House of Wolves (Lukas)

[fog]

It was a little foggy in the forest tonight, the sun slowly dropping behind the treeline. What a coincidence that was, though it was rather pointless considering Fog could not see it. The blind black wolf scanned the woods, or appeared to anyway. It was a force of habit to at least pretend she could still see, after all, she had not been blind her whole life. At one point, before she had been transformed, Fog had perfect vision. Even the eagles envied it. Everything appeared to the girl in high definition, colors were vivid, nothing ever blurry or out of focus. It was as if her eyes were a YouTube video permanently set to 1080p. She lost sight at a young age, though. Fog would never admit to anyone why she’s alone and blind- her past is a subject that she prefers to keep behind her. She was only just starting kindergarten when it happened. Was it painful? Yes. Did she ask for it? No. But Fog was also grateful for the tragedy. It taught the she-wolf that looks were not everything. In fact, they meant nothing at all. Of course, it’s easy for the blind girl to say. But Fog isn’t completely oblivious.

The black wolf constantly used her remaining senses to make up for her lack of eyesight. Scent- her sense of smell was stronger than the average werewolves. So was her hearing as well. Fog held her nose in the air, taking in deep breaths as she slowly padded along. She smelled a human, but it was mingled with that of a dog. Maybe it was a hunter out with his fetching pooch. Ah well, as long as they didn’t shoot her, she was fine. The sound of a gunshot confirmed the girls assumptions. Now that she thought about hunting, her stomach was growling loudly. Maybe she could catch something to eat. Sighing, Fog knew that wouldn’t be possible, unless she had a weapon. The only time she could remotely see was in her human form, and that was when she received visions. Over time, Fog began to realize the only time she really saw into the future or caught glimpses of the present was when she was feeling strong emotions. Hunger was not invading her thoughts to that point yet, so the girl knew she would have to wait to eat. Sighing, Fog lay down to bury her muzzle in her paws.

The gun sounded again, this time a little closer. Sitting up, Fog once more feign- scanned the woods. It seemed like time to transform and at least try to see. Uncaring of how ‘exposed’ clothing wise she would be, Fog noted there was no one around to witness anything. This hunter would be less apt to shoot a walking naked chick rather than if she were a wolf. Some people liked shooting wolves. It was a sport Fog would never understand- killing for fun. What was wrong with people? Taking a life was nothing fun. Fog would be a vegetarian if her canine half didn’t crave the protein. Just another side affect of being a wild animal, it seemed. Fog couldn’t help but run into a few branches and bushes, causing scrapes and bruises to form on her arms and legs. Ah well, a little pain never killed anyone. The sound of a sudden gunshot sent the girl yelping and ducking for cover, instinctively going wolf. How the hell had she not heard that coming? Was it aimed for her? Fog shook her head and reverted to human form. Focusing her mind, Fog eventually got her visions to work, and just to her right lay a torn shirt. It was long enough to cover all the importants. The sound of approaching footsteps made Fog’s eyes narrow. ”Whoever you are, that coulda killed me!” she shouted angrily, half terrified and half pissed severely.

[Deleted]

Goddammit. Of all the things to lie about, to keep a secret, Stella just had to make it the big one that would change everything. Oh yeah, Luke was pissed alright. He was running on pure anger and betrayal right now. How could she keep that from him? How dare she keep that from him? Stella knew how Luke was, she knew how he valued honesty. She also knew that a relationship between the two of them would not last if it didn't consist entirely of the truth. So, now, basically the only thing that would end up resulting from this would be the utter and inevitable loss of their relationship. He was not going to stay with that vampire if she was going to keep something as big as having a daughter from him. Dammit! It just pissed him off to no end. If he had a child, he would've let the woman know as soon as possible. But her? No, she just had to keep it a f*cking secret until it managed to slip its way out of her! Luke didn't want anything to do with her, now. He didn't want to see her or speak to her. Sure, it might seem like he was overreacting a little bit, but come on. How else was one supposed to react when something like that just blew up in their face one afternoon?

