wulfy08

[wulfy08]

The McCullum scarf I’ve been working on with a more modern vampire hunter look! I love it!

[wulfy08]

Isn’t he cute?! Little Hannibal with his stabby stick!

[wulfy08]

More on that idea I had. It’s going in weekly increments.

WEEK ONE...

Cillin woke with a scream in his throat. He gripped his pillow, crying into it. “Beast?” He flinched, but turned over to face Aelin. He was already familiar with the vampire’s scent; blood, steel, night, and cold. His heightened senses were generally overwhelmed, but Aelin’s familiar smell was strong in this room, permeating the air around him. “Hey, you alright?”

“Yeah, sorry.”

Aelin gave him a gentle smile. “You don’t have to apologize.” He dropped down on the edge of the bed. “I just got home, and I heard your cry.”

“Sorry.” He wiped at his face as he sat up.

“Cillin,” Aelin reached out and gently took the wolf’s hand, “it’s okay. It’s only been a couple of days, it’s expected you’d need to adjust.” He started brushing his thumb back and forth. “Would you like to talk about it?”

“I can’t.” He looked away.

“Okay, we don’t have too.”

Cillin squeezed the vampire’s hand, his way of silently thanking him. Two days. It had only been two days. He wasn’t on the streets, though he knew that could change should Aelin tire of him. He had food in his belly, new clothes, and an actual bed. He feared what the vampire would ask for in return. “What have you been doing?”

“Hunting.”

“Oh...for what?”

“Other beasts, like you and I.”

Cillin swallowed. “Are there many?”

“Yes, and sometimes they get out of hand, like your Maker.”

“What about yours?”

“I came by this willingly, mo chara, I chose this life.”

Cillin’s eyes met his in surprise. “Why?”

“I grew into it. My Maker raised me. She was a Hunter, tough, but loving all the same.”

“I see.”

Aelin chuckled. “She would give me Hell over having a newborn in my home.”

Cillin felt suddenly nervous. He stared into Aelin’s, an uncomfortable thought filling his head that had him pulling his hand away. There was no way, he did this sort of thing all the time. “Why did you bring me here?”

“Because to leave you would have been cruel.”

“You could have killed me. Why didn’t you?”

Aelin’s brow knitted as he thought. “I don’t know. Something in me just said I shouldn’t.”

“Will you ever?”

“I will yeah, should you give me cause.”

“I’ll...I’ll try not to then.” He could feel the animal beneath his skin, rolling and fighting, wanting to get out and run. He had no doubt in his mind, that if he lost control, if he killed, Aelin would end him.

“Good, how about I make you something to eat and we step outside for a bit.”

“Outside?”

“It’ll be good for you, come now.”

~

Cillin was happy for the food. He savored the taste of everything Aelin cooked for him, afraid there would be a time he wouldn’t eat like this again. The smells tantalized him, had his mouth watering with every bite. Being outside was another story. He found himself moving closer to Aelin the moment the cool night air hit his face, trying to drown out the other smells with the vampire’s.

“It’s safe here, mo chara, no one will hurt you.”

“What does that mean?”

Aelin gave a warm smile. “My friend.”

“Are we?”

“I would like us to be.”

Cillin looked at his feet, worrying his lower lip with his teeth. “I…”

“You can say no.”

“No...I mean yes...I think.” He looked up at Aelin. Those intense, mismatched eyes were studying him, amused and curious. “I…” Aelin stopped and gently grabbed Cillin’s wrist. He felt as small as he really was as he stared up at the vampire. It wasn’t the first time he had noticed just how tall the man was.

“It’s okay, take your time.”

“I want...to be friends.” Cillin replied softly. “I just...I don’t know.”

Aelin could hear and see the frustration and slid his hand down to take the wolf’s. “It’s okay.” He wouldn’t push him, not yet, not when everything was still so raw and new for the young Progeny. “Come on, I want to show you something.”

