#he's just protective of her like a parent wolf imprinting on their cubs

[coockie8]

Look, I haven't read Twilight, probably never will, and the movies do a really bad job of accurately portraying certain aspects from the books, but my sister has read them, and based on her descriptions of events, I feel like way too many people are just wildly misunderstanding what imprinting is and how it works :/

[nicolewoo]

Cub Part 15: the Answer

Synopsis: Roman, Seth and Dean are a pack of werewolfs. Protecting their   city from the scumbags of the world ends up with a surprise when a   victim left for dead imprints on Roman Reigns.Hey everyone. I had a lot of formatting problems when I tried to post this, so let me know if anything is wrong with it. 

The counsel had gone to a private room to deliberate. As soon as they’d left the room, all of the Alaskan wolves headed to our table, telling us not to worry. It was going to be ok. Sika had smiled at me as he adjourned with the rest of the counsel, but his bombshell announcement that he believed we were imprinted was all anyone could talk about.

 “O le galu” I thought, and Roman was the one who talked. “Yes! What is O le Galu?” Roman asked Fia Fia, but it was another tribal member who answered.

 “O le galu means The Wave” She started. “When imprinted couples first mate, a wave of love and joy are emitted. Most of the time it is unnoticeable, but I guess Sika felt it.”

 Seth perked up. “I did too. I didn’t know what it was, but it was powerful. I just,” he paused trying to think how to explain it. “I felt completely happy. I figured it was only because I was linked to them.”

 “Even the pilots felt it!” Naomi said. “I remember hearing them talking about just suddenly feeling really happy.”

 The elder turned to Naomi. “Where was the bedroom on the plane?”

 “In the back” Seth answered, and the elder’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

 “The whole plane felt it.” Fiafia said. “I just didn’t know what it was.”

 The elder smiled as she laid a hand on the same hand Roman was holding. She held it there as she smiled down at us. “Everything is going to be ok. I know it deep in my heart.” She bowed her head and whispered a prayer over us.

 The deliberation lasted 20 minutes, which gave us time to sober up. The longest 20 minutes of my life, despite everyone reassuring us.

 A silence fell over the room as the door to the room opened, and everyone went to their seats as the counsel sat down.

 The Tribal Chief Filemu stood regally. “The counsel has deliberated and come to some decisions. Are you imprinted?” she paused to smile at me. “Yes. In fact, Lagi said it was the strongest connection she’s ever felt.” She stopped here for some slight cheering, and she motioned the crowd to quiet down. “BUT!” she continued. “We are very concerned about the three days it took you to come to the counsel.” This was something we hadn’t thought about. “You should have asked for help the minute it happened.” A murmur went through the crowd. “That’s 3 days we could have used to help Y/N. In fact, if you’d told us, we would have flown to Alaska to help. That’s 3 days you and your pack and your mate had to worry.”

 Roman was deflated. The joy of proving we were imprinted was dashed by this point. He knew better. We knew better. Waiting just made things harder.

 “Now, over the past few decades, we’ve allowed rumors and bad information to spread. We let our tribe think that turning a new wolf would result in severe punishment or death. We fully believe that’s why you waited to come to us.” Roman nodded yes.

 Sika spoke up now, “You know better. If you mess up, I taught you to admit it and face the consequences.” Roman nodded again.

 Filemu continued. “The counsel feels the best punishment is this: You owe the tribe 72 hours. You will serve this time volunteering in our local hospital Emergency Room.” Roman’s mood lifted immediately. “You also owe your parents 72 hours each. You also owe your pack 72 hours.” Seth started chuckling in his head. “Finally, You will donate 72 hours to your mate, however she wants you to.”

 Roman’s mind immediately imagined eating me out, and I couldn’t stop the smile on my face. “Guys!” Seth chided through our link.

 At a nod from his father, Roman stood, so I stood too. “I’d like to thank the counsel for your understanding, and I apologize for waiting so long to report it. I will be more than happy to volunteer my time to the tribe to my parents, to my pack” He looked lovingly down at me as he wrapped an arm around me, “and to my mate”. He kissed my forehead.  

I added in a warm “Thank you.”

A huge, imposing counsel member who hadn’t smiled all day suddenly looked up. “Let’s get to the party!”

He smiled big and winked at me as the room hummed with laughter.  

Filemu smiled too, “Good idea. Meeting is over.” She sang out, and the room erupted into cheers. Roman was quick to put his hands over my ears, but we were laughing the whole time.

Naomi approached us. “Would you like to rest while we set up?”

I didn’t feel like I needed to rest. In fact, I was so excited I could barely contain myself. I wanted to scream and shout and dance!!!! Roman thought we should rest though, so we agreed. Two teenagers approached us. “Come this way” a young lady said. “I’m Safina” she explained as we went down a short hall.

“I’m Manaia” the young man said. “It’s been our honor to prepare your mating room.” He said as we reached the door.

We walked into a beautiful room. It was warm and inviting and as I looked around I saw that there were candles and flowers placed around the room, stones and seashells were deliberately placed on a table with a bowl of water. I tried to see everything, but I knew I was missing some of the symbolism. “It’s beautiful!” I purred as I took in the whole site.

Safina smiled warmly as Manaia put his arm around her. Oh! They were a couple!!! “It has been our pleasure.  Can we get you anything?” They obviously thought we were going to mate right now.

“We’re just going to rest… for now. Could we maybe get some waters?” Roman said sitting on a couch.

Manaia quickly exited the room to get the waters, and I sat next to Roman, snuggling up to his side.

“Let’s call Dean,” Seth chirped out with excitement.

“Yes!” I agreed, but Seth was already calling.

As Manaia returned with the waters, the call connected, and Seth held up the phone so we could see Dean. “How did it go?”

I smiled at Dean. “72 hours.” I said. Dean looked confused. “We are imprinted. In fact one of the people testing us said it was the strongest link they’d ever seen.” I could see the relief in Dean’s face already. “But there’s one hitch. 72 hours.”

A crippling pain ripped through my hand, effectively distracting Roman and I from the phone. Roman began massaging my hand as Seth took over for us. “The counsel is upset that Roman waited 3 days to get help. They admitted that they have allowed the rumors of severe punishment to get out of hand, and they understand that’s why Roman waited. So, the counsel thought the fairest punishment was to volunteer 72 hours to the local hospital ER, 72 hours to his parents, 72 hours to you and me, and 72 hours to Cub.” The pain subsided.

“That doesn’t sound too bad.” Dean said, and Roman agreed.

“I’m looking forward to volunteering 72 hours to Cub.” Ro purred as he kissed my nose.

“Oh yeah,” Seth said. “She went into heat on the plane.” He told Dean.

Dean lit up, “Oh!!! Congratulations you two!”

A light knock on the doorframe of the open door caught my attention. It was Naomi. “You need to be resting, Y/N.”

“I’m way too excited.” I sang out.

Roman kissed the top of my head. “She’s right, baby, lay down.” I adjusted until I laid on the couch, my head on Roman’s lap. He stroked my hair soothingly.

