Kierra

Laying it out like that sounds all kinds of stupid, as if a line in a badly made B-movie. More like F-movie. Blinking at the one beside me, I shrug.

"You can come in or you can leave, it's up to you. I, however, am going in. Need to get cleaned up and hopefully some sleep before having to deal with tomorrow's impending drama-fest."

Opening the door, I hop out and take a deep breath. It may not be mountain air, but it's much better than in town.

Lights are on inside and before I get two steps the door opens and has a shape flying out. Kani once more jumps into my arms like he did when being run down by Asher, thirty-some pounds landing in my arms like a dead weight while he chirps and barks. Zypher comes walking out, his long purple hair blowing up and back as he leaves the porch in bare feet.

"What's going on?"

The sounds of a car turning off and door opening are heard while I watch the tall male come closer, glaring at the fox in my arms.

"Zypher? What happened?"

He growls, but there's laughter in his eyes as he stops in front of me, crossing his arms and looking very much the badass.

"Somebody decided to take off with a wolf’s food, scarfing it down while staying out of hand’s reach."

I lift a brow, looking down at the canine curled up against me. Think it's safe to say that we all know he could have been caught if it were serious. Light amber eyes look up at me all innocently, making small yips and cries.

"You made your trouble, now own up to it. Stop being a pussy."

Laughing as I release him, he takes off into the woods. Think a wee fox has a crush...another one. Poor thing, don't think Z swings that way.

He doesn't follow after the fleeing animal, instead looking at the person coming up behind me in guarded curiosity.

"Bring back another stray?"

Rolling my eyes, I head for the house.

"He's not a stray, just a friend bringing me home since Benjamin was...busy. I've offered for him to stay so he doesn't get caught in the storm."

"So he's a stray."

Tossing my arms in the air, I reach the porch when turning back around.

"Renee this is Zypher, one of the pains in my ass. His brother is much nicer with better manners. Speaking of pains in my ass, here's the other one."

Xavier stands in the doorway, expression cocky to go with his devil-may-care pose. It's enough to get my heart to thud against my chest as if a hammer to a nail. His nostrils flare as he inhales, looking from me to those behind me.

"Yeah, I know, I smell. If you'd move, I can go clean up. There any leftovers? I'm starving."

Black eyebrows raise as he looks at me with a smirk. My cheeks flush as I push past him.

"Not because of that you perv. Lots of energy used working magics. Cleaned up, food, then sleep. Is Bastion still up?"

The man’s scent fills my nose as I go past, sparking the heat inside that had cooled. Groaning silently, I look around for my Imp.

"He's currently in the shower, so you'll have to wait."

That groan is let out loud this time. Food first it is then. Renee comes through followed by Kani and then Zypher, looking nervous and wary.

"Guys this is Renee, be nice. Gave him the option to stay out of the storm. He's nervous enough around me, so don't be annoying."

Bryanna, Chandrika, and Shade all wave a hand from the couch, Diego and Maii still in animal form and lounging about. Kani heads for the couch, but when I clear my throat he stops mid-motion and falls onto the carpet instead. No wet paws on the new sofa.

Pointing each out, I make introductions while making food. Shower stops halfway through, so I'll be under scalding water soon enough.

"You all stay here?"

Food is an inch away from my mouth when he asks, it continues on its way, then I nod. Waving my fork about, I motion to the floor and tell him about our nest and how we sleep. He looks intrigued, then is caught up in whatever Xavier and Zypher are talking to him about.

Bastion comes from around the corner, eyes on the new male before looking over to me.

"Another stray?"

I choke on my food, causing the others to either laugh or smile. Clearly, manners are lacking today. Waving my utensil at the boy with squinting eyes, he smiles for me.

"Not a stray, just being helpful."

Easier to say instead of going over it all again. Shaggy blond hair is dark with moisture, dripping onto his shoulders. Have the urge to hug him, but I'm covered in tainted blood.

While he yawns and gets a drink, I motion Xavier over. Pulling the blade from my boot, I hand it over to him.

"Can you clean this, please? Don't want filthy blood rusting it."

He twirls it in his hand, giving it a once over before nodding. Bastion watches, eyes clear as he looks from it to the blood that’s very obvious on me in good light.

"Bad guy?"

I nod, worrying if actions made around this child is a prelude to a killer in the making. He blinks then is called over by Xavier who goes into a lesson on properly cleaning a blade. Dipping down, I press my cheek to his head before kissing the damp hair.

Can feel Renee's eyes on me, so I look up at him. Full of curiosity, this one. The TV is still on, a movie playing on low volume. Calling to Rika, I head for the bathroom.

Getting help to peel out of the leather, it's put aside so I can do my business, helpful teenager leaving when no longer needed. While standing under the scalding spray, I connect with my sister, asking if she will be joining us at all for the holiday.

