Kierra

My eyes don't want to open as I get nudged several times. Bastion trying to wake me has me groaning and turning over. Doesn't work though, as he just keeps persisting. Aren't kids his age supposed to be outside or doing something that doesn't interfere with adults' sleep? What the hell.

"Kierra, you have to get up. Everyone else is awake. Don't you have stuff you have to do today?"

Clearly being in wolf form does not scare the kid off from waking a grumpy beast. Putting paws over my face doesn't seem to work either since he just moves to pushing at me. My whining doesn't even get me any sympathy. How rude.

"If you don't get up, Xavier's going to eat all your bread."

Oh, now that's just a low blow. Moving my paws away from my face, I turn and glare at the boy. He smiles and just points towards the stairs.

Listening, the rustling of the bread package can be heard. Standing up, I stretch, arch my back, and stick my tail into the air. After heading up the stairs, the maned wolf can be seen with his head stuck in the fridge.

The open bread is on the counter next to a plate getting set up for a sandwich. Padding lightly over to the counter, I grab the bread and turn, going to my room. Just before I get to my door, I hear him calling out.

Smiling to myself, I shoulder the door closed and shift, getting the lock flipped before I step away. Bread gets picked up and put on my dresser, the tie still in the kitchen, so I snatch out a piece and start nahming. Wonder what Xavier had done to annoy Bastion since I'm pretty sure that's the only reason why he brought it up.

I get out an old long shirt and put it on. Need a shower, but don't want to take food in there with me. I'm just about to unlock the door when it gets knocked on, an annoyed male right outside it.

Smiling, I call out an innocent enough greeting. Pretty sure I'm fooling no one.

"Can I get the bread back, please? Kind of need it."

He just makes it too easy.

"What for?"

His light growl has me grinning and unlocking the door. Opening it while holding the bread behind my back, the tall male is given a curious look. He gives me such a droll one in return that I can't help but laugh.

"What did you do to Bastion? He's the one who wanted me to save the bread."

He grunts, reaching out and behind me to tug the bag away.

"He wanted to go out and see if he could find any stray Red Wolves. Told him he had to wait for you."

I release the package easily enough, furrowing my brows.

"Have they all not left yet?"

He shakes his head, long black hair moving around him as he turns and goes back to the kitchen.

"Most have, but a few have lingered. Think they're still exploring the area and getting that house set up."

Oh yeah. Forgot about the house. Had given it to Rico and his wolves to use while here, since it's just sitting there. Has water, but no electricity or gas so not like it can really be lived in.

"Don't suppose you know which ones, do you?"

He shakes his head, so I go in for my shower. Once back out and dressed, I join the three out in the living room; Xavier, Bastion, and Maii. Boys are doing their own little thing while Xavier paces in front of the door.

Crossing my arms, I watch him. He looks agitated, but as far as I can tell, has no reason to.

"What's wrong?"

Hanging around here after having spent so much time traveling, he has to be going stir crazy by now.

"Kani went out a while ago and Shade and Zypher have gone to the bar."

Waiting for him to finish yields no results, so I twist my hair and pull it atop my head, clipping it there while I go over everything I need to get done today. Have to run by the diner, got a job to do a print for them, but I have no idea what to do for them. Also have to give that Mr. Silverton a call back to see what he's wanting.

Why can't people tell me what they want up front so I'm not scrambling? Would make things so much easier. Have to get back over to Ava's to, have to talk to Gabriel about the house.

Face scowls when I think of having to deal with that man again. Getting a glass of juice and turning, Xavier is staring at me from the front doorway.

"What?"

He shakes his head but speaks anyway.

"When you go into town, I need you to drop me off at that music store again."

I nod, but still wonder what his problem is. Checking the time, I poke my head outside and call for Kani. I'll give him a few minutes to show, but if he doesn't, he's getting locked out and left.

While the guys get ready to go, I munch on another piece of bread and write down ideas from what I can remember of the diner. Their theme tends to change, so trying to come up with something specific is pointless. Bastion and Xavier are talking about blade stuff while Maii focuses on the paper pad I'd gotten him.

Personalities are really showing themselves here. Where the coyote seems to be focused on creating something, Bastion is intent on being able to use a weapon. Xavier, though antsy, explains everything thoroughly and patiently in a way the boy can understand.

When the red fox bounds onto the porch, I ask if he wants to come along or wants to stay. Looking at the three others, he votes on staying. My jeep just isn't big enough to hold more than four comfortably.