Needless to say, the werewolf needed to get some air. He needed to get out of that stupid, stuffy, little shared apartment of his - theirs - and get away for a bit. So, that's what he was doing. He was going out hunting, because if he didn't go to the forest to shoot something, it was going to end up being Stella with a bullet in her body. It was going to be a futile attempt of a hunt, though, a massive failure on his part. He was too caught up in his feelings to take care in walking quietly or making sure his scent didn't blow downwind towards whatever he may have been tracking at the time. No, he was more like simply stomping his way through the forest and shooting at whatever appeared in the corner of his eye. Dangerous? Yes. Did he care at the moment? No. Lukas trudged through the foliage, the last colorful rays of the sun peeking through the trees and highlighting his tall frame as he went along. His gun was held tightly in his large hands as he peered through the slight fog that masked the area. A deer was up ahead a ways, and he lifted his firearm quickly, steadying and aiming it only for the slightest of moments before letting loose a bullet. The noise following the shot echoed among the trees as he watched the deer get spooked and bolt off in some random direction. Well, damn. He was way off that time.

A low rumble of a growl built deep within his chest as he continued stalking through the forest. This was good. He was releasing stress without actually killing anything. As of now, that is. Luke let out a frustrated sigh as he felt the darkness of the oncoming night begin to surround him. There was no way he was going home yet. The forest was going to have to accommodate his presence for just a little while longer until he cooled down enough to even set eyes on his roommate. Could he still call her his girlfriend? Did he even want to? Another animal came into view as he nearly lost himself to his thoughts again. This time it was another deer. Or was it the same one from before? Not like he cared, they all looked the same to him. The young werewolf steadied his gun again, taking a little bit more care this time around, and aimed at the herbivore. Just one step was all it had to take and he would have it... A second gunshot rang out in the surrounding atmosphere, this time the bullet just barely grazing the hock of the deer. So close! Lukas quickly took aim again, pointlessly trying to get lucky with taking it down even though his chances of actually hitting it were slimmed down now by a stupidly large margin. His actions were too harsh and abrasive for achieving a successful hunt right now.

He did, though, almost manage to hit a young woman. Wait. What? That wasn't right. Luke squinted through the growing darkness, his werewolf traits kicking in more now that the night was settling in and making it easier to scope out the slender and feminine form that most definitely belonged to a human girl. What the hell was a girl doing all alone out here, let alone this late in the day? The young man started making his way closer to the female to make sure he didn't hit her when she suddenly yelled out at him. Well, that settled that. Lukas mentally let out a sigh of relief that he didn't end up mortally wounding the girl as he came closer to where she was located. He had to stop a few paces away though in surprise and chagrin at what she was wearing. Or, should I say, wasn't wearing. The werewolf put one of his hands up to show that he meant no harm while he kept the other down low at his side with its grip tight and secure on the gun. "Sh*t, I'm sorry, I didn't see you! Are you ok?" he asked, still stopped dead a good distance away from the half-naked girl. His dark eyes looked over her just to make sure that he hadn't clipped her or anything - which, thank God, he didn't -, but what he found otherwise surprised him. This girl was covered in scratches and bruises. And, by the lack of clothing, he couldn't help but think that she was in some sort of serious trouble. Why else would she be out here, in the middle of the forest, at night, in nothing but a torn up shirt with flaws on her should-be-perfect skin? He had no clue, but he had a feeling that he wouldn't be leaving her anytime soon.

[fog]

Fog realized she had been shaking, and forced herself to cease. It’s fine. No one got hurt, no one’s in pain. You’re fine. But things were more terrifying to a blind woman. The part that scared her the most was realizing she hadn’t seen it coming. Usually her psyche would pick up on something like that, but not this time. Fog placed her face in her hands before mentally perking her ears as the man approached. He apologized, which only made Fog fume. Well if he was so sorry then he should have been paying attention! Ignoring the man for a moment, Fog realized she was overreacting. Sighing, she slowly stood up, looking in the general direction the man had come. The extra pump of adrenaline gave the girl's psyche a bit of a kick in the face. She could see the mans face, at least. And she had to admit, it was a pretty... Lovely face. “I can’t see period, but I can tell enough that you shoulda known better. What werewolf can’t see in plain day?” Fog paused. At least she thought it was day. She had only vaguely seen the man and the shirt, and her visions were always shadowy. It made it hard to tell. They’d worked enough however to notify the girl she was dealing with another werewolf.

