A tale of wolves.

[Winterwinds]

I actualy have a ton of chapters compleat after the last one I posted, but at this point I am rather worried of someone stealing it has happend in the past.

[Night-X]

Better this site then the other one for your story. I don't see your story being taking away from here yet.

[Winterwinds]

Perhaps, I have to think on it more, and write some. But chances are I will start posting. My worries though are quite valid.

[Night-X]

So you're still kind of worry about it. One thing can make anyone fear too much even if it's safe to try it.

[Winterwinds]

I have let this lay dead for far too long. I will update this tomorrow.

[Winterwinds]

As I said last post, I have let this lay dead for far too long, so here is the next chapter.
-----------------------------

The thunderclap caused Angela to jump for what was perhaps the thousandth time that hour, the thunder reminding her of the day her cousin had taken over the pack as the Alpha from her uncle. That day was burned into her mind almost as clearly as the day that she had dreamed of earlier, as it was one of the worst moments in her life.

Angela looked out the window of the room she had been given by Richard, and her mind drifted back towards that day as if it had a mind of her own. It had been raining like today; the ground had been slick with mud as the pack had awoken to shouts from outside. Angela had been shaken awake by her mother and told to keep quiet, she had not understood at first until she had looked out the window.

The clearing was filled with her pack, in the center two figures stood, each shouting at each other. At first the words did not carry up to the house, but as the wind died down the yelling suddenly reached Angela and her mother.

“…You have no right to simply order your way around” Angela’s uncle yelled at the figure before him.

“I have every right father!” The other figure, Angela’s cousin yelled back, “You and the Elders say you are teaching us the old ways, but all you do is shove lies and blasphemy down our throats!”

“We have never lied to you!” Angela’s uncle responded, his voice softer, “We have taught the old ways as they were taught to us.”

“And yet you teach tolerance towards the humans.” Angela’s cousin retorted, “When your fathers, and their fathers taught you to fight them to the last! How can you hold true to the old ways and yet betray that?”

“I have told you before; those thoughts have no place in this world.” Her uncle said in a lecturing tone, “It was that philosophy that nearly got our race wiped out in Europe.”

“We wouldn’t have been thrown that close to the brink if we had truly fought back. Humanity was weakened by its ignorance of our strength, but I had thought that our race had no such delusions.” Angela’s cousin then stepped forward, a look spread across his face that Angela could only call a mixture of sadness and anger.

“Sadly, it would seem our race has been infected by such delusions father, but our pack is not beyond hope. We could go back to the old ways,” He said then made a sweeping motion that encompassed, “You can all still be saved!”

Angela’s uncle took a few steps forward but was halted by a deep growl from his son, his face showed betrayal, “Listen to what you are saying my son. I plead you to think before you open your mouth.”

For a moment Angela’s cousin indeed seem to think, but the look on his face did not hint at the thoughts the Alpha had hoped to spark. “I have thought long enough, father. In my mind it is clear what must be done.” He then pointed at his father, “I challenge you for the leadership of this pack, as it was in the old days, and as it has been since. We shall see how strong you truly are father, but I think your soft view has softened your fighting instincts.”

The memory faded as her Uncle and Cousin locked into combat, it was as painful to remember as the day she had watched it unfold. She was saved from the depths of her memories by a loud and insistent knock on the door. Turning she frowned, this was the fourth time this hour that Richard’s wife had bothered her to see if she was alright. She had not let her in the first time she had appeared at her door, and she would not now, she just did not trust her enough at this point. Sighing she looked back at the window, but instead of looking out she looked at her reflection in the window.

She was human now or at least in form and was wearing the spare clothing that she had found when she had awoken from her exhaustion fueled sleep. She was about five feet tall, perhaps slightly shorter, with dark blond hair, almost amber, that fell to the middle of her back. Even in her human form the scars showed through, a long one that was across her brow was mostly hidden by her hair. It was odd being human again; she was used to being in the form of a werewolf, mostly used to having a tail for counter balance. In fact, she was so used to the weight of her tail that she had fallen flat on her face the first time she had taken a step in her human form a few hours earlier.

The thought of falling on her face made her blush, she was not often embarrassed about anything, but the inability to walk properly as a human was one of those things. She shrugged it off however and went back to looking in the window that acted as her mirror.

She looked over the clothing in the reflection, and took a deep breath; they smelled like John, the man who had saved her earlier. His sent calmed her down somewhat, which confused her why should she be comforted by someone she barely knew?

The knock at the door came and Angela cursed under her breath, why couldn’t the other werewolf just leave her alone, could she not tell she did not want any help. Walking over to the door, she had been able to figure it out after a half hour of falling on her backside, she opened the door to say as much and was surprised to see a dripping went, and shivering John on the doorstep. He held up a package and the scent of raw meat drifted to her, her mouth watered involuntarily.

“You look rather mad,” John said with a slight smile that Angela could tell he really didn’t feel, he was scared slightly, “Perhaps a peace offering? I mean, after leaving you here you must be slightly cross at me.”

Angela was taken aback slightly, how he had known that she was the Werewolf he had left here earlier, she looked quite different in her human form. He seemed to catch on to her thoughts and laugh, his worry vanishing.

“You’re wearing one of m favorite T-shirts, treat it nicely.” He said, “Now, may I come in? Its cold out in the hallway and I do not know how wet the meat got. Not to mention I am also soaking wet.” The last was said with a warm smile and a chuckle.

“Of...of course, come in.” Angela stammered, she was still not used to being spoken to as an equal. John nodded and crossed into the apartment and hung up his jacket on a peg near the door. He then walked over to the counter that was next to the stove and put the package he had brought with him down. He then turned and looked at her with a slight smile.

“So, I passed a rather grumpy looking woman in the hallway, she seemed to be thinking of ways to get you to listen to her from the muttering I overheard” He said with a laugh.

Angela gave him a stern look and crossed her arms in front of her chest, “Well, I don’t trust her, I don’t care if she means good right now, I don’t trust her.” John just nodded his head and continued to unpack the things he had brought, the smell of the meat drifted over to her and she licked her lips before she could stop herself. He then walked over to the bed, and started to unpack some clothing, most of it looked like it would fit her but just barely.

“I am afraid that is all the clothing I could find that might fit you.” John said without looking up from his unpacking, “But, in a few days I will be able to perhaps take you shopping and we will get you proper clothing.” As he was saying this Angela had been slowly creeping over to the food, not wanting to gain his attention and let him see she was having a weak moment. But, as she reached the counter and was picking up a rather large steak he turned around and raised an eyebrow at her. “I thought you would be hungry,” He said, she turned a shade of deep red before she could control herself which caused him to laugh, “Well, don’t let me stop you! Eat, you must be starving. And I have never seen a werewolf eat before.”

She looked at him for a moment, wondering if she should just rip the steak up with her fangs like she usually did, or attempted to eat it like a human would. The choice was made for her when her Fangs came out on their own; the smell of the meat was just too strong. So, she simply gave in and started to eat like she normally did, which made John walk over from where he was standing on the other side of the room. Doubtlessly this was something he had never seen before, someone who looked human devouring a whole raw steak with nothing but teeth.

Indeed, from the look he was giving her, which was a cross between interest and wonder, he had likely never seen something like this. In a matter of moments she had finished one steak and was moving on to what appeared to be a whole chicken. John gave her a little more breathing room as the sound of snapping bones echoed through the small apartment, she really was making short work of the meat he had brought her.

After about ten minutes of this she had finished off the last meat item he had brought with him, which was a plate of left over pork chops, and was contently smiling inwardly. She had not been this full in months, perhaps even a year. She burped and turned another shade of crimson as she heard John laugh from the other side of the counter.

