"My name is Luke, Alpha of the Eastern Pack. Thank you for joining us at this meeting. My Beta is Lisa, my healer is Tom." At this, luke use his snout to point to the red wolf with the missing ear tip on her left ear on his right side and the black and grey wolf on his left. "Mike, Sam and Sally is my fighters. The auburn one behind me is the Omega. If you need anything, ask him. His name is Riley but we all just call him omega." He gave a barking laugh with the others. Sandy saw riley face fell at that and seem to withdraw more into himself. Seem like packs don't treat the omegas well, he thought to himself as he watch the others around him. Ron's face just seem like he didn't care and steve look kinda confused. He avoid looking at the ones who bit zamas and himself. He knew the white one had a pack but the one who bit zamas seem like a lone wolf. He was alone on that night and at this meeting. His ear twitches at the sound of scratching, looking to his right he saw the one with stripes. He was scratching his side with his back leg, watching luke as he did so.
"Luke, mind if I call you luke? This is all very interesting but is there a point to this meeting? I got to get to my pack. And I'm positive I'm not the only one needing to go. Name is Fred by the way."
Sandy jump a bit at fred's voice. He was expecting the voice to be deep but it wasn't. It was the exact opposite of what he thought his voice might sound like. So high pitched and sound like a little kid. Looking at luke and the rest of his pack, he noticed that they look like they was about to laugh. Luke jump down, with his beta at his side and walk to fred.
"Fred huh? well this is just a meet and greet since we all use this forest. Since I just move here, just want to know about you all. Plus Stripefur has interesting news. Might want to stick around." Luke turn around, his tail slapping him across the face as he walk to stripefur. Sandy eyes widened as he watch luke. Such confidence must be a requirement to be alpha. He felt zamas paw on his back paw. She was watching but gave him a small nod when he look at her. Was his anxiety that easy to read for her? Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he saw fred baring his teeth. Was there going to be a fight? No way fred would be that dumb, taking on an alpha. Hearing claws on wood, he watch as sam drop down from the log leaving deep marks in it. His blonde fur was bristling a bit til mike jump down next to him and press his side to him. Sam's fur stop and he sat down, keeping his eyes on fred. So that what packs do. They relax and keep each other in checks. Not only that but seems like they are keeping luke safe, though looking at riley, he was still looking forlorn. He watch the wolf with stripes stepping forward. He seem to be the same type of wolf like zamas and jason. He had the same chubby form yet there was a strength in his eyes that made him look different. Stripefur gave a grin as he look around at the others, walking passed luke to the center of the circle. Luke frown a bit before turning around to sit in front of his pack.
"Hi! The name's Stripefur though you already knew that thank to the eastern pack alpha. I'm a lone wolf who love meeting new werewolves, as long as they are friendly. Just wanted everyone to know that a few months back, I ran into a hunter. Just one but he came back with another pal of his. I chased him off when he was alone but when there was two, I ran away fast. Not to worry because I haven't seen them again since those months. Or maybe do worry because they could be planning a comeback...or revenge. Or maybe they are watching us right now. They do keep making such advancements in technology like drones." At this everyone but ron look around at the forest, their tails twitching nervously. Stripefur gave a little shudder as he went to sit next to zamas.
"No need to worry about these meats. They don't know about us, otherwise this place be overflowing with hunters. Meats are the most selfish things on this planet. They are more worried about their places in their society than us. According to them we don't even exist!" howled jason as he stood and start walking around.
"That is where you are wrong. According to the watchers, they are getting wise to our existence. In fact there is a special section of agents whose jobs is to watch us, reveal us and try to understand us no matter the cost. There are several missing cases where I been brought in." Everyone gasps and look over at ron who start scratching his side. Jason growled and start to charge at him when ron eyes narrowed and jump to land on his back. He buckled under ron weight, and flop onto the ground. Ron pin him down and look at everyone with a crazed look in his eyes for a split second. He blink and his expression return back to his indifferent one.
"I'm not here to fight. Or cause discord among you. I'm here to help my investigations." He got off from jason and sat back down while jason got up with his tail tuck between his legs. He walk back to his spot that he was sitting in and did a little snarl at anyone who dared to look at him with pity. Ron look over at luke and his pack.
"I heard of you. The ghost beast of the watchers. Luke told us of your legends. That we all thought that you was a myth." Sally said in a hush whisper. Sandy, zamas and steve look at each other in confusion. Ron is a myth and legend? Werewolves got their own legends among themselves and ron was in them. Sandy look at ron, looking him over to see if there was anything special about him but he look like a normal werewolf. What is a watcher and why did everyone gasp at the news. He felt like alice going down the rabbit hole. That old feeling of never belonging begin to creep up on him when he notice others are looking at him. Shit what did he missed? He look over at zamas and notice her speaking.
"We just want to live in peace. Has anyone thought to talk to these agents? Maybe they won't view us as a threat if we can speak to them." She look at everyone with her tail twitching nervously.
Luke growl at that suggestion, he begin to pace in front of his pack.
"You are one of the bitten right? Then you don't understand. Since you was once a meat, I don't expect you or the other one to understand." At that he pointed at sandy, who look back in confusion.