The she-wolf could sense the airs tenseness as he looked over her clothing. Of course she couldn’t see his expression or actually verify he was checking her out, but his tenseness was obvious. To her, at least. So naturally, Fog dropped her head and shuffled the ground with her foot. She’d only see the shirt for a second, but to this man, this very attractive man, i she probably looked something similar to a homeless person what with the torn and stained shirt and scraped body. Social situations confused the girl a little bit. She didn’t have a family or friends, and the only people she ever talked to were the kids she occasionally taught Braille to and the rare times she went out during the day to get food. After that, it was life back out in the woods. It had been that way for many years, and Fog grew accustomed to it. Did she enjoy it? Not at all. Fog was a wolf- they needed packs and a family to depend on. That story told to kids about the Lone Wolf always started with a ragged old wolf who had no friends and eventually became alpha of his pack. It didn’t seem Fog would have that happy ending. But the she-wolf did not mind anymore. Other people always treated her different anyway once they found out she was blind.

Sighing, Fog knew this man probably wanted nothing more than to leave. He was just being kind to check and be sure she had not gotten wounded. Maybe he really didn’t even care, and was just being nice so she would not press charges. Pfft yeah right. Like Fog had the money or ability to get a lawyer to even think about it. But something in Fog’s sixth -or in this case, fifth- sense told her he was genuinely kind and concerned. She almost felt bad for yelling at him now. ”Sorry. I’m fine. I think I have a good chance of surviving such a mortal wound.” the girl mused. It was in her blood to be even a little joking in the toughest of situations. It was one of the traits her mom had always loved about her. She smiled at the thought of her mother. Father had always bragged about how much like her mother Fog was. Moments later, she realized this man was angry. Why was he angry? It was a question Fog could not answer. But she could feel his distress, and almost empathized. The foreseer attempted to pry into the anger with her psyche, hoping her visions could give her the answers. Often times, such prying worked. But for some reason... Some unknown reason, Fog could not see anything. This worried the girl. Was she losing her abilities? If so, it would completely cripple any chance she had of salvaging her eyesight. Hands crossed behind her back, Fog looked up at the man with her big ice blue eyes. It was almost as if she were unintentionally giving the puppydog eyes.

[Deleted]

A wave of chagrin made Luke's cheeks go red as he listened to the girl he nearly killed speak up. First: she was blind. Second: she was berating him on his shooting. And third: she knew he was a werewolf. Hold up. How the hell did she know that? Lukas felt his face go pale as he looked at the beauty before him. Nobody knew about his true identity other than Stella, but that was kinda a given. Now, this girl... This girl knew what he was, and he hadn't even said more than ten words to her. Not to mention she was a total random stranger on top of that. And wait, wait! She was blind too! There was no possible way that she was seriously making a statement about what he was. Was there? Luke lifted his empty hand and waved it briefly in front of her eyes, watching to see if any response flickered in their pools of ice. Nothing registered in the orbs, not even the slightest hint of acknowledgment. Feeling a little irked, the young man drew back his hand and frustratedly ran it through his short hair. This didn't make sense. Having forgotten about his embarrassment from the almost-accident from earlier, Luke narrowed his eyes a little as he looked at the girl before him. There was something really, really weird about all this...

A light breeze blew up from behind the brunette, bringing her scent with it as it tumbled into his frame. This girl smelled exactly like one of his kind. Like, exactly exactly. No joke, seriously, he could honestly tell that she was a werewolf as well, and the same sub-breed as him, too. A formative werewolf, as they were called. That would be a good explanation as to how she knew that he was a werewolf, then... She could probably just smell it off of him. Luke blinked, surprised and a little miffed that he hadn't realized it sooner. His brain was just too scattered at the moment to take the time to analyze everything down to the bone. Pity. Luke tilted his head and drew in a breath, preparing himself to ask the girl some questions about her being a werewolf as well and all before he paused, his dark chocolate eyes having landed on her just a second before he started. She stood there with her head down and her feet nearly digging a hole to China into the ground. The young werewolf decided to save his questions for later and reached out to the girl, touching her on her bare arm lightly with his warm hand. He knew she couldn't see and all, but even still, he couldn't help but look at her with a bit of care and concern in his eyes. She just looked so uncomfortable and out of place, he needed to do something. So, here he was, comforting a complete stranger that he nearly shot.

