with us easily. He was honestly jogging more than running, compared to how fast I’d seen him move before. I was up at the front of the pack with him, trying to stay by his side. Amanda ran beside me, her blond-tan fur rippling in the wind. David and Asher were the only ones ahead of us, Milo and Christian right behind.

Tank, how are you holding up? Asher asked.

Fine, why?

You’ve never been at the front of the pack during a solstice run.

Never had a reason to. This year, I do.

Showing off for Sam? Asher teased.

I growled low in my chest and nipped at Asher’s tail. Sam shot me a look as Asher whined. Say something like that again, I will rip you apart, Asher, I snapped.

Enough, both of you, David put in.

He started it, I said.

I don’t care who started it. I’m finishing it. Now, David retorted. Even his thoughts were growly and grumbly. It had been a while since I heard him over the mental link.

I shook my head at Sam, wishing I could loop him into the link. All he did was bounce his eyebrows at me and keep running.

I looked ahead at the path then back to Sam. I threw my head in the direction of the path, trying to tell him he could run faster if he wanted. We’d catch up. “You sure?” he asked. Voice still as soft as always. I drifted closer to him on the path and brushed against him with my shoulder, nodding.

He smiled. “See ya downstream, darlin’.”

The blast of him taking off sent cold wind sharply down my left side.

What’d you send him ahead for? Amanda asked.

I could tell he was bored running our speed, I replied. Once he finds a spot to hang out, he’ll wait till we catch up and then join again.

I wasn’t wrong when I said he could blow our doors off, Asher remarked.

Dunno. I think David could keep up, I said.

I could, David agreed, for a little while, at least. But it’s my job to lead the pack, not show off.

I didn’t say anything, just dodged around a tree.

We caught up to Sam two minutes later. He was leaning against a tree at the edge of a clearing, one leg braced against the trunk with his arms folded. Smiling in satisfaction. His eyes met mine as I assume he heard the way my already pounding heart sped up. The moment I met him in Wonder World, I thought he was a handsome man, and over the course of our time together that led us here, those thoughts and feelings only got stronger.

We’ll pause here, David said to the whole pack, slowing his pace so the pack did as well. Take a break. Catch your breath.

The pack filed into the clearing, claiming spaces and lying down in the snow. Pups who’d just manifested this year or last rolled in the snow, bounding around and playing. Asher played with them, pretending to lose as they wrestled with him.

Hey David, what do you think our mates are doing back at the cabin? Milo asked.

I think Asher’s mate was saying something about Pictionary?

Oh God, Milo said, someone’s gonna set somethin’ on fire.

Maybe.

I snorted, plodding over to Sam. He’d sat down on the ground, waiting for me. I set my head on his lap. “You gonna shift back, darlin’?” he asked.

I lifted my head from his lap and shook it.

He set a hand in the fur behind my ear. “That’s alright. I didn’t expect you to. I know you don’t shift with clothes on and it’s pretty damn cold out here. I mean, just look at this clearin’.”

I flicked my eyes over to see steam rising from the bodies of my pack, fogging the clearing. I nuzzled my head against Sam’s torso, pushing my head up into his hand.

He took the signal, scratching behind my ear. I sighed out my nose and relaxed.

Sam chuckled. “Always nice to see you unwind, darlin’,” he said gently. I just leaned my head against his torso.

Tanker, Tanker, Tanker! one of the pups called out, bounding over and bending on their front paws, ears and tail high. I wondered how the kid still had any energy. My first couple solstice runs had wiped me out as a teenager. Wanna come play with us? Asher says you’re the best wrestler in the pack after Alpha!

I lifted my head slightly, thinking about it. Then remembering I couldn’t risk even a drop of blood falling. Sam looked between me and the pup. Did he now? I asked. Well, I’ll have to prove it later. I’m gonna spend this break with—

It occurred to me that I wasn’t entirely sure what to call Sam. Sure, we were together—I considered him my partner. But was I ready to say “mate”? Were we there?

Sam, I finished.

The pup sniffed. Sam smells funny.

Sam is a vampire, I said. Of course he smells different to our noses. But that’s why he’s been able to keep up with us tonight. That’s why he ran ahead.

Cool! the pup said. Are you sure you don’t want to come wrestle?

Some other time, kid. Promise.

Okay! The pup bounded off, brown fur still dotted with snow.

I relaxed into Sam again. “Kid want you to go play?”

I nodded—and made a curious noise so he’d know I was wondering how he guessed.

Sam chuckled. “I can tell an excitable pup when I see one. I’m guessing you’re not going to?”

I shook my head, resting against his torso and legs heavier to make a point.

He scratched behind my ear. “Well. I’m glad you’re stayin’ with me, too.”

We sat there for a few minutes, relaxed, breath escaping in clouds in front of us. Sam wasn’t breathing particularly hard, but I was.

David plodded over and settled on his belly in the snow. How’s everything going over here? he asked.

Fine, I replied. We’re just resting.

I felt the mental link alter. He’d cut the rest of the pack off from hearing us. I’d tuned out everyone else’s conversations the same way I’d done with their human voices at the party, but the sudden silence jarred me. How are the two of you doing?

Sam’s great, I said. Barely winded. I’m just catching my breath.

I wasn’t meaning about the run, Tank. How are you doing?

Fine. Happy to have Sam with me.

That’s... great. I’m glad. David’s green eyes flicked to Sam, then back to me. Do you think he’ll be joining us next year?

Are you gossiping about my relationship, Alpha? I thought you were above such things, I teased. David’s mate and Asher were probably the only two people in the pack who could really tease David and get away with it, but sometimes I’d prod. Gently. David was my brother—and even though he could dish it better than he could take it, he could still take it.

I’m asking in the interest of pack planning, David replied, tone tightly controlled.

Okay. Yeah, I’m hoping Sam will be joining next year. I glanced back at Sam. He smiled down at me and scratched behind my ear. I managed not to let my eyes roll back in my head in front of David. That’d be humiliating. If he’s been patient enough to put up with me for this long, I imagine he can hold out another year. I wiggled my snout.

Maybe next year I’d actually introduce him to the pack as my mate. This year... yeah we weren’t there just yet.

David snorted out his nose, a puff of steam rising from it. I thought the same thing about my mate, if I’m being honest, he said.

Which probably should have surprised me more than it did.

David picked his way to his feet. Ready to run? The tone was excited—as excited as David Shaw could sound, anyway—and revved up. He was happier than I’d seen him in a long time. I really needed to have a decent conversation with his mate. Thank them for pulling his head out of his ass a little.

I smiled as best I could. Hell yeah, I thought.

David opened the link to the rest of the pack. If everyone’s ready, let’s get going.

Wolves surged to their feet, shaking off snow. Asher appeared from under a mound of the stuff that the pups had somehow piled on top of him. The splotch of black fur over his left ear and eye was almost as grey as the rest of his fur, dusted with snow as it was.

I got up. Sam pushed himself to his feet.

David went to the front of the pack and paused. Ash, Tank. Lead the charge, he said. The second half of the run, the alpha took up the rear. Keeping an eye on the whole pack, making sure the pups and older wolves didn’t stray too far.

Back when Gabe was the alpha, he’d run next to me at the back, never pushing to talk to me or anything. Just letting me know he was there. Since David had been the alpha, he’d always done the same. Though his silence was less comfortable and more tense.

I gestured with my head for Sam to follow me and trotted over. Why me? I asked softly to David as I approached.

Because you’re faster than Milo and Amanda, and you’re strong. And you’re one of us. Don’t you forget it, he replied, equally as soft.

I took my spot on his left side, Asher on his right, facing the pack.

Ash, David invited.

Asher howled, twisted, and took off. I copied his movements and matched his stride, Sam running beside me.

David stood still until the rest of the pack ran past him, then took up his spot in the rear.

—

Sam was sitting on the bed in the loft when I got out of the shower and emerged from the bathroom in my pajamas, towel drying my hair. He’d showered and changed before me, in his own pajamas. It was pushing 3AM and I was exhausted—but the good kind of exhausted, where I felt like I’d accomplished something.

“You going to sleep or stayin’ up for a bit?” I asked, plopping down onto the bed next to him and letting him wrap an arm around my shoulders. I threw the towel back into the bathroom.

“I was plannin’ on holdin’ you till you fell asleep,” he said.

I smiled, leaning against his side. “Then you’ll get up and do stuff?”

“Probably. Might go down the canyon a ways so I can get a cell signal and call my newborns. Check in on ‘em. Make sure they’re doin’ alright.”

“I’m sure they’re fine. I can’t imagine you didn’t teach them well.” I wrapped my arms around him. “C’mon. Let’s lay down.”

We climbed into the bed and snuggled close. I rested my head on his chest, listening to that steady, sturdy heartbeat. He held onto me, pressing his cheek into my hair. “Thank you, darlin’,” he said softly.

“For what?”

“For sharing that with me.”

“Thank you for joining me. I woulda stayed at the back by myself without you.”

“How come?”

“It’s always been my spot. Alone at the back until the second half. Then David—and Gabe before him—would run next to me. The back kept me away from everybody. Meant I didn’t have to talk to them much. I never had a reason to run at the front, even though I’m only a little slower than Ash. Until I needed to keep up with you.”

Sam chuckled. “Well. Glad I could provide some motivation, at least.”

“Mm... me too,” I said.

We stayed pressed against each other until I drifted off to sleep.

#Redacted ASMR #Redacted Sam #Sam #Sam Collins #fic #gender neutral reader #Redacted Darlin'#featuring #David #Milo #Asher #Starlit Fic

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kohanayaki · 3 years ago

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.:Time and Time Again:. (Marauders Era x Reader) Ch 6

You continue the tale of how you, James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter became known as The Marauders.

LINKS: CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 CH 5 CH 6 CH 7 CH 8

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Ch 6 .:The Making of the Marauders:.

~Previously~

“That was when they were first starting to put the map together,” you continued, “but that wasn't even the biggest secret they had. Of course, I wouldn't find out about that for another year. . .”

“So at this point I knew that they were hiding something else, but not what it was,” you told Harry, continuing on with your story, “But one night we had planned to meet up and use the invisibility cloak to map out the underground tunnels that ran through the storage cellars, and they never showed up. So I snuck into the Gryffindor common room through the secret passage and found their dorm completely empty. But what was there was our work in progress map. . .”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1975 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“This isn't going to work,” Peter said flatly, watching James and Sirius draw a large circle in chalk on the floor of the Shrieking Shack.

“Not with that attitude it's not,” James said, “if there's a way we can speed up this process I'm willing to give it a go. I don't know how long I can go on with this bloody leaf in my mouth.”

“Is this even real?” Peter sighed, “it looks like what muggles think magic is.”

“It's real all right,” Sirius said, “old, but real. I mean, Transfiguration was founded on the principles of magic circles! I'm not really sure what these runes on the side mean, but it's probably not important.”

“I seriously doubt that,” Peter retorted, “Remus, back me up here.”

He turned towards Lupin, but he had long since dozed off, arms crossed as he leaned against one of the nearly decaying walls in the corner. Peter sighed, taking a piece of paper from the ground and crumpling it into a ball before promptly throwing it in the sleeping boy's face. Lupin jolted awake, realizing what had happened and chucking the paper back at Peter in annoyance.

“Not a moment of peace,” he huffed under his breath.

“Sounds awfully boring,” James said over his shoulder.

“Blimey, what time is it?” Remus said, panicked as he noticed the light had completely gone from the sky, “It's long past sundown.”

“So?” Sirius shrugged.

“So, we told (Y/n) we'd meet them to work on the map at dusk,” Remus said, “They're probably looking for us right now!”

“Oh, they are,” you announced your presence, an unimpressed look on your face as they jumped, whipping around to look at you.

“(Y-Y/n)!” Sirius stuttered, “how did you—”

You held up the map, raising a brow at the four guilty looking boys.

“Right. . .”

“You snuck into our rooms?!” James said incredulously as he saw the map, which he was sure he had left on his bedside table, in your hands.

“You've snuck into my shower before, Potter,” you glared lightly at him.

“Point taken.”

“Okay, look, I'm sorry we didn't show tonight, and I know we've been acting weird,” Sirius sighed, “the truth is—”

“Lupin's a werewolf.”

The color drained from Remus' face, slightly mortified that you already knew.

“Come on, guys,” you said, “the claw marks and you lot disappearing whenever there's a full moon kind of gave it away. You aren't exactly subtle about it.”

You could sense the intense nervousness in the room, especially from Remus. Ok, so maybe coming right out with it wasn't the best course of action.

“Look,” you said, “if you're worried about anyone else finding out, they won't. I mean, the only reason I even knew you were here is because I'm literally helping you make a magical map that details all the secret passages and shows where everyone is. I won't tell anyone, I swear.”

They still seemed a little unsure, and you bit the inside of your lip slightly.

“If it'll make us even, I'll let you know a secret of my own,” you said, “it can even be future blackmail me if you really don't trust me.”