“You seem rather content now that you have a full stomach,” He said with a smile, “Looks like my friend won’t have to worry about me being eaten.”

She smiled playful at him before responding in a mock sarcastic tone, “I don’t know, I could always go for seconds.” For a moment he seemed to take her seriously before she broke into a smile and laughed, which he promptly joined in with his own laugh after a few moments. The laughter was cut short though by a knock on the door. Rolling her eyes Angela sighed and walked over to the door for the fourth time that hour to find Richard’s wife standing on the door-step.

---

Alexandra stood in the hallway of the third story of the Animal Shelter her husband ran, she had been standing there since a little after she had arrived at the shelter and learned of the Werewolf her husband had given board in one of the spare apartments. She did not know what to think of her husband’s kindness at first, he did not know the young lady, nor did he have a reason to trust her. But, if she knew anything about Richard, it was that he could be a kind soul when he needed to be. And right now, he seemed to think he needed to be kind to this young werewolf, so Alexandra would do the same.

Well, she would attempt it at least, at the present she had the door slammed in her face more than once that day by her husband’s guest and her nerves were about ready to reach their end. She had decided at least it wouldn’t be a good idea to simply go and get the master key for the apartment from Richard, that would be rude and at this point she didn’t want to give the young lady another reason to not trust her. She wanted to help, she really did, but her help wouldn’t mean anything if their guest didn’t trust her.

As she stood there muttering to herself a young man came in from the rain at the end of the hallway, and shook his coat to remove the rain that was clinging to it. He seemed to not be bothered by the rain so he was likely someone who had grown up having to deal with it. He was tall rather thin young man who was carrying a few packages under one arm. She did not recognize him though, so he was not an employee, and Richard had not mentioned any other guests. He walked past her, and gave her a friendly nod before walking over to the door to the room the female werewolf was staying in. He knocked a few times before it was opened by a rather startled young women who promptly ushered him in.

For a moment anger flashed through Alexandra’s mind, why was he allowed in when she was not? But then she sighed as she relised it really didn’t matter at this point, the young werewolf was getting help from someone and that is what counted. She still wanted to at least talk to the young werewolf, she was after all living under a roof that Alexandra helped to pay for.

She waited a few minutes before walking over to the door, she was about to knock when the smell of fresh meat drifted from behind the door. The smell made her mouth water as she had not had anything to eat in a few hours and she had been meaning to go get some dinner. As she stood there pieces of conversation also drifted from behind the door, from what she could hear the man who had just entered had brought clothing and food for the young werewolf, though apologized that the clothing might not fit well since he did not know her size and had to go off of what he saw.

A slight laugh came from the other side of the door, which was then joined in by another much higher laugh which Alexandra guessed was the young female. As the laughter died down Alexandra rallied her courage and knocked on the door, which was opened shortly by the young female werewolf who looked ready to bite Alexandra’s head off.

“Ready to let me help you?” Alexandra said, her tone dry and even, “ I know you already said you do not trust me, but you have a friend over and I am sure between you and him I no longer stand as a threat.”

The young werewolf gave her a look that spoke of still not trusting her, and started to slam the door in Alexandra’s face when a hand appeared on her shoulder. It was followed by the face of the young man who had entered earlier.

“Let her help, it is not like it can cause any harm with me here. Plus, you will need more people on your side besides me.” He said his voice calm and carried an undertone that Alexandra could not identify. For a moment the young werewolf looked ready to slam the door again, but then sighed and looked at him. The look spoke volumes, she trusted him a lot more then she trusted Alexandra. She then let go of the door and motioned for Alexandra to come in.

The inside of the apartment was as she expected nothing but the amenities so far. She started making a mental list before she was halfway across the room on what she would need to buy, or what she had at home that she could spare. She stopped herself in mid thought though, the young werewolf had not even said she would allow her to help yet, she still though cold not help but being the mother she was and wish to help the stray werewolf. She walked over to the counter to find a few empty plates, the smell of fresh meat drifting from them.

At least the werewolf had eaten, Richard had told her that she had been rather badly wounded and would likely be starving. She had wanted to talk to the young werewolf though before she had raiding her own fridge though for extra meat. As she thought about this she relised she did not even know the name of the young werewolf.

She turned around to find that the young werewolf was still standing next to the door, giving her a rather distrusting look. “Forgive me for not introducing myself,” Alexandra said, “Having a door slammed in your face has a tendancy to make one be rather rude. My name is Alexandra Crestford, and you are?” She said, leaving an opening for the young man and the werewolf to respond. The young werewolf seemed to struggle with an answer for a moment, but the young man next to her put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile.

“Angela Redfern.” The young werewolf said.

“A pleasure Angela,” Alexandra said with a warm smile that she really didn’t feel, “And your name young man?”

“Jonathan Greymyst.” The young man responded with a slight bow. “But, my friends call me John or Jack.”

“An honor John,” Alexandra said with a slight bow of her own, “It is rare to find someone who has good manners these days, more so someone as young as you.” She said, then turning serious, “But, that is beyond the point. You may not trust me Angela but I do want to help. So what do you need?”

A look of confusion spread over Angela’s face, she looked around and then at John as if looking for an answer. She then sighed and shrugged, “I don’t know, I have lived in a pack my whole life, and for the past two years as an omega.”

“So you know how to hunt, but you don’t know how to live in the world of humans.” Alexandra said with a slight nod, which earned her a stern look from the younger werewolf. “Your look tells me its true enough. What about you young man, do you know what she needs?”

“I do,” John said with a nod, “She could use some new clothing, I have brought her all the spare clothing I own, but I don’t think most of it will even fit her. She could use some food to go in the refrigerator so she doesn’t have to go too far to find food, beyond that I think she has everything and if I am wrong we will soon find out.” Alexandra nodded at this; the young man knew what he was talking about, though he listed only what Angela needed at that moment, he spoke nothing of personal items or items of luxury like extra furniture.

“The food I can provide, but I do not have any extra clothing, perhaps I can take her shopping sometime in the coming week.” Alexandra said, though the last part was shot down by a look from the young werewolf.

“I was planning on taking her shopping sometime perhaps tomorrow if the weather permits, though I don’t have much money I think I have enough saved up to get her a few things.” Alexandra nodded at this, perhaps it was better if someone the werewolf knew took her instead of Alexandra, though it hadn’t hurt to offer. An idea struck her though and she reached into her pocket and pulled out her purse and started to look through it. After a few moments she found her check book and pulled it out along with a pen.

“Well, at least allow to help a little with the clothing. I can spare around a hundred, which should pay for a good chunk of clothing.”

“No, I couldn’t accept that,” John said, “You are very kind, but your family has done enough with allowing Angela to stay here.”

“I am just curious as to why you and your mate are helping us.” Angela said, using the werewolf term for Richard being Alexandra’s husband, “Why are you being so kind?”

“Because, a long time ago, I met a werewolf who had been run out of his pack,” Alexandra said as she wrote out the check, “I fell in love with him and now stand here today, perhaps you simply remind me of myself, more so because of your friend here.”

“So you pity me because I remind you of yourself,” Angela said sarcastically, “Well, that makes me feel a lot better.”

“It should, I was a very lovely young lady.” Alexandra said with a slight chuckle as she finished writing on the check and then handed it to John, “Cash it or don’t, but I don’t want it back.”

For a long moment John looked at the check as if to think on the implications of taking it. Shaking his head as if thinking he would later regret this he reached over and took the check. As he did so Alexandra released the breath she had been holding without relising it.

“Thank you.” He said, “The kindness you and your husband have shown Angela is heartening.”

