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

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?

I do. [ Chuckling now. ]

It solves my dilemma as I was worrying what to bring while packing light. The last thing I want is for us to be bogged down by luggage.

[ Bumping her hip with his playfully at that. ]

This will be the first time I will be traveling for an extended period.

[Eun bumps his hip back as well, an easy smile lighting her face, but his comment does raise her curiosity.]

Are you nervous at all about being away from home for so long? For being out in the rest of the world again for a lengthy period of time?

[Is there anything she should watch for? Anything she can do to make the trip easier for him?

Does he need the trip to be easier in any way in the first place? Or is he perhaps looking forward to traveling once more?]

Truthfully, a little bit of both.

[ He sits back down on the edge of the bed, offering his hand to her if only because he has gotten used to the privilege of touching her. ]

I once ruled all of Spain. Enough to keep out wolves who might challenge my authority.

While I was not overly fond of the cities, I do miss being able to visit places.

[Every once in a while she's startled again by his importance to the rest of the werewolf world. To her, he is Asil. To others, he is apparently the former ruler of werewolves of Spain. An entire country. It may not have included all of the people of that country, but it's no less important.

When invited, she goes to him, standing between his legs and taking his hand with pleasure.]

Well, then this will be a good test run to see how you do in a few different locales. See if it helps or at least makes a difference to have a companion with you. [She squeezes his hand encouragingly.] Especially one who is charming and witty and quite possibly even more beautiful than you are.

[Asil is not the only one who can be vain, though Eun offers her comment in a tone that suggests she is teasing, and not at all comparing their looks in the least.]

But seriously, if there is anything I can do to make things easier on you, just say the word and I'll do anything.

[ Again he is reminded at how precious she is to him, his beautiful Eun. Turning his face up to her, he offers her a smile. ]

I promise that I will let you know.

[ Drawing her close and lifting her hand to his lips at that. ] If my lady does not have anything else she would recommend me to bring, I can put these clothes away and perhaps we can curl up in bed together before I put dinner together for us?

[Funny how having her hand kiss still brings a little blush to her cheeks. Eun is more than happy to be drawn in, lifting her arms to rest lightly over his shoulders.]

Why don't I head downstairs while you put your clothes away and bring up something for us to eat. I had a very hard time getting up from the bed earlier in the conversation and I think if I settle in again you're going to have a hard time convincing me to do it again, even with the promise of food.

[Sex is never far from her mind, and she's been enjoying breaking her fast with Asil these days, but Eun would even be content just to spend an evening touching him and being touched. She thinks perhaps he may find it all soothing before they head back out into the big wide world around them in the morning.]

[ Laughter comes easy these days. And it leaves him with a sense of wonder especially since it is borne from simple joy. ]

I promise to have the bed cleared of clothing and my bags packed away by the time you return.

I made migas the other day. There are some leftovers from that dish if you would like to bring some up.

[Eun loves that she can bring a smile to his face. It seems so easy for her, and yet she often gets the sense that it is not a usual occurrence for him. At least, not before she arrived, and not so openly the way he does.]

I'll get everything nuked then, and bring it up for us both.

[She cups his face in both hands and presses a kiss to his mouth with a hum.]

Don't take long, I'm going to be quick as can be.

[Pulling away, Eun slips out of Asil's bedroom and down to the kitchen to do just as promised, putting together a mix of leftovers and a few other things to supplement. Just in case they find themselves needing to replenish their energy somehow that evening.]

[ He sets himself to work, padding over barefoot to his closet to find the travel suitcases he keeps nested at the far end. It has been a long time since he's used these as previous excursions to the Tri-cities had only warranted a duffel. The bags are old, the style from over two decades ago, but they have rollers and they are sturdy and that is all he really needs.

He packs his things methodically, rolling where needed and filling in gaps as necessary. Everything is done in no more than ten minutes, and he sets the suitcase off to the side.

He'll be lounging on the bed by the time you get back, finally answering the neglected messages from his inbox. ]

I should be amused that Anna seems to be overly fussy about this trip

[Eun walks in, amused as well by his comment.]

You certainly could be. She's awfully thorough. Must indulge that part of her that wants badly to take care of us all. An omega thing, isn't it?

[The food is steaming on a tray, which Eun sets down somewhat in from the foot of the bed.]

I'm grateful, honestly. She's better at all of this than I am.

It is, an Omega thing, as you said. [ He sets his phone aside and smiles. ] And she cares deeply about pack.

So we all indulge her when she sends instructions in rapid fire succession.

Come here. [ It is a gentle request. He is not quite hungry, but he would like to rest for a little bit. ]

[Eun slides around the side of the bed and climbs up beside him. At once, she settles by his side, shifting to mold her body to his contentedly.]

What can I do for you, mi amor?

I wanted an excuse to curl up with you for a bit.

[ A quick kiss to the forehead at that.

Softly, he adds: ] I might be a little unsettled about traveling. But it will pass. Can I hold you like this for awhile?

Edited 2020-05-23 09:10 (UTC)

Characters

PREMISE

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject