Duncan Reidon's Story

Duncan didn't answer Calvin immediately, and the three of them stood in the woods listening intently. Such was the silence that even the vibration of Duncan's muted phone was enough to make them all jolt with surprise. Duncan answered the phone and listened to Galvin's notification.

"You serious?" he said, "That's strange because I thought I picked something up too. OK, well thanks for letting me know, I'll see if we can track it at all."

He put the phone away and looked at Calvin and Lyra. "Gavin said there's been a sighting of an outsider in wolf form down by the beach. It's not there now."

"What's that mean then?" Calvin gruffed.

"It means I'm going to cut the patrol short and go to investigate." Duncan said curtly, "And that means not taking you two. I know you could handle yourselves, but Adrian would have my had if I took anyone who wasn't response-enabled yet. Especially his daughter...no disrespect Lyra."

Calvin was about to object. This seemed like an excellent opportunity to prove himself...but the beach wasn't exactly close by, and if it turned out to be a wild goose chase it would waste more time than he could afford to lose without making himself late for the game.

"Alright." he answered obligingly, and turned to Lyra, "I guess I'll go with Lyra back to the house. Not that she needs protecting, but if there's strange wolves on the loose then it's a simple fact that she could probably use my nose. It just makes sense right?"

Lyra felt her fist clench as Duncan refused to continue the patrol. "No disrespect Lyra." That simple sentence flashed daggers through her golden eyes. No disrespect? Is that what the pack thought of females without their wolves? A hassle to tag along, just another damsel in distress to protect and flaunt once mated? The entire process sickened her. Perhaps, the thought that sickened her the most was the realization that they were correct. Although Lyra could hold her own against any human or male in the pack house, without her wolf she was utterly defenseless. A wolf could be stalking her right now and she would have no idea until it was too late. If James had been her instead of her, surely Duncan would have allowed him to tag along.

She sighed heavily, her eyes falling to the ground in defeat and inner pain. Her wolf, that was a joke. She could feel it laughing at her in this moment, taunting her with how close, and yet how far it truly was from her grasp. "Oh, all right," she snarled, her pride bent and broken. No matter how hard she tried, she never truly could be 'one of the boys' while she remained in only one form. "I guess you're right, I wouldn't want to slow anyone down," she stabbed violently with her tongue, turning and walking briskly back to the house. She crossed her arms and hurried away, not caring if her bells rang out with every step. She hated the fact that she was without her wolf, but she hated even more how childishly she was acting. All through her mind, four taunting words repeated endlessly: Lyra is a girrrrrl.

Duncan nodded as Calvin waved at him he would keep Lyra safe just like Duncan would any of the pack members, Ducnan jogged through the forest being careful not to step on any dry branches or twigs, his eyes scanned the area as he ran nothing was really jumping out at him the faint smell of a wolf tingled his nostrils as he came to the border edge. Crouching down on one knee Duncan picked up a handful of leaves and sniffed them deeply, the scent was still there but barely whoever this wolf was had to be very fast to come from the beach and through the Forrest.

Standing up Duncan walked back to the house quickly clearing his mind of the wolf so he would at least be in a fairly good mood for Ray's party he had a nice shirt he could wear instead of the black one he had worn all day. It was fair that he should make an effort since he had told Anya that he would come.

Ducan opened the front door after checking that he wasn't being followed he closed the door behind him, turning round he saw Anya wearing exactly what she said she was going to wear a beautiful red dress, it seems that she had added a cloak too the outfit too. Strangely enough it actually worked.

Although Duncan couldn't help but stare at how beautiful Anya looked his mouth seemed to dry up and his jaw dropped a few inches? He finnaly blinked and broke into a smile " Anya you look beautiful" he spoke softly " I'm going to change my shirt don't worry I'm not going to be that guy dressed all in black standing by the food all evening"he added.

