Kierra

While bathing, I think over everything I need to do. First thing is to ask the brothers when they're supposed to leave - if they start work today that is. Then get everyone over to Ava's for some leftover laundry and more introductions.

How, exactly, do you tell someone that you're collecting animals? Animals that are also people, which in turn are all male? I've got a harem going on here, just flipped.

Since there's all that money still in the account, need to look at either getting a bigger car or a bigger home. Technically need both. Have a feeling I will need both.

Need to get four paintings wrapped and taken to the gallery, and several others made for the commissions. Don't usually take them, but mixing things up a bit keeps me on my toes. The real issue here will be continuing to see the art as something I want to do and not something I have to do. If I'm told I have to do something, more often than not, I don't want to, even if I did before being told to. It just loses its appeal. They tried failing me in art classes in high school over that crap.

The whole point of art is to show expression, individuality. Everyone drawing a lifeless bowl of fruit is not my idea of art. I smirk, the bane of the art world is that damn bowl, and ya know something? Even with as established as I am, I doubt I could paint that damn thing to this day. Could do a simple sketch, sure, but it will never be featured in any of my prints. Too lifeless. I don't even do too much with humans either. My focus is animalistic. I can do them, just prefer something a little more interesting.

Oh yeah...also need to get Alarico called. Haven't done anything yet today and my brain is already scrambled.

Stepping out of the steamy tub, I eyeball the towel before grabbing it. After a quick pat-down and hair wringing is done it gets tossed into the hamper. When reaching for my robe, sure enough, I can smell him on me. Dammit. No, I don't smell like his ass either.

This can be easily fixed with a little lotion. I hate lotion, but I'll make an exception this time. Do not want to get caught at some point sniffing myself because the male I smell like has killer pheromones. Animal magnetism my tail. That man releases a chemical that can turn any woman’s mind to mush. He would have made a great spy. Seducing women for their secrets sounds like something he'd be very good at.

After a good rub down with my sister’s baby lotion, I'm good to go. Of course, now I smell like fresh baby ass, but whatever. It's not too overpowering.

When coming out, the first thing I do is go to the phone and get a hold of the Red Pack Alpha, letting him know that Asher has gone back on his search and asking if he can keep an ear out for me if something ever comes up. Also ask if I could either get the files he has or copies of them. Not sure if I need them or not, but I might be able to give some a bit of closure if bodies are seen.

He'll get copies made for me and is there anything else?

Isn't there always?

"Yes, actually. Had a chat with a friendly neighborhood bobcat and he mentioned something that I feel ashamed of not thinking of sooner. That man, Frank, did he leave a way to get a hold of him if anyone had any information he would want?"

There's some rustling on the other end, some deep grumbles from the phone being held to his chest as he speaks to someone, then he's back with a negative. Now I'm confused. Looking for the kid yet doesn't leave a way to get in contact with him?

"Wait, you said he knows you're all wolves? And he thinks a wolf has something to do with the boy? He may have someone watching your bar, Rico. Your wolves are soft and at a disadvantage since nothing can be done in the open. If he's the one who had us followed and taped, it's a guarantee."

The other end is silent a moment, can't even hear any breathing.

"My wolves are not soft."

Whoops. Think I pricked at some pride there. Ah well, it needs to be said.

"If they're indoors at all times even when in wild shape, they're soft. If a safe place is needed, you can use the woods around my home. Bring out a few at a time and let them feel the dirt under their paws. You have a building full of some of the strongest creatures in the world, you're weakening them by caging them."

Can tell he's listening, but he's really not happy.

"We may have all started out human, but we're not anymore, and that animal side of us needs to breathe. You can't tell me you don't enjoy a run over open ground."

"Doesn't matter what I enjoy, my people need to be safe."

I nod on my end, honestly understanding.

"They will be safe out here Rico, this whole area is a deadzone. I'm the only person for miles in any direction."

"What do you mean a deadzone?"

It bugged me at first, but now it may come in handy, in several ways.

"I had a friend look up some stuff after I had found something nearby. This whole area isn’t on any map, no pictures. Just a vague outline of a forested area. Total blackout. Including you and your mate, how many wolves do you have?"

I have an idea forming in my brain and it's making me giddy with the possibilities. He just has to go for it.

"There are fifteen wolves here, including my wife and I. Think your land capable of holding that many?"

His voice is full of sarcasm, so I even sweeten the deal.

"Yes, there's enough room for them all to run. To the west of my home there are some establishments, but they are miles away. Don't think they'll actually be there for too much longer either, never seeing any business there whenever I go by. You'd be coming from the south off the highway and to the north and east it's all forest."

I stop for a second and really let all that sink in.

"Natural space, nothing man-made. I've been all through this area and I assure you, it's safe. There are two other properties here, one is Asher's and off-limits. That is non-negotiable. The other, however, you guys are welcome to fix it up and use for when you come out."

Pausing for another second before I continue, it feels right. This whole proposition feels like it’s meant to be offered.

"I give this to you and yours for helping me and mine. If the whole point of me being here is to bring change, let me be able to do some good with it and give you all something you need. When was the last time you let your wolf run free, Rico?"

He's silent, hopefully seeing the possibilities with this. I could keep going with the coaxing, but it really isn't needed. He knows this is right. I do have to speak up about a few things though.

"I've also opened this area for a Vampire friend of mine to free his cat. Consider him one of mine and not to be harassed whenever he comes. There are also those who are within my own household that are not wolves and have free rein. I'll introduce them to you. If you wish, you and your mate come out first and scope the place."

