@Legion02@December@Caits

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Magnus raised a brow at Leo as the guy said his name. Then he was completely taken off guard. A hand to the back of his neck a spell to deal with the bleeding. He looked like a deer in headlights. He went to protest but Leo had successfully held him to where he couldn't move. Even when Leo moved away Magnus seemed frozen for a few moments.

A blink followed by another blink as the bleeding stopped fully. "...what oh right" was all he seemed able to say as both Leo and Callie told him to stay. He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair...he seemed....flustered. Then he caught where Callie was putting him. A look was shot her way showing that Magnus knew what she was doing. "Mean witch" it was a friendly teasing tone.

He focused on Alexis as soon as he heard the book. He stared at it and watched her stammer. His eyes narrowed until Alexis left the room. He looked between Leo and Callie and nodded. "I should head to bed as well...if you need me don't hesitate" he made his way to his own room and shut the door.

A few moments and his eyeliner and shirt were off. He stood in the center of the darkened room and lightly held a small ball of light. He moved it between his hands and swayed with it. He was practicing movement with magic as he always did before bed.

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"...What? Oh, right." Magnus seemed slightly disoriented, however Leo simply hid a smirk. Putting the cocky Druid off of his game brought Leo a small amount of pleasure, however he wouldn't admit it.

”You may have…” Callie paused, appearing to consider for a moment before continuing. ”The room next to Abigale is free, if you’d like that. And Leo can have the one of the other side, with Alexis next to him. That way, we will all be near one another, and can protect the children, if anything gets through.”

"Mean witch." Magnus tone was playful, and a small smile tugged at his lips. Leo's brow furrowed slightly at his comment, but he ignored it. He needed to focus on double checking the security on the inn before he could rest.

Leo's thoughts were interrupted by the loud slamming of a heavy book. The Warlock jumped, startled as his hand instinctively went for his wand. Before he could fully grasp the weapon, Alexis smiled sheepishly as she leaned over a heavy book saturated with magic.

“Sorry. I –auhm… screwed up an enchantment one time. The damn thing sometimes wants to break free.” She awkwardly said as she pushed it straight into her bag. “Thanks, I’ll go upstairs now. If you don’t mind. I sort of feel a bit tired.”

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Leo watched as Alexis rushed upstairs. After a moment, his eyes softened, showing his compassion. If she didn't want to share her secrets, that was understandable. She had only just met the coven that night; hesitation and trepidation were only natural.

With only him and Callie left in the room, Leo relaxed, turning and embracing the Witch again. "It's good to see that you're all safe."

Callie's warmth was comforting, and he breathed deeply, taking in her scent. The familiar smell of the inn brought ease to Leo's heart, which still beat faster than normal. The entire vision that he had experienced earlier that night had left him shaken, however he had been putting it outside of his mind. It certainly wasn't his first time seeing a bloody attack; often times, back in Canada, creatures had been devoured right at their threshold the instant they left the protection of the coven. Leo's mother and sister had always prepared the funeral or return to the creature's loved ones while his father and himself had collected the remains of the poor creature. However, it had been years since he had seen something quite so... malicious.

Forcing himself to release Callie, he smiled, holding her at arms length. "I'm going to double check the wards and on Abigale. I'll be down soon to help you with additional defenses." The soft, gentle warmth in his voice softly dispersed through the room as he turned and headed up the stairs, gently stepping to avoid causing any loud creaking that would alert Abigale to his presence. The little rascal was rowdy enough without Leo around, and he only excited her. Besides, it was good for her to sleep soundly.

He gently passed each of the rooms, noting the aura of void emanating from each of the rooms. Sleeping forms always exuded an odd aura that Leo could never really identify, however he knew it only came from those in deep slumber.

As the Warlock reached Magnus room, he frowned, noting the flickering light shining from under the door. While Leo's rational mind told him the Druid was most likely practicing magic or erecting wards, Leo felt the need the check. Just before his knuckles touched the wood of Magnus door, he paused. He was being irrational, and it would be foolish to bother Magnus.

An image of the maimed teenagers in the woods flashed through Leo's mind, and he couldn't continue on without checking on Magnus. Unwilling to bother the Druid, he placed his hand softly on the door, closing his eyes and muttering a silent spell. His consciousnesses projected into the room, only enough to ensure that the man was safe. He knew it was a serious invasion of his privacy, but Leo would rather double check than risk harm to the man.

The wooden floorboards first appeared to Leo, followed by the posts of the bed. Next, a pair of shoes appeared, leading up to the legs of a figure. Light filtered down gently, illuminated the figure. Leo's vision panned up to reveal a floating orb of light, sustained by the Druid in front of him. The form of the man slowly became more apparent, until Leo noticed that his form wasn't completely clothed.

Leo immediately pulled out of the spell and stepped away from the door, his face turning hot as blood rushed into it. He had simply wanted to ensure he was safe, not catch a view like that.

Leo quickly checked the windows upstairs and confirmed that they were secure before returning downstairs, smiling a little sheepishly at Calllie. "All done. What's next?"

Callie watched Alexis go, intending to talk with the girl later. There would be time enough to fix up her charm work, and for now, Callie wasn’t afraid of the book. It could be easily tamed. For now, the girl deserved a chance to rest. Still, Callie was already planning what she could do for the girl, what she could teach her. It would certainly be interesting to teach someone just coming into their magic. What was the saying? When you teach, you learn new things as well? Callie was sure that the next few months were going to be interesting, for everyone. Callie looked over at Magnus, and smiled.

”Damn right, and don’t you forget it. I’m the meanest good witch you’ll ever find” She said teasingly to Magnus, before watching him too walk away. Magnus had a ways to go, despite the age he was. They could all stand to learn something in the coming months, and it would be fascinating to see where they all ended up. Perhaps she could devine it. Or maybe something were best left as surprises.

And then Leo hugged her again, and all felt right for those few precious seconds. Leo had come into her life at a time where she could easily have fallen into a dark path, and she would forever be in his debt. He was light, warmth and security, and right then, Callie needed a little of each. Maybe more than a little. And it seemed that he needed it as well, so she was willing to give as much to the hug as she could. It was a given fact that human contact was healing, in more ways than one. Every time you touched someone, in any form of intimate contact, you transferred a little bit of spiritual energy. And it was simple fact that everyone needed to be touched, every once in awhile.

She knew her security was more then fine, yet Leo wouldn’t rest until he was sure everything was alright, so she nodded, letting him go off. She did her own check, reaching out her senses and ensuring that her spells, and wards, had the energy they required. A lot of them took energy from the air around her, and they also took a small continuous energy from her as well, something she was sure she’d be aware of if they were here for days, but for the night, Callie would be alright. She reached out beyond the wards, seeking anything dangerous out there, around her inn, but there was nothing.

Finally she moved off to her private kitchen, taking out an amulet she should have been wearing constantly, and looping it over her neck. It would warn her if there was anything bad approaching, as well as tell her if her wards were going to go down. She tidied up a little bit, and was just walking back into the sitting area when Leo returned to her. She smiled at him, and approached him, leaning up to cup his right cheek. ”Thank you, Leo, for caring” She said softly, then removed her hand and kissed his cheek.

”Now? We….plan”

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Alexis (@Legion02) Xerxes Arvanitis (@YoshiSkittlez) Miranda Burke (@Damo021)

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As everything seemed to be winding down, Cassandra knew that her father would be there most of the night, if not the whole night with Syleste and Sebastian, and no matter how much she wanted to be here, she knew that her father would just worry about her, and not be as focused as he should be. So she gave him a hug, saying ”I’ll be home, okay? I’ll be safe. Chewy will be with me” She hugged him tightly, still wrapped up in his lab coat, knowing she wasn’t going to give it back, the comfort it provided her-his scent, overpowered the fear, letting her sink into its warmth, and safety. She looked up at him, and gave him a smile, ”I’ll be safe, Daddy” She promised, although she was a little terrified at heading back home, alone. She wanted to be near her father, wanted to go home with him.

Because when push came to shove, he had always been there for her, for everything. From every little cut or scrape, every bruise as kid could get, every day at school, he’d always make sure to be there, if she needed it. He’d been there, giving her a family, and making sure she was loved. And maybe that was what was important, not that he had technically lied to her her entire life. He’d been there, he’d gone above and beyond in the father department, and he’d done everything he could for her.

”I love you, Daddy. I’ll see you at home” She hugged him again, looked over her friends, wanting to assure herself one last time that they were okay, As she did so, a text came through, and she checked her phone, stopping in the doorway. She was surprised when she realised it was from Alexis, asking if she was okay. She hesitated a moment, before replying.



She didn’t know what else she could say, weary and a little heart sick, she hit send. It wasn’t like she could come out and say :Oh, yeah,, we got bitten by this mad wolf, and guess what? Its made us werewolves!”. She’d sound crazy. And possibly put her friends in danger, in the long run. But Alexis seemed like she needed a friend. Cassie didn’t know what to do, and she bowed her head, sighing, before looking back at Miranda, ”Miri, we can get a cab and carpool to your place, then I can head home, if you like” She wanted to make sure her friend got home safely. She didn’t know what she would do if something happened to Miranda. There were times that without her, or Syleste, she didn’t know what she would do. She hoped Miri would agree to getting a cab, she didn’t want to be alone that long on the way home.

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Her body felt heavy. Frozen in place, unable to move as though she were nothing more than a deer caught in headlights, ready and waiting for the moment when the hunter pulled the trigger to end her life. She could hear it… the others moving about somewhere behind her; some of them leaving the room, others unable to do so on their own- the steady breathing and gentle heartbeat of both siren’s nothing more than a double edged sword… a reminder of what the night had brought.

They were alive, sure… but was it better to be alive and in the state they were, or dead..?

Shutting her eyes tightly, Zoé shoved the thought out of her mind completely. She didn’t need to think about that- no, she didn’t want to think about that. They were alive. That was what mattered the most; not the fact that they had almost died because of her careless mistake. Listening to each and every footstep, she waited patiently, the gentle click of the door closing behind everyone her cue to stand up as she turned to face the two that she had (admittedly) been worried about the most in the group. Aron… Gage… She couldn’t make them wait any longer than they had.

