Originally Posted: July 2021
Reposted: August 2024

Kierra

We get back to the house pretty quickly, with weather and the late hour, there aren't too many out and about on the streets between my home and Ava's. Which is good since most of the people around here get real stupid when driving in snow. My house is tucked away in a large patch of woods that border the back of Machesney Park mall, around a mile from its parking lot to my front door. Mall itself is closed down, but to either end, it has a Spergmen's and a J.P. Lenny with a Farmington Coats recently opened in the middle. It was in that parking lot that this all began.
My house and two others were set within the wooded area; one had been Asher's that had burned down twenty-five years ago, the other had belonged to an older couple. Or at least, they appeared as if they were an older couple. When I had gone to talk to them the place looked like it had been deserted for years, the only signs left being a dead cat and a cellar of horrors. It'd looked to be a cross between a butcher shop and a torture chamber, and since the doors had been sealed, all the smells had been trapped and building. A couple buckets of blood were still a liquid instead of a coagulated gel. A Vampire friend had a cleanup crew come and clean it all out, but I still catch that smell in my nightmares.
So now it's just my little ranch-cabin with assorted animals living in and around it.
Faline and Xavier both help me get all the clothes inside. They'd bettered anyway since some of it's theirs. When the maned wolf came to me he didn't have much, only what would fit in a duffle bag. Told me he had been hiring himself out as a mercenary and that's how Nicolaus, the leech who took my sister and sent him to kill me, found him. Being a loner, he moved around a lot so only kept very little with him.
After Maii had come, I went shopping for both of them, which doubled the laundry load. Was already pretty large since all the bedding in the basement had been taken and washed as well. All the bleeding I'd done on the blankets was getting a bit musty. Can just imagine the lint and hairballs that were found in the dryer afterward.
"Alright, when he gets here, can you get his number and write it down for me before you leave?"
Faline nods while gathering a few things to take with her. Looking from her to it, I go to my room for a moment before coming back out with one of my switchblades. Knowing she'll fuss if I give it to her directly, I slip it in the bag when she's grabbing a couple of her longer skirts. Raising an eyebrow at her, she explains.
"If I need to shift in a hurry, getting tangled in clothes costs too much time. Skirts are easy as they just slip right off."
Huh. Guess that does make sense. Ignoring her protests when I give her a hard hug, a kiss gets planted on her forehead before I turn and leave. If I stay any longer, I'll try to keep her from going, and I promised I'd let her go.
Xavier gives her a salute and Tigger gets a pat to his head. Ever since that man used my cat to keep his nude junk covered, the fat little bugger an he seem to have become best buds. Quite disturbing really. I've even caught the orange and white tabby curling up to him while he's in animal form.
Little traitor.
"I think you've stolen my cat from me."
He just grins at me as we pull out to the street from my long driveway. That charming, flirty grin that gets him in trouble whenever around other females. Shit. Taking him into a bar may not be the best idea.
"Uh, if you pick up anyone, you go to their house, not mine."
A hand goes over his eyes as he starts laughing, but I'm highly serious. He once called it "Animal Magnetism". His sex appeal being very high, I get glared at by other females and even some males when seen just walking with him.
Personally, I think it may be something extra for him, like a subconscious thing even though he does flirt. From what I've observed, all supernaturals have a magnetism to them, whether from their animal or what I'm not sure, but he has more. I'm just guessing though, I could be way off. I'll just have to be more observant.
Hell, with all this new shit beating at my brain I'm gonna have to start writing it all down and hang it on the wall at home. Right next to the paintings I do that look like some hardcore angsty teens wet-dream. And let's not forget the Werewolf pelt I was recently mailed.
It's in a box in my room right now, can't make up my mind if I want to hang it or not. Would it be considered morbid even if it was someone who harmed you? When I got it, every animal in my house at the time had looked at me like I had done it.
