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

[Eun glances over at the shirt and merely nods. It's an acceptable replacement, and while not her favorite she's not about to say anything otherwise when he is apparently worrying about meeting her parents. She opens her mouth to point out her favorite of his black jeans, and a silk shirt that would please her immensely to see him in, until he adds that they may not have time enough to iron clothes while there.

While it warms her to already refer to the pack as her former pack, her brows knit together with some confusion.]

Asil, exactly how short a visit do you expect this to be?

[ He blinks. ] I was under the impression that the timeline is loose.

Which is frankly why Bran surprised me by agreeing with my recommendation that I come along.

[ Turning to her again, he asks: ] Why do you ask?

[She returns his look with one of her own, eyebrow lifted.]

I ask because your last statement made it seem like we would be so pressed for time that you cannot take the time to iron your slacks.

[Her arms squeeze him gently as she rests her chin against his shoulder.]

That simply isn't the case, because I refuse to let it be the case. I haven't seen my parents in over a year. I am picking up my entire life and moving it to another state. No one is allowed to rush me in this, which means there will be time if you even want to take your slacks to a dry cleaners to have them pressed there.

One pair. I do not enjoy ironing. And my experience of dry cleaners has been that I normally have to drive to Missoula.

[ He leans lightly against her, content in the comfort that the press of their bodies brings him. ] Also, beyond making myself presentable for your parents and our obligatory meeting with Hao and his companion, I see no reason to pack my entire closet.

[ He presses a kiss to her temple at that. ]

You definitely shouldn't bring your entire closet, and you don't have to bring any slacks at all. Personally, I'm a big fan of what how fantastic your ass looks in a good pair of jeans. The only thing I object to is any implication that we will be rushing through this visit.

[She breathes in deeply, and exhales with a sigh.]

Because, for instance, it was my thought that we'd enjoy a few dates in the city before we leave it. And I have friends I haven't seen in months, just like my parents, that I'd like to visit again. Plus the city itself...I want to enjoy it again before I say good bye to it.

[ It is difficult not to preen at her appreciation of hi derriere - so he doesn't bother resisting. ]

[ Turning fully towards her, he allows his arms to encircle her waist so that they stand hip-to-hip in his bedroom. ] And if I propose that you choose which pants you'd like me to bring? And your favorites among my clothes?

I would not object to you turning me into your personal arm candy.

[ The prospect of meeting more of her people intrigues him. As does the idea that they will have time to idle about on dates. ]

[Eun shifts her arms as he turns into them, letting her hands rest flat upon his back. They fit together well even like this, and with her family and friends in mind, she wonders how they will react to see her like this with him. With anyone, really.]

If I didn't know any better I could accuse you of trying to foist the decision-making for your packing to me since you were struggling with it. [There's a little gleam in her eye as she responds, some of the seriousness of her tone and body language bleeding away once more.] But I am definitely not going to say no if you're really offering.

[The opportunity to pick his outfits at her whims and dress him in the ways she likes best means a related opportunity to undress him later.]

In return I'll add a few special things to my suitcase to surprise you with. Which, on second thought, could be an argument against staying any nights at my parents' home...

[How in the hell would they manage sex under her parents' roof?]

[ Mm. He leans in and presses his lips to hers. ] What if we spend a night or two to allow you the opportunity to catch up with them, while keeping the hotel an option for afterwards?

With your permission, of course.

[ Family is important. And he wants nothing more than the opportunity for her to move at her own pace given such a permanent relocation to Montana.

With a bit of drama he adds: ] But yes, you are more than welcome to choose for me. I have packed my essentials. The rest are to ensure that I present myself well on your behalf.

[It tickles her a little that he clarifies his suggestion that they could do that with her permission. She did say that no one was going to rush her visit, and he's letting her pick things from his wardrobe, but for some reason a third concession on top of all of that makes her happy as well.

It reminds her, also, of the time he mentioned that she should tell him if he's acting like an overbearing alpha. The context was different, but she can't help but think that he is behaving the exact opposite in the moment. In this particular moment, it soothes some of the nerves she has about this trip, and the opportunity to bring order and have a hand in controlling how things go helps also.

Asil helps a great deal, simply by being there.]

I'll pick from what you've narrowed things down to and then we can have the rest of the night to ourselves.

[She kisses him this time, affectionate, and for the sense of calm she gets with it.]

