James A. Avery's Story

The alpha recieved a chuckle off the female causing him to relax his armed hand hanging loosely by his sides as he took in the sound of her laughter. "The name's Anvar by the way what's your's..." Before he got an answer he felt something collide into his back knocking him to the floor, winding him as he fell to his hands and knees. He didn't even bother too look behind him, he knew who it was that threw the object and as soon as that thought came into his mind causing a cold rage spreading through out his body and before he knew what he was doing his arm had swung around to where the red mongrel had been standing and fired all of the rounds in a matter of seconds. His picked up the sound of bullets hitting dirt which made him turn his head and to his actual horror he saw what hit him, a wounded Rose, her right shoulder a bloody mess... he turned his attention to Brandin although he didn't say a word his eyes said it all, Don't forget who you're dealing with, shaking uncontrollably with a white hot rage burning inside of him ignoring his need to breath he hauled himself up, emptying his gun of the empty cartriages and loading it, not caring whether the rounds were the same or not he only cared for one thing. Killing the bastard.

The gamma was walking away and had placed something down next to a tree but the alpha simply ignored this fact his sole intention was him. "Brandin turn around!" He yelled out to him, fury ringing as loud as bell at a funeral, to which the gamma obliged that cocky spark in his eyes still present. Hand still trembling with rage pointed the magnum at the red haired wolf, the sights going on and off the target while his face was as hard and cold as marble. He pulled the trigger thrice, the recoil of the gun throwing his already unstable arm all over the place, the first two groups of shots were way off target hitting various places around Brandin but the last couple were at least somewhat on target, one bullet, glinting that of his custom silver rounds while the other was just a plain one. The custom round took a small chunk out his left ear with the plain bullet grazing his left cheek. A disgusted sneer spread across Anvar's face at the sight of the minor injuries he had inflicted but he didn't get another chance as the gamma had simply turned around and left.

His bloodlust faded as it quickly as it came and he soon ran to the aid of the wounded fox, he knelt beside the wounded girl everyone else was blocked out, a wounded pack member came before any other matter. Without saying anything to Rose he was checking the bite, prodding it to see how deep, wide, if Brandin had merely pierced the sking or had he tore/ripped it and whether the dog had pierced any organs or large blood vessels. He heard a moan of pain escape her lips and his face scrunched up into an apologetic face. "I'm sorry Rose I know it hurts but it's not as bad as it seems, simple multiple puncture wounds, nothing else to complicate things." He gripped her hand and pressed it down on the wound causing her to grimace. "Keep the pressure on it, we're going to head back to the ranch now and I know you hate it when I moddle coddle you but I do it to everyone when they're hurt don't forget." He then proceded to place his right arm under her knees and then placed the other around her back with his hand gripping her good shoulder. "You've just been upgraded to first class on the Anvar express." He chuckled at loud the incident still fresh in his mind but surpressed.

He turned to the felines again, smile fading a bit but still remained on his lips. "Before we set off to the ranch I'll have to ask that you all revert to your human forms please and we shall as well, just a precaution." He signalled all the wolves he could see to do as he had said. "Also I will have to ask for you to lead, as I have said the ranch is in that direction, again another precaution." His voice was calm and relaxed, the way it should always be in his eyes. Everyone seemed to comply with this as soon he was surrounded by humans of different sizes, all rather naked of course but this didn't faze him a bit, they were naked as animals what did it matter if they were naked as an ape? As the felines began to move out he gave a serious glance at his betas, he didn't want to say out loud since it should be clear that they had to do something about Brandin. As they were heading off, Anvar saw what the gamma had place and it was two knives, Renmy's in fact. He glanced around at first and then finally into the tree and he thought he saw a foot dangling but when he had a closer look he couldn't see the foot or the owner, he shook his head at this thinking the gamma would have made herself known to him maybe by falling out of the tree or something. He glanced back to the girl in his arms, she looked a little pale but didn't seemed too fazed. "Hey Rose not a good day for you is it?" He joked with a hint of seriousness in it.

Astrid Vellamo & Dante Selantine

Astrid quietly watched Anvar treat to his wounded pack member. The fox kin’s pained moan was unsettling but Astrid kept her posture straight, reminding herself that it wasn’t her problem and she had no business trying to take over the situation. After all, she had enough to worry about with her own pride now that she knew one of the wolves was a little rough around the edges.