Cillin allowed himself to be guided around the side of the house, to the backyard. He hadn’t even looked out here since his arrival, so he was surprised by the gazebo and the pond, by the thick woods that rested silently behind the place Aelin called home. The way the moonlight was reflected in it, mirror perfect and beautiful. He could feel the light tingling over his skin and he shivered. He had the sudden urge to run, to chase the night, to lift his head and bay at the bright disc of light shining above them. “Aelin?” He shifted closer, fearful. If he changed again, he could hurt someone.

“The wolf wants to play, that’s all.”

He squeezed Aelin’s hand. “What does that mean? Will I turn into...into that thing?”

“Only if you wish it. The first change is the worst and involuntary, but after is all up to you.” He could feel Cillin shivering. “You don’t have to be scared.” He gestured at the surrounding area with a wave of his hand. “The night is a part of your soul now. Embrace it.”

“I don’t know how.”

Aelin looked down at him, into those terrified, innocent eyes. Cillin’s change had happened on his watch and he knew it had been a brutal thing for the young man, even without seeing it. He couldn’t leave him alone. “I’ll show you.”

~

Five days. It had been five days and Cillin was doing his best to settle into his new life. Aelin took him out every night, walked with him through the forest. Some nights they chatted and others, they stayed silent and simply absorbed the world around them. “They’re still overwhelmed.” Cillin said on one of their walks.

“What are?”

“My senses of hearing and smell.” He glanced sidelong at Aelin. The breeze always carried the vampire’s scent away, forcing Cillin to take in everything else. “Can you help me?”

“I can.” He held out his hand and Cillin took it, allowing himself to be pulled back through the woods. They wound up at the pond and Aelin sat, gently tugging Cillin down in front of him.

“What’re we doing?”

“Practicing.” He took Cillin’s other hand, staring into his eyes. “What do you smell?”

“Water, earth, fur and feathers and…” he swallowed, his face heating, “you.”

“And hear?”

“Scuttling, wings, the water hitting the bank, the trees creaking. I...I can hear your heart as well.”

Aelin nodded and let his hands slide up to just above the wolf’s elbows. He pulled gently. “Come here.”

Cillin moved, unsure of what was about to happen, but feeling compelled. He wondered if this was one of Aelin’s powers, or if it was of his own volition. He found himself sitting in the vampire’s lap, his head pulled down to rest on his shoulder as one of his hands was pressed against the man’s chest. “What...what are you doing?”

“Focus on me, mo chara, on my scent and sound. Nothing else matters, only me.” He held Cillin gently, giving him an escape if he needed one. He could hear the wolf’s heart pick up, smell his worry. “I won’t hurt you, just trust me.” He traced the back of Cillin’s hand. “Breathe and trust me.”

Cillin nodded, trying to slow his breathing. He closed his eyes, inhaling Aelin’s scent and listening to the steady beat of his heart. He moved closer, his nose lightly brushing the vampire’s neck. Being so close, he was easily able to forget about everything else. He felt something stir in him, a rolling warmth that had him shivering. He whined and Aelin chuckled, embarrassing and shocking him. He sat up, pulling away a little and averting his gaze. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay, Cillin, liking a certain scent is normal.”

“I shouldn’t...I just…”

Aelin’s hand cupped his cheek and gently turned his head. “It’s a sign of weakness for a wolf to look away.” He changed the subject, disliking the helplessness in the wolf’s voice. “It says, “I’m prey, eat me” so don’t be afraid to look other beasts in the face.”

Cillin nodded. “Okay, I’ll try.”

[wulfy08]

A prologue to something I started out of a need not to burn out on other stuff. It just took off!