Now that he had the news, Dean was as giddy and excited as me. “I’m trying to trade shifts so I can come be with you guys.” When I did a happy little clap, Dean smiled.

Safina and Manaia returned. “There’s no need to hurry,” Safina said, but we are ready whenever you are.” I smiled wide.

“Uh uh.” Naomi shook her head no. “You need to rest for a while.”

“I’m too excited to rest.” I said. “I’ll rest tomorrow.”

My pack was quick to argue, and we agreed on a compromise of 15 minutes of rest. Everyone cleared out of the room except for Roman and I, and I rested my body per instructions, but I wanted to join the party. There was music and laughter and kids running around the hall outside of our room.

When my 15 minutes were up, so was I. Roman chuckled at my excitement. We walked into the main hall again. The whole room had been transformed. The raised platform where the tribal counsel sat was transformed into a stage. A wide-open area in the center of the room was filled with children dancing and playing, and tables lined the walls of the room for sitting. The aroma of delicious food filled the room, and I looked to see a buffet set up on one side.

Cheers erupted as we entered, and I cringed as the volume hurt my new wolf ears. Roman placed his hands over my ears, and we laughed at the whole thing.

“Ah, here you go.” Seth said pulling a little clear plastic box out of his pocked. He opened the box and gave me two bright orange foam earplugs. I kissed his cheek as I thanked him and inserted the plugs. The noise of the room immediately quieted to half volume which was wonderful, but as we got seated at our table, I realized the foam was expanding and blocking more and more sound with each second. It was a huge relief.

“Why couldn’t I have these earlier?” I chuckled at Seth, and he told me he’d picked them up while I was resting.

Naomi’s boys Timmy and Trevor brought us plates of food while other kids brought a variety of juices and drinks. As we began to eat, the tribe did too, forming long lines at the buffet before sitting down to eat. The mood of the room was sheer happiness. Kids laughed, adults talked, babies squealed in joy.

When dinner was over, a bell rang, and the room quieted down. Filemu spoke. “Families present yourselves.”

The room erupted with activity, and someone I hadn’t met yet escorted Roman and I to two chairs in the middle of the room. A young family of 5 walked up to us. The youngest daughter, dressed in a beautiful traditional dress and a mop of thick, curly, black hair framing her angelic face approached us.

“My name is Talia. I am from the Lutu family, and we made you this lei to welcome you to the tribe.” She’d obviously been coached on what to say.  I leaned low, and as she placed the lei over my head, the heavenly aroma filled my senses.

“Wow! You made this?” I gushed over the little angel. “It smells amazing, and it’s so beautiful.” I focused on the whole family, “Thank you! What an amazing gift!”

When that family was done, a second replaced them. 6 kids and 2 adults. Their youngest son approached and presented me with a gorgeous wooden carved wolf figurine. “Wow!” I gushed. “Did you do this?” I asked the youngest and he smiled with pride as he nodded. “I helped” he said “but Daddy did most of it.”  His father  patted his shoulder with pride.

“We all helped.” The father told me, but I could tell it was mostly him.

“This is so beautiful. I’m going to treasure this.” I hugged close to my chest the little figurine, and the little boy beamed with pride, and the dad blushed a bit.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Roman’s POV.

My sweet Cub was winning over the tribe one family at a time. As they presented her with gifts, she gushed over every single one…. Even the gifts that had been made by kids. She found something to “love” about everything presented to her; even the crayon drawings that the children had made. This was my mate, so sweet, so strong. Putting their feelings over hers.

[What made her feat more impressive was the fact that she was in terrible pain. The activity of the past few days made the pain worse, but she smiled as family after family presented her with gifts.

“Seth, get her a Tramadol.” I sent the order telepathically, and Seth jumped up to complete the task.

“I don’t want to get sleepy.” Cub said as she laid a hand on my arm.

“You won’t. Not with a Tramadol. It will just take the edge off the pain.” She tried refuse again. “Now that we’re linked, you can’t hide your pain anymore. You’re taking a Tramadol.” Seth chuckled.

A young teen approached with pitchers of water and juice. “She’s the BAC!” He said as he filled up Cub’s glasses. “Uncle Ro, I’ll be right back with a beer.”

“BAC?” Cub asked.

“You’re the Bad Ass Cub.” The young man repeated.

We had no idea what he meant. “What are you talking about?” I asked.

“It’s a nickname the teens have given Cub.” Seth replied.

“You got stabbed 16 times, three days later you turned, three days after that you decide to  fly here, and go into heat on the plane. Then you insist the trial be today, and you’re here at the party.” The young man paused for a brief second. “You’re a badass.”

“And we’ve heard you never accept pain meds, despite going through all of that.” A young girl answered.

We were shocked. “But I couldn’t have done any of that without my pack. They saved my life. They’ve taken great care of me.  They’ve sedated me for the changes, so I haven’t had to feel the changing, and I’ve had plenty of pain meds. Trust me!” Cub answered.

“Nope! Face it, girl.” Naomi said. “You’re a badass.”

“But I didn’t do anything. My pack did all the work.” Cub argued.

“And you survived it.” Seth answered. “You’re a badass.”

Cub didn’t agree at all, but she let the discussion drop. “You really are a badass.” I told her through our link, but she wouldn’t believe it. ]

The way the tribe reacted to me had changed drastically today. When we first walked in hours ago for the trial, the tribe was cold and standoffish. There were disapproving looks and whispers shared behind my back. Now that the imprinting was proven, I was once again respected. Now I was treated much as my Cub was.

When the dancers took the stage to do the Haka, Seth and I were taunted to join them. I tried to object, buy my father shot me a look that I knew all too well. “Come on” I said to Seth as I rose and took off my shirt. It had been a long time since I’d done the Haka, and it took Seth and I a few minutes to get into the routine, but one look at my Cub, smiling at me like I was her whole world, and I relaxed, easily remembering the dance.

Naomi, seeing my cub sitting alone in the center of the room, joined her. They laughed and smiled and watched diligently as we danced.

When the haka was done, Seth and I went to rejoin cub. Her eyes raked over my naked chest lustfully while I put my shirt back on. She envisioned kissing her way down my chest.

“Don’t start that.” I told her through our link. “You’ll end up missing the rest of the party.” As I reached her, I ran a hand over her hair and kissed the top of her head before sitting down. She answered with a lusty growl.

Timmy and Trevor ran up to Naomi. “Mama! He stole my seashell!” Trevor whined.

Nami rose to leave, rolling her eyes at me. “Can’t you two ever get along?” She started chiding the children.

Cub needed the restroom. “I’ll take you.” I said, rising from my chair and offering her my hand. As we walked we held hands.

“We are NOT going to ask her!” It was Filemu’s voice coming from inside her office.

Another voice weighed in. “We have to. If there’s even a chance that we could heal Haych and the others, we have to ask!” I recognized the voice. It was Elder Sina talking.

The answer was quick. “No!” Filemu answered. “She was human 3 days ago. Humans don’t think that way. They’re shy! She’s going through enough.”

