Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond & GrapeTootsiePop}
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Phobetor on 19-02-2013, 05:29:38</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>19-02-2013, 05:29:38</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://i.imgur.com/sZlKnxj.jpg)<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><em><strong>Luc Winters</strong></em></span></span></div><br><div align="center"><em>They were all dead.<br><br>All&nbsp; of them.<br><br>He was supposed to protect them...and he had failed as their leader.</em></div><br>Green eyes snapped open with a strangled gasp as the images of his clan burned into his memory. Another nightmare. That was nothing new. Instead of moving quickly, Luc Winters let his eyes adjust to the darkness surrounding him and made sure he was alone before he let himself fall from the tree he had been dozing on, landing on the ground on all fours. He breathed in deeply, trying to catch the scent of anyone who could be hiding...or hunting for him. The thought would almost amuse him if he wasn't so damn true. The death of his entire clan hung around his neck like a rope tightening every second that he was running for his life. The longer he ran, the guiltier he felt. They were all dead...and he was still alive.<br><br>How was he to know that they were being hunted like wild animals?<br><br>Feeling his anger boiling, his emotions starting to splinter out of control and his body beginning to change, Luc forced himself to calm down. After their clan was attacked, he had not had a chance to run home and so he had nothing but the clothes on his bag. If he changed now...then when he transferred back into human form, he would be as naked as the day he was born. And he needed to be inconspicuous. A naked man running around the woods would definitely draw more attention than he cared to receive. With a roll of his shoulders, he stood up in the darkness and made himself move slowly, making his way further into the mountains that he knew were off limits.<br><br><br>When Luc had been named the alpha of the New Mexico clan, it had been expected. The Winters had been alphas for almost five generations, so it was almost expected of him to become the leader of their pack. It had been an honor, and his clan had been his all he knew, his loved ones. He had been raised with them, they were family, friends....the attack had blindsided all of them. After the clan had been exterminated, Luc had taken off. He had changed into his wolf form and had taken off all to the way to the border of New Mexico. There he had changed into the last human clothes that had been hidden throughout their state, and he had done what no clan leader was allowed to do. He had crossed borders.<br><br>The clans throughout the world had specific rules and guidelines and he had broken about all of them. No border crossing without making the clan leaders aware, no desertion of their clan families, death and honor in all done. He had shamed the Winters name.<br><br>Pushing his thoughts away, Luc moved silently through the mountains. He had heard of a strong pack leader in the Rocky Mountains and he needed to get to him. He would know what had happened to his people, he would know what was going on. At least, if he made it alive to him then he hoped he would have some answers. He had covered his tracks as best as he could but he was in no mood to take the time and hide himself.<br><br>He needed answers.<br><br>And if he brought the wrath of a clan leader upon himself...then so be it. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>19-02-2013, 07:19:40</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://25.media.tumblr.com/4241dafaef1a1a61c119ff61c36432ef/tumblr_meym4fT3u81rrb9xco1_500.jpg)<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><em><strong>Sonora Hunter</strong></em></span></span></div>She sat at her desk, her arms resting to either side of the stack of file folders that had just landed on her desk. <em>Breathe in. Breathe out. Find your center. Control it.</em> The mantra turned over and over in her head as Sonora fought with her baser instincts. It was more difficult than usual tonight, taking twice as long as it normally did to control her urges. It seemed another weekend camping trip would be needed soon; she made a mental note to put in a request in the morning. When she felt it was finally under control, she opened her eyes, dragged the top file off the stack, and flipped it open.<br><br>Coroners reports. Autopsy reports. Crime scene photographs, witness statements. It was all there in black and white, yet Sonora was still having difficulty believing it. Her entire life, she'd had to hide herself, what she was. Orphaned as a baby, she had been one of the unlucky ones, shuffled around from foster home to foster home and group home to group home until she was eighteen. Sonora had put up with a lot, growing up the way she did, and being...well, being what she was had only made things more difficult. But now...now she knew there were others like her. She wasn't alone anymore. <br><br>Sonora read every file she could find, working well into the night. It wasn't that unusual, but she had a special interest in this. She fell asleep on the couch in her office in the early morning hours, her dreams filled with ghostly images of people she had never met welcoming her with open arms. Arms that shifted into legs covered with fur, and teeth that gleamed in the moonlight as they suddenly snarled and snapped, biting and tearing. Blood streamed, filling her nose with the scent of...coffee?<br><br>Snapping awake, Sonora lifted her grey-green eyes to find her friend, Cam, wafting a cup of Starbucks coffee under her nose. "Morning, sunshine!" he said cheerfully, his blue eyes crinkling as she groaned in response and flipped him the bird. "Now is that any way to treat the man who just brought you coffee?"<br><br>Grumbling sleepily, Sonora grabbed the coffee as he started to pull it away, glaring at him as she sat up. "Be lucky that's all I did. Damn you and your early morning cheerfulness. What time is it?" she asked, sipping gratefully at the strong, sweet coffee as she swung her feet down to the floor and watched Cam glance at the open folders on her desk with raised brows.<br><br>"Seven-thirty. Been doing a bit of light reading, I see," he commented, jerking his head at the open files on her desk. "What's all that about?"<br><br>"I've got a meeting with the Director at nine," she said in response, setting her coffee on the low coffee table and pushing her hands through her hair, "I want to get in on that new team they're assembling. Investigating this...werewolf threat." Sonora took another sip of her coffee, feeling her nerves starting to fray again as Cam frowned with concern.<br><br>"Are you sure that's wise?" he asked, making Sonora roll her eyes. "Jesus, Cam," she grumbled, getting up and pushing her feet into her shoes, "I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself." <em>More than you realize,</em> she added mentally, moving to tidy her desk. What was it with men? Did she honestly look like the type of woman who needed looking after? Piling the files together on her desk, she froze when she felt Cam's hand on her shoulder.<br><br>"Look," he started, "Sonny, I just meant that--"<br><br>Sonora closed her eyes, dreading what she feared might come out of his mouth next. She gave her head a shake, drew in a breath. "Cam--" she said, her tone warning him off.<br><br>"I <em>care</em> about you," he finished, ignoring her warning, "I don't want to see you get hurt."<br><br>Sonora sighed, moving away from her desk and out of Cam's reach. Why did they always do this? Why did she always have to choose? "Like I said," she responded, "I can take care of myself, Cam. Thanks for the coffee. I've got to go get cleaned up." Without looking at him, not wanting to see the hurt she was sure would be showing on his face, Sonora escaped her office. Cam was sweet, but he wouldn't be able to handle her. No man ever could. She hated that she hurt him that way, but it was for the best. It was always for the best. It was said that if you told yourself something often enough, you would start to believe it. She had been telling herself that for years, and she was still waiting to believe it.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>10-03-2013, 21:54:02</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u189/kyrsa7/joe-manganiello-alcide-true-blood-1_zps2531cbd7.jpg)<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><em><strong>Grayson Brown</strong></em></span></span></div>The air was brisk, the chill of late fall a bracing contrast to the heat of the bonfire that dominated the clearing.&nbsp; The full moon was only days away and Grayson could feel it in his bones, tugging at his soul in a way that nothing else could.&nbsp; His wolf was closer to the surface than any other time of the year, demanding that he shift so that he could feel the cooling ground beneath his feet.&nbsp; He would give into it eventually he knew.&nbsp; That was the entire point of the gathering of pack, to renew the bonds between them and feel the connection that outsiders would never understand.&nbsp; For now, however, he watched over the young pups who wrestled not far away to ensure that they didn’t singe their fur in the flames, though he wasn’t the only one watching.&nbsp; The entire pack looked out for them on nights like this.<br><br>His deep brown eyes scanned those nearby as he relaxed, at least until Tomas sat down beside him on the log and handed him a beer.&nbsp; “Nasty rumors going around…” he said by way of greeting.&nbsp; <br><br>Grayson eyed the gruff middle aged man, who also happened to be the pack enforcer, and made a non-committal grunt of acknowledgement as he took a swig of the beer.&nbsp; “What have you heard?”<br><br>“Shifter came through yesterday, stopped into the bar for a drink.&nbsp; Grazer, so no threat there, but he said something had happened down in New Mexico, lots of death in the wind.&nbsp; Said his herd had fled, they are looking to settle up north and wanted to know if there was any joint territory up there for sale…” Tomas said.<br><br>“What did you tell him?”<br><br>“That he’d have to talk to you about that, it was pack territory.”<br><br>Grayson nodded and was silent for a moment while he stared into the fire, his eyes so dark a brown that it looked like flame flickered in their depths.&nbsp; “We only have a couple of pack who live up that way; we have more land than we need.&nbsp; I won’t sell, but I’m sure we can come to some kind of arrangement as long as they don’t mind living so close to Pack.&nbsp; Odd that they would want to, they usually keep their distance,” he muttered.&nbsp; “I want to know what happened down there, Tomas.&nbsp; See if anyone is willing to take a trip and check things out.&nbsp; There has been a lot of migration out of New Mexico in the past few days, more than usual…”<br><br>Anything else he might have said was forgotten as a large grey wolf broke through the underbrush and headed directly for him at a run.&nbsp; All laughter stopped, even the pups went still as the wolf skidded to a halt and shifted in record speed, leaving a naked, pale body in its wake.&nbsp; <br><br>“Hannah… what’s wrong?” Grayson asked as he stood quickly and knelt down beside her.&nbsp; <br><br>It took a long moment for her breathing to calm enough for her to speak.&nbsp; “Lone Wolf.&nbsp; Scented him own south, past Parker’s place,” she managed to gasp out.&nbsp; “He smells wrong, desperate… hadn’t heard of one asking for passage.” <br><br>A low growl sounded in the back of Grayson’s throat, a sound no human should have been able to make.&nbsp; “Show me…”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>16-03-2013, 07:02:29</strong>
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				Jesus, he was hungry. Luc had been traveling for two days straight and he had found no wolf pack and no one to help him. There had been a few times he could have sworn he caught the scent of another animal, but as soon as he tried to follow it, it disappeared. It shouldn't have surprised him, after all, one of the first things that wolves were taught as a pack was how to camouflage their scent so as not to lead anyone or anything back to their home. It was often one of the reasons Luc had refused to allow their young pups to travel alone. They couldn't take the risk.<br><br><em>Yeah and look where you're at now?</em><br><br>He pushed those thoughts aside as he paused by a tree and leaned against it, debating whether he should take a quick nap or not. There was something...troubling him. It was too quiet, too undisturbed. It was almost as if there was no wolf clan near and yet he knew for a fact that there was. He had heard about them, and Luc knew that the alpha was one of the strongest and fiercest. If he caught Luc off guard, then it would be all over for him.<br><br>No. He needed to be awake and alert. He had a bad feeling that when he finally ran into them, it would not be pretty.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>14-05-2013, 06:44:41</strong>
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				Sonora curled her toes inside her pumps and wished she'd thought to wear more sensible shoes. Her feet were <em>killing</em> her, and she had barely started the day. She hadn't had enough time to go all the way home to change, but she always kept a fresh change of clothing in her car for just such an occasion. After a trip to the showers in the gym she felt much more human, and took a deep breath as she downed the last of her second coffee that morning, tossing the empty paper cup in the garbage as she approached the Director's office. Pausing outside the door to glance at her watch, she smiled to herself. Ten minutes early. Good. Not too early that she would seem overeager, and just early enough that her enthusiasm would be noted and, hopefully, approved of. After briefly stopping to smooth back her hair, which she had twisted into a thick braid down her back, and straighten her suit jacket, she rapped smartly on the door.<br><br>"Come in," came the slightly muffled reply, and Sonora pushed open the door to Director Mitch Reynolds's office. Not an overly-large space, the aged wood paneling and floor to ceiling bookcases that framed the massive oak desk like sentries and wrapped around either side of the room made it seem even smaller, and Sonora always felt slightly claustrophobic whenever she had to be in the room for any length of time. She preferred bright, wide open spaces, which was why she was paying a ridiculous amount every month to rent a loft apartment instead of a smaller, more average-sized apartment. Mitch Reynolds, however, seemed perfectly at home behind his massive oak desk. He was such a fixture there that it seemed strange to run into him anywhere but in his office behind his desk. If she had been more fanciful, she might have wondered if the man even had legs. But she knew very well that he did, and that he went home every night to his wife and family, whose pictures sat in places of pride on his desk. He was a broad-shouldered man, in his fifties, Sonora thought, with salt-and-pepper hair and a clean-shaven face. His eyes were still sharp and ice blue, and hard when they needed to be, although currently they were scanning her file. He was a very attracted man, Sonora thought idly, taking the seat he motioned to, his wife was a lucky woman.<br><br>"So, Agent Hunter," he began, "I hear you want to be assigned to the werewolf investigation task force." He leaned back in his large leather office chair and directed his cool, blue gaze directly at her; Sonora could hear the slight squeak of the springs as they bent under his weight.<br><br>"Yes, sir," she affirmed, giving her head a quick nod. Her palms were beginning to sweat and she clasped them together. Why were there no windows in this room? Why would the director of the FBI choose an office without at least <em>one</em> window? Her own office had an entire wall of them, and she wouldn't have it any other way. <br><br>"Hmm," the Director muttered, dropping his eyes back to her file. Sonora sat in silence while he continued to read, the only sound in the room the occasional rustle of paper as he turned over a page and the sound of Sonora's own breathing. She tried to think of something, anything, to keep her mind off the enclosed space she was sitting in. Her legs twitched, wanting to pace or jiggle restlessly, and she stiffened them. If she couldn't sit quietly for ten minutes, what would that show the Director? Finally, after what seemed an interminably long time, Director Reynolds shut her file with a decisive snap and folded his hands on top of it. Leaning forward slightly, he peered at her and asked, "Why?"<br><br>The simple question, after so many minutes of silence, made her blink for a moment or two before she collected herself. She had expected this question. "Because I am dedicated to my job, sir," she started. "I am hard-working, and my investigative skills are next to none, as proven by my record. I was top of my training class. I'm quick, I can think on my feet. But most of all..." she paused. Should she say it? It might work against her. "But most of all," Sonora continued, leaning forward earnestly in her seat, "I want to help them, sir. What has been done to them...it isn't right. It's slaughter. They deserve justice, and I want to be one of the ones who help them get it."<br><br>Sonora sat back, a little breathless. There, she'd said it. Director Reynolds was studying her intently from across his desk, and she did her best not to squirm under his regard. She could feel sweat starting to prickle against her skin, beneath her shirt. She needed to get out of this room. Fast. Finally, Director Reynolds gave a nod. "Alright, Hunter, you're in. Report to Agent Timmins to get yourself up to speed." <br><br>The words made Sonora's heart leap in her chest, and she fought to contain her excitement as she stood, unobtrusively wiping her slightly clammy hand on her pants before reaching over to shake the director's hand. "Right away, sir! Thank you!" She left his office and hurried down the hall, not feeling the aches in her feet or the itch of drying sweat between her shoulder blades. She made the unit! Giddy with excitement and adrenaline, she ducked into the nearest washroom and braced her hands against the countertop above one of the sinks, staring at her reflection in the mirror above it.<br><br>Her eyes were gleaming, her usual mossy green taking on a golden sheen, and her cheeks were flushed. Stray wisps of hair clung to her neck and cheeks before she brushed them away and let out a whoop of excitement before she could help herself. Clapping both hands over her mouth, she glanced behind her, relieved that she was alone. Finally, she would get to meet others like her. If she was careful, she would be able to learn more about herself through them without having to reveal herself. Doing so would ruin everything she had worked so hard to get, and she wasn't about to put that in jeopardy now. Being on a task force like this...well, it could make her entire career. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>30-05-2013, 22:25:43</strong>
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				Grayson followed the grey wolf, Hannah, through the woods, keeping to a pace the weary creature could maintain.&nbsp; He knew he was pushing her hard.&nbsp; She’d never been the strongest of them, submissive wolf that she was, but he didn’t baby her.&nbsp; That would have been an insult to the training he’d forced all of his wolves to endure since he became Alpha six years earlier.&nbsp; He knew that a pack was only as strong as their weakest member, and while he would never have asked a submissive wolf to fight he wanted each of them to be able to protect themselves should the need arise.&nbsp; Even the pups were taught the basics of self-defense and stamina from the time they could walk.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was a policy that other packs questioned, but his own people had taken to it quickly.<br><br>She glanced back to make sure he was still following before she broke into a jog again, leading him along the bank of a river and into the water to muddy their trail so that if the worst happened the stranger would not be able to find the way back to their common den and the pups.&nbsp; A rumble of approval whispered between them, more felt along the pack link than heard and he felt her pleasure at his praise even though she did not acknowledge it otherwise.&nbsp; <br><br>By the time she stopped and turned to rub against his side, her tail down and ears flat in submission even he was feeling the strain of the hard run so he knew she had to be exhausted.&nbsp; She showed no sign of leaving his side however as she gently nudged him towards a game trail.&nbsp; <br><br>Within moments he picked up the strangers scent.&nbsp; Hannah had been right, he was desperate.&nbsp; He hadn’t stopped to mark his trail, which meant he likely knew he was in another packs territory.&nbsp; The question was did he refrain from marking territory because he was hoping to remain undiscovered, or was it out of respect.&nbsp; If it was the later there was a chance he’d let the other wolf live, a small chance.&nbsp; <br><br>He followed the trail easily now that the strangers scent was in his nose, Hannah following a discreet distance behind.&nbsp; He could feel her determination to stay with him, to watch his back even though she wasn’t an enforcer.&nbsp; The loyalty was appreciated, but he wished she’d turn around and head to safety.&nbsp; <br><br>Ten minutes later the scent grew stronger and he started to pick up faint sounds.&nbsp; He’d found the intruder, but he didn’t think the other wolf knew he was there.&nbsp; Slowly, carefully, he circled until he was in the path of the other wolf, his ears flat, his tail high in warning as a low, base growl rumbled from his black furred chest, his teeth gleaming.&nbsp; He’d give the stranger one warning to turn around and leave on the off chance that he did not realize he was in territory that belonged to the Colorado pack.&nbsp; <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>19-06-2013, 23:43:01</strong>
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				Starvation and exhaustion made his reflexes and his attention to his surrounding much slower than he would have liked. It was one of the main reasons why he was not aware he had been found until he heard the very low growl of warning. The instant Luc heard it, he knew the Alpha wolf had found him. He raised his head just as he caught sight of the other wolf, the warning and the threat clear in his eyes, his barred teeth further telling him he was in dangerous territories. He had known the dangers, had known that he could have very well just be killed before any questions could be asked. But he had to try.<br><br>Instead of bowing his head in submission, Luc took a step back before he paused and simply stood still. He was not going to cower before another, not after the cruelty he had seen done to his people. A moment of frustration, of anger surged through him before he forced himself to relax and realize that he was the one who was a threat. Not the other way around. Taking a deep breath, and going with his instinct and what he had heard about the Colorado Alpha, Luc shifted back to his human form.<br><br>His neck cracked as he arched an hissed, knowing that he was further endangering his health and well-being by shifting to human form when he was in such a delicate state. In wolf form, his hunger could be maintained...in human form, it was unbearable.<br><br>Remaining crouched, Luc raised his eyes to the Alpha wolf and spoke quietly, "I mean no disrespect in entering your territory without permission. But I..." A cramp made him double over and he almost fell on the ground before he held his ground and remained on his feet. "...I need help."<br><br>Help. He wanted to laugh bitterly because no one had come to aide his pack. But then again...no one had known. He had not known. Squeezing his eyes shut and forcing himself to not focus on his exhaustion and his hunger, he looked at the wolf once more, wondering if he had sealed his death warrant.<br><br>Rumors of the mercilessness of the Colorado Alpha had reached all of the packs throughout the States. Their pack was one of the strongest, because their leader was ruthless in his training and his protection of his people. Luc just needed sanctuary for a few weeks, perhaps a month. And then he would be gone. He would be well enough to find the people who had killed his family...and have his revenge.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>20-06-2013, 00:11:01</strong>
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				Sonora pulled deeply from her coffee. How many had she had today? Four? Five? She'd lost count, and it was barely two o'clock. But her mind was swimming with facts, and her desk was piled high with files that required thorough read-throughs. Her meeting with Agent Timmins earlier that morning had lasted for two hours, and when she had returned to her office, there had been four boxes of files waiting for her to review. She had thought that she'd requested everything, but apparently her clearance level hadn't been high enough. Now that it was, however, she had plenty of new information.<br><br>Sighing, she leaned back in her chair, rubbing a hand over her face. She had been assigned to a new investigation of a pack rumoured to be in the mountains in Colorado. They were due to leave in two days, which meant that until then, she would be eating, sleeping, and breathing werewolf facts and case files. The thought made her snort lightly, finding the irony of the situation rather amusing. Her job would be to assess the threat the Colorado pack posed--if indeed they posed one at all. Personally, she was rather inclined to think that they would be perfectly content to keep to themselves, but she was also somewhat biased in that regard. Investigations like this one were happening all over the country; the government wanted to be certain that regular people would be safe, and that the werewolf packs would continue to abide by the laws that governed them.<br><br>It was another silly idea, but Sonora's personal opinions behind the FBI's reasoning were entirely irrelevant. As long as she followed her orders, nothing would go wrong, and she would be able to learn more about herself. That is, however, as long as she was able to hide what she was from her own bosses. There were already numerous debates over the rights of "non-humans", and Sonora was fairly certain that a werewolf in her position might not be looked on favourably, pristine service record notwithstanding. Sighing softly, she finished the last of her coffee and turned back to her work. It was going to be another long day.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>27-06-2013, 22:49:39</strong>
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				His growl grew as the other wolf took a step back, but it wasn’t until the stranger began to shift that he bared his teeth in a more threatening warning that he was on shaky ground.&nbsp; He respected the man’s refusal to show submission, but it was obvious as he struggled to remain standing after his shift that he wasn’t in any condition to defend himself or challenge Grayson it a bid for dominance.&nbsp; While he continued to growl, the sound a low undercurrent that made his displeasure known, he also tilted his head slightly to the side in a sign that he was listening as the stranger spoke.<br><br>He studied the stranger, only half listening though he caught every word.&nbsp; Instinct told him that the man was half starved, and likely thirsty as well.&nbsp; If he had to guess he had refused to hunt, either in too much of a hurry or from an unwillingness to steal from the pack whose territory he had knowingly invaded. <br><br>Both the man and the beast studied the other man.&nbsp; Instinct was in favor of killing him before he became a problem.&nbsp; Letting another Alpha wolf onto pack lands without an understanding of dominance was a dangerous gamble, and without the ties of family that existed in the pack link there was no way to know his motives for sure.&nbsp; Fortunately for the stranger Grayson maintained a reputation for being vicious and ruthless, but in truth there was enough humanity left in the Alpha to give him pause. He did not enjoy killing, even if he was exceptionally good at it.<br><br>His decision made he didn’t bother to shift and speak. Instead he gave one more warning growl before turning, a toss of his head telling the stranger that he should follow.&nbsp; He didn’t go back the way he had come.&nbsp; He had no intention of taking him back to his pack, but he would give him a warm meal, shelter and a moment to rest before he got to the bottom of the mystery.&nbsp; He’d take him to the small cabin by the lake that was nestled in a valley between two of the towering, evergreen draped mountains.&nbsp; <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>09-07-2013, 23:13:47</strong>
