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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 7, 2021 16:56:22 GMT -5
Armin looked to Theo, his eyes softened. He wanted her to be able to see her mother, even if it meant that he had to leave the pack for a few days in order for her to do such a thing. His eyes then moved back to Drake and he nodded. “Of course.” He replied after Willow stated that Rhett would want to speak with them. “As Willow has stated, perhaps you can stay here this evening. I will bring him in the morning to meet with you. We can discuss what should be done. I want Willow to see her mother. I am certain my brother will feel the same. We take great pride in family...” He nodded and then turned to Willow. “We should get back.” He spoke. “We will see you tomorrow.” He then stepped from the home.
Armin was quiet for several minutes before he gazed to her. “That’s...a lot to take in...” He spoke, he wasn’t exactly sure what to say to her. “But I will do anything I can to help you, Willow.” He gave a reassuring smile.
**
Rhett watched Baron with scrutinizing eyes when the lycan stated he wouldn’t be a problem. It wasn’t Baron that he was so much worried about, it was his sister. When Rose had entered and made the comment, a chuckle came over the Alpha’s lips. She wasn’t wrong. He wrapped his arm around Rose and returned his attention to Baron as he told his story. He tilted his head slightly as he watched the anger flow through the lycan. “Such practices are highly outdated.” He replied after a moment.
“Interesting.” Rose spoke her dark chestnut eyes locked on Baron. “Kai didn’t have anything to say about your sister being killed. Only that you had a troublesome pack, that you were tired of being judged for who your parents were.” She slipped from Rhett’s arms and stepped forward, she reached and touched his chin to pull his eyes to look to her own. “You wouldn’t be lying to us now….would you?” Rose focused on him. The side of her that had slipped away when Willow healed her seemed to surface slightly. “What pack? There’s only a few that I know that follow such traditions.”
Rhett had crossed his arms, he remained in the same position, his eyes locked on Baron. “I’d answer her quickly. No need to think about something that you already know.”
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Post by Nyte on Jun 30, 2021 12:19:04 GMT -5
As they left the house, leaving her newfound kin behind, Willow bit her lower lip as a whole new storm of possibilities flooded her mind. She had always wondered if there was family out there she had never known, but now after finding them she was more worried than excited. She had finally made a home for herself with Armin's pack, adoring all of his family, and now that she was faced with blood relatives of her own she was worried they would try and take her away or prevent her from returning back with Armin if they did go and visit the fae village.
When Armin spoke up after a few minutes she was pulled from her thoughts and glanced up to meet his gaze. His smile was reassuring but didn't completely dismiss her concerns. "Thank you, but we'll see how things go after they talk with Rhett tomorrow. He seems to be a good judge of character and though they claim to be my family.." she paused as she searched for the right words. "Well, it's just hard to believe they've finally found me after all these years. It's just.. weird."
*****
Baron suddenly felt as if he were being interrogated. A part of him understood why but the more defensive part of himself resented that fact. "I have not lied to anyone." Baron stated without hesitation. "I'm from the Onyxmaw pack. My mother is the mate to the alpha, though he is not my father. Being that I am a bastard of the alpha pair things can be rather difficult. When my sister was killed things only got more complicated. I didn't explain that to Kai however."
Having to somewhat explain himself to the alpha of this pack was expected but he didn't think he would be put under such scrutiny. Then again he probably wouldn't have been if he hadn't gotten involved with Kai and then been subsequently caught.
After explaining himself somewhat Baron shifted uncomfortably for a moment where he stood. "As you can imagine my origins are not a topic I enjoy divulging to others."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 3, 2021 8:17:40 GMT -5
Armin gave a gentle nod and his smile softened slightly. “It is odd that they did not seem to hunt for you. Perhaps fear left them crippled? I am not certain what the Silverfang pack did to them…but if I know anything from my grandfather’s writing…the Fey are incredibly strong. I mean…” He wrapped his arm gently around her wait. “Look at you.” He smirked. “You’ve only just discovered your magic and you saved Rose’s life, and she’s perked up quite a bit since then.” He chuckled lightly and fell quiet for quite some time. He gazed up to the clear night sky and let out a long breath. “I’m worried they will want to take you away…” He spoke truthfully. “I’ve only just met you and I feel as though I would do anything to protect you and…I cannot protect you if they take you away from me.” He looked down to her, “Plus…I fancy you quite a bit.” He chuckled lightly. “Perhaps it is a spell you’ve conjured without knowing it?” He winked to her playfully. Though his smile faded from his expression as he heard a sound ahead of them. His grip tightened slightly and he held his breath as they came to an abrupt stop. He held his breath as he listened carefully.