After getting her refusal, I sigh and back off, finishing up my shower then darting to my room. You'd think by now I'd learn to put my damn robe in there, but nope. Getting it put on, I'm in the process of getting as much moisture from my hair that I can when there's a knock on the door.

"Yeah? Door's open."

Shade opens it slowly, making sure I'm not flashing him before fully opening it. His actions make me smile, but I'm glad he's got some sense to him. Short blue hair sticks up every which way as he watches my hands to keep from direct eye contact.

"Zypher is taking watch tonight. Xavier told us what happened earlier today, so he knows to be aware of both kids and Lucia."

Crap, forgot to get a hold of Alarico and tell him what happened. It can wait till after I get some sleep. Nothing terrible happened, so it should be fine till then.

"Still don't think that's necessary. Even if by chance someone got past the Reds who roam, this house is full of predators."

The six-foot male shrugs, but says nothing about calling his brother back in. Supernatural or human, anyone who happens to break in will be very sorry for doing so. Anyone who does show up is bound to be no good to begin with, so it's not like we have to hide.

Looking at him in annoyance, he just smiles and steps out. Wimp. Tossing the towel onto my bed, I go out as well.

"Alright animals, last call for outside, I need sleep. Tomorrow...er, later today, is going to be all sorts of crazy. Who all's going to Ava's? Tristan and my mother will also be there, think they'll be the only oblivious ones."

Renee of course isn't, but he shakes his head anyway. When Rika and Diego both stand I shake my head, Bryanna as well looks anxious.

"I don't think so. You're all more than welcome. Ava would have my head if I tried to leave you behind, and I want you to join us. Diego, you can stay in animal form, but Rika I need you human. Easy to explain a fox, whereas a hyena is just...yeah."

Smiling at her, I get her to chuckle with me. Each one looks relieved though, even Bryanna. Think the tricky one will be Maii, who still has bouts of random shifting that gives no warning.

Everyone's going, as I figured, so that clears that up. While shifting and last-minute outside trips are made, plans are brought up for everyone getting there, then how I'll leave to get my mother at some point. From past holidays, I know she won't want to be there long, just enough to eat, say hi, and then go home.

Actually makes things easier for the animals, which just leaves Tristan. Should be able to keep him plenty distracted though. Food, music, and tattoos are his things. Simple.

"You know this holiday is a sham right?"

Renee comes up next to me on the back porch while watching the others in the snow. Bastion had gone downstairs while just about everyone else shifted and went out. Only ones upright are me and the male next to me.

"I'm aware. We don't celebrate it in that fashion. It's just a gathering of friends and family to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company. No pilgrims or 'Indians' involved. I have Native American in me from my father’s side, doesn't mean I'm all up in arms, but I know the history."

He nods and watches Diego stay close to Chandrika. Maii tries to get him to play a little, but he's too busy keeping an eye on the trees. Even the female keeps an eye on them. Thanks to those two wolves from earlier, it's shaken their sense of security while here.

Sighing in my head, I look over to Kani and Shade, both near Zypher who'd come through the brush when everyone came out. The only way you can tell the brothers apart when in animal form is by Shade’s black-tipped ears. When next to each other, Z is a little bigger, but that's it. Arctic wolves. Very pretty.

The giant maned wolf makes his way out of the trees, long legs moving pretty easily through the packed white stuff. Touching noses with Maii before walking up to me, his red and black fur is covered in flakes. Tan eyes look at Renee then me before brushing up against my frame.

"Oi, you damn moose. Lay off."

His whines echo in the clearing, sounding much louder than normal. Even his head pops up, ears swiveling at the noise. Unable to resist, I reach for one of those long-ass radar dishes.

The short fur on them is soft to the touch, even moistened. Tilting his head, he presses against me, almost knocking me back. Pain in my ass indeed. Can feel the man next to me watching us curiously as the Dogdeer starts scent marking.

He starts pissing on me, we're gonna have some serious issues.

The others make their way back inside, Xavier following after once all are in. Aside from Z that is, he does come up and rub against me as well before heading back out.

Renee had gone in, so now it's just me. I inhale deeply, eyes heavy as I fill my lungs. All is quiet once more, so I go in, shifting before going below with the others.

I touch noses to each one before laying next to Bastion, who's already dozing. The others curl up on or around us, Xavier taking his usual position and laying his head on my hip. The one who really sticks out here is Bryanna, the big cat whose tail I'm laying my chin on.

Renee had started out further away from everyone, but he let me coax him in closer. Surprised the lioness is joining us this time, having opted out before. Guess her talk with the brothers went well.

We all go under pretty quickly thanks to the long-ass day. The sounds and smells comforting as it brings a sense of security. New smells add flavor, spicing it up, but not distracting.

Bastion re-positions, turning onto his back while leaning against my side. The movements of his and Xavier's breathing creates a sleepy background of peace. Maii inching closer to the human boy's side has me smiling in my head before finally drifting off completely.