Hunter reborn.

[dryfter]

Michael smiled sadly, though his look was hidden from view from her, as buried in her neck as he was currently. Her scent, her body language......a thousand things combined to create one conclusion.

Celeste was not enjoying this as much as he was.

He wasn't sure what was wrong, probably the human porn playing in the background, but he was damned if he was going to force himself on her again today. Wiping his forlorn look, he pulled back from her.....the tenderness never leaving his touch as his fingers traced her jawbone to the naughty little cleft in her chin.

"Let's go."

Reaching for the door, they emerged into the light once more, the lewd movie still squawking in the background. He could see her relief already, and he knew then that he had made a good choice in abandoning his amorous attentions.....for now.

Unfortunately, that did little to assuage his own cravings. He would just have to be strong though.....not unlike Celeste in the busy mall.

The trip to the car was slow and deliberate. Heaven forbid she think he was displeased with her and that was why he backed off. Instead, he did his best to ignore the massive tent in his slacks and shower her with positive attention whenever she risked a glance in his direction.

The long ride home seemed to drag on much longer than it had when they had set out.....his own lusts seeming to slow time. Yet he had achieved what he had set out to do......to create a new beginning with this intriguing fox vixen.....

And perhaps recover some of what they once had.

 

[TieMeTightly]

She had grown tense against him as he pulled back, immediately thinking that she had done something wrong, her eyes wide as she watched him, however as his fingers returned to her face she again was searching his eyes for the answer that he was not speaking.

As he said 'Let's go.', she didn't hesitate to step from the small box, thrilled with the fact that they would actually get to go home now - and not have to deal with anything in the store that could possibly serve as a horrid distraction.

Still, she felt as though she had let him down already, perhaps not being thrilled with the public..very public display of affection - and she occasionally gathered enough courage to look up at him - even though her eyes drifted rather quickly to the pavement in front of them - and finally the car.

Once in the car she had settled rather easily into the seat, and did well to keep her focus off of him. The drive seemed longer than it had been, and in order to pass the time she slipped her eyes shut, shifting somewhat in the seat.

The images in her head came so swiftly that she wasn't exactly sure of what was haunting her - or if perhaps it was still much of the same. Even in her sleep her slender frame did not relax as it should have - a serenity lost upon her features as her head rested against the window.

While her breathing had become even, heavy in her bit of rest, her heartbeat quickened and slowed repeatedly - before coming to a terrible crescendo, her eyes snapping open only to see that she was still seeing much of the same scenery, groaning and covering her face with her hand.

"..Why do I never dream of anything peaceful.."

The words were quiet, desperate as she continued to look out the window, shaking her head somewhat as she attempted to calm her breathing for the nth time today.

 

[dryfter]

It wasn't that she had made a lot of noise. Nor had Celeste done much at all, if any even, thrashing and tossing of her body as the nightmare threatened to consume her mind.

But fear had a smell. A distinct one.

Frowning gently, Michael cast a sidelong glance at his mate.....his twelfth since she had drifted off to sleep. Yet this one was different from the others, just as that smell galvanized his senses. With one hand on the wheel, he reached for her....gripping one taut thigh and delivering a firm shake.

"Celeste!"

Her eyes shot open, though it was clear that she didn't register where she was immediately. Nor would he have expected her too.....as enrapt in her dream as she was.

"..Why do I never dream of anything peaceful.."

Michael's frown deepened. It was a question he couldn't answer, heavy with portent as it was. He let her enjoy the silence for now, knowing that eventually she would confide in him. Releasing the firm hold on her leg, he traded it instead for pulling her closer to him, the fox mate's auburn locks spilling over one shoulder as he shared his warmth with her with a solidity meant to be reassuring.

"You know I won't let anyone hurt you, right?"

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste hadn't quite expected the touch that she had gotten to rouse her from the sleep..and she wasn't quite sure if she had actually wanted to wake or perhaps try and figure out what it was that was in her head.

Either way, his touch at first made her horribly tense, though when she realized that it was him that had drawn her from the uncomfortable sleep, she seemed to relax somewhat.

She managed a slight flinch as he pulled her closer, and she immediately turned into him, slender fingers grasping his shirt as she pressed her lips against his shoulder.

The question that he asked was of course something that she knew, and she managed a quick nod in response, though not sure if he was looking at the road or paying attention to her, she figure that it would be in her best interest to speak up a bit.

"I know that.."

Once out of the fitful sleep she seemed to regain some of her composure that she had lost from the fright, her eyes glancing through the windshield briefly.

"How...how long until we're home..?"

Again quiet words escaped her lips, and she lifted her free hand to brush her hair from her face, sighing heavily. "Maybe tonight Shio can drug me again so I can get some rest.." It was meant to be joking, and she laughed half-heartedly, only to press herself against him a bit more.

 

[dryfter]

"How...how long until we're home..?"

Michael dared another glance in her direction, confident in the lack of oncoming traffic as he took his eyes off the road for a moment to study her recovering demeanor.

"It won't be long now.....I'd say ten minutes tops. Are you ok?"

Her smile said it all, sad and tired as it gently turned the corners of her mouth.

"Maybe tonight Shio can drug me again so I can get some rest.."

That was enough to make him smile, even as his gaze returned to the road. At least she was capable of making jokes....

"Not likely. We used all of Siobhan's sedative in keeping Kira where she belonged remember?"

A throaty chuckle.

"I imagine Vargas and his kid are still stinging over that one."

Celeste leaned in close....for warmth and comfort, both readily granted as Michael let an arm drop from the steering wheel to rest gently over her shoulders. He could drive one handed......

"Don't you worry about getting sleep, Celeste. I'll help you any way that I can."

It was easy for a change.....shrugging off the lust he felt for her so prevalently just an hour or two ago, instead simply wanting to hold her, to drive the demons away that seemed to plague her each time she closed her eyes.