“You are welcome, and I shall pass on the thank you to my husband as well.” Alexandra said, then looking out the window, “Looks like the storm is finally breaking, I had perhaps best go relieve my husband of looking after our children. Good evening, if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.” With that she walked towards the door, stopping right before she left to look back with a slight smile, they really did remind her of her and her husband. She then left and walked down the hallway to the stairs that lead to the second floor, she had left her children with Richard down in his office. By now they had likely gotten him to take them home, but she still had to check.

---

The instant the door closed the tension drained from Angela’s muscles and she nearly collapsed. She leaned against the nearest wall and breathed heavily, her injuries might be healing faster than a normal wolf’s would, but it taxed her body twice as hard and she was bone tired. She had not known she had been holding that much tension in until now, and she did not know why she had been that on edge, was she really that scared?

As she thought about that a hand came from behind her and helped to steady her, as she had been progressively slipping down the wall. Looking behind her she saw John with a concerned look on his face. As he helped her to the flood Angela smelled the metallic scent of blood drifting over from John, she looked to her left to find that his shoulder wound had opened again.

“You don’t need to over-exert that shoulder to help me,” Angela said, attempting desperately to keep the fatigue from her voice, “I am just fine, just a little tired.” She attempted to give him a reassuring smile, like he had given her when she had been injured in the back of his car, but it ended in a deep yawn.

“Alright,” He said with a smile, “If you are alright then get up and walk over to the counter.” She rolled her eyes at him and attempted to stand, resulting in her getting halfway up before falling down to the floor again. The wounds had taken more out of her then she had thought, usually she could shake off cuts like the ones she had been given as nothing more than a minor nuisance.

“See what I mean,” He said, concern filling his voice, “You need to rest, werewolf or not you lost a lot of blood and it will likely still take you a while to recover.” He stood up, and reached out his good arm to help her to her feet. She looked at the hand as she had the first time he had offered it, a few hours ago when she had been bleeding in the back of his car. She still did not know what to make of his kindness, why was he helping her, and why was she allowing him to help her? At the moment though, those questions were irrelevant, and she accepted the hand with a slight blush.

As he helped her over to the bed she could not help but think that she would need to perhaps find some better bed sheets, the ones that were currently on the bed were worn and the color of a stormy sky. It looked slightly like the bed sheets one would find in a human hospital, or at least so she had been told. As he helped her onto the bed a feeling of relief flowed through her, her body needed sleep badly and she was on the brink of giving in and falling asleep right then and there. But, she resisted and looked at John as he suddenly spoke.

“Well, I had perhaps best be leaving,” Angela’s heart sunk, which likely showed on her face for he gave her a small smile that seemed to stop her heart from sinking any deeper, “I mean, it would not be proper, I don’t know what it’s like in werewolf society but amongst humans men don’t stay in the homes of women they hardly know.”

“I am not human though.” Angela replied without thinking. John simply smiled and shook his head.

“You look human.”

“I could change that.” She had no idea where this was coming from, why was she saying that. For all her life she had never wanted anyone to be near her, they had always betrayed her. She had never trusted anyone, until now. That last part came out of nowhere, she trusted John, he had saved her but he was not of her kind, he was human. He was something for her to fear, and yet she could not bring herself to fear him. Bringing herself back to the present she looked at the human who was half kneeling in front of her, a small humor filled smile on his face.

“I don’t doubt that.” He said, and then he turned serious, “Besides, I don’t know if you trust me enough to stay here.” His tone seemed to ask the question of if she trusted him at all, that he really wanted her to trust him. She lowered her eyes from his, not knowing how to respond to the question, her heart said trust him, tell him that she trusted him, her mind still wanted to shove everyone away though.

Her thoughts drifted back to earlier that day, and the thoughts that had passed through her mind as sleep had consumed her in the examination room while she had waited for Richard to return with the papers he had gone to go get. How as the barriers had fallen away in the exhausted state she had been in, she had trusted him then, could she trust him now?

“I trust you,” she said finnaly, looking back up at him, “I trust you. I need someone to watch my back, and I don’t trust anyone else right now, werewolf or otherwise.” He smiled and nodded, that was apparently the answer he had wanted.

“Alright, I will go get a sleeping bag from my car,” He said as he crossed to the door, “I shall return in a few minutes.”

“Alright, I can’t guarantee I will be awake when you return.” She said, with a slight tired sounding laugh.

“Don’t wait up on my account.” He said as he opened the door and left.

As the sound of the door closing faded from her ears Angela let out a yawn that made her jaw pop, she was tired beyond anything she had ever felt, likely due to the fact that for the first time in almost forever she had found a place she didn’t need to watch her back in, she could attempt to relax. Attempt because even when she was relaxing she was always on guard, always felt like a spring ready to unleash its pent up energy in any given direction. That lifestyle had taken its toll on her, both mentally and physically. Sitting here, in the form of a human she could feel the many scars along her arms from the many times she had defied the new Alpha in her pack, feel the oddly healed bones that had resulted from the many beatings.

Looking into the glass of the window she saw her own reflection, and barely recognized it. The last time she had been in this form was shortly before she had turned fourteen. That had been almost four years ago, perhaps more the years had all seemed to just bunch together. Just thinking about that made the bone crushing fatigue that was already there feel worse, made it feel like the whole world was slowly closing in on her.

She was shaken by these thoughts by the sound of the door opening, and John returning with a tan colored sleeping bag under one arm. He smiled at her reassuringly and walked over to a bare area on the floor before laying it out. After he finished he looked at her and a look of true concern spread over his face.

“You alright,” He asked, “You look really pale and ready to fall over.” As he said the last part he got up and walked over to her and felt her head, “Hmm, you feel warm, is that normal for a Werewolf? Should I go find one of the vets on duty?” Angela shook her head, and weakly brushed his hand away from her head.

“I am fine, I just need rest.” She said, then still more weakly, “I just need rest.” John nodded and looked at his watch as he walked over to the light switch.

“It is late.” He said and then let out a yawn of his own that he had seemed to of been trying to hold back, “Looks like I could use some rest as well, no use showing up to my classes tomorrow looking like I ran all night.” She nodded weakly in agreement and slipped beneath the covers as John turned off the light. He then walked over to the sleeping bag and Angela heard him take off his shoes and slip into the sleeping bag. Soon the slow steady breathing of sleep drifted from where he was.

As Angela lay in the darkness she suddenly felt alone, the only light drifting from the windows of the apartment, the moon gazing down from its high perch in the heavens. The presence of the moon made her feel slightly better; she had always thought the moon was one of the few friends she had in this world. She still felt lonely, and a thought slowly crept into her mind that she had to beat down a few times before it took root. She sighed to herself and gave into the idea, and after a few moments she found herself in the form of a large grey-dark blond wolf. She padded silently over to the sleeping form of her guardian and curled up slowly beside him, carful to not stretch the bandages that were wound around her middle. As she drifted off to sleep she felt a arm suddenly come and embrace her closer to the man next to her, and a small whisper drifted from somewhere to her left.

“I will protect you…” Even before it stop echoing in her ear she had already drifted into the first real peaceful sleep she had had in a long time.

---

Darion stared out the large windows in his study and watched the rain that was pouring outside. He had been doing such since he had returned earlier that morning after a failed venture. Perhaps it might have been foolish to simply assume that Angela would have surrendered so easily. But then, it did not hurt to try, or at least he thought it wouldn’t have hurt. He stood now, a bandage wrapped around his right hand where he had suffered a bite from his prey as it had escaped.

Sighing he looked at his reflection in the glass of the window, and grimaced inwardly. People always said he was a spitting image of his father, he was about the same height and he had inherited the raven black hair that had characterized his family. There were a few differences luckily, he bore a scar along his jaw from when he had fought his father in battle for the position he now had. His eyes were also different, where his fathers were a rich amber Darion’s eyes were more green-blue than anything else. He had about the same build as his father, being more muscle than anything else.