Dropping her head, her gaze fell to the ground, her dark eyes staring nervously at the linoleum under her feet before eventually, she took a deep breath, seemingly to give herself courage as she stepped closer to the twins, her hand slipping around to reach into her back pocket as she spoke, her voice soft… weary as she hesitated, “..I know that you don’t trust me right now… I haven’t given either of you many reasons to, but-… But I swear on my life that I would do anything to protect you both…”

Pausing for a moment, Zoé turned her head, shooting a quick glance over at the door as if to make sure that they were alone enough before she turned back to them, her soft lips parting ever so slightly from one another as finally, she met with their eyes, her hand clasping tightly onto a large chunk of papers as she drew it back around her body, holding it nervously in front of her stomach as she shifted slightly on the spot. God damn; why was this so hard..? Was it because it was just another thing she had kept hidden from them..? Her heart beginning to race slightly, she tightened her hold over the papers just that little bit more at the thought that they might reject her- if they did… she didn’t know what it was she would do…

“..you’re over twelve… well over the legal age… it’s your choice, but… I hope you do choose this…”

She was hesitant; it was clear as day. This wasn’t how she normally was- this nervous..? No, she was rarely ever anxious about anything, though she had a sinking feeling that it wasn’t going to be the last time she was like this… Taking a few moments longer to gather the courage she was meant to have as an alpha, Zoé unfolded the papers, separating them into two before eventually, she held them out to each of the boys, “..I didn’t want to tell you until I knew for sure that it was a possibility… I didn’t want to get your hopes up, but… if you agree with this; if you sign these documents, then you won’t ever have to go back to that house again… you’ll be able to come and live with me…”

Slowly lowering her arms back into her, she brought her hands together in front of her stomach, her fingers playing anxiously with the front of her top as she watched them, trying to figure out where their thoughts were at, “..if you sign them… then you’ll both legally become my sons…”

@Vicier

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Aron turned to listen to Zoe as she spoke confusion on his face while gage was listening, but his eyes were on Syleste. There was confusion on both, but Aron seemed to start to figure out where she was going with it first and got Gage to turn to her.

Both remained silent as she spoke. Though Aron seemed fully ready to cry. They both looked at the paper. Both knew what they meant. Aron's hand went to his mouth as his eyes watered. Gage simply held the papers before looking at Zoe. He was shocked that much was clear. Both brothers looked at each other then back at Zoe before Aron turned and rummaged about.

Finding two pens he handed one over to gage. Gage took the pen but seemed hesitant for a moment. He looked at Zoe once more and seeing her nervous like that seemed to confirm his thoughts. He signed while Aron quickly signed with a shaky hand.

Once they were done pens were set down and they both presented the papers back to her....Aron trembling like a leaf as he did so. Then they hugged her. Aron shaking and crying while gage was holding tight showing he had about the same emotions inwardly that Aron was easily displaying. They were free and they were going with someone who wouldn't hurt them.

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It was late - far later than it should have been for meeting up with someone for a simple drink, no matter how much either of them needed it. Syleste’s injuries had been a bit worse than he had initially thought, and by not being able to tend to them right away, it caused for a small infection to take place which he attended to immediately after the rest of the children had left and he was able to once more take Syleste under his own… wing.

He had remained long enough to witness the private interaction between Zoé and the two boys - the twins. But he remained silent until the moment had passed and then quietly, after slipping his wings back into his body and putting on his shirt, carried Syleste from the table Gage had placed her on, to the operating room where he was able to look her over in a much more professional way.

Eighteen stitches, antibiotics, and a small bit of internal bleeding that he was able to isolate and get under control by just himself. The nurses knew to give her painkillers if she were to wake up before he managed to get back to the hospital. She needed her rest so that her body could heal properly. She was no Werewolf - she had no accelerated healing. Though tired as he was, and knowing full well that he would be due back at the hospital in just a few hours, he could at least rest somewhat easily knowing that she would be okay.

Cassie, on the other hand… It was the only reason he hadn’t headed straight home. He needed answers. He needed a drink. Though perhaps Zoé had already headed home? He knew she was headed to the Parlor after the night they had for a drink, and had invited him along before she had left the hospital for the night. But perhaps he had already missed her? Still, he figured that it wouldn’t hurt to do a quick drive by and peek to see if her bike wasn’t still there.

There were only three vehicles in the parking lot. The delivery van, Zoé’s motorbike, and a stray car that had probably been left overnight since it’s owner needed a cab ride home from too much beer. None of that mattered, however, except the knowledge that Zoé was indeed, still there. Parking next to her bike, he hesitated for a moment, his grip tightening on the wheel. God it was late. Really, he should just go home and get some sleep… be with Cassandra… he hadn’t really been able to be at the hospital… He doubted that he would be getting any sleep any time soon, however. Not with his mind filled to the brim with questions and concerns. What kind of father could he be for Cassandra in such a distracted state? No. He needed answers. He needed to know how to help his little girl.

Getting out of the car, Xerxes closed the car door, locking it behind him and walked to the bar-side door. Surprised to find it unlocked, he pushed it open and stepped inside, looking around for any sign of the owner.

The gentle ‘clink’ of glass over the polished bar top was barely audible as Zoé placed it down, her dark eyes lifting to meet with his for only a few moments before she drew her hand back, her body turning away from his as she picked up the empty glass she had been using, the woman seeming to barely think about what it was she was doing as she pulled down on the lever, not bothering to pay any attention to the beer as it flowed silently into the glass.

“Heard you pull in… don’t know what your poison is, so I poured you a glass of Dopplebock. After the night we’ve had; I assumed you’d be wanting the strong stuff…”

Chuckling a bit, rather relieved that the woman seemed to be in somewhat high spirits (considering), his body physically relaxed some the moment that he realized that the beer she was pouring was for her, and his was already resting on the bar. So she had known that he was coming… or at least she knew him well enough to know it was his car that pulled in during the dead of night. Gods - he didn’t even dare look at what time it was.

“Your bartender told me all about it the other night when I was in. Had me try it while I waited for my to-go order.” Not wanting to cross any lines to go behind the bar with her, Xerxes instead walked to the opposite side and took a seat at the bar towards the center.

“German-style lager. Nearly a nine percent. Goes down a lot smoother than anything with that high of alcohol should.”

“Of course. It’s my brew; and I serve nothing but the best.” Turning back to him once she had shut off the tap, she leant back against the cooler, taking a few moments to hold his gaze before her attention dropped to the newly re-filled beer she had in her hand, seeming to pause but a moment before she lifted it to her lips, taking a small sip before she spoke again, her voice a tad distracted, “Speaking of which… I know I have another keg of the stuff in back, but it’s very popular with the regulars. I’ll have to shoot Alder a message asking him to drop by the brewery on his way in later this morning…”

”You run a good business here, Zoé. I’ve heard only positive things about this place.” Xerxes commented truthfully, only raising the pint to his lips for a drink after seeing her do so first. He wasn’t going to ask - nothing ever good came from asking a woman how long she had been drinking for. But gauging how long it took him to take care of Syleste, he had to figure a while.

“Thank you… but as much as I extended the invitation; I’m pretty sure you didn’t come here just to share a drink with me…”

Speaking bluntly, she once more lifted her eyes, holding his gaze for a spell before pushing away from the cooler, her glass coming to a rest over the bar before she leant forward, her arms crossing underneath her as she dropped to eye level with him, her head tilting lightly to the side causing her long dark locks to fall forward and over her shoulder, “..so, what can I do for you Dr. Arvanitis..?”

Xerxes lowered his gaze to his drink, half because of her more comfortable apparel being a bit more revealing than normal, the other half being that he simply could not meet her eye with the topic at hand. Where did he even begin to explain his concerns about the situation?

“I… may not be a Werewolf… but I can still pick up on emotions just as easily. You and your Beta were not happy with me earlier today. I… apologize. For a few moments there, it was only me and Cassie - no one else existed. I failed her as a father. I did not tell her about our world. I had… I had to do something… I didn’t want her to have to hear it from someone else...”

“..the words ‘not happy’ are a big understatement…” Frowning slightly, Zoé let her words sink in a few moments before she stood back up straight, her hand reaching to pick up the glass before she once more pressed it against her lips, allowing the strong alcohol to flow into her mouth before disappearing completely down her throat, “..you undermined my authority as an alpha.”

Unable to help the soft growl that emanated from somewhere deep within her throat, she turned her head away, cutting herself off before she once more became angry. That was the last thing she wanted- no, it was the last thing she needed. To get angry again… to lose her temper at the doctor that was caring for three members of her recently expanded pack. Cassandra… Syleste… Sebastian… they needed him. Clenching her jaw slightly, she placed the glass back down over the polished wood, the ‘clink’ louder than it had been earlier when she had given him his own beer, “What you did could have cost those pups more than you think- it could have cost them an alpha. You know nothing about me, or about wolves, and yet you chose to speak for us; to speak for me… father or not; don’t ever do that again.”

Xerxes did not answer right away. Instead, his eyes carefully watched the bubbles in his amber-colored beer rise to the surface where the carbonation was slowly lost. He thought his words over carefully, as though he were about to defuse a bomb. And in a strange, sort of way, he kind of was. After a few silent moments, he took just a moment longer to allow himself another drink, carefully setting the pint glass back down without so much as a sound.

”You being an Alpha is something I have respected ever since our first meeting. Tonight… for those first few minutes… I thought my daughter to be dead. To first start to accept that, only to find out this… Alpha or not, she is still my daughter, and she will always come first.” Finally, finding some sliver of bravery within him, Xerxes raised his dark eyes to look at her. ”Tonight… you and I have crossed paths in a way I believe neither of us ever expected. I can respect you as her Alpha if you can respect me as her father. We both want what is best for her. Had we more time to discuss this information to Cas- the kids beforehand, I am certain things would have gone differently and both to our liking. So again, Zoé, I apologize deeply for how things had gone. If I’d been a better father, she would have already known.”

