New Surroundings [Vereor]

[Ava]

Everything happened to fast. One minute Ava was on a high after she had finally got a hold of her brothers scent and the next she was being cornered in and forced to stay on a pack land that she didn't really want to stay on. For one, it was freezing. How any of these wolves lived here was amazing to her. Of course, she wasn't really struggling with it, she just didn't like it. She preferred weather where she didn't feel like she had to curl into herself twenty-four seven to feel somewhat warm. She also didn't like the lack of little animals for her to be able to hunt for. In the forest, living by herself for two years she was able to provide herself with some rabbit meat or maybe something a little bit bigger all the time. But here? No. If you wanted food the pack had to work together and take down a large elkryn. There was no getting along by yourself. Which kind of made her nervous. What if they don't allow her to eat some meat? Her stomach growled hungrily and she sighed. She was pretty ravenous since the last time she had eaten was when she was back at her own pack land. Which was... early yesterday morning and now it was in the middle of the day. A full almost thirty-five hours ago.

Now she was sitting at the edge of the mountain, looking down at the dark pack members that were assembling together to hopefully catch a meal for them all. The hunt excited her a bit, she was hoping to go but the Alphess made it clear she was to stay behind. Perhaps, she was nervous about Ava leaving amongst the chaos of the hunt or sabotaging it. Which of course was something Ava would never do, well maybe the leaving in the midst of everything, but definitely not the sabotaging. It just wasn't her style. It was her brother's style. Though Cain and Ava grew up together they were very different kinds of wolves. She was kind and forgiving, he was harsh and held grudges. She generally liked other wolves, though had a bit of a hard time trusting them, while her brother really didn't care about others. Raised by the same lupo they also had learned the same battle strategies, but used them in completely different ways. Ava only fought when she needed to do so to survive, and Cain did it for the fun or it, to feel like he was in control. In fact, the reason she was still here was because she didn't fight unless there was a need. She could have fought the pack for her freedom, but would have died trying, so she decided on using her smarts later in hopes to break free.

Ava's ears perked up on her head as she saw Cain come into the group. He was much larger than the other wolves there and much darker. You could tell he was different. But he wasn't the largest wolf in the pack, that was the one she was stuck having as her babysitter. Perhaps because the Alphess knew she couldn't overthrow him. The brute was massive and seemed loyal to his Alphess, but at the same time there was something about him that unsettled Ava. Maybe it was the way he looked at her, like he had plans or something. Or maybe it was the look he gave Cain. She could tell Cain must have done something, but to take it out on her? An innocent victim? Of course she didn't know if he was planning something, she just didn't like the way he looked at her.

Her soft gold eyes turned around to see if he was anywhere near her. She didn't see him, but the snow was starting to fall a little heavier and maybe he was hidden in it somewhere, or in the cave. She almost wanted to call out to him, see if he was there but she didn't know his name and didn't want to risk having his attention back on her. What if this was a perfect opportunity? What if he was off sleeping and she could sneak off? Before Ava could really finish any of her thinking she stood up, stretched her body out, trying to act normal. This was perfect than any other moment. The snow was heavy and her white pelt could make it hard for anyone to see her. She casually started walking towards the a slope on the mountain that could help her get down. She tried raising her nose in the air to get a whiff of his scent but the cold has limited her smelling ability. Another thing you had to adapt too.

[Vereor Lupus]

His heart was on fire; racing as though it was the lead dog of the Iditarod. He didn’t understand why the situations in life always seemed to turn against him, but this was the soul purpose that he had become evil. Evil wolves never had a good past. Either that, or they were born corrupt. Which seemed rare, even in this messed up pack. He was proud to play a very important role in Blizzard Moon, although sometimes he wished he would have never helped Esperanza get into it. She betrayed his trust in her, beyond the fence of betrayal. He didn’t understand what he had done wrong, nor would he ever. Whatever, he didn’t need love to make his life worth living … or maybe he did.

His job now was to keep an eye on this new lupa … to keep her captive. Searching for her, he caught sight of the lupa and saw that she was trying to sneak off. Clever thing. He casually trotted over to her and snapped at her rump, it would be painful for her but enough to stand without yelping. He wanted to get the point across that she wouldn’t play games with him. A smirk set upon his handsome muzzle as he looked at her and he blocked her so her only option was going into a cave.

[/i] “It awaits you, m’dear.” He spoke with a deep voice, a hint of rough bitterness beneath the smooth melody.

Once they were in the cave his piercing neon yellow orbs jolted to the female that he was holding captive. His elongated fangs flashed in her direction instinctively. Stupid lupa. Why would you come onto these lands if you were blood of an enemy? She couldn’t be a very smart wolf, even if it was to find the last part of her family. And how could she even love a wolf like Cain? He had so many questions he longed to ask her, but he didn’t want to torment her too much with them.