Ducan smiled at Anya as she became concerned at his own safety when on patrol, of course there was danger when out on patrol but most things could be dealt with peacefully and without violence Duncan had only been involved in a few fights himself for the protection of the pack? Giving of a light sigh Duncan walked up the stairs to his room opening the wardrobe he browsed through the shirt, there wasn't really much to choose from Duncan had always worse a lot of black even when he was younger and growing up in the pack house. He found a white button shirt, it looked suitable enough for a party just unbutton a few on the top buttons and it's pretty casual. Pulling out a pair of jeans that would do as well.

After going to the bathroom and styling his hair to a few short spikes Duncan was ready, getting changed and unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt he made his way downstairs sniffing to find where Anya was he walked to the library and knocked on the doorframe with his knuckles. Stepping out he cleared his throat " what do you think?" he raised his eyebrows expectantly.

"What do you think?"

Anya had been absorbed in a thick leather-bound book, her legs swinging over the arm of the chair. When Duncan's voice echoed around the library, she glanced up, blinking in surprise. It took her a moment to realise just who it was. He should ditch the black more often. The jeans and light shirt definitely suited him, not that she didn't like her attire normally. Usually it left something mysterious about him, like he was trying to hide something. But this was something completely different. Snapping the book shut, she placed it on the side and swung her legs over, standing up and carefully re-adjusting her dress. Her gift bag was placed on the floor, resting against the chair. Skirting around it, she walked slowly towards Duncan, before doing a circuit around him, admiring from all angles.

"Wow," She whispered, returning to the front. "You certainly wash up nicely. You...You look really good Duncan." She grinned at the Beta, arching her eyebrow as she pulled down the hood of her cloak. There it was again, that whooshing feeling. The feeling that she should open her mouth and say something more to him. Like a part of her was growling at the rest of her to be confident and just come out with it. Almost like it was taking control of what she was going to do next. "I'd say that we make a pretty good couple." The moment the words left her lips, she regretted them. Something unknown had caused those words to escape her lips. Flushing bright red, Anya turned her face away, clearing her throat.

"I meant for the party..."

Kathy noticed an absence of voices in the hallway and made her way downstairs, lookig around. It seemed like people had dispersed into the other rooms. She could hear people in the kichten, people in the library, even people out on the porch. But nobody in the dining room where the party was supposed to be happening! She had the present tucked under her arm, and thought it would be safest to lay it out somewhere so Reina could find it herself. That way she couldn't 'get it wrong' about giving it to Ray at the wrong time.

She walked into the dining room where everything had been rearranged to make room for all the people that would be coming that evening. Where were Adrian and Tai though? Surely the music group must have finished by now. She was sure she had heard Duncan's voice though, so there was at least one person in the house who knew what was going on. Following the sound of that voice, she found Duncan in the library with Anya.

"Uh hi!" Kathy said. "Any idea where Adrian and...oh, Anya I love your dress. The cloak is interesting, are you going for a theme?"

Ducan was surprised at Anya's comment about how they made a good couple, he smiled almost laughing but decided against it since she seemed embarrassed that the comment had slipped out of her mouth. Duncan didn't really notice it but a small tinge of red flushed his cheeks he also looked to the ground " yeah for the party" he reassured her giving a soft smile to her.

He turned to Kathy and shrugged " I wouldn't know kath he's probably picking up Tai from class" he replied

Anya didn't miss the flush in Duncan's cheeks. But before she could comment on it, another voice entered the library. Turning slightly, Anya smiled at Kathy. She looked all ready and set for the party to commence as well. Were they really that early? Frowning, she glanced at her silver watch. No, things would be starting soon. So where was Tai? Music Class would have finished ages ago. Glancing at Duncan, she arched an eyebrow in question, but he didn't seem to know where Adrian was either. Perhaps she was looking into it too much. They were probably on their way right now with nothing to worry about. Snapping back to attention, she smiled again at Kathy.