He usually wore his raven black hair much like his father, it hung loosely around his shoulders and often into his face, today however it was gathered in a pony-tail that fell over one shoulder. This was because he had been on the hunt, and had not bothered to let it down again. His thoughts turned to the human who had helped Angela escape from his grasp, which had been the only surprise of that whole hunting trip. He had not gotten a good look at him, otherwise he would of sent trackers further then the highway they escaped on.

He would still find her though; he had his ways of tracking his foes down. It would take time though, and a lot of man power would have to be shifted from keeping control over the pack to finding Angela, but it could be done. The thought of being able to track her down brought a cruel smile to his face; he would have his revenge sooner or later.

Turning from the window he looked at the two people who had been standing on the other side of the desk, they were two of the pack’s trackers. Thought not loyal to him as a person they had sworn allegiance to the pack as a whole, and would follow the orders of whom ever wore the mantel of Alpha. Both of them looked the typical tracker, slim and would not stand out in a crowed of humans or Werewolves. Both of them were wearing plain clothing, jeans and a t-shirt under overcoats to stave off the rain and cold. One of them was wearing sunglasses to hide the fact that she was going blind, a thing that could lose you the status of tracker. They had been talking while Darion had his back turned to them, and he quickly did a mental recap of what they had been saying before responding in his soft steel voice.

“So, you think you can track them beyond where we lost them on the Highway?”

“I think so Lord Alpha,” The blind tracker said, “The piece of clothing you were able to rip away from the human should allow me to track him, though it will take time since I fear he may of gone into a major city.” Darion nodded at this, he had been having the same thought, a major city would be the best place for her to hide, and perhaps the worst. She had never known human culture, and thus would have no idea what to do or what to expect. This would make her easier to track, but it would also mean she would likely be more careful with her actions.

“If you think it can be done then it can.” He said, his voice not changing but the unspoken threat of death should they be lying to him got across. The other tracker swallowed hard, and a bead of sweat ran down his face, the blind one simply nodded.

“So it can. We should leave as soon as we can, preferably before the rainstorm ends.” Her voice was soft, but firm even to the Alpha. She left no room for argument, a quality that Darion both admired and hated in her.

“Then be about it,” He said, his tone colder than before, “And make no mistake, you mess this up and there will be consequences.” Both of the trackers nodded, the younger one seemed to grow more worried though as Darion motioned for them to leave.

As soon as the door was closed he chuckled to himself, perhaps it was time to visit his father, he hadn’t seen him in few months, perhaps he could make his stay in that small hut of his even more uncomfortable. He had been put there by Darion in the early days after the change of power, he didn’t want his father to be seen, he had been too much of a shining beacon of hope. He had thought about killing him a few times, but even he could not stoop so far as to kill his own father.

That was beyond the point now though, he would keep his father alive, he might prove useful later on. Sighing he turned once more to the window for a moment, composing himself for the sight of his father, he had grown pathetic in the years since his defeat and fall from Alpha. Darion was often shocked at how such a creature could of sired someone such as himself, it would likely remain a mystery for he did not care to find the answer.

Turning to the chair behind him he picked up his overcoat, which was a dark blue almost akin to navy blue but darker almost black. He liked dark colors; they made him feel safe, as if the very shadows themselves would hide him in his times of need. Smirking at the thought he put the coat on and walked from the room.

The hallway was as it had always been, right down to the grandfather clock that sat on the first landing down. It chimed the hour eight times before falling back the slow rhythmic ticking. He smiled at the old clock, remembering the days he could not sleep as a child and how he had listened to it from his room near the stairs. Walking down the hallway slowly he passed the portrats of the different Alphas that had called this land home, and even some from before when the pack had resided somewhere in the Ardains forest in France. The last portrat on the wall was his father, his amber eyes looking down as if to accuse him of something he had not done.

His father had always given him that look, and no one else had suffered it. He had always smiled and shown the kind side of his hand to everyone else in the pack, but not his son, no he had shown him the hard side of his hand. He had always told him that he was hard on him to make sure he was ready for the stresses of being Alpha, but Darion knew it was to keep him weak so he could not become Alpha before his time. He had over powered his father though, made him weak while his gaze had been elsewhere. He had resented the trick at first, slipping Wolf’s Bane into his father’s morning cup of earl grey tea, but once he had gotten a taste of the power that came with Alpha he had thrown aside that guilt like an old rag.

He then descended the stairs, making note at how quiet the house was as most of the pack was asleep by now in their beds in the house, or in one of the satalite houses that made up the compound. Really only the inner pack was allowed a room in the main house.

Reaching the ground level he nodded at the guards that were on duty today, bred soldiers of the pack who would give their life in defense of their families and their Alpha. He had made sure that he came before the families though, what was a few more bodies blooding his hands. Near the front door the leader of the guards was speaking to one of the guards who had been stationed in Darion’s study. The captain was a graying werewolf who had held that position since before Darion was born. He was slightly higher than the Alpha and had short cropped graying hair; he had only one eye which was a souvenir of Darion’s ascension to Alpha. His one good eye, which was a deep amber much like Darion’s father’s eyes, fixed their stare on Darion as he passed by and the captain stopped talking to the guard so he could look at the young Alpha as he passed by.

“Master Alpha, I did not expect to see you leave your study tonight,” The graying captain said in his deep voice, “Not with your…bad hunt earlier.” He was as usual dancing close to the thin line between being captain of the guards and being one of the Omegas who Darion kept chained up with his father.

“Well, if I let every defeat I suffer put me off my path I wouldn’t be standing here,” Darion said as he walked past, “Now would I.” The captain simply smirked, his good eye betraying his thoughts of how right the young Alpha was. “Now, I am going to see my father, I do not require a guard.” Darion said as he reached for the front door, then as he opened it he said under his breath, ‘not that I trust your men anyway.’

Outside was just as he had thought it would be, the wind howled as if it was one of his many personal shadow guards, the rain poured down relentlessly and as hard as hail stones. Darion smiled, it was his kind of weather. Taking an umbrella from the inside of his coat, he always had one hanging from the inside pocket, he stepped out into the rain. As he did so about a dozen shadows dislodged themselves from various places around the house, and resolved into his personal guardsmen. All of them were in their Werewolf forms and towered over the young Alpha, but that did not worry him as all of them were loyal to him beyond anyone else in the pack.

The spread out and formed a protective barrier between their Alpha and whatever else hid in the shadows. One of them however did not fan out and instead walked beside him. This shadow was not in the form of a werewolf though; instead it was a female in an overcoat much like his own, only it was as black as the midnight air, and just as unwelcoming. She was the leader of Darion’s guards, and his cousin. She had her hood up so he could not see her face, but he knew the look she wore right now, he could tell from the way she was holding herself. She was angry at herself for allowing him to get injured when they had gone after Angela, even if she knew it wasn’t her fault she never would show it.

“It’s not your fault Natasha.” Darion said absently as they walked, he did not need to look over to know that his cousin had flinched. He smiled inwardly; it was always interesting what his power caused people around him to do.

“No, it was my fault Darion.” She said, she was one of the few people he allowed to use his first name instead of his title. “I should have been more vigilant, that human should never have gotten through our guards nor should Angela of been able to fight back.”

“Even great minds such as yours cannot account for all the details Natasha.” He replied, this time the smile crept on to his face. From the way his cousin started to hold herself the smile was more of a sneer then a smile. Natasha was silent though as they walked onward towards the group of huts that made up the area that the Omegas lived.

