Choosing Two Halves
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: dreamslost4u on 18-06-2013, 08:58:19</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Choosing Two Halves </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>dreamslost4u</strong> on <strong>18-06-2013, 08:58:19</strong>
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				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173837.msg8211444#msg8211444">Quote from: dreamslost4u on 12-05-2013, 07:12:50</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><div class="floatright">(http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/Champalishes/691cfbee-2b5a-4d12-adf8-54501da147d5.jpg) (http://s228.photobucket.com/user/Champalishes/media/691cfbee-2b5a-4d12-adf8-54501da147d5.jpg.html)</div>Luke &nbsp;(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0rtiKlp1vLs/TBpiEfbuD2I/AAAAAAAABcg/8d7AnAYT9Hk/s1600/eric.jpg)twirled a finger through Hannah's wavy hair as she stood in front of a full bodied mirror looking over herself. A smile danced over her face as she looked at her and Luke's reflection, he had become so much like a father to her. She wasn't sure what her real father was like or even if this was what a father was supposed to act like, but she was content with Luke being her father figure. He had taken her in when she had nothing and no one; he had nursed her back to health. Never had he asked anything of her except what he spoke to her about yesterday and that was to mate with either his son or his son’s best friend, the current packs enforcer. Of course, she had agreed without hesitation knowing that Luke wouldn't put her in a bad situation. Hannah felt that she owed Luke her life, and she did, but she felt she owed him way more than just that.<br><br>With a deep breath she ran her fingers down her dress straightening a wrinkle, "Your sure I look okay," she asked Luke. Worry etched her voice, she was afraid that she wasn't dressed appropriately even though Luke had reassured her a million times that she looked fine, but fine wasn't what she was aiming for. <br><br>A deep warm chuckle emanated from behind her and she turned around giving Luke an innocent smile, his rough hand cupped her cheek making her look up at him and both their expressions softened to ones of love. "My dear Hannah, you look absolutely dazzling," he said and pulled her in for a hug. <br><br>She giggled and leaned up pecking a kiss onto his cheek before twirling around in a circle her dress twirling around her making her look as if she was floating. Hannah stopped and grinned, "Thank you," she took his hand and led him down the stairs to the kitchen where she had been preparing food for their diner. She looked over her shoulder as she stepped into the kitchen, "Are you excited to have your son come back home," she asked him knowing full well that he was more than excited to have Sam come home, he hadn’t seen his son in a little over a year.<br>&nbsp;<br>Luke watched Hannah go into the kitchen and stir the spaghetti sauce at her question he stopped and looked over at the clock it was four-thirty. His brother was supposed to be over with his wife around five, they expected Sam and Steven to be getting there shorty after.&nbsp; Luke knew he had change ever since Hannah had come along, with her here he was no longer so depressed. Hannah filled a void in his heart that had been there ever since his wife had died a few years past, Luke was happier. Luke watched Hannah for the next half hour as she chopped tomatoes and onions for a salad.<br><br>Big arms wrapped around Hannah lifting her from her feet and spinning her in a giant circle causing a squeal and then laughter to flow from Hannah's lips. She hadn't heard Mark come in, but the way the man swept her off her feet and spun her gave away to who it was in second. A little pixie voice scolded the big bear like man to put Hannah down which only caused Hannah to laugh more. When she was finally set on her feet she gave them both a proper hug. Mark and Lauren, had become like an aunt and uncle to her and she loved having them over for dinner. She placed a kiss on Lauren's cheek and she got one in return before Lauren fluttered of to give Luke a hug. Everyone loved Hannah so much because of the change that she had brought out in their alpha.<br><br>Setting the food on the table, Lauren returned to Hannah's side and helped her finish setting the table Once everything was set onto the table, everyone went into the living room to wait for the boys to get home. Hannah slipped away and up to her room during one of the stories she had already heard a million times. Standing back in front of the mirror she looked over herself again and smiled, it would have been a lie to say she wasn't nervous, but for the most part she was just kind of excited. Moving away from the mirror Hannah stepped over to the window and looked out at the forest, the land that had become her home the last six months, the pack that had taken her in. Many days she found herself wondering why she had been their laying on the outskirts of their pack bleeding to death, but when she went to talk to Luke about it he would always just tell her to not fret over it. "You came as a little gift, my broken angel," he would always tell her and at first she didn't like to be called a broken angel, but the more she got to know Luke the more she understood that it was a way of saying that they saved each other.