As we reached the door to the office, Cub stuck her head in, and I saw all the elders inside. “My apologies, tribal chief.” She nodded respectfully to Filemu. “Did someone want to ask me a question? I heard something about healing?” Cub paused waiting for an answer, but nobody did. When she didn’t get an answer, she continued. “If there’s a chance I can help someone heal, I want to do it. Please.” I smiled with pride at the purity of my Cub’s heart.

My dad was the one who spoke up. “Cub, There’s a theory that the O le galu can cure mental health. The theory is the pure joy can help reset some conditions like PTSD and depression,” He answered. “Since you and Roman have the strongest imprinting we’ve ever seen, there’s a slight chance you may still be emitting the O le Galu when you mate.”

Elder Lakopo motioned us to come in and sit. “Y/N” He came over and took her hand, staring into her eyes. “We have been trying to decide if we should ask you to help. We know you still think like a human, but if you can think like a wolf… like a tribe member…. You could heal a great number of our tribe.”

Cub was excited at helping the tribe. “What can I do?”

Filemu started to protest, but my dad waved away her argument. “Can we leave the door to the mating room slightly cracked while you two first start to mate?” He asked. “It would be for just a couple of minutes, and nobody would have to see you. The wave gets weaker each time you mate. We want to leave the door cracked to ensure the wave can escape the room no matter how weak it is. ”

Cub looked around the room. “That’s it?” She asked.

Filamu looked excited now. “That’s it. Is that something you could do? If you mate tonight?”

Cub looked up at me, questioning. “If all you have to do is crack the door for a few minutes, and nobody has to see us, then yes! We would love to help.”

A sigh of relief moved through the room, and everyone smiled.

Elder Lakopo looked down at my cub again. “Thank you! Truly! If this works, my son may find some relief from his PTSD.” My mate’s heart swelled at the thought that we may be able to heal people.

“You’re welcome, and I hope it works for everyone’s sake.” Cub answered.

“Well then,” Lakopo continued. “Let’s get back to the party!”

By the time we re-joined the party, Filamu was making an announcement that we would try to do the O le Galu, and that those who needed healing should be the closest to the door. Just as we got seated, members of the tribe started approaching our table, thanking us for allowing the tribe to try this. My mate’s heart swelled at the thought that we may be able to heal people.

As the party progressed, there were more performances…. Dancing… singing…. More food… more laughing… more fun.

My sweet mate had never felt true acceptance before, and I could feel her struggle with her feelings of inadequacy. Seth and I both kept reminding her that she deserved this and more, but her brain continued to attack her. It would for a long time. We all knew that. She knew that. In fact, she didn’t think she’d ever feel worthy of acceptance.

“You’re so beautiful.” I said through our link. Her brain protested. I pulled her close to me, kissing her gently. “I’m going to tell you every day until you believe it.” I pressed my nose against hers and nuzzled it. “Then I’m going to tell you every day, because it’s true.” Something in Cub broke, and tears of joy began to stream down her face.

“I don’t deserve you.” She said through our link.

“Yes, you do.” I answered. Then we stopped talking, and just felt. Dabbing her tears away, I stood up.

“Come on.” I offered her my hand, which she took eagerly.

We weaved our way through the room full of people until we reached the door. She couldn’t tell what I had planned…. Which was good. As we learned to explore each other through our link, keeping surprises would become impossible, but for now, I had this one and the one Dean was working on.

We crossed the road and walked onto the beach. Cub inhaled deeply, looking up to see the start of what was sure to be a beautiful sunset. Our tribe had planned this for me, and a large blanket was laid on the sand with a basket filled with fruits, cheese cubes and small wine bottles.

“Every time I think I can’t get any happier, you manage to do it again.” She said loud enough to cover the sound of the waves.

I sat on the blanket, leaning my back against a piece of driftwood, and pulled her to sit between my legs. I wrapped her in my arms as she grabbed a grape to munch on. As the sweet globe exploded in her mouth, she started thinking something that melted me.

Perfect.

She was loved. She was desired. She was relieved of her struggles. She was grateful.

“Perfect” my own brain thought back.

She turned to look at me, and a tear of happiness escaped my eye, sliding down my cheek. She was so happy to see it, she started crying too.

Right after we sat, the DJ started talking, “Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful sunset! Let’s slow down the music and let our couples enjoy!” As we sat enjoying the colors of the sky, I noticed other couples claiming spots on the beach around us so they could enjoy the sunset too. There was a communal feeling of joy and love all around.

This…. This moment, sharing my love with my mate, with my tribe, feeling their love back, soft music lilting over us, the sky lighting up in oranges and purples and pinks as the sun snaked its way to the horizon. This was perfect.

Our perfect sunset didn’t last long enough, although, I would have sat on that beach, holding my beautiful mate forever. When all the others had rejoined the party, we made our way back too.

“On Bended Knee” by Boys II Men was playing as we walked up, and most of the couples who had watched the sunset with us were dancing. Seeing them, we wanted to dance too, so I pulled her into my arms and we began to sway with the music.

“I can’t wait to make love to you.” I said through our link.

She lit up with a giggle, “you’re not getting enough today?” She looked up at me.

I laughed too. “First off, I could never get enough of you. Second, we’ve been mating…. Not making love.” Lust clouded her eyes as I continued. “I want to explore you. I want to kiss” I kissed her “And lick” I paused again “And touch” I leaned over and kissed her neck. “and caress and pinch and suck and nibble……” I felt her core clench and smelled her heat. “Every single inch of you.”

“You did that on purpose,” She said through the link. “You set my heat off.”

“For the good of the tribe.” I teased her as I scooped her up into my arms, kissing her as I made my way to the mating room.

The whole place erupted in cheers and congratulations. Seth had the foresight to get to the mating room door before us. “You just let me know when you’re ready. Ok?” She nodded yes. “I’ll open the door until the wave is done, then I’ll close it. Ok?”

This was important, and there was no way she could focus on his words. She could barely think with the heat running through her.  I’d have to do it… for her, for my tribe. “Got it.” I said as I passed him.  “Thanks.” I said as I closed the door.

She attacked me pulling, clawing, kissing, biting…… There was no use trying to calm her. Nothing could do that but mating. I stripped my clothes off in a minute and she did too. Laying on the bed, she pulled me down on top of her.

“Now Seth.” I said aloud. There was movement and urgency in the hallway as people in need were guided closest to the door.

Sliding a finger over her slick ribbon, I found her as ready as always. I wondered briefly if that would happen when she wasn’t in heat. When she wrapped her legs around my waist and bucked her hips at me, my thoughts disappeared. I pushed into her.

—————————————

POV Cub

Roman was leaning against the headboard. I was between his legs, leaning back against him while he kissed the top of my head, and we reveled in our love.

The O le galu had been a success. Cheers, laughter and sighs of relief still rang through my memory. We were proud that we were able to help people. Even now, after we mated, we could feel a sense of calm, safety and happiness from everyone at the party.

We knew we should get up, but we were far too happy and comfortable to pry ourselves apart.