Astrid straightened as he turned to the felines again; smile fading a bit but still remained on his lips. She gazed at his smile, absently wondering how he could still manage to do so but dismissed the thought upon his comment. "Before we set off to the ranch I'll have to ask that you all revert to your human forms please and we shall as well, just a precaution." Astrid hesitantly nodded, and looked back at her pride to check to make sure everyone was doing so. After everyone came into his or her human form she looked to Anvar in confirmation. “Done.”

"Also I will have to ask for you to lead, as I have said the ranch is in that direction, again another precaution." Astrid shrugged, pleased with this request. “That’s completely fine.”Astrid commented confidently. She loped to the head of the group, waving her felines to follow but she made sure to motion to Dante to take the back, as the cushion between the groups. She didn’t want any surprises and she knew that the great hulking man would be plenty enough to ward off surprise attacks. Once she was comfortable with the pride’s position she led on towards the settlement in the distance, following the scent of wolf to keep her on track.

Dante stuck close to Astrid, uncomfortable with how things were developing. After the bloodbath and violence, he felt disturbed that they would be staying in close quarters with these wolves. They obviously had problems of their own, and even though he could see that Astrid wanted no part of it, it was still way too close to the pride. As Anvar set his requirements, Dante gazed at Astrid watching her agree. The first, she seemed hesitant about and he couldn’t doubt why. They would lose a lot of power if they were all in human form. Although, the wolves were all in human form too but the next order provided them with a surprise attack which deepened his unease. He noticed Astrid’s signal for him to take the back and he nodded. He would be the defense, and somehow he understood why. Dante knew what he looked like. He looked like an oversized German man, with ultra muscles. Anyone looking at him would wonder if he had been on a protein shake binge for five years while he had been going through puberty. He let the other felines follow and kept his posture straight, albeit tense, as he kept the rear of the formation.

Astrid led the pride and the wolves to a ranch house that was expansive and extremely gorgeous. She almost wished they had the same accommodations back at Central Pride. The thought was lost when she stopped beside the two houses and turned to Anvar with a curious expression. “Where would you like us to go? I’m guessing the guesthouse but since this is your home, I’ll not make any assumptions, hm? I’m sure you wouldn’t want us in your bedroom, shedding cat fur everywhere.” She grinned, and hitched one hip up while her hand rested on it. It was a typical challenging pose that didn’t show any menacing qualities and was actually a bit playful. Many of the females did that back in her pride whenever they teased the men. She needed to be in good graces with these wolves if what she had planned would go well.

"Not really, no." The injuired fox laughed lightly, causing Anvar's mood to raise a fraction. The pride's leader had agreed to his terms causing his mood to raise a little bit more but he could still feel that anger bubbling within him, ready to explode upon the next person to anger him. I'm going to curb stomp that mangy mutt when he returns, the thought was sour and felt like poison to his mind but he still held it within his head, he meant every word of it and planned on making it a reality. He noticed as they all walked to the ranch the dissaproving glare coming from his beta and gave a threatening glance back, he wasn't in the mood to be judged, he had never lead them to harm before and the odd time that danger did find them he had made sure that he was the one to come to harm not his "family". He looked down on Rose who looked small and helpless in his arms but also quite cute despite the blood seeping from her bite mark. "Now this is the second time I've carried you to our home you know." He paused for a second as he corrected himself. "Actually you wouldn't know you were completely out of it but you obviously remember giving me this scar under my eye, you always have been a lousy aim." He allowed himself a chuckle despite his crappy mood even if it was only half hearted.

They had reached the house with no more incidents, much to Anvar's relief although the dissaproving eyes he could feel on him were starting to put him down again and he began to go into thought about his decision but was interrupted. "Where would you like us to go? I'm guessing the guest house but since this is your home I'll not make any assumption, hm? I'm sure you wouldn't want us in your bedroom, shedding cat fur everywhere." He hand went to an elevated hip, the alpha wasn't quite sure if she was flirting or not, he had very limited experience with werecats, he had read the countless books in the study about the war of the ghilles and knew that they shouldn't be treated lightly but if they had came here aggressively they would have slaughtered Brandin there and then, not remain diplomatic as they had. He returned her gaze with a smile, strained but not noticeably so, not to someone who didn't know him anyway. "You assumed right but I'll warn you you're already standing in my bedroom, I prefer to sleep under the stars." He wasn't kidding the only time he slept in the house was when it rained and when the winters cold became too much for him otherwise he'd sleep by the campfire, the roaring flames keeping him warm while a bottle or two of whiskey kept him company.

