Kierra

Running across the street, I almost slide into the building on slushiness. Both Bastion and I laugh as I catch my balance. Being a wolf sure doesn't seem to have done a damn thing for gracefulness, not for me anyway.

As I'm adjusting, a woman walks past wearing a light coat. Catching her scent, my eyes rise to hers. Recognizing me as a wolf, she inclines her head and keeps going. Thank fuck for that. I don't waste any more time on getting to the jeep though.

Xavier is standing there trying to be a big he-man and not shiver as he huddles in his coat. I just smirk at him as we walk up. Seeing a very tall, flirty male getting his comeuppance is very pleasing.

Makes me all warm and tingly.

"Alright, you win, can I get in now? I like all my appendages attached and not frostbitten."

It's my turn to chuckle as I bite my lip, running my eyes from his head down and back up, raising a brow when I get back to his eyes. His teeth chatter at me as he tries to smirk, amber eyes promising retribution. Unlocking the doors, I show mercy and everyone gets in.

Bastion just laughs, looking shy. I shrug back into my light coat, my hands slightly aching from catching myself on that building, reminding me of my long trek. I rub my thumb over the palm of the opposite one, doing the same for the other as I wait for some heat to build up for the thin bloods.

"Problem with your hands?"

"Had a very long run yesterday, didn't like the texture of the building I caught myself on. Now, answer my question, can I no longer have chocolate?"

He laughs again, his head going from one side to the other, at first I thought he was saying no.

"You can have your chocolate. You may be canine, but you're a supernatural creature. Nothing affects you. No illness will touch you, nor will age or disease. You must be very young to not know this, not to mention your Pack is being very neglectful."

I feel my expression hardening. Looking at the clock and date on the dash, I reply with a cool tone.

"I've been a Werewolf for a very rough thirteen days. I was almost killed by a psychotic wolf who apparently travels with an even more psychotic Vampire who has also abducted my sister. Kept drugged and unconscious for three days by child molesters who then tried to have their way with me, my own delayed shifting ripping through me a second time, raped by another Werewolf, attacked from some other Vamp who was sent to kill me, hit by a car a couple days ago, and another attempted abduction by dogfighters. So forgive me if I don't know all there is to know about being a damn fantasy dog."

I don't think his eyes could get any wider, nor his jaw drop any lower. I'd turned in my seat so I could look right at him while reciting my woes, ticking them off my fingers. Bastion reaches over to touch at my leg, his own pain showing on his face, in the waves coming off him. There's no way in hell that some unknown man was going to take him from me. Not and live anyway.

I hold his hand in mine, tracing symbols into his palm as Xavier tries to find his voice in his floundering state. Can vaguely tell the patterns are the same protection symbol I'd seen at Asher's home. A large hand reaches towards me to touch at my hair, the silver streaks having been wet down by the snow.

"You... You're the one everyone is talking about. Many of us heard your song the other day. Your sadness, your pain, was felt by everyone who heard it. So it's true then, you're the Silver Wolf."

I scoff, raising an eyebrow at him. New to town my ass. He's talking about that night at Ava's when I couldn't bottle up anymore.

"What you've gone through at the hands of your own is a travesty. Even those of us who are not wolf know of the Silver's power, their goodness."

I can't help it, I snort at that, choking down a laugh. Me and 'goodness' don't go in the same sentence. Then knowledge sinks in and I feel my stomach drop.

"Many heard it? How many, exactly?"

"I don't know an exact count, but several if not all of the Gray Wolves and a few of the lions, possibly some of the Red Wolves. Your song carried out along the lake, echoing for miles. Everyone within hearing distance had literally felt your loss and your rage, even if they didn't understand your song."

Clearly, I don't know what keeping a low profile means. Shit. Asher is going to kill me when he finds out. He was there though and never said anything. Xavier looks confused for a moment.

"Almost all wolves that I know of who carry stories of a Silver Wolf, know that you do not harm one. The wolf who...abused you, do you know who he is? What he looks like? I heard there was a hunt for a couple of them. I'm beginning to think both have something to do with you."

I shake my head.

"Never seen him in human form, but he was big. Like, really, really big. A cream and tan. Ran off when a friend came to my aid and tore him up more than what I'd already done."

He nods and gets caught up in his own thoughts, sitting back in the seat, so I start up the car and go back to get the shed. When I pull up front, I tell them to stay put as I run in. Making the order and asking about immediate delivery, I also find out if they assemble it as well. I can get immediate - it will cost more. Of course.

They will assemble it, and that they will do for free. Hallelujah.

They'll be to the house within the next couple hours. One hell of a timetable, but the place is busy so I can't give them too much trouble, and it's better than the next couple days. I hurry back out to the jeep, boys still all cozy inside. Once inside, I turn to Xavier.

"Where can I drop you off at? We have to get home."

Still have that inkling within me saying this man's important, but forgive me if I don't take to unknown male animals. Sad considering I love actual animals.

"Actually, I need to go with you. We need to talk."