He was pacing back and forth along the entrance of the cave. His eyes lingered on her for a moment, daring not to fight it any more. “Why would you come onto lands like these to find a wolf such as Cain? I can’t comprehend this.” Surprisingly, he really was trying to. His pacing had ceased as his eyes stayed pinned on her, which wasn’t a very hard thing to do. But he didn’t want her. He blocked his mind from this … and his heart. He could never love again. It gives him too much of a weakness. And being the curator of a very powerful pack … he refused to let himself have a single weakness such as this. Even if the wolf was as beautiful as the one sitting in front of him now.[/i][/size][/blockquote]

[Ava]

Ava was so close from getting out that she could smell freedom. She could already imagine herself running free in the woods, heading back to her home. Her dreams were crushed when she felt a sharp pinch on her rear, making her whirl her head around. Her ears were pinned back, fangs bred, and eyes piercing anger. Who did this wolf think he was? The fur that rose along her back and neck slowly eased itself down when she realized it was the monster of a babysitter that had found her. She wasn't a dumb wolf. Challenging him would be a death sentence, that is if she was on her own. She knew that if Cain was with her the two of them would be able to take him down. They have had so much training that they knew the way each other worked and when they were together they were nearly impossible to stop. She just wished Cain would have stayed behind from the hunting trip to help her escape. Perhaps it was something he had to be there for and if he wasn't there his loyalty would be question. If that was the case, she completely understood his choice.

“It awaits you, m’dear.”

Ava's gold eyes relaxed and watched him position himself in front of her. She looked around him, trying desperately to find a way around him, but she found nothing. If she went left there was a wall that he could easily pin her to, and right was a deadly drop off the mountain's edge. She let out a sigh and turned around. All she wanted to do was get away from the large brute and this frigid mountain into some sort of warmth. She got to see her brother was alive, and now that he has gotten her scent he will be able to find her if he needs her. So, the point of her staying here was pretty mute in her opinion. Why did she need to be here?

Once inside the cave she could start feeling the tips of her paws again, since now they weren't stuck under a pile of snow anymore. Even though it was a tad warmer, it was still ridiculously cold. She edged her way as deep of the cave as she could get and sat down, curled her tail around her paws to get warmer and felt her body start to shiver. She was annoyed that the male could see her in a bit of a vulnerable state, but she really couldn't see how any female to him wasn't vulnerable. He was so large and handsome-- handsome? Where did that come from? She blinked and looked at him a bit more, he paced back and forth and Ava caught a glimpse of his muscles rippling underneath his thick coat of fur. Yeah, he was handsome if you were into the hole lethal thing. Anyway, what she was thinking was that he was so large any female would be intimidated by him and probably vulnerable to him.

“Why would you come onto lands like these to find a wolf such as Cain? I can’t comprehend this.”

Ava's gold eyes looked into his own and her ears perked up to listen to him. How could she explain that to him? Did evil wolves have a sense of family? She highly doubted it. Even Cain had his troubles with family. He loved Ava dearly, but he had killed his own sibling and the only reason Ava wasn't his chew toy was because she was different. She was stronger, she was smarter, she was... nicer to him.

"Cain has his problems, but he is my brother and I will always care for him," She said looking down at the ground and shrugged, "I guess you can't understand because it has to do with the fact that he is part of my family. Wolves, if they are taught correctly, generally don't desert their family members."

Ava lifted her head up and looked at him directly, "Haven't you had family that you'd die for? Or care about, no matter what crimes they have committed? That's how it is for me. Cain may have a... colorful past, but he will always be a part of me. Plus, someone has to level him out every now and then."

[Vereor Lupus]

Why did he get stuck with the dirty work? Taking care of this little lupa that trespassed into their lands… why didn’t they just kill her? It could have satisfied so many eyes, so many urges that lingered in the minds of the wolves of Blizzard Moon. Including his. But he had betrayed himself … he should have killed her. Cain just had to step in the way, ruin the prize that he could have made his. Another corpse, another life taken away from this brutal land. It would be a gift from Vereor to her, taking her out of life’s misery.

[/i]Cain has his problems, but he is my brother and I will always care for him..