He was content to listen to her heartbeat, her soft breathing against him as he pulled into the gravel road that would eventually wind through pasture and field towards his manor house.....their home....

"Welcome home, Master!"

Glancing to his left, he was greeted by a brilliant smile and a mischievous giggle as Kira took off ahead of them in a golden bolt of speed....

 

[TieMeTightly]

Ten minutes was a good number to her. She nodded immediately at the question, smiling up at him rather easily though she was certain that he could see right through it. Sad, how simple it was for her to perhaps fool other people, simply not him.

She was thrilled that she could so easily make him smile, even with something so small as a simple joke - though she actually looked a bit disappointed at the fact that all of the sedative had been used up, flinching somewhat even at the mention of Vargas's name.

She was quiet about his comment of finding a way to get her to sleep, not really certain if he could help. She could fall asleep easily enough, it was simply the images in her head that seemed to serve as an issue.

Her eyes had shut again as she pressed herself against him, managing a content sigh - though her eyes snapped open upon hearing Kira's voice.

She glanced up and muttered something under her breath only to rub her eyes, yawning quietly.

She scooted back to her seat and stretched easily in it before glancing around curiously, seeming rather contented with being back in the safety of the manor, hoping that maybe that would help get rid of any bad energy that was still seeming to plague her mind.

She seemed to have calmed down a bit by this point, clearing her throat after a moment and glancing up at him.

"..Thank you.."

She spoke quietly before looking back down to her lap.

"..For today I mean..for getting me out of the house." She nodded then, seeming a bit proud of herself for thanking him.

 

[dryfter]

Smiling gently, Michael reached over and tousled her auburn hair playfully.

"I should have done this sooner. Just remember what I told you.....what your place in this house is......and what it could be."

Throwing the Vette in park, twin car doors popped simultaneously as they exited. There was a strange scent on the air....one that rankled in his nose.....bothering him with its strange familiarity. It was faint thankfully, so much so that Celeste probably wouldn't even notice....but to him.....to him it was like an annoying scratching in the back of his mind. An alarm that made every muscle in his body tense, though he couldn't remember why......

"Let's go inside."

His voice belied some of his tension, he couldn't help it. He wouldn't relax, couldn't.....until he was sure every single one of his mates was safe. Kira was fine....and in a cheerful mood.....and Celeste had been with him all day. But what of the other three?

He moved with silken fluidity and speed, knowing that Celeste was right behind him. He jerked open the manor doors with perhaps a little more force than what was needed.

"Angel? Nastaja? Siobhan?"

One by one they came to him, questions and curiosity alight in their eyes. Seeing them all, now combined with Kira as well....having raced ahead no doubt to alert them of his impending return home.

"Yes Master?"

The question was posed quietly, and in unison, more than one gaze drifting towards the bright pink bag Celeste still carried. Though most gazes were impassive and uncaring.....as if they too had been there before.

"How fares my estate in my absence? Has their been any further cause for concern? Any events I should know about?"

Kira stepped forward with that quirky, boyish smile of hers.

"I saw someone skulking around the woods closest to the forest, Master. Barely more than a boy.....I took him for another jackal looking for his freinds, and I chased him away fast enough. You should have seen him run!"

If she had expected immediate praise, Kira was bound to be disappointed. A jackal, huh? If that were the case, he'd have known the scent the second he'd exited the car.....no.....it was no jackal. He could look forward to a long interrogation of the cheetah later. For now.....

"Siobhan....Celeste is in need of sleep after this morning, and then our subsequent trip into town. Escort her to her room if you would please, you are permitted to walk her there."

The white haired teen nodded, grimacing as she struggled to her feet, nothing but warmth and kindness in her gaze as she offered a slender hand to the fox mate.

"And Celeste....I'll either be in my study, or in my own room. If you have any troubles at all.....and you know what I mean.....please seek me out if I don't come to you immediately."

He needed answers.....

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste seemed to perk up a bit as his fingers mussed her hair rather easily, her amber gaze focusing up on him after a moment, a smile playing on her lips.

The smile left quickly enough, however - simply from the slight tremor in his voice, making her tilt her head immediately in question but when he said nothing of it, neither did she. She was not about to bring something up at the moment to ruin the day that they had had.

Celeste looked a bit uncomfortable holding the bag as she stood next to Michael, rocking somewhat on the balls of her feet, easily seeing their gazes, making her wonder immediately if he actually had gone through this with all of them as well.

She looked down at the bag as well, and didn't look up for a good bit of time - not until Michael mentioned her again.

She glanced up immediately to him - before managing to focus on Siobhan as she got to her feet, nearly frowning that she was getting to her feet, but taking the offered hand immediately.

Again she was looking at Michael, once more managing a brief nod before starting off toward the room.

Her gait was fast, much more rapid than usual, and when she did manage to get back to the safety of the room the bag was forgotten on the floor as she kicked off her shoes and threw herself upon the bed, holding the pillow to herself as she curled up.

"I know he told you to escort me, Shio...but I'm really okay." She nodded once before sitting up again, not even attempting to smooth out her disheveled hair at this point though again she tilted her head, forcing a smile. "I had some lovely burgers today but you know..I must tell you that I still prefer something more fresh...No matter though I can get that later.."

As she spoke, more to herself than Siobhan she was pulled the covers up over herself, obviously getting good and comfortable.

 

[dryfter]

It was infuriating. Having something so potentially important right there....right at the edges of his recollection.....yet eluding him.

For their part, his mates shunned him like usual, sensing his aggravation and not wishing to be the target of it. And so it was that he remained in the study until the late hours of the night.....pacing as he usually did when he was nervous or distraught. And tonight, he was hard pressed to determine which of the two it was.

Nastaja had been kind enough to lay a tea tray at the door at least, so he hadn't had go without sustenance. Tea wasn't his favorite of drinks, in fact, he hated the stuff.....but he had always imbibed anyway, to make her happy. Now though.....it was a welcome sight, an infusion of caffiene that could very well help.