"You was bitten? You wouldn't be that guy I bit a few weeks ago? No wonder you smelt familiar when I walk in. My alpha needs to hear about this, since technically you belong in our pack. " Fred said with a narrow glance at sandy.
"Which means you belong with me bitch. Usually the ones I bit end up dead but because of interruption by your friends, I had to run off without eating. I don't do packs but I can make an exception for you." Jason growl softly as he leers at zamas.
"Not a chance in hell." snarled zamas as sandy put his nose on her side to calm her.
"I too must decline joining your pack fred. I don't do well in crowds and I want to find my own way. If you understand what I mean." Sandy gave him a respectful nod as fred eyes widened in surprise. Guess fred thought he was going to be angry at him too, like how zamas clearly hate jason. He keeps a tight control on his anger as last time he let it go, it didn't end well for the target.
"Like my alpha said, asking nicely don't work. Any other suggestions?" Tom ask as he jump down from the log. "Seems they are the type to kill first and ask questions later. I remember the last time we ran into hunters, The injuries was ghastly and barely had time to heal before they start to chase us. They burnt down our home so there be no chance of returning." He snarled as both mike and sam sat close enough to brush fur with him to calm him down.
"How did you heal your injuries? I live close to the city and use what doctors do but I would love to learn natural medicine. Guess the years around meats made me forget all about my roots. Their school is tough and I'm glad I learnt about well everything they use but now I need to learn about our ways." Steve ask as he went towards tom with slow steps so not to alarm his pack. Tom gave a wolfish grin and beckon him to sit near him.
"We should swap knowledge after the meeting if you aren't busy. I know all about plants with healing properties and believe it is because of what we are that it works better in raw form. But I do want to know what meats know." He replied with a slow wag of his tail. Steve grin back, thinking finally there was someone who he can talk to about medicine and other medicinal knowledge.
Luke stop pacing in the middle of the clearing and look around at everyone. Lisa smiled as she can tell he got an idea. She thought of it first when she met the two bitten ones. But she knows that he got no power over them so he going to have to swallow his pride.
"Zamas. Sandy and Steve. You three are the closest to meats cuz you still live in their society. Maybe you can keep an ear out for anything and let the rest of us know." Luke sat down, putting his tail neatly besides him. Sandy gave him a nod as he stood up and stretch.
"Well it was nice but I'm going to go. My alpha needs to know what happens here. It was nice to meet you sandy. I respect your choice. I will find you if my alpha decides to extend the invitation." Fred gave luke a small nod of respect before running to the entrance.
"Unlike you goody two shoes, I got humans to eat." Jason said as he begin to walk away. Hearing a low growl, he saw ron glaring at him. "I mean squirrels. Yes I got squirrels and birds to eat. No more humans here. On a diet." With his tail between his legs he left as well.
Sandy noticed stripefur looking over at them. Tapping on zamas shoulder with his paw, he point at riley who was starting to walk away from the log that he been hiding behind.
"Hi. The name is stripefur, though you already knew that. So umm, I like meeting new werewolves, as long as they are friendly. Would you like to hunt with me?" Sandy flinch as he heard his voice closer to them than before. When did he get so close? Looking him over, he saw that the stripes on his back was like a skunk while the ones on his tail was like a raccoon. He does seem friendly..well more than jason and fred. But he wanted to chat with the pack. Get to know the benefits of being in one and their roles.
"Sure I'm getting a bit hungry. Sandy are you coming?" Zamas said as she got up and stretch. "Nah you guys go ahead. Meet me back at the meadow since I'm going after I talk to the pack. Let you know what I learn since this is the first pack we know." She nodded as she followed stripefur to the entrance. Stripefur gave him a wolfish grin when he look back at him. In his mind, his wolf was growling at him. "Mine. Challenge stripe one." Been a while since his wolf spoke and was hoping it stay asleep. His wolf only has words for food, fighting and zamas. He still barely understand him when he doesn't make sense. What did his wolf mean by mine? Mine what? Zamas isn't his so it must be a pack thing. He walk to luke, watching as ron nodded at him, moving aside to make room for him. Sitting down he realize that he interrupted mike. Steve was listening intently as well.
"As I was saying, it seems meats don't come here during the night so we should be safe. I ran all around this little forest, there wasn't much activities around. Which makes sense since technology tends to keep the meats inside. There are hunters but as long as we scare the prey out of hiding for them, they have no need to come farther inside. Is there anything more I can do for us alpha?"
"No that is all. What is it you want to ask sandy? I overheard what you said to your friend. It is ok that you didn't know we can overhear you since you were bitten and isn't used to your new senses." Looking at luke, he saw that he was trying to make him comfortable by grinning at him. In his head his wolf snarl but to him, it was nice to see. He keep forgetting that showing teeth was an act to aggression to werewolves. Feeling a nose on his left shoulder, he look and saw ron staring back. Even ron seem to figure out that sometimes he get stuck in his own head.
