Kierra

The black mane is sticking up high at his neck and down his back, making him look even bigger than I know him to be. Even in his animal form, he has no chance against this wolf Alpha. Tall as all hell maned wolf that he is, he isn't in the same weight class as a dire wolf.

Now I see the problem. The only reason he hasn't attacked is because I'm in the way. If I'm set down, a fight will start. Shit.

"Xavier, it's okay. It was my fault, not his. I was in the wrong. Please don't make this worse. One of us has to be calm, and you know that isn't me."

He creeps closer, still stalking with snarls coming from his maw. Bristled fur looking almost sharp, I scowl at him.

"Dammit, you poofy-ass Pomeranian, easy off. It was my fault, he was just defending himself."

Xavier's eyes finally move to me instead of the male who still has a hold of me, the almost sand color glinting with reflected light. A warmth steals into my mind as he seeks for answers, asking if I'm really alright. I whisper back to him.

"It really was my fault, I'm alright."

The maned wolf slowly eases into a normal upright stand, ears still flicking, but not so rigidly held against his head. Gabriel slowly lowers me back to the ground. In no way was he hiding behind me, let's make that clear. An Alpha wolf has no reason to hide. The reason he wouldn't set me down was so a fight wouldn't break out, letting me get through to 'my animal' before he could attack.

Once my feet touch on the hard ground, I move away instantly and walk up to my Dogdeer, ignoring the sound of a deep inhale behind my ear. Reaching out before I get too close, my fingertips touch on a soft nose. Sliding them up his muzzle to his head, I keep my hand atop it, feeling him steadily calm. Pretty much eye to eye with me when his head is raised all the way, yet right now he’s keeping it lowered.

Stepping into and pressing his shoulder against me, he looks at me then to the Gray Alpha, still feeling uneasy. My hand moves from his head to his ear, where I tug lightly before rubbing at it. Eyes stay directed at Gabriel, but I feel his reaction. I smile before turning.

"I'm sorry Gabriel, and you're right. Not once have I really stopped to think of how everyone else has become what they are. Who or what they've lost. Thank you, for making me realize that."

Not happy with how it all happened, but it got the point across. That and now he knows just what kind of 'friend' he'd had. My eyes are on his chest, unable to look him in the face. Not after that.

Not after seeing how I acted and felt before everything went south. Could even be said I asked for it. Shame and embarrassment color my face before I look away. My actions led a man to his death. Mayhap deserved, perhaps not.

"How much is the house? No more bull about mystical crap, having weird abilities does not pay bills."

I hear his sigh, but I don't look at him.

"Since we've been able to get some of the solar panels up, the price has lowered from what it had originally been. I'm sure each adult in your home can contribute something, whether it be money or work around here. Getting more panels up, keeping the wells clear, overall maintenance and labor, you get the point."

Nodding, my eyes move closer to him, but still not at him. Keeping a hand on Xavier, the Alpha and I work out a plan. Just like with any housing purchase, a large amount is needed upfront, then a monthly stipend.

Even lowered thanks to solar energy, the price is still steep. Accepting something this large as a gift or favor sounds all good in theory, till you factor in the debt you're putting yourself in for that person. I don't like being indebted to people. Friends, family, associates, anyone.

And when it comes down to it, that’s how gifts feel to me when given by others; required debts.

The frost that had grown around me had steadily dissipated during our conversation, the frigid chill turning to just cold. The ice crystals that had formed on Gabriel's body didn't seem to bother him in the least, brushing them off nonchalantly or just plain ignoring them. Once everything is agreed on, I'm asked when we'll be moving in.

Good question.

"I'll probably be getting stuff brought over immediately and steadily till after the upcoming holiday, then get everyone in and settled before the cold really sets in... If that's alright?"

The Alpha nods, looking at the maned wolf next to me. During the whole conversation Xavier kept pressed to my side, watching both Gabriel and the other roaming wolves who would come in close, but not through the tree line. Curious bunch.

Finally able to look him in the face, Lucia pops into my head. Oh yeah, might be pertinent to question him more about his wolves.

"How many wolves do you have within your Pack? Will they be spying on me like they do Ava?"

He gives me a look, but I wait for an answer.

"They do not spy on her, they keep watch over those who live on these lands. More were called in when it was noticed that several Weres and Shifters kept showing up. As for how many, why do you wish to know?"

