When personalities collide

[babygurll1968]

Nikki Marston moved closer to the cabin isolated in the deep woods or Mountain Falls,Nevada. She had left this place 4 years ago with her mother when she was 16. Now at the age of 20 she has come home. Her mother dying in a car accident 4 months earlier her only survivng relative was her grandfather. Nikki looked around her,the place had not changed but she knew she had. She had to grow up fast and something had drawn her back to her roots.

Her mother was native american and her father a local boy,they had married and had her. She was the apple of their eye and her grandfather spoiled her rotten. She was an all out tomboy,standing around 5 foot 4 her ebony hair hung to the backs of her knees in a long braid,her blue eyes mirroring the saddness she has been through. She never knew why her mother left only that it happened quickly and during the night. Taking a deep breath she moved closer to the house,her grandfather, John Whitehorse, sat working on his latest wood carving. His head slowly lifted as she neared,his eyes filled with tears.

Nikki ran into his arms and hugged the older man tightly,no words were needed between them as the lost years seemed a vague memory.They stood silent for a long time until the clearing of a throat came from behind her grandfather. Nikki stepped back and almost lost her breath. Kaleb North stood,all 6 foot plus of him. He had filled out since she last him. They had never really gotten along,but they tolerated each other. Now he seemed more hard,like a hair pin trigger. She could feel the tenseness falling off him. His dark eyes watching her.

"Hello Nikki."He deep voice sounded flat and almost accusing as if she had done something wrong. Nikki treid to give him a smile but it just came out a small grin. "Hello Kaleb."She spoke softly.

Her grandfather sensed the tension and wrapped his arm around her shoulders asking Kaleb to make sure to come back tomorrow for the rest of his training. Her grandfather taught some of the tribe men how to fight using what the land provided. Nikki looked back over her shoulder and Kaleb continued to stare after her. Once inside she looked around the room,not much had changed and she noticed all the pictures of her mother and her still sat on the fireplace mantle.

"Grandpa,I'm sorry..."She began but all the pent up tears began to fall and his elderly arms wrapped her tightly in a loving embrace. "Hush now. All is right,just like I saw in my dreams."he whispered stroking her hair just like he had done as a child.

They spent hours talking and catching up,she wanted to ask about Kaleb and all her other friends she had left but was afraid to. Kaleb and she always seemed to butt heads,one refusing to give in to the other. A battle of the wills. He was high strung,she was high energy,the two together led to many fights between them. Some had even been physical until an elder had stepped in. She finally retired to her old room and lay across the bed,the howls of the wolves filled the night.

Nikki knew what the trabe men were,some had not made the change when she had left. She wondered if Kaleb had. The thought made her stomach flutter,her thoughts had never been like this about him. His eyes still haunted her from earlier,they seemed to look right through her,deep into her. She lay there until the pull of sleep drug her down. Her body relaxed but her mind opened up to vivid dreams.

((looking for a male to rp Kaleb..he needs to be high strung,possessive,protective,he feels different about Nikki when she returns and doesnt like it. She left,he considered that a slap in the tribes face,wether it was her choice or not. They will butt heeads,argue and at first not like each other much but things will go on,and well..who knows..lol..no one liners at least one paragrapgh per post...I will add pictures of the two characters. IM me first and Ill see if you are what I want*smiles the wolf one is what the guy looks like shifted but lots larger*))

Thread is now **CLOSED**

[babygurll1968]

*bumping

[babygurll1968]

**good morning..bumping...trying to get this one going *smiles cutely

[babygurll1968]

*bumping once more

[babygurll1968]

The sun had yet to rise as Nikki stepped out onto her grandfather's porch,her hair pulled into a loose ponytail,her running shorts,shirt and shoes a bright yellow. She took several deep breaths glad to be back in the forest. Her footsteps were light as she began her run. She had always been healthy and keeping fit seemed the only way for her. She drank once but didnt like the taste,never smoked and never did ay rec drugs.

She ran the worn path she knew would lead her around the lake,a good run would help her thoughts. Sleep was troubled last night,images of Kaleb,her mother haunted her. She ran by a house that was also nestled into the trees,an elderly woman looked shocked then smiled broadly as she waved to Nikki. Mrs. Elson had always had a smile for her,her son ran with Kaleb and Joseph. She jogged on,the trees slowly coming alive with dawn,calls of the birds echoed around her as she ran.