"Well I do want to know the benefits of a pack. Also what do the roles mean. Since it is just zamas and I, it would be nice to get a heads up. I don't want to look like a fool in front of others cuz of our ignorance. Or offend based on what we say or do. I already know that showing teeth means aggression, though I'm thankful to you for doing so. Besides I think I know at least one benefit. When I fought with alex, the boss of the Half Moon construction company, he broke my arm. Zamas put her hand on my back and it was like the pain disappear til we made it to our meadow and she took her hand off me. My wolf forced me to shift to fix my arm." He held up the arm, looking at it in wonder. And to think that it happened today. Looking at the others, he saw them tilting their heads in confusion. Oh right. They don't know about the pack in the city or the bar. After explaining everything that happened, the pack and ron just stared at him with wide eyes.
"Hold up. You saying there is an alpha that lives in the city. And that he controls the city werewolves? There are werewolves who live among the meats and this alex knows them all?" Mike said as he glance over at luke.
"It is weird but it answers one of our questions. There is no werewolf village around. Otherwise there wouldn't be any in the city. Too noisy and smelly." Lisa start to scratch her side.
"So it is possible to live among them. Wonder what we can learn from them. Our pack was kinda isolated and it can be beneficial for us to be near other packs. Numbers can make a difference." Tom lay down with a small whine.
Luke let out a fierce bark to silence his pack. Sandy watch as he calms them down. So this is what the alpha does. He not only leads but he make sure his pack feels secure and safe. Seeing the admiration in their eyes and movements show him more than anything they can tell him. He watch as their personalities clash in a way to strengthen the bonds between them. Even though luke growls at mike, his pose show his trust when he turn his back on him to talk to sam. He put his nose on riley when he saw him shaking from anxiety, not moving til he stop. Lisa was going around, brushing her fur with everyone, making sure they know that she was there for them as well.
"I will go to meet this alex. It would be nice to meet another alpha. You are going to show me the way. Anyway you want to know about packs. Each pack is different. Alphas are the leader but you can see that. Betas are second in command. They can be the mates to the alphas but lisa isn't. Betas aren't always mates but they can be. Then you got the healers. Healers are the doctors of the pack. Unlike you and zamas, there is no hospitals in the forests and jungles. Or where the packs decide to live. We rarely live in such close proximity to meats. Well you know meats as humans. We have our own language as well. Healers jobs is to heal the pack when there is fights over territories or when we are getting hunted. Hunters still exist. Be careful out there. There is the next group in the pack. The Fighters as we call them. Their job is to fight and guard us. Sally, Mike and Sam is ours. Think of them like the bodyguards. Usually the alpha will send their fighters to meetings as they can protect themselves. Fighters can be dominant or submissive wolves, as long as they got a strong spirit to stand up against alphas. And lastly is the omega. They are usually the runt of the pack. Or they could be sickly and needs to be protected more than others. They are also the cleaning crew and keep peace between the others. They make sure the dens are cleared out from old bones and make sure there is no glass or litter around. Meats are so messy and seem to just drop anything. Very lazy. The horror stories that he can tell you. Riley is the omega. He is also lisa nephew as you can tell from their fur and markings. Any questions?" He look at sandy with his ears perk up. Despite not being part of his pack, he is letting him know that he does want to impart wisdom and is willing to explain any and everything that pops in his head.
"Is there anyone else related in your pack? You said that due to both lisa and riley markings, I can tell that they are related. They are different shades of red but both got black tip tails. So that must mean sam and sally are also related cuz they got silver stripes on their backs. But sally got a black paw and sam doesn't."
He look over at the pack, noting their different fur colors and markings. They all look alike, same snout and ear sizes.
"Why does one child get born with black hair and other one red? why does one got brown eyes while other got blue? Even we can't chose how we come out. My brother is red like my father while I was born silver like my mother. Why did you get the mohawk like fred while your friend don't have a hair tuft like jason? Even when bitten it don't make sense." Steve spoke before luke or the others can answer. He kinda forgot that steve was even here.
"Good points. Well that was all I wanted to know. May I come visit again if I can think of any other questions? The moon is getting high and my wolf is slowly taking over. Time for me to go." He gave a respectful nod before turning to leave.
"Sandy. Tomorrow we shall talk. There still something you and zamas need to know that will affect you in the coming weeks." Ron said to him as he watch him leave.
He twitch his ear as he begin to run. Feeling the moon energy, his wolf force him to run as far away from the meeting and follow a rabbit trail. Must hunt. Full moon. My time. Sniffing around, he smelt zamas and stripefur nearby. Also that he cross the boundary so he was now free to hunt. He wanted so badly to challenge stripefur but needed to eat first. After hunting five rabbits, he bury the bones and went to the meadow. Looking up at the moon he begin an eerie howl. It was a way to tell all the other werewolves to stay away from his meadow. He stop after a minute, his ears perk up for any answering howls. One by one he heard the pack, fred's pack, Jason and ron answering howls. After they stop, he hears zamas and stripefur together. Snarling, he begin to follow their scents to see if stripefur was too close to his mate. After walking a mile, he finally spotted them, eating a deer. Laying down behind a bush, he just watch them between the leaves. He made sure to stay downwind so they wouldn't detect him. The fact that they had their snouts deep in deer guts didn't hurt either.