The sound of yelling could be heard ahead of them. “Oh you think you’re so smart don’t you?” It was a familiar voice.
“Kai.” Armin spoke, his eyes melted to the golden color. He stiffened as he listened carefully to the world around them as they came to the crest of a hill he could see his sister in the distance. Her back was pressed against the trunk of a tree. Peter had her held there, his back was to the two as they approached. Kai squirmed beneath his grasp, a growl came over her lips.
“You’ll submit. One way or another.” Peter snarled at her. “You think just because your brother is the alpha that you can do as you please? Well one day he won’t be the alpha. Then what will you do? Who will you hide behind?” He snickered as he gripped her chin forcing her to look at him. “I’d hate to see what happens if you become more trouble than you’re worth.” He grinned wickedly.
Armin cleared his throat as he released Willow from his grasp. They stood about ten feet away at this point. “Peter.” He spoke.
Peter turned his gaze to look to Armin. “Oh, look who it is.” He spoke as he narrowed his brows. “Your big brother has come to your rescue.” He scoffed as he released Kai from his grasp, she had bruises upon her arms from his tight grip. “Fine. Forget it. I’ll see you tomorrow for the hunt, Kai.” He smirked to her. He looked to Armin with a grin upon his lips. “Won’t be able to protect her then, will you?” He chuckled as he walked off.
Armin growled lowly as he watched the man retreat. “Coward.” He snapped as he looked to his sister. “Are you alright?” He questioned cautiously.
“Oh. Fine. I’m fine brother.” Kai crossed her arms over her chest, her lips were pressed into a flat line. “Our brother has just betrothed me to an absolute dirt bag. No problem at all.” Her breath caught in her chest as she stifled her tears. “Willow.” She nodded her head. “You look ravishing.” She changed the subject quickly. “These markings seem to glow with more beauty tonight than they did previously.” She stepped forward and traced her fingertip along Willow’s markings upon her cheek.
Armin looked to his sister with worried eyes. “I don’t think Rhett will do this if he sees the way that Peter is treating you.”
“Oh. Yes, yes he will. Because I am nothing more than a transaction.” Kai spoke her voice very matter-a-fact. “Can’t you see that brother?” She crossed her arms once again and turned to him. “He’s offering me up to the highest bidder. Whomever will offer him the best deal…that’s how this works.” There was a strong hint of sadness in her voice as she spoke.
**
Rose still gripped onto Baron’s chin, her eyes locked on his as he spoke. “Onyxmaw. Hm…” She tilted her head slightly, a chuckle came over her lips. “No wonder.” She smirked slightly. “That pack is stuck in a time that passed centuries ago.” Her grip fell from his chin and she stepped back to Rhett, seemingly satisfied though her eyes said otherwise as she stared to him.
Rhett’s emerald hues continued to scrutinize Baron. “Well.” He spoke a bit of a smirk curved up his lips. He wrapped his arm back around Rose’s waist. “You have been truthful and you haven’t disregarded a single word that myself or Rose have said to you.” He seemed to think a long moment. He drew in a breath, “I’ll allow you to stay. On probationary terms.” He lifted up his finger. “Leave my sister alone. Understood?” He questioned. “She’ll be mated in a few weeks with Peter. I’ll not have some orphan wolf swoop in and derail the plans that I have for this pack.” He released Rose and stepped forward, his arms once again crossed over his chest. He stood at the exact same height as Baron, his eyes bore into his for a long moment as he seemed to think. “You’ll need somewhere to stay I take it. We have a guest suite, or there is an inn in town. Your choice.” His voice was gruff. “Don’t let me catch you with Kai again.” He threatened his eyes golden in that moment.
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Post by Nyte on Jul 6, 2021 21:35:57 GMT -5
"Honestly.. that is the reason that I want you to come with me. I want to go and meet my mother, but I don't want to stay there forever. My home is with the pack." She told Armin as she leaned into his grasp while they walked back towards the house. It was an unusual situation to be in for sure, and one that left her uncertain of what to do next or what the correct choice was.