As a motion that had nothing at all to do with their conversation, Xerxes’ eyes lowered back down to his glass, not because he was afraid, morso that it was something out of habit that came with deep conversations.

”You’re correct. I know nothing. But I can’t go back to that house tonight where she will be waiting for me, wanting answers I don’t have. I can’t go back to her… knowing that I can’t comfort her…” His eyes looked back up, looking more tired than they had all day. But not just physically.

”Help me.”

He was asking for her help; just as the pups had done before him. And that look behind his dark eyes… it was the same one his daughter had given to her hours beforehand, that loss that came with not knowing what it was that he was meant to do- of course. Like father, like daughter; why she believed she could expect anything less was far beyond her comprehension.

“..mierda..!”

Balling her hands up into fists, Zoé lifted her right hand up slightly, slamming it down over the counter as an exasperated sigh filled the air; a sign that she was, indeed, giving in, “..fine; alright… so what is it you want to know..?”

Flinching somewhat at her quick outburst, Xerxes let out a soft, tired sigh. Perhaps this was a bad idea - perhaps he shouldn’t have asked this of her at all. Perhaps he was a fool thinking that he might get any information out of her that night.

Removing his glasses from his face, he quietly set them down on the bar next to his beer and began to rub one of his eyes, forcing the sleep away.

”Her mother was a human… I kept my being an Angel from her too until she fell pregnant with Cassie… When she died, Cassie was all I had left of her - they were so much alike. She reminds me so much of her every day. There had always been this tiny part of me, though, that always hoped that she might have been like me and hadn’t yet shown it. That’s when I was going to tell her… but it never happened. It’s clear to me now, more than ever, that Cassie was, and had always been human… just like her mother. And now knowing that… I am glad… but then disheartened under the circumstances that told me so. But… I’m also happy to be able to let her into this part of my life...”

He didn’t know why he was telling her this. He hadn’t spoken about Cassie’s mother in a great number of years - not even to his own daughter. It was a subject they went to great lengths to avoid for no particular reason at all. But with how Zoé was responding to him… with how irate her mood swings were… perhaps just the tiniest bit of backstory would help her to understand where he was coming from. Maybe, just maybe, it might even calm her down. There was no way in hell he was going to use his emotion-altering abilities on her. Not with the already thin wire he was walking on with her.

”How much of her do I have to give up to you, now that she belongs in your pack?”

“..ninguna...” Caught slightly off-guard by the question presented to her, Zoé stared at him, her fists relaxing over the wood until eventually, they were once more resting, her fingers curling lightly over the bar; the few moments of confused and stunned silence on both their parts helping to drag her back to the present as she shook her head, repeating herself, though this time, in English.

“..none… I expect you to give none up to me; you are, after all, her father. Think of it like this; the pack is now her second family, as you have your own expectations, I too have mine. She will be expected to help out when needed; especially in dire times. But I don’t intend on keeping her from you.” Her voice was softer as she spoke, explaining to him as best as she could what she meant, though she was pretty sure she was only making it worse, “We stick together… encourage each other… and we look after one another. When I call; I give them the choice to come, I will not force them to do what they don’t feel right doing. But also know that if ever the time comes that I do end up taking her away from you… know it will be because I have no other choice.”

Her words helped to ease the growing knot of anxiousness that hadn’t seemed to go away since Cassandra and her friends first entered the hospital. But then other areas of uneasiness came - things would never be the same. Life was going to change drastically for the both of them, and he wasn’t sure if either of them were ready. Zoé could call for her at any time…

”How far does the call of an Alpha reach? If… if I were to take her away from here… we don’t very often spend our summers in Klamath…”

It was an interesting question; and one that she herself had been interested in for quite some time when she had first found herself in charge of a pack. James… Sombra… she couldn’t help but to wonder what they were doing now, especially after she had left that voicemail on his phone letting him know what had happened to his younger sister.

“My roar is powerful… now how far it reaches depends on just how much power I put behind the roar itself. I can be heard through all of Klamath, and just a little past the borders of town; but no further from what I’m aware.”

He nodded. If they went on a vacation… she would be safely his. The idea started to become more and more tempting. Just… pack up and leave. They could go to Tahoe. Aspen. Rent a cabin, do some snowboarding… anything to get away from all of this…

The next question on his mind made him visibly wince, as though it pained him. Taking another moment to himself, he once more took a drink of his beer, admittedly a much larger one than any of the others he had taken that night.

”Will it hurt her? Transforming, I mean. Will she be in any pain?”

She knew this question had been coming. She didn’t need to be a parent to understand that he didn’t want to see his daughter go through pain; and with the fact that she now, as of mere hours ago, had two boys of her own to care for and raise-... her heart went out to the guy. She would rather sit and take whatever pain they would feel for herself than to see them suffering before her very eyes.

“..the first few times will be painful, yes… maybe even the first dozen times… it’s different for each that go through it…”

Her body tensing, a slight shiver ran through the length of her spine, her heartbeat quickening ever so slightly as her mind flicked back to her first time, “..the first time I transformed; I was in excruciating pain… my body felt as though it was on fire, and all I wanted to do was die… it was hard to push through, but I made it, and I’m standing here because of it. My niece on the other hand… the pain she felt was nothing compared to mine. Each time it happens, it gets a little bit easier; and eventually, the pain will just disappear completely.”

Hesitating a moment, Zoé reached a hand forward, resting it gently over his own in an attempt to offer him comfort, “..I don’t want to see them in pain… none of them… and you have my word that I’ll do everything I can to make Cassie, and all the others as comfortable as I possibly can through this… I have sons of my own now; I don’t want to ever see them suffer again...”

For quite a while, Xerxes didn’t even realize her touch on his hand. All he heard was “pain.” His mind went a million miles a minute - his Cassie… in pain? He would rather see someone murdered in cold blood by his own hand than to see the pain in his daughter's eyes over something that she couldn’t control. His body became stiff, even after Zoé had reached out to comfort him. He almost recoiled - not because of her touch, but merely that he didn’t recognize what she was trying to do, and was instead going by his fatherly instincts…

“I can’t… she’s always looked to me for guidance… for comfort… I don’t know where, or how to go from here…”

“You need to trust me; and you need to let me do my job as her alpha… that’s the only thing you can do right now.” She knew she was being blunt; but it was the only way that he was ever going to let what she was telling him get through his head. He needed to trust her- trust that she wasn’t going to let them down… trust that she wasn’t willing to put them in immediate danger, and that she wasn’t going to let them suffer anymore pain if there was any way that she could help it. She wasn’t going to lead them down the wrong path.

“..look…” Sighing softly, Zoé shook her head lightly from side to side, her long dark locks brushing back and forth across her back as she thought on the topic. It didn’t matter what happened from this point onward, the children were always going to be her first priority, especially now that she had two of her own, “..you know nothing about what it’s like to be wolf… and honestly, I don’t know nothing about being a parent. Before I left I gave my son’s each a key to the house, then the keys to Melissa’s car so they could get home when they were ready- don’t go telling Melissa that though, she’ll kill me… but maybe-... well, maybe we can help each other…”

Xerxes quirked a brow, though his face remained otherwise placid. He could see in her eyes that she truly believed what she was telling him, that he just needed to trust her. She was right - he knew nothing about what it was to be a Werewolf. It was the exact reason he found himself sitting at the bar at Gods knew what time of night.

He let out a soft sigh, his eyes dropping to once more look at his beer before glancing over at her hand placed on his. This was going to be a huge leap of faith on his part. He had always looked after Cassandra on his own - it had always just been the two of them. His heart ached at the thought of that changing. He was no longer able to provide for her on his own. He needed Zoé’s help.

”...what… exactly, did you have in mind?” he asked, lifting his eyes once more to meet with hers.

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The familiar stench of beer filled her nostrils, overpowering the sense almost completely as she stood there, slight shock flickering over her features as she stared at the keg in front of her. Why it was that much of a surprise to her she wasn’t sure; it wasn’t as though it was the first keg to have blown up on her, and she was more than sure that it wasn’t going to be the last either. This sort of thing became a regular occurrence when you ran a brewery…

She was drenched… her forearms, face, hair, neck; they had all been hit by the alcoholic substance. The front of her top completely soaked through to the point where it had quickly become see-through in some places. Closing her eyes, Zoé dropped her arms back down to her sides, allowing them to just hang there for a few moments as she thought over what now needed to be done; she had to clean up the mess… change the keg, and any others that were empty… check the tills… stock up on ice… turn on both the fryers and oven in the kitchen… ensure the grocery catalogue is up to date…

The list was endless; and it all had to be completed before they opened.

With what was a defeated sigh falling out through her lips, she lifted a hand up, her fingers slipping back and disappearing into her long dark locks as she pushed them off of her face, though the action was all in vain; the very moment her arm returned to her side, her hair fell, once more framing her weary, slightly intoxicated, and obviously tired features. What a great way to start her first day as a mother… This was all going to be a lot easier if she just went and got the new keg before unhooking it all…

Dropping her head down, Zoé examined the front of her top- she reeked of beer. Dopplebock. It was the strongest beer that they served at the pizzeria; the strongest beer that they made at the brewery thus far, and as such, it also had quite a strong aroma. Running a hand over her face, she once more let out a gentle though defeated sigh, her feet shuffling along underneath her as she headed out of the bar area and into the storage room in the back, only coming to a stop once her gaze fell on what it was she was searching for. The kegs, as always, were lined up in rows; stored up-right and with the labels clearly seen from almost anywhere you stood in the room- each weighing about one hundred and sixty pounds, which would (under any normal circumstance) be almost impossible to move without some kind of help.

Luckily for her, she wasn’t exactly considered to be normal.

Searching for the right label before doing anything else, Zoé made her way over to them, her body stooping down as she reached out, her arms wrapping as far around the barrel as they possibly could before she lifted it up, standing up straight once more as she brought it higher, resting it gently over her shoulder as she began to head back the way she had come, carrying it with ease back towards the bar as once again, she allowed her mind to wander.