The area was set aside for them, even if they had no real standing in the pack they still deserved a place to rest their heads, even if it was just a ploy to satisfy people who had relatives who had fallen in his takeover. The huts were houses that were built by the Omegas themselves, so they were mostly made out of wood they had cut themselves. They did not keep heat in well, or keep water out for that matter, so the sight of smoke drifting from the chimney at this hour was not an uncommon sight. What was uncommon was the fact that most of the huts had their lights on, meaning that most of them were still awake.

The shadows that had been forming a perimeter rushed in to hide amongst the huts as Darion and Natasha walked up to the door of one of the largest huts. Inside they could hear soft breathing and a few hushed whispers, but otherwise nothing stirred inside. Raising his hand to knock Darion prepared himself for what might lie inside. As his hand was about to connect to the door the door was opening and he was face to face with a haggard, rather quickly dressed young man.

“Darion, what are you doing here?” The young man said rather quickly as if he was out of breath.

“That’s Alpha to you runt.” Darion said, his voice dripping with distain. The young man sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Father never made us call him Alpha except for on special occasions.” The young man retorted without missing a beat.

“Funny you should mention father,” Darion said, a rather sickly sweet smile creeping onto his face, “I happen to be here to see him, is he in?” Darion’s younger brother opened his mouth to respond when a voice came from inside.

“I am here Darion.” It was a deeper voice then Darion’s, but unmistakably his father. Walking in out of the rain he closed up the umbrella and put it back inside his coat. The inside of the hut was as he remembered, or at least the entrance way was. Made mostly of wood and scavenged furniture that the pack had “donated” to the Omegas it had a rather home like feel to it, much like the larger house did. The only thing that set it apart was the small streams of water that were draining from the roof into cups and pots strategically placed all over the entrance way. Walking further in Darion came to a small hallway; it had three doors along it one for his father and two for his younger siblings.

At the end of the hallway the door to his father’s room was open, a lone candle lit the inside and Darion could see his father and a few of the former pack elders clustered around the bed. Walking forward, a small bit of worry nagging the back of his mind, he came to the door and looked in the room to see what was going on.

Inside a young girl was laying on the bed, Darion’s father was kneeling next to her, a grim look on his face as he held her wrist to measure her pulse. Bandages wound around her middle and her head, and she seemed incredibly pale. A sliver of worry wormed its way through Darion’s steel composer, he knew this young girl.

“Father, what happened?” Darion said, for the first time in a long while his voice was soft and did not contain the steel that it normally did.

“She was attacked,” Darion’s father said, he did not take his eyes from the young girl, “By one of your shadow guard we think, he got over zealous in his duties.”

“That is a serious charge, one that I hope you have proof for.” The Alpha said, the steel back in his voice, “As an Omega if you charge a member of m guard falsely….” The threat was there, even if it would never be carried out. Even before he had finished his father looked at him, his gaze haggard and drained of emotion.

“I may no longer be Alpha of this pack, but I still hold myself by the vows I gave when I was.” He said, his voice low as if to make sure he did not wake the girl who barely stirred, “I do not lie on such matters as this.”

As much as he did not want to, Darion believed his father and looked at Natasha with a frown, “Do you know which one is responsible for this?”

“No, we do not.” Darion’s father said, a tone of regret coming into his voice, “We were hoping that your niece would wake up and tell us, but she has done nothing but get worse.” He then went back to looking at the young girl, he let go of her wrist and shook his head, “And now she is fading fast, we do not have the facilities to help her out here, and we have no right to ask the healers of the pack to aid us.”

“But I do.” Darion said, he turned once more to his cousin his face grim, anger showing through, “Summon the healers, all of them. I don’t care if they are asleep in their beds have the shadow guard drag them out here by their night shirts if they have to.” Natasha nodded and ran from the room, a look of determination on her face.

Darion’s father looked over at his son, a look of thanks and regret showing in his face, “Such brutal tactics Alpha, for an Omega no less? Why waste the healers time on someone who is as worthless as dirt?”

“Even dirt has its place in this world Sylvian. Even dirt can be useful.” Darion said, then kneeling down next to his father he whispered, “And, even dirt has family.”

“You seem to becoming soft son,” Darion’s father said with a slight smile. “Perhaps there is hope yet.” Darion looked at his father with a sneer, he was not becoming soft nor weak.

“Perhaps I simply want you to think I am soft, so you will stay off my back.” Darion responded, the sneer still on his face, “Perhaps I am simply being nice for the sake of my own sanity?”

“Perhaps,” Sylvian said, “None the less, your sister will thank you for this.” Dispite himself a small smile came to Darion’s face.

“Well, if I don’t find Angela, I will need someone to take up the mantle,” Darion said softy, he reached out and brushed aside a few dark brown strands of hair from his niece’s face, “And she the next generation unless my brother finds a mate and has children. We can’t let the family line end with such greatness as me.” Behind him his younger brother snickered, but Darion pointedly ignored it for once.

A few moments later a rather startled old man was brought in by the back of his shirt by one of the shadow guard, he was wearing a night shirt and some jeans that looked like they had been thrown on in a rush. Darion turned to him, his face a storm cloud ready to let loose its fury.

“She needs attention Doctor, and you seem to be it.” Darion said, his voice caused the healer to flinch out of habit. “Now, Sylvian will fill you in on her injuries, and I want you to do your best.”

“Y-yes sir, I will do my best.” The healer stammered before walking over to kneel next to Darion and Sylvian. Darion’s father then filled him in on the injuries, a few of which caused Darion to rub the bite on his right hand in sympathy pain. She had been beaten quite badly, and her injuries caused Darion to wonder how she had lived this long, perhaps she had the fighting spirit that ran in the family.

The doctor looked at his Alpha a few times, from the way his face paled as the list of injuries was explained he was worried that he would not be able to save her, and the things that would come from that. Each time he did though Darion gave him as reassuring a smile as he could, but that only made the werewolf healer grow paler.

“I think I can help her,” The healer said, “But, I won’t make any promises, she is in bad shape. Sylvian, my old friend, is the old head healer still here? I could use her help.” Sylvian nodded and rose from where he had been keeling and ran from the room. Watching his father go Darion’s worry seemed to slowly drain away, he turned to the shadow guardsmen that was still standing in the door way and motioned him to come closer.

“I want you to find out who did this, and bring them to the main house, tell them nothing of the actions I have taken to save my cousin, tell them only that I wish to speak to them.” The shadow guard nodded, stood and saluted as he turned and left, a rare look of worry on his face.

Turning back to his cousin who was lying on the bed as the doctor removed a few bandages Darion grabbed her hand and knelt there. He did something he had not done in a long time.

He prayed.

---

The week passed by quite fast to Angela, it all seemed a blur from the point she woke Tuesday morning to Friday morning. But as she thought back on the week she could remember doing things, but it seemed like she had been looking from outside, and not actually doing any of the stuff. This was not due to the fact that she was distracted, on the contrary she had been excited to do all this stuff, it just seemed unreal to her somehow. She had spent her whole life in a pack, in a compound that was self sustaining, never had she seen more than about a hundred people, and that was even during pack meetings.

Once out into the city she had seen more then she had ever thought possible. She had at first been scared of the fact they were all humans, and the buildings that towered over them. The only thing that kept her resolve in one piece was the steady calming presence of John next to her, he had taken a leave from his school for the week, telling his professors that he had a family emergency that he needed to take care of. He had then arranged for his school work to be given to a friend on the University campus who he could pick it up from so he did not fall behind. She had been surprised that he would drop everything like that for an almost complete stranger.

She had voiced her thoughts when they had been out shopping for clothing for her, the shop keeper had smiled and made the comment that they made a cute couple which made Angela blush for some reason.

“Why are you helping me with all this? Wouldn’t it be easier to simply let me stay in the apartment and not go out into public?” He had looked at her slightly surprised, but shrugged and chuckled after a few seconds.