"You look great Kathy! But, Ray said it was fancy dress, I'm Little Red Ridi-" She cut of mid-sentence and pulled a face. "I've been tricked by her haven't I?" Rolling her eyes in a humored way, Anya unclasped the cloak and threw it over the arm of one of the chairs. Reina was known for her tricks and she should have known better than to go with it before asking someone else. Smoothing her dress down, she cleared her throat, ready to voice her fears. They could amount to nothing, or she could be right. The Alpha female

"Tai should have been back by now," Crossing her arms over her chest, she frowned at the pair. "Music class would have ended a long time ago. Do you think they've been caught up with something?" The Alpha Male and Female should have been home already. With all this talk of rouges in the area, strangers who didn't belong, it was worrying that they had yet to show up.

"You aren't too shabby yourself, miss." Gavin teased back at Jac before heading into his bedroom. He wondered what in the world he was going to wear, but then decided that everyone there knew him- he wasn't trying to impress anyone. So he threw on a pair of white shorts and a solid green shirt.

Jac's kiss had lingered already longer than he intended it to. His wolf had emerged from its corner and started snapping at him again, teasing him, taunting him. Then suddenly it stopped. Do what you want, you're a poor excuse for a man anyways. You can't even comprehend reality.

Gavin stood still, sinking in the truth his wolf had just laid before him. For the first time in a long time, he wanted to hear more of whatever it is that his wolf had to say, but his wolf, stubborn as ever, remained silent.

He had intended that kiss to be his final release of the tension between them. Gathering up his resolve again, Gavin left his bedroom. Jac was still no where to be found, but he heard some sounds coming from the library so he headed down there in time to catch Anya throwing off a red cloak.

"Hey guys, you heading out to the party?"

Kathy giggled as Anya took the cloak off. Obviouslt Ray had been up to her tricks! It was good thing she hadn't tried to prank Kathy because she would totally have fallen for it too, and probably come dressed as a fairy or something.

"I'm sure they will be back soon." she said, "I hope so anyway because I'm starving! I heard some of the teachers from the community school will be coming tonight so I want to make sure I eat before any of them catch up with me."

Kathy didn't really have anything to worry about. She did ok at school, but her clumsiness could sometimes get her in trouble there as much as at home. Which meant that she sometimes got more than her fair share of the teacher's attention!

"Hey guys, you heading out to the party?"

Anya turned and smiled at Gavin, nodding her head in response. Running a hand over the silky cloak, she realised it was kind of cold without it. However, there would soon be more people around and she didn't really have time to go and grab something from her room. It would take her hours to pick something out that would go.

"Yeah, we're just waiting on Tai to give us the signal," She told him, before turning and arching her eyebrows at Kathy giving a small chuckle as she did. "The teachers aren't that bad. I'm not saying that I won't be glad to finish up and get out of there this year. Unfortunately, you guys have to return after the summer." Apart from finishing school, Anya had no other plans. She still hadn't received her wolf, which was disheartening and she didn't really want to leave the pack house. Her hopes of going to study further were pretty much dashed unless she found her mate before the next term started. Even then, would she want to leave? She honestly didn't know.

"Okay," Anya smiled at Duncan as he made his excuses and left the room. She didn't realise she'd be sad to see him go until he'd rounded the corner. Now it felt even colder in the room. Shaking the feeling off, she grinned at the others. "So what have you got gift-wise?" She asked curiously, looking at her own gift bag resting against the chair. "I know Ray doesn't need any encouragement, but I got her this awesome trick set. Of course, we'll be the subject of it all, but I'm sure she'll appreciate it." Brushing strands of curly blonde hair from her eyes, she glanced at the library door for a moment. There were more voices in the hall, which meant others were now arriving for the party.

Anya smiled at Lyra when she approached and offered her help. Giving her a nod, she made herself busy by picking up platters of various foods. Skillfully, she balanced them on her arms without them crashing to the floor. Turning, she grinned at Kathy as she smoothly walked across the kitchen floor. Kiyoshi and Ares were also present in the kitchen and she smiled brightly at the pair of them as they spoke to Lyra. So not to startle Area, she left them to it, intending to keep herself busy until Duncan came back from talking to Adrian. Ray was there also, but she seemed engaged with Lyra and the others.