I like your idea about the hotel room, though. I think the time with my family is going to be necessary for all three of us, and if you stay as well, it would give them a chance to get to know you better a little bit at a time along the way.

[Which that alone would make it worth the sacrifice of the quality physical time they might otherwise enjoy. Eun reminds herself that there's no reason they can't sneak away to the hotel in the middle of the day if they happen to be out.]

I'm glad you're coming with us, and that Bran was okay with it. I was going to miss you otherwise, and I admit there is a very large, very petty part of me that is going to enjoy bringing you with me to my old pack for the ritual.

[It seems only fair to tell him that in advance, though he may have already suspected it.]

I have promised Bran to behave as not to cause offense to Mason. [ Thumbing her cheek at that. ]

Anna and Charles will already be present, which is sufficient representation for the Marrok's pack. I am coming along because I feel protective. And while I have no doubt that they will behave - my wolf and I are happy to provide some additional incentive just in case it is necessary.

[The fact that Asil has promised to behave almost makes Eun wonder if he is suggesting she ought to try to do the same. And perhaps she should. Perhaps the better way to go into this is to be the bigger person and behave herself, and not rub it in their noses that she found happiness elsewhere.]

Let's talk hypotheticals. And your wolf. Mason will likely step in if there is any grumbling, and if he doesn't then you know I will. If they prove to be especially persistent I assume you might step in at that point? Or would that be Charles' responsibility?

[She would not be displeased if Asil did, as long as she had an opportunity to try and deal with them on her own first. Reaching up, she strokes her hands over his face, fingertips trailing down the length of his neck.]

Do you and your wolf tend to lean into your reputation among others? I don't think I've actually seen you throwing your weight or power around before...

[She does not want to be thrown off-balance in front of the pack. Knowing what to expect will be good for them both, in her opinion.]

Edited 2020-05-20 16:58 (UTC)

In the most ideal situation, there will be zero objections. Mason sent you to us and the Marrok offered you his protection.

You are well within rights to accept an arrangement where you can transfer packs.

[ But yes, hypotheticals. ]

Ana will likely do most of the talking - outside of yourself. Charles is there to show that he will enforce the rule of law. And most pf the wolves in North America are scared spitless of him, with good reason.

In all respects, the only reason I might end up stepping in is if there is someone in your pack who bypasses Mason and the two buffers - Ana, Charles - already present.

[ He turns his gaze to her then. ] We consider you ours, mi amor. Any disrespect directed at you is something we will take personally.

[ Better that she knows now. Rather than later. ]

[Asil has yet to meet the members of Mason's pack who continually pursued her despite her polite, terse, and then outright aggressive rejections of them. Considering they drove her across state lines with their persistence...she thinks it's unlikely they'll all be able to hold their tongues the entire time. Perhaps he is right, none will object so obviously in front of Anna who will help lead things with Mason, or Charles whose reputation precedes him. But there will be some socializing before and after, and Eun has no doubt that at least one of them won't be able to keep their mouth shut.

Eun meets his gaze as he speaks, and finds herself thinking that yes, being a werewolf suits her quite well. His claim on her does not come with smothering or control, and the offer of a threat to those who would disrespect her is not one she shies away from. In its own way, in a nuance that Eun understands perfectly, it's downright romantic, speaking of support and defense of someone who is valued and treasured.]

We are yours, just as you and your wolf are ours.

[She leans up once more to kiss him, and with it there is somehow affection and fierce acceptance of his words.]

But I still want to know how you carry yourself and how you behave among those who are not your pack, especially those who may show me disrespect. If you will be in any way sharper among his pack, more aggressive or...more something that I have not seen of you here, I want to know now. The last thing I want to have happen is be blindsided and visibly surprised in front of everyone.

[She'll be damned if she gives anyone reason to comment that Eun rejected all of the wolves of her own pack and got tangled up with the Moor not knowing what he was like, and then call it karma. Her goal is to get severed from Mason's pack, and show a united front with Asil, who makes her happy. A repeat of what happened in the woods during the full moon is exactly what she wants to avoid.]

Do you understand what I mean? And why I'm asking?

Yes, I do. [ He lifts a hand, tucks her hair behind her ear in a gesture that is more affection than for any actual need for it. ] They will likely sense what you did when we first met: age comes with it's own kind of power and presence.

If that does not deter the pups, and if they do not know who I am, the older ones in your pack will have likely stirred up talk before our arrival.