“No, it's not that, (Y/n),” Remus said as he stepped forward, his throat feeling dry, “it's just, well, I've never really told anyone except the people in this room. Having someone else know. . . it's just a lot to process, but if had to be anyone I'm glad it's you.” He paused for a moment, feeling oddly self-conscious as he regarded you. “When I turn into a werewolf I can't recognize any human as someone I know. I have no control over myself in that state. In the worst case scenario, I could injure or even kill someone I didn't mean to. We originally started taking note of the secret passages and rooms to find a place where I could turn safely and not hurt anyone, and we settled on here. I don't remember much when I come out of it, but. . . I do feel this painful sense of separation each time. Werewolves are pack creatures by nature, so being isolated in that state is. . . agony, if I must be honest. They all figured, I can't recognize humans, but perhaps I could recognize other animals, so. . .”

“They're trying to become animagi,” you finished, “so you won't have to be alone. That's. . . that's actually really sweet,” you said, a breathy laugh escaping you.

Remus thanked Merlin the Shrieking Shack was as dimly lit as it was so his beet red face was at least somewhat less noticeable.

“I agree,” Remus said, turning to his friends and sharing a rare, genuine moment with them. “And, you don't have to tell us your secret,” he said, turning back to you, “it's okay.”

“Hey, I wanted to know,” Sirius said, Peter swiftly elbowing him in the ribs.

“I was actually planning on telling you anyways,” you said, “If you guys are trying to become animagi, I can help you.”

You took a few steps back, bracing yourself against the wall.

“Promise me you won't freak out.”

After receiving a few quick nods, you kicked off the wall. Your body seemed to morph in mid-air, shrinking and re-configuring so fast that by the time you landed on the floor you had been entirely replaced by a large, (e/c)-eyed wolf with fur reminiscent of your hair.

Peter yelped, instinctively putting Sirius in front of him who was gawking at the sight. Remus was in complete shock and you could have sworn you saw James' glasses slip down his face.

In your animal form your heightened senses could sense their fear, and you tried your best to assuage it. You padded around in a circle, sitting down and blinking up at them to try and show them you were in control of your actions. After you figured they'd seen enough, you crawled back into your robes, which had pooled on the floor when you'd transfigured, and willed your body to turn back.

James, Sirius, and Peter looked somewhere in the intersection of shocked and terrified, but Remus looked nothing less than impressed.

“That's amazing, (Y/n),” he said breathlessly, “your transformation was seamless, how long have you had this ability?”

“My aunt had me go through the process when I was nine,” you said, a bitter edge to your voice as you fastened your clothes back around you, “it's not fun, but obviously useful. And thank you, but trust me, it didn't come at all naturally to me. I spent a good part of my winter break stuck with a wolf's hind legs, which is just as inconvenient as it sounds.”

“But this proves that it's possible!” James said, a new rush of energy invigorating him, “we can actually pull this off.”

“If I can manage to keep this sodding leaf from choking me every ten minutes,” Peter grumbled.

“Here, this should help with that,” you said, drawing your wand and pointing it at Peter's mouth. With a simple sticking charm, he suddenly felt the odd sensation of the leaf in his mouth disappearing, only to find it had melded with the flesh on the underside of his tongue.

“It's a long process, but yes, it's possible,” you said to James. Your eyes drifted to the floor where the magic circle and pages of runes were still scattered about, “if you were thinking of taking shortcuts, you might have wanted to read the warning about this spell requiring a blood sacrifice.”

The quartet paled and you laughed at their dumbstruck expressions.

“Kidding,” you grinned, “but seriously, there's no shortcuts. Now look alive, boys. We have a lot of work to do.”

_________________________________________________________

From then on, you helped the four wizards along on their quest to become fully fledged shifters.

“In order to become an animagus, a wizard must keep a Mandrake leaf in their mouth for an entire month, even when eating and sleeping,” Peter read aloud from the book they'd snatched from the restricted section, “Next, under a full moon, the wizard must place the leaf in a vial full of dew that has neither been stepped on nor exposed to the sun. The resulting potion must be stored in a dark place, and the following incantation: Amato Animo Animato Animagus, must be recited every morning until an electrical storm arrives, at which point the potion can be taken.”

“Blimey, all that to turn into a bloody cat?” Sirius said, exasperated.

“Well we have the first part almost done,” James said, feeling the faintest outline of the leaf still under his tongue, “Next full moon we'll have to go dew-hunting, I suppose. Looks like you'll have to stick it out for a few more cycles, Moony,” he said to Remus.

“That's alright,” he said, “I've made it this far.”

“He won't be alone for those,” you said, “I'll spend the full moons with him until you guys are ready.”

“What?” James said, looking at you like you'd just told him you were off to join Voldemort, “not a chance, that's way too dangerous.”

“Aw, don't act like you're all concerned about me all of a sudden, Potter,” you smirked. When his expression didn't change it took you aback slightly. He was actually worried about you. “Look, I'm probably the best suited for it anyways,” you said, coughing a bit to coast through the awkward tension, “Remus and I are both wolves, or at least partly. If one of you end up turning into a sheep or something you might be dead meat, not to freak you out or anything.”

“That's reassuring,” Sirius said under his breath.

____________________________________________________________

“You really don't have to do this,” Lupin insisted as you sat on the floor together in the Shrieking Shack later that month.

“I want to,” you assured him, “take it as a thanks for helping me pass Arithmancy. Besides, it's a perfectly fine excuse for me to practice interacting with other animals in my animagus form.”

The boy beside you was quiet for a moment, shoulders tense and jaw set tight. It wasn't that he wasn't happy you were here, he was more grateful than you could know, but he was terrified that he was going to end up hurting you. On top of that was the fact that he didn't want you to see him as he transformed. It wasn't pretty, and it was visibly painful. He didn't want you to think any lower of him, though he knew that fear was irrational.

The calming jazz record that spun on the other side of the room was the only noise between you two for quite some time, but you understood that he needed time to gather his thoughts. This was something so deeply personal you were surprised and a bit honored he allowed you to be here at all. You noticed the photograph that he held in his hands; it was of Hogwarts, taken from the very edge of the forest. The sun was peeking over the horizon, spilling out between the complexly constructed towers that made up the castle's exterior, and casting a warm, golden hue over the landscape.

“It's beautiful,” you said, “the picture.”

“It is,” Remus smiled to himself and nodded, “James gave it to me, as a reminder. He said that matter what happens during the full moon, the sun will always rise on us again.”

“Huh,” you mused softly, “perhaps he isn't such an insufferable jerk after all.”

“Oh, no, he is,” Lupin chuckled, “but he is also a very good friend, and endlessly thoughtful even if he denies it.”

You let that sink in for a moment. You supposed he was.

“Well,” you said, laughing a bit as you shifted in your seat, “this isn't as deep and meaningful as the photo, but I brought something for you.” You reached into your bag, retrieving something that made Remus' eyes widen.

“Where did you get that?” he said, elated as you held out his favorite chocolate bar which had been out of stock at Hogsmeade for weeks now.

“You guys have a secret tunnel that goes right to the Honeydukes cellar and you've never taken advantage of their storage?” you grinned.

Lupin hesitated as he held the bar in his hands.

“So you stole it?”

“I left five dracma in the tip jar,” you rolled your eyes, “I'm not a death eater.”

His smiled returned at that, and he ripped open the familiar foil gratefully.

“Thank you,” he said quietly.

“It's the least I could do,” you said.

“It's really not,” he said, turning to face you fully. You were left a bit breathless as the unexpected intensity of his eyes. “None of this is the least you could do, because the least you could do is nothing,” he continued, rambling, “we were so horrible to someone you consider a dear friend, and you were willing to look past that. You're risking your life by even being with me right now, (Y/n).”

“You don't—”

“I do know that,” Remus said sharply, “I've never been in contact with anyone as a werewolf. The one time I was, I. . .” he trailed off, and it hurt you to see his pained expression, “I just don't know how I'll react.”

“You're saying that as if something bad's already happened,” you said gently, “it'll be okay.”

“How can you be so sure?” he asked quietly, equally full of frustration and admiration.

“I'm willing to put my trust in you, Remus. I think it's time you put some trust in yourself.”

Lupin's heart pounded a little harder in his chest. Had you ever called him by his first name before? You looked at him so reassuringly, so confidently. He couldn't understand it, but your words reached him to his core.

“(Y/n). . .” he trailed off, blinking rapidly. A shaky breath escaped him, and your stomach dropped.

“Remus?”

Suddenly you saw something shift in him. His breathing became heavy and his pupils dilated, completely filling his irises in a matter of seconds. He braced himself against the wall as he stumbled to his feet, his skin slowly taking on a gray hue.

“It's happening,” he said, voice deeper and strained, his neck convulsing, “you have to transform, now!”

You didn't waste any time, taking the shape of your wolf form and padding away a cautionary distance. Your stomach churned as you watched Remus yell out, his expression full of pain as his body grew in size, his cries slowly becoming reminiscent of howls. His face contorted in agony as his head morphed into a more animalistic shape, ears growing from his scalp and fur appearing as if his werewolf was fully formed inside him, physically escaping through his skin. You've seen werewolves before, but seeing someone you know actually turn into one, it was completely different. Nothing could have prepared you for this. Seeing anyone in this much pain made your chest tighten harshly.

At last it seemed the transformation was complete. Remus Lupin was gone, and in front of you stood a creature of at least eight feet, perched on his hind legs and towering over you especially in your animal form. You could hear how ragged his breathing had become, his body convulsing with the motion; growing and retracting like a beating heart. You heard a whimper escape his throat, and you could tell he was still recovering from the pain.

You steeled yourself, making the decision to alert him to your presence subtly. You tilted your head upwards, releasing a similar sounding whimper to his. Immediately the werewolf across from you was on high alert, his head snapping towards you and his lips pulling back into a snarl as his ears lowered. You took an instinctive step back, lowering your head slowly. He seemed puzzled by your behavior, which made sense seeing as Lupin told you he never interacted with any other animals during the full moon. His head tilted inquisitively and he took a heavy step forward. You forced yourself to not back away, testing the waters. His eyes narrowed again as he saw you standing your ground, but you quickly sat down, your head tilting to expose your neck slightly. You made doubly sure not to show any signs of aggression; you knew you had no chance against a werewolf at full strength.

However, he seemed to take your queues well. His tail seemed to relax a bit, his eyes returning to their full, round shape as he looked at you with curiosity. You sniffed up at him and he hesitated, but eventually circled around you and did the same. You could almost see the turmoil in him, as a werewolf you doubted anyone he came across treated him with anything less than terror in their eyes, but you were completely relaxed.

He whimpered again, and you were shocked at the sign of submission. You rose to your feet, and he didn't back away. You let out a friendly yip, which he returned, and you felt the weight lift off your chest. You leaped to the side, and he followed you, running alongside you as you bounded across the room, practically leaping off the walls. You jumped at each other playfully, rolling across the floor in a mess of fur. You smiled inwardly as this continued throughout the night, no longer seeing fear or pain or aggression in his eyes when you looked into them. Even if he wouldn't remember most of this, you hoped he would at least feel better in the morning than all the times he had to go through it alone.

Exhausted from all the playing around, you padded softly back to your robes, crawling inside yours and and gesturing over to him with your head. He followed you, coming down to all fours before laying beside you. You weren't sure when sleep came over you, but it was like the world's most comfortable blanket had been thrown over your shoulders, and your eyes drifted closed of their own volition. . .

“Merlin's beard, just what were you two doing last night?!”

You and Remus both jolted awake at the sound of James Potter's aggravatingly loud voice but quickly came to your senses. Remus' arms were wrapped around you, your back facing him. You were just barely covered by your robes with nothing underneath as a result of your transformation. As you scrambled to get decent your face heated even more as you saw Remus was currently without a shirt, his pants ripped considerably. You scrambled away from each other, trying to make yourselves decent.

Peter was howling with laughter, James looking smug as ever. Sirius was oddly quiet, but you were too wrapped up in the embarrassment to notice his behavior.

“What was that about being 'endlessly thoughtful'?” you grumbled to Remus.

“Right, I completely take back what I said,” he scoffed, “ 'insufferable jerk' is much more accurate.”

“Close your eyes, you perverted git!” you yelled at James, who was blatantly staring at you, “toss me my clothes at least, would you?”

James bit back a smirk as he grabbed your bag that was sitting in the corner of the room— clothes you had brought with the intention of changing into after returning to your human form when Lupin fell asleep. He tossed it over to you and you began to change under your robes. As his back was turned to you his mind began to wander. You'd always been attractive, sure, but since you'd always been his rival he hadn't really given you a second thought, especially when he'd been trying to get Lily's attention for ages. But just now, thinking about how downright adorable you looked when you'd yelled at him, something in him shifted. He shook it off quickly, turning to Lupin with a grin he'd managed to put on concernedly fast.

“You cheeky bastard,” he said to Remus, who was furiously changing into a new shirt, “you just wanted her alone, didn't you? Do you really need us to become animagi after all?”

“You're the worst, Potter,” the werewolf glared at him.

“Don't listen to him, Remus,” you grumbled, straightening out your tie as you slipped it on over your shirt, “he's an even bigger idiot than he looks.”

“Are you implying I look stupid?”

“Implying may not be a strong enough word.”

__________________________________________________________

It had taken months of brewing the potion and getting all the necessary preparations in order, but they were finally ready. Remus sat with you in the grass, wand at the ready to undo any untoward transfiguration that happened on accident. Peter, Sirius, and James stood across from you, standing at the edge of a stone ledge about five feet off the ground. You'd said that a leap of faith is what would best trigger their first transformation. They looked nervous, but they were prepared as they'd ever be. Over the last year you had grown considerably closer to the four boys you had miraculously come to know as friends.

“Remember, focus on your emotions,” you said, “you need to pick a strong one, let it fill your body and flow through you. If you block the magic off from any part of your body, it's not going to be pretty.”

“Right, but how do I—”

“James, I swear, I'm really rooting for you to be a mute animal.”

“But how do you choose-”

“Just do it already!”

“Oh, sod it,” James squeezed his eyes shut, not giving himself time to second guess before jumping off the ledge. For a moment he was certain he was about to land face first in the dirt, but then it happened— a moment where time seemed to freeze and his body felt completely weightless. He felt this sensation where his arms and legs vibrated with an intense, foreign energy. Images flashed through his mind in that brief moment in the air; Sirius manically laughing as they ran away from Filch, Remus snapping off a piece of chocolate to offer him after he'd lost Gryffindor a Quidditch match, and, unexpectedly, you. A feeling of warmth spread through his chest, and he grasped onto it, letting it flow through his body like you said. In an instant he felt torso shift, his shoulders narrow, his neck elongate; and when he landed on the ground he still landed face-first as he predicted, but in a completely different form.

He could see you and Lupin in front of him, mouths agape. He was about to say something when he found his vocal chords only allowed him a gruff whine. Shocked, he lifted his head, which felt much heavier than he'd last recalled, and as he looked down at himself he was taken aback to be met with a pair of hooves right beneath him. He staggered to his feet on wobbly legs, of which he now had four. As he tilted his head he could see the shadow of a pair of antlers twisting into brilliant shadows on the grass.

“Potter, you did it!” you exclaimed, “you actually did it!”

“Well how about that,” Remus chuckled, “a stag.”

“It fits him, I think,” you grinned, looking over at Sirius and Peter who looked determined and terrified respectively. “Well go on, it's your turn now!”

Sirius braced himself for the jump, but somehow he found no fear in his system. After seeing James shift in the air right before his eyes, he knew he could do it. He looked over at Peter who was nearly shaking.

“Come on, Peter,” he said, “we'll go together.”

“I-I don't know about this, Sirius,” Peter said, “I'm not ready, I don't think I can do this.”

“It's just a little jump,” Sirius said encouragingly, “you can do this.”

After a few nerve wracking deep breaths Peter gave him the smallest nod one could manage.

“We'll go on three,” Sirius said, “Ready? One—”

“AaHH!”

Sirius shoved Peter off the ledge, knowing he wouldn't jump on his own, before taking the plunge himself. Peter's screams became higher and higher pitched as he shrank at an alarming speed, almost an undetectable size by the time he hit the grass. A small brown rat scurried across the field towards you and Lupin.

The stag in front of you made a sound, dragging his hooves across the grass in what you could imagine as James' unadulterated laughter at his friend.

Sirius began to morph almost as soon as he left the ground, something you were surprised by. He landed on his hind legs, landing gracefully as his front two followed, and a shaggy black dog looked back at you with mischief in its eyes.

You couldn't help but go over and pet him. You laughed as he nudged you with his nose, a resistance that was quickly halted as soon as you started scratching him behind the ears.

“I have to say, I didn't think you would actually manage that on your first try,” you said, secretly prouder than they could have known, “but if anyone could have done it, it's you three stubborn goons.”

James huffed as he saw you continue to pet Sirius, using his antlers to prod the dog out of the way. Sirius barked, lunging at him playfully. It was quite a scene to see the two interact.

“Honestly, this is a pretty solid group,” you said, “you've got James who blends perfectly with the surrounding wildlife so he wouldn't be suspicions, Sirius who could probably do a fair bit of damage as a dog if he needed, and Peter who can fit through small spaces and snoop around the castle virtually undetected.”

“Quite an odd pack,” Remus chuckled.

“Definitely,” you agreed, “but a pack nonetheless.”

And that very week, Remus Lupin was able to spend his first night as a werewolf with his four friends by his side.

__________________________________________________________

“So, how did we choose which animals we turn into?” James had asked you the next day at breakfast, “I specifically tried for a dragon.”

“You don't get to choose,” you rolled your eyes, “You're a stag, that's the end of it. It's pretty much up to chance.”

“I'm sorry, you're telling me I could have turned into a fish and died right there on the ground?!”

“If only,” you sighed dreamily, earning you a playful shove from James. “Alright, it's not completely random, but you're definitely in the unknown the first time you turn,” you went on to explain, “and once you turn for the first time, that's it. That's your animal. A wizard takes on the animagus form of whatever animal most closely resembles their personality. So, a horny bastard for James, a loyal little puppy for Sirius—”

“A bitch for you,” Sirius quipped.

“Never heard that one before,” you scoffed, purposefully messing up his hair.

“Hey, watch it!” he shoved you off him, twisting each of his curls back into form.

“Well, look who's a high maintenance pup,” you chuckled.

Around the same time that year, you finally completed the map. It came together beautifully, each different way of folding the paper revealing a different level of the castle for easy navigation. You'd included the surrounding forests as well as the parts of Hogsmeade that applied for the secret passageways, all of which were marked with symbols and the unique names you'd all come up with. Every student and staff member at Hogwarts had a tiny scroll with their name that appeared in their location. Remus had added the nice detail of including footprints at the last second, so you could see which way they were facing and walking as well. It was fireproof, rip proof, and prone to insulting anyone else who tried to read it. It was the pinnacle of your magical (and slightly illegal) achievement.

“We should write our names on it,” James said, looking down proudly at the finished map, “it belongs to us, after all. We don't want anyone else taking the credit.”

“Yeah, fantastic way to get caught,” Sirius rolled his eyes, “what if Filch comes across it? That's like leaving your signature at a murder scene.”

“You should use code names, then,” you suggested, “I know you guys call Remus 'Moony' as a joke, but I kind of like it.”

The scarred boy blushed lightly at the compliment, a brow raised to his other three friends.

“Alright then, I guess you should all say hi to Rudolph over here,” Sirius said, jutting his thumb in James' direction. The bespectacled boy narrowed his eyes before shooting back.

“Right! And this is my good friend, Snuffles.”

Sirius lunged at him and James swatted him away in laughter.

“Come on, you two,” Remus said, “or we won't put anything down for you at all.”

“I've got an idea for Peter,” you piped in, “When my mom used to garden she said she didn't mind having rats there because their tails resembled worms, which were an old a sign of healthy soil, I know it's odd, but I think Wormtail sounds pretty cool.”

Peter seemed to perk up at your acknowledgment and nodded. It suited him somehow.

“Should we pick animal features too, then?” James mused, “I guess Antlers doesn't really sound that cool. What's another word? Horns? Give me some analogies, guys. What else do they look like?”

“Yours honestly kind of look like a couple of bent forks,” you snickered.

“Prongs?” Sirius snorted, the laughter that followed nearly splitting his sides.

“Oh, go on, what have you got then?” James scoffed.

“I was thinking Padfoot,” Sirius said, “like a dog's paw prints.”

“You know, for someone who was just making fun of code names a second ago you sure have given a lot of thought to yours,” you teased.

“Shove it,” he smirked, “What about you? Can't very well have a second Moony.”

You stared at him in momentary disbelief.

“Me?”

“Well, yeah,” Sirius chuckled.

“We couldn't have done any of this without you,” Remus reminded you with a smile.

“I think you've more than earned an honorary title as one of us,” James said.

“That is, if you want to,” Peter said timidly.

You looked at the four of them, genuinely touched.

“I. . . I don't know what to say,” you smiled.

“You could say 'yes',” James piped up.

“Alright, you loons,” you laughed, “if you leave Severus alone for good, then yes.”

“Hey, I think we've been pretty good about that lately,” James pouted.

“Yes you have,” you admitted, “It's the only reason I bothered to give you the time of day, but this time it's a promise.”

James rolled his eyes, but the smile on his face was undeniable. He'd never admit it out loud, but being friends with you was more fun than messing with Snape ever was.

“Alright, fine. (Y/n) (L/n), I solemnly swear that I will leave tormenting our dear old friend Snivelus behind us forever,” he said dramatically, putting a hand up at his pledge.

“Oh, bother,” you laughed, “the only thing you'll 'solemnly swear' to is that you're up to no good.”

“I'll take that as a compliment.”

“Then that's settled,” Remus smiled, “you'll need a code name too.”

“Let's see,” Sirius hummed in thought, “What other defining features do wolves have besides. . . well, their. . . fangs?”

“They're canines, you numbnut,” you huffed.

“Close enough, I'm writing Fangs.”

“Oi, I didn't agree to that!”

“Too bad, I'm already writing it~”

“Okay, well if that's the stupid name I'm getting saddled with them I'm going to write it myself,” you said stubbornly. You actually didn't mind the name at all.

“Well that's it, then,” James said, “Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, Prongs, and Fangs. We could join the bloody circus.”

“All we need is a group name,” you said, half joking.

“We've already got one,” James said proudly.

“Oh? Let's hear it, then.”

“The Marauders.”

“. . .”

You kept your face straight for exactly three seconds before you burst out laughing. The four boys flushed with embarrassment.

“The Marauders?” you chortled, “what are you, pirates?”

“It's what McGonnagall called us the first time we got ourselves into proper trouble,” James defended himself, his cheeks reddening, “You rowdy mob of marauders, she'd said.”

“Huh,” you chuckled, coming down from your laughing fit, “Well, then I suppose that would make this The Marauders Map. I'll admit, it actually kinda has a ring to it.”

And despite your group's joking quips and bickering, they couldn't agree more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Wait,” Harry said, eyes wide at your story, “So, my dad was an animagus too?”

“Sure was,” you smiled warmly.

“This whole time I thought 'Prongs' was just because his patronus was a stag.”

“Your animagus form is usually the same animal as your patronus,” you explained, “In some very rare cases they can be different, but they work in the same emotionally driven vein of magical ability, so it would make sense that they'd be linked. Your father was extraordinary at both, because as much as he would deny it, he felt everything very deeply.”

Your eyes drifted to the wall opposite you in the living room, and a small but sad smile graced your features.

“Love is often the most powerful emotion a witch or wizard can draw from,” you said softly, “but you already know that.”

Harry followed your gaze over his shoulder. There, posted on the wall among a collage of photographs from the Order was a picture of his mother and father. It was one he'd seen a hundred times, and one he had his own copy of: them in each others' arms in a London park, autumn leaves swirling around them as they danced without any music. Even from this distance he could see the emotion in their eyes as they looked at one another— like they were the only two people in the world.

“Yeah,” Harry said, wiping a stray tear from his eyes, “I do.”

Read chapter 7 here!

Taglist: @sleep-i-ness, @blackpinkdolan, @parker-natasha, @ornella0910 @undertaker1827 @thatwierdo-koemi @nxstalgicnxbxdy @calaryssia @aleksanderwh0r3 @juggysgirlfriend @beautifulsweetschaos @kattirin @mialupin1

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screamingatanemptyroom · 3 years ago

Text

One Shot Werewolf Story

So... first of all, Next part of PFTS should be coming out soon. It's going to take some work to make sure that I pull all the threads that's I've placed in all the worlds together without plot holes, so apologize for how long it's taking. Will probably finish this last world in 2-3 parts, with possibly 1 or two extra parts from Liam and the Traveler's perspective.

Now, back to the story at hand. About a week ago, I wandered into the werewolf side of Wattpad. It was very... interesting. Never written about werewolves before. Thought it might be fun to try my own using my own style. (Women who constantly think they aren't pretty or good enough for the man, men who force physical intimacy and growl "mine" aren't really going to work for me.)

Anyways, It's about a 13k oneshot. It's a bit out of my norm, so I hope you guys enjoy! (Also I would love to hear ideas on what to title this.)

Here it is:

________________________

“I can’t believe you read this garbage!” Alyssa’s coworker held up the book in her hand, staring at it with disgust. “What do you see in books like this, anyways?”

Alyssa sighed, looking up at the book in question. The cover showed a shirtless muscular man holding a busty woman while scowling at the camera, with the title written across the top in bright orange words: “The Alpha’s Timid Mate.”

“I don’t read it for fun.” She muttered, reaching up and snatching the book back. Opening the large roller suitcase behind her, she found its place among the hundreds of other werewolf books and put it away carefully.

“Then what is it?” Her coworker asked with a tone of disbelief.

“Research.”

“Really? Research? For what? When your werewolf boyfriend shows up out of nowhere? “ She let out a derisive snort. “Sure.”

“…You don’t understand.”

She doesn’t understand us. The wolf in Alyssa’s head spoke up silently.

“That’s what I said.”

Can we eat her? Her wolf seemed excited by the idea.

“No. You know we can’t. You don’t even really want to. You’re just acting out because you’re upset I won’t let you watch horror movies any more.”

I am not acting out! But since you mentioned it… bring back the horror movies!

“No.”

“What are you talking about?” Her coworker frowned; confused by the conversation she could only hear half of.

Turning to her briefly, Alyssa shrugged. “Sorry, I’m just having a small discussion. I’ll be free to talk shortly.”

“Don’t bother.” The girl walked away, whispering under her breath. “Freak.”

Should have just eaten her.

“Wolves don’t even eat people. Stop pretending.”

How do you know? Maybe WEREwolves DO eat people! You have no clue! You haven’t found a pack yet. Even though you PROMISED!

“I know, I know.” Alyssa rubbed her forehead tiredly. “It’s harder than I thought it would be.”