My eyes scanned the mating room, seeing symbolism everywhere, but I didn’t know what the symbols meant. “Can you tell me what all of this means?”

He took a deep breath, “It’s been years since I created a mating room, but let’s see what I can remember.” He looked around, choosing to start at the bowl of water on a bedside table. “Well, the ocean water represents life. The ocean is where we make our living fishing. The ocean brings great beauty and great dangers, just as life does. The flowers,” He pointed to a glass bowl filled with bright, fragrant flowers “They represent the beauty of love. The sand in the tall glass bottle, it represents our tribe. One grain of sand can’t make much of a difference, but a whole beach of sand can contain an ocean. We are stronger when we align with each other and our ancestors.” He kissed the top of my head as he chose the next item. “The tapestries tell the stories of our people. Each pattern has a distinct meaning, and…. I’m afraid I don’t remember them all. I do know that line of diamond shapes?” He pointed to the middle of one tapestry “Right there? Those stand for fertility.” There was a moment of excitement at the thought of having children together. “The candle? That’s for passion.”

“We’ve got plenty of passion.” I teased. And he hummed his agreement. His fingers lazily traced my arm in a sweet caress, while my fingers stroked his arm.

“I can’t remember anything else. I’m sorry.” Roman grabbed a glass of  water from the bedside table.

I leaned up to kiss him. “It’s ok.”

We sat contented for a few more minutes before we decided we should get back to the party.

——————————

POV Roman

She was falling asleep leaning up against me. I had to admit I was exhausted too. The tribe was getting ready to switch to their wolf for their night run. A couple of the counsel members asked if we wanted to join them, but we were far too tired.

“You’re not going to wolf out tonight?” Seth asked, even though he knew the answer.

“No, but you can. Go run with the tribe. Have a blast.” Roman whispered.

“Let’s get you back to the hotel then. The moon will rise in….” Seth checked his phone “bout 20 minutes.”

The DJ’S music stopped, and he took to the mic. “Our couple is getting ready to leave. The moon will rise in 22 minutes, and it’s a 10 minute drive to the hotel, so say your goodbyes quickly.”

The party broke out in cheers and applause, and a crowd gathered around us. Seth picked Cub up, holding her while I got up and passing her back to me. She was exhausted, and she wanted to stand to say goodbyes, but her legs hurt too bad. “It’s ok baby. I’ll carry you.” I said through our link, and she relaxed in my arms.

We were swarmed as we made our way out the door with everyone thanking us for the o le galu and saying goodbye. My sweet Cub plastered a sweet smile on her lips as I carried her out to the golf cart.

“You guys did awesome tonight.” Seth said when we arrived at the hotel. Cub smiled inside, but she was so tired, her lip barely curved.

“Thanks Sethie.” She had meant to say it out loud, but said it through our link instead.

He leaned in to kiss her forehead. “Get some sleep, Cub. Night Ro.”

“Thanks. Appreciate you.” I said to Seth as we went inside. “Don’t have too much fun.” I teased him through our link as I carried Cub to our room. One of the hotel staff, who I recognized as a fourth cousin, was quick to catch up to me and open the room door for me.

Our room had been transformed into a mating room. Roses, sand, tapestries, ocean water, rocks… the whole deal. It was an incredibly sweet action from our tribe.

@mindofasagitarius   @lclb13 @serenityfiretrash @lustyromantic @reigns-5sos @bigpsychicbagelauthor @omg-im-such-a-masochist @marlananicole @wickedsunfire @starwithaheart @spookys-girl for the wolf fic @pitlissa22 for the wolf fic @snowpanda18

[wingletblackbird]

The Inheritance of the Shapeshifter Gene

Since I have been enjoying the laughs the Twilight Renaissance has granted me: Here is my contribution. It is not hilarious, but I think it is interesting. I tried to apply a bit of science and realism into S. Meyer’s world…

Sex-Linked Traits

In Twilight, S.Meyer suggests, both in canon and through provided family trees, that the wolf-shapeshifter gene can be inherited from father to son. However, I think this is unlikely as the gene is almost exclusively expressed amongst males. In fact, until Leah Clearwater, no woman has ever phased. Given the significantly disproportionate expression in males as compared to females, I think the shapeshifting is an X-linked recessive trait.

This means that men who inherit an X-chromosome with the gene will phase in adolescence, if presented to the appropriate stimulus. (I do not believe it is exclusively vampires.) However, for a female to phase, she must have two X-chromosomes with the gene. I think this must be what happened to Leah. She inherited the gene from both sides. This, combined with the increased threat, led to her unprecedented phasing. (Also this means that we don’t have to worry about Embry’s paternity. He gets the gene from his mom.)

Why This Makes Imprinting Important

The unique inheritance of X-linked conditions makes sense in the context of imprinting. Men can pass down the gene to their daughters who will become carriers. However, they cannot pass it on to their sons. This means that if they want their sons to inherit the responsibility of protectors, they must reproduce with a woman who is a carrier to have a chance.

When one looks at wolves in nature, a pack is typically made up of the parents and their cubs. The parents are faithful to each other, as a general rule, until their partner dies. They also seem to pair up based upon genetic compatibility, and stay together for the cubs. In captivity, where wolves cannot easily leave a pack to form their own, usually it is only the alpha male and female who reproduce. In some cases, the beta may as well. In the rarest of cases, other wolves may.

If we translate this to the human context of Twilight, I imagine that typically it is only the chief, or the alpha of the pack, who imprints. Noticeably, Emily’s home has become pack central and she is the one caring for the pups who call each other “brother.” It does make for a mirror of a real wolf pack. Sam and Emily are the alpha pair. Now Sam’s kids will likely be able to inherit the responsibility as they age. 

Before the modern age, I imagine the pack typically was a father and his sons, even more reminiscent of a normal wolf pack, with some cousins and/or kids of the beta as needed. We know that wolves phasing has become rarer in the last couple centuries for the Quileute. Prior to Ephraim’s grandfather’s generation, however, a pack of three wolves was typically maintained.  Most likely encounters with Europeans decimated them and certain traditions were lost. I cannot imagine the gene got any less potent given the increased phasing we see in Breaking Dawn. Consequently, it is most likely that, historically, the sons of the chief/alpha were exposed to some kind of danger or test to get them to phase. If they did not, the next most likely adolescents, maybe a cousin or a child of the beta, were taught to phase until there were three wolves. They were trained by their fathers, and the traditions and responsibilities were passed down. Hence, the title of alpha, unless challenged, may be passed down the male line, but the genetic inheritance is owed to the mothers, quite possibly she was imprinted on. The modern-day pack had to fight as teenagers without training since that tradition was lost. It stopped getting passed down father to son/nephew/cousin etc.