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173837.msg8220383#msg8220383">Quote from: Coyote on 13-05-2013, 21:58:32</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Steven glared out of the window as the bus moved through the countryside. He liked these little rides, coming home alone, time to think, time to ponder. He had slipped the bus driver a lot of extra cash to continue his route past where everyone had already gotten off, to take Steven back to his pack, out in the outskirts of the forest. Shifting to a wolf, he would enjoy that pleasure soon enough, but this right here was what he needed at the moment. College was hectic and being an enforcer was demanding, this was like an island of peace in between. It was sure his best friend did not understand, but they had always been different. Steven valued discipline and order and expected no less of himself, when he was around others he had to be in enforcer mode all the time. Any time spent of moody reflection, letting your guard down, that was weakness that could not be afforded. It’s different when you've had everything handed too you from childbirth, you can afford to be happy and relaxed. Everything Steven has he’s had to earn, through pain and anger and blood and sweat. He had built himself into someone to be respected and feared, and he wouldn’t let that go for anything.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://i.imgur.com/T7ZbBAD.jpg)</div><br><br>By the time they had arrived Steven was feeling about as relaxed as he was going to feel in a long time. It was time he took charge of his enforcer duties again with full authority. He had no idea how things had lapsed since had been gone. He stepped out with his bag slung over his shoulder, and gave a nod to the bus driver on the way out. What he wanted was to go back to work immediately. What he had to do was go pay his respects to the Alpha and participate in whatever social function he was devising. At least, it would be a chance to meet up with his best friend, Sam, the Alpha’s son, who had decided to come home a separate way. On the other hand he was going to endure whatever social niceties that the Alpha, Luke, had concocted for the day.<br><br>Luke had been the one to elevate Steven to enforcer status, to mark him out as worthwhile. He had been the first to look past his bastard status and to see his worth. Luke had been his hero and mentor. He had been a focused and disciplined leader. But lately, a change had come over him, one that Steven did not like. Ever seen he had taken up with some stray he had found, he had starting acting soft, losing sight of whatever his duties were. Steven was not sure if the relationship he had with the girl was fatherly or something more, but whatever it is the dark and focused mentor he had known was gone, replaced by a cheerful man who at times he had trouble recognizing. Not that he would ever stop loving the man who had given him so much, just that he missed the old Luke. In his past visits home he and Luke and immediately sat down to start dealing with the troublesome elements of the pack. Now Luke was far too relaxed to talk business as soon as he arrived.<br><br>What was worse was this girl he had taken up with, Hannah. Steven was angry at himself for even thinking about her, something he swore he would try not to do. Who was she; could she even be trusted, what guiles and schemes lay behind those beautiful eyes and auburn fur? Whenever he thought about her he needed to know more, to understand who or what she was. There was something about her; Steven almost couldn’t blame Luke for falling into the seductresses trap. Steven wasn’t sure if he would have been able to avoid it. Steven would study her closely, for the safety of the pack. Or at least, that’s what he kept telling himself.<br><br>Steven made his way through the small town his pack called home. He noted the respectful glances of the people he passed, some of whom had kicked and bit him when he was a pup. He nodded to a tall black haired woman, one of his secondary enforcers, who gave him a signal that everything was going ok in his absence. It had been hard keeping tabs on everything from college but thankfully he had good support here. He approached Luke’s house, and found the door already open for him. He quickly adjusted his clothes, he had worn a white dress shirt and rolled up the sleeves, along with a pair of black jeans, he knew little of how to dress while in human form and didn’t care much but he knew Luke noticed details. Inside Steven found Luke along with Mark and Lauren waiting in the living room for him.&nbsp; He couldn’t help but to notice that Hannah was not there, and wondered where she was.<br>“Well” he said, setting his bag on the floor, “I’m back.”<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173837.msg8244734#msg8244734">Quote from: Wolfy on 18-05-2013, 08:34:56</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><div style="text-align: left;">A soft laugh comes from the lips of a young man sitting among a group of women. The handsome man that owned the laugh smiled playfully to the women that surrounded him. "So you're coming back from college?" one said, a cute girl with light blond hair and a bridge of freckles across her nose. Her eyes seemed to light up as she looked at the young man. He himself simply smiled and nodded. "That's right...on my way back to be with my family. It gets pretty lonely when you're away from home." Sam, the young man, said to his associate, not even knowing her name. The group seemed to have gathered around him at random, or at least it felt that way. The train ride back to his home town had been so uneventful up till now, but it was certainly becoming more interesting. He wore a checkered shirt that seemed to draw out the deep blue of his eyes, and a rough pair of jeans that seemed to scream 'badboy' though Sam didn't consider himself anything of the sort. A mess of brown hair adorned his head, and his teeth shined as he smiled to the group of women again. "Oh, I know...it's always terrible when you first leave home."The blond said with a gentle, inviting smile. "Isn't it. though?...my best friend left ahead of me...heh..too bad, he really missed out." Sam said with a smirk to the women around him, their train car lurching on through the country-side. The group and Sam continued to converse, with a few offering light touches and shows of interest, though Sam seemed to shrug them off with little thought.