"Are you sure you're ok? he asked, pulling his hand back at the same time after he realized that he probably left it on her arm for just a second too long. It just felt right, comfortable. His hand felt at home there, and that on its own was enough to freak him out. The tall young man shook his head and looked down to the ground, confusion swimming in his mind. This was all almost enough to ebb away all that previous anger of his... Almost. He was still pissed at Stella to no end, and he was certainly not going to be lucky enough to forget about her anytime soon. Still though, this random, half-naked, strange werewolf girl that he had run into was helping him at least push the vampire to the back of his mind. She responded that she was fine with a calmer attitude and joked a little at the end, making a crooked smile appear on the young man's face. Who would've thought that Luke would be smiling at a time like now. Lukas nodded and then remembered that the girl was blind, so he thought of something to say so that it wouldn't become awkward between the two of them. "I'll keep that in mind," he joked in return, that smile from before lingering on his face. "The name's Luke, by the way. You are..?" he asked, trailing off a little near the end as he looked into the girl's big blue eyes. It was hard to believe she was blind, they were so beautiful. Just like she was.

[fog]

Light grey eyes refrained from peering upward. The once ice blue orbs had become their natural foggy color. These were the eyes her mother had named her for, the priceless million dollar silver irises. When they were this hue, they often had violet flecks- and at this point in time they did. Fog obviously was unaware of her eye color, but she knew she had pretty eyes. Everyone had always told her so. It was the one thing that she held onto in her wolf form that made her distinguishable. Foggy eyes with deep violet flecks. Around the pupil seemed to be almost a gradient, starting real dark purple and slowly fading to their silvery shade. Brushing her sleek black hair behind her hears, Fog was oblivious to it's snarls. As disgusting as it may seem, the poor girl hadn't had a real shower in months. Sure she uses the rivers and such to get the basic dirt and grease off of her and her hair, but that would have to end soon. It was fall and winter was just around the bend. Huffing out, Fog could see her breath. As strange as it may sound, werewolves could get cold too if they bathed in literally freezing water in a furious December blizzard. The female usually stuck to her wolf form anyway.

Suddenly very self conscious, Fog pulled her arms around her abdomen and clamped small hands around her elbows, still refusing to glance upward. Jumping slightly at the man's touch, Fog relaxed as she left the warm fingers hold her arm. Being a werewolf herself, not many things could make the girl warmer than she already was. But this other werewolves hand broke that barrier, and with it another barrier Fog didn't know existed. She didn't plan on pulling away anytime soon. Almost disappointed when he removed his hand, Fog realized he asked a question. "I am now... Er I mean I'm sure I'll live," Slowly raising her gaze, the petite girl locked eyes with the boy. Hearing his name, for some unknown reason, gave Fog another glimpse of him. He looked so caring, yet Fog could still sense that anger he had felt... What in the world was it? The werewolf couldn't help but wonder why she cared so much too. All day everyday she sensed people's anger, feelings, emotions. It was a good reason the girl hardly enjoyed other human's company at times, despite hating her solitude. Fog gave a small smile.

"The name's Fog. Go ahead, say what you want, I've heard it all before," she joked more. It was true, she'd heard probably every pun, tease, joke, and remark about the name possibly imaginable, but she'd also heard quite a few compliments. The teases didn't bother the girl- they never had. The name was almost like a connection to her mother in a way. Her white smile fading, Fog tensed. "But yeah... I'm perfectly fine. If... If you want to go, you can. I'll just, uh, find my way back home and, uh, just, change clothes and stuff." Fog mentally facepalmed. That entire sentence was one big fail. She was so awkward sometimes, especially when it came to normal things. Normal people would go to their cozy homes, take a hot shower, get into some pajamas and then lay on their couch. Fog didn't know that- how the heck could she? It made her sad to let the one person who'd shown a genuine interest in her go, but Fog only knew it was right. She wasn't going to make a complete stranger stay and be awkward with her. She also wasn't going to ask for assistance, because she didn't need it in her eyes. She was fairing just fine with her current lifestyle of finding ragged clothes to wear and eating whatever scraps she could find. It was fine. She was fine. Everything was fine. Fine fine fine fine fine fine fine. Just fine, and then she remembered her eyes were blind and she could not see everything.

And everyone knew fine is just a silent plea for help in their eyes.