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				She sped through the woods, almost reckless in her pace. There was no trail, and she was constantly leaping and jumping over fallen branches or clusters of ferns. Branches whipped past her, pulling at her clothing, but it barely slowed her down. Her lungs screamed, every breath burning in her throat, but she didn't stop. Not yet. Early morning birdsong halted mid-note as she passed, uncaring of how much noise she might make, although if she wanted to, she could run without cracking a twig. A fallen tree loomed ahead of her and Sonora pushed herself towards it, then launched herself off the ground, landing on the opposite side with barely a break in her stride. She took a moment to spare a glance back at the tree and grinned, then kept on running. A few minutes later, she broke through the trees behind her apartment complex, bending to brace her hands on her knees while she caught her breath.<br><br>The wolf inside her was quiescent now, but Sonora knew it would only last for a short time. She wished she had enough time to go up into the mountains for a day or two, but with her new assignment, that wouldn't be possible for quite some time. In fact, she was due to leave for Colorado in just a few hours. So she snagged her towel off the dew-covered grass where she'd left it and straightened, wiping the sweat from her face and neck as she headed into her first-floor apartment. The view was better from the higher floors, but Sonora had never been a big fan of heights. She suspected it was the wolf in her. As a creature of the forest, it--and therefore she--preferred to stay as close to the ground as possible, whenever possible. Sonora had chosen this place because of the sprawling forest only steps from her back door; the large windows made it seem like she was living in the midst of it, which was a perception she enjoyed. Peeling off her sweat-damp clothes, Sonora prowled into the bathroom to shower. She was not looking forward to the trip--it required a flight, after all--but she would do it, because it meant being that much closer to her own kind. <br><br><hr><br>A few hours and one tense plane ride later, the sleek, black SUV pulled up in front of a small log cabin, one of about ten that were laid out in a semicircle. The Pinetree Lodge was, apparently, the team's base of operations. She climbed out of the car and pushed her sunglasses up onto her forehead as she took a deep breath and looked around. Already, she loved it. The tall trees, the snow-capped mountains, the bright blue sky. Were it not for the FBI agents swarming in and out of the quaint little cabin in front of her, Sonora would think it was paradise. Giving herself a slight shake, she followed the agent who had picked her up--Ramirez, if she recalled correctly--up the porch steps and into the cabin.<br><br>The sight that met her eyes was a strange conglomeration of old, rustic charm and new tech. The plain wood walls were covered in papers; security photos, newspaper articles, a map of the area. Every available flat surface had a computer on it, and the sound of clacking keyboards filled the room. A man in a red and blue plaid shirt and jeans stood to greet her as she entered, and she froze in shock. "<em>Cam</em>?!" She could see the apology in his eyes as he gave her a crisp nod of acknowledgement, Sonora's heart beating heavily in surprise. From the looks of things, it appeared that he was running the entire field operation. How had she not known? He hadn't even remotely hinted at it. Anger and betrayal flared, and Sonora swallowed a growl. He was manning the operation and had dared to suggest that she reconsider? <br><br>"Agent Hunter," he said, "welcome to Colorado. Let me introduce you to the rest of the team. You've met Agent Ramirez, of course. This is Agent Joe Williams, Agent Sophia Monroe, Agent Paul Thomas, and Agent Steven Fitzgerald." The agents turned, nodding to her briefly when they were introduced before returning to their work. She returned their nods but said nothing; it was clear they didn't expect her to. Cam picked up a file folder from the table he'd been sitting at and motioned for her to follow him. Gritting her teeth, she turned and stalked back outside with him, glaring at him in accusation as he stopped and leaned against the front bumper of the SUV.<br><br>"Sonny, I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Cam started, "I--" Sonora held up a hand, cutting him off mid-apology. "Save it, Cam," she snapped, "I don't want to hear it. Just give me my assignment."<br><br>She watched him sigh, looking down at the file folder he still held in his hands, then passed it to her. "Grayson Brown," he stated. "Alpha of the Colorado pack. Or at least, that's what we suspect. We haven't been able to get close enough to him to get any useful information about the pack, so we've had to rely on secondhand reports. Until now."<br><br>Sonora flipped open the folder as Cam started speaking and found herself staring at a photograph of one of the most ruggedly handsome men she had ever seen. Even though the photo was grainy from being enlarged, the man exuded strength and command. She couldn't even imagine how powerful that would be in person. Aware that Cam had continued talking, she looked up from her study of Grayson Brown. "What?"<br><br>"I said, you're going to be going under cover. We need more intel on this guy, and on the pack in general. I think you'll be able to get closer to him than any of my other agents who've attempted infiltration." Cam was looking at her, his arms folded across his chest and slight amusement gleaming in his eyes. Closing the folder so she wouldn't be quite so distracted, she looked back at him and narrowed her eyes. "Just what are you suggesting I do, Agent Fulson?"<br><br>Cam grinned at her and shook his head. "Relax, Sonny. Nothing like that. I just think you'll be able to do it. There's something about you...something that I think even he will be drawn to. Now, we've rented out a cabin for you--it's smack in the middle of his territory, so I'm sure you'll be running into him sooner or later. He seems to like to introduce himself to newcomers. I've already had it fully stocked with food, but if you need anything extra, just charge it." Cam paused for a moment, his eyes flicking over the pantsuit she had worn. "You should change. Someone renting a backwoods cabin for the foreseeable future would not be expected to arrive in a suit. You can change and freshen up in the next cabin over, and then you should be on your way. You should be able to get there before it gets dark."<br><br>With that, he left her, leaving her feeling a bit nonplussed. Sonora gave herself a bit of a shake, then grabbed her suitcase and hauled it into the cabin Cam had indicated. She swiftly changed into a far more comfortable pair of worn jeans and a black sweater, then shoved her feet into a pair of runners before folding away her suit. The folder containing information on Grayson Brown was tossed into her suitcase as well, and then she was ready. She was given the keys to a rust-coloured old Chevy pickup truck, a road map, and detailed instructions, then sent on her way.<br><br>It took her an hour to get there, but when she did, she had to take a moment to appreciate how picturesque it all was. The cabin was small, only two rooms, but that didn't matter. The lake behind it glittered in the setting sun, the peaks of the mountains surrounding it cutting into the colourful sky. Climbing out of the truck, Sonora dragged her suitcase out behind her and took a deep, bracing breath of the cooling air before moving inside to make herself at home. The full moon was only a few days away, now. If she was lucky, perhaps she would be able to change after all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>16-07-2013, 01:24:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He knew he was out of strength when Luc didn't even bother to fight the inevitable. As soon as they broke through the forest, he saw the cabin and he made his way to it with the two wolves ahead of him. Even though he was delirious and he was five steps away from passing out, he noticed one very specific thing about the cabin. It was deserted. The pack leader had brought him here to kill him.<br><br>The thought of death should anger him. It should make him want to fight to live...but a wolf without a pack was nothing. And his family had been snatched from him, the one thing he looked forward to was death...finally joining them. But not until he found out what the pack leader knew. Once he had his revenge...then he could die.<br><br>Even though he had shifted back to wolf form to follow them to the cabin, Luc didn't bother changing back. He was too damn tired to do anything other that follow, even though the leader in his howled in protest. Oh to be in someone else's land, to follow another leader...it annoyed him, made him almost violent. But he knew this was not his territory anymore. He was a stranger, a nobody. No longer Luc Winters. When they had all entered the cabin, Luc shifted back, but the strength was gone from him and he toppled to the floor, landing hard.<br><br>Dimly, he heard himself saying hoarsely, "My name...is Luc Winters. I traveled from New Mexico." His vision faded in and out and he knew he was going to pass out soon, forcing himself to look at the alpha, he growled low in his throat, "My pack was slaughtered...and I want justice." A low groan escaped him as he dropped his head and passed out.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>21-07-2013, 02:29:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson barely contained the growl that threatened to erupt when the strange wolf followed him into the cabin.&nbsp; He would be well within his rights to kill him, but killing someone who could not defend himself rankled.&nbsp; Now there were two strangers in his territory, if the faint scents of smoke and habitation he’d noticed at the first cabin he’d passed by had been any indication.&nbsp; He had thought most of the cabins were deserted.&nbsp; He’d have to speak to his beta, who was in charge of the cabins and their other tourist income properties.&nbsp; <br><br>He didn’t shift when he man did, but he didn’t attack him either.&nbsp; Instead he stared as the man’s name registered.&nbsp; He’d had no contact with Luc’s pack, but he knew the names of every alpha in the United States.&nbsp; He’d been hearing rumors of what had happened, but this was the first conformation he’d had.&nbsp; <br><br>Looking to his packmate he finally shifted and stepped over Luc’s unconscious body.&nbsp; “Get a fire started and break out some of the emergency rations in the pantry, leave them by the fire for when he wakes and then get out.&nbsp; Don’t stay here with him.&nbsp; If he leaves the property come and get me… I’m going to go see who is squatting in the cabin to the east,” he said as he dug into the cedar chest beside the fire and pulled out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that ended up being too small.&nbsp; <br><br>“I should be back before he wakes,” he said as she shifted and dug into the pantry.&nbsp; “Don’t take any chances.” <br><br>“Yes, sir.”<br><br>Less than ten minutes later he found himself studying the occupied cabin from a few yards away.&nbsp; He made no attempt to hide himself, not now that he could smell her.&nbsp; What were the odds that two strange wolves would invade his territory on the same day?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>21-07-2013, 03:48:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora had just barely resisted the desire to shift, to run and hunt and run some more. Instead, she had unpacked her suitcase, made herself a sandwich, and settled in with a book she had been longing to read but had never had the time. The sun had set, and she'd gone outside to collect some of the firewood stacked against the side of the little, two-room cabin, and now sat enjoying the cheery blaze as she read. She knew she should probably be trying to formulate a plan as to how to approach Grayson Brown, but if his reputation was as good as the files said, then it was likely he already knew she was here. It would just be a matter of--Sonora's head snapped up, her nostrils flaring. The wolf inside her stirred, and her hackles rose as she turned to look out the window. Choking off the growl that began to rise in her throat, Sonora forced herself to calm down as she listened to the passage of three wolves. Suddenly, she no longer felt like reading. Her heart began to race, and her palms grew sweaty. <br><br>Setting her book aside, she pushed herself to her feet, bare feet taking her from the combination kitchen/dining/living room to the darkened bedroom. Staring at herself in the mirror over the dresser, she picked up her brush and ran it hastily through her hair a few times, trying to decide if she should change her clothes. She eyed the forest green fitted, v-necked tee shirt and her most comfortable pair of old, broken-in blue jeans and decided against it. She didn't even know who it was out there. Hell, they might not even pass back her way. Shrugging to herself, she stepped from the bedroom into the living area, took two more steps, and then froze, staring at the door. Someone was out there. One of them. Her kind. The first she would ever meet.<br><br>Taking a deep breath, she took the ten steps to the door, flicked on the porch light, then pulled the door open. Stepping out onto the small porch, she stared in blank amazement. <em>Dear Lord</em> she thought, <em>he's even more attractive in person.</em> Grayson Brown himself stood outside her little, lakeside cabin in nothing but a pair of jeans and a shirt that was far too tight for him. Not that she was complaining. Aware that she'd been staring for quite some time, Sonora gave herself a shake and tried not to think too hard on the intense desire that was currently rushing through her entire body. Clearing her throat, she asked, "Uhh...can I help you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>21-07-2013, 04:24:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It didn’t take her long.&nbsp; The scent of her was fresh around the cabin.&nbsp; It was mixed with the scent of gun oil and something sweet that he couldn’t quite name, likely a shampoo or soap she used.&nbsp; He heard her pause inside and then quickly approach the door, and then he finally saw her and the growl that had built in his throat caught as he cocked his head to the side and stared.&nbsp; His nostrils flared as he took a deep breath, catching more of her scent as the breeze shifted.&nbsp; <br><br>When she didn’t drop her eyes as she should have his growl finally rose from his chest, a soft warning that she was treading dangerous ground, but not an outright threat of violence.&nbsp; The growl was evident in his voice when he answered her.&nbsp; “I think the question is can I help you.&nbsp; You’re in my territory without permission.”&nbsp; <br><br>“What pack are you with… and what are you doing in my Mountains?” he asked gruffly as he took a few steps forward to get a better look at her. <br><br>She was a pretty thing, her posture that of a dominant wolf, not a submissive one.&nbsp; He wondered for a moment if her fur would have anything in common with the color of her hair.&nbsp; Pale wolves were rare in North America; most of them matched their non-sentient cousins the Grey Wolves, which allowed them to blend in more easily.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>21-07-2013, 06:37:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The growl that rumbled from his chest made Sonora stiffen defensively, although she also felt a strange fluttering low in her belly, which she very firmly ignored. She had read extensively about Alphas--or, at least what intel could be gathered from a species that was virtually impossible to infiltrate--and she knew she shouldn't let his arrogance irritate her, but she had spent her entire life working in a field where arrogant men were the norm, and she was the exception. Sonora wasn't about to change now. <br><br>Brushing a wisp of hair away from her cheek as the breeze stirred it, Sonora arched one delicately sculpted brow and set her hands on her hips. Pacing barefoot to the edge of the porch, she was still barely a head taller than Grayson, although her size had never stopped her before. "Last I checked, this was a free country," she responded. "I rented this cabin out for a much-needed vacation, and I had every intention of introducing myself tomorrow. It's not my fault you came across me tonight instead."<br><br><em>Jesus fucking Christ, Sonora, what the hell are you doing?!</em> screamed the little voice inside her head, <em>drop the fucking attitude before it gets you killed! You're supposed to be finding a way IN, not getting yourself chased out of Colorado!</em> She knew she was pushing it. She knew she was doing everything wrong, but God help her if she didn't quite care at the moment. Flipping her hair over one shoulder with an absent flick of her hand, she added honestly, "I...don't have a pack. Never have." The loneliness that simple statement roused in her was acute, but she tried not to let it show. She wasn't entirely certain she succeeded.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>24-07-2013, 21:25:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The last of her words were still leaving her lips when he moved.&nbsp; One moment he was yards away from her, the next he had her pressed against the side of the cabin, one hand wrapped around her throat.&nbsp; Violence coiled his muscles, his desire to kill the stranger who might be a threat to his pack nearly overwhelming.&nbsp; If at the last moment her loneliness had not registered in the part of his brain that was human he might have simply snapped her neck and walked away. Instead for all the threat in his growl as he captured her gaze with his own he left not a bruise on her body.<br><br>His eyes had turned wolf, the amber depths demanding that she submit to him even as he forced words from his lips.&nbsp; “Do not play games with me, little cub. I do not care if you paid for the cabin or not.&nbsp; You left your free country the moment you entered my territory without permission…”<br><br>He leaned forward to bury his face against the side of her neck as he breathed in her scent and leaned against her to pin her body against the wall.&nbsp; He read the truth of her words there.&nbsp; The bond of pack had a certain scent that would have told him where she came from.&nbsp; She should have smelled of other wolves, for touch was important among them.&nbsp; Only a broken wolf would abandon their pack, and then there would be a bitter taste to their scent, as if the loss was branded upon their flesh.<br><br>“You have no pack… why?&nbsp; Why did your parents raise you way from others of your kind?” he asked, trying to understand as he struggled to rein in the creature beneath his skin. “Did you enter my territory knowing that you were trespassing?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>25-07-2013, 05:51:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He had moved even before she had finished speaking, and both sides of her were caught off-guard by his speed. A startled yelp escaped, followed immediately by a pained grunt as Sonora suddenly found herself pinned against the side of the cabin. Grayson's hand around her throat seemed to burn her skin; the strength she felt in his grip called to her, his angry snarling urging her to submit in the most natural way possible, to avert her eyes and bare her throat. Never had she felt that way about a man before, and it both captivated and terrified her. <br><br>Simply because of that, Sonora fought the desire and let her eyes meet his again, although she was very careful not to move more than that. Her hands stayed where they were, splayed against the rough wooden siding of the cabin as she stared into a pair of the most beautiful amber eyes she had ever seen. They were strong and fierce and as demanding as his touch; Sonora found herself trembling slightly as she struggled to hold his gaze, a soft, barely audible whine sounding from deep within her chest as she finally lost the battle and let her gaze slide away from his. That he could have such a powerful effect on her only moments after meeting her spoke to his power as an Alpha, although that could also be due to the fact that she had never been in the presence of an Alpha before, and had therefore underestimated the power it would have on her.<br><br>Sonora gasped softly as his larger frame pressed into hers, and his scent, of wolf and forest and man, flooded her senses. Her fingers twitched against the siding, wanting nothing more than to push through the dark hair that was now brushing against her cheek and tug on it to draw out more growls as she wrapped herself around him. <em>Now is not the time, Sonny</em>, she grumbled inwardly, although her heart rate and the pulses of desire did not slow. If anything, they increased, especially as she felt his nose against her neck, and heard his breath as he drew in her scent.<br><br>The questions, while not unexpected, were still difficult to face. When she had learned that she was not the only one of her kind, one of the first things she had read about them was that they lived in closely knit packs for their entire lives. So the knowledge that she had not been raised by packmates, that her parents had died and left her alone, hurt. How many times during her life could she have used advice from a pack member? Or support when she was lonely or afraid? The thoughts brought tears to her eyes, and she stared up at the moonlit sky to try and keep them at bay. "I entered your territory hoping to finally meet more of my own kind!" she finally cried, her voice thick with tears, "I have no parents; they died when I was a baby. I've been...alone...my whole life. For the longest time, I thought--I thought I was the only one."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>25-07-2013, 21:46:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smelled of truth. The tears in her voice added weight to her words, the emotion real enough to his senses that he was willing to believe that it was truth.&nbsp; His only problem was that he could also tell that it was not the whole truth.&nbsp; He argued with himself, fully aware that she had no reason to trust him, and in the end she had looked away, the submission soothing his wolf as nothing else could have.&nbsp; In the end only one question truly weighed against her… how had she known to come to Colorado?&nbsp; Was it a lucky guess on her part, or had she somehow figured out how to track them down?&nbsp; <br><br>“You chose a bad time to search out more of your own.&nbsp; With the world just now discovering our presence we’ll soon be fighting to keep what is ours…” he said with frustration evident in his voice.&nbsp; The fact that the Government likely knew about them was a fact he could not change, but Werewolves still weren’t common knowledge.&nbsp; Not yet.&nbsp; <br><br>“Why did you come here?” he finally asked.&nbsp; “Why to Colorado?&nbsp; Why to these mountains?&nbsp; What told you that you would be able to find a pack here?”&nbsp; There were too many coincidences for him, with two strange wolves showing up on the same day, but he could not figure out how they could possibly be connected.&nbsp; &nbsp;“How did you know there were more like you?”<br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>Hannah had done exactly as her Alpha had said.&nbsp; She’d pulled out the dried rations and thrown together a quick meal to leave by the fireplace, which she’d lit before she left.&nbsp; There was just one problem… she knew it wouldn’t be enough to sate a wolf as hungry as the stranger, Luc, would be when he woke.&nbsp; There was no fresh fruit or vegetables, no meat, and she didn’t have time to bake anything if she was going to obey her Alpha’s command.&nbsp; <br><br>She was a submissive wolf.&nbsp; Going against Grayson would have been completely out of character, and she knew that there was no way she’d manage it.&nbsp; He hadn’t said anything about hunting though… and leaving something fresh on the porch wasn’t actually disobeying him… not really.&nbsp; <br><br>A wash of guilt almost forced her to leave with the hare she’d managed to snag still held carefully between her teeth, but she didn’t hear anything coming from the cabin as she snuck back up onto the porch.&nbsp; She’d just leave the meat behind and get away from the cabin as Grayson had said.&nbsp; No harm done…<br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>25-07-2013, 22:47:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				These were trickier questions, and ones that Sonora hadn't thought to create answers for. Already reeling from Grayson's close proximity, it was difficult for her to think clearly, but she tried. For the first time since he had pinned her against the cabin wall, Sonora squirmed restlessly. "<em>So</em> sorry for the inconvenience," she snapped, her eyes flashing and her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Next time I'll remember to call ahead when I find out I'm not actually alone in the world." <br><br>Sonora bit her tongue to quiet herself before her attitude got her into even more hot water, if it hadn't already. Shifting against the cabin wall, she finally dared to lift her arms, her hands bracing against Grayson's shoulders and pushing, although it was like pushing against a brick wall. With a sigh, she relaxed again, and brought her eyes back up to his. "Why? Because it was closest. Because I've always wanted to come here, to run in the mountains. We may not be common knowledge yet, but I know what to look for. How to listen. What rumours to believe and what to dismiss. I know, because those rumours have followed me around my whole life. I can't tell you how often I had to pick up and run when I was a kid, because I couldn't control my wolf and someone saw what they shouldn't have. How many...f-friends I had to drive away, because I was terrified of what would happen if I lost control around them." <br><br>The memories her words dredged up had a lump forming in her throat, making it difficult to speak, and her hands balled into fists against Grayson's shoulders, bunching up in his shirt. The urge to lean into him, to draw comfort from his touch, was so strong it made Sonora tremble slightly, and her eyes slid away from his again as her head drooped. "If you're going to kill me, hurry up and get it over with," she said, her voice sad and slightly hollow, "because I would rather die here than have to live out there alone again."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>26-07-2013, 21:44:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a harsh gasp, Luc snapped awake and looked around silently, unsure as to where he was. He was in a cabin...but how? The memories snapped back as quick as a rubber band; the Alpha, the submissive female behind him, the cabin...food. Rest. He wanted to close his eyes and fall back asleep but he knew he would not. Not until he searched the cabin and made sure it was safe. That he was safe. It took some time but he moved around and checked the location. He cracked the cabin door open a bit, hating the feel of being enclosed and felt the energy draining him again. <br><br>With a soft whine, he shifted back into his wolf form and closed his eyes as he felt a little bit more protected. He preferred his wolf form when he was this vulnerable. Hated being weak as a human. He padded towards the fireplace silently, noticing the food, the scarce provisions. Damn, he would not be strong eating scraps.<br><br>Just as he was about to eat the food left for him, he brought his head up and sniffed. Someone was coming. He made his way back to the door and growled low before he shot out in the darkness and tackled the wolf that had come up the porch. His lips were peeled back, teeth gleaming in the darkness before he realized it was the female.<br><br>He relaxed -- a very small amount -- and cocked his head to the side, regarding her silently. What was she doing back?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-08-2013, 19:52:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson not only listened to the words she said, but noted her tone and body language as well.&nbsp; She was frightened, though she went to great lengths to hide it.&nbsp; If he had to guess her challenge and bravado were born of that fear.&nbsp; In the end it was the depth of longing he heard in her voice that decided her fate, at least for the moment.&nbsp; He would let her live for now, and see what happened in the days to come.&nbsp; She would have to earn his trust in order to meet the rest of the pack.&nbsp; He would not endanger those he claimed to sooth her loneliness, no matter how much he found himself sympathizing with her. <br><br>He leaned into her a little more, forcing the air from her lungs in a display of dominance as he got within an inch of her face and bared his teeth, his eyes still the deep amber of his wolf.&nbsp; “First lesson.&nbsp; Always ask permission before entering a packs territory.&nbsp; Had you the scent of others on your skin I would have considered this an act of aggression and killed you outright.&nbsp; The other pack Alphas would have done the same without question.”<br><br>"Second lesson.&nbsp; Control your tongue even when you are afraid. Only the fact that we are alone allows me to ignore the insult you have given.&nbsp; You are on my land, endangering my people.&nbsp; Keep that in mind,” he said as he finally released her and let her feet touch the ground once more, though he was still well within her personal space.<br><br>“I want to believe you, but there are things you are not telling me. I’m not fool enough to believe you, but I do believe that you’ve been alone.&nbsp; You haven’t been taught how to survive among your own, and for that I will let you stay for now if you can follow my rules.&nbsp; Do you think you can do that…?” he paused and tilted his head to the side in question, realizing that he still did not know her name.<br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>Hannah was just starting to lay the carcass on the porch for him to find when she heard the faint whispers of a growl a moment before she was knocked off the porch by a wolf twice her size.&nbsp; She rolled across the hard packed ground and came to stop against the trunk of a tree with a yelp of pain.&nbsp; She lay still for a moment, sure that he was going to finish her off, but the strike never came. <br><br>She slowly rolled and stood, her tail tucked between her legs, her nose almost touching the ground as she watched him.&nbsp; She stood still for a long moment, still waiting for him to attack.&nbsp; Only when she was sure he wasn’t going to hurt her did she finally move, limping slightly as she sniffed out the rabbit carcass and picked it up gingerly.&nbsp; <br><br>She never took her eyes off of him as she approached with the offering between her teeth and the faint tasted of the creatures blood on her tongue.&nbsp; She was careful never to fully meet his gaze, not wanting to give him any reason to believe she was challenging him in any way.&nbsp; It was a relief when she stopped a few feet away and dropped the carcass at her feet before she backed up just as slowly, leaving no question that it was for him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>08-08-2013, 19:22:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The instant Luc watched the female limp towards him with the food, he felt like an ass. He had hurt her and she had just been trying to help. He wondered if Grayson would kill him now that he had injured someone from his pack. But even as he considered that, he regarded her silently, he noticed the way she remained lower, respectful.<br><br>This was a female wolf who knew her place and knew better than to challenge a male, even a stranger. When she set the carcass near him, he lowered his head in silent gratitude before moved forward and took it, the anticipation of the food making his mouth water. He was famished. And she had been right to bring him meat, the food in the cabin would have left him still hungry, still very much weak.<br><br>Luc turned his body to leave her before he paused and turned to look at her, cocking her head towards the cabin. It would be her choice whether she wanted to come into the cabin with him or not. He knew that she had probably been given orders to leave him alone, but he felt bad for hurting her. He wanted to apologize.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>19-08-2013, 01:27:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora was very glad that she did not suffer from claustrophobia as Grayson put more weight against her. She felt her lips part, a rush of air escaping at the added pressure against her chest, and flinched back as he bared his teeth. She couldn't go very far, of course, and she winced slightly as the back of her head connected with the wooden siding of the cabin. Her heart was racing; pressed up against her like he was, she was sure he could feel it. What he didn't know, and what she would never in a million years admit, was that her racing heart was not solely due to fear. Sonora could feel the strength of the chest that pinned her against the cabin, sense the heat that radiated from his chest and into hers. The desire it stirred inside her made her breath catch a little, and the urge to wrap her arms and legs around him, to tug his head down that one extra inch so he could kiss her, was almost overpowering.<br><br>Swallowing hard, she staggered a little as he finally stepped back enough to allow her feet to touch the ground, nodding quickly as she drew in her first full breath of air since he'd slammed her against the cabin. She was still breathing heavily as she looked up at him again, her eyes following the lines of his arms and broad shoulders, the corded muscles at his neck. Jesus, he was attractive. And he smelled good, too. But he was still very close, and Sonora shifted her weight from foot to foot, at once uneasy with his closeness and longing for more.<br><br>"S-Sonora," she said, speaking into the inquisitive silence that had followed his question. "Sonora Hunter." Inwardly, she winced. Shit. Shit, shit, shit! She hadn't given him an alias. Cam was going to <em>kill</em> her for not following procedure, but there was nothing she could do about it now. His team of computer wizards would just have to work some quick magic, as she expected Grayson would be running a background check on her at the first available opportunity. Sonora shifted again, trying to get back some of the composure she had lost, and pushed a hand through her hair. Now what? "Um. You, ah, want a beer?" <em>Oh, sure. Invite the Alpha who nearly killed you in for a drink,</em> she thought dryly, <em>Real smooth.