<br><br>"So Mister Sam," Began a young redhead with soft green eyes that seemed to be glued to him, "We know you've got family waiting for you...but is there anyone else?" She asked with a smile, "A girlfriend maybe?" She said a little more boldly, and all the other women seemed to prick up their ears. Sam could only smile and shake his head, "Girlfriend? Not hardly....but I do have someone waiting for me...I'm afraid I'm taken man, ladies." Sam said, to the visible disappointment of his group. Sam held back a small laugh at seeing their faces drop, though this wasn't the first time he had managed to get a reaction like this. Ever since the possible engagement and mating with Hannah, Sam had labeled himself as a taken man until that was resolved...though that didn't mean he wouldn't enjoy the pleasures of both men and women alike, it simply meant that he didn't want to become attached to anyone but Hannah...for the moment, anyway.<br><br>"And with that heart dropping reveal...it's my stop coming up, ladies." Sam said to his entourage with a soft, gentle smile. lifting himself from his seat between them to grab his bag, something that he tossed over his shoulder. Casting a winning smile back at the group of women, Sam stepped off the train and onto the platform, into the bright sunlight that streamed down through the clouds. Sam took in a deep breath, breathing in the clean air of his home town with a grin. "This place never changes..." He said to himself, walking past the checkout and into the town itself. It was busy with life as usual, with cars moving by and people walking the sidewalks. Every now and again Sam would see someone from his pack, someone who would salute him with respect for being the Alpha's son, and Sam could only sigh to himself. He hadn't picked to be the Alpha's Son, but it seemed to be the only thing he was really known for. Being next in line for leadership meant that people either respected him, or at worst, grovelled at his feet for power. This was one of the reason why he liked Steven, his best friend, so much. Being the Enforcer of the pack,Steven was already a high ranking member, but he was also someone who didn't simply treat Sam with respect for being the Alpha's son, he instead treated him with respect because he was a person. Steven seemed to look past his status and see the real man beneath, something that Sam wished others would do...of course the fact that Steven was a little attractive to him also helped matters in the 'best friend' department.<br><br>Sam finally approached the house where his father lived...he hadn't seen Luke in little over a year, and he was excited to see his father again, as well as finally meet this Hannah girl in person. She seemed like someone nice over the phone, but her looks and demeanor were going to be something he was totally blind to. He noticed the door was open for him, and slowly walked up to the door, arriving shortly after Steven had seen everyone. "Heeey...I'm home." Sam said with an excited grin.</div><br><div style="text-align: right;">(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/Wolfy4225/tumblr_mgbkr1tGkA1ri5appo1_400.jpg~original)</div></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173837.msg8305455#msg8305455">Quote from: dreamslost4u on 29-05-2013, 08:30:21</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Hannah hadn’t even seen Steven walk up the pathway to her home; she was in such a daze. The sound of the door shutting made her jump, snapping her out of her day dream. It only took her a few seconds to recognize Stevens sent. She wasn’t all that familiar with him, having only met him a few times, but his scent stood out from the others downstairs. Before today Hannah had strived to keep her distance from him. She knew the man didn’t like her, even though Luke insisted it was just the way that Steven was. Luke had said one of the reasons he had chosen Steven to be the pack enforcer was because of the way he could distance himself. But Hannah knew Steven didn’t trust her, she had seen it in his eyes every time he had looked at her, assessing her, judging her without even attempting to get to know her. Of course, she admired him for how seriously he took his job as beta, as the one to protect the pack, but he made her … unsure of herself.<br><br>Luke continuously reassured her that Steven would come around with time.<br><br>The second Steven had walked in Luke had jumped up and given the young man a firm hug. “It’s good to have you back home.” Mark went and got a beer from the fridge and handed it to Steven with a slap on the back, “How was the ride back?” Lauren stepped up once the other men had back off and gave <br>Steven a hug and kiss on the cheek, just like she did with everyone else. She said nothing though gave him a warm smile. Only minutes later did Sam walk in the door and the ritual started all over again. Luke gave Sam a hug. Mark got him a beer and a slap on the back. Lauren gave her kisses. Before everyone returned to their seats.<br><br>“Dinner should be ready in a few minutes,” Luke said looking towards the stairs where Hannah had disappeared a little while before. Standing up he excused himself to go find Hannah. He knew where he would find her, in her room staring out the window in the direction of where her body had been discovered. Whenever she needed to think she would always be standing and staring into the window. Honestly, he was surprised her reflection hadn’t etched itself into the glass from how often she stood there.<br><br>And there she was at the window. Walking up behind her he brushed his fingers down her back, “Hey there.” His voice was softer with her then it was with the others, gentler, much more patient. “You okay?” He asked as she turned towards him with that lost little smile. Her nod, let him know otherwise, but for now he left it be. “Why don’t we go back down stairs? The boys are here and I know Sam would like to meet you.”<br><br>Hannah willingly followed Luke down the stairs, her hand holding onto his tightly, like a child clutching to her father when she was frightened. As they stepped down the stairs Hannah stepped from behind Luke and looked first to Steven before looking to Sam. Standing there the tension washed from her body and she let out a deep breath. “Hi. It’s nice to see you again, Steven.” Her voice was soft and sweet, radiating a calm confidence now that Luke was by her side. Taking a step towards Sam she offered her hand, her eyes so green they were nearly grey met with his dazzling blue eyes and she smiled, “You must me Sam. I’m Hannah. It’s nice to finally meet you.” It was easy to see how Sam was Luke’s son, they both had the same goofy smile. The same nose and tousled hair. Same was Luke twenty years younger and with blue eyes.