CILLIN:

Cillin’s skin felt hot and tight, like it would boil away or tear at the seams if he moved too much. He lay there, curled up and shivering on the floor, arms wrapped around his head. His teeth were clenched so tight against the agony burning just below the surface of his flesh, he was sure his jaw would break. He felt it then, the first pop of his joints. Claws pushed from his fingertips, tearing up the dirty carpet beneath him. What’s happening to me?! His thoughts screamed as terror and pain washed over his entire being. His jaw snapped open, his mouth filling with the taste of blood. It was all too much, lancing through him like white hot lightning. He couldn’t even scream. His heart hammered against his chest, threatening to burst, his breaths were quick pants of panic. He was sure he was dying, that whatever had happened to him, was killing him. His spine arched, wrenching him back as his muscles tightened. What’s...happening?! Sweat poured from his skin and then, something else, something warm. It soaked into his clothes, sticking them to his skin. A sound escaped his throw, animalistic and horrifying. He begged for it to stop, swearing he would do anything, if it just stopped.

Everything went black. It was like an extended blink, and then he was running. It was like a maddening blur of sensations. Something hit his nose, the tangy scent of iron that slipped into the back of his throat, driving him forward. He took the twists and turns, the world zooming past him and then he found the source and jumped. Pain blossomed through his skull and he felt his body hit something hard. Clarity struck him for a moment. What...what’s happening? He was panting, laying on his side. He could hear someone, the tap of shoes, the brush of cloth, as they approached. He blinked and there was someone there, leaning over him. He tried to say something, but all that came out was a whine. The scent hit him again, that hunger slotting back into place so he snarled. He felt fingers grip the back of his neck and haul him up. He tried to flinch away, but was simply slammed against a wall. His vision spun again and his vision clouded.

“Oi, hound, wake up.” He felt a light tapping on his cheek, gentle at first and then a little harder. “I said wake up.” Cillin groaned and he slowly opened his eyes. His entire body felt like bruised lead. Even breathing hurt. “Well, you’re not dead, fancy that.” His vision was blurry and unfocused, but he could at least tell the voice was male and touched by an Irish brogue. “You put the heart crossway in me, sneaking up on me like that.”

“Wh…” his throat was raw and dry, he couldn’t even swallow.

“Hold on then.” Footsteps retreated, the movement causing a scent to waft up his nose. Cigars, whiskey, leather, and something metallic. They came back and he felt fingers touch him. He jerked away, blinking furiously to clear his vision. “Easy, beast.” The voice was gentle, yet commanding.

“Pl...pl…” he couldn’t get the words out.

“It’s alright, beast, I just want to give you some water.”

Cillin’s vision finally cleared and his eyes locked with the man’s. One was a baby blue, the other a light violet and they sat in a pale face. They were shocking to the point he froze. “I…”

“Let me help you.”

He let out a whimper. He was helpless, at the mercy of this stranger. He could do anything to him. His next thought, was maybe if he complied, he wouldn’t be harmed. Again. He thought. He nodded and the man’s fingers wrapped around the back of his neck, gently pulling him up. The glass was pressed to his lips and tipped just enough that he could slowly suck the water into his mouth. The cool liquid felt amazing as it slipped past his tongue and down his throat. He gave a sigh of relief and the stranger pulled the glass back and put it down. “Thank you.” Cillin whispered.

“I’m going to prop you up, alright?”

“Yeah.”

He studied the stranger as he worked. Raven black hair and the beginnings of five o’clock shadow stood out against his skin. His mismatched eyes were intense, almost predatory, but beautiful all the same. Cillin let his eyes move down. A black leather duster over a blue shirt covered broad shoulders. They slid down further, resting on the sword at his hip. “Don’t worry, beast, I don’t plan on hurting you again as long as you keep your wits about you.” Cillin’s eyes jumped up, heat rising to his face.

“Sorry.”

“I would feel the same in your position.”

“I shouldn’t stare.”

The stranger chuckled. “I’m going to lift you, ready?” Cillin nodded and he was suddenly being moved. His back rested against the stack of pillows and he breathed easier now that he didn’t feel as vulnerable.

He looked around the room. “Where am I?”

“My home.”

“Oh.” He looked down. He was wearing clean clothes that were definitely not his. “What happened?”