"Head inside the only thing the guesthouse doesn't have is somewhere to cook food but if you're desperate for some cooked meat, I'll be happy to have some company by the campfire." He pointed to it. "But I'm afraid you'll have to wait a while before that happens I have to tend to my wounded friend here and have a word with the rest of the pack here." He gave a glance to all the present members and gestured with his head to go to the study before turning around to Astrid ine more time. "I'll drop by to see if you're all doing ok." And with that he headed into the house to which his pack members had already entered. "Now I'm going to fix you up and make you that pretty fox lass I know." He chimed to Rose, laying her down gently on the couch before heading into the kitchen to fetch the first aid box, and a bottle of emergency sipping whiskey (Renmy had used up all the anti-septics it seemed.) He pulled a rilled bandage out of the box and soaked it in the whiskey, it was lucky he loved everyone of his pack members, Brandin excluded otherwise he might not have wasted the one liquid he held more sacred than blood. "Now this is going to sting like an absolute bitch." He warned her before pressing it down firmly onto the wound to which he quickly priceede to bandage up, not a single bit embarrassed or shamed with where his hands where touching, he was helping her out after all.

After checking he had done a good job, gave her a light kiss on her injuired shoulder. LNow that will make your boo boo all better, now I don't have a lollipop but how about somethimg a little bit stronger?" He held out the whiskey to her and was surprised by her reaponse before suddenly becoming serious as he realised tha the rest of the pack was waiting for him in the study, sighing rather sadly he asked Rose. "Do you think I made a bad call? I was only showing a bit of human compassion for god's sake." He nodded solemly at her answer before heading to the study. He opened the door and as soon as those judging eyes hit him his anger bubbled up again, not exploding but spilling over a bit. "I know what you all are thinking and I have one thing to say, how fucking dare you." He was surprised as anyone else at his choice of words but he had little power over himself at the present time. "How fucking dare you that you don't trust me enough with this decision, not once have I lead this pack into danger, not once and when it has come knocking on our doors have I not shown you how much I love each one of you that stands before me." He was almost close to tears as he ranted on. "I think just by looking at me should remind you of all the sacrifices I have made to keep you safe." He gestured to his scars at this statement, not one had come from his own mistake, all of them had been from him helping them whether it be sparring, protecting them in a fight or simply from scrapes and burns when helping with their duties. "If they really wanted to mean us harm they would have slaughtered that bastard of a wolf that attacked one of his own pack and believes he can get away with it." He shook his head and glared at everyone, keeping eye contact until they broke it. "Now just piss off, I'm heading to the campfire if anyone needs me." The anger was now gone for good and he regretted yelling at his pack like that but saying sorry wasn't going ro help.

He grabbed a bottle from the cabinet and the already opened whiskey and headed to the campfire, passing by Rose to which he gave her a weak smile the best he could muster. He had completely forgotten about checking up in the cats and began to build a fire. Only when it had finished had he began to drink visiously, not giving damn who saw him but feeling lonely despite his best efforts and began to go deep in thought. on hsr in

Astrid Vellamo

Astrid purred a chuckle at Anvar’s unexpected answer. "You assumed right but I'll warn you you're already standing in my bedroom, I prefer to sleep under the stars." She had expected something more sarcastic in the least. “Ah, well that’s interesting.” She kept her comment at that, leaving the rest out. ‘Interesting because dogs also have a habit of sleeping outside too. Isn’t that cute?’

"Head inside. The only thing the guesthouse doesn't have is somewhere to cook food but if you're desperate for some cooked meat, I'll be happy to have some company by the campfire." He pointed to it and Astrid sniffed unhappily. "But I'm afraid you'll have to wait a while before that happens. I have to tend to my wounded friend here and have a word with the rest of the pack here.” Astrid tensed and nodded. He probably meant something like a dominance meeting or lecture. Her father used to do that when his members doubted him. It assured their positions as the Alphas although she didn’t know the wolf and might be wrong. She scowled. John would have just had the feline killed. "I'll drop by to see if you're all doing ok." Astrid huffed. “Take your time.” Astrid murmured as he began walking towards what appeared to be the main house

Astrid led the felines up into the house and as soon as they were behind closed doors she sighed. “Alright. Let’s get down to business.” She sat down on the couch, glancing around at the furniture.“Not bad taste, eh? Anyways we’ll go with Larissa’s plan but tweak it. I say we use them. They seemed threatened by us and that’s probably because we took some of their territory a while back. They probably want it back and we can give it to them. Sic them on our enemy and we both win. We get to go free and they get a piece of land back. If not, we’ll be running for a while. John won’t stop to get his grubby hands on our heads whether they be attached or not.”