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173837.msg8341095#msg8341095">Quote from: Coyote on 04-06-2013, 20:34:18</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Steven endured the shower of love and excitement as best he good. Of course Steven loved these people, who were essentially his adopted family. He was simply not the type to make a big show of it, although he understood why the others had too. “It’s good to see all of you as well, really I’m glad you've all been safe” He gave Luke and small smile “My ride was quiet, just the way I like it. How have you been, has everything being handled?” Just then Sam walked into the room and Steven could not help but to smile wider. Sam, that handsome, cocky bastard whom he loved so much. At first Steven had resented the fact that Sam was the Alpha’s son, that he would have everything handed to him while Steven had to earn every bit of his position. But soon he couldn't help but get caught up in Sam’s easy manner and charm. There was something genuine about him, as if he never had to hide himself from anyone. It was refreshing, and, Steven had to note, attractive. Sam saw his position as a curse as much as a blessing, and that humility was not something one often saw from an Alpha’s son.<br><br>“I thought I smelled something nasty. Glad to see that you can make it home by yourself without me holding your hand,” He favored Sam with a quick grin that he reserved specially for his best friend. Steven reached out and put his hand on Sam’s shoulder, and let his long slender fingers brush up against his friend’s skin and linger there for a moment.<br><br>Steven looked up and saw Luke leading the girl Hannah down the stairs. She seemed a little scared, maybe a little frightened of him. He had that effect on people, his constant suspicion was necessary to keep the pack safe. At the same time it put a barrier between him and others. Seeing her walking down like that, looking innocent and nervous, part of him wanted to actually drop his anger and reassure her. Every time he glanced at her… <br><br>He shook his head, as if trying to physically drive the thoughts from his mind. For some reason he could not stay logical. He looked up and saw Luke beaming at her with a look of happiness he had never seen on the man before. This was the dangerous effect she had on people. Who was this girl? She stopped next to him for a moment and gave him an enigmatic smile, while Luke looked on hopefully. Steven knew Luke had plans for the girl, plans that would involve Sam and him getting to know her better. And to his shame he found himself wanting to do that very much. He felt like a doddering adolescent with a school boy crush. But he managed to turn the shame into anger at whatever she was doing to him. He took a step close to her in order to seem more intimidating.<br><br>“Hannah. I see you've been well.&nbsp; Now that I’m back I would like to have a private chat with you when you get the chance, I do the same with all new arrivals” That much at least was true, although even then he did not know if his motivations were truly the safety of the pack or something else. With that he stepped back next to Sam to allow him a chance to meet Hannah. No doubt he would sweep her off her feet, he thought, with a pang of jealousy, although he did not know which of the two to direct that jealousy towards.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173837.msg8347734#msg8347734">Quote from: dreamslost4u on 05-06-2013, 22:57:45</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Even though every nerve ending on Hannah's body screamed at her to take a step back away from Steven, and towards Luke, when Steven stepped towards her Hannah forced herself to stand a bit taller. Of course, with Luke so close she wasn't afraid. Luke would never let anything happen to her. Plus she knew that Steven was just doing his job, protecting Luke's pack. Though she didn't understand why he disliked her so much and wished to frighten her with his towering height like she was some criminal. Hannah would never do anything to put the pack in danger, they had all taken her in and made her feel like one of their own.<br><br>Hannah knew very well that she had been lucky to have been found by Lukes pack. They had saved her life. Accepted her. Yes, of course, she had been questioned by Reina, a secondary enforcer, as well as others on who she was, where she had come from, what had happened to her. But she had no answers for any of those questions. Hannah didn't know anything of her life before she had opened her eyes to see Luke standing above her with a worried look. Honestly, she didn't even know if Hannah was her real name. The only reason they called her Hannah was because she had woken up screaming the name Hannah so many times. All she saw when she tried to make herself remember the past was streaks of red, sounds of screaming, and searing pain. And even that was all a blur. Of course, she did want to know who she was, who she really was, but she was happy here, loved here, why would she want to mess with that?<br><br>Luke responded to Steven before Hannah could, "She has already answered all of the questions and queries from the others, Steven." Luke's tone was serious and protective, he didn't want Steven scaring, Hannah. Even though he knew she could take care of herself he also knew that Steven was tough and relentless when it came to things like this. But Hannah was not a threat and he didn't want Steven badgering her. "It is not nec..." Hannah looked back at Luke and shook her head slowly, whispering something to him so only he could hear her, which caused him to stop mid sentence. Nodding, he took a deep breath.<br><br>She turned back towards Steven answering him for herself now. "We can talk tomorrow if you would like. I know you only have the packs best interest at heart." Hannah gave him a gentle smile as he finally took a step back. "I'm glad to see you returned home safely." Her eyes then wandered back over to Sam.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Choosing Two Halves </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Coyote</strong> on <strong>20-06-2013, 20:52:31</strong>