</em> Sonora glanced up at Grayson again as he stood in front of her, closing her in simply by standing there. She fidgeted again, her hands lifting to tug at the tail of her braid. She didn't dare move. More to the point, her wolf wouldn't let her. Irritated without really understanding why, she continued to tug at her braid, waiting to see what would happen next.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>20-08-2013, 06:07:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hannah kept her head down, her tail tucked as she watched him take the offering.&nbsp; The scent of him seemed to cling to the air between them, speaking of his exhaustion and weakness, but also of the strength beneath the surface that made him an Alpha.&nbsp; He smelled of heated air and sun baked rocks, of streams and hidden woods where man had never walked.&nbsp; He didn’t smell like home, not like Grayson did, but now that he was no longer threatening her directly there was something comforting about the scent.<br><br>She took a tentative step forward, the desire to follow him a living, breathing thing that moved her forward before thought caught up with her.&nbsp; It was only the fact that she’d already disobeyed her Alpha that made her stop and back away reluctantly, putting more distance between them.&nbsp; She didn’t take her gaze off of him, not even when she hit the line of trees and sank down to watch the cabin from a safe distance, the pain from her injury having already faded.&nbsp; <br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>His wolf settled at her nod of ascent, her agreement soothing the more violent urges from his blood as he took a deep breath again, dragging in another heady dose of her scent.&nbsp; He caught the faint undertone of gunpowder and oil from her skin again and tilted his head, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.&nbsp; He didn’t fear a weapon in her hands, it would take more bullets than her gun likely carried to stop him before he tore her apart, but the same couldn’t be said for all of his people.<br><br>He needed to know more about her, to get a feel for her honesty and intentions before he left her alone in his territory for even a moment, and she gave him the perfect opportunity to do so.&nbsp; “Sure.&nbsp; A beer would be good,” he said with a slightly feral grin as he took another step back and gave her barely enough room to move past him to the door if she was willing to brush against him in passing.<br><br>“What kind of gun do you own?&nbsp; Planning to use it while you’re here?” he asked casually just as she passed him, the growl in his voice more felt than heard.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>23-08-2013, 04:44:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora eyed him warily as he regarded her with narrowed eyes and wondered what he was thinking. When he accepted her offer of a beer she relaxed somewhat, although not entirely. That grin he shot her made her suck in a quick breath, and her own eyes narrowed as he stepped back again, just barely giving her enough room to squeeze by. It was just another way to assert control over her, and never one to back down, Sonora accepted the challenge. Stiffening her spine, she closed the distance between them in just a few steps, and as she angled her body to squeeze past him, she made the mistake of taking a deep breath.<br><br>Immediately, the scent of him, all forest pine, a hint of sweat, and that undertone that was quite obviously the Alpha himself, filled her senses. The tips of her breasts and the juncture of her thighs throbbed with sudden need, only made worse as she brushed against him to enter the cabin. Her cheeks felt hot, and she knew she was blushing. Dammit. Just as she slid past him and into the cabin, his question about her firearm made her freeze. How did he--? Of course. She had forgotten she was no longer the only one who could smell traces of gunpowder, and the oil she used to clean it with. <br><br>"Glock 22," she answered, the words propelling her across the floor to the fridge, where she withdrew two brown bottles of Sam Adams and popped the lids with a bottle opener. Setting one on the table for him, she took a pull from the other and retreated to the far side of the room, which seemed much smaller now than it had twenty minutes ago. "And no, I don't plan on it. But that doesn't mean I won't use it if I have to." Sonora glanced at the darkened door to the bedroom and thought about the firearm that sat on the nightstand next to the bed. Grayson threw her off-kilter, and she would have felt better simply having the standard-issue firearm on her person, but she had a feeling he wouldn't have stood for that. Clearing her throat, she took another sip of her beer and leaned against the wall at her back. "I learned pretty early on to take care of myself. The firearm is just an extension of that."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>23-08-2013, 21:26:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When she took a step closer to him, Luc almost sighed in relief. He was shocked at how much he had wanted her company. As the alpha of his pack, he had enjoyed the comfort his family. While he had enjoyed his solitude, he knew that he would have someone there anytime he wanted company. Now that he was alone, he did not know how lone wolves coped. It was not even the need for conversation, just the presence of someone else. <br><br>But she stopped. She backed up quickly and he ignored the pang of sadness that welled inside of him. She was doing as she was told. If he was her Alpha, he would have expected no different. And she would have been punished if she had gone against him. So instead of going inside, Luc went up the cabin steps and stopped right by the door. He settled down and bit into the meal she brought him, watching her as he made quick work of the meat. Once done, he licked his paws clean and then lowered his head down to watch her.<br><br>Silence descended between them, eyes trained on hers. No longer hostile nor unsure, they merely questioned. For he was curious about this female who seemed like she wanted to help but respect for her Alpha kept her back.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>23-08-2013, 22:42:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When she froze for a second his smirk grew into a full blown grin, dimples appearing in his cheeks as he followed her into the Cabin, which already smelled of her.&nbsp; He’d surprised her, which was good.&nbsp; It meant she was telling the truth about herself, at least as far as her lack of contact with other werewolves went, or any type of shifter for that matter.&nbsp; It settled him a little more, allowing him to rein in his more aggressive tendencies as he accepted her answer and the beer.&nbsp; <br><br>He watched her for a time, letting silence fall between them.&nbsp; It was yet another way to test her, to see if she could be comfortable in the silence, or if her nervousness would need an outlet.&nbsp; He had to admit that he found himself fascinated by her, having never met one of their kind who was so clueless about where she came from.&nbsp; <br><br>“Tell me, Sonora Hunter. How have you kept yourself hidden all these years, and what exactly are you looking for here beyond more of your own kind?&nbsp; Ask questions now.&nbsp; I can only stay for a few moments… I have another situation I have to take care of tonight.”<br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>Hannah was surprised when he stopped on the porch and ate while watching her.&nbsp; He was giving every sign of being curious, his aggression from moments before completely absent.&nbsp; The way he watched he made her fidget, shifting around every few minutes as she fought against both her desire to go closer and her embarrassment.&nbsp; She knew she had fucked up by being caught, but she couldn’t regret it.&nbsp; Grayson wouldn’t be too upset with her… she hoped.<br><br>Eventually she couldn’t stand to stay in her wolf form any longer.&nbsp; The lingering smell of blood and the scent of him were driving her to distraction.&nbsp; With relief she shifted and brought her knees up to wrap her arms round them as she watched him, her nudity not bothering her in the least.&nbsp; Nudity was common in the pack, it had to be with how often they shifted.&nbsp; There was nothing sexual about it most of the time.<br><br>God… Grayson needed to hurry.&nbsp; If she had to sit here and stare at him much longer she’d break down and go to sit with him on the porch.&nbsp; She couldn’t help but wonder what his fur would feel like… <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>25-08-2013, 19:18:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He didn't speak, and Sonora's words hung in the air between them, the silence going on and on. She could feel his eyes on her, and under the scrutiny, Sonora began to get restless. She wanted to pace, to work out the nervous energy that was building up inside her, but she forced herself to remain still. Or, mostly still at any rate. She couldn't seem to keep her fingers still, and they drummed against the sweating brown glass of her beer between sips. What in the hell was wrong with her, anyway? This wasn't anywhere near as dangerous a situation as she'd been in before, and here she was working herself up into a sweat. <br><br>Sonora's gaze flicked over to him, meeting his eyes for a moment or two before shifting away again. The longer the silence lasted, the more anxious she got. What was he thinking about? What did he see when he looked at her? She wracked her brain for something to say when she realized he hadn't yet introduced himself. Just as she took a breath and was about to speak into the long stretch of silence, he beat her to the punch.<br><br>She blinked at him, swallowing her own question along with another sip of her slowly warming beer, and then answered with a shrug. "I was moved around a lot when I was in the system," she said, her voice quiet and her eyes focused on the beer in her hand, "and after I changed the first time..." Sonora's voice trailed off and she shrugged again. "I ran. Lived on the streets for a while, til they found me and brought me back in. But after that...after that, I never stayed in a foster home for more than a month or two, and the minute I turned eighteen I was gone again." She wrapped her arms around herself as she thought of her tumultuous, chaotic childhood and the numerous foster parents she had been with. Some had been better than others, and a few were worse, but the majority of them were nameless, just a series of revolving faces in her memory. <br><br>She fell quiet again as she contemplated his second question, letting her eyes sweep back up his frame from his bare feet to his handsome face. "I won't...I'm not going to stay," she offered, "I just...want...friends. People I can be myself around. People I don't have to keep this secret from." The longing in her voice surprised her with its intensity, and when she looked down again, she found that she had moved up to stand behind the chair she had been sitting in before Grayson had appeared, the hand not holding her beer gripping the back of the chair tightly. Disappointment speared her when he said he couldn't stay long and she pushed it away as she looked up at him again.<br><br>Did she have any questions for him? Oh, yes. Yes, she did. Questions about their numbers, their inner hierarchy, the span of their territory...but she asked none of them. Those were Cam's questions, not hers. "Just one question," she found herself saying, "for now. Could I...could I go for a run? I won't hunt or anything, and I'll stay away from anyone else if I scent them if you want me to, but...I just want to run. It's been so long." Sonora tore her gaze away from Grayson and looked wistfully out the window, her wolf whining softly, restless and longing to run free.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>26-08-2013, 23:00:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lazily Luc continued to watch the female until he was almost slumbering in her presence. While his eyes were still open and focused on her, he was relaxed enough -- and exhausted still -- that he slumbered a bit. But when he saw her shift, his ears lifted as he became instantly aware of her. Eyes blinked as she simply turned human form and remained with her knees tucked against her body. God, he hadn't realized she was that petite.<br><br>Closing his eyes, Luc shifted until he turned human as well, leaning against the cabin door with his knees propped up and his forearms resting on his upraised knees. As a wolf, he was often more comfortable outside than inside, so thoughts of going inside the cabin never filtered through for him. He was perfectly content spending this time outside with her.<br><br>"I know you can get in trouble for this," He called out after a few seconds of silence, "Why...why did you feed me?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>26-08-2013, 23:31:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She said all the right thing, made all the right gestures, and he couldn’t smell a lie on her. His senses weren’t perfect.&nbsp; If she was a good enough liar she could fool even him, but he was inclined to think that she was telling the truth, as far as it went.&nbsp; There was too much loneliness in her voice and her body language.&nbsp; She craved the contact she’d never had, and the wolf in him wanted to give it to her.&nbsp; It was the man who was more cautious, hesitant to trust when so many under his care could be affected by his decisions. <br><br>In the end it was the almost wistful desire he heard in her question that made the decision for him.&nbsp; “You can run if you wish, as long as you stay on this side of the river that runs east of her, and you don’t go west of this cabin for now.&nbsp; Later we can talk about allowing you to hunt if you wish, but we have a herd of non-predatory shifters is on our land at the moment, I don’t want you to accidently bring one of them down,” he warned her, not even thinking that she wouldn’t be aware that there were different kinds of shifters in the world.&nbsp; <br><br>He looked her over for a moment before he nodded to himself.&nbsp; You don’t have to stay away if one of the pack comes close to the cabin, they likely won’t at the moment anyway.&nbsp; If a pup wanders close I don’t want you anywhere near it, though.&nbsp; Understand?&nbsp; Not until I get a better feel for you,” he added as an afterthought.&nbsp; <br><br>“I’ll be back in the morning… and you can call me Grayson,” he said after he finished off the beer.&nbsp; “Don’t make me regret this, Sonora.&nbsp; I’m taking a risk on your honesty…”<br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>She blushed slightly, not from the nudity, but his question, though she couldn’t seem to take her eyes off of him.&nbsp; She felt a momentary panic.&nbsp; She might not have disobeyed the words of her Alpha’s orders, but she knew she’d disobeyed the spirit of them.&nbsp; She was going to have to deal with the consequences of her actions, but she couldn’t feel sorry.&nbsp; Not when he already looked better for the meal.&nbsp; <br><br>“I w-was told to provide food… but what I could find in the emergency stores wasn’t enough,” she said quietly, trusting that even in human form his hearing was acute enough to pick up her words.&nbsp; <br><br>“I thought you w-wouldn’t feel as threatened here if you were stronger.&nbsp; I don’t want to see Grayson have to do something rash,” she admitted with an even brighter blush that made her freckles stand out against her pink skin.&nbsp; <br><br>Her dark brown hair fell into her eyes when she shifted to lean against the trunk of the pine nearest her.&nbsp; “You just seemed so weak and lost… I couldn’t leave you like that…” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>27-08-2013, 03:34:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora's head whipped around as Grayson answered her question in the affirmative. The thrill of anticipation had her tingling from head to foot, and she didn't even try to hide the wide grin that broke across her face. Gratitude had her wanting to rush across the room and hug him, but she settled for beaming at him until her cheeks hurt. There were conditions, of course, but that was fine, and she strongly approved of his warning to keep away from the little ones, should she encounter any.<br><br>With his permission to run, Sonora felt her wolf scratching impatiently under her skin, wanting out, wanting to feel the cool night air on her fur. Excitement pumped through her, and she nodded her agreement to every warning he gave her until she felt like one of those silly bobble-head toys. As much as she tried, she could not seem to contain herself, although his mention of non-predatory shifters distracted her for a moment. Blinking in surprise, she stared at Grayson, fully aware of the look on her face. "Wha--there are other types of shifters?" Well, <em>that</em> little tidbit of information wasn't going in her report. It was a non-issue anyway, if they were non-predatory. It made sense, in a way, that there would be more than one kind of shifter, and it made her extremely curious as to how many different kinds were actually out there.<br><br>"I understand," she nodded again, some of her excitement returning again as Grayson started to get ready to leave. "Stay between here and the river east of here, stay away from any cubs, and no hunting. Got it. Piece of cake." She felt as though she should say that he wouldn't regret it, or she wouldn't let him down, but...it was too soon for that, and if it ever came out what she was really doing here...well. Sonora was fairly certain that she would be the one regretting it, not him, because she would probably be dead. So instead, she just smiled and nodded again, saying, "I know you are. And...thank you, Grayson. You don't know how much this means to me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>27-08-2013, 15:06:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				All he could do, for a few seconds, was look at her as she explained her actions. Why would she care for someone like him? He was a stranger, an outsider who had threatened her home and her safety. And yet...he could tell that she truly had been worried about him. Concerned for his well-being and his sanity.<br><br>Even if Grayson did do something rash, Luc wouldn't be able to protect himself without another good night sleep and more food in his belly. But that she cared...warmed him.<br><br>"Thank you," He said with a touch of sincerity, eyes locked on her. She was pretty, very homey and plain but...there was a light inside of her that teased his curiosity. Which was completely foolish. He shouldn't be interested in her at all, especially because she was in her Alpha's territory.<br><br>He wondered if she belonged to Grayson or if she was merely one from his pack. He asked bluntly, "Is he your mate?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>27-08-2013, 19:14:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson couldn’t decide if he was a fool for leaving Sonora alone in his territory, or for allowing Luc to live.&nbsp; Though the second was quickly winning out as he heard the murmur of voices as he approached the cabin he’d left the other Alpha in.&nbsp; He paused downwind and cocked his ears, catching snippets of their conversation, though it was the last question that brought a growl to his lips as he stepped out of the woods surrounding the cabin.&nbsp; Not only had Hannah disobeyed him, but the stranger was asking questions he had no business asking, and he had the feeling that she would have answered had he not been there to stop her.&nbsp; <br><br>He shifted as Hannah blanched, her previous blush fading away as she looked at her Alpha.&nbsp; “Go back to the others.&nbsp; &nbsp;I want a watch placed on this cabin overnight, tell Tomas that I expect him to handle it,” he growled out, his gaze promising that they would talk about her breach of trust later.&nbsp; <br><br>“Also, tell everyone to stay on the east side of the river until I tell them otherwise, especially the pups,” he added.&nbsp; That would keep them away from both Sonora and Luc until he figured out what he was going to do with both of them.&nbsp; <br><br>Hannah didn’t say a word, but simply shifted and slunk across the ground to press her side against his in silent apology.&nbsp; He looked down at the tawny wolf for a moment before he reached down to tug lightly on one of her ears, an offer of forgiveness.&nbsp; “Go.”<br><br>Only when Hannah was well out of sight did he turn his attention to Luc.&nbsp; “We need to talk…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>27-08-2013, 19:20:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shit. The word was instant when he felt the shift in the wind and knew they were no longer alone. But more than that, Grayson had heard the question he had asked her. Luc's eyes shifted to the female wolf just as he saw her blanch and he felt his hopes dim. It no longer mattered is she answered the question, he had learned enough.<br><br>He wanted to defend her, to let Grayson know she hadn't technically ignored the command he had given her. But ignoring it by an inch or a mile didn't matter...her disobedience did. He watched as Grayson tugged at her ear and the moment she was gone, Luc stood, unashamed of his nakedness.<br><br>"She didn't disobey you, Grayson. She stayed away. I was just asking her questions. She didn't answer anything," Luc didn't know why it was important that Grayson punish him and not the female wolf...but it was.<br><br>He cocked his head towards the door, "You want to do this inside?"<br><br>Luc wondered if Grayson was going to kill him or banish him from his territory. Regardless of having been given food and shelter, Luc wasn't naïve to think Grayson would willingly help him out. He just hoped the other Alpha would give him a chance to get his story out before he made a decision. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>27-08-2013, 20:16:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson left without another word, and Sonora couldn't help but move to the door to watch him disappear into the darkness. She felt like the worst person in the world, and for the first time in her career as an FBI agent, she hated her job. Whether Grayson allowed her to meet the rest of his pack or not, these were her people, and what she was doing, gathering intel on them for the government...it made her feel like a traitor. Her wolf snarled and snapped irritably, and it brought her back to herself.<br><br>Stepping out of the cabin, she drew a deep breath of crisp night air. Grayson's scent was still all over the place, but it had already begun to fade, and she stepped down off the small porch and went around the side, where the woodpile was stacked under a lean-to. In the darkness, she stripped out of her clothes, shivering a little as the cold night air touched her skin. With a thought, she released the wolf that was pawing to get out, and the pale blond wolf stepped out into the moonlight. She shook herself, the breeze ruffling the fur on her back, and she lifted her nose into the air, drawing in the scents around her. Her muzzle opened, and her tongue lolled as she tasted the air, and then she was off.<br><br>The smallish blond wolf was a pale streak of moonlight in the darkness, her feet barely touching the ground as she shot into the trees. It felt so good to run, to feel the wind in her fur and scent the crushed pine beneath her paws. She ran until her lungs burned, zigzagging through the trees and scrambling under bushes just for the hell of it. Once, she frightened a family of rabbits, and although she longed to hunt, she was careful to keep her hunting instinct under control. Soon enough, she scented the crisp, clean scent of water, and not a moment later, she could hear it. Slowing as she neared the edge of the forest, Sonora peered out of the trees, her sides heaving as she panted heavily. She sniffed, trying to detect any scents that may warn her of other shifters, but there was nothing there that shouldn't be. Thirst won out over caution, after a few minutes, and she jogged out from under the shelter of the trees. <br><br>In the moonlight, her blond coat looked nearly white, and she cocked her head to one side as she stared down at her rippling reflection. Although she couldn't see herself very clearly due to the moving water, she knew that her eyes were the warm amber of rich honey, and she had darker blond markings on the tips of her ears and around her eyes and muzzle. Before she drank, she tipped her head back and stared up at the moon, wondering just how long she had been running for. On an impulse she did not quite understand, she howled, the high, keening note filling the air and echoing into the night sky. When the last note had faded, she paused to listen, then slowly lowered her head to drink at the side of the river she was not to cross.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>01-09-2013, 20:21:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luc’s defense of Hannah did more to sooth Grayson’s wolf than anything else could have.&nbsp; It was the action of an Alpha, true, but it was also an act of compassion and honor.&nbsp; Honor was highly respected among all were’s, but more so among the predators than most.&nbsp; Compassion was often seen as a weakness, something that a leader could not show, a philosophy that Grayson vehemently disagreed with.&nbsp; Compassion was necessary when dealing with the more timid members of a pack, at least in his experience.&nbsp; <br><br>He nodded and moved to follow Luc into the cabin only to pause when the faint echo of a howl reached his ears.&nbsp; He tilted his head slightly, waiting to see if another would follow.&nbsp; Only when there wasn’t an answering howl did he relax and walk into the cabin, grabbing another spare set of jeans, the last ones in his size, from the cedar chest.&nbsp; <br><br>“Do not worry yourself about, Hannah.&nbsp; She won’t suffer for her disobedience.&nbsp; She will punish herself enough knowing that I was disappointed with her for even a moment,” he finally said as he fastened the jeans and motioned towards the cedar chest.&nbsp; “If there’s something there that will fit you feel free,” he added, not because the other man’s nudity bothered him, but because some wolves viewed it as a vulnerability in their human forms.&nbsp; <br><br>“I’ve heard rumors about your pack, but nothing confirmed.&nbsp; Why don’t we start with more of an explanation about what happened and we’ll table your presence in my territory for now.”<br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>Sonora’s howl had drawn attention from someone other than Grayson.&nbsp; Ryan knew he wasn’t supposed to be out at night, and definitely not so far from the communal area everyone called the den.&nbsp; His mother hadn’t been watching, however, and Hannah… who usually caught him when he tried to sneak off, had disappeared with Grayson.&nbsp; The adults had been talking non-stop since she’d disappeared with Grayson, rumors running rampant, so naturally he’d decided to check it out, only he’d lost their trail near the river.&nbsp; <br><br>His ears perked forward as he trotted downriver towards the howl, which he didn’t recognize.&nbsp; Strangers in the pack territory was exciting to a ten year old boy, let alone an adolescent pup, and it never even occurred to him that he had anything to fear.&nbsp; Grayson kept the bad people away, that was what an Alpha did.&nbsp; <br><br>He stumbled out of some undergrowth on the opposite side of the river from the strange wolf and froze, staring with wide eyes that had yet to take on the full amber color of a grown wolf.&nbsp; He was small in his wolf form, undersized for his age much to his chagrin, but he was an unusual brown in color that had more than a little red in it.&nbsp; Coloring normally found in wolves in the southwestern part of the United States, and almost never found in a were. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>05-09-2013, 07:34:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The wind shifted, and Sonora's nose twitched as a new scent wafted towards her. Wary, she lifted her head, water dripping from her muzzle, just as the cub stumbled free of the trees on the other side of the river. Stiffening in surprise, Sonora whined anxiously for a moment or two, her eyes darting to the shadows on either side of the boy cub and waiting for an adult to emerge along with him. When none came, however, she turned her gaze to the young one, who was regarding her with curiosity, but none of the wariness he should have displayed when confronted with a stranger. <br><br>Another soft whine sounded in her throat, and she started to back away from the cub. If Grayson discovered her this close to the little one after making her promise to stay away...well. She could only imagine what he would do then. But what was she to do? She couldn't just leave the cub out here by himself, what if something happened to him? With a sigh and a flash of light, Sonora shifted back into her human form crouching on the balls of her feet to cover herself with her hair and her knees, which were drawn up towards her chest. "What are you doing out here all by yourself?" She asked over the sound of the water, a frown on her face. "You should not be here. Go home, little one. I am sure your parents will be looking for you." <br><br>And wouldn't <em>that</em> just put her in a dilemma and a half. Especially if someone other than Grayson found them, or scented her near the cub before Grayson had a chance to pass on his ruling to the rest of the pack. She would likely be dead before she could shift form, and then it would all be pointless. Sonora waited, studying the cub and wondering how long this staring contest was going to go on for before he listened to her. There were other ways of sending him away, but Sonora was reluctant to scare him off by threatening violence. She had a feeling that would be even worse than what they were doing now. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>05-09-2013, 19:53:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hannah. Her name was Hannah. For some reason, he almost smiled because the name was so...fitting. His head turned at the sound of the howl and for a moment he thought it was her, but it sounded...well, not different but unlike the timid wolf he had recently met. With a slight shake of his head, he followed Grayson into the cabin and when the man offered the use of the clothes in the chest, he murmured, "Thank you." Finding a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt, he donned them both on and did his best to relax about the Alpha.<br><br>It wasn't that he was uncomfortable with him, per se. But Grayson had absolute power and control over this terrain. He could easily dismiss Luc and tell him to get the hell out and Luc would have to follow his order. To disobey a direct order from the commanding Alpha was to sign a death wish. Not something he was currently ready for.<br><br>"My pack was attacked," Luc stated bluntly. He crossed his arms over his chest as he thought about his pack, the ache making his heart hurt. He was silent as he thought about how much to tell Grayson before he decided on...the truth. "I'm not sure who it was. I want to say it was officials, maybe the Government...but I'm not 100% sure. I know they had a lot of ammunition. They had us pegged and they came in and took us out without being detected." The words left his mouth bitterly, because no matter what, no matter how he spun it...he had failed his pack. He should have been more protective, he shouldn't have been so lenient. But he had been so sure that they would be safe.