“Well, it would be easier.” He said in all seriousness, “But then my mother always taught me that four walls are never a good substitute to the real world. I sometimes wish I had listened to her sooner, I would have gone some interesting places if I hadn’t been cooped up in my room.” Angela nodded at this, her mother had often told her the same thing, though she had always thought it meant that she should enjoy the forest and open spaces that the compound sat on. “Also, I don’t know about werewolf politics, but in the human world the best place to hide is often in the open air, too many witnesses and too many people to help you should stop them from snatching you in the open. You often don’t look in the open for something, or someone, who is trying to hide from you.”

Angela simply nodded at this, it made sense, and he seemed to know what he was talking about at least. Though that brought up the question on how he knew this, it sounded like he was talking from experience. He did not seem the kind to run into trouble with whoever ran the human world, but then as her cousin had shown her looks often mislead you. Shaking her head she dispelled those thoughts, not wanting to even conceder the possibility that the man who had saved her had a dark side like her cousin.

And why not, you often thought those things back in your pack, often looked at everyone from the corner of your eye when you thought they would not notice. What made him any different, what set him apart from werewolves so that he could not possibly be corrupt? Nothing really, save for the fact that he was human and not a werewolf, a fact that both put her ill at ease and at ease at the same time.

Shaking her head once more she dispelled the thoughts that were clouding her mind and went back to the task before her, which at the moment was to choose which shirts she thought would look better on her. She chose the one that was in John’s right hand, which was a dark green long sleeve shirt, she had to hide her pack marking on her shoulder, and then they moved on to finding some pants.

The rest of that day progressed about as fast, and the doubts no longer plagued Angela’s mind as she was consumed by the energy of the city, it felt alive and upbeat to her. After a few hours of walking around shops for clothing they went back to a place that seemed ancient compared to the surrounding modern buildings. John told her the place was called Pike Place Market, and that it was a relic left over from the early days when the city had just been making its mark in the world. The smell was not one that she liked at first, and the crowds overwhelmed her, but soon she was enjoying it as they walked past shops with a various assortment of gifts, food, and other odds and ends.

As they were leaving John ran into a few friends, and for a few moments they ignored Angela, much to her delight she really didn’t want to talk to anyone, but after a few moments of talking one of them, a women who looked no older then Angela, turned and smiled at Angela.

“So, what have you done to deserve the company of this young man?” She said, her voice playful.

“Well…” Angela started but could not find the words, her mind went blank she had been discovered. But, right as she was about to panic John walked over and put a hand on her shoulder and smiled, “She is an old and dear friend of mine. Angela, this is Vincent, and his girl friend Gloria, they are friends of mine from the University.” Angela smiled warmly, or attempted to she was really nervous and it likely showed in her smile.

“Well, I wouldn’t call us friends, more of acquaintances.” The man, Vincent, said with a slight chuckle, “We have a few classes together.” Angela opened her mouth to respond, but for some reason her mind was blank, fear and just not trusting the two people before her silenced her voice. So instead she simply smiled and nodded in greeting at the two.

John seemed to catch onto the reason why she was not talking as he looked back at his friends and smiled, “Well, forgive her if she does not talk, she is rather new to the area, and very shy.”

“Ah, she is another one of your friends from online is she?” Gloria said with a slight smile as she shook her head, “And here I thought you had stopped playing those online games so often.”

“Oh, I have she is not from a game, she…”

“I met him through a research website on wolves.” Angela said her voice weak.

“Well, she does have a voice at least,” Vincent said, “And, somehow that does not surprise me, John here spends more time researching wolves then he does doing anything else.”

“That and werewolves, though I think between the two he should stick to the real ones.” Gloria said in a rather mocking tone, John attempted a smile but it came out as more of a twitch of his lips. The rest of the converstation was filled with a tense feeling radiating from John, thought the two humans, or even John himself, could smell it she picked up the scent of unease drifting from her rescuer. Shortly though, and thankfully, the two they had been talking too soon said they had to depart, and left without further words.

As soon as the two walked away Angela watched John relax visibly, his shoulder slumping forward as a sigh escaped his mouth. He then turned to her and smiled kindly, though his eyes betrayed the storm raging in his mind.

“Right, seen enough of the market?” She could tell that he had had enough of the fresh air and the crowds, she laughed inwardly since he had been the one to worry about her not liking it out here. Nodding that she had indeed seen enough they walked back to the car and made their way down the many roads and side streets that made up Seattle. They had no real set destination, they had told Alexandra that they would stay out of the apartment for the day while she moved a few things that she thought Angela might like in, but it was supposed to be a surprise.

They drove for a while, until they came to the forested Arboretum. She had actually expressed a wish to come here, the confines of the city was overwhelming for someone such as her, the sights and sounds driving her senses slowly crazy. Almost as soon as John had parked the car she was out the door and into the trees. She did not go far, as she did not know the area well and did not want to get lost, but she went far enough into the trees to be away from the road and the smell of cars.

She wandered through the grass and trees, and breathed the clean air that seemed to permeate the place. It was comforting to be amongst trees and grass again, instead of surrounded by steel and stone like she was in the city, though from the conversations she had been having with John Seattle was actually one of the more rural cities, there were other lager ones that had a lot more tall buildings and less trees. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, she did not want to be in a place like that cut off from the woods, even if it meant being safe from her pack.

She was shaken from her thoughts by the sound of footsteps behind her, and turned to find John walking towards her, he seemed more at ease here then he had back at the market, and was smiling as he looked around.

“It has been a while since I have been able to find the time to actually visit this place,” He said, a note of regret in his voice, “But, that is perhaps my own fault, too much work at school, as well as diving into studies outside of school.” He walked over to a bench that was beside a worn path in the grass, it looked a lot like a game trail, and sat down with a sigh. Smiling Angela walked over and sat beside him.

“Well, you should find more time to come to places like this, being in a city much get rather depressing.” She said in a rather playful voice. She had no idea what she was being so open to him, but she liked it. She then turned serious though, and looked down at her hands, which she had folded out of habit in her lap.

“So, what was that all about back at the market, you seemed very on edge around those two people.” As she said it John tensed up, and shook his head, he looked out at one of the trees in the distance and did not speak, and she could tell that she had struck a nerve. They descended into quiet, the chirping of birds and the distant sounds of the city the only thing that echoed in Angela’s ears. The sounds were peaceful, and slowly they calmed the unease that she had for bringing up the topic, so in an attempt to break the uneasy feeling that was descending between them she decided to talk about the birds.

“Nice to hear birds again, I had thought that when you picked me up on that road back in the mountains it would be the last time I ever heard birds, I feared I was going to die.” The thought caused a feeling of dread to form in the pit of her stomach. John must have caught on because he put an arm around her and pulled her close, the gesture made her blush

“I but you didn’t.” He said, his tension gone for the moment, “And it will not happen, I swear I won’t let them get you.” Angela blushed more; she somehow knew he was telling the truth.

“I know, but I still cannot start to thank you enough for it,” Angela said, her voice soft as she attempted to screen the tone of affection from it, she still didn’t know how she felt for this strange human. “Still though, what was up with those two back at the market, I want to know.” John tensed up again, and the smile fled his face, but he did not look away and sighed.

“I…don’t have a very good reputation around the school. Mostly because I tend to a bookworm and play more games than I do school work. I have made some bad choices in friends, mostly people I have met online through the games, but also through websites dedicated to wolf conservation. “ He turned his gaze from her and turned it to look out into space again, “I have done things I am not proud of, allowed my heart to lead my life more than my head.” He looked down, and Angela could feel sadness drifting from him, the way he was holding himself told her that he was speaking the truth.