"So how do you like being a werewolf? Pretty cool right? The freedom we have compared to meats." Stripefur sat back on his haunches, using his paw to wipe his snout.
"It is interesting. Do you have a pack? Or are you like jason? A rogue wanting to eat meats." Her voice held a bit of disgust, letting him know exactly what she thinks of that.
"Don't eat meats. Too nasty and really get you unwanted attention. I don't have a pack cuz I'm a lone wolf. Only been me and my parents til i hit adult age. Then good old dad decides that they did enough and chase me out. That the way for us lone wolves. Right now I am here looking at this place like a home. Didn't even know that there was rogues here. They keep making things complicated for us lones. Thinking of moving out soon if jason decides to bring his friends, unless he a lone rogue. Trust me, rogues equal danger and drama. But enough about that, let us talk about meats. I know only about hunters. Every werewolf knows about hunters. What do meats do when not hunting?" He begin to dig a hole to bury the remains. Zamas got up to help, telling him all about shows and jobs. Also about video games and that not every human hunt. Stripefur look amazed at this as they finish and walk to the river to clean up. Sandy kept up behind trees, knowing his fur help him blend into the dark forest. He avoids the moonlight on the ground, keeping them in his sights as he does so. At least his mate was safe and stripefur was keeping a respectful distance. Growing bored, he decided to go back to the meadow to sleep. Zamas can handle herself and doesn't need him tonight. Being at peace, he curl up and fell asleep, his tail on his nose. He heard zamas pawsteps as she walk in, his ears moving towards her. She gave a small bark to let him know it was her before laying down next to him. He felt so at peace when she is near him, releasing the tension within. Doesn't understand his human side of always wanting to be alone. A pack is where they belong. Being with others is where they should be.
The next morning sandy woke up when a beam of sunlight shone on his face. He really need to find some sort of cave or make a den instead of laying on the meadow. Sure no one would interrupt their sleep but when it rains, there won't be any cover. They can't sleep close to trees cuz of thunderstorms so he need to think of making something instead of sleeping out in the open. He felt a head on his side and froze. What is it with wolves sleeping in a type of pile? He doesn't like being so close to others and despite this, his wolf does. In fact his wolf was comfortable inside, even moving his tail close to touch zamas tail. Hearing a yawn, he watch her open her eyes, notice the closeness and quickly moving away with an apology. He gave a grin to show that it wasn't a big deal as he stretch his body out. If wolves can blush, he was sure that what zamas would be doing. Ok now he knows ron want to talk with them but he will text his sis to let her know that he will be home. Shaking out his fur he walk to the tree where he place his cell phone in.
"Going to let my sis know that I'm going to be home tonight." He told zamas as he sent the message with one claw, being careful not to scratch the screen.
"Also ron wants to talk to us. Said it was important so we should go." Placing his phone back, he did a wolfish grin as he look over at her. Saw that she was finishing stretching and heading towards him.
"Ready when you are. Plus I been wondering where do ron lives. And how it looks." She said grinning back at him. He bump his head to her side before walking towards ron den. He was worried about zamas feelings towards jason but doesn't know how to talk about it to her. He doesn't want to bring up bad feelings, especially since she seems to be ok. And it not like stripefur bothered her either. He shook his head when he felt a shoulder bump from zamas.
" Even in wolf form I can tell when you are spacing out. We walk for so long and yet I'm not tired." She look around, and ran towards the river.
"No need to go any farther you two." Ron's voice sounded from above. Sandy look up, knowing that ron was in the trees. He jump down in front of them, using his tail to brush the leaves away from him. Sandy wag his tail while zamas begin to drink at the river. She wag her tail as well when she heard his steps coming close. Sandy follow next to him, drinking as well. As soon as they was done, ron sat down, looking at both of them. It made him kinda nervous of what ron wanting to talk about. He usually just say whatever on his mind. The fact that he was taking his time means it must be big. He felt zamas' fur touching his side as she sat next to him.
"Need to talk to you about packs and the heat. You already noticed the benefits of a pack bond, the way you are sitting or the way you feel when your fur is touching. The bond is kinda hard to describe to those who were bitten. It something you have to feel within. You both are still getting used to your forms, and keeping a tight control of yourselves. We are werewolves and you already learn that we got a thin control of ourselves in certain situations. As you saw last night, that control is barely there with such a large gathering. Especially during a full moon. Didn't you notice how you both wasn't much affected by the meeting? It is because of the pack bond you share. It stop your wolves from acting out, like the rest of us was doing. Luke did his best to calm others but he is only alpha of his pack. You felt that overwhelming pressure that felt as if someone was forcing you to relax? that was the alpha power. Because of your bond, it slid off of you as if it was a wind breeze. Instead of explaining it as I can see you both are confused, let me help you experience it. It been nothing but passive for you two. Now going to force it to be active. Follow me zamas, you stay here sandy." Ron got up, tipping his head a bit so zamas can follow. Sandy watch as they left, going deeper in the forest til they was out of his sight. He kinda got whatever ron was talking about. The bond was how he was able to walk out after his fight. All he got to do is wait for something. He lay down on put his head on his front paws.