<br><br>How wrong had he been.<br><br>He looked at the other man and said simply, "I need time. I want to find out who it was that did it and I want to take them out. I don't care if it was the Government or if it was a bunch of rednecks. I want the chance for revenge. But to do that...I need help." He hated asking for help...but Grayson was known throughout the packs as a brutal but just alpha. If anyone would help him, or grant him access to resources...it would be him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>06-09-2013, 20:36:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson smelled no deceit from Luc, and if he was honest he felt a wave of anger for the needless deaths.&nbsp; He had killed to defend his pack, and he had killed the leaders of rival packs who pressed too far into his territory, but the wholesale slaughter of a pack, men, women and children?&nbsp; That was something he couldn’t condone even among other wolves, but for it to be an outsider?&nbsp; That made it far more serious a crime, and one he knew he would have sought retribution for had it been his people slaughtered.&nbsp; <br><br>“I will not endanger my pack.&nbsp; They are my top priority, and we are heavy on non-combatants at the moment,” he said, admitting a weakness as a sign of his trust in Luc.&nbsp; He would never say that he believed him, but admitting that might as well have been the same thing.<br><br>“I can give you shelter here, and resources.&nbsp; I make no promises yet beyond that,” he conceded.&nbsp; “If you step one foot out of line with my people I will kill you and your pack will go un-avenged.&nbsp; No posturing.&nbsp; No threats to my leadership will be tolerated.&nbsp; If you’re on my land you obey me.&nbsp; Understand?”<br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>The cub’s ears flattened when she shifted, but his tail swayed back and forth.&nbsp; After a moment he jumped into the water and splashed around, purposefully kicking some of it in her direction before he ended up on the opposite bank again, his paws out as he crouched, obviously ready to play.&nbsp; <br><br>All Ryan could think was that there was someone new, someone he could play with out in the woods, and Grayson couldn’t be mad at him if he was with an adult!&nbsp; He didn’t recognize the flaws in his logic, his excitement at his discovery outweighing common sense.&nbsp; <br><br>He was about to cross the river when the sudden echo of gunfire made him flinch, his stomach pressed against the ground as he made himself as small a target as he could and looked down the river towards the outer edge of pack territory, where the shot had originated, a whine in the back of his throat.&nbsp; When he glanced at the stranger again it was with fear instead of curiosity, and he wondered to himself if he had gone too far this time.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>06-09-2013, 23:24:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was relief in Luc's expression at Grayson's acceptance and while he knew it took a lot for the Alpha to offer his help, it didn't come without consequences. Sure enough, Luc heard Grayson's warnings and he nodded, finding them more than fair. "I will do nothing to endanger your pack, Grayson, I can assure you of that." He wanted to tell the man that losing ones kind was bad enough, causing the death of others would kill anyone.<br><br>He was a bit surprised that Grayson was willing to admit on their lack of combatants, but he even surprised himself when he offered, "I can help, if you'd like? I know it doesn't sit well for you to have a lone wolf in your area but...I can offer my assistance. As a thank you for what you're doing."<br><br>The sound of a gun fire sounded in the distance and Luc paused, his heart slamming in his chest as he took a step forward to jump out of the cabin before he forced himself to stop. This was not his home. He could not run around without permission. He clenched his hands into fists before he heard himself asking, the alpha within him howling in objection at such submission, "Do you need help finding out what was the cause of that?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>07-09-2013, 06:27:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora bit back a smile as the cub dashed forward, her lips twitching as he splashed her with river water and then darted away again. She wished she could engage with him, she truly did, but Grayson would kill her for disobeying, quite possibly literally. "Look, I know you want to play, but--" The gunshot in the distance had her head whipping around all her senses going on high alert. Sitting up, she frowned in that direction and wondered who would be stupid enough to disengage a firearm out here.<br><br>The soft whine from the little cub brought her attention back to him, which confronted her with another problem: what to do about him. Not knowing the situation made her wary of sending him off on his own even if it was in the opposite direction, and after a moment of indecision, she sighed and hoped that Grayson wouldn't kill her for what she was about to do. Motioning to the cub, she rose to her feet. "Come over here, then. We'd best find you a good hiding place for a little while." Waiting for the cub to cross the river, Sonora glanced around for a moment and then led him to a number of large rocks, one of which overhung the river a little. "Hide under here, and <em>don't move</em> from this spot unless I or someone else from your pack comes to get you. Understand?" <br><br>After waiting for his answer, she shifted again, her protective instinct making her wolf want to snarl. A soft whine from the cub, however, had her turning to nuzzle the little one, even going so far as licking him, just once. Backing away from his hiding place, she released a low, warning growl to ensure he would stay put and then loped off in the direction the shot had come from.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>09-09-2013, 21:03:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson was about to decline Luc’s offer of help when the gunshot rang out, distant but instantly recognizable.&nbsp; He was out the door before Luc’s offer fully registered, but he managed a gruff sound of assent before he ran.&nbsp; Luc could follow or not, he didn’t have the time to stop and talk.&nbsp; Hunting was prohibited in his territory, no one was allowed to discharge a firearm, and that information was given to every human who rented a cabin, which was one of the pack’s major sources of income.&nbsp; Which meant that one of his people were shooting in self-defense, or someone was about to get an unpleasant surprise.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>He didn’t bother to shift, but ran in his human form, which was only slightly slower than he could manage if he let his wolf out.&nbsp; If he had to confront a hunter, however, he wanted to do so on two legs instead of four.&nbsp; <br><br>He followed the river, finally catching a whiff of gunpowder and blood five minutes after he’d heard the shot.&nbsp; Slowing, he crept through the thick undergrowth around the river until he came across a moonlit clearing.&nbsp; It would have been beautiful had it not been for the buck that lay struggling on the ground, blood pumping from a wound in its flank.&nbsp; A deep breath and he knew that it was a shifter, one of the herd who was asking to stay on his land if he had to guess.&nbsp; It wasn’t the buck who brought a growl to his lips, or even the heavy and tempting scent of blood, but the man who was crossing the clearing with a bowie knife in his hand, obviously intending to finish off his kill.&nbsp; <br><br>“What are you doing on my land?” he said, his voice low and controlled as he stepped out of the shadows and into the clearing, carefully putting himself between the hunter and the hunted. “There’s no hunting here…”<br><br>“Fuck you, it’s a free country.&nbsp; Mind your own business,” the man said with a sneer and a wave of the knife to indicate that Grayson should get out of the way.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>10-09-2013, 23:21:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the growl of consent, Luc took off after Grayson, the blood pumping quick through his body as adrenaline shot through him. He wanted to help, needed to do something with his life instead of just feeling like he was one big fuckin' disappointment. Like Grayson, he didn't shift because if a human was around, they needed to be able to be clothed and communicate. But the wolf inside of him was growling, feeling on edge and ready to do whatever he could to help.<br><br>He didn't go ahead of Grayson. He knew his place...and while every part of him screamed Alpha, this was not his territory anymore. It burned, to have to be second in command...but he trusted Grayson. Which was strange in and of itself.<br><br>The scent of blood and the sight of the buck made Luc pull his lip back with a snarl. He was behind Grayson, letting him take the lead, but he moved carefully, ready to help if he needed to. If there was one thing he could not stand it was the way humans took advantage of animals. They thought themselves to be above the law, especially the law of nature. And that was not the case. He released a low growl as the man waved the knife towards Grayson, his shoulders tensing in response. The man was sealing his own death certificate if he kept up with his cocky attitude.<br><br>"It's not a free country when you're in private territory," Luc spoke up as he moved around, trying to make his way casually towards the dying buck while keeping himself in far enough distance so that Grayson had the control. <br><br>Something was off though...the scent of death and the sense of danger was growing and he did not like it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>11-09-2013, 00:12:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It wasn't long before Sonora smelled blood, and she picked up her pace, putting on a last burst of speed before drawing near the downed buck. Grayson and another--likely of his pack--were facing off against a fat, redneck hunter. He smelled sour, 3-day-old sweat and God knew whatever else filling her overly-sensitive nose and making her want to sneeze. Instead, she crept silently around the clearing, her eyes never leaving that knife in the man's hand. The way he was waving it at Grayson made a growl rise in her throat, although she cut it off before it grew in strength.<br><br>Sonora hated hunters with a passion. Trophy hunters especially. She had been quite heavily involved in animal rights campaigns during her college career, and she donated to several charities regularly. Crouching low, she inched forward, her body tensed and ready to attack, should it be required. Grayson must have scented her by now, and although she was curious about the other shifter, there would be time later to introduce herself. Right now, this dumb hunter was their biggest problem.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>13-09-2013, 22:11:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson knew the moment Sonora entered the clearing, but no sign of that knowledge touched his features.&nbsp; He could only hope that both of the strangers would be allies in that moment, instead of causing more issues.&nbsp; He needed to handle this quickly if he was going to get the buck to Hannah in time for her to save his life.&nbsp; The last thing he needed was an incident on his land, while the herd was under his protection.&nbsp; <br><br>“Turn around and walk away.&nbsp; You don’t get a prize tonight.&nbsp; I don’t want any more trouble than you’ve already brought with your rifle, but I will put you down if I have to,” he warned, tension bunching the muscles in his shoulders as his hands tightened into fists at his side.&nbsp; <br><br>The hunter laughed, the knife dropping from his fingers as he pulled his rifle up and aimed at Grayson, who couldn’t quite contain the growl that rumbled in his chest.&nbsp; <br><br>“I think I’m the one with the gun here.&nbsp; Do you see the rack on that buck?&nbsp; That’s a trophy I won’t leave behind, bragging rights for years,” he said with a sneer.&nbsp; “Now you and your friend move along, get the fuck off my back and I’ll finish this and be no my way,” he said as he took aim.&nbsp; “I could just shoot you both, tell the authorities you attacked me…”<br><br>Grayson’s growl grew as his beast slipped his leash.&nbsp; He didn’t shift fully, he was one of the few were’s in North America who didn’t have to.&nbsp; Instead his fingers elongated, claws ripping through his skin, the pain barely registering as he launched himself at the man.&nbsp; He wasn’t even slowed by the slug that hit him in the shoulder, a grunt the only sign of discomfort he showed before he ripped into the man.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>14-09-2013, 00:21:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The growing scent of blood seemed off to Luc and he stared at the buck in mild confusion. While Grayson and the hunter talked, he looked at the buck and realized that...it wasn't a normal buck. The animal wasn't just an animal. It shocked him to realize that -- unless he was mistaken -- the buck could shift to human form. All Luc could do was stare at the buck in shock, completely unaware that there were others that could shift like them.<br><br>The addition of another wolf caused his head to jerk to where it came from and he took a deep breath, his nostrils flaring as he realized it was a female wolf. Not Hannah. Another member of the pack, clearly.<br><br>The sound of Grayson growling and the gunshot snapped his attention back to the hunter...and he realized that the human was going to be killed.<br><br>Perhaps if it had been a mere month ago, he would have stopped Grayson. In his eyes, humans were to be kept away from but respected. Now...after what had happened to his pack, all Luc did was growl in approval, finding no greater satisfaction than killing the human who dared to kill an animal on private territory.<br><br>His eyes moved to the female wolf, his eyes showing her that if she tried to interfere, he would cut her off. Grayson had to protect his pack, and if it meant killing the human then Luc had no problem with it. Sacrifices had to be made to protect ones pack. Luc understood that now and supported it wholeheartedly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>14-09-2013, 00:42:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The buck on the ground wasn't moving much. Whether that was because it was nearly dead or because it realized it was safer not to draw attention to itself, Sonora didn't know. The scent of its blood reached her nose, but something wasn't quite...right. It wasn't the same scent as other animal blood she had scented before. It smelled...very much like her own. This, then, must be one of the other kinds of shifters Grayson had mentioned earlier. With that new knowledge in place, the realization that this prick of a hunter had tried to kill a shifter made a growl rise in her chest.<br><br>Ears flat against her head, Sonora snarled as Grayson leaped for the man, as was his right. The sound of the gun was loud and made her ears ring, but instead of cringing away, she shot forward, fully intending to help Grayson take the man down. Why the other was simply standing there instead of joining in the fray she had no idea. As the human fell to the ground, she saw him groping for the knife he had dropped even as he screamed and hollered loud enough to wake the dead. Sonora growled, her wolf hungry for a fight, and then darted towards the fallen human, fully intending on sinking her teeth into the man's fat wrist.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>17-09-2013, 16:28:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was only blood and the need to protect, the need to rid his territory of the hunter who did not belong.&nbsp; He ceased in that moment to be even remotely human, the beast inside taking complete control even though he retained most of his human form.&nbsp; It was in his eyes, the amber color so sharp that they nearly appeared to glow, nothing human peeking out.<br><br>Blood rushed into his mouth, covering his claws, splattering his body and the clothes he still wore.&nbsp; It was a warm rush of life, the end of it a sweet note in the metallic blood.&nbsp; He didn’t notice nor care that Luc was behind him, but when Sonora darted in to join him he growled low in his throat, warning her away from his prey, though he didn’t snap at her when she got too close.&nbsp; His beast recognized one of his own, and only the fact that she was female kept him from tearing into her too as he finally dropped the body to the ground and stepped back.&nbsp; <br><br>He breathed heavily as he crouched down, his knuckles against the ground, a growl low in his throat more felt than heard.&nbsp; There was something he needed to do.&nbsp; Something important enough to bring him back from his blood lust…<br><br>It took him a long moment to remember what it was, but when he did his gaze shot to the buck who labored on the ground.&nbsp; His growl shifted in his throat, becoming something else as he raised his head to the moon high above, a long, single note howl rising from the clearing as he called his pack too him, which would hopefully bring Hannah.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>18-09-2013, 19:47:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the female wolf joined Grayson, Luc wanted to snarl and tell her to back off. Did Grayson allow his pack members to kill with him when it was to set an example. This was a kill that the Leader did to protect their own. Instead of saying anything though, Luc focused on the buck...and he found himself headed towards the dying animal.<br><br>The fight behind him went ignored as he walked towards the animal and gently touched its head, not sure why he felt the need to speak to the buck, "Be at ease. If you move too much, the blood will rush faster. That won't end well for you." The scent of its blood carried the slight hint that signaled to him it wasn't merely an animal. His eyes stared in amazement as he focused on the buck's eyes and noticed the intelligence...and the fear. The shifter knew it was going to die.<br><br>The sound of Grayson's howl behind him made him look back at the man and he said quickly, "Tell me how I can help...?" For some reason, the knowledge that wolves weren't the only shifters made him want to ask more questions. And the only person that he could ask questions to was close to death's door.<br><br>He placed his hands on the buck's wound and applied pressure, trying to slow the loss of blood. His eyes were trained on the animal, his voice rough with emotions, "Hold on. Just try to hold on."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>18-09-2013, 20:04:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora froze at the savage growl Grayson gave her. She felt it right down to the pads of her paws, and she pulled back from her lunge towards the fallen human at the last moment. Flattening her ears against her skull, Sonora let her wolf do what its instincts demanded, lowering down onto her belly with a soft whine. Her eyes shifted away, and her ears flicked, eyes lifting as Grayson howled, calling to his pack. Before the sound had faded, the air was echoing with other haunting calls, more shifters closing in on their location. <br><br>Turning her eyes to the man who crouched by the buck, Sonora thought of the cub she had left by the river's edge. She hoped the little one had the sense to stay where she'd left him, but he seemed precocious and curious enough not to. Combining that with the fact that a hunter had just been found on pack land...Sonora didn't like those odds. Grayson and the other shifter could handle this, and more help was on the way. But that cub...she knew what it was like to be alone and scared, and she wouldn't wish that on any child, shifter or human.<br><br>With another whine, she backed away from the gored mess that was all that was left of the trophy hunter, slowly moving back in the direction she had come from. When she judged she was close enough to the trees, she turned and darted into the shadows.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>18-09-2013, 20:28:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Only when the howls of his pack echoed back to him in the clearing did he shift back from his half form to full human.&nbsp; He came back more fully from the blood lust just in time to see Sonora disappear into the woods, heading back up the river.&nbsp; He thought about following for a moment, but he trusted that she could take care of herself, and in truth he was going to have issues with Luc being near the rest of his pack, let alone both of them at once.&nbsp; <br><br>He circled around to the other side of the buck, checking to make sure that Luc had pressure on the wound as he crouched down next to the Buck’s head, looking into its eyes for a moment.&nbsp; “You’re safe, just keep yourself awake until my healer gets here,” he said, his voice surprisingly gentle as he laid one bloody hand against the side of the shifters neck to check his pulse.&nbsp; <br><br>“Blink for me if you’re from the herd in the north woods,” he commanded, nodding slightly when the buck managed to blink.&nbsp; “I’ll send someone to them as soon as I can.”<br><br>He glanced up then, the bond to his pack announcing the arrival of his wolves before they broke into the clearing.&nbsp; Two dozen of them had come, their pelts varying shades of black, grey and brown.&nbsp; They flooded the clearing, circling around both the body of the human and the buck, looking to him for guidance.&nbsp; <br><br>“Hannah!” he called loudly enough to be heard over the growling and yipping, relieved when she broke out of the mass and shifted, kneeling beside him.&nbsp; <br><br>“I’ve got him…” she murmured, sweat already dotting her brow as she caught the buck’s gaze and held it.&nbsp; Slowly his easing breathed, the pumping of blood beneath Luc’s fingers slowing to a sluggish trickle.&nbsp; “I can stabilize him enough to travel, and hold it if we can get him back to den quickly.”<br><br>“Do what you need to do.&nbsp; John, go get the truck, we can’t carry him safely through the woods,” he ordered, a dusty brown wolf breaking from the milling throng to dive back into the woods.&nbsp; “Emily and Jace, go to the north woods and get the leader of the herd there, bring him and whoever he wants to join him back to the den, no more than four…”<br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>Ryan stayed hidden for all of five minutes before he crawled out into the river, ears perked toward the direction the gunshot had come from.&nbsp; He considered going that way, curiosity eating at him, but in the end he knew that Grayson would head towards the sound at the very least, and he had no desire to get a lecture from his Alpha.&nbsp; Again.&nbsp; For the hundredth time.&nbsp; <br><br>Instead he caught the trail of the one who had told him to stay and followed it away, finally coming to the cabin he assumed she was staying in. Her scent was all over the place, and when he shifted back to human form he found the door unlocked.&nbsp; Technically the cabin belonged to Grayson, which meant it was pack territory… which he figured meant he could go in and check it out.&nbsp; <br><br>Once he was dressed in baggy clothes from the chest near the fireplace he started to really snoop, looking through her things with no regard for privacy.&nbsp; It wasn’t malicious, but simple curiosity, and Ryan had never been able to ignore a mystery.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>18-09-2013, 20:43:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She made it back to the section of the river she'd left him at in a matter of minutes, but the cub wasn't there. Whining, she sniffed around the rock she'd put him under, picking out his scent easily. It went down into the river, and for a moment she thought perhaps he'd simply made his way home, but then she picked it up again...heading towards her cabin. With an irritated growl, she tore off in that direction, the cub's scent getting stronger the closer she got to the cabin.<br><br>Jogging into the woodshed, she shifted back to human and dressed hastily, then made her way barefoot to the front door. Which was ajar. Shaking her head, she slipped quietly into the cabin, watching the young boy for a moment or two before speaking up.<br><br>"You know, generally it's considered impolite to go through other people's things without permission," she drawled from her place near the table. She had folded her arms under her breasts, and was looking at the curious boy with a mixture of amusement and irritation as he snooped through her belongings. Luckily he hadn't made it into the bedroom yet, or he would have found the file she had on Grayson. That is, if he'd thought to look between the mattress and box spring. And with the way little boys minds tended to work...he likely would have.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>18-09-2013, 20:45:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It took him by surprise how many wolves responded to Grayson's call, his eyes blinking as he tried to hide the sudden nervousness he felt. His pack had been about this big all together, and the fact that he was sure there were more around stunned him. How large was Grayson's pack? How many were there all together? So many questions came to him but more importantly, he felt a sudden nervousness that could not be discarded.<br><br>He hadn't been surrounded by a pack since his own, and the sudden pain at seeing how they simply responded to Grayson's words left him a bit out of breath. No questions. No hesitation. He was their Leader and they trusted him wholeheartedly. If only Grayson realized how lucky he was to still have that bond with his followers.<br><br>The sight of Hannah settled him a bit and he watched as she suddenly went from the timid wolf he had first met, to having complete control.<br><br>He stared down at the buck with a mixture of concern and curiosity. The buck had understood Grayson, so he had to be from the area. Or at least that's what he thought. Curious, Luc asked Grayson, "He's a shifter...like us? How many of...our kind are on your territory?"<br><br>Luc felt a bit foolish that he had thought their kind was the only one around. Of course not. It opened a world of possibility to how many other creatures were around that were not simply human. How many did Grayson know of? How many were there actually?<br><br>It took him a moment to realize Hannah was there and she had slowed the bleeding on the buck. Unsure of his position, deciding it was better to retreat than to be in the middle of the mix, he began to withdraw his hand, "Maybe it's better if I head back to the cabin and wait...?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>27-09-2013, 19:55:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson eyed him thoughtfully, but shook his head.&nbsp; “Ask again later, I’ll answer, now isn’t the time,” He said as kindly as he could, though his voice was still rough with suppressed emotion.&nbsp; <br><br>He continued to shout out orders, sending some of his stronger pack members to scour the area, warning them to stay away from the cabins that Luc and Sonora were staying in.&nbsp; The last thing he needed was another incident before he had time to explain the situation to his people.&nbsp; Having Luc around was hard enough.&nbsp; He could feel the curiosity through the pack bond as others started to notice him.&nbsp; If they hadn’t been in an emergency situation he was sure that he would be fielding questions already.&nbsp; <br><br>He was relieved when Luc started to rise, offering to head back to the cabin, but that relief was short lived as Hannah shot the other man a started look, her lips pursed.&nbsp; He knew that look.&nbsp; Fuck.<br><br>“Don’t you dare remove your hand from that wound,” she ordered the other alpha, not even pausing to realize what she was doing as she continued to check his vital signs.&nbsp; “He knows your scent, and I need an assistant.&nbsp; Guess what?&nbsp; You’re it…” she warned him as the sound of a truck making its way along one of the thin trails reached their ears.&nbsp; <br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div> <br><br>Ryan jumped and twirled around to face her, tripping over his own feet as he stumbled into a table, eyes wide.&nbsp; He was a redhead, the color a match for the red tone in his fur, with copious freckles.&nbsp; Like most redheads his skin showed color beautifully as he blushed in embarrassment, his hazel eyes wide as he righted himself and started to fidget.<br><br>“I… that is… the pack owns the property so I thought… Grayson wouldn’t mind…” he trailed off, knowing full well that Grayson would skin him alive if he found him here with the stranger.&nbsp; He couldn’t get in trouble again; he didn’t want to have to do laps after school every day!<br><br>“Please don’t tell! I can’t get into trouble again.&nbsp; I didn’t mean any harm, really.&nbsp; I was just… curious…” he trailed off as he stared at her wide eyed.&nbsp; “Why do I smell gunpowder?” he asked a moment later, his nose lifted into the air as he sniffed.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>27-09-2013, 20:30:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora chuckled, her amusement winning out over the irritation as she watched the boy start in surprise and trip over his own feet. Pushing away from the door, she kicked it shut, closing out the chill air of the night as the kid stammered excuses. She shot him a disbelieving look and an arched brow when he tried to tell her that Grayson wouldn't mind, then gave her head a shake. "You're playing with fire, kiddo," she responded as she moved to the fridge and opened it. "The pack may own the property, but that doesn't give you the right to just walk in just because you're curious. That could get you killed. Haven't you ever heard the saying 'curiosity killed the wolf'?"<br><br>Rummaging around, she pulled out the ingredients for turkey sandwiches, and two cans of Coke as the boy scented gunpowder. "Because I have a gun in the next room," she said matter-of-factly. Then, with a glance over her shoulder, she asked, "Hungry?" She was always starving after a good run, and the added excitement had only made it worse. Little boys being little boys, she figured he would be, too. Sonora knew she was playing with fire herself. Grayson had given very specific orders, and she--through no fault of her own--had disobeyed. But she couldn't just leave the kid out there on his own, not with that damn hunter out there.<br><br>Taking the plate of sandwiches and the two soda cans to the table, she sat down and nudged the other chair with her toe. "What's your name, kid?" she asked, setting a Coke can in front of the other chair and picking up half of a sandwich, fully expecting the boy to join her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>05-10-2013, 00:08:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				All Luc could do was stare at Hannah in stunned surprise. No one had ever spoken to him in such a way, least of all a submissive female.<br><br>But as he stared at her, there was no anger and no hostility towards her. In fact, Hannah...who had been so kind and generous to him, was doing the same for someone else. Someone not of their kind. And...he respected her for that. There was no ill will towards her, he knew she was not speaking to him in that way to demean him, but merely because she was worried about her patient. So he settled back down next to the wounded buck, reapplying pressure to the wound.