As they drew near to the house Willow furrowed her brows as she heard Kai's voice yelling at someone. When they came around the corner and Willow saw the man pinning Kai against the tree she felt a spur of rage suddenly boil up within her. She wasn't confrontational like the others but she saw Kai as family and didn't want to see anyone treating her family this way. She was more surprised that Armin didn't have more of a violent reaction to the scene and glared up at him for a brief moment as the men exchanged words interlaced with subtle threats.
The markings upon Willow's body changed color from their soft blue hue to a more violet color as she glared at the back of the man as he walked away from them, but when Kai touched her cheek her attention was pulled away and the markings changed back to their normal coloration. "He can't trade you away like that." Willow stated. "Maybe I can ask him not to do it. I helped Rose, surely he'll hear out my request." She offered Kai then looked up to Armin.
****
Baron understood the scrutiny, however that didn't mean he had to enjoy it. When the alpha were done interrogating him and seemed satisfied with his answers he had to put forth considerable effort not to return the distrusting glares he was receiving. "I'll stay at my room at the inn." He told Rhett and adjusted his shirt a bit before cracking his neck. "It's already been paid for anyway and I'd hate to impose on anyone here." He concluded and moved to walk towards the door.
"Thank you for the opportunity to prove myself." He told them before leaving and making his way outside. As he did he noticed the group of three people, including Kai, standing next to a tree in the front courtyard. He sighed and shook his head before lowing his gaze and making for the gate. He was told to stay away from Kai, and he would.. for now.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 6, 2021 21:55:43 GMT -5
Kai drew in a breath as she looked to Willow, a sad smile upon her lips. “Don’t worry yourself over me darling.” She rubbed at the bruises upon her wrists as her crystal hues looked after where Peter had disappeared. “I’m certain that even if you ask, it will not change Rhett’s mind. For some reason or another he is rather stuck on the idea that I am to marry Peter. He’s always been a spoiled brat and well...you know what happens when a wolf is spoiled? That spoiled wolf doesn’t know what to do when he doesn’t get what he wants.” She gave a soft smile then.
Armin’s jaw was tight as he looked to his sister. “He did this to you?” He questioned as he stepped forward, his hues melted to the golden color once again as he inspected the bruising. “Fuck Rhett. I’m not letting him do this to you, Kai.” His voice was a growl. “Our pack is strong enough we don’t need to marry you off to Peter simply because his father is on the council.” He paced slightly as he spoke. “I can’t imagine any reason good enough that Rhett would send you off with a wolf like that.” He snapped angrily.
**
Rhett gave a nod as he looked over Baron once again, seemingly to discern if his decision was good enough. His arm wrapped around Rose’s waist and he held her close to him, though his touch on her was gentle. Rose had a bit of a grimace upon her lips from pain. “Very well.” Rhett spoke to him. “Tomorrow night our pack will participate in the hunt, as I am certain that you are aware.” He gave a bit of a playful smirk. “I’ll see you for the hunt. I want to see what sort of wolf you are.”
**
Kai leaned against the tree, her arms crossed loosely over her chest, “I won’t allow him to marry me to Peter, Armin.” She spoke after a moment of silence. “I’ll leave the pack before I allow it.”
Armin grit his teeth slightly, “Kai you can’t...we won’t let him do this.” He ran his fingers through his hair slightly and let out an exasperated breath.
Kai’s crystal hues moved then to the sound of footsteps falling upon the gravel of the drive. A smile curved up her lips. “Ah, just the wolf I want to see.” She smirked. “Don’t worry dear brother.” She placed a hand upon her brother’s shoulder. “Baron.” She called out to him. “Good to see you in one piece. Apologies for what you might have gone through inside.” She spoke with a playful tone. She stepped away from the tree to intercept Baron’s path.
Armin perked up a bit his eyes moved to the wolf. “Ah you’re the wolf that helped my sister home.” He smiled. “Thank you for that.” He glanced to Willow and gave a soft smile, reassuring in a way. Though worry could be seen behind his eyes. He was incredibly worried about the situation Kai was in. He feared that something within the council of the pack caused Rhett to make such a rash decision and he feared that no matter what his pleas or even Willow’s pleas...that nothing would be done that would change his brother’s mind.