The boys… No; her sons. She couldn’t help but wonder how they were doing. Even though she had given them both keys to the house the night previous, she knew better than to think that they would have gone there with all that had happened. Gage would have stayed at the hospital… there was no way that he was going to leave Syleste’s side, and she wouldn’t ever ask him to. Aron on the other hand… whether he chose to stay at the hospital with Gage, or headed out to meet up with Cody, she didn’t mind. As long as they were safe… as long as they were happy. Honestly, that was all that really mattered to her right now. Unable to help the small smile that played with her lips at the very thought, Zoé continued to move, her mind obviously elsewhere as she wandered back over towards the bar.

@Vicier

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Aron seemed genuinely happy. How could he not? A new home and he had Cody as a boyfriend. He seemed to ooze it as he carried a to go box and two to go cups. All with things they had made earlier in the morning. That and other events lead to him having the faint scent of smoke with his usual cinnamon roll one. As if he had gotten close to a fire.

Aron made his way to the front of the pizzeria and paused a moment before going inside. His attire was very casual with simply a white t shirt and basketball shorts. Both of which seemed brand new. He spotted Zoe and beamed. "Hey. Uhm....we made you some stuff" he made his way to the bar too and placed one of the cups down with the box.

Aron then looked back at her and watched as she transported the keg. He seemed conflicted not knowing if she would want him to help or not before he saw his chance dissipate. She was too close to putting it down.

Aron opened the box revealing an open face sandwhich with pot roast mashed potatoes and gravy piled onto the slice of sour dough bread. On the side was green beans with bacon. Aron looked up at her. "Gage wanted to make something for you since he decided to stay at the hospital..." He trailed off. They clearly had to have gone shopping at some point to get the ingredients...for both the sandwhich and the two milkshakes Aron had made. One was Neapolitan and meant for her the other a strawberry cinnamon meant for him.

He looked at her. "Do you need any help?" he could smell the alcohol off of her, but seemed to be ignoring it...firgiring since some was on her shirt it must have spilled. That and he couldn't say much about the smell on her when he currently smelled like a burnt cinnamon roll. Aron figured today would be a day spent helping....and maybe getting Cody over as well. He had yet to share the news with him after all.

Cody didn’t sleep much, having returned home, he assured his parents that he was okay. He had figured that Aron would want to stay with Gage, and hadn’t waited long for him, although he would have stayed all night, but his mothers worried voice had sent him home. He didn’t stay in his room long, instead he waited for his parents to fall asleep, before sneaking out. Dangerous, perhaps, yet Cody wasn’t terribly worried. He retreated to his treehouse, something he had worked on with his father over some years, until it was more like a house in its own right.

At that moment, it was actually clean, as opposed to littered with rubbish. Cody spent most of his time here writing his book, often falling asleep on one of the beanbags. He’d brought Aron here, just the other day, and he sighed at the memory, his thoughts going to Aron. His boyfriend. Partner. Right then, his just about anything. He sighed again, and smiled to himself, wanting to call him, but not wanting to wake him if Aron had managed to sleep. Dropping down onto a beanbag, Cody laid back, glancing out the window, watching the sun slowly rising.

He woke, having dozed slightly, and stretched, rising. He retrieved his phone, glancing at the screen, sighing softly. He was worried that there was no message from Aron, and he bit his lip, nervously. He sat back down, and quickly sent off a message to Aron.



He stopped himself before he could sound clingy, and sighed to himself, only then letting himself think on all that had happened. His closed his eyes, letting the images come. Perhaps that was why he hadn’t let himself sleep. Sleep made horrible images into nightmares. It was easier to deal with them awake, and he flicked through what he recalled of the attack. He remembered falling over, a log, a stick, maybe his own damn feet, the snap of bone, and the wolf on top of him. Utter fear, as he saw it leap away, attack someone else, the confusion, not able to see Aron. Cody shuddered.

The hospital. Having their lives turned upside down, and inside out. He wanted Aron. He wanted the comfort of...love. Maybe that was selfish. He sighed, and opened his eyes, reaching for his phone, he sent another message to Aron, not caring if it sounded desperate.



It was easier to be stronger with those you cared about, then when you were alone.

Callie watched Quinton leave the inn, and stood at the window, watching him sit in his car, before driving off. She couldn’t truly imagine what it must be like, to have the burden of the pack, and his daughter. Her mind went to her coven. To the boy that had walked out the house the night before, to the girl upstairs, that she knew she’d have to watch, and guide. To Leo, who had kept her steady, who had helped her in a tough time, who had been there, from the first moment she had gained the inn, the little store with it. For a long time, he had been her only coven, and that had been the way she had liked it.

Now...the prospect of teaching a young mind, a budding talent, was both frightening, and thrilling. As Quinton started off, Callie turned from the window, returning to the kitchen, and the food she had been preparing. As there weren’t any other guests, apart from her coven and Magnus, Callie retreated to her private kitchen, and worked a potion on one stove, the gas stove, and food on the other, making sure not to mix the two. Wooden spoon for food, metal spoon for spelling. Cooper pots for spelling. She did everything by instinct now, years of training, and a few small mishaps, had instilled it as second nature to her.

Bacon was sizzling on a pan, hash browns cooking on the grill, while the spell she was cooking shimmered away. As a timer tinged, she turned the gas stove off, letting the potion cool, slipped the metal spoon into the vat of salt water, and flipped the bacon over, checked the hash browns. Retrieving some eggs from the fridge, she cracked them onto another pan, singing softly under her breath.



Tigress danced around her feet, meowing in a slightly demanding way, and Callie chuckled, dishing the food out onto plates, she fed the kitten, and dropped seven disks of redwood into the potion, making sure she could fish them out easily. Shifting, she muttered a spell, using the leyline nearby to fuel the magic, and lifted the plates into the air, where they soon settled down on the dining table. She knew that the scent of food would lure the others out, and for a moment she retreated back to the kitchen, fishing the amulets out, she muttered another spell, infused the earth magic with ley line magic, something that was bordering on illegal magic, yet Callie knew how to dance a fine line.

Hanging the amulets up, she returned to the dining room, satisfied, with what she had done that morning, and the homely task of cooking had settled her. She had a lot to talk with Alexis, and therefore Leo about, and a hearty breakfast would set them for what was going to be a long day. As the thought crossed her mind, Callie retrieved her phone, turning it on, to send a message to Zoé. She stopped and sighed. What she had to say would be best said in person, later that day.

The first thing Quinton did when he woke, after finding out that he was unable to get into the Cedar Ash in, was pick up his daughter. He found Abigale asleep, but that hadn't stopped him from carefully picking her up, and with a grateful few words to callie, the young witch already up and about, carried her out to the car, with the wolf-pup trotting along happily. He settled his little girl in the backseat, and sighed softly, buckling her in, he watched Remus jump in, and settle himself against Abigale. Happy, Quinton sat behind the wheel, and laid his head gently against it for a few moments. It had been a long grueling night, and the scant hours of sleep he had managed to grab hadn't done him any justice. Following the teens as they made their way home, Quinton had assured himself that they were all safe, before heading to the inn, only to find out that the wards had locked the place down.

Which meant that it was probably the safest place for Abigale right then. It still hadn't done much to assure him that she was alright. Now, with her in the back seat, Quinton could fully admit to himself how worried he had been. She was safe. She was sound. And he knew he had made the right choice, in giving her the protection a pack had to offer. He sighed softly, and started up the car, heading back towards home, stopping on the way to get breakfast. Gently waking Abigale, he waited until they had started to eat, the pup getting a bite of food every now and then, before he started to speak.

"Abigale..." He said softly, gaining her attention, he waited until she was looking at him, a piece of bacon from her roll between her lips, and she blinked once, slowly at him. "Something happened last night, to the teens that went camping in the woods. I know you may know some of it, being in Callie's house. what happened was they were attacked by an Alpha. You know what that means, don't you?". Quinton didn't believe in treating Abigale like she was a child that didn't understand things. Abigale had proven time and time again that she understood far more then she let on.

Abigale swallowed her mouthful of food, and nodded, "If they live, it means they will become werewolves. Like you did, right? It means that either the wolf that bit them, or Miss Zoé, has to try and take charge of them, right?"

Quinton took a moment before replying, but nodded, "generally, yes. That, or they become lone wolves, and we don't want that. Zoé has offered the teens the chance to become apart of the pack, and it seems that they have accepted. It means we have a larger pack now, yet more than that, it means we now have new pups, and teaching them, training them, is going to take a lot of time. There's going to be some long nights, sweetie. Long days. For a time, it might not be safe for you to be there, at least for a little while. However, we will meet them all. They are your pack, sweetie and you need to know them."

Abigale frowned, looking down at her roll, seeming to drop lightly. "Oh...doesn't that mean....that you can't spend as much time with me?" The way she said it, like a little kid, hurting, broke Quinton's heart, and he set his own roll down, shifting to pick her up, settle her in his lap, wrapped his arms around her, and holding her close. She was so small...and he was the only parent she had. And now he felt like he was betraying her, in that regard. "Abigale...I promise you, I will always make time for you. I'll be there, always for you. I'll pick you up, and take you home, no matter the hour. I love you, Abi." Abigale buried her head in the nape of his neck, and nodded, giving a small sniffle. He kissed the top of her dark head, and cradled her close.

He closed his eyes, and swallowed, holding her close, and rocking her. Remus curled up, by his feet, gave a small sigh. He rocked her until she fell asleep again. Sometimes it was hard to remember that she was a child. Carefully standing, so as not to wake her, he retreated to the lounge, settling down with her still in his arms, and leaned back, just holding her.

There wasn't anything he wouldn't do, to ensure her happiness. There was going to be a lot of long nights, and early starts, but for Abigale, Quinton would do it.