All but Asher that is, since he was there for part of the confrontation with the second one who had been sent to kill me. It was that cream-colored wolf that has put a black mark over all the wolves I come across. He was also very large; the Were skin goes from his nose all the way to tail tip and ankle and is at least eight feet long. Haven't taken the time to measure since just seeing it sends mixed emotions through me, none being good. Once the males around me were told it was the skin of the one who raped me, they all looked ashamed for having blamed me. I may be fucked up, but I don't think I'm that bad.
Don't even know who did it. It was found in my jeep and didn't have any residual scent on or around to even ascertain species. Do I owe them an IOU or a thank you?
When I reach Downtown Rockford, I have to keep an eye on my speed. The new steel-toed boots have a weight to them that I don't account for when pedal-hopping. Wasn't my original idea to get them, but I had already lost three pairs of knee-highs that aren't sold at my local shopping center.
Shifting is really hard on clothes. Not so bad for the Weres doing a partial shift, depending on what they change, but animal or Were form tears them up. One pair had been lost in the house fire I had started to cover evidence of my being there and another at the bordello when I shifted while fighting another Werewolf.
I prefer the partial shift, less material damage done and quicker than a full change, predominantly going for reinforcing my hands for the claws and adding more muscle for more oomph. Can't punch with claws, but you can slash, and it's just as effective.
I hate Downtown.
It's not as dangerous to me now as when I was human, but I still don't care for it. Lots of dangerous people dwell in and around it just waiting for someone to victimize. Doesn't stop people from going though; too many bars, stores, restaurants, businesses, and clubs to keep any away for long.
Last time I was down here is when I found the bar full of wolves by complete accident, then had to call all sorts of attention to myself when having to beat off a couple drunks looking for a good time and not understanding the meaning of fuck off. That's apparently my idea of undercover work. Not very subtle, am I?
Since there's no event going on at the Metro Centre this time, parking is less hostile but still ridiculous to find. Instead of spending time looking for a spot or messing with the several parking garages, I park in the same spot I did last time; down by the library.
Of course, the last time being parked right here had some punk kid trying to steal my jeep and making a mess of the paint job. I think Xavier and I succeeded in putting the fear of monsters into him though; teenager had pissed himself.
The last time I made the maned wolf keep his gun in the glove box, this time it got left at home since being in the car clearly isn't a good idea either. He's the only supernatural I've met so far that actually has one, probably a habit from his soldier days. Always has at least one knife on him as well. When not at home obviously.
When I'd grabbed the blade for my sister, I grabbed another that clips onto my waistband, the same one I had last time coming down here. I'm not as good as Xavier is with a blade, but I'm close. Werewolf speed added to my own has me very fast with it, just have to make sure no cops see me with it since it exceeds the length restrictions. Think they're just pissy that my knives are bigger than their...brains. Ahem.
"Ready for this, Studmuffin?"
The cocky grin he passes my way as we get out of my jeep is my answer.
"First chick to glare at me because of you is going to have me drawing on your face."
"With what? Their drool?"
Well, now there's a possibility, but I'll pass. Pulling the pen from an inner pocket, I flash him a grin. Artists and writers never go anywhere without something to note with, even though many are lax on actually writing anything down.
Least I am anyway. I'll think of something awesome, know I'll remember it so I don't write it down, then forget about it an hour later, if it even takes that long. Narrowing my eyes at him, I think my idea over.
"That might not work as it will only draw more attention. Hmm. Think I need to start stashing paper bags in the car, those should work. Might draw attention, but they won't be able to see those dimples of yours."
Granted it isn't the dimples that draw the eye, they only get added onto his features when he smiles as wide as he's doing now. No, what draws the eyes to this man are his many other attributes. His height being the main one since he stands at six-feet-seven inches. I measured.
Long and lean, if you don't see the defined muscle you'd say lanky, but he's very sinewy. Having seen him completely bare, I have firsthand knowledge of his...perks. Another eye-catcher would be his very long black hair.
Around his head it's somewhat short, shaggy, and thick, but the back is long, thinning while going all the way to his tight, muscular rear. Completely straight, no wave whatsoever. Bright, amber-colored eyes, chiseled jaw like that of a young Guy Pearce, and a smallish triangular goatee at his chin. Even in his animal form, he has a longer tuft of black fur under his chin.