“Are you headed back into town? I’m looking to take a walk.” Kai smiled as she turned to walk toward town. “I’ll return the favor and make sure you get to the inn safely. Hm?”
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Post by Nyte on Jul 6, 2021 22:12:50 GMT -5
"Rhett can't refuse if we all speak out against the arrangement. Family is important to him and if everyone in the family is upset surely he would at least reconsider. Maybe if we talk to Rose we can also get her on our side. There's no way he could refuse Rose, right?" Willow offered. She was trying to think of anything to help get Kai out of this arrangement. When she also heard footsteps approaching Willow glanced to the side and saw the same stranger that had been with Kai previously. With the way he held his eyes down it was obvious his interaction within the house had not been completely positive.
As Kai excused herself from their company to catch up with Baron Willow looked to Armin with concern in her eyes. "I'm going to try and talk to Rhett myself. He's at least got to hear me out, right?" She asked Armin with a hopeful tone. "Seeing that wolf with Kai.. it was like being back with the Silverfangs." She shuddered slightly at the memory.
****
Baron was slightly hoping that Kai would chase him down but at the same time he was hoping she wouldn't. He had never been one to shy away from trouble completely. He was a bastard after all, and as such trouble had been his companion for as long as he could remember. "Sure, I'd welcome the company." He told Kai as he lifted his gaze to look up at her smiling face.
Looking down he saw the purple coloring forming around her wrist and he couldn't help but to sigh and shake his head. "It would be real unfortunate if something were to happen to that Peter guy tomorrow during the hunt." He muttered more to himself than to Kai. "Your the alpha's sister. Why not bite his head off? Literally?" He asked then chuckled darkly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 6, 2021 22:31:06 GMT -5
Armin watched after his sister with furrowed brows. He glanced to Willow and gave a gentle smile. “Let’s find Rose and speak with her first. Perhaps she knows what is going on...and if she doesn’t well more fuel to the fire. I’m going to tell Rhett and Rose both that Peter injured Kai….” He sighed, he wanted nothing more than to chase Peter down and pin him to the ground and beat his face in. “Peter doesn’t belong in this pack. His father...well his father thinks much like those of the old ways and he’s raised Peter to act as such...we won’t let this happen to her. Hm?” He gave a warm smile to Willow. “Come on.” He led her into the home. Armin paused a moment when they stepped inside. He was listening. “This way.” He walked Willow into the kitchen where Rose was pouring herself a glass of wine.
Rose looked up with her chestnut hues, she gave a soft sigh. She had two wine glasses upon the counter, the second glass was empty. But she had pulled out a bottle of wine that was Kai’s favorite. “Armin.” She spoke, she looked to the wine and then lifted her glass and took a sip. “Willow love.” She gave a sweet smile then. “Do you have anymore of that painkiller perhaps?” She asked softly. She bit her lip slightly and then clicked her tongue. “Don’t ask me why Rhett has chosen Peter...” She spoke after a moment. “He’s not the right mate for Kai….not at all...” A sigh came over her lips then and she took another long drink.
**
Kai smiled to Baron, “Perfect, then it is my company you’ve won.” She spoke as she began walking toward the city. She hesitated a moment when she saw his eyes move to the bruising upon her wrists and she covered one of her wrists with a hand. She gave a chuckle to his comment and then flashed him a smile. “It would just be dreadful if he were to fall off of Wilder’s Peak….wouldn’t it?” She chuckled playfully as if she was speaking of a game of chess, not murdering a pack mate. “If my brother thinks that he is going to marry me off to a man that would sooner beat me and treat me as nothing more than a slave...well...I won’t be standing for that. Alpha or not, my brother should have the best interests in mind for me.” She rubbed her wrist. She knew Peter was strong. She only hoped she could catch him off guard. Toss him over the edge easily. She’d already begun formulating the plans. Lead him up there, pretend she’s interested. Then when he’s least expecting it, that’s when she would act.
