Kierra

Since I'm not 'undercover' this time, the hat and makeup are not in use. Since I don't usually wear either at all, it was supposed to help me hide better. We all know how that went.

Long streaked hair blowing around me, I keep my bright green eyes directed forward. Don't care to make eye contact with people, let alone ones who are drunk, and it appears there are many spread about. Sports game perhaps? I don't keep up with that stuff, find it quite boorish actually.

The way men act with sports reminds me of women with fashion. Since I don't care about either, I tend to be lost when it comes up in conversation. Luckily, those that know me know my views on it so know that trying to talk about it is pointless.

Pretty sure my five-foot-four frame next to the long-legged freak beside me is quite funny looking, even more so when it's my sister with her whopping four-foot-eleven and a half feet. Just simpler to call her five-foot. I may only be four inches taller, but it makes me feel better. Hell, my five-foot mother makes me feel a little tall.

Rounding one last corner has us on the street of the ‘Howler's Bane Bar and Grill’. I've noticed several people watching us for the last two blocks now, don't know if they're friend or foe, but I'm sure I'll find out soon enough. The coatless bouncer at the door that has 'badass' written all over him watches me and Xavier as we walk up.

I have this nifty trick I can do when my emotions start kicking, can even do it at will now. Can't stop it from happening though, so need to be careful. Xavier lets me take lead while he takes my back. This nifty trick gets implemented as I cock my head at the over buffed Red Wolf standing in my way. Eyes bleed to yellow as I see his animal in my head. One of the abilities that being a Silver Wolf has given me; is on touch or scent of a supernatural, I get glimpses of what they are in my head - showing that animal’s natural habitat, even getting scents from where they are in the vision.

Used to be I did it by just touch, but it's evolved into just smelling them. It's nifty, but can be annoying since it's a bit disorientating. I can also force a supernatural who's in human form to shift into their animal. I've done it a few times now, it's pretty trippy. That one I need to touch to use and if they fight it, it becomes pretty painful. I used it to punish a Werewolf once, so it does have its uses.

The bouncer's eyes widen then he nods before opening the door. I look into the dim interior then back to the doorman before my eyes flick across the street to one who's watching us.

"That one of your Alpha’s wolves?"

Looking over, he scowls and frowns. I take that as a no then. Making a brief 'hm' noise, I go in. Took the moment before coming in so the wall of wolf musk isn't so harsh and right in my face.

Wolves don't smell bad, each one has their own human scent as well as a common animal odor. Again, not bad, it's just pretty thick in here. They need to air the place out, I don't know how normal humans can't smell this. The place is basically a den by the smells I'm getting.

The building itself doesn't look that big from the front, being squeezed against other buildings to either side, yet it is long. Also has multiple levels, which reminds me more of a club than a food-based bar, but what do I know.

I can feel Xavier's presence behind me, I still slip a hand back to touch at his hip for reassurance. Another Werewolf trait that has changed me from what I used to be; never being one to touch others at all to touching often just for comfort or other purposes. Not sexual, still not a casual lusting person, for which I'm grateful. Until that is, the full moon.

A small shiver travels up my spine, making green eyes flare yellow once more. The three nights of the full moon do hold sway over Weres like in the legends. Those nights, all under two centuries in age have to shift to either animal or Were form, then get stuck in that form till the next morning. Not so bad...for males. For females, it acts like the 'heat' that normal animals go into.

I have several issues with this, main one being that it's what had led up to my rape by a wolf. From then on, the only one allowed near me is Bastion and I'm locked in the basement of my home. During the day it's fine, can be awkward and uncomfortable, but at night, I confine myself.

Not saying those are the only times that female Weres are sexually active, just the time when 'breeding' is an instinct brought on by their inner animal. Vamps and Shifters don't have this issue. Bunch'a bitches. Pun sort of intended.

No idea where the Alpha of the place is, so I go to the bartender. Patrons haven't been allowed in yet, so all the people I see are Red Wolves that watch us curiously. I’m starting to feel like a zoo exhibit here.

Since I don't want to be seen as any kind of meek, mild, or weak, I let go of Xavier when I'd moved. Haven't met many female Weres, only two that I can think of right off hand, one I passed on the street who barely even made eye contact and Alarico's stuck up, self-important wife. Completely different personalities there.

Whatever they're making in the back smells good, so says my belly when it rumbles. Well, that's awkward. Yellow eyes catch the young man behind the counter, he goes pale almost right away. Here I thought I'd like that, but I don't. I don't want anyone to fear me aside from those who want to hurt me or mine.

"Easy kid, I'm not going to eat you. Alarico called me, can you tell him I'm here?"

He bolts off so fast I think I get whiplash. Blinking after him before looking at the maned wolf at my side, he has his serious face on. Other than that, I can't read it.

Now is the perfect time to work on my brain not getting overwhelmed by all the images filling it. Being the result of timber wolves mating with coyotes, as some scientists will say, red wolves are larger than the 'yotes and smaller than the grays. Colors in my head range from tawny, ruddy, reddish-brown, and sable with black.

Thinner and more rugged than the grays as well, often getting mixed and confused with Mexican wolves. While similar, they are different. Hands go to my temples as I let all the images and smells go through, not trying to hold on to them.

Seems right now I can't control it from not happening, but after the initial rape of my senses, it stops. Only images now popping in randomly if a new scent comes within range. I love wolves, always have, but my brain feels dirty now from all the musky canines running through it.