"Do you know if Calvin is going to be here tonight?"

Halting in her tracks, she faced Kathy, a curious look in her eyes. That question had been sudden, but it was almost like the young girl had been working up to ask it. "I'm afraid he's at a basketball game tonight," She told her softly, arching an eyebrow in question. "He might be back later tonight though, towards the end of the party." Giving a gentle shrug she left it there. If Kathy wanted to tell her why she was so interested in Calvin's whereabouts then she would. Anya wouldn't pry into her business. After all, it wasn't her place.

Quickly she left the kitchen and placed the food in the dining room. As she was leaving, she scooted around Reina, giving her a brief smile and returned to the kitchen. Pulling herself onto one of the worktops she crossed her long legs elegantly and watched proceedings from there. Tugging her dress further down, she listened to talk of the new wolves. Frowning, she brushed her blonde hair back.

"Isn't anyone else worried about this sudden increase in rogue wolves?" She asked the others, popping a sausage roll into her mouth.

"Yo, D." Adrian said, turning in his chair to face his friend. He had to double take for a second. "Hey you cleaned up well. Take it you're staying for the party then. Who persuaded you eh? Or was it the thought of another night of free food and - let's face it - we might crack a couple of beers open later."

He prodded a few controls, making sure all systems were fully active. He'd need to keep a close eye on whether people were coming in or out...as long as they remained within the grounds of the house itself they wouldn't trip anything. Adrian just had an odd feeling about...everything really, and there were still a lot of blanks that needed to be filled.

"So," Adrian began, "I know we got one outsider out there with Tai, and I'm told there's another young female arriving later. You know anything you need to add to that?"

Duncan smiled " it was Anya's doing she managed to convince me to go with her....I mean accompany her" he stumbled over his words before Adrian asked about the new arrivals. He stepped forward looking at the screens also. Looking at Adrian he spoke only really relaying what he had heard from Lyra. " we'll the older female's scent exactly matches the scent I found this morning by the dead deer. As for the younger female it seems that she has absolutely no idea that she is a werewolf, apparently one of her parents sent her to a music camp every full moon, she'll need some serious education, or at least bring her along to the clearing when we shift"

Ducan thought back seeing if he had in fact relaying all the information that Adrian wanted, he suddenly realised that he was going to tell him about the rouge " oh whilst on patrol a rouge came close to the border, from the beach area I tried to trace the scent but it faded way to quickly" he added.

Adrian's eyes widened as Duncan delivered all the news. By far the most troubling report was that of the rogue near the beach. Occassionally an individual rogue did come close to the territory; usually it was a scout. Nothing ever came of it because the fact of the matter was the Khöller pack was too large and well established to be threatened by any rogue pack.

"A rogue..." he repeated to himself, "...perhaps a scout then. I'm inclined to suppose it's not linked to the other two arrivals...but we can't be sure. But wait you say this girl doesn't know she's a wolf? That's a pretty hard secret to keep from someone. We'll have to find out where she's from and what her story is. For now...I wouldn't rush to enlighten her. We don't know how she'll react. Heck she'd probably think we're crazy and run a mile."

He stood up and looked Duncan over once again. "Hmm...well since you've made an effort I guess I'm gonna have to go clean up a bit too. Can't have the beta looking better than the alpha can we!"

He led Duncan back out into the hallway, and peered momentarily over at Tai and Sahvanna. There were too many unknowns in the whole situation. He had to try to balance keeping a guard up with not appearing inhospitable to the newcomers who may be in genuine need...

Ducnan smiled and spoke " I'm starting to think that I must look like I woke up with mud rubbed into my skin, perhaps I'll start shaving more often than usuaul I do like a bit of stubble but not enough to look like chuck norris" he said giving a light laugh " I'll see you at the party mate" he gave Adrian a light thump on the shoulder before walking down the stairs. Walking into the living room where all the party food was. His eyes caught Anya outside talking to Jac he would give them some time of course he didn't really want to smoother Anya with attention but she did deserve it. Woah! What on earth was that of course he treated everyone in the house with the same amount of attention so why did he want to spend more time with Anya. His wolf stayed silent but snorted out a heavy breathe almost in disgust.