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				Sam joyously embraced his family as they ran up to meet him. He gave his father a firm hug and a slap on the back. “You don't look a day older Dad, one day you gotta let me in on that secret.” He said with a grin “How great is it to see me again, right? How the hell did you mange without me.” Truth be told he had never seen his father happier, he seemed laid back, relaxed, he had a big smile on his face and wasn’t afraid to share his affection. Something had really gotten his mood up, he had even seemed happier over the phone lately. Sam took the beer Mark offered him and chugged it down in seconds, and tossed the empty bottle back to him “I’m gonna need at least eight more of those, your boy just got back from college remember?” He said with a wink. <br><br>He accepted Steven’s wise ass remark with a non chalent shrug, “Yeah surprisingly I managed to survive&nbsp; without you brooding and constant complaining. I don’t know how I possibly managed without you.” Sam’s body got tingly when Steven brushed his fingers right across his most ticklish spot. No fair using that against him in front of all these people. He would have to get his revenge on him later, he knew a lot of spots on Steven’s body that were ticklish. <br><br>And he saw the girl, the one his father had told him about. Steven had definitely not been honest about his perceptions of her. As she walked towards him he could tell already this was easily one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen in this town.&nbsp; The red hair was unheard of in his pack, it made her seem so exotic and alluring it almost made him growl. He had been a little hesitant about his Dad’s choice,&nbsp; but he should have trusted his father’s judgement, he certainly knew how to choose them well. When she looked into his blue eyes with her odd, green ones, he thought he detected a hint of interest, or at least fascination. She spoke with a soft and gentle voice, but firm she was certainly no pushover. He watched her deal with Steven’s suspicion handily, not even backing down against his most intimidating glare. So nice but with an edge, he liked that. Sam frowned momentarily, Steven definitely seemed to like her too, maybe he didn’t know it yet himself, but this is always the way he acts when he’s uncomfortable about his desires. He was obviously overcompensating his moodiness because he was afraid of showing his real emotions. Well, it was of no matter at the moment, He didn't even know her much yet, and they would see who she gravitated towards with time he knew that Steven’s off putting manner wasn’t going to attract a woman like his easy going charm would. <br><br>“Well, well, well, you must be Hannah,” he said taking a step towards her and took her hand by the fingertips. With some exaggerated formality he brought it up to his mouth and gave it a gentle kiss “Enchante mademoiselle” He said, in the most ridiculous French accent he could muster. He held her hand for a little longer then necessary, letting his fingers linger across her skin for a few moments before letting go. “Don’t mind Steven, he’s just a grumpy bastard. If Dad thinks your OK, then I’m sure you must be. Well to tell you the truth, I think you’re rather more than OK so far” He gave her a quick wink and then stepped back, knowing that soon she might get embarrassed by everyone watching his shameless flirting. He had sent some feelers out and it was time to see if she would bite. "How are you enjoying our little pack so far? I hope it's not getting to boring for you."<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Choosing Two Halves </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>dreamslost4u</strong> on <strong>21-06-2013, 09:00:52</strong>
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				The last thing Hannah expected was to have Sam’s lips brushing over her hand in such a gentle man. She nearly took a step back from how surprised she was. His lips were soft and warm, but his hand lingered on her own a little bit longer than she liked. Though she had to admit his little French voice was quite adorable. “Enchante,” she whispered back to him with a small giggle shaking her head. His goofiness definitely mimicked his fathers, something she found quite charming. She could even hear Luke’s deep chuckle behind her and turned her head to give him one of her cheerful smiles. Hannah loved to hear Luke laugh, loved knowing that he was happy. He had done so much for her and all she wanted was for him to be happy.<br><br>"Thank you, but I don't think Steven is, too, grumpy. He's just trying to do his job." Her eyes went over to Steven for a second giving him a reassuring smile letting him know that she understood. And she did believe that he was really just trying to do his job and protect the back. Maybe he was a little rough around the edges, but he wasn't being mean to her in any way. When Sam asked her if she was enjoying the pack Hannah nodded and brought her eyes back over to Sam. "Yes, I am. Everyone is so welcoming and kind. Your father does a great job and it is in no way boring. I learn something new everyday I'm here." <br><br>A timer dinged in the kitchen, "Well I believe that means that dinner is ready." Lauren and Hannah both went into the kitchen to pull the last thing from the oven. Luke turned to Sam and Steven, "It's good to have you guys home, but go easy on her. She isn't used to the both of you yet. Don't forget I want to talk to the three of you after dinner." <br><br>Lauren called everyone into the dinner. Luke and Mark sa at the end of the table, Hannah sat to Lukes right and Lauren to Marks left so the two women sat next to each other leaving the two seats empty for the boys to choose from. The bowls on the table filled with Spaghetti and Salad. There was grilled Chicken as well as Steak. Bread and a few other things. "I didn't really know what either of you liked so I kind of cooked a little bit of all the basics," Hannah said looking over at Luke who had known how nervous she was about making dinner for the both of them.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Choosing Two Halves </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Coyote</strong> on <strong>27-06-2013, 01:27:39</strong>