<br><br>He did not look at Grayson to see how he reacted to Hannah's order, merely felt his lips twitch as he said softly, so only she could hear -- though not at all surprise if Grayson did hear as well --, "Yes, Doctor Hannah."<br><br>His eyes went back to the buck, focusing on him, once more wondering just how many different species were there. He was definitely going to speak to Grayson about this later...it was something that he needed to know. Something that bothered him that he <em>hadn't</em> known. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>05-10-2013, 00:55:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson choked back completely inappropriate laughter at the look on Luc’s face, but he was surprised when the other Alpha did as he was told, the teasing note in his tone when he spoke to Hannah easing some of the tension in him.&nbsp; It was obvious that Luc respected Hannah enough to let her tone slide, and Grayson was relieved by that. It meant he didn’t have an issue on his hand that would turn violent. No, instead Luc was going back to the den with them.&nbsp; &nbsp;Joy.&nbsp; <br><br>Hannah blushed brightly as she glanced at Luc, but there was no apology in her gaze, and before she could speak the truck pulled into the clearing and people were lifting the buck, careful not to jostle him too much as they loaded him into the back, where Hanna crouched beside him, cradling his head in her lap as she counted his pulse under her breath.&nbsp; <br><br>Grayson shifted then, pacing the truck through the woods towards the den.&nbsp; It took nearly fifteen minutes for them to reach the clearing, cabins sitting in a loose ring, the face of a cliff rising behind them.&nbsp; The truck didn’t stop at the cabins, but continued on, leaving them behind.&nbsp; A few minutes later they stopped just a few yards from the cliff, a huge manmade opening cut into the side of the mountain greeting them.&nbsp; <br><br>“Keep that pressure on until we get him into the lab…” Hannah ordered as Grayson kept an eye on Luc. <br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>Ryan muttered something under his breath about cats and wolves, but he was too good natured to let the rebuke interfere with his curiosity.&nbsp; Instead his eyes widened when she admitted that she had a gun I the next room, but he was momentarily distracted as he inhaled the sandwich, his stomach gurgling loudly enough to make him blush and say something around the food that might have been an apology.&nbsp; <br><br>He swallowed quickly then, realizing that he actually had to answer her question.&nbsp; “Ryan, what’s yours?” he asked fearlessly, eyeing the rest of the lunch meat she’d left out on the counter.&nbsp; “What are you doing here? Are you going to join the pack?&nbsp; Grayson says we need more combatants, whatever that means.&nbsp; What happened back there?&nbsp; Who was shooting? Was anyone hurt?” he asked, one question tumbling out after another.&nbsp; <br><br>“I guess I should shut up so you can answer, huh?” he finally asked as he picked up the coke, using it to finally stop the flow of questions.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>05-10-2013, 01:23:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora laughed around a bite of her own sandwich, which she ate as enthusiastically as Ryan, although not quite as quickly. She didn't bother to hide her amusement as he peppered her with questions, or the way he eyed the rest of the turkey she'd left on the counter. Popping the last bite of her own sandwich in her mouth, she slid her chair back and stood, ruffling Ryan's red hair before taking his plate back to the counter to fix another sandwich for him. "Now let me see if I can answer all of your questions," she said, a grin in her voice. "Sonora; I'm on vacation; I don't know, maybe; there was a trophy hunter on Pack land. He shot down a buck, who turned out to be another shifter, and then refused to leave when Grayson told him to, so Grayson...well, he took care of the bas--err...human. Only the buck was shot, but you probably heard Grayson summon the others, so I'm sure he's being taken care of; and if you tell anyone I told you all that, I will deny every word."<br><br>Turning back to the table, she set another sandwich down in front of Ryan and sat back down herself. "Got any more for me?" She could probably use this time to try and get some information about Grayson and the way the Pack worked from the boy, and indeed the knowledge that Grayson was in search of more combat-trained Pack members was something she should report, but it just felt so...wrong. She had done undercover work before this, and it had never made her feel so...dirty before. What sort of person tries to pry intel from a child? Sonora tried not to think about it too closely, or what Grayson might do should he find out what her real purpose here was. For now she was simply going to enjoy the easy company of this audacious and dangerously curious boy and pretend she had no ulterior motives at all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>18-10-2013, 20:25:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The buck couldn't die. It surprised Luc that he cared so much about the other species, knowing that if this had happened in his own land, he would have simply let the beast die and kept his pack safe. They had been isolated, protected one another...and it hadn't been enough. Perhaps if they had known about the other species, about the other people that could have helped...then maybe his pack would have survived. He would have liked to believe that....truth was, they had been outnumbered. And Luc had been naive. So fucking naive.<br><br>He looked up when the truck stopped and blinked when he saw the man made entrance to the cave, his eyes flashing with surprise. They lived...within a cave? How in the hell was that comfortable considering the size of Grayson's pack?!<br><br>Pushing his thoughts and questions aside, Luc followed Hannah and helped them pull the buck from the truck slowly, making their way slowly towards the cave. At the entrance, a female met them with a gurney and Luc gently laid the buck down upon it. Once the animal laid on the large gurney, Hannah and the others took off further into the cave. Luc kept his hand pressed to the wound but his eyes were looking around dumbfounded. The opening was large and then it split off into different directions. Some tunnels took you high and some low and he could smell the different scents all around him: they all lived here.<br><br>All of them...lived within the large cave.<br><br>Luc blinked in shock, realizing that this was...the smartest and safest way to keep the pack together. He was certain -- from the short time he had known Grayson -- that there was another way to leave the cave if the entrance was blocked. He would never only allow one opening and exit for his pack. It would save them while the humans...or whoever hunted them...became lost in the maze of tunnels.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>18-10-2013, 20:47:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Under normal circumstances Grayson would have kept his distance from the labs, which he considered to be Hannah’s territory, a feeling shared by everyone in the pack as far as he could tell. There wasn’t an alpha bone in the woman’s body, but she was a fierce protector when it came to those under her care.&nbsp; He’d been ordered out of the medical facilities more than once because his pacing and grumbling had driven her to distraction, but she wouldn’t be able to get rid of him that easily tonight.&nbsp; No, not with Luc in the den.&nbsp; <br><br>He shifted once they reached the medical facility, one of the younger wolves scampering off to find clothing for him as he held up one of the thick stone walls.&nbsp; The entrance gave the impression that the den was nothing but a slightly altered system of caves, but this far into the maze the truth became evident.&nbsp; The lab was sterile, the floor smooth.&nbsp; Lighting was recessed into the ceiling of the cave, top of the line medical equipment gleaming.&nbsp; This one room used more electricity than most of the other areas combined, but it was more than worth it to Grayson.&nbsp; He’d spent millions outfitting the den, and it was money well spent.&nbsp; <br><br>“On the bed there, we need to get him to shift back, he’ll be easier to treat in human form and the transformation itself will do a lot to improve his condition,” Hannah said to the room at large as two younger wolves, medical students at one of the local universities, scrubbed in while she started to hook the buck up the equipment.&nbsp; <br><br>“Luc, I want you to keep him calm. Just talk to him.&nbsp; I can force the change, but it’s not going to be pleasant…” she said with a grimace.&nbsp; <br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>When she turned back to Ryan and put his second sandwich in front of him she found him staring at her wide eyed.&nbsp; He practically squirmed in his chair as he devoured the second sandwich, the food winning out over more questions for at least a few minutes, though it didn’t take him long to down the food.&nbsp; It was just enough to take the edge off of his hunger and he sat back with a satisfied look on his face as he rubbed his tummy.&nbsp; <br><br>“If he took care of him that means the bastard is dead,” Ryan said, relishing the curse word that he wasn’t usually allowed to use.&nbsp; “That’s good.&nbsp; He should have taken the Alpha’s warning,” he said with a firm nod, the thought of the death seemingly not bothering him in the slightest.&nbsp; <br><br>He paused to consider what else he wanted to ask.&nbsp; “You should stay you know.&nbsp; We’re a good pack.&nbsp; There’s little fighting, and even the challenges aren’t usually to the death.&nbsp; Some of the other packs fight to the death; Grayson says it’s a waste to kill perfectly good warriors just to prove a point.&nbsp; Why do you smell like Grayson?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>25-10-2013, 22:35:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora lifted a brow as the boy spoke, her lips twitching at the obvious relish with which he cursed. She knew she should probably scold him for cursing, or at least tell him to watch the language. She even took a breath and began to say something, but at the last minute she changed her mind. Let the boy have his fun where he might; it sounded as though he was protected and watched very closely--most of the time, anyway--and who was she to censor him? Sonora didn't belong to the pack, and she wasn't his mother. She was just an outsider, as she had always been, and likely would continue to be.<br><br>But the more Ryan spoke, the guiltier Sonora started to feel. This cub was feeding her just the sort of information her superiors were looking for...and it was exactly the kind of information that would get them all killed in the long run. She should not be hearing any of this. He should not be talking about pack matters to an outsider. Even Sonora, who had never had packmates before, knew instinctively that the inner workings of a shifter pack were closely guarded for a reason. More and more, she was beginning to regret her assignment. Maybe she should have just quit, or taken a leave of absence, and come on her own. At least then she wouldn't have to keep any secrets.<br><br>Smiling at Ryan, she reached over and ruffled his hair again as he told her she should stay. She felt the longing of her wolf at the suggestion and wished silently that she could stay. But she doubted Grayson would allow her to be anywhere near his pack once he discovered her true purpose for being here. He was a smart man; he would find out eventually, and when he did...Sonora was as good as dead. "We'll see," was all she said in response to his comment, and his question about Grayson's scent made her flush slightly. "Because Grayson payed me a visit a little earlier in the evening. I hadn't asked for permission to come here, and he was a little...upset." <em>Understatement of the year</em>, she thought dryly, then added with a shrug, "Things got a little...tense."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>31-10-2013, 19:25:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the sound of Hannah's voice, Luc forced himself to stay focused on the task at hand. Even though Grayson seemed to be every where at the moment, the wolf knew the other man was keeping close tabs on him. He was a stranger in their home, it probably set the Alpha's teeth on edge to know he could potentially be placing his pack in danger. But Luc would never betray this location...or Hannah. He looked at the young female and had to fight back the small smile that threatened to break across his face. She was in control, commanding those around her and no one questioned her.<br><br>At her request, Luc leaned over the buck's face to keep his eyes focused on him, his voice a low rumble, "Relax, my friend. You are in good hands. Hannah is going to make sure you're taken care of...but you need to trust her." He reached out and placed his hand on the buck's neck, voice soothing, "Be at ease."<br><br>At the moment, he was focused on everything Hannah was telling him, completely unaware of where Grayson was. After a bit of commotion, the buck jerked before his body began to shift and to transform back to human form. There was a sharp cry, the body on the gurney shaking and bucking before it shifted back to that of an early twenties nude male. The scream of anguish was ripped out of the man's throat before he collapsed, unconscious. <br><br>"Shit," Luc breathed, "Tell me he's not dead."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-11-2013, 22:08:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hannah shuddered as the buck shifted, the faint sheen of tears in her eyes a sign of her shared anguish as the young man cried out.&nbsp; It was a mercy when he slipped into unconsciousness.&nbsp; She spared a quick glance for Luc, who still stood by the bedside.&nbsp; “He’s just unconscious,” she said as she quickly hooked up the heart monitor now that he was still, the steady beeping a comfort. “You don’t have to stay for this now that he’s out, I’m going to have to go in after the bullet,” she muttered more to herself than him. <br><br>Grayson pushed away from the wall then and waited.&nbsp; He wanted Luc out of the caves, as far away from the nursery that was only a short walk away as he could get him, but he knew Hannah would have his hide if he threw the man off pack land for no reason other than his own unease.&nbsp; <br><br>“Come on,” he said, a trace of growl in his voice.&nbsp; “You can wait in the common room with me,” he added reluctantly.&nbsp; He’d feel better once a head count was done.&nbsp; He wanted all of his people in the caves, he couldn’t be sure that there was only one hunter, and he couldn’t leave to patrol until the buck’s herd had been apprised of the situation.&nbsp; <br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>Ryan ducked away from her hand, grumble-growling in annoyance, though it was good natured if the grin on his face was any indication.&nbsp; <br><br>His eyes widened in surprise at her explanation.&nbsp; He blinked once or twice before he found his voice, which came out as a shocked whisper.&nbsp; “You didn’t ask permission?&nbsp; Are you insane?!? That’s an easy way to get yourself killed.&nbsp; Grayson doesn’t like strangers very much.&nbsp; I’m not supposed to know this, but the government has been poking around.&nbsp; He thinks they have found out about or pack.&nbsp; They won’t like us much, we’re too different.&nbsp; Human’s don’t like things that are different,” he said, sadness in his voice.&nbsp; <br><br>“I had a friend in my original pack who was human, she was adopted.&nbsp; She didn’t do well in school, was a little too different.&nbsp; The town turned against the pack even though they didn’t know what we were, sent people to investigate.&nbsp; The pack was disbanded… I haven’t heard from her since.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>12-11-2013, 08:45:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora chuckled as Ryan growled at her. He was a sweet kid, already she could see that, and she liked him quite a bit. The longer they spoke, the more she liked him, and the more she wished she could stop feeling like such a traitor. His reaction to what she told him about Grayson was even more amusing, and she laughed outright. "Well he liked me enough not to kill me outright, so I must've done something to make him like me. He let me stay, after all." The news that Grayson suspected government intervention would not please Cam, but Sonora wasn't going to be the one to tell him. He might decide it was too risky and pull her out, and she didn't want to leave. Not yet.<br><br>Getting up from the table, she filled the kettle with water and plugged it in, then took down two mugs from the cupboard, filling them both with hot chocolate mixhile she waited for the water to boil. The story related to her made her ache, for him, but also for that poor little girl. She knew what it was like, being the odd one out. Always being different. She was quiet for a few moments while she filled the mugs with water and stirred them up, then added a generous handful of mini marshmallows to each one. Picking them both up, she took them to the coffee table in front of the fire, motioning for Ryan to join her on the couch.<br><br>"I'm sorry to hear about your friend," she said quietly. "I know what it's like to be thought of as different. I wasn't raised in a pack. My parents died when I was so young I don't even remember them, and I was raised by humans, in the foster care system. I was never adopted because I was so different from all the other kids, and I didn't really have any friends because I kept getting moved around a lot. Not like you though," she added with a playful grin, "I bet you've got lots of friends. Bet you've even got a girlfriend haven't you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>14-11-2013, 20:40:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He almost told Grayson that he wanted to wait in the room with Hannah, that he wanted to stay in case the buck woke up and felt out of sorts. He wanted...and yet he did nothing of the sort. This was not his caves, his home...this was someone else's domain. And he had to respect the Alpha, had to make sure Grayson did not feel like Luc was a threat. Already he was in dangerous territory. If he so much as sneezed the wrong way, he would have his ass handed to him.<br><br>Without saying anything, he walked out with Grayson. As he passed Hannah, he squeezed her shoulder in comfort and then kept going. The touch on her skin made his fingertips tingle, and he almost stopped and looked back at her. That had been a response he hadn't expected.<br><br>Once they were out of ear shot from Hannah, Luc looked at Grayson and said in a dry tone, "How annoyed are you that I'm here?" The corner of his lips were raised in a half smile, but there was no taunt or cockiness in his tone. He just knew that if he was in Grayson's shoes, he'd be going half mad with discomfort. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>14-11-2013, 21:02:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				To say that Grayson was brooding would have been an understatement.&nbsp; One more thing, anything, could push him over the edge into outright rage again and he couldn’t afford that, no matter how much his nature lent itself to that thoughtless rage.&nbsp; He had to stay calm, to keep a clear head.&nbsp; Only that would protect the people in his care, both his pack and the herd that he now felt some responsibility for.&nbsp; He never should have decided that they could stay, but the decision had been made even if they didn’t realize it, and he wasn’t a man to go back on his word.&nbsp; Assuming he could call himself a man at all.<br><br>Luc’s question brought him up short, a small growl slipping out before he could stop it, but there was no challenge or threat in the other wolf, nothing to set him off.&nbsp; Luc was being very careful, and he appreciated that more than he’d admit.&nbsp; If anything could push him over the edge it would be the alpha who didn’t owe him loyalty.&nbsp; <br><br>“You have no idea…” he rumbled, but there was amusement in his gaze as he met the other man’s eyes.&nbsp; “Just keep being useful and I’ll be fine.&nbsp; I hope…” he muttered the last under his breath as they walked into a large, sunken room.&nbsp; It was easily the size of some homes, a large TV on one wall turned off.&nbsp; Pack was gathered; non-combatants who were looking for any news, ensuring themselves that friends and family were alright, that none of the wolves had been hurt.&nbsp; They went silent as Grayson entered, wariness in some of their eyes as they noticed the stranger in their midst.&nbsp; <br><br>“Go back to your quarters,” he ordered.&nbsp; “I’m having a head count done, it will be easier if you’re all where you’re supposed to be,” he added, the explanation not necessary but obviously welcome.&nbsp; “Get the pups into bed.&nbsp; They don’t need to be here for this…”<br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>Ryan curled up with a greedy grin, eating the marshmallows first as he savored the sweet treat.&nbsp; He didn’t get chocolate often, it made him too hyper, but he wasn’t about to tell her that and have her take it away from him.&nbsp; <br><br>He blushed as only a redhead could, his face scarlet when she mentioned a girlfriend.&nbsp; “It was hard at first, being an outsider, but they are all just pack now,” he said with a shrug.&nbsp; “I don’t want a girlfriend, the girls are vicious when we play games at school,” he said with a shake of his head.&nbsp; “Though there is one… she’s quiet, shy.&nbsp; She’ll only say a handful of words to me.&nbsp; She can’t play the games, not like the rest of us.&nbsp; Sometimes I sit out with her and play things she can play,” he said, concentrating on his chocolate.&nbsp; <br><br>Another howl interrupted whatever else he might have said, the hair on the back of his neck rising as he suddenly scrambled from the couch to the window, peering out.&nbsp; “They’re looking for more hunters,” he whispered.&nbsp; “Do you think there are more out there?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>14-11-2013, 21:24:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora grinned as Ryan blushed, although she was careful not to tease him about it. Kids could be sensitive about that. Tucking her feet up under her as he spoke, she chuckled into her hot chocolate. "Wait a few years. You might change your mind," she answered, although she smiled as he told her about the shy cub he'd befriended. "That's very nice of you," Sonora added with a smile, "I'm sure she appreciates it when you play with her, even if she's too shy to say so."<br><br>The howl had her lifting her head, and she uncurled herself from the couch and moved up to the window, peering out of it behind Ryan. "I suppose it's possible," she answered, "but we're safe enough in here. Best to stay put for now, I think. Just to be on the safe side. How's your hot chocolate?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>14-11-2013, 21:34:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His own eyes flashed with amusement as he heard Grayson's response. He wanted to reassure the Alpha that there was nothing he would do to endanger his pack. In fact, Luc would protect them before he betrayed them. He would never be the cause of a pack's demise. Even if they weren't his own...no other alpha needed to go through the horrors that he had.<br><br>Silently he watched as Grayson interacted with his pack. He could tell they feared and respected him, that his word was law and that he showed them the same respect that they showed him. It wasn't simply because he was their Alpha either. Luc could sense a true bond of honor and respect from the pack, both the men and women. When Grayson even offered the explanation, he saw the way it made it easier for the wolves to retreat without feeling dismissed. Luc crossed his arms over his chest, observing. Feeling like an outsider...and longing for the family he had lost.<br><br>He felt a few eyes on him and did not meet them. He was not about to offer his name or anything about himself if Grayson did not want his people to know. His introductions could be left to the pack leader. He was in no hurry to supply his information, either. <br><br>"Grayson," A young female rushed towards the pack leader, her voice nervous, eyes pleading, "Ryan is no where to be found. His friends have no idea and...he's not in his room."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>14-11-2013, 21:56:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson cursed quietly, taking a moment to brush his hand across the woman’s arm.&nbsp; She leaned into the gesture, the affection from her alpha, taking as much comfort from that contact as she did the assurance that followed.&nbsp; “I’ll find him, Jen.&nbsp; He’s probably just down by the river, you know how he likes to sneak off and go fishing,” he said.<br><br>He hid the fear from her as he ushered her into another woman’s arms.&nbsp; He glanced at Luc, baring his teeth in frustration.&nbsp; “Come on,” he growled, unwilling to leave him in the den.&nbsp; He didn’t bother to shift as he ran from the den, taking the long corridors easily now that they were cleared of others.&nbsp; It didn’t take them long to get to the river, his gaze hard as he found evidence of footprints on both side of the river.&nbsp; <br><br>He took a moment, closing his eyes as he took a deep breath, a harsh growl on his lips as he turned his gaze towards the cabin in the distance, though he couldn’t see it through the trees.&nbsp; His scent lingered with the strange females, which meant she’d at least seen him.&nbsp; “I have another stranger here, a woman who rented one of our cabins, didn’t give me notice before entering my territory,” he said to Luc, filling him in as he led the way to the cabin.&nbsp; “I don’t think she’s an enemy, but she’s hiding something… and her scent is right on top of Ryan’s.&nbsp; <br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>Ryan nodded, but he didn’t turn his gaze from the window.&nbsp; He took a series of deep breaths, as if he could smell the other wolves even from that distance.&nbsp; He wanted to run out there and help.&nbsp; He wasn’t supposed to hide.&nbsp; He was old enough, no matter what Grayson said.&nbsp; He should be learning to fight, to protect when Grayson wasn’t nearby.&nbsp; Instead he’d been told he needed to be a kid for a while longer. <br><br>“It’s great,” he said absently, his eyes widening as he stared at the two men coming over the hill from the direction of the den.&nbsp; “I’m in so much trouble…” he half whimpered, glancing back up at her.&nbsp; “Maybe he’ll be pissed at you instead?&nbsp; I don't want to have to run laps during free time...” he gave her a pleading look, as if she could make it all better.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>14-11-2013, 22:07:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora spotted them at the same time Ryan did, and her curse was a little more emphatic. She knew without a doubt that she would be in far more trouble than Ryan would be about this. Glancing down at the boy, she gave his shoulder a squeeze and moved away from the window, starting towards the door. "Oh, he will <em>definitely</em> be pissed at me, Ryan. But I have a feeling you'll still be running laps. I want you to stay right there in the window so he can see you, okay? Do not move from that spot."<br><br>Taking a breath, she opened the door and stepped outside. Closing Ryan in the cabin, along with the heat generated by the fire, Sonora moved to the edge of the porch and waited nervously for Grayson's approach. Her heart was pounding and it felt like she couldn't catch her breath. She hadn't felt fear like this in a very long time. "Grayson, I can explain," she said as soon as he was within hearing distance, "just give me a chance to explain before you rip out my throat."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>14-11-2013, 22:20:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luc caught the scent of two wolves the instant they made it to the river, so he was silent as Grayson stalked towards one of the cabins. It surprised Luc that the other man was okay with letting two strangers camp in his territory, but as soon as he thought that he knew very well Grayson was NOT okay with it. He watched as the other man's tension mounted the closer they came to the lit cabin. When a woman stepped out, Luc was instantly wary. He was all for protecting a pack...but to hurt a female? Would he allowed Grayson to do that in front of him without stepping in?<br><br>When she called out to Grayson, Luc's back stiffened, her voice intriguing him instantly. He breathed in deeply and could tell that she was from another pack but...she had no other scent with her. She was a loner. Even more dangerous.<br><br>"Who is she?" Luc asked quietly, his ears perked for any unnatural sounds. He looked around carefully, making sure it was just the three of them out in the open...and one very nervous pup in the cabin.&nbsp; He could smell the nervousness even with the door closed. The pup knew he was in deep shit. Then again...so did the female. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>23-11-2013, 02:07:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson’s temper flared as Sonora stepped out onto the porch, closing the pup in behind her.&nbsp; Was she protecting him as a female should, or using him to ensure her safety? He wanted to believe it was the former, but Ryan had been through enough before coming under his protection.&nbsp; He wouldn’t risk a pup on his gut, no matter how accurate it usually was.&nbsp; <br><br>“A lone wolf,” he muttered, the sound half growl as he stalked towards the porch, a warning glance telling Luc to stay back and stay out of whatever was about to happen.&nbsp; “A stupid woman who should have done as I ordered…”<br><br>He flexed his hands, which shifted between one breath and the next.&nbsp; Where there had been two calloused hands he now had claws, his fingers curved unnaturally as he flexed them, his growl a base warning as he jumped up onto the porch and into her face.&nbsp; “What did I tell you, Sonora?&nbsp; I gave you a handful of rules to follow if you wanted to stay on my land, and you’ve already broken them,” he growled, one sharp, curved claw jabbing her in the chest just hard enough to sting but not draw blood.&nbsp; <br><br>“Explain…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>24-11-2013, 08:24:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Grayson approached, looking even angrier than the last time she'd seen him step out of the darkness, Sonora couldn't keep herself from backing up as he crowded her. Her heart began to pound, and she fisted her hands at her sides, her fingernails digging into her palms as he snarled and growled at her. Flicking a glance up at him, she quickly looked away again, her throat working hard. Usually when someone got this close to her it didn't end prettily for them, but with Grayson...well, with him it was different. It had to be. Flinching as he jabbed at her with one claw--she would marvel at his ability to control his shifting later--Sonora forced herself to stop cowering.