I despise the way imprinting seems to take away your choice about who to love, and even alters your character, nor do I believe love can be compelled. I am far more inclined to think that imprinting is just a biological imperative to protect a female who is a carrier for an important gene. In the modern day, that can just mean she especially comes under the wolves protection. Historically, when arranged marriages were the norm in Quileute culture, marrying the woman you imprinted on likely was standard. This would make sense in the context of only the Chief imprinting, especially if they noticed marrying the imprintee meant his sons were more likely to be wolves. It was what was best for the tribe. Marriage has also historically been about protection/security in many cases too, for better or worse. Moreover, in the Quileute creation story, (the real one, not the one S. Meyer gave us), Kwati indicated that it should be one woman for every man, except the chief who could have several. Thus, if the chief/alpha was not in love with the imprintee, he could always marry another, (although marrying for love is a fairly modern notion.) Way back when, even eventually marrying a girl you knew as a child would not be utterly unheard of. In no way, however, do I think that means Jacob and Quil are going to naturally end up with the kids they imprinted on. Nope. They might feel inclined to protect these kids, but that is it. Yes, they do have free will. They could even ignore the imprinting if they chose. We can all ignore things our biology tells us. It’s just annoying and uncomfortable sometimes. (Hey, if the Cullens can ignore bloodlust, the wolves can definitely override imprinting.)

With imprinting acting as a means of preserving genetic expression, it does make sense that the number of cases of imprinting would increase with a heightened threat. I imagine imprinting is rare, generally reserved for the chief/alpha of the pack only, like what initially happened with Sam Uley. However, with newborn armies and more vampires in the area, imprinting went up. It is telling to me that the people who imprinted were the higher ranking and/or older wolves too.

Imprintees and Female Shapeshifters

The historical practice of ensuring there were always three wolves likely prevented any of the few females who might have shapeshifted from phasing. There would be no need for them to phase if the threat were already taken care of. Apart from men genetically being more likely to phase, it just makes more sense. You do not want women on the frontlines.  You can repopulate your people far more easily with a handful of men and many women, but it is harder the other way around. Also, who is going to nurse the young if all the women run off and get killed in battle? Women would not have been tested for phasing even if they could. 

Hence, while Leah is the first female to phase, I do not believe that Leah was the first female to have the potential to. She phased because there was an increased threat level. She was the right age with the right genes. (Plus, no one had a clue what was going on making things worse.) Her phasing is also why Leah does not get imprinted on, even though her male kids are guaranteed to carry the gene. The imprinter is not likely to pass on a gene to surviving kids if their mother gets killed in combat. Ironically, looking at the family trees, I think there is a good chance Emily might have two copies of the shapeshifting X-chromosome. However, if that was the case, Emily was just old enough to escape the effects. She got imprinted on instead. (Given that even the increased threat level in Breaking Dawn did not result in any more girls transforming, it continues to support the theory that phasing is an X-linked recessive trait.)

This leads me to Re-name-me Cullen. If she got imprinted on by Jacob, she must be a genetic carrier. This means that Bella was a carrier, and likely that Charlie was too. Given that Charlie seems to have a cousin who married into Quil’s family, I imagine he must have inherited the gene through some kind of Quileute connection in the past. Naturally, Charlie has no clue. It is hilarious to me to picture Charlie phasing all of a sudden though.

I imagine the odds of ignorant people phasing and not having a clue why could become a problem. When the tribe married within the tribe, people knew what was going on. In the modern age, as people who are unknown carriers for the gene leave, marry outsiders, and possibly never return...Well, I pity their poor kids!

[horrorslashergirl]

Hunter meeting Hunter

A Xaviera Lah-Mo and Andrei Kulokova Story Chapter 4

Authors Note: God, I love writing for these two so so much. It’s like writing the scrpt of a woman for the big screen. So many things going on in this chapter; pasts are reavealed little by little, feelings get stronger and things get angstier as we read the journey of a wolf and snow leopard.

Xaviera Lah-Mo belongs to me

Andrei Kulokova belongs to @the-slasher-files​

Warning: 18+ because there is murder, death and gore, plus some teasing between our animals. Just a heads up. 

Words: 5.2k (Seriously, it was supposed to be shorter, but oh well....Time sure flies when you write)

Chapter 1 HERE

Chapter 2 HERE

Chapter 3 HERE

Xaviera was hugging the pillow to her chest, her usual ice-cold eyes always calculating everything, now a calm warm blue, gazing at the Russian, millions of thoughts crossing her mind after what happened between them; the strong smell of sweat and sex still persisting in the room.

She nibbled on her bottom lip nervously, feeling so small next to the behemoth of a man next to her in bed; that surge of protection overcoming her from his part. A soft sigh left her lips as one of Andrei's hands ran down her soft naked shoulder, his other hand lightening a cigarette. His gaze was forward, blowing a cloud of smoke, then his eyes drifted back over to her.

"So...How was your first time?" he asked, taking another drag of his cigarette.

"Everything you wanted it to be?" he pressed on, a drop of smug masculinity evident in his rough voice.

Xaviera didn't fantasize about what her first time would be like; she was always so erupted into her researches, hunting, and studies that the prospect of sharing such a deep and intimate act never crossed her mind, and if she did try to picture her first time, there was always a blank spot, just a shadow, because she had never met someone to reach her standards.

Call her vain, because she was a picky individual, but that's how it goes into the animal mating process too. Females don't just mate with any desperate male in a rut; some have to prove themselves worthy in brutal fights that lead to one male dying.

She remembers one time while in Himalaya how the yaks were fighting for the right to mate. It was like two tanks were smashing against each other, one which ended up with an almost fatal wound, and when he tried to get close to the female she turned her back to him. Not worthy.

Getting back to where she was, she hummed at the Russian's question, enjoying his touch on her sweat-covered skin.

"Mhmmm....Always pictured that my first time would be with a wolf. I guess I am more fond of feral beasts." she replied with a cheeky glint in her eyes.

Andrei gave a little huff of laughter at the cheeky side of her personality.

"Well, aren't you lucky." he commented with a smirk.

Her eyes drifted from his eyes to his cigarette. It's been so long since she smoked. The white-haired woman remembers how she used to smoke one pack of them during her time in college when she had tons of exams and finals.

After the small pause of silence between them, she noticed that he noticed that she was gazing at his cigarette. He took a drag and blow the smoke close to her face, the strong smell of tobacco filling her lungs, reminding her of the years in college, days and nights studying the creatures that she now lived close by, not close enough to kill her, but close enough to shot the poachers and for the predators to finish the job.

"Would you like one?" he asked with a raised eyebrow, making her ears perk up at his question and she nodded, taking one and lighting it up, taking a deep drag, her eyes closing as she exhaled smoke, her muscles relaxing more.

She sighed contently.

"Haven't smoked since college. Sleepless nights full of studying." she spoke, her eyes looking up at him, licking her lips nervously, feeling like a little school girl who got in bed with one of the last year's ones.

It was like a fresh breath of air like she was in the highest place of the mountains.

"Y'know you look hot with a cigarette hanging out of those soft lips..." he whispered, leaning in close to her face, blowing smoke directly at her and capturing it in a kiss, moaning into her mouth. She blushed at his comment and closed her eyes, savoring the foreign feeling, but it didn't last long for he pulled away, taking the cigarette from her hand and putting his down in the ashtray, only to finish hers.