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				Steven glared at Sam and Hannah’s effortless flirting, his best attempts to look aloof and disinterested could not hide the flashes of annoyance at Sam’s behavior. Sam had always been the confident and charming one, there had been times when he had flirted away a women who Steven was after in front of his eyes. But there was never any negative intention behind it, Steven just had a hard time showing his feelings and Sam would sometimes miss it, he would always apologize to Steven if he ever found out, would make it up to him. This was different, Sam was openly mocking Steven in front of his eyes, subtly digging at him knowing it would cause him embarrassment. He was not sure what had gotten into his friend today but they would need to talk about it later. He nodded to Hannah when she told him he wasn't being “grumpy.” “Thank you, I don’t think much of Sam’s chatter, but I, I genuinely apologize if I have come on too strongly” Steven tried to ignore any shocked faces as he headed off to the dinner table, he was not known for apologizing. Weather Hannah was dangerous or not he knew he had been rude, he had sensed fear from her, and it made him ashamed that she reacted like that to him but seemed so happy with Sam. Maybe life would be easier if he could just be like that. But no, unlike other people he had responsibilities and he was not going to forgot that. Still, part of him had been happy when she had smiled at him. Was that just her being good at fooling people? Steven turned those thoughts over in his head in confusion., he absentmindedly nodded to Luke as he warned him to go easy on Hannah.<br><br>Sam grinned at his father’s warning, “Come on Dad you know me, I’m the perfect picture of good behavior. I’m starting to think you love this Hannah girl more than us.” But Sam briefly furrowed his brow as Steven walked off, although he tried to bring back his goofy look as soon as he realized it. Steven actually apologizing? He really did like this girl. But Hannah had been responding to his flirting well enough, even though she had paused to reassure Steven. Did that mean anything? Probably just her being sweet. When his father had told him and Steven about his plans for Hannah, they had joked about it, it hadn’t sounded like a competition, just one of Dad’s little ideas. Now Steven was just being weird about it. “Well jeez, you got Steven to apologize, now I’m kind of intimidated by you,” He told Hannah with a smile as they headed off to dinner.<br><br>Steven took a seat across from Hannah and immediately reached for one of the stakes, it seemed to have been cooked very rare just for him. He dove right into it, relishing the bloody pink meat. For someone very proper and dignified, Steven had never really learned the basics of table manners, his instincts were that of someone who had to grab at food the instant they saw it because the next moment it would be gone. As he obliviously tore into the meat as if he had been starved for the last few weeks, Sam carefully took the seat next to him and took a bit of everything. As an Alpha’s son he had learned how to act like a proper gentleman at the dinner table. Steven, on the other hand, seemed to have missed out on all that. It was actually pretty adorable seeing him like that. “If the food, my lady,” said Sam with mock formality, “Taste’s even one tenth as good as it smells, it will be utterly delicious. Believe me, you don’t have to impress us. Look Steven is already loving it.” <br><br>Hearing his name mentioned, Steven froze, realizing he had totally forgotten his manners again. He finished chewing what was in his mouth and attempted to regain a dignified posture. “Umm, well yes it’s exactly how I like it.” He said to Hannah, trying to regain his serious demeanor. This situation was rather embarrassing; he felt an odd sort of pressure to not make a fool of himself in front of Hannah. He tried to think of something to say to cover up the awkwardness. “Do you, like to cook in general?” Sam arched an eyebrow in surprise, Steven actually trying to make small talk? This was a day of firsts. Seeing Sam’s expression and a clever comment forming on Sam’s lips, Steven subtly kicked him under the table, eliciting a little yelp and a laugh from Sam. Steven maintained his intense stare throughout. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Choosing Two Halves </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>dreamslost4u</strong> on <strong>04-07-2013, 09:54:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When Steven apologized for his manners Hannah looked over at him and gave him a genuine smile. It meant a lot to her that he would actually apologize, from what she had heard he never apologized for anything and judging by everyone else’s face he hadn't ever really apologized. Even if he didn't mean it it was still nice that he thought enough of her that he could apologize for any rude behavior. Though she didn't feel he was being rude, he was a bit pushy yes, but he had a job to do and it involved being rough around the edges. He had to protect the pack and that meant he couldn't just goof around. Not that she would admit it out loud, but Steven sort of made her feel safe, he intimidated her yes, but his stature his attitude made her feel like he would do anything to protect anyone that was in the pack. <br><br>Hannah had to repress a giggle as Steven sat down and began to devour the piece of steak. She hadn’t in a million years expected him to not have the same proper table manners that the others had at the table, only looking away when Sam began to talk to her again. The same smile played along her lips, “Thank you. I guess I did go a wee bit over board,” Hannah said a bit shyly looking back over to Steven unable to hold in&nbsp; her giggle as he struggled to regain his composure. She wasn't trying to laugh at him, but his mannerisms were so adorable she couldn't hold in the small giggle that left her lips.