She looked to her right out over the lake and loved how the waters looked so pure innocent. She slowed to a walk as she decided to stop. Finding an outcropped rock she slid onto it and pulled her knees up to her chest. Images of her childhood and the many summer days her group of friends would come here and swim. She wondered if all of them were till here of just the guys. She knew Allison had moved to New York to go into modeling,Ashley had married and moved. The others Katy,Suzie and Shelli she had lost touch with.

She rested her chin on her knees and watched the sun finish its rise into the dawning of the new day.

[amchentai]

Kaleb was at the house almost before the sun was up, he would wait for Mr. Whitehorse to come and help him finish his training from the day before. "Why is she back of all people..." He asked himself. He hadn't gotten along with Nikki, and even less now that she had left and come back. He didn't understand why she left, or even why she came back, why would the tribe let her back so freely after she up and leaves with out a word.

But it could wait he told himself, Mr. Whitehorse always had told him to constraint on his training, the tribes needed warriors, and he must step up to the call. He hoped that he wouldn't have to see Nikki today, and that she wouldn't stick her noise into the tribe affairs. But knowing her, she wouldn't and he'd have to deal with her. He walked around as the sun came up and paced a bit before sitting down on a old tree stump that server as a chopping block for fire wood.

[babygurll1968]

Nikki finally made her way back to the cabin after sitting by the lake for awhile,she knew she had to go into town later. She knew most people would judge her for her leaving,but she was a child,her mother made her leave. She sighed and took a deep breath as she saw Kaleb sitting on the chopping block. She chewed her lip as she walked closer to him.

"Morning,Kaleb. I'll tell Grandfather you are here."She said as she stopped beriefly beside him then turning she moved up onto the porch and into the house. She stopped and looked back at him before closing the door,something had changed about him,she couldnt put her finger on it.

John Whitehorse came outside several minutes later,his hair tied back in the normal ponytail that hung halfway down his back. He smiled as he approached Kaleb,he could feel Kaleb's irritation.

Kaleb,dont be too harsh too judge someone who had no choice in their reasons."He said in his usual puzzling statements to KAleb before telling him to begin his training where they had left off the day before.

[amchentai]

He wanted to say something to Mr. Whitehorse, but knew better, there were some people he didn't get into fights with, even if he thought he could take him. Still no matter how hard he tried he couldn't get Nikki off his mind whole he trained.

The sun was high in the sky now and he knew it to be about mid say, he had finished his training and headed back to the house, He was hoping he could get a chance to talk to Mr. Whitehorse alone, but didn't know when he would get a chance. "Why the hell did she come back?" He said out load as he walked up to the house, not knowing Nikki was was coming out the door as he said it. He didn't know if she heard or not but when he saw her he just gave her a cold stare.

[babygurll1968]

Nikki heard his muttered words and felt her anger rising. She stopped and glared at him. "Grandfather is is his study."She said shortly and then stopped at the top of the porch step. "Kaleb,I didnt choose to go. So get over it."She said as she walked quickly to her grandfathers truck and slid into the drivers side.

She looked back up at kaleb once more before starting the truck and pullig a quick u-turn. She drove into town and the looks she got were right on the money. She walked into the small grocery store and stopped when a familiar male voice called out to her. Turning she saw Joesph and another she didnt know. He almost broke her ribs in the bear hug he gave her.

"I heard you were back. I am sorry to hear about your mother."He said softly to her stepping back after the hug. "This is Daniel,he hasnt been here too long about a year. he came over from the reservation in the next region."

Nikki nodded to Daniel but suddenly felt very uncomfortable as he looked at her. She gave Joesph another hug and promised to come by to visit his mother soon.

She loaded the few items she bought and ignoring the whispers around her drove slowly back towards her grandfathers. She couldnt shake the willies from Daniel's stare.

[amchentai]

He just rolled his eyes at her before going inside to speak with Mr. Whitehorse. "Why didn't she just stay with you? And why the hell is she back? She's old enough to live on her own... Why'd she come back?" Those were the things he wanted to say to Mr. Whitehorse, but didn't.

She told his he had finished his training from the other day and looked at him, knowing he'd have to fess up to him some time soon. "So what does all this training mean? I mean... It's stepped up in the last few months from before... Is something gonna happen that the rest of the tribe should know about?" He asked him. He saw a photo of Nikki, her mom and Mr Whitehorse outside the house, he had taken that pic a few years back, He and Nikki would butt heads all the time back then, but why was he remembering that now? he should his head and waited for his answer.

[babygurll1968]

John Whitehorse motioned for kaleb to sit down and then stood. He noticed Kaleb looking at the photo. "My daughter left for reasons only she knew,Nikki had no choice.'He said in his uncanny way of knowing most times what kaleb was thinking. "Your training needs to be increased. Jospeh and Erik have already finished theirs but yours is much more important."

"You three have been through your first change and each of you know your triggers to change. Not only at will but each one of you have an emotion trigger too. You have too much anger and it could hinder you if you are not careful."John Whitehorse spoke evenly turning to look at Kaleb.

"You need to be ready for anything. I have had visions of trouble from another,I dont know who but I need you three to be on your guard. I also eed you three to keep an eye on Nikki. She might not be full tribe but she is part of all of us."He said trying to make Kaleb understand.

[amchentai]

Kaleb ball his hands into fists as he said that. "Why should we?! She can't even change!" He said. It was true he had a hard time controlling his anger, something he had known about, but never seemed to be able to do anything about it.

He stood and looked at Mr. Whitehorse. "She's your Grand daughter I get that... But why bring the tribe into it?! She's a human.... You say I have problems with my anger... I know... But if I shouldn't let my feelings get in the way.. Why should you let your feelings about your grand daughter effect the tribe?!" It all came out in a rush, a pause here and there as he thought. He ran his right hand through his hair and took a moment to cool off. "Why is keeping your grand daughter out of trouble tribe business?"

[babygurll1968]

John Whitehouse gave Kaleb a moment to vent his anger before speaking. "Why..not only is she my grand-daughter..I have seen it in a vision..she is also a shifter. Her genetics are closer to ours than her fathers."He said in his even tone.

"I do not want her to know she is a shifter but, If she shifts alone, she could get careless.If the other one I see in my vision finds this out,he will try to get to her."He spoke,slightly turning his head as he heard her returning in the old truck. "She does not know any of this, her temper mirrors yours so dont let her goad you into a fight."he said as he turned and moved to the door and out onto the porch leaving Kaleb alone in his study.

[amchentai]

Kaleb didn't like it, but now that he knew she was a shifter, Well that changed things a lot. If nothing else Kaleb took a lot of pride in being part of the tribe, and he would need see it harmed in any way. He walked towards the door. "Easier said then done..." He said before walking out to the see Nikki, and help bring in the groceries. He didn't like it, but that was what the training was for right. For a moment memories of the past before Nikki left came into his head, but he just shook his head to clear those images before heading out to help.

He opened the door and walked over to the truck as Nikki got out. "Need help taking in the groceries?" He asked, still cold to her, but knowing the old man would get made if he was to turn against the tribe, If he liked them or not.

[babygurll1968]

Nikki slid out of the truck and looked at Kaleb,shrugging she grabed a bag and started back into to cabin. She noticed the looks that passed between her grandfather and kaleb,but didnt ask. She began to put the food away whe her Grandfather came into the kitchen,takig the milk from her hand.

"I will do this,go take a walk and get re-aquainted with Kaleb."he said not surprised by the outraged look she gave him. "grandfather,I..."His held up hand had her closing her mouth at the geture knowing to argue was useless.

She turned and saw the same expression on Kaleb's face. he didnt look any more happy about the request than herself. She took a deep breath and pushed past kaleb and out the door. She stopped on the porch and looked out over the lake.

[amchentai]

Kaleb followed her and almost walked into her as she stopped. "Hey don't just stop like that!" He snapped at her. He got past her and gave a look toward the lake where she was looking. "I take it you want to walk towards the lake then.." He said, his tone flat and uncaring.

As he gave her time to answer he gave more thought about what Mr. Whitehorse had said. [i]"Was she really a shifter? Kinda a late bloomer if she was. But what was coming? There was more then he had been told, but he would learn in time, he didn't like waiting. But there was nothing he could do about it.

[babygurll1968]

Nikki moved from the porch and walked alongside kaleb,he towered over her and she looked over at him. "the lake is always been someplace I used to go to relax.'She said floating through several memories.

She didnt know what to say to Kaleb without it being an argument. "I saw Jospeh today,he was witha guy I had never seen when I lived here. Some guy named Daniel." She said watching a loon land along the bank.

[amchentai]

For a moment Kaleb let go of any anger at Nikki when he heard this. "Oh that prick... I don't know why Jospeh hangs out with that guy.. He's broken a few windows and smashed a few mail boxs since he moved here... If it wasn't for Mr. Whitehorse I would have beaten the ever living daylights out of the guy by now... If he every gives you trouble, let me know I'll be more then happy to kick his ass.." After saying that he rolled his eyes and was back to his normal annoyed self towards Nikki.

"So what brings you back here? And for what it's worth I'm sorry about your mom..." He said, the last part was less ice filled towards her, he might not like her, or her mom, But Kaleb wasn't a total asshole.

[babygurll1968]

Nikki looked up at him as she found a grassy spot to sit down. "Thanks,still seems surreal with her dying and all. Like a dream.'She said in a quiet voice as she looked away and out across the water.

"She was dating an asshole from somewhere ,they were arguing that night. She didnt see the red light or the semi. I spent two weeks in the hospital,they couldnt understand why I didnt have one broken bone. I had some cuts and bruises but they healed quick."She explained more for herself than for Kaleb."I never fit in in the city,something was always calling me back here. Mom wouldnt let me come back. She was afraid,used to say if I came back I would be lost."

Nikki lay back on the grass and looked up into the sky,clouds moved slowly overhead. "As for Joesph's friend,I can take care of myself."She said defensively not used to anyone standing up for her.

[amchentai]

Kaleb made a note to ask Mr Whitehorse about this Daniel guy. He knew of him, and had seen him around, heard the stories about what he had done and all, but maybe this was the reason he wanted her watched, maybe Daniel was a threat to Nikke and thus a threat to the tribe. "Well just let me know if that Daniel guys something weird, I'll bash his skull in..." He said, more to himself then Nikki.

Their was not much talking between the two, Kaleb lost in his own thoughts, giving Nikki a mix of cold stares and weird looks, unlike any he had givin her in the past. He knew she was a shifter now, but something was amiss between them, and he wasn't sure what any more.

[babygurll1968]

John Whitehorse watched the two walk off,he knew there was tension between the two. He knew Kaleb was going to be her protector,even her mate. He knew kaleb would fight the emotions also. Turning he went and lifted the photo they had both looked at. He kew it was just a matter of time before Nikki shifted,that was not what concerned him. If she became pregnant she would not be able to shift while carry the child. To do so would result in either the loss of the babe or both of them.

He knew the others from his dream knew a child born of a shifter with human genes could be stronger than any of them. He hoped Kaleb could be strong enough to protect her if that ever happened.


*****
Nikki lay there,the silence between them seemed too heavy for her,she stood up.She turned her head a sshe saw the newer truck pulling into the lane,joseph,Erik and the guy Daniel got out. She turned and walked towards them Erik running to her and like Joesph grabbed her in a bear hug. She could have sworn she heard Kaleb growl under his breath at him touching her. She shook her head and decided she was hearing things.

The three friends shook hands but Kaleb didnt shake Daniels hand,the two seemed to be in a stare down. Nikki broke the tension with a slight cough."hey guys,what brings you out here."She asked them standing between Kaleb and Daniel. Joesph gave her a grin then looked at Kaleb.

"We were going into the next town to see a movie. Wanna come?"He asked her grinning. Nikki shook her head no she wasnt ready for an outing. "Naw,you all go ahead Maybe next time."She said as she walked to the truck with them. She heard Daniel tell Joesph to drop him off at his house he couldnt go,had somethings to do around his house.

[amchentai]

Kaleb grinned, he had over heard and couldn't help but make a jab at Daniel. "Yeah sure you do... You came all the way out here and not you got to go home and cry to your momma cuz the girl didn't go, so you couldn't get any..." He grinned, it was enough to enrage Daniel who stepped over and took a swing at him, which Kaleb just barely was able to avoid.

"Try that again and I'll knock your teeth in asshole!" Kaleb sneered at him, he was ready for the next punch, but it didn't happen as Mr. Whitehorse told them all to knock it off. Kaleb smiled at Daniel and whisered as he passed and made his way towards the house. "You so much as lay a finger on her, and I'll make sure they never find your body.." He then made his way to the house to speak with Mr. Whitehorse.

[babygurll1968]

Nikki watched the exchange and her temper flared. "Would you cut it out,your acting like a rabid dog."She hissed at him,turning on her heel walked into the house leaving a stunned group og guys looking at her. She heard Kaleb and her grandfather talking from her room but didnt care.

She lay back on the bed,then hearing the truck pull out she stood and looked out her window, She saw Kaleb get into his own truck and follow them away. She let a deep breath out and left her room.

She found her grandfather sitting before the fire and staring into the flames. He seemed to never age,she really didnt know his true age either. "grandfather?"She said softly as she sat in front of him on her knees.He finally turned his eyes to her smiling.

"I am going for a walk,Ill be back in awhile."She said and at his nod she stood and left the house. She had changed into a pair of black shorts and a loose fitting tee shirt. Her feet made no noise as she walked preferring to be barefoot most of the time.

[amchentai]

Kaleb had been told to keep a eye on Daniel, but to not attack unless he himself was attacked. He could only nod and do as he was told, Mr. Whitehorse had been mad at him, and he didn't want to do anything further to anger the old man.

He followed Daniel & the others far enough so not to alert them he was there, after they dropped him off he parked near by and he went on foot and stayed in the tree line to watch him. Daniel entered his house and then Kaleb relaxed a little. Looking to make sure no one else was around he shifted and sniffed the air, getting the smells of the place around him, something didn't smell right, but this was the far end of town on the other side from where Mr. Whitehorse lived, and he didn't get up here much. He would move his head from time to time as he heard things, but it was mostly just animals around. For now he waited, and watched.

[babygurll1968]

Nikki strolled along the darkening path,loving the woods. She never was a city girl. She stopped when she heard a npoise faintly off to her left. She craned her head but couldnt see anything or anyone. "kaleb?"She called out softly thinking he was following her. No answer. She moved onward,occasionally stopping at different noises. She felt her heart begin to race when a soft growl emitted from the bushes.

Turning back towards the cabin she began to runmher feet agilily carrying her over roots and stumps. She stumbled when the noise came from in front of her now. She tried to catch her breath as a large wolf appeared from the shadows. it was not one of the tribe. Its red eyes bore into her and there was a scar marring one eyebrow. She turned to run,she felt the force of the beast as it charged into her back sending her flying. She hit the ground spinning over quickly to see it standing over her.

She reached blindly around her for anything to use as a weapon. Herhand wrapped around a branch and brought it up against the muzzle. The growl/howl filled the woods carrying over the lake. Nikki took the moment of hesitation to scramble from under it. She ran blindly through the trees. Her sense of direction a mess from the panic in her mind. She didnt see the drop off until it was too late. Her feet found nothing but air as she plummeted down the steep ravine.

Her body hit the bottom with a hard thud,she felt the rib crack and the burn in her lung. She knew she was in deep shit. She waited for the larger wolf but minutes turned into 30 minutes and nothing. She faintly heard a voice calling out her name.."grandfather.."She barely got out in a wheeze as her lung tried to fill back up with air. She tried to stand but her left leg gave out on her pain tore through it and the blackness threatened her.

**************

John Whitehorse knew something was wrong he could feel it,then he heard the howl. He was not one to use modern technology but he did have a cell phone. He dialed Kaleb's number as he ran out into the woods. He had no clue which direction Nikki had went. He heard a second howl and felt the hairs on his neck rise. He had to find her. "Kaleb...answer your damned phone. Something is wrong."He yelled into the voice mail. he knew this was not the young man that had been out here with joesph earlier,the scent was all wrong. John Whitehorse was not a shifter but he had the senses of one. He was one of the few who could not change but he was highly respected in his teachings and skills.