"You shouldn't smoke...it's bad for you." he told her with a smile.

Her heart fluttered at his concern for her health. He was getting under her skin. She smiled in return and rubbed her nose on his own as animals do in affection.

"I know...That's why I gave up smoking after college." she told Andrei, looking up at him from under her eyelashes.

"You must have a good strong will then myshka." he spoke, putting down the cigarette in the ashtray.

One of his large hands rubbed her side while the other interlocked with her small hand, watching her with intensity. He pressed his lips to her forehead and closing his eyes.

Xaviera's lips twitched into a smile at his gentle side, something that really surprised her in such a good way, considering how much he had infuriated her.

"When you lived most of your life among creatures that could kill you in a matter of seconds, you have to be always careful. Never underestimate someone by appearance. That's what my father used to tell me..." she found herself telling him.

A vulnerable side was peaking from under the long hair locks, one of a little girl that was as vulnerable as thin ice; a little girl that the death of her parents was forever imprinted in the darkest corners of her mind; one of them which was devoured by hyenas.

Xaviera felt the Russian's grip on her tighten, holding her close and telling her it was alright. He was tense too.

He hummed, listening to her.

"A wise man." he whispered into her hair, and she felt the need to continue, the ice slowly cracking and she was afraid she would sink into the freezing water underneath.

Xaviera bite her lower lip, a bitter feeling forming in the back of her throat, but nodded at his words.

"Yes, he was. He always knew what to say and how to solve any problem...If it wasn't for him...I wouldn't have been here today." she tells Andrei, curling her body against his much bigger one, seeking protection and comfort in a silent way.

"My.....uh, my dad was killed when I was young boy, just leaving me, my uncle, sister and..." he begins to tell her, his breath hitching slightly.

"My mother.....but um...she was murdered when I was 12." he finishes, shifting a little, probably uncomfortable with being so open to her, but she couldn't blame him, she knew how hard it was to speak of the deceased loved ones.

He pulled her closer and she guessed he needed comfort as much as she needed it too.

The small woman had listened to each of his words and she noticed the anxiety dripping from his voice; no wonder he was like this, the things he must have gone through. Her hand rested on his chest, where his heart was. She felt something inside her crawl; maybe the feminine empathy?

She always had a soft spot for scarred beasts.

"She must have been a wonderful and beautiful woman......My mother....S-She was killed too....A-Along with my father." she began to tell him, voice cracking little by little along with the ice; she swallowed down and continued.

"My father was killed by poachers in a trip to Africa....Me and my mother run...B-But....She saved me....Giving her life. T-They killed her too.....She hid me into the hallow of a tree....A-And after they left her body.....T-The hyneas....T-They devoured her....They ripped her face apart." at this point she couldn't hold back the tears, the bitter taste too strong and the ice shattered underneath her, the cold water enveloping her body.

She clung to Andrei's form, letting the tears fall.

"I had to watch until she was a mess of flesh and bones." she choked on a sob, her face buried into his chest.

"I-I was so weak." she breathed out.

She felt his strong arms wrap around her, holding her in an instinctive form of protection.

"Sssssshh....little one...." he cooed, pulling back a little to look into her red eyes from crying, cupping her jaw, and wiping the tears away.

"It was never your fault...Beasts take and take from this world with greed, no mercy...and it is no one's fault." he tried to assure her and slowly she relaxed her, little by little she could feel her sobbing stop, all thanks to Andrei's soothing voice, something she would have never guessed she would love to hear, considering how the first day with him was.

Her gaze moved up to his face.

"That's why I hate most humans so much....Humans call animals beasts but they are the ones." she whispered, letting the last tears fall down her cheeks.

"Animals aren't greedy, vain... They do it to survive.... Humans are conducted by their avarice." she spoke, taking one of his big hands in both her tiny ones, bringing his hand to her lips, kissing his knuckles, then her eyes drifted to the big scars on her thigh.

"I got this one from a mother Grizzly. Me and my dad encountered the cubs first and because I was young and foolish... She attacked me..... My dad saved me, but the Grizzly left a souvenir." she spoke, looking from the claw marks to Andrei.

"I learned not to be afraid of the wild animals... But also respect them. Respect what can kill you." she whispered, nuzzling his hand as a cat would do to its owner.

She noticed his eyes widen at her story; probably a little shocked that a Grizzly got so close to her, but she guessed anyone would have the same reaction. The shocked look quickly disappeared from the Russian, taking his free large hand and bringing it to the scars, tracing the claw patterns like it was a canvas, a picture worth a thousand words, a story that could have had a tragic and brutal end.

She shivered at his touch, the gesture going to such a spiritual intimacy. He really was getting under her skin. His lips pressed again on her forehead.

"Well, thank you for respecting me." he laughed lightly, all the tension in the room vanished at his attempt at making a joke.

She snorted and rolled her blue eyes at his smug joke; again all high and mighty.

"Yes, yes. I respect you, all high and mighty Alpha Wolf." she cheekily told him, one of her fingers scratching under his chin playfully, as one would do to a dog. He was amused by her playful demenour.

"Just don't step on my tail, or I am gonna bite your precious jewels off." she whispered against his lips, her blue eyes glinting in a feline-like amusement.

His eyes went sharp again at this, smashing his lips on hers in a deep kiss, grinning at her surprised self.

"Go ahead and try it, precious kitten." he challenged her, rolling her small body on top of his, making Xaviera squeak, her legs tensing when she felt his hands on her hips until he brought them to her neck, her most sensitive part. She let out a soft mewl, the skin still sensitive from all the bite marks he left.

He took a deep breath and pulled her into another kiss. She felt herself blush at his actions and words, despite the fact that they fucked just a few minutes ago. He just managed to bring out the fire in her.

She kissed him back as he did, her small hands moving to touch his bigger ones that were rested on her neck.

"I love it when you touch my neck." she whispered into the kiss, her thumbs stroking his knuckles.

She saw his jaw tense and internally she smirked, knowing that he was affected by her as much as she was by him. His grip on her neck tightened, not enough to choke her, but enough for her pulse to pick up in anticipation and her breath to hitch.

"Be careful with those sweet words baby girl." he whispered back.

This was a reminder that this wasn't a company dog.... He was a feral wolf. An apex predator, who could easily crush her tiny neck under rough, large hands.

"You know... You are the only one who has ever touched my neck and survived." she warned, looking down at him, cheeks dusted by a furious blush from their position.

He raised an eyebrow at her word, his signature smirk coming back on his face, canines on display.

"There is still time, darling." he laughed, appreciating her wild side and also amused by it.

Before she knew it, she was underneath the beast of a man, kissing her again only to leave her a breathless mess as he pulled away.

"Well, thank you for letting me live.... for now." he gave her a smug smirk, getting up from the bed and marching downstairs.

After he left, she didn't realized she was holding her breath, touching her neck and feeling the bitemarks, something inside her purring.... Like a Snow Leopard who just got mated.