I’m lonely and bored! I want to go run! I want a pack!

“Anything else, Your Highness? A bone on a silver platter?”

The wolf paused at that, pouting quietly … I’m hungry. Feed us something tasty.

“That I can do. We’ll eat on our lunch break.”

Steak?

“…We’ll see.”

As her wolf silently cheered, the door to the bookstore she was tending opened. A strange smell reached her nose. Mint and pine along with another scent she couldn’t quite place.

Alyssa looked up and was startled. The man who walked in looked like he had stepped off the cover of one of her werewolf books. Muscular, handsome… his brown hair just long enough to frame his green eyes. And tall… Alyssa had always known she was short, but never felt quite so at a disadvantage height wise as she did at the man’s approach.

He looks like the lead from book #298. Her wolf suggested in an interested tone.

“I was thinking book #645, but I see your point.”

Why do you think he’s here?

“I don’t know.”

As he moved closer, his gaze meeting her own, Alyssa stepped back, the sound of her wolf’s growl filling her mind.

HE’S A WEREWOLF! … even better, he smells strong… an ALPHA? QUICK, MATE HIM!

An alpha? Crap. Alyssa had done enough research to know that was bad news. “Look here, missy, I am not assaulting some stranger just because…”

Then let’s switch over to wolf so I can do it!

“No!”

“Excuse me…” The man spoke up, his voice hesitant and trailing off.

Alyssa turned and hurried out the back. Passing through the bookshelves, she heard someone following close behind, and picked up the pace. The door squeaked loudly as she forced it open, slamming against the wall as she broke out into a run towards the back alley.

“Wait!” The man’s voice called out.

Seeing that they were now alone, she stopped in her tracks, and turned, more irritated than nervous. “What?”

“…” He seemed thrown off by her sudden change, but shook his head, studying her closely. The man seemed to recognize something, and moved quickly to stand next to her. “You’re…” His eyes widened, and he reached out to grab her. “A werewolf? My mate?!”

YES! I knew it! Her wolf’s scream of excitement echoed in her mind.

Alyssa sighed tiredly, reaching into her bag. “Well, crap.”

________________________

It had been a terrible day.

Lewis listened to his family arguing, wishing for the thousandth time that he wasn’t in charge.

“Nightfang’s pack could wipe us out!” Gary, his Beta, slammed his fist on the table, the force of it scattering plates and cups.

Lewis’s mother stood up, and despite her height only coming only to the enormous man’s chin he shrunk down in fear. “…Did you just mess up my kitchen?”

“…”

“Then you’re gonna be a good boy and clean that up right now, yes?” She raised an eyebrow. “Or you won’t have to worry about that Nightfang pack. There won’t be enough of you left for them to fight over once I’m through.”

“…I’ll clean it up right away, Ma’am.”

“That’s what I thought.” She turned to Lewis, patting his shoulder comfortingly. “What’s you plan to deal with this, dear?”

“My plan?” His voice came out slightly more stressed than he meant it to.

“Well, you’re the alpha. Your father left it to you to protect us. “

“Yes. Of course… a plan… which I definitely have.”

Gary and his mate Berta glanced at each other from the other side of the table.

“He doesn’t have a plan.”

“Did you really expect him to?”

“Hey!” At Lewis’s hurt exclamation, Gary shrugged.

“No offense, Alpha, but since your broth… since Nightfang left and took half the pack with him, things have been a little disorganized. You have to admit that’s true.”

Lewis walked over to the window of the cabin, leaning on the sill and staring up at the cloudy sky. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. We were supposed to help each other. Help the pack. But now it’s all just one huge mess and I’m the only one left to take care of it.

Hey, you’re not alone! His wolf’s irritated voice burst out. I’m always here. We’re stuck together for life!

I’m aware. He chuckled quietly. Glad to have you, Buddy.

So… Can we go find our mate now?

You know we can’t. There could be an attack any day now. Besides, I’ve already visited all the packs within driving distance. She’s not there.

Maybe she’s human, like our mom. We should go to town and find her.

Yeah, just go to town and pick up a mate like going to the grocery store to pick up milk. No problem with that.

She’s probably waiting for us! She’s wondering what’s taking us so long to find her. What if she thinks we can’t provide for her? Hurry, you have to find her…. Bring steak… no… four steaks… fatty ones! It will show that we can feed her… make her fat! She’ll definitely want to mate with us then!

Nothing turns women on more than shoving red meat in their face and telling them that you’ll help them gain weight.

Like you would know? Who have you dated? Regale me with tales of your vast experience.

Hey! You haven’t dated either.

I have instincts, at least.

“Lewis?” Gary’s voice broke him from his silent talk with his wolf.

He turned back “We’ll tighten up the patrol schedule.” He rubbed his forehead.

“It will mean giving up territory.”

“I’m aware.” The words came out as a growl. Territory was everything. In the old days it was a pack’s survival. The instinct to protect it at all costs remained, but Lewis had no choice. “Their safety matters more.”

The pack has to be protected first.

Agree. His wolf sounded unhappy, but stood by him, as always.

“Alright then. Continue with training, and preparing for if Nightfang brings his pack for war.” Lewis sighed. “Hopefully they’ll wait until the colder weather passes.”

Although it might be just delaying the inevitable.

“You are all dismissed.” As he stood up, however, his mother stopped him with a smile.

“Can you pick up some milk, dear? I’m out.”

“… Sure, Mom.” He held back a laugh thinking about his conversation with his wolf, knowing that no one else would get the joke. Maybe I’ll pick up my mate while I’m there.

He headed into town.

As he parked his car and walked towards the supermarket, however, his wolf suddenly started shouting in his head.

She’s here!

Lewis frowned. Who? Nightfang or one of his followers?

No, you idiot! Our mate!

Where? He skidded to a halt, staring around frantically. His heart started to race, as he prepared to meet his soulmate… the one he had been waiting for his entire life.

In the bookstore! His wolf wasn’t much better, barely able to communicate in its excitement.

He opened the door, ignoring the soft chime that sounded out to alert a new customer’s arrival. His eyes scanned the room, trying to spot… something. A familiar face, a special feeling. How do you know if someone is your mate…?

His silent voice trailed off in shock as he stared at… her.

She was beautiful.

Dark curls, the tips just barely brushing her shoulders. She was short… very short. He felt awkwardly tall, wondering if she would dislike his height. She seemed to be packing a book into a suitcase, but then turned to face him.

Her grey eyes widened at the sight of him.

Does she feel it too?

QUICK, FEED HER!

With what?!!! I don’t have any food!

Why didn’t you bring the steaks?!!! Now she’s going to think we’re weak and she’ll starve as our mate! What if she leaves us?!!

Human women don’t need steaks for courtship… watch.

Lewis cleared his throat. “Excuse me…”

She turned and rushed out of the store.

…

…You were saying?

…Maybe you were right about the steaks.

He followed her out to the back of the shop, cringing at the suspicious looks that the customers in the shop gave him.

I’m chasing after a girl into a back alley. I’ll be lucky if no one calls the cops.

She’s our mate! We could never hurt her!

They don’t know that. She might not even know that!

To his shock she stopped and turned around once they were out of the store. Placing her hands on her hips, she glared at him. “What?”

“…” She was even more mesmerizing up close. Lewis nervously cleared his throat, stepping closer.

Her scent filled his senses. Lilac and spring and… wolf?

She’s a werewolf! That’s awesome! Let’s shift and show her how strong our wolf form is. It’s much better looking than the human look.

“You’re…” Feeling stunned, he reached out, wanting to touch her, to hold her hand. “A werewolf? My mate?”

This is amazing! His mate, his soulmate was standing right in front of him. Would she be happy too? Was she excited to meet us?

She didn’t seem shocked. Didn’t seem happy either… or angry, or afraid. Her face just showed mild… annoyance?

Does she not feel the bond?

“Well, crap.”

As she spoke out with a matter of fact tone, Lewis’s hand neared her shoulder, only to spasm and drop as he fell to the ground shaking. His mate stood over him, staring down at him blankly, the Taser in her hand still sparking.

Well, crap. He silently echoed his mate’s words as darkness overcame him.

________________________

Alyssa sat on her favorite chair, holding her favorite mug, drinking her favorite tea, wrapped in her favorite blanket, hoping it would improve her mood.

It wasn’t working.

Mostly due to the large man on her living room floor, just now waking up from the effects of her Taser… and the large animal sedative she stuck him with after he went down. He blinked his eyes, seeming confused and disoriented.

He’s adorable. I bet his wolf is good looking! Can you ask him to shift? Her wolf hadn’t shut up since they met the other werewolf.

“Shush. He’s waking up now. It would be rude to ask him before we’ve talked. “

Spoilsport. At least show him all the hamburger meat we have frozen.

“Why would he want to see our hamburger meat?”

THAT will show him how effective we are at gathering food! We can be an asset to his pack! If he doesn’t have a pack he should follow us around, and we can fatten him up! … he’s too skinny.

“He’s not skinny… he’s very muscular.”

What if there’s not enough prey in the winter? His muscles will go away. He should have a nice little layer of fat.

“Do not fatten him up! I like him like this.”

“Excuse me?” The man on her living room floor struggled to sit up. Leaning back against her TV stand, he blinked a few more times, obviously still fighting off the tranquilizer. Looking around, he just seemed more confused. “Where am I?”

“My home.” Alyssa told him, taking another sip of her tea.

“Ah.” He paused, awkwardly shifting his weight and raising his hands which were tied together with silver chains, like his ankles. “Why am I tied up?”

“…” She stared at him silently a few moments. “You’re a werewolf.”

“…Yes. So are you?”

“You said I was your mate.”

He blushed at that, avoiding eye contact. “Sorry. I know that was awkward. I was surprised. I’ve been looking for years since I reached adulthood.”

“You’re an alpha?”

“Yes.” Straightening his spine, he forced a cocky looking grin. “A strong alpha of a great pack.”

“So now you know why you’re tied up.”

“…pardon?”

Alyssa rolled her eyes. “I’ve done enough research to know when an alpha finds his mate, it tends to get physical… and non-consensual… real quick.”

He still seemed confused. “Research?”

She set down her tea and blanket and dragged over the enormous roller suitcase. Opening it, she displayed hundreds of paperback romance books. She pulled one out, showing off the cover, which showed a half-naked muscular man holding a woman tightly as she half-heartedly pushed him away.

The bound man looked at the picture. “The Reluctant Mate of an Alpha? What is this?”

“There are 983 books on werewolves in my possession.” She pulled out her notebook, quickly flipping to the “alpha” section. “88% of them feature an alpha werewolf as the male lead… and 92% of those characters force their mate to engage in physical intimacy… mostly hugging and kissing… within the first few minutes of meeting them.”

“You… you’re getting your information from romance books?” He looked horrified. “Where’s your pack?”

“No pack. Abandoned as a baby. I grew up in the foster system.”

A low angry growl sounded from his chest. “What pack abandons a child?!”

“The kind of pack that I’m probably better off being abandoned than raised by.” She tapped the book again. “Back to the fact that I’m apparently the mate to an alpha wolf.”

“Not apparently!” He looked distressed still. “You ARE! Can’t you sense it?”

She ignored him, putting the book back carefully. “You know that alpha wolves aren’t even a natural thing… only happens with wolves in captivity. Wolves in the wild tend to form family units. “

“…But we aren’t normal wolves? We wouldn’t have the exact same pack structure.”

“Exactly. Thus I can’t use my wolf encyclopedia to gain information.” She frowned. “That would have been preferable, honestly. I don’t really like the alphas in these stories.”

If you’re not going to mate with him… can we eat him?

“Stop asking to eat people. You know the answer.”

Lewis’s eyes grew wide. “Did you say ‘eat PEOPLE?”

“Don’t worry. There’s a strict ‘no eating people’ rule. It’s just a phase she’s gone through since I let her watch 80s horror werewolf flicks. She thinks its funny, but its not. “ She threw her hands up helplessly. “This is WHY we are on a horror movie ban!”

This is unfair!

“It’s perfectly fair! Even if you ignore the moral implications, you wouldn’t even like the taste of human flesh!”

What about hot sauce? Didn’t you say hot sauce makes every thing taste better?

“Yes… hot sauce does make everything taste better.”

“Wait… are you going to EAT me?” Lewis questioned with a panicked tone, scooting backwards closer to the door.

“No. I told you, there’s a firm ‘no eating people’ rule in place. We’re done discussing that.”

“But…”

“We’re discussing whether or not hot sauce would make your flesh taste better if we ate you… hypothetically.”

“Oh.” He thought it over. “I do like hot sauce. But I don’t think wolves do.”

“No. It would give them diarrhea, probably.” Alyssa nodded. “See. Even hot sauce wouldn’t help.”

Then if we aren’t going to eat him, can we please just MATE with him?

“No eating. No mating.”

“Wait, can we not put a strict no mating rule in place just yet? At least not a permanent one?” He paused. “Also, if I promise not to engage in any alpha behaviors like you see in your ‘research’, can I please be untied?”

“…” She studied him warily. “I suppose.”

“Great!” He held out his wrists, smiling with relief as she started to untie him.

“I have plenty of tranquilizer anyways.” She muttered.

“…pardon?”