“You attacked me beast.”

Cillin frowned, eyebrows knitting. “Why do you keep calling me that?”

The stranger arched an eyebrow. “Because, you’re a wolf, a beast.”

A memory, violent and bloody, and humiliating jumped to the surface. His heart jumped and he looked away, afraid. “I’m not.”

“You are.” The stranger leaned closer, hands rest on either side of his hips as he forced Cillin to make eye contact. “I saw you.” The stranger searched his face. “You know it.”

“No, I...no, it wasn’t, it was…”

The stranger reached up, taking Cillin’s hand in his, turning it over, and letting his thumb stroke over his wrist. Cillin shivered, his muscles tensing. “Have you never changed before?” Cillin shook his head. “Who made you, then?” He shook his head again. “You don’t have to say, I can easily see.”

“What does that mean?”

The stranger lowered his voice. “I am a beast too, mo chara, and a Hunter.”

Cillin swallowed. “Like…”

“I drink blood, a vampire.” It couldn’t be, but then he had felt a change in himself after his attack. A monstrous sort of change. Something had crawled beneath his skin that wasn’t the shame he had felt upon leaving the hospital. “Let me see, beast.”

Cillin swallowed. “What...what’s your name, first?”

The stranger smiled. “Aelin McClure. And you?”

“Cillin...Cillin Reynolds.”

AELIN:

The wolf was a ball of nerves, his petite body quivering at Aelin’s touch, his cornflower blue eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. “Cillin, it means little warrior. Did you know that?”

“No...no I didn’t.” He watched Cillin’s Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed. “It was my great-grandfather’s.”

Aelin smiled. “There’s some responsibility in it, then.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever done it justice.”

“I’m sure that’s not true.” He continued to gently stroke his wrist. “Where are you from?”

“I…” Cillin frowned, “I’m not…I don’t have a home.”

Aelin nodded. “How long have you been on the streets?”

“Five years.”

“No parents?”

“No, not really.”

That was a partial lie. Aelin could tell by the slight stutter of his heart. “Cillin, I would really like to know who your Maker is.”

The panicked skipping of the wolf’s heart and the look of shame on his face, told Aelin it was bad. Something horrifying had happened. “I...I can’t.” Cillin’s eyes slid away from him. “What happened to me?”

Aelin sat down on the edge of the bed, keeping ahold of the wolf, feeling his pulse dancing beneath the surface. “If what you say is true, little beast, you experienced your first change. It’s surprising you didn’t attack anyone else.”

“How do you know?”

“I would have smelled the blood on you.”

“So...so what are you going to do with me?”

Aelin sighed. “Well, I can’t let you leave.”

Cillin tried to pull away from him, but was still too weak. “I won’t say anything, I’ll stay away from people.” He was starting to panic again, his pulse jumping. “I swear.” He was pressing back into the pillows, making himself seem smaller. Cillin’s breathing picked up, his eyes filling with tears. “Please...please just let me go. I won’t hurt anyone or...or call the cops, I’ll just disappear.” He was shaking now, truly terrified.

Aelin reached up, taking the wolf’s face in his hands, ignoring his flinch. He didn’t want him passing out. “Breathe, mo chara.” He commanded gently as he stared into Cillin’s eyes. “Breathe.”

“I don’t want to die, I just want to go...please?”

“Hey, breathe.” He inhaled. “Breathe.” He let the air out of his lungs. “Follow me.” Cillin nodded as he forced his lungs to slow down. “Good, in and out.”

“I’m sorry, I just don’t know what to do.” He sounded so broken and desperate.

“Until I find your maker, I need you to stay here. You are newborn, you need rest and to get a handle on your new...gifts.”

Cillin’s lip trembled as a look of defeat crossed his face. “I don’t have a choice, do I?”

“I don’t want to force you to stay, but until this is resolved, you must.”

The wolf nodded. “Okay...okay I’ll stay.”