<br><br>Straightening her shoulders, she lifted her chin, swallowed again, licked her lips, and finally met his angry gaze. "I know what you told me, Grayson," she said, her voice pitched low, and trembling slightly despite her attempt at controlling it, "and believe me, I had every intention to follow them to the letter. I shifted and ran all the way to the river, but I didn't cross it. That was where Ryan found me. I told him to go home, but..." Pausing, Sonora turned to glance at Ryan through the window, the corners of her mouth lifting in a slight, reassuring smile before turning back to Grayson. "But," she continued, her voice warming and steadying, "as I am very certain you know, Ryan is a very bright and inquisitive young man, and he wanted to make a new friend tonight. I am not excusing what he did," she hastened to add, "but I couldn't very well leave him on his own with that trophy hunter wandering about. I figured it would cause less trouble to bring him here than to try and escort him back home. I apologize for the distress his absence must have caused, but I am not sorry for bringing him here, Grayson. I know more than most that children need to be protected, and if that means having to break a rule or two in order to do it, then so be it. I accept full responsibility for my actions."<br><br>Finished, Sonora finally fell silent, allowing her gaze to drop away from Grayson's. That was when she spotted the other shifter, standing back and watching. He looked a little rough around the edges, and she wondered briefly what his position in Grayson's pack was. When she tried to catch his scent, most of what filled her lungs was pure Grayson, and it made her knees go a little weak as she waited for judgement to fall.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>27-11-2013, 20:19:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was pure instinct that had Luc taking a step towards Grayson and the woman when he jabbed her with his clawed finger. No female was ever to be harmed in his presence, it was something that Luc took very seriously. But just as he was about to take a second step, he stilled and reminded himself that Grayson was the pack leader. He could sentence her to death and there was nothing that he could. If he tried to fight the Alpha, he would end up dead too. And that was not on his list of things to do at the moment. Not when he had a task left unfinished.<br><br>So for the time being...Luc remained at a safe distance, fists clenched.<br><br>He had to give her credit, while she was scared she didn't back down. He caught the scent of fear...and something else...but his attention was solely on their conversation. Whoever she was, she was clearly not part of the pack or someone Grayson wanted near them. Who could blame him though? She was a wolf, he could smell that much...but that was it. Was she a loner? Those were so dangerous, showing no loyalty to no one and no regard for anyone's life but their own. And yet...she protected a pup that was not her own, and whom she knew would get her in trouble. Now that was interesting. His eyes landed on the female, crossing his arms over his chest to show her that he was in no way going to offer aide.<br><br>This was her battle, not his. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>17-02-2014, 19:54:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was a battle to listen to her, partially because he wanted to punish her, to prove to her that disobeying him was the worst thing she could possibly do, but then there was also her scent, the sharp acrid stench of fear that almost hid her lust.&nbsp; Almost.&nbsp; <br><br>His nostrils flared slightly, his pupils dilating, more wolf than human as the light from the porch reflected in them.&nbsp; Slowly his clawed hand circled her throat, forcing her to look him in the eye once more as he considered her words.&nbsp; His hold was firm, but did nothing to restrict her breathing.&nbsp; A sign of just how much control he had over the more animalistic side of his&nbsp; nature.&nbsp; <br><br>“Ryan…” he growled, not taking his eyes from her.&nbsp; <br><br>It took longer than he would have liked for Ryan to open the door, but once he finally did Grayson was able to get a good read on him.&nbsp; He was uneasy, but not frightened.&nbsp; That pleased him, both in the sign of the boys maturity and in the fact that he wasn’t afraid of his alpha.&nbsp; <br><br>“It’s my fault,” the boy murmured.&nbsp; “She told me to go, but I snuck up here and she caught me sniffing around the cabin,” he admitted, blushing slightly as he scuffed his foot on the ground.&nbsp; <br><br>“If you think I’ve been tough on you before, you haven’t seen anything yet.&nbsp; We’re running a full circuit of our territory every morning for the next two weeks, just you and me kid…” he warned, his lips curling upwards into a smile as the boy blanched slightly and nodded.&nbsp; <br><br>Turning his attention back to Sonora he slowly let her go, taking a step back as his skin rippled slightly, his claws seeming to wither away to be replaced by much less frightening human hands.&nbsp; “I understand why you did what you did, but I won’t be able to ignore it if you keep pushing me.&nbsp; I know you’ve never dealt with an alpha before… but your instincts should still warn you about the things that wills set me off.&nbsp; I don’t want to send you away before you’ve had a chance to experience your own kind, but I will if I have to… do we have an understanding?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>18-02-2014, 07:15:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora inhaled deeply as Grayson wrapped one clawed hand around her throat, pushing her head up and back. It brought her eyes back to his, and it was all she could do not to turn to putty in his grip. Now was <em>not</em> the time to be lusting after the Alpha Wolf she'd just managed to royally piss off, but her libido didn't seem to be listening. In spite of that, she managed to hold herself still, although every muscle in her body was tense with the struggle. Swallowing hard, she resisted the impulse to run her fingers along the tightly corded muscles that rippled over his arm, although she could not stop the rapid-fire beating of her heart. She was practically panting for him! <br><br>Her lips had parted slightly just a moment before Ryan opened the door to her cabin and joined them on the porch, and once Grayson's full attention was no longer on her, she was able to collect herself a little. She slid a glance over to Ryan as she followed their exchange, feeling only a little sorry for the boy when she heard his punishment.<br><br>Then, much to her relief, Grayson slowly released her and stepped away. Sonora gulped a breath of air that was not <em>quite</em> so heavily laden with the Alpha's scent, the rush of cold night air making her cross her arms in front of her to suppress a shiver as Grayson spoke. The lack of body heat was forgotten as soon as what he said filtered through her tense, lust-filled mind, and she was forced to bite down on her tongue to keep the words she wanted to say from flying out of her mouth. <em>She</em> was pushing it? This wasn't her fault! What would he rather she have done? Throw the poor boy out into the cold to let him fend for himself? Not bloody likely. She suddenly became aware of an ache in her jaw and the slight, coppery tang of her own blood in her mouth. She'd bitten right through her tongue! Resisting the very strong urge to spit out the blood-laden saliva, she swallowed it instead and gave him a quick, curt nod. Although she was quite certain some if not all her emotion had bled out into her eyes, she answered, "We do. I'll try and remember not to worry the next time a cub wanders by with no guardian in sight and an asshole with a gun on the loose."<br><br><em>Shit. ShitshitshitSHIT!</em> What was the <em>matter</em> with her?! She didn't normally have such a difficult time holding her tongue. Okay, that was a lie, but she could usually contain it when she really needed to, and right now was one of those times. Sonora saw this going one of two ways right now: either she was going to get kicked out of the pack's territory, or get her throat ripped out. Neither option would be easy to explain to her boss.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>21-02-2014, 20:54:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When Ryan stepped out of the cabin and began to apologize for the female wolf, Luc simply remained with his arms crossed watching the exchange. It was clear that this was not the first time Ryan had gotten in trouble, but the clear respect he had for Grayson showed in how sincere his apology was. The boy truly was sorry...he was just a typical teenager.<br><br>When Grayson released her and Luc was certain everything had been resolved, he turned to make his way to the cabin before he heard what Sonora said. His eyes flashed with amusement and he looked at her, truly took a look at her. She had fire, a lot of it...but it was also clear that she was out of her element and she was trying to keep up. Curiously, Luc watched her, noticing the way she respected but also did not back down from Grayson. Who was she? It didn't seem possible that a wolf would be without a pack...well, not that he could talk, he thought bitterly.<br><br>"I'm going to head to my cabin," Luc called out, suddenly very tired. He just wanted a full night's rest. The past few days were finally catching up to him and even though he had been fed, and he was now safe...he was still bone-tired. He didn't really wait for an acknowledgement -- if Grayson wanted to find him, he could come knocking -- and simply turned and began to make his way towards this cabin. There was so many questions he wanted to ask, about Grayson's pack, about the woman, about what the hell was going on...but right now, all he wanted was a warm bed and walls keeping him safe from passerbys.<br><br>For a moment, he thought about waiting until Grayson was done so he could go back to his pack with him...and see the beautiful doctor that held his attention. But better he didn't. He had a feeling Grayson already felt twitchy about all of the sudden turn of events.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>29-04-2014, 22:48:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson barely heard Luc leave, though he did grunt in response.&nbsp; He hated to admit it, but Luc had done well.&nbsp; He'd helped where he could and he'd managed to keep from pissing Grayson off or inciting the beast within him in the process.&nbsp; &nbsp;He'd earned a little bit of trust on Grayson's part, which is why he didn't bother to follow the other wolf.&nbsp; He was certain he would do as he said, and at the moment he was much more interested in the shewolf who had more sass than sense.&nbsp; <br><br>"Ryan... go home.&nbsp; If you go anywhere else, you'll regret every moment of our run.&nbsp; Do you understand?" he growled out.<br><br>"Yes, Sir.&nbsp; Right home," the boy said, nodding emphatically before he disappeared into the woods, running as fast as he could on two legs instead of four.&nbsp; <br><br>Grayson listened, not moving an inch until he could no longer hear Ryan's footsteps.&nbsp; Only then did he breathe deeply, inhaling the lone wolf's scent.&nbsp; Arousal and blood, that was what she smelled of.&nbsp; Only a touch of fear.&nbsp; She was a fool, but a brave one, and the wolf in him respected that as much as it wanted to force her to submit.&nbsp; <br><br>"You're playing a dangerous game, little wolf," he growled, barely in control.&nbsp; "Are you sure you want to play with me?&nbsp; I don't lose.&nbsp; Ever."<br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>When Luc reached his cabin it was obvious that others had been there.&nbsp; The scent of others surrounded the cabin, a musky scent of the unknown.&nbsp; inside there was a fire lit, the cabin was already warming up.&nbsp; Fresh clothes and food had been left for him, along with a couple of beers.&nbsp; Someone had thought to see to his comfort, someone besides the Alpha of the pack.&nbsp; <br><br>Most notable was Hannah's scent, though it was older, from earlier in the night.&nbsp; The other scents were familiar, ones he had run across in the caves, but none that he could put a name to.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>03-05-2014, 21:12:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>God</em>, she thought, <em>That growl will be the death of me.</em> Sonora watched him breathe deep, drawing in her scent, and couldn't help but draw her tongue across her lips. It was almost disconcerting, how strongly she was attracted to Grayson. She was fairly sure that if he wanted to, he could have her naked in seconds, and she would be a more than willing participant. The look in his eyes was murderous, though, and she needed to diffuse the situation, if she could.<br><br>Swallowing hard, she took a small step towards him as she spoke, her head angled slightly to one side, exposing her throat to him. "I like danger," she responded, her voice low, "that's why I..." she caught herself just before she could finish that with <em>became and FBI agent</em>. The urge to be fully honest with him was strong, and she hated the necessary lie. "Came," Sonora finished, taking another step closer to him. "Has anyone ever told you...you're incredibly sexy when you're angry." Her eyes slid up to his, but only briefly. Her wolf wouldn't allow her to hold his gaze the way she wanted to, and she resisted the urge to touch him, figuring she'd pushed enough already.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>06-05-2014, 00:30:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The scent of Hannah made him smile faintly, yet he knew she was already gone. As he walked into the cabin and shut the door, he closed his eyes and found himself breathing in her scent once more. Oh, there were other scents, but none that he cared to remember like hers. There was something about Hannah, about the way she was...the way she cared that made him ache. <br><br>Made him want more than he had a right to want.<br><br>He moved forward to the food laid out and sat down, eating it quietly as he thought about the female wolf a few cabins away from him. What was she doing here? Clearly there was tension between her and Grayson but he had caught the scent of their desire too. Nothing a good hard fuck wouldn't cure, Luc thought dryly. Suddenly he was glad that he was a few cabins away from her.<br><br>By the time he had eaten the meal left for him, he was exhausted. Setting the dishes in the sink and rinsing them out, he went to the bedroom and undressed completely before he slipped into bed and promptly fell asleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-05-2014, 16:21:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson took a deep breath when she stepped closer, breathing in her scent.&nbsp; His eyes narrowed slightly when she spoke, her words having a distinct and rather visceral effect on him.&nbsp; Some of his anger faded, but rational thought was nowhere in evidence as he stepped into her, the broad expanse of his chest flattening her against the side of the cabin again, though this time there was no threat of violence involved.&nbsp; <br><br>Leaning down he breathed deeply again, his breath warm against the exposed side of her neck.&nbsp; He couldn't quite control the urge to dominate, his teeth closing firmly around the tendon in her neck, her pulse beating against his tongue as he bit down just hard enough to let her feel it, but not hard enough to break the skin.&nbsp; A low, lazy growl accompanied his claim, a small warning that she had better be sure this was what she wanted, because there was no going back if he didn't walk away in the next few minutes.&nbsp; <br><br>Releasing his hold on her he forced himself to step back again, but her scent lingered, taunting him.&nbsp; The heat of her body clinging to him for a long moment before the cool night air stripped it away.&nbsp; <br><br>"Do you have any idea what you're doing?" he growled the question, his honor demanding it even if his body wanted him to shut the fuck up and take her.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>09-05-2014, 00:01:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora sucked a breath in through her nose as she suddenly found herself once again with her back against the cabin wall, Grayson pinning her there with his chest. This time, she allowed her hands to lift, her fingers curling against his shoulders. The power she felt in them made her quiver, and her lashes fluttered as he took a deep inhale against her neck. The sudden, sharp sensation of his teeth against her throat drew a throaty groan from her lips, her heart racing. She held very still in that moment, conscious that Grayson could turn either passionate or violent with the slightest wrong movement. The growl that sounded against her throat reverberated through her entire body, her hands flexing against his shoulders in an uncontrollable response.<br><br>She blinked as he stepped away again, shivering a little as the wind came in and stole the heat that had built between them, although his scent lingered on her, which was more than enough to keep her aroused. His question made the corners of her mouth lift in a smirk, her eyes now dark and gleaming with arousal as she pushed away from the wall and stepped towards him. "Do you mean, do I know that I'm about to get fucked better than I've ever had before?" Stopping as she came up against his chest, she let her body brush against his as she lifted herself up onto her toes, her lips only inches away from his as she whispered the answer to her own question, "<em>Absolutely</em>."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>12-05-2014, 21:46:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He should have stopped her, should have stepped away and left her there on the porch of the cabin.&nbsp; Should have had never been one of his strong points, and with his blood lust still high from the fight and his own anger he ignored the small voice of warning that told him she had no idea what she was doing.&nbsp; He wasn't simply going to fuck her, that wasn't even possible with an Alpha wolf.&nbsp; He was going to own her, claim her in a way that a human upbringing couldn't even begin to understand.&nbsp; He'd lost the ability to have a casual fling when he took over the pack, and he should have told her that.&nbsp; <br><br>Should have.<br><br>With a growl he lifted her in one motion, shoving her back against the cabin as he reached between them and tore at her clothing. He shredded them, leaving them little more than rags that hung from her body as he kissed her, nipping at her bottom lip hard enough to draw blood.&nbsp; He was beyond being gentle, beyond talking.&nbsp; Beyond thought.&nbsp; He wanted to bury himself inside of her and taste the arousal he could smell coming from her.&nbsp; <br><br>With a grunt of barely contained frustration he twisted, carrying her through the open door, though he didn't bother to close it behind him.&nbsp; The small dining table was swept clean with one claw, gouges left in the wood as he kicked the chairs out of the way and set her on the edge, ripping the last shreds of her clothes from her body.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>12-05-2014, 23:08:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora's eyes widened, her mouth opening on a gasp as she was suddenly lifted and slammed roughly against the side of the cabin. Her clothing melted away like butter beneath Grayson's claws, and she thought she'd never seen anything sexier. His mouth sealed against hers and she moaned, then yelped sharply as he bit her lip. The coppery tang of her own blood rolled over her tongue, her body already beginning to rise in temperature even as the cool night air caressed her skin.<br><br>She barely noticed when he carried her inside; the only thing that changed was the temperature of the air around them. The clatter of dishes and scraping of wooden chair legs had her glancing behind her, her breath hitching in her throat at the grooves he left in the table top. The wood was cool against her ass as he set her down, and in a matter of moments he had her completely, utterly naked. Breathing heavily, Sonora lay back on the table, the fresh claw marks pressing into her bare back as she drew her thighs apart in silent invitation, exposing her glistening, heated core.<br><br>Never had she been so utterly wanton with a man she had barely met, but her body reacted to his on a chemical level. She'd felt that the moment she'd laid eyes on his picture. This certainly had not been her plan when she'd taken the assignment, but she sure as hell wasn't going to turn back now. Not with this great beast of a man was getting ready to give her the best sex of her life.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>13-05-2014, 23:02:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He stepped back as she spread herself, his eyes half wolf as he looked his fill.&nbsp; The fact that she was glistening, ready for him already, made a low growl of hunger rumble in his chest.&nbsp; Slowly his eyes rose, following the line of her body as he took in the rest of her.&nbsp; Her breasts heaved, rising with every breath she took, her lips were swollen from his kiss, droplets of blood on her bottom lip a testament to his loss of control.&nbsp; He'd never seen anything he'd wanted more than he wanted her in that moment.&nbsp; <br><br>Still growling he stripped, not caring that his pants were ruined as he kicked out of them.&nbsp; His cock stood throbbing, as ready as she as, and he didn't make her wait.&nbsp; Stepping between her thighs he thrust into her with one, hard motion, claiming her as he held her down with one clawed hand pressed between her breasts.&nbsp; He forced himself to stay there for a moment, to let her body adjust, because though he knew she could heal from almost anything he could do he had never been a man to simply take, he wanted her to enjoy it as much as he did.&nbsp; <br><br>"Fuck... "he groaned as he felt her body adjust to his size and he finally began to move.&nbsp; Leaning over her he pinned her with his body, taking slow, deep thrusts as he caught her lips again, relishing the coppery tang of her blood on his tongue.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>15-05-2014, 00:56:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Just the way he was looking at her was enough to curl her toes, and Sonora arched her back, one hand trailing over her left breast and down the smooth expanse of her stomach. She watched him strip, her own gaze hungry, and she could hardly get enough of looking at him when he was naked. Dear God, she'd been so right about him. He was absolutely <em>perfect</em>. Her tongue darted over her lips as he stepped forward, and she felt the head of his cock nudge at her glistening entrance for a moment before he thrust deep.<br><br>A shriek was torn from her throat, the slight prickling of the tips of his claws digging into the tender flesh of her sternum as he pressed his hand down, forcing her flat on her back again. Not that Sonora minded in the least. She panted for breath, his thick, hard shaft stretching her so fully and so well that she'd wondered if she'd ever truly experienced a real man before this. It wasn't long before her body adjusted to him, the slight discomfort caused by his sudden entrance dissipating swiftly, leaving her feeling nothing but satisfyingly full.<br><br>And then...he began to move. If Sonora had thought he'd felt good before, she <em>really</em> thought so, now. His weight above her pinned her securely against the table, and every deep, slow thrust elicited a cry of ecstasy from her lips, which was immediately swallowed by his mouth as it slanted against hers. Her arms shifted, nails biting into the corded muscles of his back as she gripped him with her thighs. She couldn't think, couldn't speak, could barely breathe she was so overwhelmed by the sheer power of him, and she had never been more aroused. Every thrust of his hips pushed her pleasure higher, her muscles tensing and quivering as her orgasm began to build. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>15-05-2014, 19:28:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Every cry that he swallowed with his kiss he returned as a growl, the wolf so close beneath his skin that he was a heartbeat away from shifting, clinging to his humanity.&nbsp; He'd always had perfect control, the ability to shift at will, and even to shift only parts of himself if he had a need to, but she tore away his control, left it shredded at his feet.&nbsp; Each thrust only served to shred it more, leaving his breathing a bit ragged as he thrust, the table moving across the floor by inches as he stopped holding back and took what he wanted. <br><br>Muscle rippled beneath her nails, his shoulders working as he shifted so that his hands were on either side of her head.&nbsp; His claws dug in, sinking deep into the wood instead of her flesh.&nbsp; The friction of her body beneath his as he moved, the tightness of her thighs as she held him close, her nails along his back.&nbsp; It was nearly too much for him, but he refused to give in, wanting to leave her exhausted and sated beneath him when he came.&nbsp; <br><br>With a rumble he broke the kiss, allowing them both to breathe as he buried his face against her neck, his teeth scoring the tender flesh beneath which her pulse fluttered.&nbsp; "Mine..." <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>19-05-2014, 05:00:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora had never experienced sex like this before, likely because she had never been with one of her own kind until right now. It was primitive, primal in a way that called to something equally primal deep within her. She felt his growls, took them into her body in the same manner that she accepted his length within her core. She was barely aware of the sound of scraping table legs as he drove relentlessly into her. The wolf in him called, and she felt hers rise to meet it as she began to lift into his thrusts.<br><br>She felt the rippling muscles beneath her hands, her nails scoring down his back and leaving thin, red lines in their wake. It was the first time Sonora was not required to hold back, and both sides of her thrilled at the knowledge. She knew he could handle her. He could more than handle her. The crack and scrape of splintering wood was loud in her ears as he dug his claws into the table to either side of her head. Instead of scaring her, like it would any <em>normal</em> person, it fueled her desire, the pressure building steadily inside her.<br><br>Gasping as he broke the kiss, Sonora moaned breathlessly into his ear as he dropped his face against her neck. One hand slid down his back, nails scoring along his flesh, to grip one cheek of his ass as he moved. The other pushed in the other direction, tangling in his hair. The sharp scraping of his teeth against her throat made her shudder, and the single word he growled was nearly her undoing. Tugging on his hair, she arched, a growl in her words as she cried out, "Yes! Grayson, please...more...<em>more</em>!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>21-05-2014, 20:50:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She might as well have been tugging upon a mountain instead of his hair for all that he moved.&nbsp; His teeth marked her, claiming her as surely as his thrusts.&nbsp; If he'd been of sound mind in that moment he would have realized that she likely had no idea what she was doing.&nbsp; An Alpha didn't mate lightly, he didn't have flings or one night stands.&nbsp; This would come back to bite both of them in the ass eventually, but in that moment he didn't care.&nbsp; His only thought was for their combined pleasure and the way their wolves rose to the surface, adding a feral heat to their mating. <br><br>He did obey her command, however.&nbsp; He thrust harder, letting go of the reins that had kept his desire at least slightly harnessed.&nbsp; The wood cracked more beneath his claws, splinters digging into his palms, though he refused to move his hands.&nbsp; To move his hands would risk the splinters finding her delicate flesh, and he was the only thing that was allowed to taste her blood this night.&nbsp; <br><br>His thrusts grew erratic as he lost his rhythm slightly, pleasure overwhelming him as he felt the edge draw near.&nbsp; Between one thrust and the next he lost the last of his control, his teeth piercing her skin, the metallic taste of her blood filling his mouth as he came, burying his cock to the hilt inside of the heat of her body.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>23-05-2014, 19:46:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora's hands tightened their grip on Grayson, and she added more marks of her own as she felt his teeth against her neck. Her wolf was so close to the surface she could barely contain it; if it had been anyone other than Grayson above her, she likely would have shifted, but somehow, she was able to hold it back. Her eyes flashed wolf just before he began to thrust harder, and the sound of splintering wood was again in her ears, bringing with it the scent of blood. His blood. It drove her wolf to new heights, and Sonora felt the dam inside her begin to crack as the pleasure began to tip over into ecstasy.<br><br>She felt his teeth pierce her flesh, and the warm, coppery scent of her blood filled the air, mingling with their mutual arousal. The heady combination of pain and pleasure finally sent her over the edge. The dam inside her burst, her body stiffening and arching beneath his as a pleasure so intense she could barely breathe crashed over her in waves. The scream she released was unearthly, her human voice mixing with her wolf in a sound that was so close to a howl it was barely indistinguishable. She felt her cunt clenching around his cock, the throbbing of his length adding to the sensations flooding her body. Her pleasure went on and on, until, at last, she finally went limp, her body gleaming with sweat and streaked with blood. Gasping for breath, she was reluctant to release her hold on him, even though her arms and legs were trembling and heavy with satisfaction. "Holy...shit..." she panted, barely able to form the words against his ear. <br><br>Instinct had her turning her head slightly, the bite on her neck beginning to throb as she licked at his earlobe before lightly closing her teeth against it. She held it, but only briefly, releasing his ear to nuzzle lightly against him. There was a burst of cold air against her legs and she shivered a little but didn't otherwise move, content to lay there beneath him as she caught her breath and revelled in the weight of Grayson's body on top of hers. She refused to think, just yet. Thinking would spoil everything.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>26-05-2014, 20:28:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He would have agreed with her if he'd been able to speak, but he could barely keep himself from crushing her to the table as he breathed heavily.&nbsp; His breathing hitched slighty, a warning growl curling his lips back when she bit his ear, but he relaxed once again when her teeth didn't break his skin.&nbsp; He had to remind himself that she had no idea what she was doing, that she might as well be a human for all she understood.&nbsp; <br><br>Slowly he licked her neck, lapping up the blood that ran sluggishly from the wound he'd left on her neck.&nbsp; He should have apologized for marking her, for losing control, but he simply didn't have it in him.&nbsp; It would be a lie in a way, because he didn't regret a moment of what they had done and in that moment he didn't give a fuck about the consequences.&nbsp; <br><br>Slowly he pushed himself up so that he could look down at her, capturing her eyes with his.&nbsp; His wolf was still so close to the surface that his eyes were a deep amber, the predator pacing within him.