The bonds slipped free. The man rubbed his wrists, careful to not make any sudden movements. Relieved by his apparent honesty in not trying anything, Alyssa headed back to her chair and wrapped herself back in her blanket.

Grabbing her tea, she took a sip of the lukewarm liquid and smiled. “So what brought the great alpha into my place of work today? Were you looking for me?”

________________________

Lewis was unsure how to answer his mate. Panicking, he said the first thing he thought of.

“Actually I was going to go buy milk.”

She raised an eyebrow. “In the bookstore?”

“Yes! I mean, no!” He covered in his face. “I was on my way to the supermarket, when my wolf… sensed you.”

She tilted her head, seeming more interested. “Your wolf? What’s he like?”

TELL HER I AM VERY STRONG!

“Umm… he’s strong…”

TELL HER I CAN MAKE HER FAT!!

No!

How else will she know I can provide food for her and our children?!

No. I’m not saying we’ll make her fat!

ITS IMPORTANT! TELL HER HOW FAT WE CAN MAKE HER!

“Are you okay?”

“WE’LL MAKE YOU REALLY FAT!” Lewis blurted out… and then stared at the ground in embarrassed horror.

“…” There was a long silence.

“My wolf says that’s very attractive.” She shook her head. “She wants you to know that we have several pounds of hamburger in our freezer and that we are happy to contribute food to you and your family.”

She’s smart and stores plenty of meat in her freezer! Please convince her to stay as our mate!

“So would you like to come visit our pack? He asked, wincing as she pulled what appeared to be a miniature Taser out of thin air. “Just visiting! No mating!” He relaxed as she hid the Taser away again “…Where were you even keeping that?”

“Secret pocket in the sleeve…. It’s not my only one, so don’t think I’ve given you any advantage.”

Lewis tried to think of something that would appeal to her. “I know you don’t have a pack… it would be a chance to get to know others like you… “

“… I would be able to refine my research…” She muttered, staring down at her notebook. “Plus my wolf really wants to…”

SHE’S GOING TO SAY YES!

Shush!

“Sure. Why not?” She shrugged, holding out her hand. “I guess we should officially meet if we’re going back to your pack together. I’m Alyssa.”

Alyssa! Her name is pretty!

“Nice to meet you Alyssa.” Lewis smiled brightly. “I’m Lewis.” He shook her hand, trying to stay calm at the shocking feeling of touching her. It was almost painful, as if every cell in his body were screaming at him that he’s met his soulmate. Overwhelmed, confused, he glanced over at his mate, only to see her calm expression.

Does she not feel this? Are we just delusional?

She’s our mate! Of course she feels it!

She’s not acting like it. Maybe we’re wrong? Lewis felt a stabbing pain in his chest at the thought. She was his mate. He had waited his whole life to meet her. He belonged to her.

What if she doesn’t want us?

… His wolf didn’t have an answer to that.

Maybe she can sense our weakness… our failure.

No… we’re not weak! We’re alpha of a strong pack!

That’s fallen apart because most of them felt I wasn’t the best one for the job.

We have to be strong. We can’t fail our pack or our mate. Don’t show weakness!

I’ll try.

Lewis forced a calm smile as he looked at Alyssa. “Should we head over and meet the pack?”

“Hmm… Aren’t you forgetting something?” She angled her head, studying him.

“What?”

“Didn’t you say you were on your way to pick up milk when you met me?”

“OH SHOOT!” He jumped to his feet. “I’m glad you said something! You saved my life!”

“By remembering milk?”

“You don’t realize how horrible my death would be at my mom’s hands if I had forgotten it.”

“…” She raised an eyebrow, a slight smile at the corner of her mouth. “You’re welcome, then.”

I like her smile! Let’s help make her smile more!

Agree.

Lewis ran to pick up some milk while she packed a bag for the trip. When he returned, he was shocked by the number of suitcases she had brought with her.

“Are all these clothes?”

“Don’t be silly.” She looked at him like he was an idiot. “It’s my research.”

He was almost afraid to ask, but felt he had to. “… They’re all filled with werewolf romance books… aren’t they?

“Not just books… “ Alyssa seemed a little defensive. “There’s some weapons. And a few changes of clothes.”

“If you’re staying a few days at least, do you need to take off work?”

She shook her head. “No need.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. “

“…Okay.” He didn’t want to pry. At least not yet. Maybe one day she’ll trust us enough to tell us more.

He packed her bags into the car, glad for his superhuman strength as he lifted the suitcases filled to the brim with books. Alyssa sat in the passenger seat, clutching a notebook and a small messenger bag, which also appeared to be filled with books. As they headed outside of town, an awkward silence fell between them.

Say something witty! His wolf finally lost patience with Something that will make her think we’re smart!

Open to any suggestions, Buddy. I’m having trouble thinking straight with our mate so close, much less think of something smart to say!

Aren’t you supposed to be the more intelligent half? I’m supposed to be the stronger one.

You’re the one always saying that wolves are super intelligent creatures and I should listen to you more!

Now we’re being silent for too long! What if she thinks we’re an idiot?!

You’re not helping…

“So how do werewolves mate?” Alyssa asked calmly, the question almost causing Lewis to swerve off the road in shock.

“…”

…

“Sorry, I don’t think I heard you. Could you repeat the question?”

“How do werewolves mate?”

… I think I preferred the awkward silence.

No! This is good! She’s showing an interest in mating!

“Umm… Not differently than humans… you learned about that in health class, right?” He desperately hoped he would not have to have a “birds and bees” talk with his mate right after meeting her.

“Oh.” She sounded slightly disappointed. “So we don’t mate in wolf form?”

I’m game.

SHUT UP.

“Typically no… I mean I guess it’s possible…” He felt himself turn bright red, feeling super uncomfortable. “But usually its in human form… at least from my understanding of what mated couples say.”

“Hmm..” She seemed to be listening to something. “No, I don’t think his wolf is impotent. I think it’s a cultural thing.”

HER WOLF THINKS I’M IMPOTENT, WE’RE SHIFTING NOW!

We are currently driving down a highway! We are not shifting any time soon! Besides, what on earth do you think you’re going to do in wolf form that’s going to convince her otherwise?

I’ll show her my genitals, to reassure her.

THAT DOES NOT REASSURE WOMEN! ARE YOU TRYING TO GET US TASED?!

“So I bet that means that werewolf pregnancy follows human rules then. “ She sighed, frowning while pulling out her notebook and writing a few things down. “There was only 3% of books that presented mating and pregnancy while in wolf form, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“… I see.”

“How long does pregnancy last? 19% of the books depict a shorter pregnancy cycle, but I wasn’t sure if it was just to get the plot to move faster.”

“Normal 9 months.”

“Number of children per pregnancy?”

“One… unless you have twins.”

She groaned, leaning back in her chair. “So no advantages at all? So disappointing.”

SHE’S DISAPOINTED! TELL HER TWINS RUN IN OUR FAMILY! WE’LL GIVE HER SO MANY CHILDREN!

“Twins run in our family!” Lewis nearly shouted.

“Really?” Alyssa studied him, looking slightly interested. “Do you have a twin?”

Great. I really had to bring HIM up.

“I do… but he left the pack.”

“Does that happen often?”

“No.”

“I see…” She made a few more notes. “Obviously the villain.”

“…” I mean, she’s not wrong. “Any other questions?” Please be something easy.

“Will mating with another werewolf change my menstrual cycle?”

“…”

…

Do you know?

Nope. Nothing in the instincts about this. Do you?

Nope.

He cleared his throat. “Sorry, I don’t know the answer to that question. One of the pack might be able to answer it. Maybe Bridget? She seems pretty knowledgeable.”

“Bridget? Your sister?”

“No… she’s just one of the warriors in the pack..”

“Hmm…” Alyssa thought that over. “Is she pretty?”

Lewis shrugged. “Seems pretty normal.”

“Do you two get along?”

“She follows orders, so I guess?”

“I see.” He could hear her pen scratching against paper again. “The female side character who will try to chase we away, maybe? How exciting.”

“…” Lewis decided he didn’t want to ask anything about it. For the sake of his sanity if nothing else.

They spent the rest of the car ride in silence.

________________________

Alyssa felt increasingly nervous the closer they got to pack territory.

I think we’re almost there. This area smells different.

“Different how?”

It smells like our mate! I like it!

“Hmm… Do you think he pees on trees to mark his territory?”

Isn’t that normal?

“It’s normal for wolves… do you think he does it in human form too?”

“I DON’T MARK TERRITORY AS A HUMAN!” Lewis spoke out frantically. “Can you stop talking about me like I’m not here?!”

She turned to him, curious by his reaction. “Don’t you talk to your wolf?”

“All the time, but I do it SILENTLY!” He paused. “Do you not know how to?”

“Oh I know how to, I just think it’s really rude to leave her out of the general conversation. She’s here too you know.”

“That makes sense… I guess…” He sighed, rubbing a hand through his hair. “Well, I assume you know since you were commenting on the scent markings, but yes, we’re in pack territory. “

Alyssa nodded, her heart rate increasing slightly. She didn’t like this. Going to unfamiliar places. Meeting new people. Especially people who may have a culture or rules that she didn’t understand. They might not like her.

How could they not love us? We’re a strong, beautiful female… at least when we’re in wolf form.

“Hey!”

We’ll be just fine.

“I hope so.” She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

A warm hand hesitantly grasped her own. She felt an electric shock traveling up her fingers from the touch, but kept her face expressionless. “Are you okay?” Lewis’s voice was quiet, a comforting sound.

I like his voice. His touch his very warm!

“If you’re worried… I know that you might not believe me, but the pack is very friendly. You’ll feel very welcome.”

“In 42% of the books the pack is welcoming to a stranger… usually because she’s the alpha’s mate. In the rest they are either wary of the unknown person, or distrustful or unfriendly. “ She thought it over. “I guess it’s not bad odds.”

The car came to a stop. Lewis squeezed her hand one last time, and then stepped out, getting her suitcases from the trunk and back seat. Alyssa stared down at her now empty hand, feeling frustrated.

I trust him.

“You trust everyone. It’s my job to keep us safe.” She got out of the car, staring around at the area. There were several nice houses, all scattered far from each other. The place was quiet, peaceful, surrounded by woods. She liked it.

He won’t hurt us. He can’t. It would be like hurting himself.

“You’d be surprised how low people can sink if they want.”

No I wouldn’t. I lived through all the same experiences with you. But wolves do better with a family. We’ll do better with a pack.

“I haven’t agreed to that yet.”

We’ll see.

Lewis carried her many bags without seeming stressed by the weight. “I’ll bring these into the main house. Do you want to come along? Or you can wait here, I can show you around.”

She glanced around at the forest around her. “I’ll wait here.”

“Ok. I’ll be right back.” He looked slightly worried about separating from her, but after a brief hesitation, he walked away.

Alyssa strolled around the clearing by the car, feeling calmer as she took in the fresh air.

I like it here. We should live here.

“We’ll see.”

Also mate Lewis before another female gets him.

“I don’t think that’s how it works. In 82% of the books, being mates meant soul mates. Only small exceptions made for if mates rejected each other and such… for the drama, I suppose. “

Don’t take chances. Even with an impotent wolf we should claim him sooner rather than later. He has fatty steaks in his house. I can smell them.

“That’s what’s important to you? And I told you, I don’t think his wolf is impotent…”

“WHO ARE YOU?” A strident voice called out.

Alyssa turned to see a beautiful young woman walking towards her with a suspicious expression. She had shorter, curly blond hair and bright green eyes, towering over her in height. Alyssa sighed slightly as she realized she would probably be the shortest werewolf here by a good amount.

We’re short but feisty! Don’t underestimate us!

“I’m Alyssa.” She waved cheerfully. “Who are you?”

“…” The young woman seemed confused. “Bridget.”

The bitch side character! Maybe she’ll shout at us to “stay away from her man!”

“You don’t know that. Maybe she’s nice. She’s pretty.”

She is pretty… but it would be more fun if she were hysterical and tried to scare us off.

“…Who are you talking to?”

“My wolf.” Alyssa grinned at her. “She’s wondering if you are going to scream at us and tell us to stay away from Lewis.”

The woman seemed stunned. “Why would I do that?”

“All the books have it.” She pulled out her notebook and spread out the books from her messenger bag. Holding up one where a woman in a ripped dress stood next to a large wolf titled “The Alpha’s Runaway Love”, she pointed to a smaller, angry looking woman in the background of the cover. “See… in 79% of these stories there’s a strong female side character who is desperately in love with the alpha despite him being mated to the main character and tries to drive her away.”

“… Are those… romance novels….?”

“But I really hope you aren’t that character type. I think you seem like an awesome older sister type.” She stepped closer, which highlighted the height difference between them. “We’ve always wanted a cool, pretty older sister like you. “

“…” Bridget seemed genuinely overwhelmed. “Umm… first of all… I don’t want to scare you away from Lewis… I grew up with the guy. He wet the bed once when I slept over when we were five… ruined my favorite princess sheets…”

Alyssa started taking notes.

“I was just curious about who you were…” She rested a hand on Alyssa’s head, almost seemingly despite herself. “Are you Lewis’ mate?”

“Yep! He found me in a bookstore.” She paused. “Do you know if mating with a werewolf changes your menstrual cycle? I asked Lewis, but he seemed like he was having a seizure and said he didn’t know.”

“…” Bridgett’s face spasmed at that, she seemed to be holding back a laugh.