“Do not be ashamed of the places your life has taken you,” Angela said as she put a hand on his back and scooted closer to him, she then rested her head on his back, for a moment forgetting her shyness. “My mother always told me that, and I feel it is true. Don’t let your past weight you down, there is nothing that can possibly overshadow you doing what you felt was right.” John smiled and chuckled, and shook his head.

“I thought I was supposed to be the one protecting you.” He said, leaning his head so that it rested on hers. He sighed, it was a happy sigh, “I wish we could sit here forever, it’s so peaceful.” Angela nodded and closer her eyes, she felt the kind of peace here that she had always wanted back in her pack, she had no reason or need to look over her back and make sure that no one was following her. Right here, in this moment, she had no fear of being jumped by members of the pack wanting to prove their worth by beating on an Omega; she had no need to check her food for poison or anything.

It was in this moment of peace that she took a deep, calming breath as the wind changed, and she caught a familiar scent. She took another, slower this time, and her eyes shot open and she stood up in such a rush that she nearly flung John from the bench. She let out a deep throated growl, and if she had been in her werewolf form the hair on the back of her neck would be raised and she would be bearing her teeth to meet the threat she smelled.

“What is wrong Angela, was it something I did? I am sorry if I have offended you in some way.” John said, his voice not scared but worried. She turned to him, and he shrunk into himself.

“No, I smell the scent of my pack, someone is near.” She then turned, scenting the air again, and fixing in on the place it was coming from.

“We should go, where there is one there is likely more, if werewolves are anything like wolves in more than form then they will hunt in groups, and I don’t think you are healed enough to fight even one.” John said, his voice calm on the outside, but she could tell that he was worried and slightly scared. He stood up slowly and grabbed Angela by the arm when she did not move, she was too focused on finding the pack member. The instant his hand grabbed her arm she snarled and grabbed him by the front of his shirt. For a moment she held him there, her vision clouded by fear and hate towards her pack.

“Angela, we have to go,” John said as he struggled in her grip, “Please, we have to go now.” The sound of his voice somehow broke through the fear somewhat, enough that she put him down with an apologetic look before allowing him to lead her away. She was still scared enough however when they reached the car to climb in without a second though, something she would not normally do under the same pretense that she hated a lot of man made things in this city. She was so distracted that as they pulled out of the parking lot she gave no notice to two figures standing on the hill next to the parking lot.

---

From where she was sitting Marry could hear the car door of the car that Angela had come in shut, and then the car drive off. The smell of car exhaust slowly faded until she was sitting on the hill simply with the smell of her tracking partner next to her. She wished she could see the car, but she hadn’t been able to track by sight for a few years now. She had been rather angry when the blindness had first set in, but now she was more resigned to living with this than anything else.

“Should we follow them?” Her partner said from somewhere to the right, “

“Yes, which way did they go?” She asked her voice quiet as usual. With her blindness came better hearing as the other senses attempted to take over the job that her sight let behind; this sadly made voices seem like people were yelling at her. She put her hand on her partner to make sure he was still there, and still in his feral form.

“They turned down the right side, and headed deeper into the historical district.” He said, he nuzzled her hand to reassure her that he was still sitting there. “I saw the license plate; I think I can identify the car if we are able to track it down.” Marry nodded and started to raise, her partner rose with her and handed her the lead that was attached to the harness he was wearing. They were playing on her blindness, no one would suspect a blind women and her guide dog.

“Alright, but we can’t get too close. We don’t want to make the same mistake by getting up wind of them again,” Marry said slowly, then took a deep breath, the air here was clean and sweet smelling the flowers must be in bloom, “Even if that mistake was on purpose.”

“I still don’t understand why you let her catch on,” Her partner said, “You had no idea if she would bolt of do what you thought she would.”

“That’s half the fun my friend,” Marry said with a smile. Pulling slightly on the lead that her partner was wearing they started to walk down the hill in the direction that the car had gone. It had taken them a few days to reach Seattle, mostly by bus or by hitch hiking, but when they had got there they had almost been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people. Well, Marry did not know about her partner, but she had been overwhelmed at first, all the

[Winterwinds]

As Alexandra woke Saturday morning she could not help but think back over the week. She had spent most of it helping Richard with the werewolf and the human who were now living in one of the apartments above the shelter. She had dusted off her old truck and loaded a few of the old furniture pieces from her garage to move to the shelter. They had nowhere to go so she had figured that they could use some of the old furniture more than her family could. Most of that old furniture she had needed to get rid of anyway, and it had given her an excuse to start up her old truck, she had missed driving that thing. She did not completely trust the two now boarded in the apartments over the shelter, but she would not throw them out on the streets, her and her husband were too kind for that.

Getting out of bed she groaned slightly, she had lifted one the old dresser wrong, she had inherited from her grandmother, on Wednesday the pain had yet to leave her. She stretched a few bones popping in her lower back near to the pain, and she inhaled sharply as a sharp pain went up her back. Perhaps she had best go and see a specialist, though she would rather not. She did not see physicians often as they were usually confused by some of the more, interesting parts of werewolf anatomy.

As she walked down the stairs she figured though that it would have to wait, she had more pressing things to deal with first then a bad back. Namely the article she was writing for her editor. She still had to choose one final camp site, and she was having trouble choosing it. So far she had narrowed it down to a camp site in Eastern Washington, another on the Oregon coastline, and a final one in a secluded part of Idaho. Each one had its own special atmosphere, its own special feeling. Because of this she was reluctant to give up their locations; she was very protective of the camping sites she had found. Alexandra knew though she had to give one up, or find another camp site soon to take its place in the article.

She mulled over this problem as she made herself breakfast, no one else was up yet in the house, looking at the clock she realized the reason was it was about seven in the morning. On most weekends the kids were up around eight or nine save for perhaps the weekends they went camping, so they would not be up for an hour or two. Richard was normally an early riser, but was in bed today exhausted from a rather unusually large case load over the week. She had ended up helping at the front desk between her trips to get furniture; a lot of pets were being attacked by other dogs. Well, that was what they were telling people, the real culprit behind the attacks seemed to be a wolf pack somewhere on the outskirts of Seattle. How they got there, or even why they were there was beyond her, she would have to ask a few of the other werewolves she knew, most of which lived on the outskirts of society. Perhaps they might know what was going on, they usually did.

The smell of something burning brought her out of her thoughts and she looked down to see that her food was not burnt, but turning around she saw she had set the toaster to a higher setting then she should have. Sighing she unplugged the toaster and removed the toast, which was now more black then brown, and put it on a plate. No use wasting food, besides she had some blue-berry jelly she could put on it that would take out most of the burnt taste. She then went to the sink, she had been defrosting some of the meat they had gotten from the deer on their last camping trip, and found it was almost ready to cook.

While she waited the meat to finish defrosting she walked over to the T.V. and turned it on, hoping to perhaps catch the final moments of the local news before it changed to national news. Sadly though she had missed the morning news and it was already getting into a story on the National news about some conflict between two countries over in Asia Minor. Turning the T.V. off she walked back to the kitchen and found that the meat had thawed enough now, and decided she would simply eat it raw. As she proceeded to do so she went back over which camping site to put in the article. By the time she was finished she had decided that the one in Idaho would be the one she would write about, she really didn’t like being land-locked on camping trips.

That problem aside she walked upstairs to see if her husband was awake yet and get ready for the day ahead. She found Richard somewhat awake, or at least he groaned somewhat when she walked in, saying something about not wanting to go to work today. Smiling and rolling her eyes she got some work clothing together, and went to go take a shower.

A half hour later she was ready for the day, and walked downstairs again to find that her children were awake, and watching cartoons on the T.V. already. Angela and Aoura looked up as Alexandra walked in, both of them giving her looks of that said they knew what was coming.