A deep growl escaped with ease through his muscular jaw. He didn’t even begin to stop his hackles from raising… swaying back and forth gracefully through the deadly cold winds. The harsh blast would send creepy chills through the spines of the weak and send a sense of urgency through the strong. An urge to take action … the urge to kill. The words echoed through his corrupted cranium, “… and I will always care for him.” How? How was this physically possible. Vereor was a very intelligent wolf, for an evil wolf, but he couldn’t wrap his brain around this. Regardless of his frustration he attempted to listen to the rest of what she had to say. He was really trying to understand …

[/i] I guess you can't understand because it has to do with the fact that he is part of my family. Wolves, if they are taught correctly, generally don't desert their family members. Haven't you had family that you'd die for? Or care about, no matter what crimes they have committed? That's how it is for me. Cain may have a... colorful past, but he will always be a part of me. Plus, someone has to level him out every now and then

His teeth began to show once again. The elongated pick-it fence whites revealing themselves from behind the curtain… this lupa assumed that he didn’t know how a family worked. Maybe he really didn’t, but she had no right to talk down to him. He walked up to her and got very close to her eyes with his. Eyes of corruption, anger and distortment looking straight into hers. He was silent as he looked at her, really wanting to understand. A gleam in his eye showed the slightest opening for someone to care for him, but he would never know that he had opened that door.

Vereor’s temper was a dangerous one. A temper that no curator should really have. He had only shown it to one wolf in his life … that was his mother. She died a painful death, one that he would regret for the rest of his life. This is what corrupted him to the point of no return. The love from his mother to him was crumbled and massacred as he lost control for one instant. Ava might have been able to see this pain as Vereor flashed back to this instant. Disgusted with himself… he wasn’t thinking. His jaws snapped on Ava’s throat and he threw her body to the cold, hard ground of the cave. Like a ragdoll.

His eyes flashed with the realization of what he just did. It happened so fast, just like the first time. He caught himself lunging for her again, but stopped himself. He barked at her and snarled a nasty sound through his mull. Speechless with his actions, a disgusting feeling set upon his stomach. Like a mossy boulder suddenly dropped upon it. How could he not control it? How could he just let it go so easily once again? He looked away from her quickly … he wished she had never mentioned family.[/size][/blockquote][/b][/i][/center]

[Ava]

Ava struck a nerve. She noticed the moment she finished talking about family. His pacing grew more intense and his fangs were popping out from under his maw. Why did he have to try and make her even more intimidated? She was already on edge with being somewhere she really didn't belong and being babysat by a large brute with no chance of fighting him off. She fought off many lupo's in her time, but never one this large. She had to play this game smart, she had to dance around him and hope she didn't land on something she didn't like. Which annoyed her, especially since she didn't know how far she could push. But she was getting the sense she was going to learn just how far that was, since he was making his towards her. If looks could kill... she would be dead.

She stood still as he stopped in front of her, his eyes glaring down into her. He made it clear that he was the larger wolf here and he was the boss. But Ava, as stubborn as she is, kept her ground. Her soft gold eyes stared right back at him. She wasn't going to move away in fear, and she sure as hell wasn't going to show him her belly. He wasn't her superior. She didn't belong to this pack. But she couldn't help but look into his eyes and see more to him than there is on the surface. Inside she didn't see some overgrown bully with the desire to control and kill but something else. She saw anger, she saw frustration, and a yearning to get what she was talking about. Something else too. Something she couldn't quite put a name to it. Before she even got a chance to look anymore, Vereor clasp his jaws around her throat and threw to the ground, almost as if he wasn't even trying.

Ava let out a cry, more from fright than from the pain and blinked up at him when he backed off some. He then whirled around and went after her again. She shamefully kept still, her gold eyes wide and her tail curling in some. What could she do? He was much larger than her and clearly had the advantage, but..

Fight back, she could hear her fathers voice growling at her submission. She only submitted out of respect than from fear. And her submitting out of respect took a lot of work to achieve. This brute will never see her in a submissive stance, not unless he earned it.

Vereor didn't bite or scratch her, just barked and growled. She narrowed her eyes and pinned back her ears as she started to get up. He was just having a glorified temper tantrum. He was acting like a pup that had no self control. He wasn't going to kill her. At least so she thought.

"Well that was rude," she snapped, shaking her fur out to fix any misplacements that took when she was being jerked around. "I was just answering your question. If you don't like my answers, then don't ask me anything. Or at least learn to control that temper."

She did a small circle and laid herself down on the ground facing away from him, showing that she was not interested in socializing with him anymore. She could feel the bit of fear in her nerves and let out a deep sigh trying to settle herself down. It was scary, but she couldn't let him see. Couldn't show him how much she was scared of him. It was down right embarrassing to her. She never feared someone like this before. But she had never seen a wolf as large and merciless as this one before.

Ava stared at the wall, kept a ear pinned back in his direction to hear for anymore advancements towards her. What was it about family that made him so upset? She didn't say anything that would have broke any other wolf. But this one freaked. What happened to your family? she thought and lifted her head to look back at him. The question hanging around her muzzle.