I expect that they will be curious. And anticipate that the stupid ones will try to forward challenge, but their wolves will instinctively sense what the human half of the brain might need some prodding on.

[ He pauses a beat, then: ] If their hackles rise, Mason will need to intervene lest he risk offending Bran. If they press the issue, I will be within my rights to have them kneel and acknowledge my dominance.

Make no, mistake, Eun. If I need to hold them down by the neck because they do not know how to respect their elders, I will. But I can promise there will be no bloodshed.

[ He calls the wolf up into his eyes, coaxing a brief glimpse of power tempered by the tenderness of his hand on her cheek. This is a peek at what he is like, of the violence he is capable of, but he shows it so that she can scent his intent to protect her from anyone who dares cross her. ]

Edited 2020-05-21 04:06 (UTC)

[This is what she wanted to know. His explanation is clear, accounting for possible situations with Mason's pack, and his response. And why, hopefully, nothing will happen at all.

Asil's control of his wolf is good, for all that he has been through. More than that, he knows very well how these meetings go. The stages at which point hopefully they or their wolf will sense why it would not be in their best interests to cross him. Or Eun. She's glad to hear that he would not be so quick to push back and put them in their place, but also that he would not hesitate if necessary.

But what is most helpful is the rise of his wolf and his power. It washes over her, and draws an instinctive shiver up her spine. But Asil is still kind to her, still touches her sweetly, making it clear that this power is used to keep her safe, not to frighten her. Eun shows her understanding by rising up onto her toes, lifting her arms to wind behind his neck as her cheek rubs against his.]

Thank you, I think I understand well enough.

[There will be no posturing, no wielding his reputation like a finely honed blade. He does not need to do any of that because he has the power and experience to not need to flaunt it. It settles over his shoulders like a cloak and a warning to those around him. To act in any other way would be to lessen himself, and show mental weakness.]

So I guess this means I should hold back and let Mason and the rest of you deal with the others first rather than step up to the line myself, hm? [It's in her nature to protect, not be protected, especially when violence is not on the table so much as snarky, shitty comments from butt-hurt werewolves, but she's also not as well versed in pack politics as Asil and the others.]

[ He leans into her embrace and allows his power to subside. There is no need for it here. There is just the two of them in the safety of his own sanctum.

He returns her embrace. And holds her gently, still. ]

You do not need to hold your tongue if there is no need for it. The decision to leave is ultimately yours. Mason's claim is premised on the fact that his pack found you and dealt with the rogue that turned you against your will.

But you have been a wolf a full year. You have excellent control. And therefore, you are allowed to petition a change in pack to somewhere that suits you better.

[ He breathes. ] There must be respect within a pack. Mason's is one of the good ones. He takes care of his own as best as he can. But just because they are good, does not mean they suit your temperament.

Besides. As I told you before: their loss is our gain.

[His power should scare her. It should have her wolf cowering and lowering in acknowledgment of his dominance. It should send her running far from Aspen Creek, not moving there. But it is how he wields that power, how he does not let it wield him, that makes all of the difference. His power does not seem a threat that hangs over her head with a sense of one day, but something encompassing. A shield of protection. A tool to keep those he cares about safe. He is not an alpha any longer, but as a dominant wolf he protects.

He will never be the Moor to her, he will always be Asil.]

I am definitely not holding my tongue if I have to. Leaving the pack doesn't mean I will not verbally stomp on them up and down the coast if I have to.

[She presses her lips to his ear in another kiss. She's kissed him more in the last several weeks than she has every man she's ever been with, and does not see any reason to stop.]

But yes, I remember. Their loss, our gain. Yours, mine, and Aspen Creek's. [Eun falls silent a moment, thinking back to something that Asil just said. Her expression grows thoughtful.] You said that the pack will already know that you're coming. That there would have been talk...do you think they know that we're seeing each other?

[Having not been the one to make arrangements with Mason, or give him the list of who would be visiting his part of California, she's not certain just how much information has been conveyed. Or how much gossip has made its way out of Aspen Creek.]

There is a possibility. [ He won't lie to her. He's not sure himself what information was passed on to Mason. ] But I can definitely confirm that if whispers spoke of our relationship, it would not have come from Bran.

Likely people will be curious why I am being sent along when there is no need for it. And that no one suspects it has anything to do with how I feel about you.