Ron look back and can smell zamas nervousness. "Don't worry so much. Can smell that you are nervous but just going to show you the bond. We must run far away so sandy can barely feel you. Can you feel him? want it to be like a sliver of wood so i know we went far enough. Just let me know if we are far enough." he kept running til he heard zamas say here. Looking at her, he saw her breathing hard, sitting down as she got her breath back. He was barely out of breath, guess he got don to thank for that. Always chasing him, never stopping til he pass out. It helped build his lungs so he can be faster than the rogues. Turning around he sat in front of her, waiting til she can breath normally.
"Ready? Since you are better on the emotional end than sandy, you can do the heavy lifting on the bond. I may not know sandy long but even I can tell he bottles it up. Enough about that, let get started. Every alpha pack bond looks different. Since I'm a watcher, I can picture my old pack and track them. It a perk of being a watcher. My pack bond looks like one of the mountain tops of Sweden, where I'm from. Each of us is connected by that mountain. I want you to picture in your mind what you want that connects you to sandy. Can be a string or a rope. Can be trees or can be a room." He stop talking when he saw her closing her eyes.
"I see a sapling with two thin branches on it. It is being protected by two strong oak trees. I'm guessing the branches represent me and sandy." She open her eyes and look at ron.
"Now shake that branch just a bit. It will send a signal to sandy that you need help. He going to come in claws and fangs baring so it not going to look pretty. Just to warn you. All werewolves have quite a temper and dominants have it worst than most. So go ahead and tell me when you sense him coming." He let out a small yawn as he wait for her.
"He's coming. Not from our trail but still following it. It feels good inside to know he is coming. Can feel him getting closer." She let out a small huff as sandy crash through the trees, his fur upright, claws out and fangs bared. He walk around, sniffing the ground as he did so, growling in his throat. Ron put up a paw to stop zamas from approaching him. Ron stood up, knowing his action caused sandy to bared his fangs at him. His wolf nature got control, which is why he didn't say anything yet. Yet they don't have all day, so after about a minute, he charge and knock sandy off of his feet. Sandy bark loud and kept trying to bite him when he pin him down with one forepaw on his throat, and his others on his body so he couldn't move.
"Enough sandy. Come back! Zamas is safe." Turning his head, he saw zamas walk around til he can see her. It was only after seeing zamas that sandy stop struggling and calm down. His eyes lost the crazed look as well and he stop growling.
"I..I don't know what came over me. Ron, you can let me up, I'm fine. Sorry guys. Just felt this overwhelming rage come over me and.." He got up and look at them. His ears was down and he tuck his tail close to his body.
"That was the bond you felt. A dominant will always lose it when his packmates in danger. You felt the bond and rush to save zamas. Seeing nothing made you itchy to fight and well I stop it before you pick a fight with me. If you pick a fight with me, you would be dead as I will defend myself. Now you both see what the bond does and how it helps. You follow our scent trail but you didn't approach from that side. You circle, meaning your instincts are very good. You appear from our blind spots or would be if you climb trees. But that was good. Now pick yourself up, you did nothing wrong. Cheer up! Wasn't a big deal, just your instincts." Ron walk a bit to stand in front of them.
"So him being like..that was just him in protect mode. Because that was kind of scary, the way he looked." Zamas said as she brush fur with him as he sat up, his attention on ron.
"I don't like..that. That rage. There nothing to do but control it right?" He gave a bit of a whine before putting a bit of space between him and zamas, giving a nod to show her that he is ok.
"Yes but let us talk about the opposite end. You both been feeling horny right? Since you changed, that feeling been heighten to an extreme measure. No need to feel weird, it part of us. All our emotions get heightened. Angry turn to rage, sad turn to despair and horny turn into long night of self love. There is something called the heat. Werewolves go into heat like normal dogs. Lucky for packs, they got each other. Packs are usually bigger than luke's pack and there a huge hunt before the heat. Packs eat, have orgies, and long night of fun. Great fun, reminds me of the times I spent in Rome and Greece. Make that ancient Greece and Rome. Those was the days of legends. There no controlling the heat. What you feeling now isn't the heat. It's more intense. If you think you can stop from feeling it, well get that thought out of your heads. Beasts of instincts we are. The more you try to suppress it, the worst you are going to feel." He begin to walk back and forth.
Sandy and zamas just watch him as he jump into a tree and lay on a branch. He can see the emotions on their faces. He let out a yawn, knowing he was going to be pester with questions. He love dramatic pauses. It one of the things he never can get enough of.
"Wait so werewolves go into heat? And you just say we feel bad if we suppress this urge?" Sandy ask with a ear twitch. Zamas just look up at him, waiting for an answer.
"Lucky for you, only werewolves can get rid of the itch so no you won't be sleeping with just anyone. And get your mind out of the gutter zamas, we don't fuck normal wolves either. Yea we can feel something with meats but they can't endure or last as long as we can. We can go five rounds without a break. Good old werewolf endurance. Don't tell me that you two haven't thought about it. You are a guy, she a girl, you both are werewolves...win win. Anyway if you try to fight it, you will be be irritable, moody, and wanting every piece of ass you see." He look at sandy as he was looking everywhere but zamas.
"And what about me? What going to happen to me if i try to fight it?" Zamas ask as she stood up.