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The young woman left the Running Y ranch early, letting the bi-coloured eyed cat roam free for the day, Selina knew Antaya could look after herself, and she wasn’t really worried, Shifting to her sleek, black panther form, Selina shifted the bag she’d had specifically designed onto her neck, where it couldn’t get in her way, before starting to run. There really was nothing quite like the freedom that running, that knowing you were fast, and strong. powerful. For a few glorious moments, Selina felt...happy. Her eyes were alight with a blue glow, the result of a rather unpleasant situation, were bright with happiness, and something else.

She slowed as she drew near the attack site, and with no qualms, Selina shifted forms, and quite calmly withdrew some clothes from the bag, dressing quickly, before crouched on the edge of the scene. She let her sense roam out, letting all the scents come to her, the sights. blood. Smoke from the campfire. fear. Terror. The emotional scents were faint, fading even as she took them in, but she could see where the attack had first started, follow its path, much as she had in the tree. Her gaze went slightly distant, as it landed on the spot she’d seen the girl.

why?. It took a tremendous force of will to tear her thoughts away from the blonde haired girl. She simply wouldn’t think about her. She had not imprinted. ”Yeah, you keep on telling yourself that” She muttered to herself, shifted and rising from where she was, trying to pick up the alpha’s scent, the one that had attacked the group. It was quite impossible, and Selina sighed. She ran a hand through her hair, before shaking her head.

She knew very well that she couldn’t keep her presence in Klamath Falls a secret, and it was better to face it now, then later. She undressed unhurriedly, and changed forms, running towards town. She found somewhere to shift without being noticed, and dressed once more. Brushing her hair back, Selina walked into the town. She managed for all of five minutes not to turn her thoughts to the girl. She couldn’t seem to help it. She hadn’t heard any stories of anyone breaking imprinting, and even if she could, she didn’t know if it was possible to survive that.

That is, of course, if she had imprinted. Which she hadn’t. ”That’s right, keep your delusions.” She muttered to herself, shaking her head. Just what was she going to do? She was, it seemed, going to drive herself insane. She recalled that there was a hunter...or hunter family, in the area, her adoptive father having been in contact with many hunters in the day. Perhaps she could go speak with them, see what they knew? Yet in that lay many dangerous.

One, Selina was a werecat. The Hunter might not understand that she was also a hunter as well. Two...Selina’s glowing blue eyes, when in werecat form, and when she brought it forth for interesting effects, would mark her as someone that had killed using her abilities. More specifically, as someone that had killed an innocent. It had been an accident, something Selina hadn’t wanted to happen, and yet she couldn’t take it back for the simple fact that it just wasn’t possible. Not many people understood that. Certainly no Hunters would, she was sure.

So that wasn’t really an option, and it also meant that it was dangerous to reveal the colour of her eyes to any of the other supernatural, or shifter creatures here. Not revealing herself however would lead to even more danger.

So. That left her with few options, and Selina grimaced. She could either find the blonde haired girl, use her to get some semblance of….not necessarily acceptance, but time to explain just why she had blue eyes, or she could go in, find the alpha she-wolf and be prepared for anything that might happen. The latter seemed like a better option, to Selina.

It was certainly going to be an eventful day. Whether or not she came out of it alive was another thing.

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Having extracted herself from her father when morning came, Cassandra was at the stove, flipping a piece of French toast over, clicking her fingers, and Chewy who'd been trying to steal a piece of bacon waiting patiently for the rest of the breakfast, and the dog slunk back to the ground. Putting the bacon in the oven to keep it warm, she checked the toast again, the coffee maker happily working away.

Cassandra was more than content with the everyday, home-y task. She hummed as she worked, and giving in, she gave Chewy a piece of bacon before he could beg, too soft hearted for her own good. She glanced at the time, pleased, and finished up the cooking, skipping the pan in the sink and letting water fall on it, sizzling as it did, dishing out the food, and pouring a cup of coffee, grabbing herself some juice.

After last night, she wanted her father to have a decent meal before going back into work.

Inhaling deeply out of being startled by his alarm, Xerxes grunted a bit as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone to turn it off, having to squint a bit making the creases on the corners of his eyes deepen.

It took him a few moments to realize why he was on the couch, and then that Cassandra was gone. Memories flooded back into his mind like a broken dam. He ran his hand over his face, tugging at the skin a bit and exhaled a sigh before then realizing that the smell of breakfast had infiltrated his senses.

His little girl - made him breakfast.

Grabbing his glasses that she had taken off of him just a few hours ago, he put them back on and slowly made his way into the kitchen where he watched her quietly being busy around the kitchen. He didn’t know if he'd have time to enjoy everything she did for him, but he would sure as hell make an effort.

"Bacon smells good." he said, somewhat groggy, making his presence known.

Cassie looked over and smiled brightly, and for a small time it would be like the attack didn't happen. She tilted the coffee into a to-go mug, just in case he'd eat and run and not finish the coffee off. "Chewy thinks so too. I'll go for a run with him later." normal, and yet everything seemed to have changed. She wished her father would sleep a little more, but she knew he had to go in.

She handed him one of the plates, nudging Chewbacca as the dog wagged his tail, looking up at the plates as if they held the secret to everything. She gave a small laugh, and patted him, before sitting down at the table.

She had more questions, but they could wait. They weren't something she wanted to ask Zoé about, but rather questions that were about them. She knew her father didn't have much time, and they could wait.

"Are you okay?"

Xerxes chuckled, walking into the kitchen and took his coffee from her, taking a moment to rub her back with his free hand and kissed the top of her head.

"I should be asking you that - ooh! Bacon!" Abandoning his daughter, flashing her a quick smile and a wink, Xerxes went to the plate of bacon and popped a piece into his mouth.

"You know, with all the bacon left over, we'll have to make maple bacon sundaes when I get home from work tonight." he said in between chewing different slices. Then he gave her a more serious look.

"Why don't you come with me to work today? Miranda can come to and visit with Syleste and you can shadow me around and help me out with her a bit." Truly, he just didn't want to leave her after the night she had. But it could help her in the long run if she really did want to become a surgeon like him.

Cassie laughed, and weakening, fed chewbacca another piece of bacon, the dog practically going ecstatic at such a rare treat. "We both know I'm fine. I have to be, for my friends"

She nodded at the sundae idea, smiling, yet it faded at his look. Go to work with him? She was sure that it was an attempt to make sure she wasn't alone, and she'd probably try and spend as much time with Syleste as possible anyway.

"Sure." she said, and with a piece of French toast in her mouth, rose to go to the freezer, taking out two pre-made meals that she'd cooked and frozen, putting them on the sink, "sounds like fun" she said, after removing the toast, and giving him a smile.”I’ll go wake up Miri. If the bacon hasn’t already done that” She said with a chuckle, turning to go head up the stairs to her room.

”Miri!”

Watching her go with a small, prideful smile on his face, Xerxes relaxed back and sipped at his coffee, waiting for the two girls, his mind thinking of his conversation with his daughter when he finally managed to get home from the pizza parlor.

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Gods it was late! Or early, depending on who you were asking. Xerxes didn't even dare look at the clock, knowing that he had to be back at the hospital by nine a.m. the next morning. If he didn't look at the clock, then his body wouldn't know just how much sleep he would be lacking come the next morning.

He wouldn't have changed the night for the world, though. After all the initial drama that had happened at the hospital that night, talking privately with Zoé for a few hours over a couple beers had been the most relaxing thing he had experienced in quite some time. She was gentle, patient, willing to answer any and all of his questions when it came to his daughter. At least… after he managed to calm her initial anger down.

Cassandra. She was his entire world. And now... now she belonged to Zoé, in a weird sort of way. His little girl... a Werewolf... He couldn't have done anything to stop it - though Zoé helped him come to terms with that, as well as many other things.

Pulling out his wallet, keys, loose change and pocket knife from the pockets of his pants, Xerxes placed them on the entry table as he came into the house, making sure to lock the door behind him. Exhausted, and hardly able to keep his eyes open, Xerxes walked heavily into the living room and upon seeing the couch, knew it would be his destination for the rest of the night. Not wanting to trifle with the stairs, he plopped himself down on the large, leather sofa in the living room, not even bothering to take his shoes or glasses off. His phone was already pre-set for an alarm, which meant he hadn't a thing to worry about, and that sleep would come soon.

Cassandra had fallen asleep leaning against the dining room table, having foolishly thought that would help her stay awake as she waited for her father, after carefully sneaking out her room when Miri had fallen asleep. Apart from wanting to make sure that he was okay, Cassandra wanted him. After everything...Cassandra was a little scared. Terrified really, about what was happening to her. Practically healed, Cassandra was exhausted, but had been adamant about staying up. It hasn't worked, and now she jolted away at the sound of the door shutting, rubbing her eyes. She blinked about a little blearily, listening but didn't hear him going up the stairs.

He'd probably just fallen onto the sofa, not bothering to take off his shoes, or glasses. Prepared for such an event, Cassie retrieved the blanket and pillow typically reserved for movie nights, stumbling into the living room herself.

"Dad?" She whispered, not wanting to wake him if he was asleep, but wanting him to know she was there if he was awake, as she put down the blanket and pillow, and watching him. To her, while everything seemed to have changed in one night, nothing had. She'd always need her dad.

Xerxes stirred slightly at the sound of his daughter's voice. He was nearly asleep, and for a moment he couldn't tell if it were something he had imagined, or reality. Forcing an eyelid to open with great effort, he peered into the darkness, seeing a silhouette he could recognize anywhere. He hadn't been dreaming. Cassie had been calling out for him.

He didn't want to... he really didn't want to move from his somewhat awkward, yet comfortable state, but Cassandra was his number one, so he forced his body to move and sat up a bit.

"Hey there, sweetheart." he said, his voice coming out a lot more coarse and lower than normal. Clearing his throat, realizing this, he pushed himself up so that there was enough room for her to sit down next to him and let his outside leg fall from the couch, instead having his foot rest on the floor beneath them. "How are you doing? Did Miranda end up staying the night?" He didn't have any indication as to whether or not Cassandra's friend had ended up over at their house, though he had hoped. It was something he had suggested when he sent Cassie home, unable to leave until he performed surgery on Syleste. He didn't want her alone.