[Vereor Lupus]

The moment Vereor heard her cry, he knew. He knew that he really let her know that his temper existed. He knew that he had shown her his weakness … when someone mentioned family. He had had a family, and probably one of the strongest families that had ever existend. But he just had to screw things up. That’s what Vereor does, screw things up. He never did anything right, that’s why he needed his charm and looks. But evidently, he couldn’t get girls either. In his own eyes he was a failure, but he wouldn’t let anyone ever see that. Not even this lupa.

He had wanted to attack her again, but he let it out through snarling and barking. That was the only way he could hold himself back. Vereor knew he was burly and intimidating, and he didn’t dare to look at her after he had done that. He regretted it. For he was the one who asked the question, she couldn’t know that was going to come next.

[/i]Well that was rude.

He wanted to laugh at her sass, but he couldn’t. She deserved to let him have it and he waited for it. He waited for her to act like a normal lupa and go off on him for what he had just done. So he didn’t really hear what she had to say until it got to the point, [/i] Or at least learn to control that temper. Holding back a growl he realized that he would never be able to do that. He wanted someone to try to teach him, for if he could get rid of this temper he would be so much stronger than he was now. He wouldn’t have to worry about letting his temper go in front of his pack … that would be too embarrassing.

Massive paws had been pacing back and forth across the entrance of the cave. If someone heard her cry they would never be able to tell that he had done anything this way. But he stopped himself and let his hackles lay against his muscular back. His penetrating eyes looked at this wolf once again. But this time the softness was obvious, he refused to fight it because this wolf already knew his weakness.

“Look. I’m …” He couldn’t bring himself to say the ‘s’ word, it was just not something that evil wolves did. But he knew he had to say it. He walked up to her until he was a wolf length away and tried again. “I’m … I really am sorry.” His eyes stayed on her, it wasn’t hard. “I’ll admit, I can’t control it. I really wish I could, but I can’t.” He wanted to say, Could you teach me? He didn’t glare at her or try to show her that he was the bigger wolf. He was being sincere … or at least as sincere a big bad wolf could get.[/blockquote][/b][/i][/center][/size]

[Ava]

Ava stared at the male as he kept up with his pacing. He finally stopped and looked at her. She stiffened seeing him move towards her. She knew he wasn't going to attack, but she couldn't help but be cautious. The last time he attacked he came up to her, her feeling like he wasn't going to do anything, and then all of a sudden her throat was in his jaws. So she was worried that perhaps this time wouldn't be much different. Her gold looked into his and she felt like he was taking on a different position. One that was less aggressive and more sociable. One that she may be able to feel at ease with.

“Look. I’m …”

She perked her white ears up on the top of her head, desperate to hear more but he cut off the last bit. He was what? He was insane? Three years old with a temper problem? Angry? Sad? Confused? Frustrated? What? Instead of pestering him with questions she simply laid there on the cold ground, her tail wrapped up close to her in hopes to get warm and her neck craned around to have her head facing him. She was patiently waiting.

“I’m … I really am sorry.”

He was sorry. Something Ava didn't expect at all. She hardly got her brother to apologize when he should have, and she was never expecting one from him. It was just something his kind didn't do. Well... if his kind was the dark souled and mentally twisted wolves was his kind. In fact, she was pretty damn sure that they didn't even know what sorry was, or what it meant. She narrowed her eyes a little harder to get a better look at him to see if he honestly meant it. The way he held his body and how he looked at her told her he was truly and honestly sorry. She just didn't understand why, or how. How can dark wolves even know the meaning or be sorry? She never knew them to have a conscience at all. Maybe... this one was just not what he is made out to be.

“I’ll admit, I can’t control it. I really wish I could, but I can’t.”

Ava blinked at him, unsure of how to really go about this. She was feeling guilty for her words that she had snapped at him so harshly now. And she was definitely unsure of how to read him. Was he good trapped in a dark society? Was he honestly made for this place? Or was he evil with a bit of goodness wedged in there somewhere? All of this peaked her interest and she desperately wanted to ask him about his life and what happened to make him that way. But she had to refrain. The only way for him to trust her is if she let's him talk of those things on his own. She could never push. Maybe ask a few questions here and there.

"I'm sorry too," she said gently as she slowly eased herself up from the floor to a sitting position, facing him. "I shouldn't have been harsh or snappy to you in my answers."

"But..." she looked into his eyes and gave him a small friendly smile, letting him know she forgave him, "You know, the first step to controlling it is wanting to control it. So you are already on your way to doing so. Which surprises me, I guess. Most of your pack don't tend to really want to learn a little bit of self control... look at Cain for instance. He doesn't know the meaning of it."

