run with wolves | open post.

[thelittleone]

Characters

Asil, The Moor
A very, very old wolf and a member of the Marrok's pack.

Jang Eun
Previously of Carmel Valley, sent to Aspen Creek by her former Alpha.

Jesse Hauptman
Daughter of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin Pack

Joshua Brennan
Burden-bound. A Sin-Eater paired with the ghost of a long-dead soldier.

PREMISE

All the stories are true. Years ago, the Fae came out because technology was making it harder and harder for them to hide, and it's been a couple of years since the werewolves did the same. The world is changing day by day. Humans and the paranormal live side by side, but it's not easy nor is it simple. While the Marrok has taken great lengths and care to preserve the werewolves' PR front, everyone - wolf, fae, vampire and other - know that it's only a matter of time before the humans start thinking that perhaps the other stories meant to warn of the dark are true.

This is an open post set in the universe of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series. The books are amazing and you should definitely check them out. More information via this Wiki link. The rules are simple: Drop a prompt, leave a tag, and let's play!

THREAD TRACKING

© tessisamess

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[nosco]

Presenting oneself as the superior choice, querida, requires no pronouncement.

[ His stomach tightens at her touch, molten desire settling at his core. ]

You declared your preference in front of the pack for me tonight. [ Barring Bran's distractions, he did not preen in front of the pups because it was unbecoming. ] When I countered your offer to visit your cabin for breakfast with here and now as an alternative, you accepted.

[ He lets one hand massage the tender spot at her nape, enjoying the sound of the purr in her throat. ]

[lastcall]

[She might have closed her eyes and gone quiet with the way that he massages the back of her neck because it feels incredible. Her desire to melt into putty under his hands is very high.

Except for the way that he describes how everything happened between them.

Eun lifts an eyebrow.]

If we're limiting this to moments in which we've been in public together, maybe, but that is far from the whole truth, Asil. Can you honestly tell me that when you first kissed me, you were not already presenting yourself as the superior choice?

[She reaches up then, using her fingertip to tease the short hair behind his ear into a circle. If it was longer she would twirl it around the tip.]

Or are we going to argue about semantics when you know what it is I'm trying to learn from you?

[nosco]

[ He laughs. It is a low and rumbling sound deep in his chest as he both leans in and draws her in for a long and languid kiss. He needs to steel himself. Her question is something that has been persistently on his mind, which has prompted him to attempt not to dwell too long on the details.

He is wary to disclose and confess, if only because tonight has had several dips and curves by way of emotion. But she asks.

And so: ] Before I answer your question, Eun. Are you asking me as a man, or does this question include the wolf?

[lastcall]

[Eun takes his laughter as agreement, as understanding that she may have caught him in something and she and her wolf are well pleased by one-upping him in something good. Asil has a tendency to put off her questions when they are sensitive or delicate in some way, but as he's answered them all eventually she doesn't mind that he answers her with a kiss first, rather than words.

Eun returns it unstintingly, making no effort to rush it to the end until he is ready.]

I hadn't thought of the wolf, honestly, so while I'm curious now, you could just answer for yourself if that's easier.

[She can be fair, putting him on the spot as she is.]

[nosco]

[ She seems to do that a fair amount: put him on the spot. With anyone else, he and his other half might take offense. But Eun is precious to them. So precious and pride and his usual self-preservation tactics give way. ]

Your angry muffins.

[ He's never told her - is otherwise embarrassed to recall how he'd stretched that plate out to enjoy her little gift. He had admitted in his letter to her that his control had been bad that week. It had been bad because happiness for the sake of simply being pleased or happy is not something he has been comfortable with for a long time.

The muffins had told him and his wolf two things: first, she was not one to shy from her anger. And two, she could deliver care even when annoyed, frustrated, or hurt. ]

[lastcall]

[It's not an answer that Eun expects, and for a moment she is perplexed by it. Brows drawn together, she looks at him incredulously.]

My angry... [She pauses another beat.] The muffins I left you on your doorstep the first time? That is how I won you over?

[Who would have thought that her temper, the one thing that had put off so many others, would apparently be key to winning over very, very old werewolf?]

Why are you calling the muffins angry and not the note? [The one that had merely said "Thank you," and been signed with her first initial.]

[nosco]

[ The note had been angry too. But it was the muffins that stuck to him. ]

Have you ever read Like Water for Chocolate? It reminded me a little of that.