<br><br>“I’m glad that you like it,” Hannah said with a nod. “I do enjoy cooking. It comes so natural.” Picking up her fork she began to eat the small amount of food she had put on her plate. Hannah had been so nervous all day that her stomach was in knots so she hadn’t eaten and her appetite still wasn’t back yet. <br><br>Another fit of giggles tumbled from Hannah's lips when Sam let out a small yelp. She hadn't seen what happened under the table, but could guess that Steven had kicked the future alpha. "Boys..." Luke warned in his deep timber making Hannah giggle more. Capturing her bottom lip with her teeth she was able to contain the rest of her laughter, looking between Luke, Sam, and Steven. "Oh they are fine," Lauren commented teasingly smiling at everyone at the table.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Choosing Two Halves </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Coyote</strong> on <strong>12-07-2013, 11:50:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At his father’s admonishment, Sam drew himself up in an exaggerated formal manner, “I have been nothing but a proper gentleman. It’s not my fault some of us seem to lack proper table manners.” He felt Steven glaring at him even though he refused to look in that direction. He and Steven teased each other all the time, it was playful, no one else felt this comfortable with him. But this time he could feel a little edge beneath the lightness. On the surface they were just having fun like usual, but somewhere in there was something more serious and competitive. Perhaps they both just needed to calm down and talk it over. Besides, it would kill him if he had accidentally hurt Steven’s feelings in any real way. “Alright I’m just kidding around, I never want you to change Steve.” He reached out and mussed up Steven’s hair affectionately. Then he smiled at Hannah, delighted that she seemed to be enjoying their fun “Sorry we’re always like this. Especially when we’re around people we trust and like. Don’t feel left out, I’ll get to teasing you soon enough, once I get to know you better.” He gave her a wink and went back to finish up his dinner.<br><br>Steven took Sam’s affectionate gesture as a peace offering, for the moment. He was more concerned with what Hannah was thinking anyway, she seemed to find his social ineptness funny, but he wondered whether it was in a mocking or affectionate way. She acted quiet and shy, which made her irritatingly difficult to read, which added to her appeal, and his distrust.&nbsp; But she seemed genuinely happy that they liked the food, which was very good, and for once in his life he seemed to be succeeding at awkward small talk. He decided to quit while he was ahead and focus on trying to eat his food in a gentlemanly manner. He had an incredibly awkward time working with the fork and knife, so he decided to just set his focus on that, as he turned over thoughts about Hannah in his head.<br><br>Sam finished up eating and gently pushed his plate away, he leaned back with a satisfied smile. “So looks like you’re a great cook, what else do you like to do? Dad is terrible at giving details. And now I bet he’s going to get grumpy and tell me to stop prying. He’s totally predictable, even Lauren and Mark agree.” He loved incriminating others in his jokes, especially at his dad. Sam loved the way that his dad had softened up, it had changed the whole family dynamic, made things more easy going and open. He wondered if Hannah knew the effect she had on him. Considering the state his father had been in before, there must be something very special about this girl to bring about this radical change.&nbsp; “Anyway if you like nature you should come hiking with me, trails around here are pretty spectacular, and it will get us out of this stuffy old house. And the stuffy old people, right Dad?” Also, it would give him some much needed alone time with Hannah, he thought. He noticed Steven stiffen a bit at this suggestion.<br><br>Steven finished the rest of his dinner as politely as he could and then looked around awkwardly, unsure of what to do next. “The dinner was, very satisfying,” he said, facing no one in particular, “A good meal. Thank you.” He looked up at the ceiling and waited for the others to finish.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Choosing Two Halves </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>dreamslost4u</strong> on <strong>26-07-2013, 23:47:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“There’s no reason to apologize,” Hannah said when Sam apologized for his and Steven’s behavior, “I don’t mind.” For a second Hannah’s mind tried to dip itself into her past, one that she couldn’t remember, as she wondered if she had any siblings or friends, but all she saw was empty and quickly shook the thoughts from her head knowing very well that she wouldn’t be able to find anything good. She and Luke had been down this road so many times. In fact it was something they quite frequently visited, a dark place in Hannah’s mind that only led to pain, confusion, tears and black outs. Not once could she ever remember anything beyond waking up in a medical room with Luke standing over her looking both worried and furious. The only time she thought she saw anything was in nightmares and most of that was just pain and blindness filled with sounds and screams, she could smell blood and death, but never had she been able to see anything. Every time she tried to push her conscious mind to remember something she ended up nearly fainting.