Duncan shook his head slightly and picked up a sausage roll taking a bite out of it he looked around the room.

Lyra smiled to Ares, her mind wishing him luck in this world. She knew first hand how scary and dangerous it could be, her position as alpha's daughter had not shielded her from any of its cruelty. "I don't think the relationships are quite the same," Kiyoshi observed softly. "He sees me differently than you do."

To this simple comment, Lyra felt the world freeze. Her golden eyes grew wider than the sun as she turned to face Kiyoshi, hesitation heavy on her mind. What could he mean by that? Did he see her differently than the small boy that he now cared for? Her heart began to race as her eyes flickered from Kiyoshi to Ares and Ray, unsure how to respond to his comment. Her cheeks flushed, causing her to quiver slightly as she turned to him, one thought heavy on her mind. Destiny waits for no one.

She turned back to Kiyoshi and took a deep long breath. Her eyes took a quick tally of those present, finding Ares and Ray out of direct earshot and Duncan just over the threshold as he gouged himself with snacks. This was about as private as one could get inside a werewolf pack-house. She returned her attention to Kiyoshi, all others present quickly fading from her mind and thoughts. He was here. He was all that mattered.

Lyra took a step closer towards Kiyoshi, standing before him so that she needed to tilt her chin up to continue gazing into his crystal eyes. She had never been this close to him before, not purposely at least. "Kiyoshi-san, I need to tell you something," she whispered softly, knowing that she could not stop now. She reached up softly to push fallen strands of his hair back into place, smiling as she did so. Her strength began to fade, causing her to shift conversations as she noticed its increased length. "You're letting your hair grow out again," she commented, continuing to stoke it softly. Lyra smiled, nodding in approval as she recalled their first encounter where it had been long enough to pull back with an elastic. "That's good, I liked it better that way."

Lyra sighed deeply, her eyes falling down to the ground as she realized she was stuck. To not continue would to look like a fool. To continue would . . . make it final. This thought terrified the she-wolf, suddenly questioning if she was ready. At last she took another breath, her gaze rising up to meet his in shy determination. Her hand slipped from his hair to cup his cheek delicately, temporarily admiring the smooth skin that he managed to obtain. She looked up to him, unable to read his expression, but knowing that she could not stop now. Now or never. With her hand still tender on his smooth face, Lyra spoke her words slowly, careful to find the correct pronunciation even though she had mastered his native tongue long ago. "Kiyo-kun. . . Anata wo Aishiteiru. (I love you.) " She looked up to him her eyes straining to find a reaction. Before giving him a chance to respond, Lyra raised herself upon her toes and kissed him softly, allowing her other hand to raise and cup his remaining cheek. Now, even if he denied her, she had felt his soft lips just once. That would be enough, if necessary. She prayed that it wasn't necessary.

Anya watched Jac carefully, keeping her mouth firmly shut. She knew when it was her place to talk. She also knew that Jac was lying about being fine and not enjoying the crowds. Biting her bottom lip, she frowned to herself as the younger girl walked away. Everyone was behaving so oddly this evening, in fact it hadn't only been that evening. Stood there, her eyes found the moon once again. Thinking back over events over the last few days, it dawned on Anya that hormones had been extremely high and that the full moon was approaching fast. It could mean only one thing...

"They're all finding their mates," She thought bitterly to herself, her eyes finding Jac again. Immediately after the thought formed, Gavin joined them on the grass. The way he looked at her, like there was nothing else in his world. Sadness flooded her so suddenly that it felt as though her heart was being torn from her chest. It was unfair. Anya was older than them and yet she had yet to reveal her mate. If she didn't discover him soon then she would have no choice but to leave to further her education, perhaps without ever finding her mate. She felt sick. Her stomach twisted uncomfortably and she took a gasp of breath. Would she forever remain alone like this? Would she never receive her wolf? Part of her tutted in disapproval at giving up so fast, but the majority of her just wanted to curl up in a ball and forget about this whole situation. Seeing that look on Gavin's face made her realise how alone she was without a mate.