[Vereor Lupus]

His eyes hadn’t swayed in any motion as he looked at this wolf. She was really a gorgeous wolf, something that he really hadn’t taken into account until now. The purest of white coats and soft yellow eyes. Her pelt almost seemed to have a yellow hue to it, like a shining light. Stopping his thoughts he forced himself to focus. He could tell that she was trying to figure him out. He hadn’t tried to figure her out quite yet once he realized he hadn’t even caught her name. No big deal.

[/i]I’m sorry too. Why was she sorry? Was there something for her to be sorry about? All she did was answer the questions that he had asked her … he had been the one that attacked her and threw her body down like it was nothing. That really confused him and he couldn’t help but showing it in his facial expression. He backed away from her a little in shock and sat on his rump. This wolf wasn’t going to be a threat to him so, why not? He hadn’t really rested since he became a part of this pack. He never really felt comfortable here with insane, weirdly corrupted wolves running about. Messed up wolves. Vereor wasn’t messed up. He was really just a sweet wolf with an icy exterior. But no one would ever see that side of him, unless they really deserved it and he felt he could put his trust in them. There was a better chance of catching an elkryn by yourself.

[/i]But … You know, the first step to controlling it is wanting to control it. So you are already on your way to doing so. Which surprises me, I guess. Most of your pack don't tend to really want to learn a little bit of self control... look at Cain for instance. He doesn't know the meaning of it. She could say that again, curl-tail Cain. It has a little ring to it, doesn’t it? He had so many more things he would like to say about this wolf, but he kept his thoughts in line. This was the wolf that had taken Esperanza away from him. And she didn’t seem to go away with much of a fight, he really couldn’t be bound for love. He didn’t think he really needed it anyways. Vereor felt as though he would always be a loner, he felt he didn’t deserve many females that roamed Halasia.

Back to what she said, he always tends to get distracted easily. [/i] “I thought I already told you I want to control it? But there is really no way …” So he tried to drop the subject, if this wolf would let him. His ears let down their guard a little and his fur was completely relaxed at this point. His true pelt color could be seem. Vereor was a handsome wolf, it’s just that most of the time wolves are too intimidated to really see it. Plus, he never really relaxed around other wolves. So even what he was doing now was rare for him to do around another wolf … especially a female. [/i] “So you’re Ava? … I don’t know if you caught my name before, I’m Vereor.” He remembered her name from when Cain recognized her as she came in … [/i] “But at this point, I probably don’t deserve to know your name … so I can act like I didn’t over hear it if you’d like.” A slight smirk played on his muzzle, trying to lighten the mood a little.[/blockquote][/center][/b][/i][/size]

[Ava]

Ava watched the lupo's muscles relax and she felt her own muscles settle down in ease. She saw him in a new light as he sat down and wasn't trying to be intimidating. His lethal attraction died down and she was able to notice how handsome he was without the fear factor. She started to see that she liked how large he was, liked the color of his eyes and coat. His eyes were hard, showing her he wasn't a force to be reckoned with but inside she sensed a softness that she'd have to break open. And she desperately wanted to break it open. She wanted to see the true him. If it took a long while, she didn't mind, she liked a challenge.

“I thought I already told you I want to control it? But there is really no way …”

The tone he had was telling her to drop the subject. It was something he would have to figure out himself. There was only so much one wolf could do for another. And this was something that she could lead him, perhaps, in the right direction but not the whole way. She had faith in him. She knew if he really wanted to control it he could.

“So you’re Ava? … I don’t know if you caught my name before, I’m Vereor. But at this point, I probably don’t deserve to know your name … so I can act like I didn’t over hear it if you’d like.”

Ava couldn't help it, but her tail started wagging at the friendly exchange of names. She desperately wanted to do a small prance, something a pup would do. But she kept it all in and simply settled for a smile when he displayed a small smirk on his maw.

"You can call me Ava," She said between a small giggle. She never in her life heard a dark wolf be so polite to another. How did he get here? Why was he apart of this pack? He wasn't like the others. Any other male brute with his size and a evil heart would have taken her virginity, taken her life, tortured her, made her theirs. But this one. Well. He had his slight moment of brutality but she felt that that was all he had. He had no more plans. He had no more brutality thus far.

"Nice to meet you, Vereor," Ava stood up and bowed her head respectfully. "It's an honor to meet a wolf such as yourself."

A gust of wind came into the cave, carrying snow into it and Ava shrank back. She sat back down, curling her tail around her paws in hopes to keep warm. A chill ran down her spine and she shook her body. How could wolves live here?

"I understand the need to look tough and all that, but why this land? It's freezing. And not to mention the lack of small prey." She looked down in embarrassment as she felt her stomach gargle in frustration. She still hadn't eaten since the yesterday morning and it was nearing dark now. If they pack had gotten food they weren't coming this way. Even if they did, would they offer any meat?