Cassie was still wearing his coat, having bundled it about herself as she wanted the comfort of it, the scent it brought her, somehow just bringing to mind her father. She sat down, with it wrapped around her, and nodded t"Yeah, she’s asleep in my room, Chewy’s probably snuggled up against her” She thought of her other friends, and she couldn't imagine them having to tell their parents why they didn't have any injuries to show, the difficult path between deciding to lie or tell the truth. She was glad she didn't have to make that choice. She could never lie successfully to her father.

"Is Syleste okay?" While she was sure that he wouldn't have come home until that was a given, but she found she still needed the verbal answer, as if to make it real. Or maybe she just wanted to hear his voice-soothing and comforting, the voice that had read stories to her, soothed her if she woke from nightmares, that was safe. She could after all easily text Gage and ask, figuring that he would be there.

She stifled a yawn, knowing that her father must be more tired then she. She wouldn't bug him long, but she suspected they both needed the comfort of each other. It had always been so.

Xerxes sat up a bit more, just enough for his arm to wrap around her shoulders so that he could gently pull her down onto him while he laid back down on the couch. His back, sore as it was, thanked him as a bit of a grunt passed through his lips.

"Syleste is going to be just fine. Eighteen stitches total between her left ribcage and her collarbone, but she's tough. A couple days of careful observation and she'll be cleared to go back home. Probably will have to skip school for a week or so for rest, but she'll pull through." he told her, letting his hand then move to the back of her head to pull it into his chest, letting her know that it was okay to snuggle into him - that he wanted her to snuggle into him - that he needed her to snuggle into him. He stifled a yawn himself, just after Cassandra's.

"What are you still doing up?" It was a stupid question. He knew exactly why. She was freaked by the whole ordeal. The attack, the realization she was now a part of a supernatural world he never told her about, the fact that he too, was a supernatural, her friends...

Cassie nestled into him when he pulled her down, knowing full well that they'd probably end up falling asleep like that. Which was okay with her. "She is tough. She'll miss music...I wonder if I can teach her some guitar..." Cassie mused, snuggling closer, happy where she was.

"I was waiting for you." She said simply, her voice soft. "I love you, Daddy. Nothing will ever change that" she murmured, "I wanted to know you were okay, and that you got home safe" she knew that so much had happened, that while yes, her father had kept a big secret from her, she knew it was to keep her safe. She knew that now he would no doubt worry even more about her. She wanted to be able to ease his mind.

She wasn't mad. Her father was a fricking angel. She did have questions, loads of them, but knew they could wait till morning. Like why she wasn't an angel, if he was. Maybe it didn't work like that. "Besides, Miri’s there, and Chewy’s probably taken over my bed and I don't have the heart to move him"

"Chewy's a fatass and could use the brief exercise." Xerxes jested, able to pull off just enough sarcasm in his voice to make it clear that he was joking. Though soon after his words passed through his lips, he bent his head down so that his lips could kiss the crown of her head, his arm tightening around her just a bit more before easing up and laying back down, comfortably.

"I love you too, sweetheart. And I'm fine." He debated for a moment whether or not he wanted to bring up the subject of the transformation her body had gone under. On one hand, he didn't want to talk about it. Talking about it made it real. On the other, he knew that talking about it could ease her mind. But she seemed to be relatively okay, in that department. Either that, or he was missing something completely. It wouldn't have been the first time.

Cassie gave a soft laugh. "He gets plenty" she couldn't tell her father that she'd been worried what the dog would make of her now. Best to let the dog sleep till morning. She listened to his breathing, deciding that he hadn't caught everything that had happened, a good thing as it might just be another thing to deal with tonight. And she didn't want to keep him up any longer than necessary.

"What do you want to know?" Xerxes then asked after a while, suddenly, in the still silence that had been created for through the last few moments. "I spoke with Zoé tonight after I finished at the hospital. I... I may not have all the answers, but I know enough... Are you... are you okay?" he asked again, though this time it had nothing to do with her physical state, but her mental one.

She swallowed nervously at his questions. "I'm okay. A little wrung out. I'm...I'm scared" she had experienced what one wolf could do, and she didn't want to be responsible for anything like that. She didn't want to be a monster. She hesitated, before whispering "am I going to be a monster?" Just what would she miss out on, now? Could she go off to college, have a life if she was a risk to society?

"What's going to happen?"

Her statement, and then question, had Xerxes wide awake. His once tired eyes opened, and stared up at the ceiling through the darkness. His hand began to rub soft, slow circles on her back as he kept her pressed into him tightly. He thought over his answer carefully, despite that he knew what he already wanted to say. She was in a fragile state. Even though she appeared tough on the outside, she was a mess on the inside. That was more than clear to him now.

"No. You will not become a monster. Nor are you one. Cassie..." Xerxes paused to sit himself up a bit so that his head was resting on the arm of the couch instead of on the cushion, more so that he could look down at her, hoping that he could meet her gaze. "Nothing is going to happen that you don't want. The attack today... that was just some fuck, dicking around and looking to cause trouble. I haven't known you to want to cause trouble a day in your life. Just because he managed to turn you, does not mean that you have to live by the standard that he has shown you. That's... that's what Zoé is for..." his voice cracked somewhat, but he quickly cleared his throat to try and hide it. It was something he couldn't help with. To be able to control herself to the point that he was talking to her about, she needed another Werewolf's instruction. He could do nothing. And it killed him.

"She is a wonderful teacher, and can help you control any stray thoughts or emotions that lead you to believe otherwise." He lifted his free hand and pressed a finger to her chest, right where her heart was. "This... this has not changed. So neither have you. You are still my daughter, my little girl. And I will love you to the ends of the Earth and beyond. Even if you make mistakes. Even if you can't control what is happening for whatever reason. I will always be your father. And I will always be there for you."

Cassie could have easily fallen into a stupor, but she needed the answer. She needed it, needed that lifeline to clutch more than anything in the world. She glanced up, briefly meeting her father's gaze, as he spoke. The curse coming from her father, rarely used, was odd, and put her a little at ease. She hugged him tightly when his voice cracked, knowing he would give anything in the world to be able to help her with what was happening. "But she's not you" she whispered, tears causing her voice to thicken, full of the unshed emotion.

She closed her eyes, as if that would help. Away from the hospital, with only her father and the sleeping dog upstairs, Cassie felt she could be vulnerable, and god knows she felt like that. His words washed over her, and she tried to let them sink in, to believe.

"I'll always be your little girl. I'll always need you. That's never going to change." It had always just been them, that she didn't know if she could take someone else teaching her. But she nodded, pressing closer and drawing in her father's scent, reaching up to take his glasses off, in case they fell asleep.

"I believe you"

His eyes closed for a moment as she took his glasses off of his face. The gesture was sweet; he didn't even realize that he was still wearing him. Continuing to rub her back, he once more kissed the top of her head, and then moved down just a bit more to kiss her forehead.

"I know she's not me, but she knows about this much more than I do. But I will be there every step of the way. I want to learn - to know what my baby is going through, and how I can help when Zoé has other things to tend to." He sighed out, almost contently, and once more relaxed his head down on the arm of the couch. "She is a wonderful woman. Full of love, and willing to sacrifice every bit of herself for anyone in her pack. And Cassandra, you belong to that pack now. She is your Alpha. In a way... that makes her more important than even me."

"She has another wolf that I guess helps-the one that followed Gage in?" Yet the way her father spoke of the woman, had Cassie curious. She looked up, tilting her head, a slight smile crossing her face for just a moment "do you like her, Dad?" It was almost teasing, before she sighed softly, "she could never be more important to me then you. Never" if Cassandra was to be instigated into a pack, she wasn't going to let her father be isolated on the outside. A pack didn't have to mean the wolves as a pack, but...family.

She wasn't going to let it become him merely knowing and not being apart of it-he was. She bit her lip, "I don't need to be treated like I'm learning to walk, not when I have you. I know I need help, guidance, but.... She's not going to replace you as the most important person in my life. That will always be you. And nothing's going to stop me from being what I want to be. Because you taught me I could do anything once I set my mind to it" she smiled again,

At the question whether or not he liked Zoé, Xerxes furrowed his brows in confusion and maybe even slight annoyance.

"What? No, 'course not. She's... far too young for someone my age..." He said it out loud, though as he said it, he wasn't even sure if he believed his own words. He hadn't really thought about it before... did he like Zoe? Sure they had crossed paths in the past - she had approached him the moment he came to Klamath, alone, and confronted him about being an Angel. It wasn't at all hostile; she merely needed to know who he was - she was protecting the city. Something he would always admire. But that didn't mean that he liked her like that, did it?

"No one is clucking, Cassie." he then said, quickly switching the conversation. He didn't want to talk about this with her. Relationships on his part had always been a hard topic with her. No one could ever replace her mother - a woman that she didn't even know. "But to the pack, you are a newborn. There are things that need to be learned by bare basics. You simply have to be patient and allow Zoé... and her Beta, to help you through it so that you don't have to be looked after by them constantly. Ask me anything about being an Angel, and I could tell you. But Werewolves are a new subject for me." He brushed his fingers through her hair for a moment. "I taught you well. You're a smart kid and I have every faith in you. You decided to remain sober while your friends drank - don't think I didn't notice that at the hospital tonight." he lightly chastised. "You are the beacon of strength within your group of friends - a prime example. You can do anything once you set your mind to it. So set your mind to this - let Zoé and the Beta help you - it'll be just like school. You can always come back to me, and I'll always be here."

Cassie gave a shrug. Sometimes she thought her father held back from finding something with a woman because of her. But she wasn't a little kid anymore, and she wasn't going to get hurt if he started seeing someone. There were things that Cassie couldn't do, and she wanted him to be happy, yet she was willing to let it slide, lest the topic turn against her. Her and boys was not a suitable discussion before sleep. They'd had a few arguments about that before.