In the end, it didn't matter. Michael wasn't sure when he fell asleep, his lithe body having finally sagged into the room's thick leather backed chair some time ago in exasperation. Now.....the tiny room echoed with the soft snores that long repressed slumber now visited upon him.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

It had come in the night. And without warning.

His master had been edgy.....and every time he had asked him what was wrong, Michael had recieved a vicious beating and a reminder to mind his own business.

The image of the corpse floated unbidden before his eyes, even as the landscape changed in his near dementia. A wooden cabin, soaked with blood that had been gratuitously strewn everywhere in a macabre work of abstract art.....

Chest cavity splayed open, the body of his master lay there, a gaping hole where his heart had been. But that hadn't been all.....he had died screaming.....every muscle contorted in absolute agony......as his face would have reflected.....if it hadn't been shredded beyound recognition.

The scent.....the scent was everywhere......in the walls......the blood......in the garish wounds the grotesque corpse before him sported......everywhere.

The pain! All of a sudden, Michael crumpled, barely able to breath as his eyes widened at the starburst of sheer and molten agony that ripped through his body. His master was dead, and he was left to bear the burden of the sundering of the bond! With a sharp cry, he collapsed forward, trembling and shaking as if fevered with some disease he couldn't even comprehend, his knees drawing instinctively to his chest as he curled into a spasming, aching fetal position....

THUD.

Still shaking from the dream, smoky blue eyes opened slowly to regard his surroundings. He was on the floor.....of.....of his study.....the chair he'd fallen asleep in now upended almost on top of him. His forehead hurt where it had struck the bare planks with a deafening crash that couldn't have gone unnoticed....

Michael lay there for long minutes.....collecting his thoughts and emotions.....both far too scattered and raw to be relied upon at this particular moment.

It had been so real.....just as it had been so long since he'd had that dream. Clearly.....he hadn't forgotten.

But why now?

His mind drifted back to that strange scent he had noticed upon bringing Celeste back home. There was no coincidence. Even now, he could feel soft feminine hands on his shoulders....their strength taking the chair away and helping him to rise once more.

He wasn't sure which of his mates had come to his rescue, not even when he'd finally been put back on his feet. Such was the terror and pain that still filled his normally stoic and protective visage......a look that he had hoped none of his mates would ever see.

"Gun.......I need my gun......"

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste had managed to fall asleep rather quickly, however something was bothering her more than images had. It was a feeling that she had now and she was terrified of it simply because she had no idea what it was.

So when she awoke she had literally no idea for how long she had been asleep. She was grateful of course that her mind was not plagued with images this night, though this feeling made her nearly tremble when her eyes snapped open, her own heartbeat loud and fast in her ears..too fast.

Groaning, she sat up, brushing her still mussed hair from her face as she looked around the room. "..Michael?"

That was it. That was the feeling.

As soon as she said his name she felt a terrible sense of worry, and pulling the blankets off of herself she just as quickly moved from the room, needing to make sure that everything was alright.

It was a strange thing, feeling worry for someone when nothing was actually wrong, or without knowing if anything was actually wrong.

Amber eyes darted about with extreme caution as she moved through the house, not even knowing even if she had left Siobhan in the room that she had been sleeping in or if the feline had moved on when she fell asleep.

It was no matter now.

She of course had not been there when he awoke to help him up..to steady him, nor did she hear any mention of needing a gun. It was sheer instinct that was making her heart race at an alarming speed, and she wondered of course if it had anything to do with the dreams that she had been having or if this was something completely and utterly different.

She came to the study just as he had told her that she would find him there, and she stood in the doorway cautiously, not moving forward yet, simply seeing him on his feet and looking..completely frightened.

Celeste remained there for a few moments before slowly stepping forward. "What's the matter..?" The question was hesitant, but she knew she had to ask it.

 

[dryfter]

"Master....Michael....please."

The voice was soft.....kind and caring.....slowly dragging him from his fear induced dementia even as the soft and feminine touch that caressed him every so often sought to soothe the built up tension.....demanding passively that he relax.

But then there was that scent.....

He was so out of it, that he hadn't even known she was standing there right away, Celeste hovering in the doorway hoping to make heads or tails of this mess.....as Nastaja steadied him, continuing to coo soothing words in his ear all the while shooting the fox mate a worried glance.

"What's the matter..?"

"W...Wha's happenin?"

A sleepy voice spoke softly from behind Celeste, a still tousled and thoroughly groggy Kira bumping gently into the vixen, rubbing her eyes in response as she gazed blearily at the feminine obstacle.

"Celeste.....get my gun......its in my room......I need my gun....."

"W-Wha?"

That was enough to wake up the sleepy cheetah, who now proceeded to pose as an obstacle herself, standing in shock with her jaw hanging open.

"Master....you know that using silvered weapons are taboo. You can never use those again......"

"Yeah, Master.....we didn't want to object to your decision of bringing those into the house because they.....well.....they're you're memories, right? But you can't....even if you were a hunter.....even your own clan would turn on you."

While Nastaja remained calm and collected, Kira was borderline frantic, her eyes darting from Michael to Celeste, then back again....as if waiting to see if her fellow housemate would actually carry out her order.

"Don't do it, Celeste.....you can see he's half out of his mind. It must be a nightmare or something."

For a second, panic faded as another thought struck Kira......her revolving gaze finally settling on one target. When she spoke again, there were many emotions wrapped up into not only the words....but the tone of her voice as well. Sadness....hope......determination......

"Don't do it, Celeste.....don't make me stop you."

"Kira, get out of her way right now!"

"No Master......no.....I won't.

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste looked beyond confused as she looked up at Nastaja, only looking back to Michael when she heard her name.

There was some confusion in her gaze when she turned instead to Kira - hearing something about the weapon, the mere mention of silver making her flinch from discomfort.