Actually sounds like a really good idea. I cross my fingers and pray he takes me up on it.

"Why are you so insistent about this? What's in it for you?"

"A lifetime supply of free kibble."

A sound comes from his throat at that and I have to smile.

"Nothing, Rico, I get nothing except hopefully your continued friendship. When I learned that you and your wolves cage yourselves in, it hurt. It hurt to know that powerful, decent people are hidden away while those that are ugly seem to have the run of everything. I wish to change that."

Granted the way to that is through a river of blood, but that doesn't need to be brought up. Can hear that grumbling again as the phone is pressed tight to his body. Really lets you know just where someone brings their voice from. Belly, back of the throat, or the nose.

"What's the address? Lucia and I will come out now and see for ourselves what you offer."

My smile is so wide my face hurts. Giving it to him, we end the call, my exhaled breath after the line goes dead sounds loud to me. Looking out into my living room, I'm met with several expressions I can't read. Pretty sure I do look the fool standing in nothing but a bathrobe trying to entice a bunch of animals to come play in my backyard.

"Alright mammals, since you’ve all more than likely been wild way longer than I, how do I work this without it getting out of hand?"

Get a few looks of surprise that I'm even asking. Very carefully, so I don't flash everyone, I get onto the floating counter and look out at them as a whole.

"Aren't you afraid of appearing weak by asking us?"

Shade asks, and I'm sure it sounds like a valid question, but it does irk me a little.

"Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, but a show of strength that you aren't afraid or care what others think. I know I don't know as much as you guys when it comes to Were or Shifter life, I freely admit that. It shouldn't be seen as a weakness to ask how best to do something so it works better than it would have previously. That make sense?"

My brow furrows as I think back over my words, hoping I said it right the way I meant it. Both Shade and Z give me weird looks, so I cross my arms and look back at them. Xavier finally pipes up, straddling his couch cushion.

"Most Pack leaders don't seek advice from those under them, many for just the reason of appearing weak, others because they think their way is the only way. That they know best."

I just blink at him. In pack hierarchy, the alpha pair has the leading say, yes. It's their job to care for those under them, not be worried about what makes them look weak. That's both a human and an animal flaw, I think.

"Well, for one, I'm not a Pack leader, so don't have to worry about that. I feel responsible for you guys, and I intend to keep you all as safe as possible, but I'm no leader."

If it were up to me, I'd stay in the background. I don't like the spotlight at all, I just want to go my own way. The maned wolf just smiles at me as if I'm being slow. Pursing my lips, I glare at him. Really hate when people give me that look, and he knows it. Looking around me, I grab the paper towels and chuck them at him.

"Don't look at me like that. If I'm misunderstanding something, explain it to me. Look at me like that again and I will shove your head in the toilet."

Snickers and smirks abound, but all are still looking at me. Kani speaks up from his perch on the brown couch, the opposite side Bastion is claiming; the spot that had belonged to the midnight wolf.

"I'm the newest one here, yet even I can tell that you're the one in charge, and it has nothing to do with the fact this is your house. I'd wager it a safe bet that all of us were drawn here, to you. I'm drawn, and I'm not a wolf."

Again, the blinking.

English people, use smaller words.

Something.

Maii catches my attention, then smiles when he has it. Putting a hand on his chest and patting it before pointing to me.

Yup. Still lost.

Zypher speaks up this time, sharing a smile with the coyote.

"Our animals. You draw our animals to you. It may originally start out from you being the Silver, but after you take those of us into your home, it's more. From what I hear and understand, your sister is the Vampire version of what you are for us."

Hmm. My gaze goes to the desk. The paper I'd written the two prophecies on hanging off an upper cubby shelf. Hopping down, again very carefully, I make my way over and read the Vampire version again.

Lost dark child will spark

Life into being

Bringing vampire and animal together

While calming inner beast

Back to back with one of Light

"The calming inner beast part I take it? How can I calm you guys when I myself am all over the place? If anything it's you guys that calm me."

After saying it, I realize it's true. The one thing I look forward to at night is being able to surround myself with their warmth, even if I do die from sweating to death. Bastion speaks up, his eyes a little brighter than they had been earlier.

"Maybe, but I'm not like any of you and I feel it. At first, I thought it was because you saved me. It still is partially, but both you and your sister have it."

Xavier dips his head forward, so I look over to him.

"That's true. When talking with Benjamin he mentioned how when he's around her, the Vampire part of him feels calmer, more at peace. The animal side of him feels that same draw, but towards you."

I shake my head at him, feeling a little embarrassed.

"No, that was an accident. My calling his animal unintentionally made some kind of connection, much the same way the mark on your neck does. Something I hadn't meant to do and now you're both bound to me."

My voice is sad, feeling like I took something from them. Messed up some part of them to where they're different than what they'd been before, possibly Xavier even moreso since I've called his animal as well. The maned wolf shakes his head, smiling at me.

"We were both drawn to you before the marks or bonds came into play. I believe the one on me is more a symbol that has become yours, a visual to show who I belong to."

I look at him in panicked horror. People don't belong to people. Slavery went out years ago. I don't want anyone to belong to me...not really... Do I? I'm confused.

He must see my confusion because he just gives a secret smile.

"I don't mind it. I know you see me. You saw what I was searching for and knew what it was before I did. A home. A place to belong, to feel needed. You've given me that."

The more he talks, the more I blush and look away. Mumbling that I need to get dressed, I retreat back to my room where the door is shut firmly behind me.