Xaviera groaned at that thought. The Russian was going to be her weakness, although sometimes she really wanted to kick his ass in the snow for being such a knucklehead..... A very handsome and wild and passionate and big....

She huffed, burring her face into the pillow.

God, she was turning into a sappy mess.

She was pulled from her lovestruck thoughts by the rough voice, a tint of softness there.

"Everything alright?" Andrei asked, coming back to the bedroom with two mugs of hot tea, putting her mug down, and getting into bed with his own mug, his free hand running down her shoulder.

The Snow Leopard tensed at his touch and the feline felt an uncontrollable blush creeping up her neck and cheeks, looking at him. She felt like a little girl with a crush.

"Y-Yes.... E-Everything is alright... Just....Thinking." she replied, trying to avoid his gaze at the end, bitting on her lower lip.

The Russian just sipped on his tea, watching the snowfall out the windows, then he smirked.

Xaviera took the cup of tea, sipping on the delicious aroma and the warmness, then she almost choked on his following words.

"Thinking.... about me?" he asked, looking at her amused.

"Don't be shy...I'm beginning to know that beautiful blush well, baby girl."

He was reading her like an open book. Coughing, she looked at him, not able to control her blush.

"I-It's not like that! I mean... You were amazing and I loved every second of it... it's just.... I never shared.... a moment like this." she spoke, looking down at the cup of tea in her lap.

She saw from the corner of her eyes, him smiling.

"I'm just teasing, myshka, it was a joke..." he spoke, hooking two large fingers under her chin, her eyes on his.

"But I was right." he huffed, only for her to glare at him, the blush still present.

"Still a knucklehead... Don't make me throw your ass in the snow." she told him, taking a sip of her own tea to hide her smile.

Andrei put his tea down on the nightstand, his fingers moving along her jaw sweetly.

"And still a fierce kitten." his fingers moved up her jaw, only to lace within her white hair and kiss her again.

She closed her eyes as he kissed her, her tongue running along his bottom lip only to shyly start sucking on it. Her eyes opened, looking into his own, challenging him slightly. His sharp eyes looked into her.

"Well, you learn fast." he grinned, licking his canines, the hand in her hair tightening into a fist, making her gasp, only for the wolf to take the opportunity and show his tongue inside in a sloppy kiss, making her moan. Her heart fluttered at his words. She felt his hand take the cup of tea from her hand, setting in on the nightstand on her side and she found her back flush against the mattress with him on top of her.

She jumped a little when he bites her lip, hard enough to draw a little blood, then he pulled away, moving down to kiss her jaw and neck.  She moved her head back, exposing more of her neck in submission.

"T-That's not fair.... Y-You know my sensitive spots... A-And I don't know yours." she breathed out in a shuttering voice.

She felt him grin against her neck, his k9's brushing against her bruises that he created.

"A predator never just tells you their weak spot..." with that he pulled away and she felt herself sink in the mattress at the way he was gazing down at her.

"You of all people should know that, darling."

Xaviera's breath hitched and she blushed at the Russian's words, feeling embarrassed. She let her guard down in front of the big bad wolf and now he had her in his jaws.

"I-I...." she was at a loss of words, something that very rarely happened to the white-haired female.

He moved his large hand through her long white hair, resting his forehead against her, just like animals show affection, something she was used from the furry feral beasts, but not from humans.

"Sssshh...little mouse... I will not hurt you." he softly spoke.

God, she felt herself melt at his touch and the way he spoke, her eyes looking up at him like a deer caught in by the big bad wolf. One of her hands moved to stroke his knuckles gently.

"I-It's alright... You know... When I was in Africa I watched as Leopards mate. The males always bite the nape of the females. Not to kill her, but to assert dominance. I suppose that goes for humans too?" she told him in a quiet voice, biting on her lower lip.

He grinned down at her, humming at her words.

"You are mine." placing his hand on the side of her neck, he kissed her deeply, a gasp leaving her when he started grinding against her, but only for a short time, because he rolled off, pulling her closer to him.

"All yours, Wolfy. All yours.... Considering half my neck is blue and purple." she said with a smile, blue eyes shining in pride as her hand touched the bitemarks.

"What a cute little thing." he kissed her forehead.

Xaviera's eyes moved along his chest, where the big scar was and she wondered how he got it, but she knew, he was just like her, not wanting to be pressured in telling.

"Little with enough venom to kill 100 men." she replied with a devilish glint in her eyes, her lips pressing against his big scar, feeling him tense.

"It's time for sleep myshka...." he leaned down, brushing his lips against hers.

"Unless you want to go again?" he grinned, licking his canines.

Xaviera chuckled quietly at his impressive stamina, her lips brushing his canines.

"As much as I would love to get frisky with the big bad wolf.... I have to rest. The blizzard will stop tomorrow morning and I will have to go...hunting." she whispered, her hand brushing against his chest up and down, only for him to roughly grab her wrist.

"You might want to stop doing that then... or else I'm not taking your excuses." he warned her, his other hand moving to her scar on her thigh, just resting it there.

Xaviera knew he was like a bomb ready to combust any moment so she let him win this time.

"Got it, knucklehead." she huffed, rolling her eyes, and she couldn't stop smiling.

She pressed a kiss under his chin.

"Good night, Wolfy." she whispered, leaning her head against his chest, her eyes closing as he continued to brush his hand across her scar.

"Good night, kitten." he whispered, sleep enveloping her.

========================================

It was like she had an internal clock, because as soon as it was early morning and the snowing stopped, her eyes slowly opened looking out the window. Her eyes drifted from the outside scenario to the man in bed with her. It was the first time she saw him sleep and he looked so peaceful.

Slowly, with feline-like stealth, she moved from the bed and out of the bedroom, her eyes on him the entire time, until she was out of the room and downstairs, starting to dress up, putting on her white and cream winter coat, the white fur on the hood so soft, it always kept her warm.

Getting all her weapons; the venomous small arrows, the sniper rifle and her mountain backpack on she moved towards the exit. She knew it was probably bad to leave, but she preferred to go on huntings solo.

Exiting the cottage, she stalked towards the path, her gaze moving to her map in hand, already starting to calculate distance, route. It took her two hours to reach the destination. The poachers were going to arrive in half an hour if she calculated everything right, which she always did. Setting her backpack down, she opened it, getting out a wire of spikes, similar to the ones cops use to stop vehicles.

She planted it right in front of the path that the poachers will drive by, masking it in snow, then moving into an isolated spot, basking herself in the whiteness of nature, sniper rifle in hand, and just waiting, exactly like a predator.

Her ears instantly perked up as she heard the sound of the engine in the distance, muscles tightening in anticipation as she was the truck get closer, knowing what was inside. She licked her lips as they approached.

20 seconds....

Her finger hovered over the trigger of her sniper rifle, waiting.

10 seconds....

She knew that she had to be quick in her moves; no hesitation.

5 seconds....

Her pupils dilated like that of a snow leopard, ready for the kill.