"You know where to find me if you want..." Her voice tailed off into the darkness as she turned towards the house. Quickly, she hurried across the damp grass. Hugging herself, she slipped around and through the front door, leaning against the rough wood where she could avoid everyone for a moment. Slender fingers brushed warm tears away from her icy blue eyes. She took a moment to compose herself. Anya didn't cry. And if she did, she didn't let anyone see her do so. Now, the last thing she wanted to do was go to a party and act like everything was fine, but she had no choice. Taking a deep breath, she pushed off heading towards the library and avoiding all those in her path. Snatching up the present she proceeded to the Dining Room, plastering a fake smile on her lips. If she could get away with escaping after an hour then she would do so.

Scanning the room for Reina, her eyes fell upon Duncan. Almost instantly, her heart lifted. A smile tugged at her pink lips. His back was to her and she crossed the room towards him. When Duncan was around her it was like nothing else mattered. He made her smile even when she felt lower than low. Tapping his gently on the shoulder, a genuine smile lit up her face.

Ducan couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as Lyra and Kiyoshi came walking I hand in hand, it wasn't jealousy of the couple themselves it was rather what they had. He always felt apart from everyone when the females would reveal themselves to a male of the group, it was almost annoying when he had to watch other pairs become closer together than they originally were.

The soft tap on his should caused Duncan to turn round seeing Anya he broke into a smile, his eyes lighting up with his smile. " I wondered where you got of too, always sneaking off to get outside, well I don't blame you the moon beautiful this time of night" he said as he explained Duncan enjoyed the moon the way that it seemed to charge you up with energy. Ducan's wolf chuckled. Your growing soft and getting all poetic

Seeing Adrian he nodded in response to his wave and looked down at Anya again.

Anya grinned up at Duncan. "I like to escape," She whispered, casting a longing look out of the window. She'd have given anything in the world to run out there as a wolf, her senses enhanced, able to see the world through a different set of eyes. Shifting uncomfortably for a moment, frowning softly as she did. Glancing around to hide her discomfort, she laid eyes on Reina. Gesturing for Duncan to give her two seconds she moved towards the younger girl and those who conversed around her. It didn't escape her notice that Kiyoshi and Lyra were now clearly together. It caused her heart to lurch slightly. That meant there were at least two now. Ignoring the pang, she sidled up to Reina.

"Sorry to interrupt," She muttered, holding the gift bag out towards Reina with the pranking kit inside. "Just don't use it on me Ray, but anyone else is fine! And Happy 16th Birthday." Smiling, she nodded her head slightly, before slipping away. Catching Duncan's eye, she crossed the room to where the stereo sat. "I suggest we get this party started." Slipping a random CD in, she cranked the volume up. An unknown upbeat track blasted around the Dining Room and Anya grinned once again, a glint in her eye. Lifting her finger, she beckoned Duncan to join her. There was no way he was getting out of this dance with her and it actually might lift her spirits if he was as bad as he had suggested. Anya was not embarrassed to stand up and dance in front of the others.

Walking forwards, she grabbed his hands in hers, tugging him closer to her and into the middle of the dining room, just as Tai announced that the food was ready.

"You were lucky this time." She smiled.

Ares fidgeted when he saw Lyra and Kiyoshi came to his direction, hands in hands. Would Kiyoshi tell him that he didn't need Ares as a brother now that he had had a beautiful mate? Ares took a fearful step forward, afraid of the rejection. He knew that if Kiyoshi rejected him, he would be utterly broken by it. He bit his lips and waited for the couple to come.