She immediately remembered what the small amount of silver had done to Michael, however she turned somewhat, glancing from Michael to the hall.

She hadn't quite been expecting Kira to be the one standing in her way.

"..Kira.."

She spoke quietly, her gaze once again focusing on the cheetah as she took a slight step back. "I know that you are fast.."

Her breathing was somewhat uneven as she looked again to Michael, shutting her eyes just briefly before pushing past her, running as quickly as she could down the hall.

She could hear the echo of her own footsteps in the hallway.

All that she had to do was get to his room.

Though the question still remained as to why he actually needed the gun..wanted it. She didn't understand..but her heart was beating, no - pounding in her chest simply at the thought of hunting again..with a gun.

It brought back floods of memories as she ran from the study toward his room, waiting to hear footsteps behind her - knowing she would have to shift in order to even stand a chance if Kira did follow.

 

[dryfter]

Dammit. Now she was in a fix.

Try as she might to stand in the way, Kira snarled as the elusive Celeste somehow found a small chink in her blockade to squirt past her even as Nastaja looked on with worried eyes. The were-panther wasn't going to be useful at all, needed as she was to keep the Master steady.

To make things worse, this wasn't an enemy she was fighting, but her own housemate. And like it or not....one that she had feelings for too.

Yet in the end, it was Michael's safety that took priority, her pause just enough to give Celeste a decent head start. Not that it mattered.

Crouching low, the muscles underlying the smooth flesh of her bronzed thighs bunched slightly in preparation of what was coming. A split second later, and she was racing in pursuit of a creature she could probably slow....but it would take a miracle to catch.....

And just what would catching her earn her anyway? A fight between the two of them? That was just what she needed....another risk that could very well end up in punishment for her again. Emerald eyes narrowed to slits as she watched the fleeing Celeste begin the shift to her hybrid form. She was so close now......it would only be a few more strides and she would be upon her......and still with no plan.

Kira glanced to her left, noting for a second the wide and frightened look on Siobhan's face, the teen having dared a peek from Celeste's room where she had finally woken. The scowl on the cheetah's face did nothing to soothe the poor kitten's nerves.....

With a bang, the door to Michael's room was torn open, but only one really knowing where to go. This was it.....this was her answer.....

Celeste had to pause.....the Master had said his gun was in his room.....but had still been too out of it to tell her where.

Kira blew past the fox vixen with a triumphant smirk, tearing open the nightstand drawer, and seizing the handgun that she had been commanded to retrieve. As Celeste's eyes narrowed at the sight of it, the were-cheetah's visage of victory faded in the face of true concern and repentance. It wasn't her desire to go up against the lovely fox.....and it certainly wasn't something she should be enjoying.....

"You know the rules, Celeste.....at least.....I think you do. Do you know what would happen if Michael used this?"

From the look on her face, it was clear to see that at this moment Celeste didn't really care, every little cue of body language setting Kira on edge. Would the fox really battle her?

"Gerald would descend upon this place with the full weight of the clan and destroy him Celeste! He'd be disowned.........along with us most likely. Even if we weren't.......he'd be gone."

There was pain in her voice as she slowly backed away, a soft click filling the room as the weapon's magazine fell harmlessly to the floor. Reaching for the gun itself, a simple cocking of its length sent a single bullet through the air....ejected from its chamber.....its golden head glinting softly at the apex of its tiny rainbow....drawing both sets of eyes to it as it fell.

"What the fuck?"

Suddenly, it was as if the brave cheetah was afraid to even touch the errant piece of ammunition. Kneeling slowly, completely ignoring Celeste and just how open to attack she was......the lanky blonde trembled softly as she reached for the bullet. She had no idea how close the fox mate had come to her when she looked up.....but it was close enough that the sudden fear in her eyes was unmistakable when their gazes locked once more.

"Oh.....my......god."

On her hands and knees, Kira crawled frantically towards the discarded magazine, scooping it up in a hurry before racing to her feet once more. Without explanation, indeed barely able to make a sound through her own rising panic, the cheetah placed both gun and clip in Celeste's hands.

"Go........NOW.....for the love of all you hold dear...NOW!"

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste's breathing was uneven by the time she had gotten to the room - and that was the issue of it all. She had to pause. Michael had not told her where the gun was.

Of course if she had had a moment for logical thought she would have looked where he hid his guns when human - but now..now she was given no time.

And as Kira blew past her when she did pause she nearly stumbled, her breathing somewhat uneven as she attempted to catch her breath, standing with her feet a good distance apart as though ready to pounce on the cheetah.

"Kira.."

Kira's little victory was short lived and Celeste could feel her fingers twitching in anticipation. It was horrible how much she wanted to get the gun..to have her fingers on it. But more than that the fact that Michael had wanted it...had told her to get it - and told Kira not to get in her way. She would do whatever necessary to get him the gun.

"He wants the gun...he wants it for a reason."

Her voice didn't waver. Nothing wavered until she saw the bullet land on the ground, her eyes locking on it and as the Cheetah practically shoved the gun and clip into her hands, Celeste immediately snarled through clenched teeth.

"What. What is the significance, Kira!"

She held it in her hands, re-loading the gun with practiced ease, holding it as though it were weightless.

Of course at this point Celeste needed to know what was going on, the adrenaline in her system at the moment, her eyes again focusing on the bullet. "Give it to me if you're so terrified of the thing."

 

[dryfter]

It didn't take much to hand over the last bullet. Celeste was so calm in accepting it, reloading the gun with a speed that Kira couldn't have hoped to match without at least a few months practice. Just what had the fox mate done for a living before Michael had turned her?

Calm.....and completely unknowing. Kira doubted anyone knew the significance of the gold inset into the rounds of ammunition Michael had his weapon of choice. For a second, the cheetah looked down at the pair of long knives still laying there in a place of honored memory within his nightstand. These were unaltered, their edges still gleaming with sharpened silver.....and completely useless.