“Also… I brought hamburger meat… do you want some? “

“So…” Bridget’s voice trailed off.

“So?” Alyssa tilted her head, confused.

“SO CUTE!!!” Alyssa was pulled into an enormous bear hug, squeezed almost uncomfortably tight as Bridget continued to yell. “YOU’RE ADOPTED!”

“What are you doing with my mate?” Lewis’s strained voice made Alyssa want to look over, but she was still trapped in the hug.

“She’s my little sister now, Alpha.” Bridget’s voice was calm, but stern. “If anything happens to her, I will destroy you.”

Alyssa smiled at her as the tall woman set her down. “Really?”

“Really.” Bridget grinned back. “I’ve always wanted a sister too.”

“Awesome!”

As the two girls began chatting excitedly, Lewis cleared his throat. “Guys? I hate to break up the love here, but the pack is gathering to meet Alyssa.”

He walked over towards Alyssa, stopping in his tracks as Bridget grabbed her first and tugged her in the correct direction. “Come on, let’s hurry up! I can’t wait to introduce you to them!”

“She’s MY mate! I want to introduce her!”

“Too bad, so sad, bedwetter! If you weren’t so slow maybe you could have grabbed her first.” She laughed.

“Hey, you promised never to mention that again! What if you scare my mate away?!”

“Even better, she’ll just live with me and my family.”

As they moved, Alyssa tapped her arm, leaning close. “Is this really okay?”

“Is what okay?”

“I mean… he’s your alpha… is it okay to be like this with him?”

Bridget smiled. “Don’t worry. He’s a good alpha… a strong fighter, a capable leader… but he’s very kind. He prefers his pack feel comfortable enough to joke around with him. Says if they can trust him enough to make fun of him that it means they’ll trust him enough to have the uncomfortable conversations as well.”

He’s a good leader.

“Maybe…”

Let’s mate him!

Alyssa groaned at the expected response from her wolf, shaking her head slowly.

They arrived in a clearing in the woods, where twenty or thirty people had gathered. Everyone looked very different, with skin tones, eye and hair color varying widely from person to person. People of all ages chatted excitedly, watching their approach. They did have one thing in common though:

They were all tall.

We’re… tall… too.

“We’re short.” Feeling uncomfortable, she hid behind Bridget, who growled at the crowd.

“Don’t you guys make my sister uncomfortable! Sit down, you’re scaring her.”

The crowd looked very confused at that, but sat down on the grass anyways. Besides the three of them, only one man remained standing. He was enormous, a head taller than even Lewis, who Alyssa already considered very tall. He was broad as well as tall, his muscles nearly bursting out of the flannel shirt he was wearing. His face was covered in a bushy beard, his dark hair cropped close.

Overall Alyssa thought he looked very intimidating. She watched as he approached, a hand grasping her hidden Taser in her sleeve.

“This is my Beta Gary.” Lewis’s calm voice was reassuring, but she refused to relax her vigilance as the large man bent down to look her in the eye. “Gary, this is my mate, Alyssa.”

“Hey there, Alyssa.” The hair-covered face broke into a friendly smile. “We’ve been hoping Lewis would find a nice mate for a while now. Glad you’re here. If anyone gives you trouble you let me know, I’ll knock a few heads in.”

Alyssa grinned back at him. “Nice to meet you, Gary. You’re really large.”

Ask him if we can sit on his shoulder! I want to be tall!

“It would be rude to ask to sit on his shoulder right after meeting him. We’ll ask him later.”

But…

Before her wolf could complain too much, Gary reached out and picked her up easily, placing her on one broad shoulder and steadying her with a single hand. “How’s this?”

Alyssa looked around. “This is GREAT!” She laughed.

Bow before us mortals! WE ARE TALL!

“My wolf is very happy right now. She was sad that we were so much shorter than everyone.”

HEY! You were sad too!

“Well you can ride on my shoulder anytime you want.” Gary laughed. “My mate Berta and I always wanted kids, but…” his voice trailed off slightly. “Well, anyways, feel free to come to us if you ever need help.”

“OR ME!” Bridget burst out. “I’ve already claimed her as my little sister!”

Lewis stared at the three of them, looking slightly tired. “Do I get any time with her as her mate?”

Gary and Bridget glanced at each other. “… We’ll see.”

Putting Alyssa down in front of the pack, Gary winked at her as if to reassure her before taking his place standing behind the Alpha. Lewis stepped forward, his manner becoming stronger, more confident as he addressed the crowd.

“Everyone, this is my mate Alyssa. She’s one of us, but she doesn’t have a pack. So I expect you all to make her feel safe and welcome.” He looked around, smiling as everyone nodded obediently.

“Welcome!”

“We’re glad you’re here!”

“Maybe Lewis will stop moping so much now!”

The cheerful voices of the pack made Alyssa feel calmer. She waved at them, speaking up. “Hey everyone! Like Lewis said, I’m Alyssa. I don’t know much about werewolves… I’ve only grown up around humans, but I’m excited to learn more.”

They seem nice.

Her wolf was happy about the packs’ reactions. No one seemed thrown off by her introduction. No one was glaring at her or even seeming suspicious of her.

It’s a good thing, right?

Before she could respond, Lewis spoke up, distracting her. “Let’s take you back to meet my mom.”

________________________

Lewis was relieved that the pack introduction went so well. Not that he was overly surprised; most of the more disagreeable pack members had left in the split with his brother. Who was left were either the ones too reasonable to be sucked into his rhetoric, or the very loyal ones to himself or his father.

Either way, I guess it’s a good thing.

He led his mate towards his house, breathing a small sigh of relief when Bridget and Gary didn’t insist on following. He liked them both a lot, but they could be a lot. Especially since they seemed to have instantly bonded with Alyssa.

Just admit it. We’re jealous. We want to bond with Alyssa too.

We don’t know what all she’s been through. She was abandoned by her pack as an infant. Her only knowledge of us doesn’t paint Alpha’s in a good light… or at least they don’t seem to. Lewis resolved to get his hands on some of those books and read through this. It might help us understand how she views us… and how to reassure her.

I like her. His wolf’s voice was filled with a patient care. Even if she doesn’t like us just yet, I hope she’s happy and feels safe here.

I do too. Lewis desperately wanted to reassure his mate. He could feel her anxiety through the bond. Even when she was smiling she didn’t feel safe. But he didn’t know how to help just yet.

They reached the house, and as they were about to enter, the door swung open and Lewis’s mother rushed out. Making a beeline for Alyssa, she hugged her tightly, grinning.

“I’M SO HAPPY YOU’RE HERE!”

Alyssa seemed shocked at the sudden appearance of his mother. Lewis tried to step in. “Mom, don’t scare her…”

“Finally someone normal sized!” Alyssa burst out, hugging his mother back.

“I know, right? They’re all way too tall!” Lewis’s mother stepped back, patting her head fondly. “I forgive them since they’re all such good people, but still, I’m happy to have someone I don’t have to strain my neck to look at.”

“Mom, this is Alyssa, my mate.”

“I figured as much dear. You’ve never paid so much attention and care to a single person before. “ She grabbed Alyssa’s hand. “Come in, I made food.”

Our mother understands! She’ll show our mate how much food we can provide!

Alyssa glanced at him. “My wolf wants to make sure that the hamburger meat we brought got put in the fridge.”

“I took care of it.” Lewis puffed out his chest, feeling accomplished.

His mother just shook her head. “Boys. Why don’t you take her bags up to the room next to mine while I get her something to pad her stomach?”

“Yes, Ma’am.” He grabbed the suitcases full of books, weapons and clothes and rushed up the stairs. Her room was on the opposite end of the house from him, right next to his mother’s rooms.

Why is she staying so far away from us? His wolf whined in his head. What if something happens? How will we protect her?

She already doesn’t trust us. Hopefully the living arrangements will make her less nervous. If she doesn’t like it, she might go stay with Bridget instead. Do you want that?

No. Stupid Bridgett. She brought up the bedwetting incident. Our childhood shame bared in front of our mate! What if she doesn’t like us now?

We were young. I can’t imagine she would hold it against us… although yes, it is very embarrassing.

As he neared the kitchen once more, he overheard Alyssa and his mother talking. About to announce his arrival, his mouth slammed shut as he heard his mate’s question.

“So Lewis’ brother is a villain, right?”

“…” His mother sighed. “How much has he told you?”

“Just that he has a twin, and he’s not with the pack.”

“Well, I guess you haven’t known each other long… you’ll hear it anyways, might as well be from me, since he’s my son.” She sat down at the counter, rubbing her forehead tiredly.

“I had three children, actually. Twins boys and a younger girl. My husband was the Alpha of the Western pack, and although it’s not set in stone, usually one of the children of the Alpha will inherit the position.”

Lewis could hear Alyssa’s pen moving as she frantically took notes. He silently laughed, even as his chest hurt at the sound of his mother’s disappointed tone, leaning against the wall to hear how she would describe their situation.

“Now, I’m not a werewolf, you know. I’m a human who happened to be mates with a werewolf. So maybe I didn’t instill the idea of pack values as strongly as I could have.” She sighed. “Lewis seemed to get it naturally. He got hurt when he was ten… the first time he transformed, just to protect an elderly pack member who was being attacked. He’s got a large scar on his left elbow from a hunter’s arrow. Werewolves heal well… but the scars remain.”

My other son… Benjamin… he wasn’t nearly as concerned about the pack’s well being. Just obsessed with being strong. Being in charge. My daughter Emily seemed to feel very similar.”

“Seems pretty Alpha-like… at least how the books describe them.”

“But that’s the thing. Alphas SHOULD be strong. My mate was very strong, in fact. But their strength exists to protect and feed the pack. Strength and power for its own sake has no purpose… and often leads down a dangerous pack.”

“…”

“My mate died.” His mother whispered, the pain in her voice breaking Lewis’s heart. “Lung cancer. Even werewolves can die from disease. They heal… but not fast enough for more aggressive wounds or diseases. They’re not immortal.”

“I’m sorry.” Alyssa seemed genuinely concerned. “How did you survive losing your mate?”

“It helps that I’m human.” Her voice was still quiet. “The pain is still there…it’s like a piece of your soul missing. But I had family, pack … people who needed me to keep waking up each morning. And I’m glad I have.”

“So what happened next?”

“My mate’s will left the pack to Lewis.” His mother shrugged, turning back to stir the contents of a pot on the stove. “It was an obvious choice to us. He is strong, careful… puts the pack first.”

“But Benjamin didn’t agree?”

“He rebelled. Said Lewis was weak. Tried to fight him, but was pushed back by the loyal members of the pack. In the end he took almost half the pack with him to start a new one… including my daughter who also thought Lewis was too weak to lead.”

“…” Alyssa was silent. Lewis leaned against the wall, desperately trying to sense his mate’s emotions. Was she disappointed in him? Did she think he was a failure.

“He goes by Nightfang now… his group is our pack’s greatest threat.”

“…” Suddenly in the silent kitchen, Alyssa chuckled. “Seriously? Nightfang? Did he think that was a cool name?”

Lewis’s mother laughed too. “I know, right. I mean, it’s a serious situation and all, but seriously… he sounds like a villain in a Saturday morning cartoon.” She looked over, and chuckled again. “Alright, Lewis. Stop hiding around the corner and come join the conversation.”

Shamefully, Lewis ducked his head and entered the kitchen. He noticed Alyssa didn’t seem surprised by his presence.

She probably can sense when we’re nearby. It means our bond is slightly stronger!

It also means she knows we were eavesdropping like a creep!

Well we were… not like it’s much better if she doesn’t know.

“So…” He spoke up, trying to appear less awkward. “Can I help with dinner at all, Mom?”

She smiled, reaching up high to pat his head as well. “I’m pretty much done. How about after we eat you show her around the territory?”

Alyssa seemed a little more relaxed, to Lewis’s relief. “I’d like that.”

WE GET TO SPEND TIME WITH HER! THIS IS GREAT!

Play it cool! She already knows that half the pack left because we’re too weak to convince them we’re a good Alpha. If we look like an idiot too…

OH SHUT UP! His wolf snapped at it. Don’t pretend you’re not super excited. We’re the same person!

…Stupid wolf.

Silly human.

... Lewis was excited. So excited he could hardly breathe. His mate was right here, in front of him. She was smart, beautiful, friendly… at least to everyone else… more than he could have ever dared to dream of.

I just want her to like us… any ideas?

I still vote for bringing her food or showing her our genitals. .

… Never mind… I’ll think of something.

________________________

A few weeks passed.

Alyssa sat on the cool grass, watching Lewis in wolf form teaching some of the younger pack members how to fight.

“Watch out for each other.” His voice resounded her mind. “You can’t be so focused on the enemy that you lose track of what’s behind you.”

Having never spent any time prior to this visit around other werewolves, she was interested to find that although she did understand some of wolf language – a combination of scents, sounds and body language – the majority of the time werewolves simply spoke through mental communication.

Lewis batted one of the young wolves aside, snapping at another’s flank and using his weight to push a third to the ground, baring his teeth. The fallen wolf whimpered slightly, more with frustration than pain.

“Alpha, I thought we had to focus all of our attention on the attack, and not stop until the enemy was dead?” The youngest of the three, a male wolf named Teddy, finally spoke up, his tail between his legs. “How are we supposed to do that AND watch our backs?”