&nbsp; "If you leave my territory without telling me first I will hunt you down, do you understand me, Sonora? We will talk... eventually, but not tonight."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>28-05-2014, 23:37:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The low growl that escaped him as she bit his ear sent a shiver through her, and she released her grasp on him immediately. The warm, wet sensation of his tongue against the bite mark on her neck drew a sigh from her, and she angled her head slightly to the side to allow him easier access to the wound. She could still feel the warm wetness of her own blood, and it still scented the air around them, mingling with their arousal. Sonora thought she had never smelled anything more arousing.<br><br>Sonora was half asleep when she felt him shift above her, the soft lapping of his tongue against her skin and the afterglow of sex lulling her into a doze. She murmured in wordless protest, blinking and reaching up to rest her hands lightly against his sides as her gaze, still glazed over with pleasure, finally met his. What she saw in his eyes pinned her in place more effectively than his body ever could; she froze, barely daring to breathe as he spoke. Licking her lips, she nodded slightly, her voice still somewhat breathless as she responded immediately, "Yes, Grayson. I promise I won't leave."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>29-05-2014, 02:49:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The wolf relaxed slowly as he stood there.&nbsp; He leaned down and picked her up then, carrying her as if she weighed nothing as he took her into the bedroom, pausing only slightly at the sight of the gun on the night stand.&nbsp; He would ask later, when the wolf wasn't so close to the surface.&nbsp; For now he simply put her in the bed and leaned down to rest his forehead against hers, taking a deep breath as if he was memorizing her scent.&nbsp; <br><br>He leaned over her like that, not quite daring to sit down on the bed as a war took place inside of him.&nbsp; He wanted to stay.&nbsp; He was human enough to know that he risked hurting her if he left, but his duty called him back to the den.&nbsp; There were things to see to, things that needed his attention instead of his second.&nbsp; Reluctance was written in the line of his body as he made his decision, for the first time since he'd taken over as Alpha of his pack he regretted his position.&nbsp; <br><br>"I cannot stay, not tonight.&nbsp; &nbsp;Forgive me," he murmured, brushing a surprisingly tender kiss across her forehead before he pulled the blanket up and turned to leave, making sure that the door was closed behind him.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>29-05-2014, 05:07:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora merely blinked as he scooped her up, her arms lifting to wrap lightly around his neck as he carried her into the bedroom. There was a very brief moment of tension when she saw his gaze flick to her gun, but he said nothing about it, and Sonora was too sated to think up excuses. She sighed softly as she felt the soft cotton against her skin as he set her in bed, one hand lifting to rest lightly against his jaw as he remained standing over her, his forehead pressed to hers. She could feel a tension in him, and her eyes flicked up as he stood, noting the reluctance with which he performed the movement. It made her smile, because she understood. She understood the way that duty often warred with personal desire; she had encountered it herself, on numerous occasions.<br><br>"I know," she murmured, her own eyes warm, her skin still flushed with latent pleasure. "There is nothing to forgive, Grayson. Go. See to your pack. I'm not going anywhere." The brush of his lips against her forehead made her smile again, as did the fact that he actually <em>tucked her in</em> before he left. No one had done that since...well, ever, that she could recall. She heard him leave, and in the quiet left by his absence, she told herself she should get up and clean the bite mark he'd left on her, report in to Cam, clean up the mess in the front room. She told herself several times to do these things, but nothing could motivate her to get out of the now cozily warm cocoon she had made of the blankets. With a yawn, she finally gave in, gathering the blankets closer around her as she rolled onto her stomach and drifted off to sleep.<br><br>She woke slowly the next morning, and only because sunlight was streaming in through the bedroom window to shine directly on her face. Grumbling, she frowned and shifted so that her face wasn't directly in the bright patch of sunlight, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as they slowly opened. Rolling onto her back, she stretched, grimacing as muscles protested, reminding her vividly of the previous night. Sitting up, she rubbed a hand over her face and then flopped back down with a groan. "Goddammit, Sonny," she muttered, "now look what you've done." She was well and truly in a mess, now. She could not, <em>could not</em> report this to Cam. She'd be fired on the spot. And if Grayson ever found out she was a Fed? Well, he would do worse than just fire her. He'd probably eat her. If she was lucky. The only regret she had about last night was the fact that she had to keep half of herself hidden from Grayson and the rest of his pack, and she was beginning to think that it had been a mistake to campaign as hard as she had to get on the task force. Things were not likely to end well.<br><br>Giving her head a shake, Sonora levered herself up again and slid from bed, although she would much rather have stayed there for the day. When she was up, she headed into the bathroom, blinking as she caught sight of herself in the mirror. The bite mark stood out in stark relief against the paleness of her skin. it was already closing over, and her skin had turned several lovely shades of purple where Grayson's teeth had closed on flesh. Grimacing slightly, she leaned in to examine it, testing it lightly with the tips of her fingers. It ached when she prodded it, the pain bringing with it a visceral memory of Grayson's teeth closing against her flesh and sending a shock of arousal through her. Pulling her hand away, she turned on the shower and stepped under the spray, wincing a little as the water touched broken skin.<br><br>After she had showered and dressed, she tucked her gun inside the nightstand's only drawer and hid the file on Grayson between the mattress and box spring. Stepping out of her bedroom, her eyes widened at the sight of the kitchen table, and the deep gouges along its surface. She could still scent him on her, even after she'd showered, and she breathed deeply as she ran her fingers over the grooves he'd made in the wood. The floor was scattered with broken dishes, and she sighed a little as she started to clean up. It didn't take her long, and when she was done, she decided to make the drive into town for breakfast, craving something more substantial than she had the capacity to make for herself. She was sure she'd seen one of those old-style diners on her way through town; she'd bet the food was damn good, too.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>30-05-2014, 02:12:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hannah stepped out of the cave system and blinked, blinded for a moment by the brightness of the sun.&nbsp; It was about an hour past dawn and she still hadn't slept. It had been a rough night to say the least, and she should have turned towards her own cabin in the heart of pack territory, but she didn't.&nbsp; Instead she walked, never shifting, the two and a half miles to the cabins on the outskirts of town.&nbsp; Well, to one cabin anyway.&nbsp; There she sat on the porch and pulled her knees up, wrapping her arms around them as she waited.&nbsp; <br><br>She didn't want to wake the stranger, but she didn't want to hunt alone, and most of the pack was on high alert, which meant that no one would be able to spare time to hunt with her... and Grayson would skin her alive if she went alone.&nbsp; She was one of the weakest among the wolves.&nbsp; She wasn't as fast, her sense of smell and her hearing were excellent, but she would never be able to fight off a hunter let alone another shifter.&nbsp; She just didn't have violence in her.&nbsp; <br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>Cam had given up on trying to reach Sonora over the phone.&nbsp; He'd texted the previous night and called twice that morning when she didn't check in, but he hadn't heard from her. He had been damn close to panic, which wasn't what the head of the operation needed to do, when Ramirez had called in and told him that she'd been spotted in town, at a diner of all places.&nbsp; Why she was away from the cabin he had no clue, but he planned on finding out.&nbsp; <br><br>He was careful with his appearance, leaving his gun and suit at command.&nbsp; Instead he wore a flannel shirt, something he'd never thought he'd wear, a pair of worn jeans and work boots.&nbsp; He looked just like any other worker in the area.&nbsp; The only thing he had to worry about was the fact that the town was small, just over ten thousand people, and in small towns rumor travelled fast.&nbsp; <br><br>He'd figure out what the fuck was going on with his agent and get out before anyone could report to the Pack, because he knew damn well that they had spies in town.&nbsp; He would have in their shoes.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>30-05-2014, 02:45:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He caught her scent in no time. <br><br>Luc had just stepped out of the bedroom and was on his way to the door when his nose caught the very disctinct scent of one female wolf. His nostrils flared in response, and he had taken two steps towards the door before he stopped himself. He had to prove to Grayson that he could be trusted...but he doubt that Hannah was out there with the pack. Which meant she was alone. And that bothered him even more than getting in trouble with the pack leader.<br><br>Pushing his feet into his tennis shoes, Luc threw on a shirt that had been left for him and went out of the cabin, finding her on the porch, "Hannah," His voice was low, deeper than he had realized. He shut the cabin door behind him and offered her a faint smile, "You know Grayson would have your ass for this."<br><br>But he didn't demand she leave, and in fact, found himself sitting on the porch next to her. Luc was silent for a few minutes before he said quietly, "Thank you. For the...food and the clothes and...taking care of me." He looked at her, saw the exhaustion in her eyes and asked even softer, "You haven't slept, have you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>30-05-2014, 03:35:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had found the diner easily; it was the only one in town. At this time of the morning, it was so busy that Sonora had barely managed to find a small table; the only reason she had was because it was tucked away in the corner between the door to the kitchen and the narrow hallway leading to the bathrooms. She sat with her back to the wall, although her attention was on the plate of food in front of her. Buttermilk pancakes smothered in butter and syrup, scrambled eggs, whole grain toast, and bacon. With a side of bacon. Surprisingly, she hadn't ordered herself a coffee, choosing orange juice instead. The waitress, an older woman who made cheerful look like a professional sport, was experienced enough that she knew when to leave well enough alone, and Sonora sincerely appreciated her. Her nametag said 'Nancy,' but she heard numerous people just call her 'Nan'. <br><br>As she ate--with the appetite of a lumberjack--she watched. It was one of her favourite pastimes, and one she didn't get to indulge in very often anymore. There was a booth of 20-somethings who looked a little worse for wear, and Sonora gathered that they were a bit hungover. There were several tables of older couples, a few tables with young families, and men of various ages and sizes interspersed among them, all wearing plenty of plaid. The conversation was a dull roar, mingling with the clatter of dishes and silverware, and the shouted voices of those working in the kitchen. Sonora sighed, and took another bite of syrup-drenched pancake. God, that was good.<br><br>She saw him the moment he entered, and cursed under her breath. She should have checked in that morning. She'd fully intended to, but not until she had put more than a few hours' distance between the events of last night and the new day. As she ducked her head, applying herself to her breakfast, she felt the mark on her neck twinge and she grimaced. Shit. She had worn a collared shirt, but that didn't cover the entire mark, and Cam was certain to notice. Anyone would; she hadn't bothered to try and cover it up, except with the collar of her shirt. She saw him notice her, and she sighed when he began to make his way over, bracing herself for the inevitable confrontation. She was almost glad for the crowd--at least they couldn't cause too much of a scene.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>05-06-2014, 20:44:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She turned her head and laid her cheek against her knees when she heard the door open, his scent hitting her hard, though she was too exhausted to show any signs of it.&nbsp; She watched him, a tired smile quirking the corner of her mouth before it disappeared.&nbsp; "I'm used to being in trouble with my Alpha.&nbsp; He'll forgive me more quickly than you'd think," she said with a half shrug as she watched him sit down next to her. <br><br>He looked more rested, less run down by physical exhaustion, though the emotional scars still remained.&nbsp; "You're welcome."<br><br>"Sleep... it's overrated right?" her attempt at humor fell a bit flat.&nbsp; "I can't sleep, not yet.&nbsp; I need to eat something or I'll be weak as a kitten when I wake up, and cooked foot just won't cut it I'm afraid.&nbsp; Everyone is on alert, guarding the pups and on patrol... I could have asked Grayson to hunt with me, but I'd be taking him away from the others... and he's acting a little off this morning," she didn't mention the scent of a female wolf on him, that was none of Luc's business.<br><br>"I'm sorry.&nbsp; I'll just go... I just thought you might want to hunt too..." she muttered, suddenly sure she shouldn't have come as she struggled to stand.&nbsp; <br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>Cam settled across from her with a hard look, though it softened quickly.&nbsp; &nbsp;He didn't say a word as the waitress came by and he ordered coffee, but the moment she stepped away again he leaned forward, searching her gaze.&nbsp; <br><br>"Are you alright, Sonora?&nbsp; I've been trying to contact you all morning.&nbsp; You were due to report in this morning," he said just loud enough for her to hear, though is voice didn't travel any farther.&nbsp; <br><br>"Look.&nbsp; You wanted this assignment, but I can't have you there if you're not going to follow regulations.&nbsp; I'll pull you out if you can't follow orders.&nbsp; I don't want to be a hard ass with you, I really don't, but this is too important to risk any misunderstandings.&nbsp; Do you understand what kind of ramifications this will have once it's common knowledge?&nbsp; How these people will react with fear of the creatures out there?" he asked, his eyes widening as he noticed the mark on her neck.<br><br>"Fuck, Sonora.&nbsp; What the hell happened?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>08-06-2014, 20:47:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sonora sighed as he sat down aross from her, swallowing her moutful of pancake and frowning at her plate when he ordered a coffee. Releasing a sigh, she finally glanced up at him when he spoke, still at a loss as to what she should tell him. "I'm fine," she answered, "I just had a bit of a late night, that's all. I was planning on checking in after breakfast." She kept eating as he started speaking again, although it was more mechanical than out of any real hunger. <br><br>Glaring up at him, she felt her anger flare when he began to point out how the public would react to the knowledge of shifters living among them. She could guess just how they would react, could guess how her own superiors would react if they ever found out she was one of them. "Believe me, I am well aware of the sort of fallout that would happen if anyone found out about them, Cam. I--"<br><br>Her hand lifted to the mark on her neck when he commented on it and she grimaced slightly. "It's nothing, Cam. I'm fine." Not wanting to explain any further, she changed the subject. "You shouldn't be here. If anyone sees us...you'll ruin the progress I've made, Cam. They only barely trust me right now as it is. You should go. I'll check in when I can."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>10-06-2014, 01:10:41</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				It made sense, Luc thought as he gazed at her, cooked meat often took the nourishment they needed from a fresh kill. He knew that, and he also knew that she shouldn't hunt alone. Which made him wonder why he was so surprise that she would come to him to suggest they hunt together. Perhaps it was because...he was still a stranger? Why did she trust him when Grayson clearly still had his doubts about him?<br><br>"No, Hannah," Luc placed his hand on her knee before she could stand, his eyes staring into hers, "I don't want you to leave..." He hesitated, realizing that he meant it in more ways than he had any right to.<br><br>Squeezing her knee, he offered her a slight smile, "I would like to go on a hunt with you."<br><br>Going on a hunt with another wolf meant a level of trust. One that he hadn't felt since his pack had been slaughtered. Could he trust her...or more importantly, could she trust him? He had run by himself, had learned to hunt alone merely for survival and yet he didn't want her hunting alone. He would never forgive himself if something happened to her, and it wasn't just because Greyson thought so highly of her. Luc didn't want anything bad to happen to Hannah.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>11-06-2014, 21:09:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He stared at her, incredulity plain for her to see.&nbsp; No matter what she thought he knew her fairly well, or he thought he did.&nbsp; He knew there was more going on than she said, and he couldn't think of a single good reason for her to hide something from him.&nbsp; He could think of dozens of bad reasons, however.&nbsp; He opened his mouth and closed it, staring at her as he took another sip of his coffee to give his temper a chance to cool.<br><br>"It's not nothing.&nbsp; If one of them has hurt you I need to know about it, Sonora," he said sharply, though his voice didn't carry past their table.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Finding out about them isn't worth risking your safety, do you understand?&nbsp; You're more important than they are."<br><br>Shaking his head he sighed, knowing he wasn't going to get anywhere with her if she'd made up her mind.&nbsp; He never should have let her come.&nbsp; He'd known better, but the thought of having her there had made him soft.&nbsp; Fuck.&nbsp; <br><br>"You will not check in when you can, you will check in every day.&nbsp; If I go more than twenty-four hours without hearing from you I'm pulling you out, do you understand?&nbsp; I don't want to do this the hard way, but I will if I have to," he said, draining the last of his coffee with a grimace.&nbsp; Without another word he rose and left, tossing a couple of dollars onto the table.&nbsp; He never looked back.&nbsp; <br><br><div align="center">~~*~~*~~*~~</div><br>She froze when he touched her, her gaze the only thing that moved as she studied him.&nbsp; She hadn't expected him to stop her, not in truth.&nbsp; She'd expected to leave and hunt on her own, and likely fail to bring anything done in her current state.&nbsp; She was just stubborn enough to try it though, which was why Grayson would eventually come looking for her.&nbsp; It would take him a while to realize she was gone, and she'd hopefully be back at her cabin asleep by the time he did.&nbsp; <br><br>The smile that broke out on her face when he agreed to hunt with her was full of joy.&nbsp; It was a simple thing, to hunt with another wolf, but it was something she enjoyed more than most.&nbsp; An intimacy in which she found peace and safety.&nbsp; <br><br>"Thank you," she murmured before she finally stood and started to strip, not in the least self conscious.&nbsp; She was athletic, but softer than most wolves, more feminine.&nbsp; Her breasts were a perfect handful, her stomach flat and her hips rounded, tapering down into well defined thighs.&nbsp; <br><br>She glanced up as she slipped out of her panties and tossed them on the growing pile of clothes.&nbsp; "Are you coming?"&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>14-06-2014, 06:34:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Cam wasn't buying it. She'd known he wouldn't, but she'd had to try anyway, because telling him the truth would not have gone any better. She felt herself clenching her jaw, biting back a heated response when he put her above the pack. One person was not more important than an entire group. Than an entire <em>species</em>. She did not respond to his question, deciding to pretend it was hypothetical, and stabbed angrily at her pancakes. Her wolf was growling. It wasn't audible, not yet, but she could feel her body vibrating with it, and took a deep breath to try and calm herself down. When that didn't work, she tried feeding it bacon. That seemed to help a little, so she ate some more.<br><br>"Fine," she growled, speaking around clenched teeth. She glared at Cam's back as he stalked away from her, and then quickly glanced around, hoping no one had noticed the brief visitor she'd had. Still irritated, she poked at the food still left on her plate and then finally gave up. She wasn't hungry anymore, which only irritated her further. Getting up, she fished out enough cash to cover the bill and a generous tip and then made her way from the diner.<br><br>The truck she'd been given to use was parked out front, and she climbed into the driver's seat and headed back out to the cabin. By the time she reached it, her wolf was practically howling to get free, and she skidded to a stop in front of the cabin. It was becoming painful, holding herself back, and she stumbled out of the truck just in time. For the first time in years, Sonora lost control. Her clothing was reduced to rags as she shifted and shook her coat free of what little still clung to her, snapping and snarling as she tore it all away. When that was done, she tossed her head back and howled her freedom to the world before tearing off into the trees.<br><br>She ran as fast as she was able, growling and snapping at small twigs and branches that got in her way. She wanted to hunt, longed to feel hot blood rushing over her tongue and down her throat. The bite mark on her neck twinged slightly, reminding her of Grayson. She thought he might not mind so much if she hunted after what they'd done together, but she also thought it better not to push her luck any further than she already had. At least not at the moment. So, she ran.<br><br>After a while, the worst of her temper finally exhausted, Sonora slowed to a trot, and then a walk. She was breathing hard, her tongue lolling from the side of her mouth as she looked around. She had gone off in a different direction than on her previous run, and she began sniffing around for water. She found a small stream not too far away, likely an off-shoot of the river she wasn't allowed to cross, or perhaps a tributary. She walked towards it, her sides heaving, the exhaustion from her long run beginning to catch up with her now that she'd run off her anger at Cam. When she was barely two feet away from the stream, she heard a metallic <em>snap</em>, and then excruciating pain lanced through her left ankle. Yelping in agony, she instinctively tried to pull away from the source of the pain, but only managed to send more of it shooting through her.<br><br>Whining, she turned to look at her ankle, which had been caught in a metal trap, likely set by those damned poachers before they'd been taken care of. Sniffing at her injured ankle, could smell her own blood, which had already started to soak her paw from the wounds created by the trap. But she could also smell the blood of other animals, the teeth of the trap looking unpleasantly stained and possibly rusty, although she could not quite tell beneath the smell of so much blood. Not having any idea if or when someone would come by, Sonora knew she had to get herself out of the trap, which would require the use of her hands. Which meant, of course, that she had to shift. Bracing herself, she shifted back into her human form and nearly passed out at the pain that shot up her leg. Cursing seemed to help, so she did a lot of it as she attempted to pry the trap open. It was difficult work, made more difficult by the trembling in her arms and her struggle to remain conscious. She didn't know how long it took for her to get the trap open wide enough for her to pull herself free, and she had lost count of the times she had lost her grip and the trap had closed again. She was fairly certain she had passed out from the pain a time or two. When she finally did manage to free herself, she simply lay there on the forest floor for a while, gasping for breath and feeling her ankle throb with the beat of her heart. How she was going to get herself back to the cabin, she had no idea, but she was sure she'd figure something out. Hopefully before she bled to death.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>14-06-2014, 10:09:48</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				When Hannah began to strip, Luc felt his mouth almost drop in surprise. It wasn't that he had never seen a nude female before; hell, being a wolf one was never truly self-conscious bout ones body. But the people he had hunted with had been family, part of his pack. People he had known for a long time and had seen grown up. Hannah...was different. And he had expected her to at least shift in private. Clearly that was not the case.<br><br>"Uh...yeah," He murmured as he stood up and kicked off his shoes. He paused for a moment -- unable to keep himself from letting his eyes run down her figure in appreciation -- before he began to undress. Gods he hoped he didn't humiliate himself by growing aroused around her. Something he hadn't thought possible but the moment Hannah had stripped...hell, who was he kidding? It had been before that. The first time they had met, and then when she had left him food...he had been drawn to her. Attracted to her in a way that could get him in a shitload of trouble with her Alpha.<br><br>One he was completely nude, he closed his eyes and relaxed and quickly felt himself shifting to his world form. The carefree experience he felt once he was in his animal form always made him wonder why he didn't shift more often. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences that he was privileged to have. <br><br>Once Hannah had shifted, Luc trotted over to her and nuzzled her neck so that his wolf form would breathe her scent in deeply and be able to track her if they got separated. His muzzle caressed her neck gently before he went down the steps and made his way into the forest, the wolf more than ready for the hunt.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>15-06-2014, 21:57:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She watched him unabashedly, not quite able to hide her smile when he took a moment to study her.&nbsp; She caught herself then, surprised to find that she hoped he enjoyed what he saw, which brought a blush to her cheeks as she turned away to give him at least a little bit of the privacy she hadn't even considered when she started to strip.&nbsp; She couldn't help but glance over out of the corner of her eye when he stripped off the last of his clothes, which only served to make her catch her breath and blush more deeply before she quickly shifted herself.&nbsp; <br><br>Even her wolf was exhausted, though she knew she'd get at least a little bit of a second wind when they started to move.&nbsp; She tucked her tail when he approached, ducking her head low as he nuzzled her to show her submission to him.&nbsp; He might not be her Alpha, but he still exuded that authority through the sheer power of his wolf and personality, and she had no desire to rile him without need. <br><br>She relaxed as soon as he turned from her and she followed him to the woods, her steps light.&nbsp; She was a small wolf, especially when compared to him, but she kept up as they started to run.&nbsp; She dared to take the lead after a moment, turning them towards some of the better and more populated hunting grounds in the area, far away from the shifter herd that was sharing the land with them for the time being.&nbsp; Slowly her exhaustion melted away, her confidence returning as she dropped back to bump against him, nipping playfully at his shoulder before she broke into a full run, dodging through the trees as she tried to evade him.&nbsp; He would catch her eventually, she wasn't anywhere near as fast as he was, but it felt good to play after a long night of fear and worry.<br><br>They were coming up on a stream when she suddenly stopped, ears perked, nostrils flaring as she breathed in the heavy scent of blood.&nbsp; A low growl slipped from her lips as she glanced towards Luc, unsure whether she should go back and get Grayson or investigate.&nbsp; It didn't smell of prey, but of wolf, and that left her shaken enough to seek Luc's guidance.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>17-06-2014, 21:51:06</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The sudden freedom of running through the forest with Hannah made Luc happier than he had realized was possible. He had allowed her to take the lead because this was her backyard, and yet as she began to sprint and run ahead of him, he quickly realized she was teasing him. How long had it been since he had joked in his wolf form? His beast seemed to howl inwardly with excitement and he quickly took off after her, keeping close tabs on her even though he remained a few distance away to let her think she was 'winning'.<br><br>Low in his throat, he allowed himself to growl, to tease her with the idea of him catching her. He lowered himself and ran faster, about to tackle her when he caught the heavy scent of blood and his guards instantly came up. A sharp growl and he was before her, pushing her back a bit to keep her safe from whatever dangers were ahead.<br><br>Slowly Luc made his way towards the scent, able to smell it as wolf and not another beast. When he came upon the female Sonora and her bloodied leg, he growled low and it was then that he saw the trap. He tipped his head up in the air and released a loud howl to notify Grayson but then he shifted to his human form, crouching next to the female. "Shh...I got you," He murmured softly. He looked at Hannah and caressed her fur before he kissed her forehead, "Go. Run and get Grayson...let him know I'm carrying her back to his pack. She needs your help, Hannah...and taking her back to the cabin is not an option."<br><br>Moving slowly, Luc scooped Sonora in his arms and tucked her close to him, making sure not to jostle her leg too much. The wound looked horrible...and he didn't know if Hannah would be able to save her leg. He looked at the injured female and said softly, "I'm taking you to Grayson...you're safe."