"They'll watch us, though, and that's the same as clucking" the thought of always being watched, of being watched because they might go out of control and need to be contained? She didn't like it. She wasn't looking forward to going back to school, and perhaps for the first time was thinking of skipping. "I don't want to be watched. It will make me...paranoid. I didn't drink because someone needed to make sure they didn't drown in the water, although why they would go in is beyond me..." even as she said those words, she frowned. Good god, was she the mother in her group of friends? How had that happened?

She wasn't too sure about the strength part...Miri was always the one to cheer her up, bring her back if she ever fell into a mood, doing so before her father could see, could know. Maybe she wasn't over not having a mother, but she'd take her father any day over having one.

"Okay. But I'm not going anywhere." The way he made it sound it was like she was leaving, and she would never let that happen.

"I'm not asking you to. Nor do I want you to." Xerxes said, almost over the top of her last sentence. He couldn't imagine a world where she would be gone from him. Spending a few days out of the week at her Aunt's ranch was one thing, but going away? No. If Zoé ever decided to take her pack outside of Klamath Falls, he'd have something to say to the beautiful woman. He gently shook his head, ridding himself of the thought. Now that Cassandra had planted the seed, it seemed to only be growing. Dammit.

He gave Cassandra a light, reassuring squeeze, holding her closer to him for a few moments before once more relaxing. No. He couldn't think of such things. Especially now when Cassandra needed him most.

"No one likes being watched. But Cassie, until you learn to control the wolf inside, I'm not so sure you have any other options for now. I know you don't want to hurt anyone - you don't want to end up like the one that attacked you and your friends. It's my guess that the wolf had no Alpha - he was a stray that had no guidance or training and was just taking it out on anyone in his path. You and your friends." He looked back down at her through the darkness. "I think it might be safe to cut school for a few days, spend some time with Zoé and really get to know her. I can write you a doctors note for the school and get your homework for you. But right now, Cassie, I just need you to focus on this one thing for me, alright? I... I don't want to see you get hurt again..."

Cassie closed her eyes once more, weariness a heavy blanket over body. He was right. She didn't want to end up wild like the one that had attacked them, but she shook her head, "Zoe said something about only an alpha being able to turn people. If that's the case, then that...that...that mutt chose to attack us. He didn't go for any kill shots-I know enough about human Anatomy to know that. He didn't do anything that would kill us before we healed" the thought had only just crossed her weary mind, and it was disturbing. She figured she was safe for now however.

Even as he spoke about cutting days, Cassie said "No. it's okay" because it would be an abuse of her father's power, and she didn't want that. "If the others are going, I will too" she needed to make sure they were okay, after all. She'd get Syleste's, and maybe Sebastian's homework for them. And plus she couldn't leave Kaylee alone on her first day of school.

"Okay" she said softly, "I'll do it. For you" her words were heavy with sleep, but she still managed to say, carefully, so her words didn't slur, "Dad? What classes do you think I'd need to get into OIT?" It was essentially saying that she was staying in Klamath Falls for good, but more than that, it was saying that she knew what she wanted, and that was to follow in her father's footsteps. She wasn't going to give the coat back. She'd wear it every day of her degree, even if she did have to alter it.

She struggled against sleep that wanted to claim her, safe and warmth she had no resistance to it.

"Thank you, Sweetheart. I have Zoé's number. I'll get it to you before you wake up tomorrow. Talk to her, learn from her. You'll be alright." He was quiet for a moment, then spoke even softer, more to himself. "...she'll take care of you..."

Almost nodding off himself, her sudden question of classes caught his attention. She was staying. But why was she staying? Not that he was complaining, but if the recent events had her too scared to go off and discover life for herself, he wouldn't know how to talk her out of it. He hoped it wasn't the case. She was smart, almost too bright for her age group. She could do anything she wanted to - she didn't have to stay here.

"...my next day off, I'll go into the school and speak with your academic counselor about it. But I'm pretty sure you're already on your way into getting in. Your AP classes help alot - and by you getting your generals out of the way now means less time in college. If you want to go to OIT, we can make it happen."

Cassie nodded, the movement slight, almost non-existent. She wanted to say that he'd take care of her. Wanted to tell him that she'd always, always, need him. "I do want to go to OIT. I don't want to be miles away from here, from you, for so long. I can travel the world, but this will always be my home" And she didn't want to be too far from her friends. She didn't want to leave them, either.

Did she say the words? She wasn't too sure about that. Maybe they were in a dream. Maybe she'd wake up, and find that this whole night had been a dream. Or maybe not.

"I love you, daddy..." she murmured as she drifted on to sleep, the brief thought that she should get up early, cook a good breakfast. Her father deserved it.

"I love you too, Sweetheart." His body was finally giving in. Her shallow breathing on top of his chest was soothing, and rhythmic. He had a moments recollection of when she was just an infant and would sleep on him the very same way she was now. Not even time could change the close bond they shared. And he would do everything he could to keep it that way.

He dozed off to sleep, knowing fully well that his alarm would he going off soon. But even just an hour would help. Tomorrow was going to bring lots of new things. But after their talk, it seemed that Cassandra and he were finally ready to take them on. Together.

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The ever familiar scenery flashing by outside the passenger side window was something she never thought she would see again- they had left Klamath Falls for a reason… and now here they were, driving right back to the life that they had left behind. She wasn’t happy; that was clear enough. She didn’t want to go back; it had actually been the topic of their argument that night when James had finally come back home for the night, only to then announce that they had to return back to their hometown.

Needless to say the night had been ruined.

“..this is a bad idea; you know that right..? We screwed too many people over when we left to be welcomed back home with open arms.” Narrowing her eyes, Sombra turned her head, her dark gaze coming to a rest on her husband as he sat behind the wheel of the truck, steering them ever closer to whatever trouble awaited them at the very end of their journey, “This is stupid… five years- five years, James… we stay away, and have no contact; that was the deal.”

It was the one thing that even James had to admit he didn’t see coming, the familiar scenery that was Klamath falls. James remembered it well enough when five years ago they mutually decided to take of and leave to protect the ones they love, thing was, last time the scenery was going in the other direction, but yet here they were driving straight back to the life they left behind and for good reason too. James could tell Sombra was not happy, but he understood why as he was not particularly fond of the idea himself, but James had to… No needed to go back, even after the argument he had with his beautiful wife where had played Zoé’s voicemail for her to listen to.

It contained one of two things he feared most, Miri… his baby sister was involved in a werewolf attack. It only took a few seconds for him to know that his sister was now part of the very world he tried to protect her from, and he wanted to get to one responsible for what was done to her. James sighed a little. “ I know it is, and your right… I don’t like it, probably not as much as you but I have to see her babe, It’s Miri…”

James continued driving the truck closer to their destination, it took every fiber of his being not to go speeding mad into town, but that would bring to much attention. Moving his right hand to gently rest on Sombra’s leg. “I know you are angry with me my sweet, I shouldn't of kept Zoé’s number. But she is our alpha, and our family. If I didn’t then we would never of known of this attack, and that Miranda got hurt. I’m sorry, but it feels like I’ve failed in that duty to my sister.”

“And what about your duty to me..? To your wife..?”

She was being harsh, even she knew that; but she had her reasons. They had swore to one another that they wouldn’t go back… that for the safety of their family, their friends, they would stay away. No contact- that had been his idea in the first place. If they knew how to contact them, then they knew how to find them, and if that happened, then the fact that they had left was all for nothing.

“We have a new life; one that doesn’t involve them, and you know the reason why. We’ve distanced ourselves from them for years… left everyone we cared about behind. You remember how hard that was to do, and now you want us to go back..!” Shaking her head lightly from side to side, Sombra’s long dark locks brushed lightly back and forth over her shoulders, her eyes narrowing and a slight look of disgust gracing her gentle features before she turned her head away, her angered gaze once more turning to the scenery passing by the window, “I never agreed to come; you forced me into this. And on top of that, you ruined everything last night. Do you really expect me to be happy..?”

That hurt. Her initial response to what he had said to her had caused him to stay tight lipped for a moment, nodding slightly acknowledging what she had said, letting her pretty much go to town on him, of course he no doubt deserved it; he broke several things he promised to the woman of his life. Sombra was no… still is his everything, and by no means was it an easy choice or subject to bring up last night, but it never shook for one moment how much he loved Sombra. “Okay... I deserved that.” He replied softly, he knew damn well he'd super pissed her off, and that probably nothing he would say could change that right now.

“My duty to you will never change, I love you with all my heart, and fiber of my being. I will protect you forever and always, and I know it hurt you. In more ways than one, and I won’t ever forgive myself for that.”

James glanced over to his wife for a moment, not wanting to keep his eyes off the road for any longer than needed, He gently squeezed her leg that his hand was on, trying to reassure her as he remembered the intimate candle lit dinner she had prepared, man did he really screw up this time... “I do remember how hard it was, to go and leave those we love behind in order to protect them from what we know; the very thing that almost got us killed… All I want to do is make you happy. No amount of me saying sorry will help make it up to you… I just… didn’t want to leave you alone.” there was a hint to regret and sadness in his voice; he let the love of his life down, even if it was for family, their family.

“Us, James. Make it up to us.” Frowning, and still obviously not pleased with him, Sombra shifted slightly in the passenger seat, her legs crossing over one another as she continued to stare out the window beside her, almost making it seem as though she was refusing to look at him as the two continued to bicker back and forth with one another, their argument seeming to spill through the night and into the morning.

What a great way to spend a five hour drive from Los Angeles to Klamath Falls.

James nodded in agreement “Of course honey; totally agree, I’ll make it up to us, I promise…” James responded like he totally understood what Sombra meant, if only he knew how far he was off the target on this one as he starting actually thinking of the word ‘us’ as she shifted in her seat, and he glanced at his lovely wife once more. “Wait, us… you did mean as in us right? Like you and me us?” he then questioned.

“No.”

Pursing her lips slightly, Sombra shook her head once more, resisting the urge to roll her eyes at his empty promises to her before she turned her attention back around, her eyes meeting with his, holding his gaze as best as she could while he was driving before she continued with what she was saying; the conversation that they were meant to have the night before when she done everything she could to make it special, “No, I didn’t mean us, as in you and me. I meant us, as in me and our child. I’m pregnant, James.”