“Who told you that?” Lewis seemed shocked. “You are nothing without your pack! Only by working together and looking out for each other will you be at your strongest.”

“It was Uncle Ben…mmph” Teddy’s voice was muffled as the other two wolves tackled him.

“Sorry Alpha, he’s a little dumb.” Teddy’s sister Lara apologized, grinding her brother’s muzzle into the dirt with a paw. “Of course we aren’t going to follow what the traitor Nightfang taught us.”

“But LARA…”

“SHUT UP and let me get us out of this, idiot!”

Lewis stared at them for a few minutes, and then laughed silently in our heads. “It’s okay. I know he was in charge of teaching fighting for years. It’s a different strategy, but give my idea a shot before you dismiss it, okay?”

“YES ALPHA!” The three younger wolves shouted in unison.

“…” Alyssa studied Lewis with a thoughtful expression. He was kind enough to the pups, even when they challenged him and brought up his brother’s name. He didn’t lash out, just calmly guiding them forward. If she didn’t know better, she would think the mention of his brother didn’t bother him at all.

But she could feel it.

Behind his kind words, there was a deep agony. Fear, hurt, betrayal. He resented that his brother left the pack, that he split the pack with his leaving. He regretted that he had let his brother teach the pups… that he taught the pups to be killers rather than to defend and protect the pack. Feared being compared to his brother at every turn.

But mostly… he blamed himself. Hated that he wasn’t a strong enough Alpha to force the pack to stay together. He wished desperately that he could be a better leader… more like his father.

Alyssa rubbed her chest idly, feeling a pain in her heart that wasn’t physical but still wishing to ease it. She could sense his self-doubt, his feelings of helplessness, but was unsure what to do with the knowledge.

Over the last few weeks, they had spent a lot of time together. She had come to recognize that he was as kind as he first seemed, very different than what her book research had led her to expect. He was strong… she could see that in every move her made, especially in his wolf form… but he didn’t seem to place his importance on that strength.

His mother had described him well. He was strong, careful… and he put his pack first.

The closer they got, the more she learned about him, the more she could feel through their bond. His emotions, his mental state. She couldn’t hear his thoughts, not unless he was mentally communicating in wolf form. The information she was getting, however, was almost more than she could bear.

It made her terrified to guess what he could sense about her.

That’s how bonding goes. He is our soul mate. We can’t hide from him.

“…” Alyssa ignored her wolf, mad that she was telling the truth.

“Are you okay?” Alyssa looked up at Lewis’s mental question, startled to see his wolf’s face right in front of her own. “Did something upset you?”

“… What would you do if something did?”

“Help you. No matter what.” His mental voice was firm… reassuring.

“What if it was you that upset me?” Alyssa was curious how he would answer that.

“… If I did something, please let me know… I don’t want to hurt you, even by accident.” He paused. “If you don’t feel comfortable telling me… then my mom or Bridget would be happy to listen. And of course beat me up for whatever I did…”

SORRY WE UPSET YOU MATE! WOULD YOU LIKE MEAT?! Startled, Alyssa realized she could hear Lewis’s wolf directly. He sounded a lot like Lewis, but slightly more… straightforward.

TELL HIM WE LIKE MEAT! Alyssa’s wolf shouted with frustration. OR SHIFT SO I CAN TELL HIM MYSELF!

“How can I hear your wolf? I thought that could only happen after mating?”

Lewis shook his head, the motion strange appearing when performed by a wolf. “I’m not sure… I’ve never been mated before… but I think as our bond deepens we’ll hear more. I can’t hear your wolf now… if she’s speaking…”

I AM SPEAKING! TELL HIM I WANT THE STEAK HE HAS IN THE FREEZER!

“…But if you were in wolf form I might. Their control is a little stronger in that form. One day we might be able to hear each other’s wolves even when in human form.”

“…”

We like you, Mate! We think you are smart and pretty and smell nice! We spend a lot of time arguing over what would make you like us! Lewis’s wolf chimed in.

“Shush…” Lewis tried to interrupt, but the wolf kept talking.

I wanted to bring you meat and expose our genitals to reassure you of our virility, but he insisted that would make you mad.

His wolf is smart. Alyssa’s wolf approved. That would have made me happy.

“…Your wolf and my wolf are on the same page. I have no desire to see genitals, though.”

“No worries, there’s a firm ‘no flashing’ rule in place. “

Her stomach rumbled. “Wouldn’t say no to a steak though!”

Hooray! We’ll bring you the tastiest of the steaks!

See, he loves us enough to bring us the best steak! We should mate him now!

Lewis ran behind a tree and shifted, quickly changing into loose fitting shorts and t-shirt. Alyssa had learned the hard way that the pack had very little sense of modesty.

After numbing her brain to the sight of naked people who had transformed back from wolf form multiple times, she had come to somewhat accept it as normal.

She was still glad that Lewis tried to not be naked in front of her. Although she was now realizing that this might have more to do with avoiding his wolf’s desire to show off genitals then anything else.

“Let’s go.” He smiled, the expression causing her heart to skip a quick beat, and held out his hand. After a short hesitation, she took it, feeling as always the thrill that came from touching him.

They walked together in silence.

As they neared the house, Lewis spoke up. “You know everyone likes you here.”

Alyssa tensed up. “But…?”

“No buts. They just like you.” He let out a quiet sigh. “You don’t have to try this hard.”

“…”

“You look relaxed when you’re talking with the pack. You’re smiling and joking around… you’ve even got half of them addicted to those werewolf romance novels… I mean your research…” He chuckled, squeezing her hand with his own. “But I can feel it, Lyss. I can feel how stressed out you are… how hard you’re trying to make them like you.”

“I…” Alyssa started to talk but then fell silent.

I told you he knows us.

“I’m not judging.” He smiled bitterly. “I wish I had met you much earlier. I don’t know what your life has been like leading up to now. I just want you to know that people like you for the weird, lovely person you are. You can try to relax a little.”

Alyssa thought his words over. “Growing up… being liked… it was safer. Especially if you were the weird kid who had a wolf voice in her head. I learned early how to read people, and act the way they wanted. I’ve grown out of it some… it does get very tiring. But I don’t know if I could completely stop, even if I wanted to.”

“That’s okay.” He grinned. “Just know that I care about you... honestly maybe more than that, although it’s just been a few weeks. You never have to try to get on my good side.”

“I don’t think we ever tried to do that.”

We tried to scare him off. And instead he treated us better than anyone else.

He grinned. “Good. Then I guess I got to see a closer side to you than most… even if it was not meant as a compliment.”

Alyssa felt scared by this. His care. His acceptance of her. Even worse by the fact she could feel through the bond that it was completely genuine.

“Don’t let it worry you too much. Let’s just take it a day at a time for now.”

She sighed with relief at his words. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” He thought it over for a moment. “Wait? What about your job at the bookstore? You’ve been here two weeks without notice? Do you still have a job?”

“You don’t need to worry about it.”

You’ll have to tell him eventually.

“If you say so.” His expression and mental state were a little sad, but she ignored it.

She would take it one step at a time, just like Lewis suggested.

________________________

Lewis was going a little crazy.

It had been a month. He spent every day at his mate’s side. Every day talking with Alyssa, laughing with her, getting to know her more and more. As they grew closer, he couldn’t help but wish for more.

They had just returned from a run through the forest in their wolf forms. He loved spending time with her wolf as well. She was much smaller than him, with silver fur and grey eyes that saw right through him. Her wolf self was much more open and playful, often pulling him to play or run through the forest. His wolf was enamored with her, yelling out offers to feed her or provide her with pups… or both. Her wolf was in hearty agreement, only to be silenced by Alyssa, who still seemed somewhat uncomfortable about the whole situation.

Lewis was happy. He hoped she would continue to stay with the pack… stay with him. He just wasn’t sure how long that would last. Fortunately she seemed completely unconcerned about how much time she took off the bookstore.

He shifted back behind a tree, changing into his clothes stuffed nearby and staring down at the ground until he heard she was done doing the same. Stepping out of his hiding spot he grinned and offered his hand.

“Should we get something to eat?”

Alyssa took his hand without hesitation. “Sure. What should we make?” Lewis felt his heartbeat speed up at her casual use of “we”.

STEAK!

STEAK PLEASE!

Their wolves chimed in, making them both shake their heads.

“How about pasta?” He asked. Feeling the wolves’ disappointment he added “We can have meat in the sauce.

YES!

Our mate is the best!

Lewis couldn’t help but chuckle at that. Her wolf likes me at least.

“ALPHA!” Gary’s panicked voice caused him to turn, seeing the large man running towards them fully naked.

Seeing Alyssa look towards the ground, Lewis couldn’t help but growl with annoyance. “Can’t you put pants on?”

“No time.” He skidded to a halt, trying to catch his breath. “It’s your brother…”

His heart stopped.

Benjamin. Nightfang. His brother. His enemy.

“What has he done?”

Gary’s face was grim. “He’s invaded. The South Segment.”

Lewis pulled off his clothes, shifting to his wolf form.

“Are there any of our pack patrolling in the area?”

“I let Teddy and Lara take that segment… it was supposed to be our safest area…” Gary rubbed his face looking horrified. “I thought it would be okay.”

“Stay here. Protect the pack. I’ll get the young wolves.”

His silent voice projected across the entire territory.

“Everyone. We are under attack. Go to your designated areas. The Nightfang pack has definitely invaded the South Segment, but it could be a distraction. DO NOT LET DOWN YOUR GUARD! Watch each others’ backs. I’m going after Teddy and Lara who were last seen in the attacked area. Listen to the Beta while I’m gone."

He hesitated mentally, continuing to run as fast as possible to the south segment, and then reached out privately to Alyssa.

“Please keep yourself safe. If you want to fight I won’t stop you, stay near Gary. If you want to stay out of the fight, go hide in the house with my mom. The pack is instructed to guard it. “

“I… “ He trailed off, unsure of how to finish the sentence.

TELL OUR MATE YOU LOVE HER!

He wanted to. He wanted to express the thoughts, the emotions that had slowly sprouted within him in the time they had spent together. To say everything he had wanted to say when he was by her side.

But he couldn’t.

We’re not strong. We can barely protect our pack. She won’t want us. She doesn’t trust us yet.

He reached out for what he hoped wouldn’t be the last time to his beloved mate.

“Stay safe.”

With that, he continued towards the south sector.

Calling out for Teddy and Lara as he neared the attacked area, Lewis wasn’t getting any answers. He tried not to think too hard about what that could mean.

They might just be unconscious… they might not be… His wolf trailed off, hesitating.

I don’t know what Ben… what Nightfang is capable of. He might kill them. But if there is a chance they are still alive… we have to try.

He slowed down, his paws silently stepping on the soft earth. He stayed on high alert, listening for any possible signs of the intruders.

Don’t let your guard down. Someone is close. His wolf could feel the intrusion on the Packs’ territory, it bothered him.

There, in the clearing! Lewis spotted two small wolf forms laying still on the ground. Praying they were just knocked out, he crouched down and inched closer.

They were breathing.

He let out a silent sigh of relief. Scouting around, there were at least two from the NightFang pack in the clearing with the pups.

Only two.

Where’s the rest of that bastard’s pack?! Where’s Ben? His wolf snarled within him.

It’s a distraction.He had known there was a possibility. But he couldn’t leave the two young wolves for dead. He couldn’t.

And Nightfang knew that.

Let’s save them quickly and head straight back. Hopefully Gary will keep things together until we return.

I miss our mate. I hope she’s okay.

… Me too.

Lewis attacked from the shadows. Normally he would owe them a noise, some sort of warning of his approach. He should give them the chance to surrender. To run away.

He didn’t warn them. They had invaded his pack’s territory. Kidnapped and attacked their young wolves. They knew the consequences.

One wolf screamed in pain and fear as his hamstring was shredded between Lewis’ teeth. He shifted in his confusion and shock, the bloody mess even worse in human form. Lewis had already turned to the next one.

He snapped at the enemy’s flank, and as the wolf dodged to avoid his teeth, used his much heavier muscle mass to push him to the ground. He grabbed his throat, resting his canines against the carotid pulse. The wolf grew still, not wanting to push him into ending his life.

“SPEAK! What is that traitor’s plan?”

The wolf whined at his mental command, but stayed silent. Lewis began closing his jaw. We don’t have time for this. The pack is in danger. Our mate is in danger.

“He’s attacking from the West!” Sensing death close by, the wolf began to mindspeak. “He wants to wipe out your pack while you’re distracted.”

Lewis opened his jaw slightly, considering his options. If I let him go he could warn the others.

Kill him.

He surrendered.

The pack must be protected.

Let me knock him out.

“Weakling.” A snarl came behind him, and he realized it was the man whose hamstring he had torn out. Swinging a metal bar at his head. At the same time, the wolf he had pinned bucked with teeth bared, trying to throw him off and attack.

Lewis dodged, clamping down his teeth as he moved, tearing the carotid and jugular with the sharp points of his teeth. He let go, tasting blood, knowing that the wolf beneath him was dead.

One left.

Before the attacker could say anything, Lewis jumped, fangs bared, and tore his throat out as well.

We did it.

He nudged Lara, the older of the two wolves, relieved when she woke up right away.

“Grab your brother and go to the main house.” His tone didn’t allow room for argument. She nodded silently, shaking awake her brother, and the two ran into the forest.