[Vereor Lupus]

Vereor’s eyes were distracted as she began to wag her tail. The smirk stayed on his face but his eyebrows came together a little. He didn’t understand why she was doing so, I guess she liked being around him now? Well that was quick. It would take awhile for Vereor to get used to being around this wolf. This is because he’s afraid he’ll end up hurting her again. He had apologized, and she seemed to accept that apology. That was something that he had never expected her to do. She really was a sweet wolf. He knew that he could have killed her, and he couldn’t help but cringe at the thought. How could he kill a wolf like this? Even if she was Cain’s sister?

[/i] You can call me Ava

Good. He wanted to be able to call her by a name, instead of going around it all of the time. That would be a lot easier for him. But there really was something about this wolf that was different than the rest of them. She was an agile lupa that left the safe boundaries of her packlands into the lands of Blizzard Moon. The lands of crazy, insane wolves. There had to have been a strong stomach in there … and there’s no doubt that she had a lot of guts. Vereor came to this conclusion because she wasn’t a stupid wolf, that was beyond obvious. She seemed very smart to him.

She giggled a little as she said that, that made him tilt his head ever-so-slightly. It was a moment where he would look completely exposed, but once he caught himself he straighted it quickly. Almost embarrassed that he did so. Why did he relax so much around this wolf? How could he feel comfortable after he almost killed her? He guessed that he was so confident that he wouldn’t hurt her, he wasn’t scared anymore. He really was almost relaxed, it was … not normal. But he liked being able to act this way around this wolf without her judging him. And for some odd reason, he actually cared what this wolf thought of him.

[/i] Nice to meet you, Vereor, It's an honor to meet a wolf such as yourself.

He didn’t really think about stopping what he wanted to say, so he didn’t. [/i] “There’s no way it’s an honor. I could have killed you.” Then he noticed that she was shivering. He wanted to let her have some of his warmth. But he was hesitant. If a wolf from his pack came into the cave to check on how things were going, he would get banished from the land. Then again, how much could that really hurt him? He wearily walked up to her and sat down next to her. His tail curled around hers while he rubbed his neck up against her side. He had thick fur, and it was always very warm. He was a large wolf so his head settled above hers easily, he wouldn’t relax his head though. It stayed alert toward the entrance of the cave.

[/i] I understand the need to look tough and all that, but why this land? It's freezing. And not to mention the lack of small prey

He smirked once again, and it swayed into a slight smile. Something he hadn’t done for awhile. He found it entertaining that she thought it was so cold for some reason, but he would still try to keep her warm. [/i] “Well, I’m sure you’re fine now m’dear. And yes, the terrain here is rough. But, all the more reason to hold insane wolves, don’t you agree?” His tone was sarcastic, almost making fun of himself for living here.[/blockquote][/center][/b][/i][/size]

[Ava]

Ava noticed that every now and again Vereor would give her a look or something that told her he wasn't the wolf on the outside. But it definitely didn't last long. She hated that. She wanted to see just exactly who he was and for him to stop hiding himself. It couldn't be as terrible as he believed or whatever reason it was that he was hiding it. Or maybe that was just it, he wasn't terrible and evil wolves expected him to be. But if he didn't want to show her himself or act how he really feels then it was his choice. She couldn't make him. She couldn't whine and cry about it. She will just have to take what she can get and figure out who he was on her own. She wasn't going to complain about that.

“There’s no way it’s an honor. I could have killed you.”

"But you didn't kill me. You restrained yourself from doing so, which I am thankful for." She grinned, "If you didn't I would have been forced to show you whose boss."

She froze under his eyes and watched him slowly approach her. What was he doing? She saw no signs of attack, so she didn't feel like she had to stand up and get prepared to defend herself. But it still rallied up fears. Sure, she had gotten to the point where she felt like she wasn't going to die by his jaws, but he did still attack her. She had to be careful. Only stupid wolves would completely forget that. Vereor sat down right next to her, wrapped his tail around her own and pressed his thick fur against her. She could feel the warmth that was falling off of him and into her own coat. Her shivering subdued and she closed her eyes as she felt him run his neck along her side then hover his head above hers. The warmth was so welcoming and comforting she couldn't help but lean back into him.

“Well, I’m sure you’re fine now m’dear. And yes, the terrain here is rough. But, all the more reason to hold insane wolves, don’t you agree?”

"Even insane wolves have brains!" Ava laughed and opened her eyes to look back up at Vereor. "Living here is almost like a death sentence, well at least in my opinion. And if you are a lone wolf, like I have been most of my life, living out here is a definite struggle. Personally I am a more woodsie fae myself. Where lots of rabbit and small prey exist."

[Vereor Lupus]

[/i] "But you didn't kill me. You restrained yourself from doing so, which I am thankful for. If you didn't I would have been forced to show you who’s boss."
He couldn’t help but smile a charming smile at her comment.