She inhaled slowly, and then hissed out her breath. “So for now, scout out what you can about the wolves. Find out the dangerous ones, and the ones who will support us. Be on your best behavior.” She cast her gaze around her pride. “Also, be back for dinner.”

Dante Selantine

Dante hid his grin as Astrid teased the alpha of the wolf pack. By the look she was returned, he had no idea what she meant. It was unusual for Astrid to be so playful but he figured she had something in mind. ‘Something grand by the look in her eye.’ He thought to himself as he shifted his muscular weight from foot to foot. After the conversation, Dante followed Astrid and the others into the house with relief. He was glad to get out of sight for a while.

Once inside the house, he took his place standing next to the half-kitchen. He briefly thought about dinner but let the thought fade as he had just eaten a while ago. He perked as Astrid began speaking. She sounded excited and relaxed while she gave the pride new instructions. It had been a while since he had felt comfortable and she seemed to feel the same way. Dante looked to the others, noticing how they also seemed to get strength from having a new directive instead of just running away. This was a good development and he added a note to thank Larissa later.

Dante ducked his head when Larissa asked about pairing up. He had something to do, and even if he would have wanted her company, he wasn’t willing to put her in danger. James was the first to decline and he patted Dante on the shoulder on the way out. Dante flushed pink and scratched the spot behind his right ear. “I have, uh, something to do.” He shuffled away and out the door guiltily before murmuring, “Sorry…” As he left. The tall German stopped outside of the guesthouse and inhaled contently. “Feels good not to have to worry about everything. I think I need to solve that mystery though.” He thought out loud before beginning a slow jog back the way they came avoiding the campfire and open areas.

Dante stopped by the area where the scent of coppery blood laid on the grass that was drying as the sun rose. It was about evening now and the heat shone down on him without mercy. Dante raised his human nose to the air, testing for anyone around him before lowering himself to the ground and shifting into his tiger form. His pained mewling lasted for brief minutes and when he quieted, he was fully animal.

Dante lowered his muzzled to the ground and growled. The fight earlier aroused anger in him but his goal wasn’t to relive his memories. No. He had to find his own attacker. If whomever it was that threw the dagger was that proficient in knife work then he needed to make sure it wasn’t a threat. ‘I won’t allow a threat to my pride. Not to Astrid. Not to Larissa. Not to anyone.’ He snarled but realizing he was getting too worked up, quelled his rage. The large white tiger took his spot where he had been standing when he saw the knife and pictured the angle. From the angle it had come from, it would have come from.. ‘There! That way!’ He loped in the direction of the trees with a cattish grin.

Dante slowed as he picked up a scent near the base of a tall tree that seemed to have some years on it. The first scent was wolf with a sort of sweetness making whomever the scent belonged to probably female. He also smelled the tang of blood here too. Dante circled the tree searching for a blood trail but upon finding none, searched for a deeper scent. A faint scent came to mind but it was fading and fast. He leapt to follow the scent hoping that he would reach it in time.

After getting lost so many times that he couldn’t even count them all, he finally stumbled upon the small girl. She looked injured by the way her walk seemed staggered and frail. Worry blossomed in his chest but he pushed it down and slid through the underbrush towards her noticing the blades on her thighs. He had been right but he had no desire to hurt the girl. She looked very young and killing a young child was disgusting. Dante grunted, alerting her to his presence and began his shift into human form.

Once in human form he hurried up too her carefully. He didn’t want to scare her off and he knew he looked barbaric with the leaves in his hair and whatnot. “H-hello.” He spoke up nervously then shook his head, trying not to seem weak. “I mean, Hey. You look like your in pain… Do you need help? I can help you. I won’t hurt you. Promise.” Dante smiled happily then frowned, realizing he was being too friendly. This is harder than I thought. What should I do?