“My brother wasn’t too cross with you was he?” Kai questioned curiously, her crystal hues looked to him once more. “I am terribly sorry...” She paused for a moment, a smirk curved up her lips. “That we were caught, that is.” She laughed lightly. “I didn’t intend on getting you wrapped up in things, so I do apologize, Baron.” She placed her hand upon his arm a moment and trailed her fingertips down his arm before she continued walking along. “Have you ever been to the lake just at the edges of Hallund?” She questioned curiously then. “It’s quiet. There’s a nice little gazebo. The water looks absolutely stunning at this hour.”
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Post by Nyte on Jul 6, 2021 22:50:26 GMT -5
Willow was glad she and Armin saw eye-to-eye on the matter and nodded as she followed him into the house. When he stopped to listen she wasn't sure what he was listening for but as they arrived at the kitchen she understood immediately. "I think I made a couple extra bottles." Willow offered when Rose asked about the pain medications she had been making for the woman. "Though if you're still hurting that much I would rather try another healing spell." She stated and motioned for Rose to sit in a chair so she could work more easily and without worrying about Rose falling.
"If you're uncertain and know it's a poor match then why not try to convince Rhett otherwise? He's reasonable, and out of any of us he should listen to you." Willow offered as her eyes scanned over Rose for a moment before she placed her hands upon Rose's mid-section.
As the magic slowly seeped into Rose's body Willow immediately felt the draw on her strength like before. However it was more steady and not as quickly as it had been. So she was able to focus her efforts a bit better to repair the bruising and fractured ribs that still remained.
****
"He definitely wasn't happy, and told me to stay clear of you." Baron told Kai and glanced down with a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "However if you seek me out there's nothing much I can do now is there? Would be rude to refuse your company, and I wouldn't want to do that anyway." He told her.
"I can't say I have." He replied to her inquiry about the lake. "Sounds like a place where I might get in trouble again." He stopped and turned to face Kai, still holding his playful smirk on his expression. "You wouldn't be trying to get me in trouble with your brother now would you?" He asked.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 6, 2021 23:07:26 GMT -5
Rose took another sip of her wine. “I can’t say that I’ve ever had broken ribs.” She spoke and shook her head slightly. “Please.” She took a seat. “Thank you Willow.” She gave a gentle smile as she lifted her arms to allow the woman to work. “I told Rhett is wasn’t a good match. For some reason he doesn’t seem to care.” She drew in a quick breath as she felt the magic seep into her. She had been unconscious the first time. “Oh...” She breathed as she closed her eyes. She felt an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort, her pain seemed to completely melt away.
“Perhaps you weren’t forward enough when you confronted him?” Armin questioned. “I’ve never seen Rhett turn up his nose to something you suggest, Rose. That’s why you and I have butted heads so much. He was brainwashed by you for awhile.” He chuckled lightly. He looked to the wine bottle upon the counter and gave a soft smile. “You know Peter hurt her?” He asked his voice soft.
Rose stood as Willow finished. “What?” She questioned, her eyes melted to a golden color. “Absolutely not. I’m not going to allow Rhett to do this.” She growled, “She’s our family...we can’t sign her up for a brute to treat her like that. How bad is she hurt?” She spoke quickly.
“A few bruises. He had to have a hold of her pretty good.” Armin spoke, his eyes looked to Willow. He knew he was drawing upon Rose’s rage, but he wanted her mad. “He had her pushed up against a tree. Hell if we hadn’t walked up I’m not quite sure what would have happened.”
Rose set her wine glass down as she let out a long breath. “Willow, you’re against this too. Come on.” She spoke as she stepped from the room quickly. She led the two through the house and up the stairs, then down the hallway to Rhett’s office. She pushed open the door swiftly to find Rhett drinking a glass of bourbon as he stared at a piece of paper. “Rhett.” Rose spoke as she marched across the room to him. “Enough is enough.” She glanced back to the other two. “How are you planning on forcing Kai to marry a packmate that is going to injure her?” Her voice was angry, sharp. It sounded much like Rose sounded when Willow originally met her.
Rhett looked up to her, his brows furrowed. “Did Peter hurt her?” He questioned his eyes moved to Willow. He stood and set his glass down. “Did you see this happen Willow?” He questioned. Armin went to speak but he held his hand up. “Tell me what happened.”
