loccent | run with wolves

Entry tags:

verse: run with wolves

run with wolves | open post.

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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.

[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.

Thank you. [ He shuts his eyes momentarily. ]

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

[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?

[ 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.

[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.

[ 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.

Edited 2020-04-29 17:50 (UTC)

[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.

Edited 2020-04-29 18:07 (UTC)

[ 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.

Edited 2020-04-30 05:02 (UTC)

[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.]

[ 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.

[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.

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.

[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.

[ 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.

[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?

[ 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?

Edited 2020-04-30 07:11 (UTC)

[Her laugh is low and throaty, and Eun wishes she had her phone with her to show him pictures.]

We did not have uniforms, and I did not wear them every day, but I have several modern bustiers that were meant to be clothing that is seen rather than lingerie beneath other clothes. I wore them at least a couple nights a week. Some of them are a little punk rock, and others a bit simpler...

[She regards him from beneath her lashes as her fingertips begin traveling again, down the center of his chest until her hand can flatting and spread over his side. It's tempting to say more, but she wants to see how he responds first to the bait she's laid.]

[ He breathes, caught up in a new chase - and much curiosity. ]

And would you wear them for me? [ He croons. It is ultimately up to her if she wishes to bring clothing unsuitable for Montana weather out for play. But he can think of many ways that they could put her wardrobe to good use. ]

[Eun likes that he asks. If any of her old dates had asked her to dress up for them, she would have given them a flat stare that spoke volumes for her. But she had brought up the bustiers, and invited him in flirtation to ask if he wanted.

She's already pleased to have this new information, that he wants to see her in a bustier, but the way he croons to her sends a shiver up her spine and has her hand drawing lower to his hip.]

If you promise not to ruin them, I'll even let you pick which one you'd like to see me in first. [Which would mean showing him everything.] I suppose this means if you like bustiers, you'd go wild for a corset?

[ Her words are conjuring such lovely images for his mind to linger on. He smiles at the invitation, at the request that brings to mind how their move to his bedroom began. ]

I would not ruin any clothes you did not explicitly advise me to ruin, mi amor.

[ He lets his hands follow the shape of her again, voice dipping low as he continues: ]

It would please me to see you in these outfits, Eun. Especially if it meant I could unwrap you slowly while making love to you again.

[His words give her other ideas, and Eun settles against him with a gleam in her eyes, and a smile that deepens with his words.]

Put it like that and I think I ought to wrap myself like a present sometime.

[She leans in close once more, as if she might steal another kiss, but instead her words are spoken in sultry tones just shy of his lips.]

I'll have to look through my closet, because while I'd enjoy you making another attempt to take things slowly with us, there is likely one or two I'd sacrifice for the pleasure of having my clothes ripped off of me another time.

[ It is not that he can't help himself - and more that he doesn't want to. Eun is so close, her breath warm against his lips, that it is easier to give into kissing her again. The fingers of one hand fold over her elbow, a small invitation to press against him again. ]

We do not have to go slow again tonight.

[Eun returns his kisses gladly, and at his touch shifts as he invites. Her body turns until she lays atop him once more, legs carefully spreading to rest on either side of him. This time, she does not make an effort to tease him by not touching, but allows the full of her body to press to his.]

I think I'd find it easier to go slower once I've enjoyed being with you more than the one time.

I suspect that I may need more than once.

[ The words leave him in a sigh. His eyes flutter a little at the sensation of her weight settling back over him, desire once more pooling low in his body.

Asil smiles right as he catches her lower lip between his teeth, hands moving over and up spine. ]

I have yet to have my fill of you.

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run with wolves | open post.

Characters

PREMISE

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