Astrid Vellamo

Astrid leaned back on the couch and grinned pleasantly. “Larissa. Can you do something? You’re the best one to do this so can Ophis and you go find some nice clothes. Two options: Raid the wolves, or go on a shopping trip. Town shouldn’t be too far, hm?” Astrid stretched with a long yawn before rolling up onto her feet. “Although, you should find some clothes first anyways. Probably need to raid the females. Get to know them while you’re at it.” She purred slightly and her grin was menacingly like a predator getting ready to find something fun.

She sobered up as she took a few steps towards Larissa and wrapped her arms around her, happy to be safe and have her pride close. “I love you all though so be careful on this special mission. And whatever you decide to do afterwards, be extra careful.” She smiled before releasing her sister.

Astrid gently pushed Larissa towards the door and waved Ophis to join Larissa. “I trust you girls will do your best so be good. Particularly good!” She stressed their behavior with a stern glance to both of them before shambling back to the couch and laying down with a long sigh. “I’ll stay here in case the Alpha decides to ‘check’ on us.” She huffed, rolling her eyes with amused sarcasm.

James had searched the guesthouse top to bottom looking for well anything out of the ordinary. His search however ended and he poked his head up from behind the couch and watched Astrid push Larissa and Ophis out the door. Only thing visible was his nose, whiskers (Feline Form), his Blue Eye's and his one spotted ear standing straight up listening to them.

He then walked out and sat with his back against the side of the couch Astrid had sat on, his long white tail was moving across the ground as he wiggled his nose a little as he made a quick plan for what he was going to do. Watch the Wolves Beta's? Maybe. Search the Ranch? Maybe. Take a little Cat Nap? Later. Eat? He licked his lips at that as he could go for a little meal. Well having liquids would be good too.

Astrid Vellamo

Astrid closed her eyes for a moment. She vaguely scented James in the room, close to her but she was lost her in thoughts. The darkness surrounded her pleasantly, like an old friend come to see her after a long year of hardship. Astrid welcomed the peace too; she liked the relaxation she felt as she laid there. A small rumbling purr started in her throat and kept an on-off tune as she faded in and out of consciousness. Finally she sighed contently and rolled over onto her side, opening her eyes to peer at James who was still in cat form beside the couch.

“James.” She murmured before raising her voice a fraction so that it wasn’t so soft. “Hey. James.” She rolled completely off the couch and landed with a dull thump and she laid flat on her stomach for a moment. “Let’s play while we wait.” She grinned and adjusted onto her bottom so that she could properly look at him. The glint of playful challenge waded through her amber eyes and she felt the cat rise to the forefront. “Wanna spar? Or should we go for a run?” She rocked up onto her feet and squatted tensely. She wasn’t tense with unrest but with the excitement coursing through her newly energized body.

James had just been laying there watching, listening to everything around him. He was already staring at her with his Bright Blue eye's when she rolled off the couch, "James" His left ear shot up as Astrid called his name the first time. He stretched a little as she spoke again abit louder "Hey. James." he blinked a few times as his black spotted ear lay flat against his head, he was listening intently now like he always did whenever she spoke to him.

His head was slightly cocked to the left as he watched her, "Wanna spar?" as Astrid said the word spar there was a little glint in his eye aswell as his ears both straight up and his tail curling slightly and Astrid then continued "Or should we go for a run?" he shrugged at the second option. He enjoyed going for a run but that mainly included him climbing tree's and with having a little play fight fitted him better even when Astrid usually won, but he likes to think he'd let her win. He then glanced around finding this probably not the best place to spar in. Inside usually didn't work anyways, he then turned his head back to Astrid as he stood up instead of laying on the ground.

Astrid Vellamo

Astrid sneered at his nonchalant shrug and briefly walked over to open the front door then came back and crouched a few feet away from James. She inhaled slowly and stretched out, pale skin seeming to shudder momentarily before fur spread over her as if she was pulling on a coat. She exhaled on another tremor and flexed her claws, finished shifting. She flicked her ears, gritting her jaws as she tested her senses tentatively. Once she was sure everything was up to speed, she got her paws under her and looked to James who stood across from her.

Astrid’s purr started up slowly, like a far off rumble turned into something sweet. She fluidly stepped forward brushing her cheek against James shoulder and curled her tail over his muzzle before flicking it playfully. She circled him before stopping in front of him again with a devilish snigger. Her teeth were bared and her muzzle curled up in a very human-like smirk. Astrid swiped out her paw, claws in, and tapped James over the jaw before streaking towards the door and out into the pack territory. Unease settled over her but was gone as she whipped her body towards the woods and felt her paws become light as she sped up. ‘Catch me now, if you can James.’ She growled.