**
Kai frowned and then rolled her eyes, “Oh my brother is no fun at all.” She laughed then. “Oh it would be incredibly rude if you refused my company. I might be hurt.” She pretended to be upset a moment before she giggled. Kai then looked to him with a playful gaze. “Me? Get you in trouble? Oh I would never dare.” She reached and took his hand. “Besides, I invited you. Didn’t I?” She pulled him off the main road onto a trail that led into the forests. It was a well traveled trail. “Besides no one is going to be at the lake anyway...and...” She glanced back to him. “I wasn’t done talking about history or whatever.” She giggled as she towed him along.
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Post by Nyte on Jul 6, 2021 23:26:05 GMT -5
Willow could feel Rose's pain melting away as she poured her spell into the woman's body. Once the pain was gone Willow pulled her hands away and took a deep, shaky breath as she suddenly felt like sleeping for a couple of days. Though as Armin spoke and told Rose what happened she could sense the anger rising within her. It wasn't a surprise that Rose would have such a reaction but she didn't figure Armin to be the type to manipulate Rose so easily, not that it was particularly hard on this subject. "I am very much against it." She confirmed and quickly followed after Rose and up to the study where Rhett had apparently retired for the evening.
As Rose started in with her sharp tone towards Rhett Willow was glad that the woman was on their side. There was something unsettling about the way she commanded the room when she was like that. "I did." She confirmed when Rhett turned his gaze towards her though she reflexively stepped back towards Armin as the alpha focused his attention on her. Though an idea suddenly came to her. "He had her pinned against the tree, threatened her and said you wouldn't be alpha and wouldn't be able to protect her. I know.. I know I'm not a wolf but a mate should protect their spouse not need protection from their spouse." She slid the part about Peter saying that Rhett wouldn't always be alpha in there to try and get him to see the threat not only to Kai but to the family and the rest of the pack.
****
Baron didn't fight against Kai as she grabbed his hand and pulled him of the road. "History... right." He agreed and grinned as he started to jog alongside Kai before leaping into the air and allowing the change to take hold of him. When his feet landed back on ground he was on all fours in the form of a large smokey-grey wolf with a black muzzle, a trait only Onyxmaw pack members held, and shook out his fur before beginning to run through the trees with ease.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 6, 2021 23:42:04 GMT -5
Rhett watched as Willow retreated to his gaze. His arms crossed over his chest as he almost glared to her, awaiting for her to speak. Though when she did his brows rose in surprise. “He said this?” His jaw tightened. His eyes shot to Armin whom nodded. “That rat.” He growled as he walked back to his desk. He shook his head. “He knew he could use his position to manipulate his way into gaining Kai’s hand.” He snapped.
Rose stepped forward. “You’re the Alpha, he can’t do anything without your say.” She spoke, his eyes locked on him. “Without our family’s say.” She glanced to Willow and nodded and then to Armin.
Rhett drew in a breath. “I’ve already signed the contract with his father. He made it nearly impossible to not sign. The entire council is behind it...” He paced slightly. “If I take back my word now, the council will turn on us. The pack could enter a civil war...which is exactly what Peter wants...” He slammed his fist down on the desk and snarled. “That bastard planned this all along.”
Rose stepped forward and placed her hand upon Rhett’s chest that heaved with anger, his eyes were golden. “We will fix this.” She spoke and gazed up into his eyes, her voice much softer now. “We won’t allow Kai to fall into that. Our pack will not fall apart. Not with you as Alpha.” She kissed his cheek. It was an incredible thing to watch how Rhett was soothed simply by her touch and her voice. She turned her eyes to Armin and Willow. “Thank you.” She spoke softly. “We will handle this.”
Armin watched for a moment before he ushered Willow from the room. “That...was quick thinking.” He spoke as he walked her down the hall. He walked into his room and sat on the edge of his bed. He lifted his eyes to her. “Rhett can’t deny it now. He’ll find a way.” He nodded and gave a smile. “Thank you for protecting Kai...that means a lot...” He then thought for a moment. “What...do you think of that wolf...the one she ran off with? I’m not so sure I trust him...to be honest...but then again I don’t trust many.” He chuckled lightly.