[ He catches her hands and then brings them up to his lips to kiss, lingering a little because he would like to reassure her. ] I had already been thinking about you. More than I cared to admit to myself at the time.

The idea that you were upset at me - I could not bear it. And that is why I was early at the Marrok's home.

[lastcall]

[In this, Eun does not require reassurance, but she welcomes his kisses always. Each of them is precious to her, no matter where they land, and they do not lose value for their frequency.

His explanation does please her, however, even if it also makes her feel ever so slightly sheepish.]

I picked a paper plate because I didn't want to give you something you'd have to return, and practically threw the muffins onto them. [She pauses a beat. She almost adds that in her pettiness she hadn't baked them for him, but for herself earlier that morning.] I read that book in high school so I know exactly what you mean. I hadn't thought...

[A smile tugs at her lips again.]

I think this is the first time my anger has won someone over rather than driven them away.

[It seems another sign among many that they are well-matched.]

[nosco]

[ Asil huffs a small sound of amusement. ]

It may be my lot in life to find myaelf attracted to women capable of holding their ground in spite of my personal challenges.

[ He leans back against the pillows and holds one of her hands over his heart. ] While I hesitate to deliberately try it, I suspect that you could challenge me and while my temper might rise and not fear my wolf.

But please, let us not tempt fate.

[lastcall]

[That he has a type intrigues her, and were it not their first night together she might have asked him about his last loves and flings. After all, the man did have a son. But Eun doesn't want the memories of ghosts of loves lost in their bedroom tonight. She settles against him, leaving her hands over his heart.]

I'm pretty sure I need more time to wrap you and your wolf around my little finger before I go and challenge you, mi amor. [Her tone is quiet, but still light as she sighs dramatically.] So much work ahead of me.

[She leans forward then, letting her forehead rest against his.]

I understand your warning, and I think I'm clever enough to hold my ground when necessary without aggravating your wolf.

[nosco]

Thank you. [ He shuts his eyes momentarily. ]

Bran is convinced that I can recover from my... malais.

[lastcall]

[He does not respond to her joke, or the lighthearted tone. So Eun stays where she is, drawing her hands back up to cup his face so close to hers.]

And you are equally convinced that you cannot?

[nosco]

[ He can scent her attention, and he sighs - a contented sound - as he turns his head to brush lips to palm. ]

And deny you the opportunity to wrap us around your finger?

[ Opening his eyes now, the warmth in them directed at Eun. ] There are peaks and valleys, mi amor. But for the last month, more the former than the latter.

[lastcall]

[Eun's thumb traces over his cheekbone lightly after he kisses her palm. She's glad that his answer hadn't been a straight forward "yes" and that there have been more highs than lows for him since her arrival, but it is not a comfortable feeling to start a relationship knowing that it may very well have an expiration date on it.

All the warmth in his eyes, welcome as it is, is not enough to stem the swell of emotion she feels. In this moment, intimate enough that she has forgotten the world around them, she is reminded of the depth and strength of her feelings for him. The possessive and protective streak she had as a human is only amplified by her wolf, especially now. She cannot, will not tell him that he should fight for her sake, because right now she may as well be a blip on his timeline currently. However for her relatively short lifespan thus far, he has already become a life-changing part of it.]

I have just found you, and I will not give you up without a fight, Asil. [She swallows, attempting to push down more upsetting reactions.] And that is not a challenge it is...[What? What is it?] Forewarning.

[nosco]

[ It is the scent of her distress that catches him first, drawing him out of his reverie. This is not what he expected for their first night together. There is an almost fatalistic quality in his acceptance towards the end. And there was very little in the world to disabuse him of the notion that his long, long life was coming to an end.

And yet. He remembers how she had thanked Bran. How the subsequent allusion to a betting pool he did not resent at the slightest had made her smile amongst pack. ]

Eun, [ Asil lifts his own hand to catch her chin; to draw her gaze up to his.

No. No challenge, though he and his beast would welcome it as they would the song of the hunt and of the peace that has crept into the door of his heart. ]

Come here. [ He slides his hand to her nape, to draw her to him so he might hold her. ] I am not going anywhere yet.

It has been more than fifteen years. And in the last two I have realized that Allah has use for me still.

[lastcall]

[Eun meets his gaze because he invites it, and as she has felt no fear before, neither does she now. Her eyes are not steady, however, with half of her focus on attempting to stay calm. She absolutely refuses to tear up again in this bed on their first night together.