As Ava leaned into him he felt something in his gut grab his attention. He felt as if this was the way things were supposed to be. This wolf tucked into him, where he could keep her safe from all harm that lingered outside that cave entrance. His eyes went to that entrance and he began to think about the real dangers that lied there. There were insane wolves walking about, dangerous cold, and night was almost here. In a few more breaths, they would be covered in the blanket of black in this forsaken land. He really didn’t like living here at all, he wanted to leave. But this was one of the most powerful packs in the land, so he figured he might as well try it out. And luck led him to get the rank of a Curator. He just looked intimidating. Although … when it came to his temper, he could be. He didn’t deserve this wolf.


[/i] "Even insane wolves have brains!" Not really, but he wasn’t going to argue with her. He wasn’t one to argue another’s beliefs. He took many things way too seriously sometimes, but that was just something that was a part of him. [/i]” Living here is almost like a death sentence, well at least in my opinion. And if you are a lone wolf, like I have been most of my life, living out here is a definite struggle. Personally I am a more woodsie fae myself. Where lots of rabbit and small prey exist.”

He didn’t hesitate to speak his thoughts, “Well that’s probably the reason that a pack owns this land … a weird one.” He looked at her and laughed a little, “Yes, I’m calling myself weird. But I don’t exactly fit in here, to be honest … their personalities are much more radical than my own.” His words were smooth and filled with much charm. A charm that was natural, something that he could never get rid of. A strong gust of wind penetrated the cave and wrapped around them both. It would comb through their fur trying to pinch them with its fingers. Vereor was used to it and simply stayed where he was, trying to block it with his large body as much as he could for her. But there was no use. He knew she would need food soon, but there’s no way he would be allowed to go get some for her. Part of him worried about her, but the other part was his confidence to keep her well.[/center][/blockquote][/size][/b][/i]

[Ava]

The sun had sunk low in the sky making it a cool navy color and the stars starting to peek out from the clouds. Cain had eaten his fill of the kill that the pack had made and had already been out to the woods on his own. He was now carrying two rabbits by their neck in his jaws as he was making he way up the mountain to where he knew Vereor was keeping his sister. Anger rose in his chest at the thought. How could he have let this happen? Why didn't he just stand up for his sister and make them let her go? She wasn't going to be a threat to them. She is too... nice. So why do this? He didn't understand Teekah's ruling but he really didn't like the fact that he didn't challenge it. Was he already falling into the role as a member of the pack? He shook his head. No. He was Cain. Merciless. And with a plan. He had to stick to the plan. Stay loyal to the pack, make the alphess trust him, and then he can easily take over. So he had to let them take his sister. He couldn't blow his cover. But now, he had to figure out how to get her out without letting anyone see."---But I don’t exactly fit in here, to be honest … their personalities are much more radical than my own.”

Cain perked his ears up once he got near the entrance. He could hear them talking pleasantly to one another and that was something he didn't like either. What was Vereor trying to pull? Was he trying to get back at him for the whole Esperanza thing? If so, he better not involve Ava in his plan. Vereor could mess with Cain all he wanted, but not his sister. Cain would kill him. Rip his throat to shreds, let his blood stain the snow and his organs become Cain's meal. That's what he'd do. The thought sent a thrilling shiver down his spine.

The black wolf came onto the entrance of the cave. He stopped, standing there with the rabbits dangling from his mouth, his ears perked up and his yellow eyes staring straight at the pair. What was going on? Why was he so close to her? And why was she leaning into him like she loved it? Cain's fur on the back of his neck rose and then all down his spine it spiked up as well. He let out a low threatening rumble as he took a few steps forward.

"Cain?" Ava's head jerked over in his direction and she stood up, separating herself from the brute. She took a few timid steps towards him, her tail wagging slightly in hopes to calm him down. He knew that she always tried to get him to relax by her being playful. But right now wasn't the time.

"Food," Cain snapped as he dropped the rabbits and nudged them towards her. He then stared at Vereor, his eyes cold and daring him to get closer, "What are you doing?"

"Thank you, Cain," Ava said grabbing a rabbit for herself and pulling back. She looked at Cain and then Vereor. She could feel the tension rising in the cave. At this time she really didn't understand why the two males hated one another so much. They were pack mates, weren't they?

"Don't ever touch her!" Cain growled his head lowering in a fighting position.

"Cain! Be nice! He was only trying to keep me from freezing to death," Ava stood up a little straighter, abandoning her rabbit and growling at Cain.