**
Kai grinned to him as a chuckle came over her lips. “There’s plenty to speak on.” She began jogging with him. When he leaped forward Kai’s eyes lit up with excitement. She loved to run free. She sprinted forward and leaped into the air as well. She spun in the air as the change came over her and she transformed into the gorgeous white wolf form. She landed and sprinted forward. There was a playful growl that came from Kai as she zipped into the trees. She zig and zagged along as they raced through the night with only the moonlight to guide their path. Eventually they came to the edge of the lake. Kai howled, her howl echoed across the still waters of the lake.
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Post by Nyte on Jul 6, 2021 23:58:46 GMT -5
When Willow first arrived it seemed like the pack was completely at peace and that there were no concerns within their ranks. The longer she stayed the more she saw that they were not without their own problems. It didn't change her opinion on things concerning the family but it did make her more warry of other wolves, even if they were part of Armin's pack. At least it seemed she was able to get through to Rhett. She had known that he would listen to them but it was still intimidating to have him staring her down as he asked for answers.
When Armin pulled her from the room and they headed back down to his own bedroom she breathed a sigh of relief. "Of course I'm going to do what I can to protect her. I owe her as much as I owe you." She told Armin and sat on the bed next to him as she ran her fingers through her long hair to push it out of her face. "Rhett's worried about a civil war within the pack.. but it sounds like one has already began and he just didn't realize it yet." She told Armin. "How underhanded of Peter and his father.."
She shook her head and sighed before reaching up and gently grasping Armin's arm. "It's late though.. we should get some sleep. Do.. do you want me to go back to the room across the hall?" She had slept with Armin the previous night but she wasn't sure if that was a permanent thing or just a temporary solution.
****
As they approached the lake and Kai gave a howl Baron's own voice joined hers. Their howls echoing across the water and through the surrounding trees, even disturbing a bunch of fowl that had taken up residence a short dance away and flew out over the water to get away from the predators.
Baron shook himself once more and glanced over to Kai and got an idea. His legs tensed and he suddenly launched himself into the water, sending up a good bit of water splashing up on Kai. Even more splashed on her as he shook his fur out afterwards.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 7, 2021 0:10:17 GMT -5
Armin gave a smile as he looked to her when she sat upon the bed next to him. “I think it has been a long time coming.” He spoke up and bit his lip slightly. “Rhett has done wonders for the pack. But much of the council only respect him because he took the Alpha position and because he would have been our rightful Alpha….but respect is such a loose term when it comes to those that are stuck in the past, hm?” He shook his head slightly.
When Willow grasped his arm he smiled to her and chuckled lightly. “No, no you’re not going to the other room.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “I can’t protect you if you’re across the hall. Besides that’s a guest room.” He smirked to her. “You may be more comfortable out of this though hm?” He motioned to her dress. “I’ll go get some pants and a shirt from Kai’s room.” He spoke as he stood and stepped from the room.
Armin returned a few minutes later with a pair of silky pajama pants and a nice top. “There you are.” He spoke as he yawned. He hadn’t realized just how exhausted he was. He slipped from his formal clothing and into a pair of pajama pants before he climbed into bed and lay his head back. “Tomorrow might be quite an interesting day...” He spoke as he gazed to Willow.
**
Kai turned her attention to Baron and tilted her head slightly. When he launched into the water she turned her head away as it splashed over her. She growled playfully and leaped in the air toward him. She pounced into the water next to him and then took off in another sprint toward a trail that would lead up the side of Wilder’s Peak, it held the most gorgeous view of the valley. Kai sprinted along at incredible speeds until she reached the top of the peak and she skidded to a stop. The lakes of the valley were visible below. The city was visible as well. Kai howled to the moon happily and her howl echoed across the valley.
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Post by Nyte on Jul 7, 2021 0:23:28 GMT -5
Willow was more than a little relieved with Armin stated that she would be staying with him. She didn't want to sleep across the hall but she wouldn't have put up a fight if that was what he had wanted. Although the whole thing was avoided and he was even kind enough to get her some more comfortable clothing from Kai's room. She really needed to get her own clothing but they hadn't had the time to do so just yet. Perhaps after the hunt they would be able to go the town and get her some of her own items.