<br><br>Hannah could tell that the two boys loved each other immensely, but she could also see that Steven, at least, was getting a little irked by the situation and the teasing. Her eyes wandered over to Luke who was shaking his head at Sam’s comment though he was smiling almost as goofily as Sam was. “You’re right and you better not start prying with her,” He warned, his voiced edge with seriousness, though he was still smiling as he reached over and gently patted Hannah’s hand. He was so protective of her. It took her weeks to regain her consciousness she had been so weak and injured they thought that she wouldn’t recover, they thought that they were going to lose her a few times when her heart stopped beating. In Luke’s mind she was still so fragile, and in many ways she was, but Luke loved her for the strength she had the fight he saw in her every day.<br><br>Now it was Hannah’s turn to shake her head though at Luke, “It’s okay. I don’t mind,” she gave his hand a squeeze before finishing her the food on her plate. “I really haven’t done much wandering around the area. I just tend to stay here.” In all honesty she was a bit worried about wandering too far from Luke’s home, but she knew sooner or later she would need to learn the lands that the pack lived on, of course she knew the sooner she got rid of her worry the better. “I told Sam that we could talk tomorrow perhaps after that or the next day.” She finished her food and gently pushed the plate away from her now playing with the rim of her glass unable to stop herself from fidgeting.<br><br><br>Looking up at Steven when he finally spoke again she smiled once more, "Thank you and your very welcome." As every one finished eating Hannah silently got up from the table and began gathering all of the dishes with out much thought and put them in the sink to be washed in a few minutes. She knew Luke hated when she cooked and cleaned, but for now he was letting her do as she pleased knowing she needed to move because she was nervous and she never seemed to do to well sitting still for too long anyways. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Choosing Two Halves </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Coyote</strong> on <strong>15-08-2013, 11:24:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam tried to study Hannah’s responses without being too obvious. He had pressed his father for details about her as soon as he was told about her, but he had gotten nothing out of his old man other than that she was a nice girl who he cared about very deeply. Sam was beginning to wonder how much his dad even knew about the mysterious girl he had brought in. Nothing he was saying was bringing out deeper details or expressions of interest from her. He really hadn't met a women that had posed such a challenge to him since… well he had never really met a women who had posed such a challenge to him. Was she just being shy or was there something she just didn't want to talk about? What was going on in her head? He glanced over at Steven and tilted his head towards Hannah as she washed the dishes. Steven shrugged his shoulders slightly. He didn't have any knowledge or details either. Well, thought Sam, which one of us is going to get underneath that beautiful armor first? He got up and wandered over to the sink “Come on you cooked and now you’re going to clean everything too?” he said to Hannah with a grin “You have got to let me help out, I’ll take it personally if you don’t.”<br><br>Steven silently wondered why he hadn't thought of helping out first, then he banished that thought with embarrassment, and his eyes wandered around the table and came to rest on Luke. He really hadn't had a chance to talk to Luke one on one for months, he had become enamored with Hannah and was always fretting and concerning himself over her. It seemed to be the biggest concern in his life at the moment. The way he had gotten defensive over Sam’s questioning of Hannah, Steven almost had to wonder if the Alpha didn't have deeper feelings for the girl than the fatherly ones he exhibited. Or perhaps that suspicion was the result of jealousy. Steven cursed his emotions, something was happening to him, something regarding Hannah, and it was completely keeping him from thinking straight. He would need to snap out of it soon, he would be a failure of an enforcer if he carried on like this. “Well Luke, now that dinners over I have to ask, is there any pack business lately that I will need to attend to in the coming days?” Whenever Steven was feeling shaken he could usually restore some confidence by talking about business.<br><br>Sam snorted as he reached for a dish to wipe off “Well that’s Steven for you, he’s not even done digesting yet and he’s on to talking about the boring stuff. Dad please shut him up, Lauren give him a good whack on the back of his head.” Steven turned to Sam and glared. He was sick of hearing these immature jibes ever time he said something. Sometimes he wished his friend would just grow up. “Well maybe if you took more of an interest in this I wouldn't have to pick up your slack.” Steven said with a slight growl. Both of the boys fell silent. They both knew the bickering was going too far. Sam had constantly been undermining Steven’s confidence and Steven had just implied that Sam was incompetent at helping his father with his duties, one of the only areas he was actually sensitive about. Sam angrily and silently went about his cleaning, Steven had crossed a line by insulting him like that in front of his father. Sam could forgive Steven a lot of things, Steven was socially awkward and repressed he knew that, but this was low. Steven just turned his head away from his friend's melodramatic behavior and focused his eyes on Luke. Sam clearly was willing to mock others but couldn't take truth told to his face, hardly the qualities of a great leader.. They both waited quietly for someone else to cut the tension in the room for them.<br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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