Being drawn into his embrace challenges her ability to maintain that control, but she is grateful to be held and lays against him with another swallow. Her hands hold, rather than caress.

Unbidden, his talk of years prompts a small voice inside of her. That she wants a hundred years with him. Two-hundred. Three.]

Allah can have use for you, but if I have any say about it, one day you'll find want and use for your life for yourself again as well.

[nosco]

[ He embraces her. He does not think beyond more immediate concerns. If anything, his time in Aspen Creek has taught him to slow down in ways he could not as a powerful Alpha in Spain. ]

A day at a time, my love.

[ And because perhaps, she needs to hear it, as well as provide a way for them to move on to less depressing topics.

Tipping her chin up gently now: ] If it helps. I want to draw us back to a more comfortable conversation. I do not wish to leave you with the impression that our first night together - something I have been dreaming of - should be marred by heavy topics.

[ His voice dips, in a bid to be soft and reassuring. ]

You are not the only one who has offered up interesting and welcome experiences to "spice up" my life.

[ There's a wry and amused look that crosses his features at that. ]

Though frankly, among all these, meeting you has proven less volatile if not altogether more enjoyable.

[lastcall]

[Eun takes a long, slow breath, not just to settle herself, but to stall herself from saying anything. One day at a time is likely how he's done things here in Aspen Creek, and Eun knows that something like this would not be accomplished quickly or easily. But she will never be able to shake her uneasiness about the situation until Asil somehow shows her there is nothing to worry about any longer.

The pause allows Asil to continue, and she allows him to tip her face up to meet his. He's done that more than once tonight. Eun never had issues maintaining eye contact when she was human, but it is an uncertain thing for her as a werewolf, and furthermore a more difficult thing during times of unfamiliar emotions. Like now. She meets his eyes, letting his words wash over her, grateful that on this point they are on the same page.

His switch in topic as her lifting an eyebrow, however. As she's only ever heard the phrase "spice up" used in context to the bedroom, his mention rubs her the wrong way. Even if he is clearly remembering something that amuses him. She tries not to jump to conclusions, but both she and the wolf are very sensitive and protective of this new, precious person in their lives. And territorial.]

It won't stay less volatile if someone else offers or tries to "spice up" your life.

[The words dart out in the quiet before she can hold them in, and Eun closes her eyes and huffs out a breath. She doesn't offer an apology but it's clear from her body language, the slight shake of her head, that she spoke before thinking.]

[nosco]

[ His wolf does not have any issues with meeting gazes. Especially not when it is to reassure, offer protection - or, in this case, show his feisty and fearless Eun that they are indeed on the same page. ]

Before you scold me, mi amor, I will have you know that I do not take just anyone to my bed. [ He croons the words, making it clear that he is not patronizing her nor trivializing her sudden need to assert territory.

He skims his fingers over her shoulder, finding himself once again playing with the tips of her hair. ]

A little while ago, members of the pack-- [ Bran, really, regardless of whoever else was involved ] --set me up on a series of dates.

The first was a mishap because instead of a woman, I met up with a young man named Kelly. You may ask Tag about him, if you wish. One of Tag's great-grand nieces is the boy's friend - and I believe the pack has now taken to referring to him as my [ he grimaces dramatically, if half-heartedly ] human surrogate son.

The second date involved a site whose requirement was "must love cats". But that is a story for another time perhaps, since I am unsure if you will find it amusing or unnerving.

And then there was an incident that ties to a discussion on witches. But perhaps that, we can tackle tomorrow, since I did promise to apprise you of things.

[lastcall]

[There is truth in his words, and for that reason Eun eases up once more, temporarily mollified. Her words had not felt like enough to her or her wolf, but she continues to control her breathing, to tell herself that there will be other times tonight to make it clear to Asil that she considers him to belong to her now. She allows herself to enjoy the way he plays with her hair.

His words give her the space to appreciate his story when he offers it, and it helps her more to know that those who wanted to spice up his life were well-meaning, interfering friends. Not female pack members making passes at him, who may yet add complications if they are still with Bran and his wolves.

So she settles in to listen to him, about Kelly who was a young man, not a young woman, who Asil has apparently taken under his protection. She does not manage to keep her expression neutral at his mention of the date from a "must love cats" site, especially as the look in her eyes conveys complete understanding of what he may have potentially encountered. As for the witches...Eun knows a little about witches. Enough that she does not press for more. They are veering away from too-heavy topics, and witches do not make comfortable bed mates.