[Vereor Lupus]

Vereor would do anything to keep this wolf safe now, for some reason he felt like he needed to. Even Esperanza couldn’t have made Vereor feel this way about her so quickly. This wolf was so much different than the rest of them. She had a strong heart, no fear. And he would always respect that. Like he would always respect her. He wanted so much right now for this wolf to be his, but he would have to wait for that. His ears perked and his hackles raised as he caught the scent of another in his pack. As the scent grew closer, he found out that it was Ava’s brother … Cain.

The lupo strolled on into the cave, so Vereor smoothly got to his feet, noting that Ava had already separated from him. That was expected because he felt Cain was the brother who would throw a fit seeing someone else with his sister. Especially Vereor. Vereor watched Cain very carefully as he came in. He had growled, Vereor found this entertaining. Just the fact that Cain had the idea that he was a threat to Vereor was entertaining. Although … he would admit, it would be a good fight to see. They were both of equal experience.

He watched as Ava tried to calm him, no use. Vereor’s massive paws were lining the entrance to the deep part of the cave, back and forth, back and forth. He was in a moderately threatening stance, but didn’t feel threatened by this wolf. His head was held up high, for he knew he was a higher tank than this lupo. He would do everything to show that off to him, just to get a rise out of him. Cain dropped a rabbit at Ava’s feet…

[/i] What’re you doing? … Don’t ever touch her!

A sly smile filled his muzzle as he came to a halt in front of Cain. Cain was a good sized wolf, but Vereor had the advantage with his strength and size. Although Cain would have the agility advantage. He kept his muzzle level with Cain, letting his eyes look straight into his. He stayed calm but his body showed a lot more. Intensity, eagerness, willingness to fight. “Oh you know you have to just love that I’m the one too look after this beautiful lupa.” His face stayed the same, but his heart skipped a beat at the thought of her once again.

Then Vereor became serious, raising his head a little above Cain’s. [/i] “Cain. I will not hurt her, I can assure you. She’s safe with me, which she will always be.” A slight growl arose from deep within his throat, showing he meant what he said. He had his chance to mess with Cain’s mind, but he wasn’t in the mood. If Cain was going to fight him, he would simply defend himself at this point. Even for how much he wanted to kill this wolf, he knew it would hurt the lupa beside him … claws tensed into the ground. It was a struggle not to try to hurt him with his attitude.

OOC: Sorry about the cheesiness xD That's Vereor for ya!
[/blockquote][/size][/b][/i][/center]

[Ava]

Ava watched the males interact, her eyes going between the two watching for any warning signs in their mannerisms. She knew when Cain was about to attack and right now he was taking his time. As for Vereor, she really didn't know when he was liable to attack but she had to be wary anyway. She knew Cain on his own wouldn't be able to fend off a large brute like that, so to keep her sibling alive she'd have to step in no matter what. Why was Cain in a pack that he didn't seem to get along with the others? Or was it because he knew this one didn't belong amongst these wolves and was angry he got a better ranking? That sounded more like Cain to her than anything else that could have come to mind.

“Oh you know you have to just love that I’m the one too look after this beautiful lupa.”

Ava averted her eyes away from her brother and rested them on Vereor, studying him. He was taunting her brother, teasing him and trying to bring him into an agitated state. Her gold eyes narrowed in annoyance. Why push him? Why egg him on? She turned to her brother and saw him tighten every muscle in his body. He was getting ready to pounce or at least explode with some kind of anger. Ava's fur rose up on the back of her neck and slowly rose down her spine. She wasn't going to let her brother get too carried away.

"What happened before was between you and me, Vereor, leave Ava out of it," Cain growled, his yellow eyes piercing into Vereor's, "You understand?"

"What happened before?" Ava asked, loosening her muscles and letting the fur go down in ease.

“Cain. I will not hurt her, I can assure you. She’s safe with me, which she will always be.”

"You expect me to believe that? I wouldn't trust anyone in this pack to not mess with her, and I am not about to trust you." Cain started pacing, letting his aggression out on his movements and trying to avoid any eye-contact with his sister.

"I trust him." Ava said with confidence radiating in her tone.

"Of course you do," growled her brother as he came to stop in front of her, "You'd trust anyone, even if they have a bad track record."

"I trust you too. You saying that is a bad thing?" Cain didn't say anything just stared at her, frustration streaming off his face. "Now, what happened earlier?"

Cain still didn't tell her what happened. He was ashamed, embarrassed for his sister to know his recent... sins. He didn't want her to know about his continual inability to respect other females other than her, or males for that instance. About how he is fathering some Omega's pups but not really planning to be there for them. Or stay with her for life. Ava knew he had troubles in his past or at least has been known to do such things, but he'd like to pretend she was innocent of his ways. He wanted to keep her non-judgemental looks when they were around each other.

"Just eat your rabbits, Ava." Cain ordered and looked over at Vereor, daring him to cross a line.