"You will be more flirty, wanting someone to just give it to you. But if you have a crush on someone, then you just want him or her. Even becoming angry if anyone stand in your way. You don't seem like the jealous type but if you see your crush with anyone, you will pick fights and knock or kill them. Not your fault, it our wolves instinct to show that you are strong. The heat last for a week. Packs often mingle and have truces during this time. Lone wolves are invited too. It a huge celebration. And that it. So enjoy life as I have to go. Still early and I need to eat. See you guys. Any questions, ask steve or find me later tonight." Ron nodded at them both before running through the trees til he disappear from sight.
Sandy look at zamas for a bit before getting up. There nothing he wants to say to her right now so he start to run back to the meadow. He needs to go. Maybe running far away from ron voice in his head. Been running for a while as his words kept circling in his head. No he would never do that to zamas. No matter what his instincts say. If he can stop from acting on normal teenage hormones, then this heat should be easy. But what if he can't? What if no female werewolves are safe around him during it? Putting his head against the tree with his stuff in it, he knew what he must do. He have to ask sharon to chain him up in the shed in the backyard. Thanks to the pack bond, he felt zamas behind him, putting a comforting paw on his back.
"Don't beat yourself up too badly. It a part of us and nothing we can do about it. Just need to stay away from each other for a week. I'm positive we can survive a week." Zamas went to shift behind a bush after grabbing her bag of clothes.
"We need to make a better den. And thanks for trying to cheer me up. Just know I would never attack you like that. No matter what our instincts force us to do. You will be safe around me but yes we should avoid each other that week. I will text you later if I get the info on when the heat is supposed to take place. Let head home."
Sandy shift back to human, grabbing his clothes and cell from the hole in the tree. Turning around he saw stripefur sitting behind the scent line.
"Zamas. Seems you got a visitor. I got to go so text me when you are home safe." He nodded at stripefur before giving zamas a comfort pat on her arm before walking towards the bus stop.
"Stripefur. What is it?" Zamas ask as she walk towards him.
"Was wondering if you was busy and want to go check out this new bar I heard about. Silver Moon it is called. Heard a runner mentioned it while running." He gave a little wolf laugh as his tail wag.
"I know of the place. A friend of mine works there but do you even own clothes?"
"Do I own clothes? Do you really think so little of me?" He said in mock anger, his wolf face in an expression of disbelief.
"Knock it off and sure we can go to the bar tonight. Meet me by the bus stop. Got to go let my mom know I'm ok. See ya." Zamas gave him a small wave as she walk away. Stripefur nodded before running into the forest, disappearing from her view.
Sandy open the door, smelling his older sister scent leading to the kitchen. This was great, maybe he can try to have sharon to stop fearing him. Walking in, sharon saw him and grin.
"Hey san! How was your nights? Just getting some lunch. Sit down, I want to talk." She said as she finish making her sandwich.
Hmm this was weird. Usually after his nights out, he would go straight to his room and catch up on facebook. He took a sniff and didn't notice any scents of fear, just determination. Something big must be going down. She sat down from across from him and sighs deeply.
"Well you know about my biker gang? The leader just retired as he getting up there in age and want to choose a new younger leader. So I was wondering if you can back me up in your wolf form. I know I am scared but think this can be good for getting me past that fear. You are my little brother and I hate feeling like this. So would you help me?" She took a bite of her sandwich.
"You didn't say what it is you want me to do. Ok you want me in my wolf form but then what? Just stand by your side? What would you call me and what if they ask where I came from? Wouldn't rob be a bit suspicious since I appeared out of nowhere. He lives with us so you don't think he might be wondering where you kept a huge wolf in the house?" He raised an eyebrow at her, waiting for the answers.
Taking a bite out of her sandwich, she gave a devious grin, making him see exactly why she was one of the feared fighter in her group.
"Found you in the nearby forest. Name is Hawk, due to your weird mohawk on your head. Only I can be close to you which is why tonight we need to practice. It won't look right if I get scared of you in front of them. Go rest as I need to make preparations for tonight."
"Wake me up when it is time. Love ya sis." He went to his room up the stairs while sharon finish her sandwich.
Sharon listen to his footsteps upstairs as she cleans her plate. There was a guy in her gang that hates how much support she has to take over as leader. His name was Leo and he seem like one of those guys you don't notice til it too late. He was mousey with mean eyes, picking apart any weakness and uses them to his advantage. Reminds her of a snake in fact. He was her height and guess that gave him a complex, seeing how he tries to undermine her til she beat him in a fight. She chuckles as she remembers that fight. Picking up her phone, she calls greg and tells him her idea of choosing a leader without much fuss. She only hopes he would listen. Putting on her biker gear, she got on her custom tron bike and went to the bar. As she enter, she saw several of her gang playing pool.
"Well if it isn't sharon. What brings you here today?" A dead voice sounded close to the wall that is cloak in shadows. Bracing herself, she turn and saw leo grinning at her, seeing her discomfort in her stance. That smile never reach his grey eyes but then there usually no emotions til he can break or fight something.