Shoulders rise and fall.

"Just seemed like a good question to ask, so I know who all I'll be seeing around."

He inclines his head, blue eyes staying on me.

"Within the next week or so I'll call for a meeting so you can meet them all. There are twenty in total. I'm sure I don't have to tell you to keep yours away from the campgrounds, there are other grounds off-limits but those will be clear to their noses."

It's my turn to nod, his rules pretty much the same I gave to the Reds for around my home.

"What about Mrs. Gray Alpha? She going to be there as well? Already have...friction, with Alarico's wife, I want to prevent that from happening again if I can."

He chuckles, so I guess he's heard what had happened. Was bad enough with my being territorial around other females, and that was before becoming a wolf. After hasn't helped it much, but I try to fight it off.

"There is no top female."

I look at him in question, and he just looks back with an amused expression.

"You do have female wolves in your Pack, don't you?"

He nods, so I give an expectant look. He gives nothing.

Oookay then.

"How many female wolves do you have?"

"Six."

Twenty wolves and only six of them female. My brow furrows even more.

"Uhm, what goes on around here on the full moon?"

Gabriel looks at me intently, but I stay guarded. My frame has stiffened to the point that Xavier steps on my foot to remind me he's still there. I know he is, but it doesn't help, not with what I went through earlier.

"I can assure you not all Weres are like the one you encountered. My females do what they wish, just as any other human female does during their time of the month."

I nod, still uncomfortable. Don't care what they do, but I know I'll be staying in one of the bedrooms during those three nights. Alone. Everyone can just wait for the sun to rise if they need me for anything.

The biggest drawback of my being a Werewolf; of all female Weres, wolf or otherwise, is going into 'heat' on the three nights of the full moon. If that weren't bad enough, during those nights we're forced to stay in animal form, whether it be full animal or monster form. During the day we can become human, but once the sun sets, we get a pelt.

My very first experience out on my own during one was not something I care to repeat, ever. Don't care if Were males aren't all like that, it's my choice. Even Asher had lost his senses for a short time there, so I'm good.

"Alright, if that's all for now, I have other things I need to get to."

I nod, agreeing. Got plenty to do myself. Need to set some time aside so I can get some painting done. Going to need to if I want to keep the house.

Also need to get a hold of Benjamin and get some names. Supposed to be looking for those who are missing yet I've been doing everything but. Vampire might be steadily leaking their money out, but they will notice soon enough.

Would like to find them before they go underground. Have one looking for me already, well, he's looking for Bastion, but what he will find is me. My claws and very sharp teeth. A quick death is too good for people like him.

I head for the ATV, realizing just as I'm mounting it that I never introduced the males. Oh well, they'll meet formally at some point I'm sure. Turning the vehicle, we head back to Ava's.

Once off the property and a little ways down the road, Xavier stiffens and slows, looking at the tree line with a low growl. A black and white wolf comes running out, oblivious until he gets a look at the tall animal next to me. He slows, tucking his tail as he works his way around, having to go past the maned wolf.

Deep growls sound and a lip raises, causing the young wolf to cower lower, but he keeps moving. Inching his way closer to me. When the black mane starts to rise, I nudge him with my foot.

"Ease down Xavier, he's just a puppy. Let him pass."

He stops the growling, but his ears stay held back with an unhappy glare.

"What do you want, Dirk?"

Once past the long-legged canine, he moves to my left side, taking up position with a canine grin. Nudging at my leg with his nose. He may be submissive, but that doesn't seem to hinder his playful side at all. My blinking at him finally has him 'speaking' up.

"Is it true? Will you be moving in?"

I nod, then accelerate down the road. Not going that fast, but enough to have them both at a quick trot to keep up. Keeping my eyes on the relatively straight pavement, I slip into Xavier's head with questions.

"What are you doing here? Is everything at Ava's all right? Are the kids okay?"

From the corner of my eye I can see his ears flick. He gives an affirmative on them being alright but doesn't explain why he came. Glancing over, I scowl at him.

"You're not becoming all stalkerish on me are you?"

His amusement slips into my mind for a minute then leaves, so I pull out as well. May not want to tell me now, but I will get an answer later. The rest of the ride to Ava's driveway is pretty quiet.