"Red Wolves still around?"

He nods, whispering in my head that he's been watching them. I frown slightly.

"Leave them be for now. If they're at the other house then they aren't causing any trouble. I'll leave the house unlocked for you, don't get into any trouble yourself, alright?"

After nodding, we head out and pile into my vehicle. Shade and his brother being at the bar means they're working, so don't have to worry about them. When catching a glimpse of the knife sheath on Bastion’s waist, I raise an eyebrow at him.

"I know it isn't a toy, I'm not going to play with it."

"Do you think it necessary to carry with you right now?"

He squirms as I look at him, but firms and nods.

"Lot of good it is to learn about them and then not have one on me if I need it."

I raise both brows and look over to the maned wolf next to me. He just grins and inclines his head. Actually, I'm glad he has one since we're going into town where he can be seen. I'm also glad he's being serious and responsible about it, but at the same time, memories of how I was are now going through my head and have me worrying.

"Just be sure you don't flash it around in public."

He nods, smiling. The way it's positioned on him, I can tell Xavier helped him somewhere. Most are inclined to have them right in front of them when that isn't a good idea. More likely to stab yourself that way.

Having it on your side or at your back is best. Longer than six inches is illegal in Illinois for carrying purposes, next to that is hidden or spring action, so those you can carry are limited, being reduced to small daggers or pocket knives.

What he has on him now is technically a hunting knife, just a small version. My gaze slides over to Maii, who has brought his drawing pad with and is currently working in it. Upon feeling my gaze on him, he lifts the side of his shirt and shows me his as well.

I'm so busted for child endangerment. I chew on my lip, but let it go. It was what I wanted, I know, but now seeing it, I'm second-guessing myself. More or less just nervous about them getting caught with them.

They're mine, yes, but that isn't the problem. Would be just my luck the wrong person sees a child with a blade and I get the cops called on me. That'll be fun to explain.

'Why yes, officer, I did give the boys very sharp objects that can kill. You see, there's a very bad man running about who wants my boy and I want him to be able to protect himself, and if need be, gut this man like a pig.'

Oh yeah, I see that going over so well. Loves Park police can be a bit bitchy, but Rockford po-po’s are even worse. Probably doesn't help that my family is known to be troublemakers in the first place.

Father, uncle, and a few cousins. Not to mention myself. All known to be 'bad eggs'. Personally, I think they're just a bunch of tight asses, but it's that attitude that seems to be our downfall. Ah well, can't cage free birds.

Halfway to Rockford, my pocket starts vibrating. Pulling it out, I hand it to Xavier to answer. It's Robert, the art gallery’s curator. Just wanted to call and let me know that all my prints were sold last night.

Judging by his really chipper tone, I guess they sold for good prices as well. The money has been wired into my account, as always, and asked once again when I can bring in more. Xavier looks at me and I just make a face at him.

"I've been really busy Mr. De'mascus, but as soon as I get some more done up, I'll be sure to get a hold of you. When is your next event?"

Stupid question, since they have events going on just about every other week, but hopefully he'll get my meaning. Nope. He starts listing off every event he has planned for the next two months. I can already feel a headache forming.

"Hang on there, Robert, you know what I meant. When is your next larger auction?"

Out of all the things he listed off, there wasn't any mention of one.

"Oh, the next one is the day after tomorrow! A prelude to the Christmas Pageant we will have going for the..."

Guy can really drone on. Next auction is the day after Thanksgiving and based around the next upcoming holiday. Geez, the current one is barely over and already busting out all the Christmas stuff. I hate when places do that.

When able to get him to calm down a moment so he can actually hear me, I let him know I'll try to have a few things for him then, and let him know I have to get going. Almost feel bad when he starts sounding all dejected, but I don't fall for it. If I let him keep going I'll never be able to hang up.

Xavier finally ends the call, a goofy smile covering his face. He can be amused all he wants, he doesn't have to deal with the older man.

"You're wanting the music shop next to the publishing office, right?"

When he nods, I angle for the correct turnoff. Need to get on Whitman and off North Second.

"How much time are you going to need?"

He shrugs, so I give him a look. Another smile doesn't fool me this time, he's up to something.

"Well, whatever. After dropping you off we'll go by the diner then come back when I'm done. Shouldn't take too long, but stuff always manages to come up."