“Alright you two, I except you to eat something here soon,” Alexandra said, a slight smile on her face, “Since I ended up cleaning the garage, you two and your father get to help me do yard work today.” She watched her children’s faces go from knowing something was coming, to dreading it. They hated doing yard work. They didn’t argue however, knowing full well they wouldn’t be able to get out of it, and went to go get some food from the kitchen before getting ready for the day. Having gotten them started on the right path for the day Alexandra walked to the front door and then outside to get the mail, she hadn’t checked it yesterday as she had been really busy so she figured there were perhaps a few things she needed to look at in there.

As she walked down the small walkway between the front door and the sidewalk she noticed a woman walking towards her. She smiled as she noticed the dog walking beside the woman on a leash, or perhaps some kind of harness.

“Morning, our kind of early to be walking your dog isn’t it?” Alexandra said, she didn’t know the lady, but there were many on this block she didn’t know, so many people came and went that it was sometimes impossible to keep track of all of them.

“Oh, well if I don’t get him out to walk early he is hyper all day,” The woman said slowly, she had stopped when Alexandra had started talking and now was stopped about five or six feet away, “I mean, without him being calm I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere now would I?” Alexandra was slightly confused by this, why would the lady need a dog to lead her around, though in the dogs defense it was likely a very smart dog.

She looked at the women closer now, or at least more than the passing glance she had given her when she had first come out. She noticed that the lady was wearing rather thick sunglasses, which would be quite un-needed today, even if it was sunny. The woman also was clinging to the dog’s leash quite a lot, as if it was her only means of getting around in the world. For a moment, none of this registered, it was still quite early and her mind wasn’t quite working, but it soon all crashed together and she realized that the lady was blind.

“Oh, well I quite understand…” Alexandra said slowly, “Can’t have your guide dog running off on you in the middle of the day can you.” The blind woman smiled, and nodded.

“You are quite right,” She said, attempting to look at Alexandra, though her gaze fell slightly to the right of Alexandra, “Forgive me for not introducing myself, my name is Marry, I just moved into a small house down the street.” She held out her hand, slightly to the right again of where Alexandra really was, and smiled. Alexandra walked over, and shook Marry’s hand.

“Good to meet you, which house is it, there are a few that were on the market recently.”

“Oh, I don’t know which one…to be honest I think the only one who could tell you is Winter here.” She said rather reluctantly, patting her guide dog on the side. Alexandra looked down at the dog, and was taken slightly aback at how large it was, it rather resembled a wolf, but no wolf would partner with a human as a guide. Most likely it was a husky; she had heard that there were some rather large breeds up in Alaska that could fit this description. He was large, mostly white and grey with a patch of faded light brown along the top of his head and along his back.

“Quite understandable…” Alexandra started, but she didn’t know how to continue without pointing out how the other woman being blind. “Do you live with only your guide dog?” Alexandra asked, the question seeming to come from nowhere. Marry smiled though, and shook her head.

“No, I live with my son Andrew; he helps me almost as much as my guide dog. I sometimes this they are one and the same.” Alexandra opened her mouth to comment on how sweet that was that her son was helping her when suddenly she heard Richard’s voice from the front door.

“Alexandra, have you by chance seen that file I left on the counter last night? I need to archive it in my office and I cannot seem to find it.” Angela turned around to find her husband standing in the door in the blue jeans he had worn the day before, a white t-shirt and his dark green bathrobe. She smiled and shook her head, he was always dressed like this on the weekends they were home, and she had often found herself dressed in kind once and a while.

“No, I haven’t, did you check truck? You might have left it there when I picked you up yesterday.” She called back at him; turning halfway back to Mary she shook her head, “And come out here and meet our new neighbor.” She then turned all the way back to Mary and smiled warmly, “Now where were we?”

“I think we were talking about my son,” Marry said, she then opened her mouth as if to say something when her guide dog tugged on her pants. She looked down and shook her head, “Forgive me, I had best be going. I will have to meet your husband another time perhaps.” She said as she started walking.

“Oh…well have a good day then, and watch out for cars, they tend to speed around here.” Alexandra said, a note of regret in her voice, she loved talking with new neighbors. But then, something had seemed slightly off about her, Alexandra hadn’t seen a moving truck in the street or a car in that house for some time. Perhaps the moving truck would come later, but that would mean they would be without really anything to store things or house food. Perhaps she should go check on them later in the day.

The sound of footsteps behind her made Alexandra turn around, a smile spreading over her face as she saw Richard walking towards her.

“So, where is this new friend?” Richard said, still dressed as he had been at the door, “I thought I smelled a dog, a large one, I wanted to come and see what breed it was.” He looked around and frowned as he didn’t spot anyone, “Didn’t scare them off did you?”

“Of course not,” Alexandra said, a frown on her face, “Why would I scare someone away?” Richard laughed and put his hands up in a surrender motion.

“Well, there was that time with the people who moved in from Idaho, remember that?” He said, a knowing smile on his face.

“That doesn’t count, it was the full moon and we hadn’t been camping in weeks…” Alexandra said defensively. She knew that he was right though, she had scared off a few people in the years they had lived here. The people from Idaho was just the last pair, she still felt sorry for almost eating their cat. “That is beyond the point however, I didn’t scare her off, she had to go run some errands. Or at least I think she did, her Seeing Eye dog looked like it was in a hurry.”

“Hmm, well they can be quite ornery about those they are leading, though I would not see why it would be in a hurry unless there was somewhere they needed to be somewhere. The few that I have treated in the past have been quite smart dogs….” He trailed off as he looked at Alexandra, who was chuckling.

“He seemed quite smart,” She said, “But tell me, have you ever seen one that looked like a wolf? Her dog was large and I think perhaps a malamute, if I didn’t know any better I would say it was a wolf.” Richard shrugged and looked down the street.

“No, but then there is a first time for everything right?” He said, “Now, about that file, it’s in the truck, and I can’t seem to find my key.” Alexandra rolled her eyes and handed over her key without a word and walked to the house, he always had a few motives for doing things, but that is why she loved him. Once inside she found that her daughters had done as asked, and were dressed in some of their more worn and faded clothing. They were putting on their shoes as she walked in and she smiled at them kindly, she really wasn’t mad at them for getting in a fight, but they still had to learn that in life fighting was not the end all be all.

She had learned very early on after being given her gift by Richard that werewolves were prone to outbursts of anger if they felt threatened or cornered. He had explained it that even though they looked human they were still animals at heart, and very dangerous ones if made mad. She had snapped at Richard more than a few times before she had learned how to gain control of herself, one argument had ended in a fight which she had lost only due to the fact that Richard knew his werewolf body better then she had known hers.

She had worked hard and was now in control of herself. Hopefully she had passed some of that control to her children and they would be able to handle themselves in the human world. Still, they got in fights, and at first Alexandra had been really worried, but Richard had told her that kids would be kids and get into fights and that they had to learn from their own mistakes.

These thoughts passed through her mind in the space of time it took her to walk over to her two oldest children, who looked up at her with sad eyes. She smiled and looked down at them with her hands on her hips.

“You’re not getting out of this you two.” She said, “Now, one of you can start by mowing the front lawn, and the other can help me with a few things in the backyard.” The two children sighed but did as they were told. Alexandra’s smiles depend slightly as they walked past. She was doing a good job raising them she thought

[Night-X]

Having a hard time thinking what to said about the new parts of the story.

[Winterwinds]

Hm, well its all un-edited and is subject to get better As I said in the Werewolf Ledgend thread its been slow going and my brain isnt always in the right place.

[Winterwinds]

I will be adding an update here soon...