The sounds of tires exploding meet her ears, looking through the lens of the sniper; eyes on the passager door as it opened, one man exiting the vehicle, only to fall down as the bullet hit him right in the neck, blood starting to coat the white snow underneath him.

First one dead. Two more to go. Another man exited the vehicle with a shotgun in hand, looking for her. She smirked, knowing he will never be able to spot her; it was like searching for a crystal sugar in the snow. She pressed the trigger, aiming for his heart, his body falling next to the other dead poacher.

Now the driver. She was itching to kill the last one, but he was hesitant to get out.

'Come on, little shit. Come to mama.'

He did peek his head out the window. Big mistake; it was enough for Xaviera to shot him straight in the middle of his forehead. She grinned, then moved from her hiding spot, marching towards the back of the vehicle, a big door with a locker. Setting her backpack down, she got the bolt cutter, getting the lock on the metal door off.

Her hands tugged on the handle, the sound of metal against metal echoing in the forest as the small woman opened the door; a set of four white paws meeting the snow.

It was a snow leopard, shaking his white and grey thick fur, happy to be free. Xaviera smiled as the animal runoff, disappearing into the covered snow forest like a ghost.

The moment of calmness and pride was quickly taken away when Xaviera felt immense pain shooting through her scalp as someone yanked her head back, her eyes widening as the person behind her smashed her head against the side of the truck, only to throw her on the ground.

"So, you are the Mountain Ghost I've been hearing about. I thought it was going to be someone...bigger." the voice was unfamiliar and her vision was blurry.

She tried to get up, only to feel a kick at her ribs, making her stumble, choking on her breath. How could there be another one? She had stalked and observed them for such a long time, calculating everything by numbers and seconds.

"You think you can just go around and steal our prizes?" the man spat, his foot coming to press harshly against her ankle, making her scream.

She was ready to get her venomous darts from her small bag inside her winter jacket, only to have her face pressed in the snow.

"Keep your venom to yourself." the man spoke in her ear, then turned her around, snatching the darts and throwing them so she couldn't reach the weapons.

This was bad, so bad. She wasn't built for close contact combat, especially when it came to life or death. Like a cheetah, she was fast but sadly lacked the strength.

Xaviera could feel blood dripping down from her temple, her hands trying to scratch him, pierce his eyes, anything so she could get away from under him and run. A fist to her eye was all that the man needed to make the fierce feline, drop her hands.

"Keep your claws to yourself, bitch!" the man yelled, looking over her, then smirked.

"You made me lose that Snow Leopard. Someone paid huge cash for its fur." he spoke, making Xaviera glare at him despite the position she was in.

"But....I know what you might be useful for." the way he said that made Xaviera's stomach twist in such an unpleasant way that she wanted to throw up and when she felt his hands on her thighs, she felt tears form at the corner of her eyes.

She was ready to scream, but the weight on top of her disappeared, the sound of fighting meeting her ears. Her blue eyes opened, looking up at the sky. Her gaze moved to the ground and she felt her breath hitch at the scenario before her.

It was Andrei. He saved her. That made the horrible feeling she had before disappear, relieved that he was here. It was obvious that the Russian had the upper hand, much bigger than the poacher and certainly more experienced by the combat skills he put on a demonstration on the other male.

A sickening crunch meets the woman's ears as Andrei delivered a straight punch on the man's nose, blood coating half of his face. It was like watching two male animals fighting for territory, and Xaviera saw plenty of brutal fights between males for territory, food, and the right to mate. She knew that these types of fights ended up with someone dead.

In one swift movement, the Russian grabbing the handle of his knife, taking the blade out of its holster, and stabbing the poacher right in his tight, twisting the blade inside. The scream echoed through the forest and all Xaviera could do was to watch as Andrei took the knife out, blood splashing on the snow as the man dropped down, not dead yet.

Big large hands wrapped around the wounded man's neck, as tight as possible, and the woman watched as the Russian strangled the poacher, his arms trying to inflict pain on Andrei, but it was all useless, the winner already decided the moment the knife impaled in his thigh.

The poachers' arms dropped down, breathing stopped and he was dead. Xaviera sighed relieved, only for her to freeze as his gaze slowly moved to her form.

His eyes, the usual icy blue were almost black, pupils blown wide and lips pulled into a snarl, canines on display, exactly like a very dangerous wolf. Xaviera had encountered this look many times in her life on animals, but never on humans. She swallowed down, knowing not to make harsh or fast moves, it might trigger him and God knows what will happen.

Running would be the most foolish thing to do, so she just sat there in the snow, making herself as invisible as possible.

After what seemed like forever, he turned his predatory gaze from her to the dead poacher and Xaviera watched as he dragged the corpse into the forest, disappearing.

She couldn't believe what she just saw. Slowly, she got up, groaning a little as she stumbled, catching herself on the side of the truck. Her ankle wasn't broken, but it stung a bit. With a sigh, she began to walk towards her cottage, getting her sniper rifle, arrows and backpack first.

At the time she reached the cottage, it was close darkening. She left her weapons down, then quickly started the fire; it was freezing inside. She watched as the flames took form, rubbing her cold hands in front of the fireplace.

Getting her jacket off after it was warm inside, the rest of her clothes followed to get clean and warm ones. She pulled on a big black shirt and she groaned as she felt blood drip down the side of her face.

She got her first aid-kit, starting to treat her wounds. They were nothing serious, but it sure wasn't good to leave them like this. She hissed as she cleaned the wound on her temple, glad that she wouldn't need to be stitched. Looking in the mirror, she noticed how under her felt eye blue and purple color started to form.

She was glad that the poacher hadn't broken her ribs, that's the last thing she needed in times like this.

She cursed under her breath, feeling so stupid that she was so reckless. It almost costed her life, but she was glad that the snow leopard was free; at last, she achieved the goal of the mission. She wondered where Andrei was. He still hadn't come and it was almost midnight.

Xaviera knew he was a hard knucklehead and could take care of himself, but not with wild animals with 5 inches of canines and jaws that can crush bones.

The white-haired woman closed her eyes as she felt the heat of the flames lick her naked legs, wrapping her arms around herself only to smell a faint tint of tobacco. Blue eyes looked down at herself and she blushed.

She must have gotten one of the Russian's shirts in her dizzy haste to change clothes. Getting up from the couch, she was ready to pull it off, only for the loud bang on the front entrance door to meet her ears.

The woman looked in said direction, feeling a gust of very cold wind brush her bare legs, making her shiver slightly.

"Andrei?" Xaviera asked, ready to take a step forward, only to freeze like a deer in the headlights at the man in the doorway.

Scarlet blood dripped down his arms and hands, eyes looking like that of a primal beast ready to tear flesh and muscles with his canines. A deep and scary growl meet her ears and she swallowed down, feeling her heartbeat in her throat.

She had seen something like this before, only......It was an animal, a big black wolf. It was during a trip in the forest at night and she saw the scene. The black animals' jaws around the deer's neck, ripping the artery and throat off.

Xaviera couldn't help, but the first time she truly felt like prey; the one that is being hunted down.

CLIFFHANGER.......