When she sneered at him he made his ears go up as he brought a paw up and scratch his nose before shaking his coat a little. James just stayed still after that and watched Astrid through her change, he watched her test her senses he wiggled his nose a little at Astrid as she sat across from him in her Feline form. He wasn't sure what she was thinking. He still stood there as she purred and brushed her cheek against his shoulder as she walked around him, he then noticed her tail curl up over his muzzle and then flicked it as Astrid circled around him, she then stopped infont of him with one of her weirdly human-like smirk which he was used too. 'Okay Astri-.' she then tapped him with her paw on his muzzle and he blinked rapidly as she then B Lined it out the door.

He stayed there for a fraction of a second before he was already chasing after her, he caught her little taunt and his ears flattened against his head as his own lips turned ino something of a smile, 'Gladly.' he said getting more determined to catch Astrod as he picked up speed as they neared the edge of the forest.

When Cyra looked back toward the house, she saw Rose and Anvar together in a way that looked like they were kissing. A moment later, she realized that is exactly what they were doing. Her ears perked up for a moment in interest and surprise that they chose this time to start something like this. She then relaxed again, her body language communicating contentment for a moment. As a human, she would say that love was strange and seemed to come on suddenly. As a wolf though, it was a normal and routine part of life. Love came when it willed. Her eyes slowly began to close as she took in the peaceful sounds of the forest behind her. The grass began to make her nose itch, and she moved her head slightly with a huff.

Her ears perked up just minutes later to noise in the direction of the house. She raised her head and saw Brandin come in carrying a small form, Vale clinging to his shirt. From the red hair, she thought he might be carrying Renmy. She always seemed to be hurting herself in some way. A wave of concern swept over her, and she contemplated whether she could help in any way. She decided she would probably just be in the way, and Vale did not seem upset, so it was probably a minor injury. In any case, she was in good hands. Nevertheless, Cyra's attention was focused on Renmy and Brandin until they disappeared inside.

Not long after, a couple of the felines also entered the pack house, and Cyra looked away disinterestedly, but her disinterest still held a note of concern. She wondered what they needed. A moment later, the leader of the werecats dashed out of the guest house, charging directly toward Cyra. Sprinting after her was another of the felines. They were approaching her fast, but Cyra was unsure whether they had seen her or not. She slowly stood, watching their approach with a cold look. Her ears rotated back and forth, showing that she was unsure whether to be aggressive or curious.

Astrid Vellamo

Astrid streamlined for the woods and she felt James catch up to her eventually. Her senses were on overdrive as she tested the air, jaws parted slightly while she panted. However, a wolf popped out of the brush and Astrid started to slow but upon deciding to be bold, Astrid dashed for the wolf. She got five feet near the wolf and growled as she leapt at the wolf like a streak of lightning but she didn’t tackle or try to hurt the female. She simply bounded over the wolf’s back and onto the ground behind it. Then, amused as she challenged the wolf to play with them with a playful roar, she zipped into the brush of the woods.

Repairing the bond between the pride and the wolves seemed imperative. The idea that they could all go running together was a good one and Astrid noted to remind herself of it later. She glanced behind her, checking on James but unable to see him through the bushes swerved right and headed for the creek.

James watched as Astrid speed up and he then saw the wolf and Astrid stop five feet infront of her and leap over Cyra, James would have dropped his jaw in amazment at what Astrid had just done. He shook his head to invite Cyra to join them, he lowered his head and charged by Cyra and then took a sharp turn right behind her brushing against her slightly before disappearing in a bush aswell.

James keep his pace as he moved through the forest as he then ran out of a bush behind Astrid as she swerved right towards the creek.

Cyra scrutinized the the leopard dashing towards her with growing concern as the feline slowed for a moment when she spotted her, then sped up again, intimidatingly charging toward her. Her curiosity faded, her entire being on the ready to defend. A memory flashed through her mind, and she was now completely sure where she was previously uncertain. This was the very same leopard that had attacked her before, when she was searching for a new pack. Cyra bared her teeth as the feline growled and pounced. Cyra tensed, ready to spring, when she realized the feline leader had pounced entirely over her, not attacking at all. The feline roared, a playful tone to it, and Cyra just froze there, lips parted and eyes confused. The feline just darted into the bushes, as if she expected Cyra to follow. She remembered the other feline who had been chasing the leopard and turned to look. He looked surprised as well. He motioned for Cyra to follow, scampering off and brushing past her.