One thing that would really drive other males and females into a craze is the 8-pack hidden beneath his clothes. It's just good to keep him covered all the way around and try to keep the pheromones in check.
The streets down here have been plowed, sidewalks are even shoveled. He and I both are in leather coats, however where mine is a black trench, his is a black biker. When we first met the coat was the only thing he'd been wearing on his upper body. Should probably get him another, something longer, but he hasn't said anything.
Not even Thanksgiving yet but there are Christmas decorations popping up everywhere. Hate when people do that. Call it a pet peeve. I have many.
Since I'm not 'undercover' this time, the hat and makeup are not in use. Since I don't usually wear either at all, it was supposed to help me hide better. We all know how that went.
Long streaked hair blowing around me, I keep my bright green eyes directed forward. Don't care to make eye contact with people, let alone ones who are drunk, and it appears there are many spread about. Sports game perhaps? I don't keep up with that stuff, find it quite boorish actually.
The way men act with sports reminds me of women with fashion. Since I don't care about either, I tend to be lost when it comes up in conversation. Luckily, those that know me know my views on it so know that trying to talk about it is pointless.
Pretty sure my five-foot-four frame next to the long-legged freak beside me is quite funny looking, even more so when it's my sister with her whopping four-foot-eleven and a half inches. Just simpler to call her five-foot. I may only be four inches taller, but it makes me feel better. Hell, my five-foot mother makes me feel a little tall.
Rounding one last corner has us on the street of the 'Howler's Bane Bar and Grill'. I've noticed several people watching us for the last two blocks now, don't know if they're friend or foe, but I'm sure I'll find out soon enough. The coatless bouncer at the door that has 'badass' written all over him watches me and Xavier as we walk up.
I have this nifty trick I can do when my emotions start kicking, can even do it at will now. Can't stop it from happening though, so need to be careful. Xavier lets me take lead while he takes my back. This nifty trick gets implemented as I cock my head at the over buffed Red Wolf standing in my way. Eyes bleed to yellow as I see his animal in my head. One of the abilities that being a Silver Wolf has given me; is on touch or scent of a supernatural, I get glimpses of what they are in my head - showing that animal's natural habitat, getting scents from where they are in the vision.
Used to be I did it by touch, but it's evolved into just smelling them. It's nifty, but can be annoying since it's a bit disorientating. I can also force a supernatural who's in human form to shift into their animal. I've done it a few times now, it's pretty trippy. That one I need to touch to use and if they fight it, it becomes pretty painful. I used it to punish a Werewolf once, so it does have its uses.
The bouncer's eyes widen then he nods before opening the door. I look into the dim interior then back to the doorman before my eyes flick across the street to one who's watching us.
"That one of your Alpha's wolves?"
Looking over, he scowls and frowns. I take that as a no then. Making a brief 'hm' noise, I go in. Took the moment before coming in so the wall of wolf musk isn't so harsh and right in my face.
Wolves don't smell bad, each one has their own human scent as well as a common animal odor. Again, not bad, it's just pretty thick in here. They need to air the place out, I don't know how normal humans can't smell this. The place is basically a den by the smells I'm getting.
The building itself doesn't look that big from the front, being squeezed between other buildings to either side, yet it is long. Also has multiple levels, which reminds me more of a club than a food-based bar, but what do I know.
I can feel Xavier's presence behind me, I still slip a hand back to touch at his hip for reassurance. Another Werewolf trait that has changed me from what I used to be; never being one to touch others at all to touching often just for comfort or other purposes. Not sexual, still not a casual lusting person, for which I'm grateful. Until, that is, the full moon.
A small shiver travels up my spine, making green eyes flare yellow once more. The three nights of the full moon do hold sway over Weres like in the legends. Those nights, all under two centuries in age have to shift to either animal or Were form, then get stuck in that form till the next morning. Not so bad...for males. For females, it acts like the 'heat' that normal animals go into.