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>17-06-2014, 23:49:25</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She had no idea how long she lay there before she heard someone or something approaching. She had attempted to get up, to see if she could walk or even crawl, but moving her injured leg was so painful that she'd given up her attempts in favour of passing out. Her foot, when she'd had the courage enough to look at it, was swollen and sticky with drying blood. She could barely move her toes, and she thought her ankle had probably been crushed in the trap, but she wasn't a hundred percent sure. So she lay there on the forest floor, floating in and out of consciousness and lacking the strength and concentration to shift back to her wolf form, where she would have at least had the benefit of three other legs to drag herself home with.<br><br>The sound of a growl had her eyes opening a little, but one inhale and she knew it wasn't Grayson. She had scented this one before, however, outside her cabin. There was another with him, and she thought she recognized her as well, although she couldn't quite be certain. The sound of the male's howl brought goosebumps to her skin, and she lifted her eyes to his face as he shifted and spoke to her. She didn't know him, but she was glad of his presence, although she whimpered softly as he lifted her in his arms. She hadn't realized just how cold she'd felt until Luc was holding her, heat radiating from him in waves and soothing the shock she'd been in. Draping an arm across his shoulders, she was only half aware of what was going on around her, getting glimpses of the canopy overhead as she was carried along, the images fading in and out as her eyes opened and closed. God, she was going to be in so much trouble. She wasn't going to be able to check in on time, and Cam would take her off the assignment. But at least he wouldn't be able to send her home. At least, not until she was recovered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>21-06-2014, 02:23:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hannah ran.&nbsp; It didn't matter that she was exhausted, or that her energy was dangerously low.&nbsp; She knew she should refuse to heal the girl, that Grayson would demand it if he knew how exhausted she was, how much danger it would put her in, but she was the girls only chance of walking again, let alone running.&nbsp; She'd seen a wolf who couldn't run with the pack, it ate away at them, making them bitter.&nbsp; That was how lone wolves were created, wolves who ended up having to be put down years later, when they became a danger to the humans because bitterness had taken root in their souls.&nbsp; <br><br>She came upon Grayson half way to the caves, with a handful of enforcers.&nbsp; She shifted the moment she saw him and ended up sprawled on the ground as they ran to her, Grayson checking her over quickly to ensure that she was alright.&nbsp; "Not me..." she panted.&nbsp; "Luc... found the other stranger, she got stuck in a trap.&nbsp; He's bringing her... take the truck, pick them up... I'll be in the den waiting."<br><br>Grayson glanced at the other men and gave orders, sending them to collect the two strangers and bring them back, even though he wanted to go himself.&nbsp; His wolf howled in his head, demanding that he go to Sonora, but he gathered Hannah in his arms instead.&nbsp; "You're too weak..."<br><br>"Fuck you, I'm not as weak as you think... just get me back to the den, I'll catch a second wind," she groused the moment the others were out of sight. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>21-06-2014, 23:45:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As soon as Luc heard the truck rumbling near them, he stopped and waited until he spotted them. He was a bit surprised when Grayson wasn't with them, but he didn't think too much on it. Gently so as not to jostle her too much, he handed Sonora to one of the men and said quickly, "Take her to Grayson. She really needs help. I need to dispose of the trap so it doesn't hurt anyone else." There was a look of hesitation, almost as if they wanted Luc to go with them when he snapped, "Go! I know where the cave is, I'll be there soon!"<br><br>Once the truck rumbled away. Luc went back to where the trap was and ripped it out, growling in anger. Poachers. He fucking hated poachers. He was about to turn and head towards the direction the truck had disappeared to but he paused...remembering Hannah.<br><br>She wasn't going to make it without food. Setting the trap over a tree limb so no one could step on it, he shifted back to his wolf form and took off running to hunt for the female wolf. She was about to do surgery...and she wouldn't make it without subsistence.<br><br>The hunt was quick and while he didn't find something bigger for her, he caught two rabbits for her. Gripping them in his mouth, he ran fast towards the cave, hoping that he would get there in time before exhaustion took its toll. <br><br>And Luc had a hunch that if he didn't appear soon, Grayson would go searching for him himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>24-06-2014, 21:17:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hannah had a table ready the moment they got the stranger back to the den.&nbsp; She threw out orders, having her placed gently on the table, and then she ordered everyone but Grayson to leave.&nbsp; There were too many scents, too much agitation for her to deal with at the moment.&nbsp; &nbsp;She needed peace and quiet.&nbsp; She would have thrown Grayson out if she hadn't caught the faint scent of him on the stranger's skin, beneath the cloying scent of too much blood.&nbsp; <br><br>Only when they were alone did she give him a look, more of a glare really.&nbsp; It made her look more confident than she was.&nbsp; It was always harder to work on someone without a link to the pack, though she was capable of it.&nbsp; Add to it the fact that she'd used do much of her reserves the previous night with the buck and she knew she was going to push too far.&nbsp; With food she would have still been pushing too far, without fresh meat she was going to harm herself, but she had no intention of telling Grayson that and making him choose between pack and a female he'd obviously had some kind of relations with.<br><br>"It's about time you take someone, even if it doesn't end up being a mating," she muttered under her breath, watching him flush from embarrassment out of the corner of her eye.&nbsp; It would serve as a distraction. <br><br>"If you're going to hover at least tell me her name," she said as she started to clean the wound.&nbsp; She couldn't leave anything there or it would be caught beneath the healing flesh and fester, poisoning her blood.&nbsp; <br><br>"Sonora... her name is Sonora.&nbsp; She's a lone wolf, came here to run, to find others like her..."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>28-06-2014, 04:57:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Luc rounded the corner and made his way towards the cave, he almost came to a complete stop when he saw a few men out and about. He hesitated wondering if Grayson would approve of him just barging in. But...some of these men knew him, they knew that Grayson 'approved' of him. They would catch his scent and they would know that he wasn't an enemy. Still, he didn't run into the caves, but looked at the men as they caught sight of him and stepped forward to protect their home.<br><br>It took a full minute for one of them to realize who he was and he slapped the other man's arm and they parted, allowing him entrance.<br><br>Luc released a low rumble of thanks as he dashed forward and took off running towards where Hannah's room was. As he came to a stop and dropped the rabbits on the ground, he heard the silence that surrounded him. Looking around, he noticed a few of the men were staring at the meat and then at the den where Hannah was. It took him only a few seconds to be slapped in the face with the assumption they were all coming to.<br><br>An unmated male bringing food to an unmated female.<br><br>Fuck. He might as well have posted his intentions on a billboard. Feeling unsure and too nervous to stick around, Luc smacked his tail against the closed door and then took off running out of the caves and towards the cabin. He would deal with Grayson later...right now, he didn't know what the hell to think.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>28-06-2014, 19:22:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was his voice that pulled her back into consciousness. She opened her eyes, and immediately wished she hadn't. Someone was doing something to her ankle, something that <em>hurt</em>, although she was too weak from blood loss to do anything more than twitch, a snarl rising in her throat as she attempted to pull away. But the moment she caught sight of Grayson, Sonora went very, very still, although ripples of pain still flickered over her face.<br><br>"Grayson?" Sonora's voice was hoarse, her mouth so dry it felt like she'd eaten a mouthful of cotton. She ignored her thirst for the moment, however, her eyes sliding around the room she was in before finding their way back to Grayson. Pain clouded her mind again and she gasped, the curses flowing from her lips on another growl. She knew that whatever the woman was doing was necessary, but damn it was painful. Apparently her body decided it was too painful for her to handle, because she felt her eyes closing again, the pain receding as she drifted back into unconsciousness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>06-07-2014, 23:12:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Two things happened at once, there was a sound at the door that Grayson had purposefully closed behind him, and Sonora woke up enough to notice him.&nbsp; At the sound of her voice he moved more fully into her vision, though he was careful not to get in Hannah’s way.&nbsp; “You’ll be alright, Sonora.&nbsp; Hannah is going to take good care of you,” he murmured, not noticing the glance that Hannah cast his way, full of curiosity and no small amount of amusement.&nbsp; <br><br>He gently brushed her damp hair from her forehead a moment after she passed out again.&nbsp; He stood there for a long moment before he remembered the sound at the door and went to investigate.&nbsp; When he opened the door he stared for a moment at the pair of rabbits, instantly recognizing Luc’s scent.&nbsp; He glanced up and down the hall, a frown slowly forming on his face before he picked them up and brought them inside, closing the door with a firm thud.&nbsp; <br><br>He looked from Hannah to the rabbits, then back again.&nbsp; “Is there something I should know?” he finally asked, a dangerous undertone to his voice. <br><br>Only then did Hannah glance up, confusion melting away as the faint scent of Luc reached her.&nbsp; Her eyes widened in surprise and her mouth opened more than once, but no words came out.&nbsp; <br><br>“Later?” she asked, hoping that he’d let her concentrate on Sonora’s injury.&nbsp; <br><br>He grunted, but he let the moment pass, though he had every intention of revisiting it in the near future.&nbsp; <br><br>The healing was trying, and he only realized how much damage Hannah had done to herself when it was too late.&nbsp; He barely caught her when she passed out, crumpling as the last of her energy fled.&nbsp; He cursed under his breath, not only at her and Luc, but at himself for being so focused on Sonora that he hadn’t noticed that she was flagging until it was too late.&nbsp; She’d used everything she had, but it had been enough.&nbsp; Sonora’s leg would heal, though she wouldn’t be able to run for at least a few days.&nbsp; <br><br>He left both women tucked into beds, the two rabbits hung on a hook for Hannah to eat when she woke, and then he went to find Luc.&nbsp; He needed explanations, even if he knew that the aggression he felt as he stalked towards the Cabin wasn’t wholly for him.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>12-07-2014, 05:50:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>What the fuck was he doing? What the FUCK was he doing?</em> As Luc paced up and down the living room of the cabin, he raked a hand through his hair and knew he was completely and utterly fucked. He had crossed a line that he never should have, and he had known better...and yet he hadn't thought about it when he had done it. He had seen that Hannah had needed food, substinance and he had been able to provide it. But now he had made his intentions clear to everyone in the fucking pack.<br><br>Intentions that he didn't even fucking know he had!<br><br>He breathed in deeply and tried to force himself to focus but just then...he caught Grayson's scent and he felt himself snarl in response to the waves of emotions he felt coming from the other wolf. He knew that Grayson had every right to question him as to his reasons for bringing Hannah the rabbits...but he didn't feel like it right now.<br><br>Not when he didn't know himself what exactly had prompted him to do what he had done.<br><br>Before Grayson could knock -- or break the door down -- Luc jerked it open and snapped, "I don't know why I did that."<br><br>He wasn't going to fight with the other wolf, knowing he had no right to challenge the alpha of the pack....but he felt cornered. Trapped. Much like he had when his own pack had been slaughtered and he had been hunted. Raking his fingers through his hair once more, he admitted, "I just wanted her to eat, Grayson. I didn't...think."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>midnight diamond</strong> on <strong>04-08-2014, 02:09:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When Sonora woke again, she had no idea how much time had passed, or even what time it was. The pain in her ankle was far less than she remembered, however, and after a couple of false starts, she sat up and pushed the blankets back far enough to look at her injury. It had been expertly bandaged, the blood cleaned away, and she thought it might just heal cleanly, to her great relief. As she covered her legs back up, she realized she was wearing a men's grey t-shirt and nothing else. Frowning slightly, she wondered who had given it to her, and then caught the scent of Grayson on it. <br><br>Oh.<br><br>She felt herself flush, happy and dismayed and confused all at the same time. Sleeping with Grayson had never been her objective. Well, not her <em>official</em> objective, anyway. It had, however, been something her wolf had practically craved. That in and of itself should have made her question her desire, but it hadn't, and she recognized that deep down, she'd wanted the same thing. With a sigh, she lay back on the bed and rubbed a hand over her face. God, what was she <em>thinking</em>?! Cam was--alarm shot through her. Oh, <em>shit</em>! She sincerely hoped it hadn't been more than 24 hours, or she was going to be in serious trouble. In spite of how exhausted she felt, Sonora pushed back the blankets again and slowly eased her feet to the floor. Well, foot. She was pretty sure her ankle had been broken, so she didn't even try to put her weight on it. How she was going to get back to the cabin like this she had no idea, but she would figure something out. Glancing around, she saw another female asleep in the bed next to hers, two freshly killed rabbits hanging near her head. Her wolf gnashed its teeth, hungry, but Sonora resisted. They clearly were not meant for her.<br><br>When she stood, a wave of dizziness hit her so hard she nearly fell, although she managed to catch herself against the bed. Cursing quietly, she waited until it passed before trying again, this time with slightly better results. She was still dizzy, but at least she didn't feel like she was about to fall flat on her face. She hoped. Taking a deep breath, she slowly started limping across the room. It took her ages to reach it, having to take a circuitous route so that she didn't place any undue weight on her ankle. When she reached the door, she was so exhausted and light-headed that she almost turned around. Instead, she pulled open the door and peered out into the hall. Empty. Thank god for small mercies. <br><br>Slipping out of what was obviously the infirmary, she limp-hopped down the corridor, using the wall for balance and support. Although it took her some time, she still hadn't seen anyone by the time she reached a junction, and she judged by the quiet that it was likely night time. Not really sure which way led to 'out', she sniffed at the air. Myriad scents found her nose and she filtered them out one by one, focusing on what was familiar. Grayson. She made her way slowly through the halls, taking twists and turns without really paying attention to where she was going after a while, her wolf insisting on following Grayson's scent. She followed it to a door that was so heavily laden with his scent it could be made of it, and with a quick glance around, she twisted the handle and stepped into the darkened room.<br><br>Closing the door behind her, she let the quiet sink in, knowing immediately that he wasn't there. She probably should have turned on a light, but she was so tired it probably wouldn't have made much of a difference. As her eyes adjusted to the dark, she picked out a room that appeared to be a living space, with couches and chairs, desk, TV. Slowly, she fumbled her way along until she found another door, this one sitting open. Beyond it sat the rectangular shadow of a bed, and that was the only invitation she needed. Crawling onto the bed, she slid under the covers, enveloping herself in Grayson's scent and not quite understanding just why it was so comforting to her. She needed to <em>go</em>, to report to Cam before he threw her off the case and sent her packing. But the bed was so soft and warm, and smelled so <em>good</em>...her wolf wouldn't let her budge, save to grab the other pillow and wrap her arms around it, burying her nose into Grayson's scent before she passed back out.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>10-08-2014, 01:28:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grayson could smell Luc long before the Cabin came into sight. He'd chosen to stay in his human form in the hopes that his temper would cool by the time he reached the other wolf, but he wasn't sure if it had worked or not.&nbsp; His wolf was agitated, angry.&nbsp; It felt threatened by Luc's interest in Hannah, even if the man knew that he didn't have the right to be as angry as he was.&nbsp; Sometimes it didn't matter, the wolf won out more often than not.&nbsp; <br><br>He didn't barge into the cabin as he considered doing.&nbsp; Luc had earned at least that much by not running when he could.&nbsp; Instead Grayson paced outside, just inside the clearing around the cabin, and howled.&nbsp; The sound rose up out of his throat, a signal to hunt, to protect.&nbsp; It was a beautiful sound if one didn't know what it signified, but every wolf in a three mile radius would know, and they would keep their distance.&nbsp; <br><br>It was the only warning he would give Luc.&nbsp; He waited and paced, his gaze locked on the cabin door.&nbsp; His worry for Sonora and Hannah weighed upon him, made him more volatile than he might have been otherwise, but he couldn't think clearly enough to care.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>24-08-2014, 00:05:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The howl came as no surprise to Luc, and it made the wolf inside of him snarl in response, a reaction he was certain to keep from his own voice. Grayson had not shifted to his wolf form, so they would talk as men...but Luc didn't know if it would do any good. The beast wanted answers...maybe it wanted blood...and Luc wasn't going to fight him, so he would die out of respect for the leader.<br><br>He didn't expect Grayson to really respond to his statement so he merely took a step outside and shut the door behind him. He didn't cower, didn't rise to the challenge, merely looked at the other man calmly. Luc took one step down and then another until he was off the porch and on the ground. This was not going to end well, not for him...he already knew it. <br><br>With a quiet sigh, he asked seriously, "What do you ask of me, Grayson. I never intended to...disrespect you or Hannah in any way. Whatever you deem necessary for me to do to gain your respect and trust...I will do it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>08-09-2014, 00:31:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Whatever Grayson had expected, Luc's calm statement wasn't it.&nbsp; Hell, it even surprised his wolf into silence for a moment, during which Grayson examined the other man as he tilted his head to the side.&nbsp; Luc didn't shift, hadn't stripped out of his shirt in preparation to do so, and there was no anger or resentment that he could sense.&nbsp; &nbsp;If anything he thought Luc was confused by what he'd done, which only created more questions for Grayson.<br><br>"I demand answers... and you had better come up with some if you don't have them," he warned the man, surprised that his speech wasn't completely garbled by the growl that stayed in the back of his throat.&nbsp; "I want to trust you, Luc.&nbsp; I want to find a reason to help... but Hannah is special.&nbsp; She's not just any of my wolves... and you're Alpha.&nbsp; There's no way your interest in her can be casual," his lips curled slightly at the last word. <br><br>"Give me a fucking reason to leave you alive. Tell me why you brought her food.&nbsp; Figure out what the fuck your intentions are and tell me now... so that hopefully my wolf can get used to the idea instead of wanting to rip your head from your shoulders..." he added as his hands clenched and unclenched at his sides, the flesh rippling as if trying to shift into claws.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>11-09-2014, 05:04:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				'I don't know' was clearly not a good answer and yet Luc truly didn't have a response for the other male. He shoved his hand inside his pockets and let out a quiet sigh before he looked at Grayson and said shortly, "I don't have answers for you. I don't want to be committed to anyone, I never expected to find a female that would catch my attention and to be quite honest, I didn't even realize what I was doing until it was done."<br><br>The response was lame to say the least and so he tried another tactic, one he hoped to God would work, "The wolf has a mind of its own, Grayson. You know that. It looks like he...made his interest known." He paused, sighing quietly before he rushed to say, "It doesn't mean that I don't care about her or think of this as a fling. I know it's not. She's...more important than just a one night stand or a casual affair. I know that. I do, Grayson."<br><br>With a quiet curse, he looked at the wolf and stated simply, "If it'll make you feel better to beat the shit out of me, then do it. I stepped into your territory and made intentions before speaking to you about it...so I get it. I do. I fucked up. But take it out on me, okay? Not on Hannah. She doesn't know and she's...I don't want to embarrass her in front of her pack. So...do whatever you need to do to me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>15-09-2014, 03:19:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The entire time Luc spoke there was an underlying growl that came from Grayson, a not so subtle reminder that he was on thin ice, and that he needed to say something that would give Grayson a reason not to tear him apart, because that was what he wanted to do.&nbsp; He saw Luc as a threat, not to him or his pack, but to Hannah.&nbsp; She was a submissive wolf, and even without her talents to promote healing he would have been protective of her.&nbsp; Out of every wolf in the pack Hannah was the one that Grayson turned too when he needed to be soothed, when he needed to show a touch of weakness that most wolves only ever showed to their mates.&nbsp; It wasn't because he felt that way about Hannah, because he didn't.&nbsp; It was because he trusted her, and now this strange wolf, this Alpha, was suddenly in a position to hurt her if he chose.&nbsp; <br><br>He'd expected to find Luc ready for a fight.&nbsp; It threw him and his wolf off that he stood there and offered to simply let him beat the shit out of him.&nbsp; That he owned his actions and knew how dangerously close to crossing the line he'd come.&nbsp; Grayson still wanted to kick his ass, but Luc said the one thing that was guaranteed to give him pause.&nbsp; He protected Hannah at risk to his own hide.&nbsp; <br><br>"Fuck," he growled as he raked his fingers through his hair and started to pace.&nbsp; "Make up your fucking mind about her, because she's going to smell you on those damn rabbits and she's going to know you brought them to her, you understand?&nbsp; She's going to make assumptions, and you better damn well she doesn't get hurt in the process or I'll fucking kill you.."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>16-09-2014, 03:43:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a sense of relief when Grayson seemed to cut him some slack but Luc knew that he was far from being on safe grounds again. He had crossed a line by getting Hannah the damn rabbits, and while he kicked himself for his foolishness, he knew that he would do it again if he could. There was something about her that drew him in, that made him think that he could be....normal. And yet, he couldn't share that with Grayson, now could he? He didn't need the Alpha thinking of him as a weakling. He needed to figure it out and then talk to Hannah and be completely honest with her, just as he was being honest with himself. It was the least he could do...and yet, he had a 'scared shitless' feeling. <br><br>With a sigh, he raked fingers through his hair and murmured, "Do you want me to steer clear of her until I figure out what's going on?" He would do it if he had to, though he didn't necessarily want to suddenly cut contact with her. Fuck if this wasn't a damn clusterfuck. Looking at Grayson, he suddenly frowned and before he could stop himself, he began to question, "If you're so protective of her..."<br><br>Stopping himself, he raised his hands up and muttered, "Nevermind. Forget it." He looked at Grayson and couldn't help but admit, "I want to talk to her...to...see if she understands that I'm fucked up and I don't know what the hell I'm doing but that...I do like her. Respect her. She's...." Luc couldn't help the small smile that came to him as he murmured, "She's a fine female."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>21-09-2014, 22:58:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luc's question surprised a sharp bark of laughter from Grayson, and served to sooth his wolf, or at least change the direction of its focus.&nbsp; There was no true amusement in the sound, but neither was their anger.&nbsp; It was more like the laugh of a man resigned to something he did not at all like.&nbsp; "Steer clear of her.&nbsp; It's funny that you think you'll have the choice to steer clear of her.&nbsp; She may not be a dominant wolf, but she's as stubborn as one.&nbsp; Just see if steering clear works when she comes to check on you and make sure I didn't leave you on the ground bleeding."<br><br>He raked his fingers through his hair, but they froze halfway through at Luc's half asked question.&nbsp; A low growl settled in his chest and in his voice when he finally spoke.&nbsp; <br><br>"I have no claim on her other than Alpha.&nbsp; There is history... but not intimacy between us," he told Luc honestly, though it would have fixed everything to lie.&nbsp; "There is no finer female than Hannah.&nbsp; You will come back with me, and you will talk to her now.&nbsp; No chance to run.&nbsp; No chance to change your mind.&nbsp; She deserves at least that much... and you will respect whatever she says, even if it's to get the fuck away from her and not come back.&nbsp; Are we understood?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phobetor</strong> on <strong>22-09-2014, 01:19:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He didn't know why but if Grayson had responded that there had been an intimate relationship between him and Hannah...Luc would have been okay with it. It was clear that Grayson cared for her, and that he thought highly of her. Luc couldn't blame him for the way he was responding to another male trying to talk to Hannah. And yet, when Grayson made the comment about Luc going back with him, Luc wanted to instantly say no.<br><br>With a scowl, Luc snapped, "I'm not running. I would never disrespect or belittle Hannah or her emotions."<br><br>He needed time to come to grips with it himself, because he truly wasn't certain how he felt. He cared for her, yes but...love? Relationship? To mate with her? Luc had a plan and he knew that the plan could very well kill him. If Hannah was involved...he would hurt her. And he didn't want that. "Give me a night, Grayson. I won't leave. I won't run. But...you know why I came here. I'm not changing my mind because I care for her. I need to...think."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Blood Moon {Kyrsa, midnight diamond &amp; GrapeTootsiePop}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>26-09-2014, 23:16:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				If Luc had snapped at him about anything else, if his response had been about anything but his respect for Hannah Grayson would have lost it.&nbsp; As it was it helped to settle him more.&nbsp; Even his wolf settled, the hair on the back of his neck smoothing out as his pacing came to a halt.&nbsp; His fists loosened at his sides as he studied the other Alpha with two sets of eyes and found a man he could come to respect someday, assuming they didn't kill each other first.&nbsp; <br><br>"If we both live through this... we'll be friends one day, you and I.&nbsp; For now I trust your word.&nbsp; I warn you though, I have no control over that woman. She has a mind of her own, and I will not cage her simply to give you that day.&nbsp; If she seeks you out you will be forced to speak to her, but I will try to keep her occupied taking care of the other stranger," he refused to say Sonora's name and make her familiar.&nbsp; Not yet.&nbsp; <br><br>With a nod he turned and left Luc there with his thoughts.&nbsp; Now that he no longer wanted to rip the man's throat out he wanted... no he <em>needed</em> to see Sonora, to assure himself that she was alright.&nbsp; I took him nearly a half hour to get back to the den, but he knew the moment he walked in that something was wrong, different.&nbsp; He recieved a number of knowing looks, most of them pleased but cautious, but it wasn't until he ran into one of his enforcers on his way to Hannah's rooms that he cornered one of them.<br><br>"What the hell is going on?"<br><br>The man held up his hands and took a step back, a smile on his face.&nbsp; "Nothing.&nbsp; Just... happy to see a female take up residence in your rooms, that's all."<br><br>"A female..." he growled low as he turned and made his way down another hall only to find a guard on his door.&nbsp; The other wolf nodded and turned to leave before he even reached the door, but he felt a moment of intense relief when he realized that his people had been guarding Sonora in his stead.&nbsp; That relief became a heady sensation as he closed the door to his rooms behind him and followed her scent to his bedroom, his eyes glinting slightly in the faint light from the clock on the night stand.&nbsp; <br><br>He stood there for a long moment, torn between relief and a sinking feeling that he was in over his head, but eventually he stripped and crawled into bed with her, replacing the pillow she clutched so tightly.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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