"Leo, that is none of your business, now go do something emo while I talk with the adults." Turning her back on him, she scan the room for rob. At this time of the day, he can usually be found playing pool or at the bar watching football. Not seeing him, she left, knowing she would see him later tonight. She didn't want to call him in case he was out riding his bike. Getting back on her bike, she decide to drive around to mentally prepare herself for tonight. Especially getting over her fear of her brother. Remembering that night made a chill go down her back. Seeing sandy go from human to wolf was something else. Hearing his pained screams, his bones breaking and the eyes turning from normal to yellow was amazing if it happened to anyone else. But it had to happen to her little bro. She frown after finding him in the nearby forest that was behind their house, dropping a blanket to cover him. After getting used to the fact that werewolves exist, she had to get used to how different he was. Driving back home, she saw that the sun was starting to set. Hope he got his rest for it was time. Peeking in his room, she shook his foot a bit to wake him.
"I'm going to wait outside." She turn to close the door when sandy call out.
"Wait. For you to face your fear, just wait behind the door. I told you I can control myself now yet you never wait in the house during full moons. I gotten a bit quicker too." He gave her a smile as the fur was starting to grow on his face.
"Fine. I be just outside the door." She close the door and lean against the wall. She wait til she saw the doorknob turning and without realizing it, she was backing away from the door. She jump as she felt the wall hit her back and look as sandy came out of the room. Her hands start to shake as he look at her with those piercing yellow eyes. She forgot just how big he was, she thought as he stood in front of her. His head towers above her own and he can easily fit her arm in his mouth without him choking on it. Looking down,the size of his paw is the size of her head, and she already knows the damage those claws can cause. It cost a fortune to replace those two doors that he clawed and chew through. While looking him over, she noticed that she was taking deep breaths. He wasn't even moving and she felt like jumping out the window despite being on the second floor. Every instinct that she has was telling her to run and it took everything she had to stay put. Come on this was her younger brother! She thought to herself as she look at his mohawk. She remembers not to look a werewolf in the eyes so she stare above him, despite how hard it was due to his size. She kept thinking about that night, when he would have ate her like one eats a juicy steak. She begin to move towards the stairs, watching out of her peripheral to see if he would move or start to chase her. She didn't feel safe til she was outside, her knees was shaking as she sat on the steps. Hearing claws on the floor, she went to the backyard when sandy walk out, looking at her with his ears down. She watch as he went close and laid down, making himself small to her. His ears was down and his expression was like a dog wanting to be petted. Grabbing her leather whip that she wears as a belt, she threw it on the ground so she wouldn't use it when her fear get the best of her. She gave a small smile when she saw sandy jump away from it. Closing her eyes, she held out a hand towards him. She open her eyes when she felt his cold nose, smiling as she start to run her hands through his fur. She start laughing as she finally touch the mohawk on his head. It was as soft as she thought it was.
"Well hawk, ready to go?" She ask as she pick up her whip and lock the door. It was a half hour drive from their house and it going to be weird having this giant wolf run alongside her. Good thing she figure out all the back roads to take so he won't be spotted. She got on her bike and begin to drive through the roads, being kinda shock that he was keeping pace alongside her. She should have known he would due to how big he was. As they arrive, she notice her friends staring at him.
"Never look a wolf in the eyes! they take it as a challenge. Will introduced him during the meeting." She shout out as she park her bike. She walk to the bar with her head up high, knowing people was clearing the way. She could get used to this.
"Sharon. When did we get a wolf? Greg did say you was bringing a pet and I was surprised to hear about it." A low clear voice sounded as she got near the door. She grin as she look at rob. He had on a black leather jacket, with blue jeans and black sneakers. She look at him and ruffle his short black hair that was in a low cut. Despite his six feet frame, she can reach it easily as he always bend over to give her access. She stumble as hawk pushes her into him, giving her a small wink as he look over his shoulder at her. She watches as he went inside, wondering if anyone was going to run out. Kissing rob cheek, she went inside to see how everyone was handling hawk. Looking around she saw that hawk was glaring at leo for some reason.
"Wonder what he did to piss off your friend already." Rob whisper as he walk to a bar stool and sat down. Before she can reply a guy with a small grey beard stood up. She walk up, giving hawk a small pat on his head before standing beside him.
"May I have your attention please. As you all know I am retiring. We did a ton of great work, protecting the innocents and giving out lessons to those who need to learn. I had many of you come to me, wanting to replace me as leader and with many good choices, it was a hard decision. Before I decided, sharon here came up with a plan to chose the next leader. It is a great idea, so follow me outside." His voice held no room for argument as he lead them outside. Sharon nodded at hawk as he walk beside her on her left while rob was a bit behind her, clearly avoiding being close to hawk.
"Hawk won't bite you rob, you can walk close to him. Come here. Give him a small pet. He may be big but he a good boy." She said as she pat hawk on the side. She stop walking, watching as he approach hawk. She nearly laugh as hawk watches him place a hand on his snout and he give his palm a small lick. Wait til she let rob know that he is sandy. That is going to be a riot. But it wasn't her secret to tell so she would leave it up to him. She went outside and saw the gang watching two people fight. Seem the fight got underway without her. Looking around, she saw leo walking towards them.