"A loup garou."

Lifting her gaze back to the already retreating form of Celeste, she saw the vixen pause at the words. It was hopeless to expect her to understand on her own, freshly turned as she was......unless.....unless Kira's growing suspicions were correct, and Celeste had been a hunter too. But even then.....the rarity of such a creature......

"A monstrosity, a brutal creature that preys upon other lycans, though it itself is a lycan. An abomination that cannot be killed with silver like the rest of us. Hunters and lycans alike have tried.....their entrails discovered days later......entire clans ripped apart, their mates dying months later as the creature's spawn rips its way from their very wombs."

She was not one to know fear often. So why now? Why so often now that Celeste had come to the house? There was the time the Master has nearly killed her......again when she had almost died at the hands of the werewolf.....no....no that didn't count....she hadn't had time to feel fear.

And then there was now.

"A loup garou can only be harmed by gold weapons.....weapons that every clan keeps at hand, just in case. If Michael suspects one is nearby.......you......you have to get that to him, Celeste. I'm sorry.....sorry for doubting him......and you."

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste couldn't help herself but pause in response to the word, her breathing somewhat uneven as she heard her.

She didn't turn, not at first - not at all. Instead she listened to Kira's explanation of the thing, her knuckles turning white as she clutched the weapon in her hand.

It was impossible to understand why this was coming, certainly why now of all times.

Her amber eyes were hard, unfocused as she walked away - not turning once to comfort Kira, to do anything of the sort. Now was not the time to comfort the girl, it was instead the time to get some answers, leaving her only with brief parting words.

"You're right to doubt me, Kira."

Celeste moved quickly, and she was back in the study before even seconds had passed, moving to Michael though she held the weapon in her hand.

"You will tell me what's happening and why.."

She spoke quietly, her voice taking a tone more of when they had been partners and he was trying to get information out of him, gaze hard as she watched him.

"Gold, Michael."

Her heart was beating frantically as she held the gun, staring down at it in her hands.

"Gold...and what..you planned not to tell me this? You should have told me this! I can help you..I'm probably the only person in this house that can and you kept it from me?"

She was panicked of course, though also fuming.

"What is the reason..what's the reason for it coming here."

 

[dryfter]

Siobhan whimpered softly, backing herself through the open doorway deeper into Celeste's room as the vixen stomped past. Not much had escaped the little catgirl, unnoticed as usual. She certainly hadn't expected a confrontation between Kira and Celeste....but then....after the race that had blown past her just minutes ago, she hadn't been sure what to expect.

Shifting easily, the tiny white housecat streaked down the steps, following where not even Kira dared. She was much faster in this form, and more importantly, Master permitted it. Slinking slowly towards the lighted doorway of the study, the teen lycan curled herself outside of its walls just near enough to hear what went on....

"You will tell me what's happening and why..."

Nastaja, now joined by Angel who had also finally found her way to the source of the commotion, both gasped at the vixen's commanding tone....daring a glance in Michael's direction and sure of the Master's impending wrath for being addressed in such a manner.

"Gold, Michael. Gold...and what..you planned not to tell me this? You should have told me this! I can help you..I'm probably the only person in this house that can and you kept it from me?"

Both were-panthers exchanged a nervously confused glance. Gold? Just what was Celeste getting all upset about? At least it wasn't the damning silver that they had both thought he would use while half in a delirious state. That state of mind was long gone now, the fogginess of sleep finally driven from the forefront of his mind, Michael quite lucid once more.

"Nastaja.....Angel.....get out."

His voice was calm, collected, with only a hint of the fatigue that comes from not having gotten good sleep.

"And Siobhan....close the door behind them."

The little kitten squirmed slightly, chagrined at having been caught yet again. With a soft mew, the flat of her head pushed at the door as it swung closed on well oiled hinges. With a concerned whumph.....she settled herself at its base, not caring if it hit her when it reopened......there was much to be learned here.

Michael stood from the restored chair he had been lounging in, a sharpness to his own gaze as he met Celeste's furious one.

"First off. If you want to have a conversation like this one, its to be in private, do you understand? I'll not have you alarming my other mates."

She seemed so small to him as he rose out of the chair to tower over her with his commanding height and build.

"And how do you know the significance of gold? As far as I know, you and I never encountered such a creature."

Michael sighed....his bluster losing its steam rapidly as the memories caught up to him once more.

"Listen....you've got to stop challenging me in front of the others. If you wanted an explanation, all you had to do is ask. I understand you're angry, but you're also new to this game, remember?"

He began to pace, fully aware of her eyes on him the whole time.....though they were a feeble thing indeed compared to his inner torment.

"Remember how I told you.....the severance of the bond? And how much it hurt to feel your master die? Have you once wondered where my master is? I was bitten, you know that.....so why am I in charge of my own household rather than some lapdog to a stronger lycan?"

He paused for a moment....letting his questions sink in.

"He was murdered, Celeste. Some nights.....I can still feel it.....remnants of what it felt like to feel him die, the bond between master and slave shattering. You never truly realize what a slave you are until that moment.....the moment your master dies."

For all his strength and sturdiness of frame, Michael shuddered suddenly, a sudden weakness overcoming him as he reached out for his desk to steady himself.

"It was a loup garou. I'd never heard of them before until that day.....the day that Lord Gerald found me wandering aimlessly in the halls of my own home. Everyone I had known since being turned was dead.....not just killed either.....eviscerated in the most painful bloody manner possible."

His gaze drifted back to her own......was there some softening there amidst her sudden flare of anger?

"I never saw it. They were dead before I had come back from my hunt. All I remember....was the smell.....its scent everywhere.....strong enough that the scent of my own kinsman's blood wasn't even enough to cloak it."

His gaze took on a distant look.

"They're rare, Celeste......heavily hunted by the clan lords. Yet every Master carries a weapon of gold just in case. You've been so skittish adjusting to what I've done to you....what I've made you into.....I'd thought not to burden you with any more fears than those that you already had. But now...."

Fingers toyed absently with the handle of the firearm, tracing the smooth and familiar stock gently.

"That was no teen Kira chased away while we were gone, Celeste. She's lucky she wasn't raped on the spot. Unless of course.....its not after her. Why would it be? A loup garou usually doesn't even bother with the females.....until every male in the house is already dead."

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste quite obviously hadn't notice nor quite cared about how the women in the room were reacting. She was furious, and she wasn't doing well to hold back. And of course in a situation like this she certainly couldn't just speak to him as he was. Her Master.

She glanced up at the other two mates only as she heard Michael address them, her cheeks flushed from the anger - making it obvious that she hadn't even noticed them standing there - her entire attention on Michael.

Her chest was heaving as she glanced back t the door when it shut, though she quickly refocused on Michael, swallowing hard at his immediate response - to the look in his eyes.

Her lips parted immediately at his words, unable to help but shy away somewhat at his height to hers, and she was near to defend herself only to have him continue at a much more subdued tone.

She of course listened to the rest of the story, though she didn't quite seem to comprehend all of it. Not at all.

"..Hunted by hunters as well.." She spoke quietly, her breathing somewhat uneven as she turned away from him, the gun still in her grasp.

"I thought...I thought we had gotten it."

She sounded much more panicked now, her hand that held the gun actually trembling at this point though she refused to turn to face him.

"We used gold..the trap was perfect.."

Her voice shook as she spoke, once again her heartrate drowning out most sounds in her head.

"It must not have hit him...it makes sense..he's coming after you because of where we failed.."

She turned to face him then, her eyes wide as she remembered the hunt.

"You know...how I...how I wanted something new...always...a new weapon..new trap..new hunt."

Her breathing was uneven as she continued. "..They are rare...so rare..probably not another one near us for...I don't even know how far but we hunted a male...thought I had him I don't understand what went wrong..."

Again she looked away from him, trying to recount every detail of the hunt, for the first time actually looking like she was more in her element.

"I won't let him attack you because I failed to kill him..I brought him here, Michael.."

 

[dryfter]

"No."

Michael's head shook softly even as Celeste's gaze lifted from the floor in a heartbeat at the very sound.

"You can't blame yourself. Just like I can't blame myself. I've spent the last few minutes trying to convince myself that he's come for me only because he failed to kill me when he killed the rest of my household.....that I'm some kind of twisted unfinished business he might have. That is if indeed, he's even the same monster. Its entirely possible that he's someone different."

Michael breathed a sigh of relief, turning from her to rest both hands wearily on the solid surface of the oaken desk.

"So you have hunted a loup garou before."

It was a simple enough statement, though one that was heavy with both relief and sudden understanding.

"It had been years since the butchering of my master's house. I'm sorry I didn't recognize the scent right away. I knew something was terribly off when we got back yesterday.....but I just couldn't place what it was. Then....then I fell asleep and I relived it all over again. Their bodies.....the blood......the sheer agony from the sundering......all of it. I'm sorry if I worried you and the others...."

And then the answer came to him....though nobody involved was going to like it.....as in.....at all. Straightening up, he held out his hand in silent demand of the gun Celeste still held.

"I've a job for you, Celeste. And you're not going to like it.....but its non-negotiable."

The grim set of his jaw revealed just how much he knew this was going to upset her. But what choice did he have? If he was lucky, perhaps she'd understand his reasoning and go.

"A day's travel to the west lies Lord Vargas' compound, and the vast majority of his fox clan.....travel by car that is. I want you to take the keys to my Corvette, take Angel with you for directions.....and I want you to go tell him of the threat in this area. He won't be pleased, and if we're lucky, he'll send out a few of his more vicious fighters to hunt with us."

A fox to the fox clan? Perfect. Vargas would be hard pressed a request to help defend one of his own. And it wasn't like he was going to tell her.....no.....no more secrets.

"I'll be sending Nastaja to the north to speak with Lord Gerald and the rest of my clan."

He could see the gears churning in her head. Nastaja....Angel.....herself.....that left Kira and Siobhan....and Michael. When her eyes narrowed, they were met by a soft smile.

"I know Kira's not impressed you so far, but she really is a decent fighter. And don't underestimate Siobhan like Gerald and Vargas have. If you've not figured out her secret yet, you're not likely to until its revealed to you. Needless to say, the little kitten can hold her own a lot better than you think."

He stepped towards her then, embracing her tightly before Celeste had a chance to step away....his mouth a fraction of an inch from her ear.

"We'll be ok, I promise. If you really have fought one of these things before, then you know how many hunters it would have taken to take one down, yes? We can't do this on our own, you and I, Celeste. I hate to ask them for it.....but we need help.....and the presence of such a monster is a concern and threat to them too, ok?"

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste was horribly tense, shaking her head somewhat, still obviously not believing a word that he said. No this wasn't his fault..it didn't make sense - any of it. Why had she been the one plagued with the dreams had it not been the same.

She seemed to understand then, fingers still clutching at the gun though her gip had loosened somewhat.

She seemed so incredibly tense as she stood there, realizing that in her human form she almost certainly had gotten the scent - the known, familiar scent of who she tried to kill and now in this form, it was still in her memory..and it lingered all over the property. It was the only thing that made sense.

He mentioned a job then and she immediately glared up at him, not quite enjoying the sound of any of it. A days travel was bad enough..and what if the thing wasn't actually after Michael? Or if it was, she wasn't there to help because she would be asking a fox for help?

Celeste was nearly growling at the thought of leaving simply Kira and Shio with him, and she didn't seem to like at all the smile that adorned his lips, obviously anticipating her disdain for the entire situation.

She was pulled to him after he explained that he would be fine and she wriggled somewhat against him immediately frowning, even with his lips so close to her ear - her body not seeming to relax in the slightest.

"..You want to send me to a fox."

Her breathing was somewhat uneven as she again squirmed against him, nearly pouting now. "..I can't..I..I can't if something happens..." Her heart was pounding as she pressed her hands to his chest, fingers clutching at it - even with the gun in her hand.

"You want me to leave when you need me the most..why...because you need me there just a bit more? That's...that's two days...minimum...it will probably be three if it takes long to convince him...and...Kira.."

She looked back up to him then.

"They don't know my past, Michael..and while they may not understand what our link is...she's putting it together. The gun...the...the bullet...God I reloaded the thing faster than she could blink.." She looked away from him now, staring at the gun as it was pressed to his chest.

"She won't trust me...none of them will.."

She shook her head slightly before leaning forward, simply pressing her forehead against his chest and shutting her eyes.

"How can you make me leave right now...and to Vargas.."

 

[dryfter]

"You're wrong."

The words were soft, delivered with a tenderness that stole away their edge even as he held the softly trembling fox in his arms.

"I'm not sure how much Kira has figured out on her own. But I know her much better than you do....if only on the premise of having had her as my mate for these last few years."

She couldn't see the solemn smile that spread across his face, as tightly as he held her to him, wanting nothing more than to drive the fear away from her.

"If Kira didn't trust you. She would have killed you just a few minutes ago....rather than let you bring this back to me."

His free hand brushed her wrist....moving along its slender length to slide gently over the handle of his gun once more, his fingers curling insistantly around it, to pull the weapon gently from her grasp.

"Please be strong, Celeste. We both know that this has to be done. Vargas is unpleasant at times, condescending most of the time, but in the face of true danger.....he's an ally we can ill afford to not have with us."

When he finally pulled back enough to look her in the eyes once more, he could see the tears welling up from the pain hidden deep in those copper orbs.

"Kira trusts you, I know she does. But even more importantly.....so do I.....and that's why I have to send you to Vargas. Yes, you're a fox asking for a foxes aid, and yes I'm using that to our advantage. I only hope you don't hate me for it and realize how important this is. He won't hurt you, Celeste, nor will he try and claim you. In light of everything else, I think you'll find yourself a very small fish in a very large pond of troubles that he faces on a day to day basis."

And just like that she was deep in his embrace again. She wasn't the only one who had to show strength in the midst of rising panic, he only hoped she didn't feel the soft tremor that rippled through his own body as he held her, though he knew it's notice was unavoidable......he practically reeked of fear.

"It won't come for you, Celeste. Its just not how they work. It wants its loose ends out of the way before it begins its mating frenzy.......loose ends like me."

He didn't tell her of how this special breed of monster was so different from the rest of them all, how interspecies breeding didn't affect nor apply to it. Michael's mates indeed had as much to lose as he himself did if they failed.....

"One other thing.....and the most difficult for you, yet proof of the trust I have in you. When you return.....hopefully with an army of your own.......Angel.....isn't to come back with you, understand?"

He could feel her stiffen in surprise.

"I'll make sure Siobhan watches over Nikita while Nastaja is gone. But Angel has yet to birth the child she carries. We both know she's not fit for combat, and I'll not leave her to the mercy of that....creature. Be warned though, Angel is very strong willed, though you've probably not seen it just yet. She's not likely to like my decision. Vargas will understand however.....I'm sure of it."

 

[TieMeTightly]

"She doesn't.."

She nearly shook her head, obviously not believing the little comment that if she didn't trust her she would be dead. She figured trusted or not she wouldn't be dead simply because of the way that Kira felt for her personally.

She tensed slightly as she felt his hand on her wrist, focusing again on the weapon, her lips parting briefly as though to protest him taking it from her, though she remained silent - allowing him to tug it from her fingers.

"I am strong.."

She spoke the words quietly, offhandedly really, already attempting to blink away any threats of tears as she always seemed to manage to do.

She pulled back slightly, not quite believing a word that he was saying about Vargas. She didn't trust him, and she didn't quite seem to want anything to do with him.

Even if she went with the best intentions she was certain that the Fox clan would be able to smell not only her fear of them all but also complete and utter loathing for him taking Kira. Not to mention she was terrified to think of how they would be treated after the incident, the mere thought making her shudder against him only to find herself enwrapped in his arms again.

And then he spoke of loose ends...easily feeling his own body shake against hers, her forehead again pressed against his chest as she pushed her slender figure against him as hard as she possibly could.

She heard the mention of Angel and couldn't quite believe what he was saying, nearly groaning in response.

"Are you trying to get them all to hate me.."

There was an undertone of sarcasm lacing the words and she shut her eyes tightly, already seeming to miss the feeling of the weapon in her hands.

"I'm sorry that..I spoke like that in front of them..I couldn't help it I was so upset.."

She didn't look at him, still remaining hidden against his chest, refusing to pull back enough to actually look up at him.

"..I don't try to challenge you in front of them..it's just...my personality."

A brief nod was all that she gave him then as though that justified her actions, though it was obvious she was nervous he was upset with that.

 

[dryfter]

"Stop it!"

His words were firm, with only a little undertone of harshness to them. It was enough to earn him eye contact from her again.

"I am strong..."

And like that, the fierceness faded from his eyes. Why did she always have to be so paranoid about the ones around her? And yet....

"Yes. You are. And its that strength I need right now, Celeste. This thing might not strike while you're gone, so don't think you're missing out on anything. And for the love of fucking god, stop pining after Kira and the others. They're trying to be your friends! Trust is something that is gained if you ever let any of them get to know you!"

Michael sighed, clearly frustrated.

"Look, Angel's not going to like my decision, but that doesn't change the fact that its mine. If you don't like it, bring her back in here right now, and I'll tell her how its going to be. Either way, she's not to leave Vargas' camp, understand?"

At least he was in control enough to not mention how he wasn't about to lose a second child to the tempest that seemed to be swirling around his little manor suddenly. Such a slip up would have no doubt shattered Celeste and the little confidence his trip with her had seemed to reinstill. No, he hadn't mentioned children yet, and he wasn't about to.....

"Celeste....."

His voice took on a caring, yet obviously pained tone. In truth, he wanted to send her away about as much as she wanted to go. She had been right....she was an asset against this thing, having surprised him with the revelation that she'd hunted one before. And yet....someone had to do this.....

"Don't stop for anything.....no cops.....no nothing. Go as fast as you can, bottom my Vette out, just as long as you don't crash it. Its not the car I'm worried about, its you and Angel....and how much longer it will take you to reach Vargas' territory on foot. Plus....if you're really good about it, that two day estimate is a little flexible. I was giving that based on going the speed limit.....a limit you're no doubt going to break anyway. I'm just saying....if it scares you that much.....if you really think your place is here with me....."

His voice grew just a little thicker....clouded suddenly with the various emotions that weighed upon him.

"Then please......hurry."

 

[TieMeTightly]

She flinched as soon as she heard the firmness in his voice, but the words did not seem to calm her in the slightest. Even as he spoke - even as the fierceness had disappeared she still managed rather easily to pull from him - his take on the trust making her flinch away from him - though of course she still believed none of it.

Her breathing was uneven as he spoke of Angel again and she swallowed hard, almost reading his mind about what he was clearly thinking about but she said nothing and managed to give no hint that she practically knew he was trying not to speak of what had happened.

What was worse was that she was nearly certain that Vargas would mention it.

He told her to stop for nothing and she nodded somewhat, though was again doing well to avoid eye contact as she began backing toward the door before turning, opening it easily and slipping out.

Siobhan was the first she saw and she managed to smile to mask any sort of pain at the moment. "Shio get his keys, and tell Angel to see him. She and I must leave as soon as possible."

It was after she left the room that she nearly felt sick to her stomach, moving quietly down the hall, back to her room. If Kira was even in it she didn't notice, all fur shed during the short distance down the hallway, leaving her standing nude in the room, fingers tugging on a tshirt and jeans. She wasn't going to stop for anyone. That was fine, but she wasn't going to go naked either.

Celeste wasted no time as she moved from her room, sandals, shirt and jeans, pulling her hair back off of her neck and pinning it back with a clip.

For as good as people perhaps thought she looked..each time she looked in the mirror she actually missed her old self..the blue eyes something that she was pained to lose, though if she did look close enough she managed to see specks, remnants of that colour in the amber gaze.

She moved back toward the study, glancing around for Shio at his point, biting her lower lip nervously.

 

[dryfter]

By the time, Celeste returned, Angel looked completely subdued. It had helped that neither of his panther mates had any clue what manner of creature was stalking them now......unlike Celeste.

Michael frowned suddenly. Nastaja hadn't been happy either, but at least knew what had to be done, and did so with a minimum of fuss. Angel had been considerably more stubborn.....but in the end.....there was the child she carried.

Their eyes never even met when Celeste glanced at the burdened werepanther, her own smoky eyes cast towards the floor.

"Is....it time to go then?"

Angel waited patiently for Celeste to conclude any business she had left yet with the Master.....and silently left with her when she did. Michael could hear the slam of the car door from where he still sat.....

"Siobhan...."

A face framed with silken strands of white hair peered anxiously from around the corner of the room, hopeful yet that she hadn't upset him too much with her eavesdropping.

"I know curiousity is your nature....but how much did you hear?"

Slowly, the lithe little teen crawled her naked form into the room.....not deigning to answer until her moonlight locks brushed lovingly against his calves.

"I heard everything, master. Do you think it wise to send Celeste away? She proved before that she can fight.....even if she was hurt.....she killed the jackal. A loup garou though.....this would explain....."

A curious glance downward as the catgirl fawned over him....purring gently as she used her face to stroke his inner thighs.....creeping ever upward, though more in a comforting manner than anything truly sexual.

"Explain what?"

It never ceased to amaze him....the intelligence he saw there in her icy blue eyes. Just how much older than he, was this one? He'd never asked....never really decided if he wanted to know.....not after she had told him......

"Kira knows. She was terrified. She's probably still in your room....or perhaps hiding in hers. I don't know how much good she'll be to use in a fight. But....."

Michael frowned. This wasn't good news.

"But I'm here for you, Master. I'll help protect you."

A gentle hand reached down to tousle her already wild looking hair. A truly loving smile spread across his face.

"I know, Siobhan. Let's just hope we can hold out until they get back."

--------------------------------------------------------------------

So this was the game he wanted to play? Fine.

With a grin, teeth that rapidly grew into fangs, and a build that way outstripped the simple hoodie and jeans he wore....the woods around the manner heard their silent peace torn as the rags burst at the seams around his muscles. Almost lynx like in appearance....a soft and feral rumble sounded from his throat at the mixture of scents that surrounded him.

The fox and the pregnant one were too fast to catch.....he would have to acquaint himself with them later. It had been far too long since he'd bred a fox....though he enjoyed the deathscreams they made when his progeny clawed their way out of their mother.....the panther.....was useless to him in her current state.....but she would be fun to gut. He'd even keep her alive long enough to watch him devour the very thing she carried inside of her.....

But for now....there was the other one......another panther, already racing away from him. She was tainted too, the master of the house already setting his bloodline deep in her body. Yet she wasn't as far along.....and could prove an interesting mate yet......

With a soft rumble....he leapt into pursuit, not wishing to make enough noise to bring a fight just yet. Not until he knew for sure just how many fangs would be ready to greet him. Not that it mattered.....he was strong enough.....healed fast enough.....to kill them all.

All he had to do was get the dominant male to lower his guard a little....just a little....and then the brief flickering of gold that he had scented.....wouldn't matter......