I have several issues with this, main one being that it's what had led up to my rape by a wolf. From then on, the only one allowed near me is Bastion and I'm locked in the basement of my home. During the day it's fine, can be awkward and uncomfortable, but at night, I confine myself.
Not saying those are the only times that female Weres are sexually active, just the time when 'breeding' is an instinct brought on by their inner animal. Vamps and Shifters don't have this issue. Bunch'a bitches. Pun sort of intended.
No idea where the Alpha of the place is, so I go to the bartender. Patrons haven't been allowed in yet, so all the people I see are Red Wolves that watch us curiously. I'm starting to feel like a zoo exhibit here.
Since I don't want to be seen as any kind of meek, mild, or weak, I let go of Xavier when I'd moved. Haven't met many female Weres, only two that I can think of right off hand, one I passed on the street who barely even made eye contact and Alarico's stuck up, self-important wife. Completely different personalities there.
Whatever they're making in the back smells good, so says my belly when it rumbles. Well, that's awkward. Yellow eyes catch the young man behind the counter, he goes pale almost right away. Here I thought I'd like that, but I don't. I don't want anyone to fear me aside from those who want to hurt me or mine.
"Easy kid, I'm not going to eat you. Alarico called me, can you tell him I'm here?"
He bolts off so fast I think I get whiplash. Blinking after him before looking at the maned wolf at my side, he has his serious face on. Other than that, I can't read it.
Now is the perfect time to work on my brain not getting overwhelmed by all the images filling it. Being the result of timber wolves mating with coyotes, as some scientists will say, red wolves are larger than the 'yotes and smaller than the grays. Colors in my head range from tawny, ruddy, reddish-brown, and sable with black.
Thinner and more rugged than the grays as well, often getting mixed and confused with Mexican wolves. While similar, they are different. Hands go to my temples as I let all the images and smells go through, not trying to hold on to them.
Seems right now I can't control it from not happening, but after the initial rape of my senses, it stops. Only images now popping in randomly if a new scent comes within range. I love wolves, always have, but my brain feels dirty now from all the musky canines running through it.
Takes a couple minutes for it all to settle, and I'm glad that after a person's initial scent is 'marked', I don't see them again. Don't know any of them by their human faces, but I know each and everyone's smell and what their animal looks like. Having Alarico's wolf through my head when I first met him, it doesn't go dancing through my brain again when he comes in from the back.
He lets me do my thing before coming too close, even then, he more motions us to precede him to the stairs leading below. This is the top floor, there looks to be two sub-levels. With the way things are arranged, I can't tell much more than that till we reach the bottom. Cooler down here too, thankfully. Wouldn't think stairs would be a good idea in a place where people get drunk, but it's not me they'd be suing.
The top floor looked like every other bar with stacked alcohol, giant T.V.s, and tables. The second floor also has a bar, looks to be more of a dance area, the third floor is where the games are, from pool tables to darts and even a couple slot machines. Well hidden cameras are set up everywhere, very difficult to see unless you have super eyes. Being a Werewolf does have some perks, just haven't decided if the good outweighs the bad or not.
I thought we'd stop at one of the tables down here, but he leads us to a door that is marked for personnel only. The sound of an electronic lock makes sure it stays that way. If I recall right, Asher had said this pack has been here for many years.
The owner 'passed away and left the bar to a relative' many years. Asher wasn't sure just how old the Alpha is, just knowing he's up there in years. Looks to be in his thirties on the surface.
Having the bar so long would indeed allow for many 'other' rooms to be made. Leading us on through, the wolf musk is just as strong here as it is above. Although here it has more the scent that my bedding has when having been in nest mode for awhile.
"Top levels are business, back here is where many of mine lives."
That takes me aback. Underground wolves? No wonder the scents are so strong.
"Underground? Isn't that a little weird for creatures meant to be outside?"
I try not to sound all judgmental, but it just seems so weird to me. He looks at me as if I'm being naïve. I really hate that look, so I scowl at him.
"If I'm wrong about something just tell me, don't look at me as if I'm a brainless nitwit. I'd figure being wolves, you'd want running space. I don't see too much of that down here."