Cyra hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpectedness of the whole situation. She was motionless as she stood staring into the forest, listening as the felines all but crashed through the forest. Suddenly, her curiosity overcame her confusion. She gave one more look at the pack house before stalking warily after the pair. She felt somewhat uncertain about going after them, but it was getting harder to hear them, and her pace increased slightly. Every step was more tense than it needed to be, giving her an awkward, yet silent gait. She cautiously watched everything, suspicious that it might be some sort of trap. That was a possibility since Cyra still didn't know their intentions. However, she could not keep herself from following.

Astrid Vellamo & Dante Selantine

Astrid heard the bushes stir as James came into sight right behind her. She hissed, tail dipping as her muscles bunched and she leapt for the tree at the edge of the creek. Her claws sunk into the bark and she hoisted herself up, tail flicking as she kept her balance. Eventually she made it to a sturdy limb and snarled at the proceedings below her. Her gaze swept the banks on the other side of the stream and she carefully began maneuvering to the other side of the tree trunk, a plan set in motion. Her powerful shape easily swept through the leaves and over to the branches on the other side. She crouched before taking the leap onto the other side of the creek, rolling over the pebbles with a soft thump because her paws didn’t catch purchase when she landed. She blustered and got her feet under herself, glancing over her shoulder at the dark depths of swirling water of the creek near the middle. The edges were quite shallow but the middle would be a challenge for any animal since the current was decently strong.

Astrid loped upstream, making a loop back to the house but ducked off the shore and into the cover of the bushes.

---

Meanwhile, back at the pack house Dante sniffed sourly, pouting at Larissa’s surprised expression when she noticed him. "A bit on edge." He scanned her small smile and nodded, easing his own bearing with a sigh. "And nothing interesting is going on here." Dante glanced over his shoulder and raised his brow sure that he had saw something going on but shook off the feeling and let it slide. He looked to Ophis with open curiosity, his mood sobering his eagerness to talk. "What was the important thing you had to do?" Dante let the conversation continue without him as he slid past them and into the corridors of the house as their conversation went to places he didn’t quite understand when Ophis responded. Overall, the house was well built and seemed like a real home. His eyes followed the patterns of the walls and glimpsed upon the furniture they had set out. He would have appreciated the amenities here if they had given the pride this sort of thing.

Dante rapped his knuckles on the Alpha’s door before strolling in, urged by his need to get some clothes. He was kind of getting tired of walking around naked since it was getting a bit chilly as the sun began to set. It wouldn’t be long before dinnertime and everyone would be crowded inside. He wondered if Astrid planned for them to have dinner with the wolves but he sent the thought away as it began a slight churning in his midsection. He searched the apparel and pulled away with some jeans and a t-shirt, managing to take some of the smaller fits for James and snuck out the way he came.

Dante stopped as a familiar voice spoke up behind him right as he neared Larissa and Ophis once more, sending a chill down his spine. He protectively turned but kept his spot in front of them and looked down at the man. "Where is your so-called leader? Tell me now." Dante bared his teeth, taken off-guard by the hostile attitude and tone of voice. He didn’t want any part of what this wolf was trying to achieve but if the wolf needed Astrid, so be it. He harrumphed, his own posture becoming faintly aggressive as he widened his stance. The wolf had been completely calm earlier and Dante wondered aside to himself what had happened in the span of time. “I’ll take you, but watch yourself.” He warned. With that, Dante turned to the others. “You girls should make sure to get back to the guest house. Astrid should be back soon enough.” He lumbered past them, his bulk angling so he could fit through the hall and made his way to the guesthouse. There was no way to just go find Astrid, so they would have to wait at the house.

"Don't. Touch. Me."
Renmy snarled at Rose, when she tried to help her. She jerked away from the wolf, as the other female sloppily sidestepped and limped off into the kitchen. Rose stood there, her anger -which mostly Brandin had caused, but now Ren had added to- boiled over. What the hell had she done to warrant aggression towards her? Okay, she kissed Anvar. Bad Rose. But still.