Lewis couldn’t help but chastise himself as he watched them move away. I hesitated.

You’re our kind half. I am the viciousness we hold, the killer instinct.

I’m weak.

We have to have both, or we’ll either be a tyrant killer or a ineffective Alpha. Now stop having a personal crisis and go SAVE OUR MATE.

Lewis nodded grimly, padding off into the forest towards where he could sense the pack.

It’s time to end this.

He ran into more enemy wolves as he neared the center of his territory. This time he sighed, giving up control to his wolf. His wolf seemed relieved at taking over, fighting both enemies to severe injury or death before moving forward.

Mate. He picked up the pace.

________________________

Alyssa had never been in a fight before. At least not with other wolves.

Don’t worry, I got this. Her wolf took over and leapt at the nearest attacker. Gary and Bridget were to either side of her, their much larger wolves defending her flank.

“There’s a lot of them, but I think we’ve got control.” Gary communicated calmly, his frantic attacks never slowing.

“They seem disorganized. “ Bridgett’s silent voice conveyed her disapproval. “Did they come here just to die?”

As her wolf continued to fight, leaping nimbly in between the snarling wolves, Alyssa studied her surroundings.

This is too easy. They’re injured… starving… what have they been doing in their territory?

Her wolf had no sympathy. Bad alphas make bad packs.

She looked around in the chaos. Everywhere she looked wolves were snapping at each other. Blood stained the cold ground, trampled into the dirt churning it into mud. Howls and whines of pain filled the air.

“I don’t see him.” She communicated to the other pack members.

“Who”? Gary trampled his enemy into the mud, his jaw locking on the throat of the other wolf. “Lewis?”

“No. Benjamin. I don’t sense an alpha in this group. Shouldn’t he be larger or stronger than the rest? Where is he?”

“Maybe the Southern Sector? An alpha fight?”

“No.” Alyssa’s mind was racing. “He doesn’t seem like the type to respect Lewis enough to fight him head on. 64% of the stories show the villain attempting some sort of sneak attack. The South Sector was a distraction… and so is this. They sent their weaker, injured members to fight us.”

That means….

She took off for the main house.

Alyssa! Bridgett called out. Where are you going?

To where the real fight is.

She crashed into the house, skidding to a halt at the sight of Lewis and his mother.

No… it’s not Lewis.Their faces were very similar, but everything else was wrong: his scent, his expression, his posture.

He smells dangerous… aggressive… Her wolf complained. He’s everything our mate isn’t.

I don’t like him.

Me either… he’s scary.

We should be careful.

She kept a defensive posture, her hackles raised, her teeth bared.

Benjamin looked down at her with a mocking smile. “Ah. The princess is here.”

His mother glared at him, holding a gun in her hand. To Alyssa’s shock there were already two large wolf bodies on the floor, cooling blood spilling from multiple bullet wounds. “Don’t you look at her, Ben! You came here for me.”

“It’s Nightfang now, Mother.” Ben laughed. “And you can’t tell me what to do. Not anymore. You lost that right when you betrayed me to side with my weak brother.”

Alyssa advanced closer.

“Oh don’t give her that crap, Benjamin. You might pretend to be mysterious and evil but you’re just pathetic. You aren’t Nightfang, or Eveningclaw or even Morning-freaking-wood. You are Ben. A bitter little boy who is mad at his mommy and daddy for giving the pack to your brother.” She kept her gaze on his, and his green eyes had trouble continuing to look into her own. “Never understanding why they made the choice, even though it’s obvious to anyone else.”

“Oh really?”

“I’ve only known you for a single minute and I wouldn’t trust you to be in charge of a self-cleaning litter box, much less actual people’s lives. “

“Well, well, Princess. That’s just needlessly cruel. Trying to rile me up? Distract me?” He shook his head sadly. “That only works in stories. It’s true that I’m very disappointed in my parents’ choice. They thought I was too violent to lead. That I didn’t care enough about the pack. But I did. I’m the only one who does.”

“Sure.” She circled around, spotting one of her bags close to the wall.

“Be careful, Alyssa.” Lewis’s Mom called out, still pointing her gun at her own son. “He’s dangerous.”

“You used up all your shots in the initial attack, Mom. Don’t embarrass yourself by pretending it’s still a threat.” Benjamin reached out and took the gun from her. “I forgive you for killing my men. But you should some respect when addressing her.”

“What are you…?” She looked over at Alyssa, who stayed silent.

“You didn’t tell them? ...Interesting.” He rubbed his face, a mocking grin starting to form. “Maybe you don’t even know?”

“Shut up. “ Alyssa leapt forward, reaching for his throat. Throwing himself backwards, Benjamin shifted as he moved. At the change she miscalculated, slamming into the much larger wolf, her teeth closing on only the fur around his neck.

“You want to fight? I’ll fight.” His wolf charged, snapping at her flank while she twisted desperately to avoid him. He was larger, stronger… but she was definitely more agile.

This isn’t a winning strategy. We can’t face him head on. Her wolf was directing the movements, keeping them alive from moment to moment as Benjamin pressed the attack.

I know that… Circle around towards the back of the room. I have an idea.

They growled, running in and taking a small chunk out of his foreleg before darting in the direction Alyssa had spotted earlier. Benjamin howled in pain, slamming her with his weight, throwing her smaller form enough to slam her against the wall. At the impact she shifted, turning into her more vulnerable form.

I don’t like this. We’re easier to kill this way.

“Not excited about being naked either, but it’s necessary.” She muttered, her hands working quickly.

“He should have protected you better than this.” Benjamin laughed silently in her head. “He didn’t even realize what a treasure he had.”

SLAM!

A grey form jumped through the air, landing on Benjamin and knocking him to the ground. As they straightened up Alyssa recognized her mate with a sense of terror and relief. Relief that he was here. Terror that he was now in danger.

The two alpha wolves circled each other.

“You should have just found your own territory.” Lewis silent voice was grim, full of his authority as Alpha. “Even with your treachery, I was willing to let you go.”

“That’s because you’re weak. This is MY territory. MY pack. You are the one who has to die. And as for your lovely mate who you know so little about… how about I take her too?”

He sighed at his brother’s words. “You’re forcing me to kill you.”

“Lewis, push him my way!” Alyssa called out silently through their connection.

“That’ll put you in danger!”

“Trust me!”

Lewis ducked his head, the almost submissive posture throwing his brother into confusion. As Benjamin hesitated, Lewis charged forward, aiming not for his throat or other vulnerable points, but at his feet. Throwing all his weight behind it, Lewis tripped him up, pushing him back- straight towards Alyssa.

“Here you go! Be careful!”

“Thanks!”

“You just put your mate in harm’s way! She’s defenseless!” He snarled, turning his attention to Alyssa’s vulnerable state. “Fool!”

BZZZT

His form seized for a brief moment and collapsed to the ground,

“Nope!” Alyssa grinned and held up her Taser. “He just trusts his mate!”

“…”

There was a brief stunned silence.

“I’m so glad you’re okay!” Lewis’ mother leaned against the counter, looking relieved.

“Just one more thing.” Alyssa held up a finger. Reaching down, she grabbed her overly loaded suitcase filled with her research books.

BAM! And raised it over her head, slamming it down on top of Benjamin.

“Oof.” Both Lewis and his mother winced, but made no move to stop her.

“That’s for attacking me. Not to mention what you’ve done to Lewis!” She then reached down and pulled an ampule out of one of the pockets, stabbing Benjamin in the arm with it.

“What is that?”

“Tranquilizer.” She answered, making sure the drug injected okay.

“It’s very effective.” Lewis laughed silently in their heads, and then slowly shifting back to his human form. His green eyes met her own, and neither looked away for a long a moment.

“Are you okay?”

“Are you alright?”

They asked at the same time. Alyssa smelled his blood and panicking, ran over to look at him closely. “Where are you hurt?”

She grabbed his arm, finding a small cut there, and continued to look at his limbs.

Lewis froze. “Umm… Could we do this with clothing on?”

“…” Alyssa stepped back, rubbing her forehead as she realized that they were both naked and she had been feeling him over. “…Sure.”

“…Well” Lewis’s mother broke the silence with an awkward cough. “I’m going to go see to the pack. You two… talk.” She gave them a thumbs up and slipped out.

THIS IS A PERFECT CHANCE TO DISPLAY YOUR GENITALS! WHY DID YOU RUIN IT!Lewis’ wolf spoke up, frustrated.

“That’s not even a wolf mating ritual.” Lewis hissed. “Will you leave it alone?!”

Don’t worry! Her wolf chimed in. We don’t think you’re impotent anymore!

“See…”

So we should just get straight to the mating!

AGREE!

Lewis and Alyssa sighed slightly at their wolves’ excitement, and looked down at Benjamin, still unconscious on the floor.

“What do we do to him?” She asked, feeling tired.

“Do you still have some of those chains?” Taking the object she handed to him, Lewis bound the now human form of his brother, sneaking in a single kick in the process. “We’ll send him to the Council. He’s broken every law that I know of.”

“… You know in all the stories where he’s not killed the villain escapes and causes trouble again.”

Lewis sighed at that. “I know it would be safer to kill him. But… I…” He trailed off, looking conflicted.

“It’s okay.” She patted his arm, avoiding the injury she found before. “If you were able to kill him so easily you wouldn’t be you.”

“I worry sometimes that I’m too weak to be an Alpha.”

“I know. And I’m sure there’s probably some perfect balance of strength and mercy… but you don’t have to have everything figured out right away.”

“…thanks.”

She shrugged. “Besides, isn’t your sister still out there? Maybe the council can use Benjamin to figure out where she is.”

After handing Benjamin off to Gary and Bridgett to guard (And having them both fuss over Alyssa to make sure she was okay) the two went back to their rooms to change. Alyssa stared at the wall of her temporary bedroom, feeling conflicted.

He’s our mate. He’ll understand.

“I know. And that’s what scares me.”

Finishing her brief hesitation, she walked over to Lewis’ room, knocking on the door.

“Come in.”

“We need to talk.”

________________________

Lewis was extremely nervous as he waved his mate to sit down on the bed. He took the chair on the other side of the room.

What if she doesn’t want to stay?

She’s our mate! His wolf answered his nervous thoughts. She won’t abandon us!

“I don’t know what you told him, but your wolf is right.” Alyssa spoke up. “We won’t abandon you. Not over something silly like your evil twin brother trying to invade and kill us all.”

Lewis let out the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “That’s a relief.” He leaned back in his chair. “So what do you want to talk to me about?”

She stared at the ground a few moments before painfully continuing. “So I told you I grew up in the foster system, right?”

“Right.”

“So the part I didn’t tell you… is that a few years back, around the time I turned 18… a weird guy came and found me.”

Lewis growled. “Did he try to hurt you?”

“No. Quite the opposite. He said he was a friend of my family. He wasn’t one of us… definitely human.” She ran her fingers through her hair, obviously unhappy. “He wouldn’t tell me who they were, or why they abandoned me. He just said they had no choice.”

“That’s crap. I don’t know their situation but their only option was to abandon a baby?” HE shook his head. “Something’s off.”

“I thought so too. I told him to get lost.” She hesitated. “And he gave me a million dollars.”

“What…?

“He said it was a small gift from my parents. I don’t know who my family is, or what they were involved in, but it’s probably big… and definitely not good.”

Lewis processed this for a few moments. “So your job at the bookstore?”

“I actually own it. But I have a manager run it. I stop by occasionally and shelve books while I look for new research.”

“So…” He grinned. “Does this mean you can stay longer and not worry about losing your job?”

“…”

“… Is that what you’re thinking about?” Alyssa demanded, her hands twisting in the fabric of her t-shirt. “You’re not worried about unknown schemes, powerful families… who knows what nonsense could happen! I swear, haven’t you ever read one of these novels?!”

Lewis picked up the book on the table nearby. “I started reading through a few at your suggestion.

“The Seductive Alpha’s bride?” She raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“It’s research! I’m trying to learn how to be a better mate!”

He’s hoping to learn how to make himself more attractive! His wolf added.

We already think you’re both attractive!

Great! Let’s mate then!

Agree!

“Not yet!” Alyssa stepped in as their wolves got carried away once more. “Although she’s right… we do think you’re attractive…”

“Really?”

“But how about we go slow… like a date, first?”

“A date!” Lewis jumped up, his mind racing. “Yes! Let me grab my car…”

“We were just attacked… remember?”

He stopped at her gentle reminder. “Oh. Right. How about after we get things sorted out?”

She smiled, the expression causing his heart to race.

“I’d like that.”

They fell into a comfortable silence.

“So how accurate has your research been so far?” He asked after a while, curious.

“The books?” She thought it over. “You know, considering the Alphas and the relationships I’ve read about?” She looked him over again. “I’d say I was a little surprised.”

“In a good way?” His tone was hopeful, he couldn’t help it.

“Yes. As for the future though?” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “The majority of these stories have a happy ending. But we’ll just have to see.”

Lewis touched the spot that had been kissed, smiling. “A happy ending, huh? I’d like that.”

#writing #werewolf story #werewolves #alphas #mates #couple #i do know that the alpha structure isn't really natural to wolves in the wild #but it's the convention of the story type #I tried to write within the tropes of a werewolf romance but with my own types of characters #it was a fun experiment #I'll answer Asks later

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