He looks a little annoyed as he gives a small nod. Doesn't go far before looking back at us, really studying me, reading my face and possibly my soul, who knows.
"Before I take you any further into our sanctuary, I need to know that you will not try any of your magics on my people. They are safe here, they do not need to be tormented in their own home."
I look him dead in the face as I slip into his head to show him just who I am, tired of his cynical study. He takes a step back, face hardening and closing down when he feels me slip in, he even starts to push me out then actually starts paying attention. I show the man my understanding of what he just said because I want the same for those who are mine.
My willingness to die to keep them safe, having almost done so already. I share the whole event with him, aside from the private sister stuff. Minutes go by as we stand there, me staring into his face as he looks at mine.
Eyes are out of focus but only because he's watching my life like a movie replaying in his head. My need to protect, to care for those in my home, the drive in me to hunt down those who mean harm to my Imp and sister. The emotions tied to everything I do and why I do it.
I basically bare my soul to him, so he doesn't have to hunt for it. I close my eyes as I pull out slowly, not wanting to abruptly withdraw and cause a headache, for him or me. Still rub at my temples though, almost groaning as another scent comes closer. His wife.
Here we go, headache commencing in 3...2...
Green eyes open and go directly to her as she walks up behind her husband. The gray orbs flare with jealousy before dropping down. Woman wants to be dominant, thinks she is just because of who she's mated to.
I can be either or depending on the situation, but more often than not, I'm either too hard-headed or too riled to be submissive. There's only one living wolf who I've shown that to, and he deserved it. She, does not. Like I said when she first came at me, she's not my Alpha.
Alarico blinks a few times, his arm going around her and pulling her close with a smile as he kisses the side of her head. His love for her is clearly obvious, and it makes me smile. When I first saw this woman, I had a serious case of envy, but after she had struck me, that quickly dissolved as well as any respect I would have had.
Envy from her model looks and body, tanned skin, and perfectly placed thick auburn hair that curls around her face. Couple inches taller and once again dressed in biker-chik. Just as with him, her love is plain on her face.
The male Alpha wrapping his arms around her is a couple inches over six-foot, muscled and lean almost like Xavier, long black hair pulled back into a tail. Hispanic features are strong, aside from his green eyes. That's a new one and what makes them so startling.
He's handsome, that's obvious, but he doesn't have the 'pull' that the man behind me does. Don't get me wrong, there is that 'otherworldly' draw, the knowledge in your gut that this is an animal and dangerous. That in itself has a sexual appeal I guess, but not to Xavier's level.
Speaking of Xavier, last time he saw this woman, the smell of his interest was clear. This time, there's nothing. Guess her appeal to him has also dropped just as mine did. Imagine that.
"Lucia, I don't think you two were properly introduced. Hell, none of us have been. I've explained to you who she is, I do not know her companion though."
Guess that's his way of fishing for names since I didn't share them in my head. Her gray eyes flick up, so I hold my hand out to her. The flinch in her eyes sends a semi-guilty thrill through me. With the kid upstairs it had bothered me, yet on her I get all giddy from it. Hmm. That from a female view or that I know I can beat her down? No idea, but probably should find an answer.
Her hand does extend, all prim and perfect. Doesn't bother me a bit, know why? Because hers are never used. My nails are long and sharp, but not all buffed and glossy because I go outside to do my wolf thing, she apparently stays in a cement cube.
"We were not. My name is Kierra, the man behind me is Xavier. Asher wanted me to send you his greetings."

❄ What do you imagine a Werewolf's den would smell like? Not to those that live in it, but to an outsider coming in? (Since I'd imagine those that live there would just smell 'home' just like you would when you're home.)

Keep in mind these are my Werewolves, not the ones you've probably read about about in teen fiction romances. While I'm sure you will find and pick out similarities, this book and SWS were written years before I knew of Wattpad, so any coincidental happenings is just that. 

With the rearranging of the chapters, all that extra stuff I'd added at the bottom doesn't really line up either, lol. I'll move some around since some of them were more informative than actual questions