With a snarl, Rose stormed out of the house. She past the two females outside the house without so much as a glance. She went into the woods surrounding the pack house, until she could no longer see the home. She left her clothes in a heap, gingerly unwrapping her shoulder before she shifted into her fox form. As her bones snapped and rearranged, her shoulder screamed at her.

A pain-filled, sharp yelp escaped her. Favoring her right paw, she stood up and shook out her thick red, black and white coat. Her ears swivled, when she faintl picked up the sound of two, maybe three cats running from a distance. The little fox turned away from the noise and padded away from it on three paws. She did not want to be involved in their antics right now.

James stopped at the tree which Astrid had just climbed, his claws came put as he then pounced onto the tree and start climbing up after Astrid, he hissed as she jumped off the branch and landed on the other side. James watched too see if she was okay, he glanced down at the water as he put his paw out on the branch. He hated the water, mainly as he actually couldn't swim. James shook away his fear as he slowly started to climb across the branch as he keep moving slowly but surely. He then felt his back leg miss his footing and both his back legs tried to regain his but he slipped off the branch now only hanging on by his two front paws his claws stuck in the bark.s legs as he glanced down at the dark water below him as he felt his claws losing there grip. 'I'm going to hate this...' he thought to himself as his claws finally lost it's hold and he fell straight into the water.

James fell atleast 5 meters before he hit the water. His whole body disappeared for a few moments before the white cat broke the surface.

As Cyra noiselessly slunk after the two cats, the sound of the river drifted through the woods to her attentive ears. It seemed that they would either have to cross it or turn around. Cyra knew it would be difficult to cross this particular section of the river, however, because it was deep and the seemingly slow moving water hid treacherous currents. The wolves usually went further downstream to cross, as the stream became much shallower not half a mile down. She began to feel concern for the cats, as they had no idea of the danger of this particular stretch. Since their pace did not slow, it became obvious that they would cross it there.

First, the leader climbed a tree whose limbs stretched far over the river. Cyra came to the edge of the trees just as the werecat gracefully jumped the last several yards over the stream. She lost her footing and rolled to a stop on the other side, before darting into the bushes. The male, on the other hand, seemed to be having a harder time with it. He climbed the tree easily, but crawling out on the branch appeared more difficult. Every movement and downward glance made it plain that he was uncertain about the water below, and Cyra could see his balance becoming more precarious the longer he crept out. Suddenly his hind legs fell of the branch and he dangled over the water. Cyra dashed to the water's edge, a thrill of concern running through her as he fell into the water and disappeared for a few breathless moments.

Before he had even hit the water, Cyra had leapt into the river, already feeling the sharp tug of the current that seemed determined to drag her under. Even though she was a strong swimmer, especially in wolf form, she was already having difficulties. She paddled furiously to the spot where he had disappeared seconds before when she spotted the white cat several yards away. With the current propelling her along, she quickly made it to where the cat floundered and was sinking once again.

Diving under the water, she swam under him and came up between his front paws, trying to support his head on her neck and keep his snout above water. It quickly became obvious that he was much heavier than she was, and his almost completely dead weight continually dragged her down as she fought the strong current. The pair were spun around several times until Cyra had completely lost her sense of direction. Her strength began to fade as they were swept further and further downstream. At the same time, the current became slower and weaker and Cyra wearily swam to the closest bank, grateful when her feet touched the bottom as she half dragged the werecat to the bank by the scruff of his neck. When they were again on solid ground, Cyra sat back on her haunches and tried to hack and cough the water out of her lungs until she could breath normally again. She staggered over to the cat to see if he was alright.

Everything had been a blur to James as his head continued to submerge beneth the water before he would resurface only for a moment. He caught something swimming towards him before he went under again, he was terrified, James couldn't shake the thought that he was going to drown and this is where he'd die. Then in the next moment he felt something pushing his head up. He coughed out water before taking a deep breath as his hind legs grew tired and he stopped trying to 'swim' as he felt his energy leave him.

Everything became numb as he felt something grab his neck and start to drag him onto the creek by his neck. He coughed as he laid out flat on the bank of the river as he continued get rid of the water in his lungs. James eye's slowly opened as he looked at Cyra stagger over towards him, one of his front paws extended as if to reach out to her. James eye's blinked as he finally realized it had been a wolf who had just saved his life. His paw then fell back to the ground as James laid his head on the bank.