"You can sit next to me, if you want, Ares,"

Kiyoshi said and Ares let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Kiyoshi didn't reject him. He still accepted him as a part of his family. The smile on Ares' face was brilliant as he ran to catch up with Kiyoshi and Lyra, his fear and shyness were temporarily forgotten. In his excitement, he turned and faced Ray. He said cheerfully "...I'll s-see you i-inside, R-ray..." He grasped Kiyoshi's other hand and walked with the couple into the dinning room.

"So, Ares made a salad?"

Lyra asked suddenly and Ares blushed before nodding his head. Well, he wouldn't have been able to do it if it had not been for Kiyoshi to teach him. He said softly underneath his breaths "k-k-brother h-h-helped m-me..." He paused, unsure if he should call Lyra his 'sister' but since Lyra had become Kiyoshi's mate, his brother's mate, it meant that Lyra had become his sister, too, right? He opened his mouth and added hesitantly "...L-l-s-sister..."

Well, he had said it. If Lyra or Kiyoshi disagreed, they would probably make their opinions known but in truth, Ares depressedly wanted Lyra to accept that title because it would mean he had a new family member. He gazed shyly at the beta and Anya as Lyra waved her hand and talked to them. He gave a timid wave in greeting and stayed near Kiyoshi's side in case something bad happened. He hadn't had the chance to interact with the beta much and therefore, he didn't really know what to make of the man.

Ducan actually blushed lightly as Anya pulled him into the centre of the room, she left him alone fore a while but only to turn on some music. He gave a light sigh as he remembered that he said that he would dance with Anya at the party. It s then that Lyra spoke to him, thank goodness for that distraction. " we'll I lost the rouge's track past the border, most of them won't come back if they feel threatened. I apologise for not letting you come with me I understand that it was rude of me" he explained giving a light smile to Lyra.

Turning his head to Anya he spoke " and I will dance with you once this evening and that is all you are getting, until another fancy event happens then you get another dance with me. Deal?" he asked as he started to move his body to the music.

Anya smiled at Lyra, Kiyoshi and Ares, but did not open her mouth to speak. In honesty, she was feeling slightly jealous and heartbroken in that moment. Even though she was largely happy for them and even Jac who she was sure knew who her mate was, it also did not seem fair. When Duncan spoke to her again she gave him a little pout, placing her hands on her hips. However a girlish giggle escaped her lips when Duncan started to move to the beat and her hands dropped to her sides as she shook her head. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Ares running for the room, Lyra close behind. He seemed to have come so far since he had joined the family and she hoped that something had not upset him. Concentrating back on Duncan, she lifted an eyebrow.

"Well if I only get one dance then I'm going to save it for later on this evening." Poking her tongue out at him, she snatched up his left hand, linking her fingers through his and pulled him towards the food. Anya had no issues at all with being close to anyone within the Pack. Releasing his hand when they reached there, she stood close to him, lifting a plate and picking up some food.

"So, I guess it's back to normal tomorrow then," She smiled, glancing at Duncan for a moment. "You'll be back out on patrol and we'll barely see you again. You know that you could take some time off and have some fun!" She was joking of course, the Pack's safety was highly important, but she did believe that Duncan worked far too hard without much or any fun whatsoever.

Ducan was about to speak to Anya about his duty to the pack when she left to answer the door, as she released his hand he actually realised she was gone. Looking down at his empty hand he let out a silent sigh and clenched his hand slowly. Filling his plate with a few finger foods, he turned to Jeff and smiled softly " Hello Jeff haven't seen you for a while, I'm good my father however he is not well at all it wouldn't surprised me if we lost him at the new moon." Ducan paused to look at the floor before continuing " but I'm sure as you know he's a strong one in mind, I guess I'm preparing myself for the worst" Duncan's tone of voice dropped slightly in sadness, he was very close to his father but was worried about how his mother would react if his father left them, of course mating was for life. He had learnt about the longing of a mate when they were apart, even when a pair as separated by something such as death it was painful. Of course Duncan hadn't experienced this feeling of longing he was almost apprehensive of it actually happening but he did want it to.