"Thank you." She told Armin and stepped behind a screen he had to change into the sleep attire. "You are going to participate in the hunt, right?" She asked Armin as she walked out from behind the screen and draped the dress over the back of the chair at Armin's desk. She would have to clean it and return it to Kai as soon as possible. "I will be alright for a few hours by myself. Go through the journal some more and see if I can learn anything new.." she offered. "We also have to talk to the fae again tomorrow.. which with the hunt is not ideal timing."
As she spoke she walked to the opposite side of the bed from Armin and climbed up onto the mattress while sliding her legs under the blankets. "Everything is happening all at once and it's a lot to process..."
****
Baron made a rumbling sound which was laughter and chased after Kai as she ran up along the ridge to the look out point over the valley. As they stood on the cliff and the cool night breeze surrounded them he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The air was sweet on his senses and for a moment, if he pretended, he didn't have to worry about alphas or packs and their rules. He simply enjoyed existing in the moment.
After a minute or so though he opened his eyes and shifted back to the form of a man. "I'm not sure that if my own pack had such beautiful territory that they would fight more or less over petty things." He stated and gave a chuckle before sitting upon the cliff's edge with his legs dangling over.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 7, 2021 10:57:31 GMT -5
“No. I don’t normally partake in the hunt. I believe it is a tradition that should have died centuries ago. To hunt humans for sport…” He shook his head. “Now Rhett has made it a bit better by gathering those that would otherwise end up executed in town…but…it’s still a life and I am not a god.” He watched as she hung her dress over the screen and a gentle smile curved up his lips. “I may go this time though, to protect Kai…but…I also would hate to leave you alone.” He shook his head. “Too many women in my life hm?”
He turned upon his side and gazed to her, “I will speak with Rhett in the morning. I’m certain he will want to meet them well before the hunt. We have an entire day. Speaking with the Fae is quite important…” He reached forward and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “It is a load of information. Much more excitement than we’ve seen in years in this pack and of course it all has to happen at once.” A chuckle came over his lips. He reached to her and smiled as he slipped an arm around her and pulled her to lay upon his chest. He traced his fingertips along her back as he seemed to think deeply. “After all this is done we should have another few centuries of peace, hm?” A chuckle reverberated through his chest before he let out a long sigh. “Either way, I’ll keep you safe, Willow. We will go to see your mother. You deserve that…and I won’t let them make you do anything that you are not willing to do…I promise…”
**
Kai finished her howl and she looked to Baron with her golden hues and tilted her head as he transformed back into his human form. She let out what sounded like a chuckle before her own form transitioned back. “This peak was fought over for years.” She spoke as she came to sit at his side. She kicked her feet playfully and grinned as she leaned back on her hands to gaze up to the moon. “Our pack fought for it for centuries before it finally fell into our hands and we’ve become strong enough in recent years that most packs wouldn’t dare try to attack us.” She smirked slightly. “Most that is.” She shifted slightly and then lay completely back, her knees bent to allow her legs to dangle. She giggled slightly, “Oh my brother would have your head for being her with me.” She smirked to him. “Fun history fact for you Baron.” She laced her fingertips over her stomach. “This is the spot that most packmates accept a mate. It is tradition to carry out the ceremony here. So. It’s a sacred place, hm?” She chuckled slightly. “Depending on who you speak to anyway.” She rolled her eyes and laughed. “I’m not much for tradition. Even the hunt as exhilarating as it is. It is staged. We hand pick those that we are to hunt. What is the fun in that hm? There is no true sport in it.”
Kai shrugged slightly from where she lay. “Traditions are a thing that come and go like the ebb and flow of life. Over centuries it will morph into something that one will not even recognize anymore. Even the hunt is completely different from when I was a child. I remember the old ways when my mother and father were still alive. It was a gruesome hunt…they would choose humans that were weak for the young in the pack to hunt and they would choose more formidable humans for the Alpha and his mate as well as his hunting party. That night was full of terror for the humans.” She paused a long moment as she thought back to it. “But we aren’t truly here to talk about history are we?” She smirked to him playfully. “Also, don’t worry about Rhett’s threats.” She gazed to him from where she lay, “He wouldn’t touch you because I showed interest in you. This arranged marriage may be one of the worst ideas that he has ever had, but…I’m certain he will come around. Rhett is a good Alpha.” She spoke as she rubbed her deeply bruised wrists. “Peter will die tomorrow.” She spoke and then she flashed a playful smile to Baron.
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