[ He leans his head against hers and adds softly: ] I suppose it is to my benefit that I was elected as Charles' occasional substitute when dealing with errant wolves.

If that prompts any of them to be nervous, then we can deal with it when we get there.

I don't mind them knowing, especially if it means the friends I do have in the pack are spared the worry of why you and Charles are both there. Honestly, I'm not even sure I'd mind if someone else has told them already. I was just curious if you thought they might already know. It's not as if I have any intention to hide that we're together.

[Her lips part, and she catches his lower lip between her teeth gently, somehow with a sense of care. She releases it a moment later with a smile.]

I don't plan to use you as a shield against the ones who pursued me, or to use what we have to rub it in their faces that they fucked up and now they're missing out. But I am going to hold your hand. And kiss you in front of them. [Chastely, at least.] And when we're packing your clothes tonight I might pick out one of your shirts or jackets for me to wear that night because we're together and it pleases me to do all of these things.

[Eun pulls back just a little, enough to look him in the eyes with a knowing expression.]

Better the women of the pack all know early on that you're mine.

As if I'd have eyes for anyone else.

[ If he chooses this moment to kiss hee again - well, it is because he enjoys this. A part of him wonders if he will wake up to find this all a dream, but it is only a small part and thar is normal even by human standards. ]

My wardrobe is yours for the conquering, my love. You are welcome to anything that catches your fancy.

[ Which she could, if she wanted, keep. for herself afterwards. ]

[Eun lets her fingertips slide up the back of his head, cupping it even as her fingers slide into his short hair. She kisses him again, but this time it is slow and sensual, filled with the low heat of desire that is always simmering beneath the surface for them both. When she breaks away, a little while later, her eyes are faintly golden brown with the rise of her wolf.]

I know you wouldn't look at them, I know that it's me you want, but that doesn't mean I want any of them getting ideas.

[Her nose brushes his as she breathes in the scent of him, the scent of herself on him, and sighs.]

I may take a jacket. Something you'll have worn recently during the trip. California can be warm but in the areas we'll be visiting, even this time of year, it's on the cooler side. It wouldn't be out of place. It will be like you're holding me the entire time.

[ The way she describes it appeals to him greatly. Seeing her in his shirts settled him and that it implied that she felt comfortable enough donning his clothes. ]

I will be bringing this. [ He nods to a brown leather jacket that looks like it has seen long years of service. ] This is a favorite of mine. I am bringing it just in case there is a need for it in the evenings. But during the day I doubt I will be using it very much.

[Eun may very well wear one of his shirts as well that day. After all, they'll go together with the jacket already, and she knows how to style it for herself in a way that suits her way of dressing.]

It's not as cold there as it is here, but San Francisco definitely gets windy this time of year. You may need it for that more than warmth. But either way, I'm stealing it for the night of the ritual. Maybe a shirt too.

[She gives him another kiss, this time to his cheek, before pulling away. Standing over his bed where his clothes and suitcase are laid out, she begins sorting through things. A shirt to one side. A t-shirt to the other. These jeans. That jacket. She sorts through all of it, arranging them into outfits that can be easily mixed and matched, until she's satisfied with the final results. There's enough there to dress up as needed, as well as dress down for running around the city as she plans. Her hands settle on her hips as she looks back at him, gesturing him close once more. Everything she's rejected is stacked near the pillows. Everything she's picked is laid out for him to see.]

Does all of this work for you?

Edited 2020-05-23 05:11 (UTC)

[ He lifts his eyebrows, initially alarmed by how much Eun decides to set aside. But then he notes how, with the ones she's chosen, he can mix and match for twice the amount of outfits to wear. ]

How did... [ he glances back to her ] I had not thought to pair them that way.

[Eun looks particularly pleased when it becomes clear to him what she's done. She's arranged the clothing in such a way where he can see where one shirt will work with two pairs of pants, or a pair of pants with two different shirts, and the jackets that work with each sort of cluster of clothing. They'll have access to laundry, and the clothing involved are all unique enough to provide slightly different styled looks so it doesn't become a uniform for him.

There's flexibility, depending on where they go and what he feels like wearing.]

You can mix it all up, I think, and pack less in the process. There's good shopping in California so it gives you some room to take back more things if you find anything along the way.

[She pauses a beat, then asks:]

You do like the way they've been grouped together, I assume? That wasn't a polite way to say "I wouldn't have done this because it's not to my taste," yes?

Characters

PREMISE

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