James listened to what Sombra was saying to him, her response certainly one that he did not expect or was he ready for, especially when one was driving a damn truck for sure, but one that would certainly be perfect music to one's ears as it took several moment for him to actually register what it was Sombra had just told him, like it just went right over his head for the split second. James glanced back and forth between Sombra and the direction he was driving. “Our child..” He said quietly as if it needed repeating as his mind clicked and his eyes widened. “Pregnant? I’m gonna need to pull over” He then added in a much quicker reply and he did just that, pulled over as quickly and safely as possible, hazards on and truck in park he immediately turned towards his beautiful wife, a beaming smile on his face, but one that showed the shock and surprise of what it was Sombra just told him.

He… James Burke was going to be a dad.

Gathering his thoughts for a moment, James gently took Sombra’s hands into his, nothing else mattered right now, in this moment it was like the problems of Klamath were put to the back of his mind. “I… I don’t what to say... “ Gently squeezing her hands. “I going to be a dad…” Tears of joy were swelling up in James eyes as he couldn’t take his eyes of the most beautiful woman in his life.

Forced to turn her attention back to him as he pulled off to the side of the road, Sombra let her gaze fall to their hands before lifting it back up, her dark eyes meeting with his and her soft lips parting ever so slightly from one another as she nodded softly, confirming the thoughts that she knew were swimming around in his mind now thanks to her admission, her legs uncrossing as she turned in her seat to face him just that little bit more.

“..yes… I was going to tell you last night…”

Last night… Yes last night, he remembered it now, in all of that arguing how could he of let that slip his mind? He remembered arriving home after a long day of work, getting that voicemail from Zoé and walking indoors to Sombra having set up an intimate candle lit dinner; everything looked perfect, she looked perfect and yet he went of straight past it ignoring it all because of his panic over hearing the news of Miranda being attacked and bitten by a werewolf. He suddenly realized just how much he screwed everything up last night, it was their moment, her moment to do something special and tell him the most amazing news anyone could hear.

“The candle lit dinner…” he said softly. “I am so, so sorry my love; I screwed up so bad. You mean the world to me and I love you; God I love you so much…” Shifting forward from his seat, James leaned in towards her, his eyes meeting with hers as his lips parted slightly until finally, he leaned in all the way, and his soft lips met hers as James passionately kissed his wife.

The very moment his lips met with hers, her heart stopped, skipping a beat or two before eventually, she lost control of it altogether. The pounding of it against her rib cage fast… loud… and she was more than sure he would be able to hear it clearly, even if he wasn’t particularly listening. Seven years… seven years they had been together, and each time they kissed- each time that he held her in his arms, it felt like the first time.

Her eyes closing as she fell into the action, Sombra pressed her lips further into his, her body leant forward in her seat causing the seat belt to pull against her as it locked into place, trying to keep her sitting upright in her seat. Argh..! Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t stay mad at him… least no longer than a week or so, but even so, there was no way she could stay angry with him over this. They were going to have a baby together- they were going to be parents..! This was something she had wanted to celebrate with him; she didn’t want to fight with him anymore… she couldn’t fight with him anymore...

“..I love you too, James… really, I do… more than anything…”

With his eyes closing when he felt Sombra’s lips pressed into his, James didn’t want to let go or to have this moment end, his mind was still processing everything, but that didn’t change the fact of what was a new revelation; they were going to be a bigger family now, having a baby together was something so special, to be parents, something that could’ve been laughed at almost seven years ago but just thinking of how far they had come was something that would always hold a place in his heart. He was so lucky to have Sombra in his life, and he would not have it any other way. Resting his forehead against her own. “No matter what life throws at us… I will always love and protect you both with everything I have” he said softly.

“..I know…” Her voice soft as she spoke, Sombra nodded her head lightly, never once breaking the contact between them as she responded, letting him know that she understood everything he was trying to tell her. It didn’t matter what happened to them now; they would get through it together… and he would always be there to love… support… and protect her, and their unborn child, “..I know you will, James…”

He couldn’t help but smile at his love when she responded; his responsibilities had increased now. Once more he gently pressed his lips against hers and held it for a few moments, moving one of his hands to gently caress the side of her face before eventually letting go and stopping the moment, he could easily sit here all day and hold her in his arms, but alas, they could not sit on the side of the road all day. Re-positioning himself to get more comfortable, he placed his seat belt back on. Smiling at Sombra once more, James signaled his intent to pull back out onto the road, and when safe to do so he did, continuing on their journey to Klamath falls.

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Jesus.

Myra Flores sat at what was her desk in the station, head bowed over reports. She’d been awake since knowledge of a good handful of teenagers had been taken to Sky lakes. A wolf attack. Jesus. There had been sightings of wolves for weeks. Myra had collected the reports, although there was nothing quite as serious as last night's attack. Myra was normally the best, at finding a pattern, yet there was none here. Oh, there had been another attack, a few months ago, on the full moon as well. Father and son. The father died, the son had survived without, it seemed injuries.

Shit.

Myra had meant to pass that one onto Zoé, sure that it was something from her end of things, yet it had slipped her mind. She set it aside, thinking that she could follow up on that later. Werewolves. Jesus, my town is going to be overrun by werewolves.. Zoé had had years of practice with what she was, these teenagers...there was going to be trouble, Myra was sure about that. Myra had adjusted the way she worked, to compensate for the fact she was human, and some of those she went up against were...not. Her officers weren’t as wise to the supernatural world as she was, and Myra wouldn’t put their lives on the line.

It looked like she was going to have to talk with Zoé.

A voice suddenly came over her radio, a little stuttered, nervous, and excited, all at once. Myra frowned. Her officers were usually...stoic. What had caused this?

”Ma’am...I...a car...it’s out of town, yet I saw it p-pull over. I was concerned, and ran the plates…

Ma’am...it’s registered in James Burkes name. It's heading towards town”

James Burke. Myra had issued an APB on both James Burke, and her daughter, both having disappeared, it seemed at the same time. Myra reached behind her, clasping the arm of her chair, and sank down into it.

Sombra.

Of course James would come back, if he had heard that his sister had been involved in an accident. But Zoé had kept a tight lid on everything, which meant the only way James could know about Miranda, was if Miranda herself had told him...or Zoé had.

Was Sombra with James? Had she been with him, all this time?

Her little girl...Myra bowed her head. Their relationship, particularly in the few years leading up to Sombra and Alexander’s graduation, had been strained. And now it was practically non-existent. Oh, hell. It was non-existent. Myra would give just about anything to have any form of relationship with her.

The labrador pup by her feet looked up, making a little sound, jumping into her lap. It was only when there was an uncertain ”Ma’am’ that Myra moved into action. ”Follow the car, but don’t make it obvious. If it looks like you’ve been made, head back to the station like you were going there all along. Do not approach. Find out if there is anyone else in the vehicle.” She rose, cradling Arlo, as she began to move. She snatched up the file about the attack a few months ago, and walked through the station.

Perhaps the officers had heard about the sighting, or perhaps it was in her face, as she stalked towards the door. She pushed the door open, and approached her car. If Sombra was here, Myra wasn’t going to let her slip through her fingers, not again. Alro lipped happily as she set him down, wagging his tail and placing his paws on the passenger window.

She was damn well going to get her daughter back. Everything Myra had done, since she was 16 years old, had been for her children. The only thing Myra had wanted, was to give her children everything. Maybe that had pushed Sombra away. Myra wasn’t too sure, anymore. As she started the car, Myra took her phone out, and sent a message to Alexander.

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Faint apparitions and rolling mists haunted Leo's nightmares, causing a deep yet restless sleep. Constant flashes of the attack the night before intermingled with other acts of senseless violence, forming an unholy matrimony of horrific scenes.

The gentle huff of a beast, the cracking of a tree root, the blood of an innocent.

Darkness plagued the night.

The screech of a bird, the soft whimpering of a child, the contorted words of a Witch striking down a mother.

A few indistinguishable words drifted past Leo's lips, but they were heard by none.

An old scene. A familiar scene. Red locks, shallow breaths, an entire pack pacing in front of a snowy house. The cold winter air blowing through the tundra, pulling up ice and snow into a blinding flurry. The desperate begging of a young girl, the pained, tear-filled eyes of a Witch turning over the girl to the hounds. The sharp cry of a young warlock as magic ignited the air, pushing the wolves away from the girl. A sharp, furious reprimand from Leo's father, the fleeing of feet as the girl ran towards the house. A spine-chilling howl, a leaping figure...

The soft crunch of a spine.

Leo's body jerked away, breathing heavily as sweat drenched his body. He was in his room at the inn, laying on an empty bed. The sheets had been tossed aside during the night, and his almost-naked form trembled slightly at the horrific sights he had just witnessed. Most of them had been senseless murders that he didn't recognize, but a few... they were real. The harsh punishments Leo's family had disputed over the years. The young girl that had caused him to be exiled...

Leo forced the thought from his head and stood up, walking slowly out into the hallway and towards the bathroom. The cold morning air chilled the sweat on his bare skin, causing the Warlock to rub his arms together to warm them.

Fifteen minutes later, the man was showered and dressed, heading down the stairs to the sweet scents of bacon and other various breakfast foods. Callie was singing a happy tune to herself as she prepared the meal, forcing an involuntary smile to Leo's lips as he softly joined in.

”...I'll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again
And I’ll rise up…”

Leo wrapped his arms around Callie's waist from behind and gently hugged her, placing his chin on her shoulder. "Good morning, my dearest Witch. Breakfast smells absolutely divine."

Leo gave her a soft kiss on the top of her head as he pulled away, grabbing a glass from the cabinet before filling it with orange juice from the fridge. The gentle aromas of the morning soothed his nerves, washing away the night terrors like footprints in the sand.

"How late were you up last night?" Leo had been up until almost four the previous night, checking on wards, divining, and erecting new barriers. He was aware Callie had been brewing potions before she hit the sack, however he wasn't sure how late, as he had passed out in the middle of divination.