Carefully, she lifts her hands to begin stroking over him again. An act she had stopped when she had just needed comfort from him. Expression thoughtful, but lips quirked up ever so slightly, she meets his gaze once more.]

Tomorrow is soon enough, when the sun is shining on us. [Her fingertips trail lightly over his shoulder, and down his chest as they are wont to do. They trace a wide circle over one pectoral muscle.] I would like to meet Kelly sometime, if the opportunity comes up, since I don't think people would call him your human surrogate son if you did not become friends of a sort.

[Her smile grows more certain, but the look in her eyes is almost self-deprecating as she adds:] You told me over wine, I think, that you did not want to become prematurely territorial. At the time I didn't realize how easily those sorts of feelings could be provoked.

[nosco]

They can. Often surprising the best of us, Eun. [ One day, he will need to let her know how easily she can distract him with her hands. He should be too old for dealing with hormones. But the look on her face and the quirk of her lips and the way she is stroking his skin--

--he clears his throat. ]

I can introduce you to him via video call. We do routine catch-ups, though I do not understand why he comes to me for fashion advice. [ A thought occurs to him at that. ] Kelly is pursuing his graduate studies in Berkeley, actually. Toxicology.

[ He cannot help the note of pride in his voice - an indicator of his regard for Kelly. Yes, Bran had encouraged him to cultivate a friendship with the young boy because his knowledge might benefit the wolves greatly. But Asil did it for other reasons as well. During their extended interaction, the boy had taught him that there were opportunities for new experiences even under unexpected circumstances.

When he speaks again, there is a small note of embarrassment. ] He is not frail or helpless, by human standards. But while America is progressive and California, I am to understand, is diverse and inclusive, I do... worry about him.

[lastcall]

[He simply accepts it. Eun keeps wondering if her temper will bother him, and every chance he proves that he accepts it, and perhaps even enjoys a little of it, she finds herself off-kilter again. But strangely, cautiously optimistic.

Kelly of course intrigues Eun, and while the mention of fashion advise earns a raised eyebrow--a topic they'll have to revisit--the fact that Kelly is in her old stomping grounds perks her up immediately.

And no, she does not miss that note of pride, but Eun does not bother to point out everything she notices as Asil talks about his young friend.]

That part of California is diverse and largely inclusive, if nothing else than by the standards of many other cities, but it is also close to two big cities that are not without their share of dangers. Still, having been in his shoes in this particular era, I would say that as long as he's the sort to be cautious in a common sense sort of way, the biggest threats he faces are the stumbling blocks and embarrassments that come from growing into himself, away from the place where he grew up.

[nosco]

[ He does not miss that raised eyebrow. So he will provide a little more context. ]

He is occasionally awkward and yes, learning to be comfortable in his own skin. My worry is largely-- [ his voice drops, sheepishness creeping in. He had not expected to discuss his human friends so soon with Eun, but he finds that it matters to him that she knows. ] Kelly has very limited dating experiences, the least of which was our evening of mismatched expectations due to the meddling of a shithead.

[ See, Kara? He is picking up modern lingo. ]

He asks me for advice on what to wear for dates. I tell him style does not needlessly sacrifice comfort.

[ A soft and low grumble now. ]

It makes no sense to dress to fit the expectations of the other party. They are not on a date with themselves but with you. If they cannot appreciate what you bring to the table, any chance for romance is doomed.

[lastcall]

[Oh, now this is a side of him that Eun did not expect to see, and the more that Asil tries to explain, ever so faintly coming off as defensive, the more he seems to double down on showing just how much he cares about Kelly. Eun's small smile widens, and widens as he continues, and she cannot help but be struck with the sensible approach he's imparted to Kelly.

Eun's mouth seeks his for a kiss, full of warmth and a little mirth at Asil's explanations. Acceptance for it.]

So does that mean if I were to pull out my wardrobe from when I was working as a bartender, which runs to risque and eye-catching and not at all elegant, you would appreciate my short shorts and spiked bustier, mi amor?

[nosco]

[ And here is another thing he will tell her one day.

Her kisses are distracting. And he leans into it with interest and not a little heat because her mouth is like heaven. ]

Excuse me? Did I hear you say bustier?