Takes a couple minutes for it all to settle, and I’m glad that after a person's initial scent is 'marked', I don't see them again. Don't know any of them by their human faces, but I know each and everyone's smell and what their animal looks like. Having Alarico's wolf through my head when I first met him, it doesn't go dancing through my brain again when he comes in from the back.

He lets me do my thing before coming too close, even then, he more motions us to precede him to the stairs leading below. This is the top floor, there looks to be two sub-levels. With the way things are arranged, I can't tell much more than that till we reach the bottom. Cooler down here too, thankfully. Wouldn't think stairs would be a good idea in a place where people get drunk, but it's not me they'd be suing.

The top floor looked like every other bar with stacked alcohol, giant T.V.s, and tables. The second floor also has a bar, looks to be more of a dance area, the third floor is where the games are, from pool tables to darts and even a couple slot machines. Well hidden cameras are set up everywhere, very difficult to see unless you have super eyes. Being a Werewolf does have some perks, just haven't decided if the good outweighs the bad or not.

I thought we'd stop at one of the tables down here, but he leads us to a door that is marked for personnel only. The sound of an electronic lock makes sure it stays that way. If I recall right, Asher had said this pack has been here for many years.

The owner 'passed away and left the bar to a relative' many years. Asher wasn't sure just how old the Alpha is, just knowing he's up there in years. Looks to be in his thirties on the surface.

Having the bar so long would indeed allow for many 'other' rooms to be made. Leading us on through, the wolf musk is just as strong here as it is above. Although here it has more the scent that my bedding has when having been in nest mode for awhile.

"Top levels are business, back here is where many of mine lives."

That takes me aback. Underground wolves? No wonder the scents are so strong.

"Underground? Isn't that a little weird for creatures meant to be outside?"

I try not to sound all judgmental, but it just seems so weird to me. He looks at me as if I'm being naive. I really hate that look, so I scowl at him.

"If I'm wrong about something just tell me, don't look at me as if I'm a brainless nitwit. I'd figure being wolves, you'd want running space. I don't see too much of that down here."

He looks a little annoyed as he gives a small nod. Doesn't go far before looking back at us, really studying me, reading my face and possibly my soul, who knows.

"Before I take you any further into our sanctuary, I need to know that you will not try any of your magics on my people. They are safe here, they do not need to be tormented in their own home."

I look him dead in the face as I slip into his head to show him just who I am, tired of his cynical study. He takes a step back, face hardening and closing down when he feels me slip in, he even starts to push me out then actually starts paying attention. I show the man my understanding of what he just said because I want the same for those who are mine.

My willingness to die to keep them safe, having almost done so already. I share the whole event with him, aside from the private sister stuff. Minutes go by as we stand there, me staring into his face as he looks at mine.

Eyes are out of focus but only because he's watching my life like a movie replaying in his head. My need to protect, to care for those in my home, the drive in me to hunt down those who mean harm to my Imp and sister. The emotions tied to everything I do and why I do it.

I basically bare my soul to him, so he doesn't have to hunt for it. I close my eyes as I pull out slowly, not wanting to abruptly withdraw and cause a headache, for him or me. Still rub at my temples though, almost groaning as another scent comes closer. His wife.

Here we go, headache commencing in 3...2...

Green eyes open and go directly to her as she walks up behind her husband. The gray orbs flare with jealousy before dropping down. Woman wants to be dominant, thinks she is just because of who she's mated to.

I can be either or depending on the situation, but more often than not, I'm either too hard-headed or too riled to be submissive. There's only one living wolf who I've shown that to, and he deserved it. She, does not. Like I said when she first came at me, she's not my Alpha.

Alarico blinks a few times, his arm going around her and pulling her close with a smile as he kisses the side of her head. His love for her is clearly obvious, and it makes me smile. When I first saw this woman, I had a serious case of envy, but after she had struck me, that quickly dissolved as well as any respect I would have had.

Envy from her model looks and body, tanned skin, and perfectly placed thick auburn hair that curls around her face. Couple inches taller and once again dressed in biker-chik. Just as with him, her love is plain on her face.

The male Alpha wrapping his arms around her is a couple inches over six-foot, muscled and lean almost like Xavier, long black hair pulled back into a tail. Hispanic features are strong, aside from his green eyes. That's a new one and what makes them so startling.

He's handsome, that's obvious, but he doesn't have the 'pull' that the man behind me does. Don't get me wrong, there is that 'otherworldly' draw, the knowledge in your gut that this is an animal and dangerous. That in itself has a sexual appeal I guess, but not to Xavier's level.

Speaking of Xavier, last time he saw this woman, the smell of his interest was clear. This time, there's nothing. Guess her appeal to him has also dropped just as mine did. Imagine that.

"Lucia, I don't think you two were properly introduced. Hell, none of us have been. I've explained to you who she is, I do not know her companion though."

Guess that's his way of fishing for names since I didn't share them in my head. Her gray eyes flick up, so I hold my hand out to her. The flinch in her eyes sends a semi-guilty thrill through me. With the kid upstairs it had bothered me, yet on her I get all giddy from it. Hmm. That from a female view or that I know I can beat her down? No idea, but probably should find an answer.

Her hand does extend, all prim and perfect. Doesn't bother me a bit, know why? Because hers are never used. My nails are long and sharp, but not all buffed and glossy because I go outside to do my wolf thing, she apparently stays in a cement cube.

"We were not. My name is Kierra, the man behind me is Xavier. Asher wanted me to send you his greetings."