"So this is your plan? Fight in a tournment style so we can see who the strongest? Then have an empathy contest? Can't believe we are doing this." He said as he stop in front of her. His eyes widened as hawk jump towards him, putting his body as a shield for her. He was growling a bit before she place a hand on him, calming him down.
"Afraid that you won't win? Of course you are cuz it out there in the open, in front of everyone. I know how you claim to do the lessons but we never see anything but the wounds." She retorted as she walk around hawk to face him.
"Sharon! Leo! you are up next. We all know how much you hate each other so fight it out. Any weapon except guns. Aim is to draw three blood. Not kill. And no poison either. Can't believe I had to say that." Greg said as they walk towards the circle that was mark with chalk. She grin as she stood on one end, whipping out her whip which she has like a belt on her pants. She never needed a belt so it was a great way to hide her weapon of choice. She notice the others moving back, giving her space as she whip it around. Greg smiled as he held up a small white flag. Greg wasn't just the leader but an old friend, and was the one who gave her the whip, saying it was a gift for saving his life. It was hard to master it but once she did, this weapon was way better than any gun or knife. Able to grab and tore through flesh with a flick of her wrist. Hearing hawk growling, she look at leo. Seems he picked a knife and was murmuring under his breath about something.
"Leo are you ready? Sharon are you ready?" Greg drop the flag to signal them to begin. Sharon gave a laugh as leo charge at her, swinging his knife. She dodge every swipe and use her whip to tangle up his legs. Before he can move she whip him across an arm, leaving a thin cut. Leo quickly stood up and threw a punch which landed on her cheek. His knife swipe her shoulder, leaving a long cut. Hawk snarl which distract her for leo to get another cut. She saw leo coming for her when she trip him, whipping him twice winning the fight. She shook her head at hawk, knowing that he understood that he distracted her. She look down at leo as he held his leg where she whip him. He stare at her with the most hateful expression as others came to help him up to the sidelines. He won't be a threat til he heals, she thought to herself as rob tend to her wounds. Hawk was sitting on her other side, giving her a small lick before he glare at leo.
"Guessing hawk is here to back you up in case someone goes wrong during this. Nice plan babe but just clue me in next time." Rob mutter as he finish up.
"Not just that but hawk can smell emotions. You know if leo can get away with it, he would have hurt me worst. It why I can't let him become leader. This gang is doing good. We even got the cops on our side. Won't let leo ruin that." She said as she pat hawk on the head. She notice the look of confusion on his face as she gave him a final pat before walking back into the bar. There wouldn't be any more tests since everyone who fought need to recover.
"That the end of the fights! Tomorrow will be the other two tests. One is empathy. To be a good leader of the vamps, you need to have empathy for others. Can stay here or go home. Hawk was here to make sure no one got carried away in case you forgot about the giant wolf that been quiet." Greg wave at hawk as he gave a huge bark. He start to run back home, sharon watching to make sure he made it into the forest safely. The bar was nestled in a small corner where people can drive to surrounded by a forest. There was a back road which was mostly dirt which she used to get here with him. She watch as everyone else came in, waiting for greg so she can talk to him. She watch him walk in and saw why he was retiring. Man was in his 60s, has a little limp on his right leg due to a bike accident. He was losing hair but still has a glorious beard which hint at the man he was. She was happy to be his second in command but knew others wouldn't accept her if she just took over. So they talk about this plan together, a way to give everyone a chance at being leader. She watch werewolves movies and tv show to see how they chose the next leader, taking inspiration from it. He sat down on her left while rob was on her right.
"Leo already drove away. You, him, Jake, and Anna are in the running. Was thinking there would be more wanting to be leader so I'm glad that not everyone want to replace me. Of course he whine about blood and how he should lead without question, that entitled ass. Thank you for having your friend here. Have a nice night." Greg nodded to them both as he got up with a drink. Sharon also got up, shook greg hand before leaving the bar. Rob follow her, to make sure she was safe as the parking lot was dark.
"See you later tonight babe. Going to ask around to make sure leo isn't up to his old tricks." He said as he gave her a kiss as she start her bike.
"Good idea. Call you when I'm home." she reply as she drove away. Seem her idea was working, she thought to herself. There was no fighting or arguing at all which usually happen when they get together and drunk. She focus, wondering if leo was going to appear to ambush her. Last time he tried, it didn't go well for him. She chuckles to herself as she remembers it. Reaching home she let rob know she made it, knowing he be worried. Been quite a night and now she about to fall asleep on her feet. Making sure no one was around, she open the door and fell as a heavy weight knock her down. Feeling fur, she sighs as she realize it was sandy.
"Forgot that with no clothes or anything to carry keys in, you are locked out. Sorry about that. Now get off so I can get to bed." She said as he gave her a lick before walking towards the stairs.
"Love you too. Also thanks for tonight. May I tell rob though? Don't feel right keeping this from him." Her back was turn as she lock the door. She look at him, and grin when he nodded. Yawning she went to bed, hearing sandy shift back.
He was so tired from shifting for four nights in a row. Looking at his phone, he saw it was midnight and decide to call zamas tomorrow and tell her everything. Before long he succumbed to his body needs.