Amongst a Different Kind((Closed 1v1))

[DearSunshine]

Lycan societies had always existed, as long as man had. The two were always aware of each other, though the former was more secretive and selective in how it operated with the other. At times, they would so rarely show themselves in or to human civilization that there where whispers it had all been an old wive's tale. How silly it had been to think that people who looked just like them, could shift into half or full forms of another animal! People didn't just turn into wolves, snakes, birds, lions, or the such. Yet, over the centuries just enough contact would be kept between the two that it did seem just real enough. Perhaps never close enough to seem real though, that one would truly meet one. That was something people just bluffed about, the Lycans were too elusive in their tight knit organizations moving around on the fringes of society.

Usually though, they were living out in the more rural or wild areas of the world. Places they were far from cities or larger towns, where they could roam more freely in their animal forms and hunt for food, not having to worry too much about humans interfering in their complex business. As The Sutton Range Pack knew, there was nothing good about human involvement. Their territories were in the Sutton mountain range on Vancouver Island, in BC, Canada. There were towns nearby, so that when they needed they could go in for supplies. But then they would quickly bring those back to the settlement of log cabins that they kept further in on the mountains.

Lexi Bolton had lived amongst this settlement for her entire life. Her father was the second in command Beta of the Lycan-Wolf pack, James Bolton. Her family had served under the Alphas family for generations, the Ellery line. There was a network of other families as well that had been a part of this pack for a long time, and a healthy stream of new ones so that things wouldn't intermingle too much. People would regularly be in contact with other packs as to do trade and potentially meet new mates outside of the usual bloodlines. Occasionally they might even trade or talk with other Lycan species, but those times were rare and only when absolutely necessary. They might all not have been human, but that didn't mean they got along one bit just because they were different.

Standing at 5'7" and all curves, Lexi had always been something of a firecracker amongst her people. She had a shock of red hair, flowing down past her shoulders and a bright, wicked smile always ready to great others. Not being from the Alphas line, she didn't have to worry as much as his kids about being extremely formal. As the Betas daughter, she did try her best to always behave and keep good appearances, but her sass and silliness was always more forgiven and thought to be a part of how affable she really was. Now twenty years old, she was expected to be more of an adult, no longer in her teens. Something she was trying to step up as a full adult member of the Pack.

While they could shift whenever they liked, something that humans weren't always knowledgeable about, the Full Moon did have importance to them. That night there was going to be a ritual underneath it in the clearing out in the forest beneath the mountains where they lived. Lexi was running late to that, and she knew she was actually going to get in trouble for it unlike some of the other things. This was something that only happened one night every year, and The Lunar Rite was not the right time for her to be pulling any stunts. Jogging along the woodland path in her jeans and black, crew neck T-shirt she tried to desperately get there before it had been going on too long.

The pack stood in a circle in the clearing, men and women all of age. The children had been left behind with a caretaker or two, along with the very elderly. Alpha Ellery stood at the center, a dark haired man in what appeared to be his fifties, beckoning for his people to come closer. "Tonight we gather as we do upon the full moon once a year to rekindle our connection to the Mother Moon, and revisit our appreciation of her gift upon to us." He started, beginning the Ritual.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Ethan Jones was jogging along the wooden trails in the mountains. Living in one of the neighboring towns to the Sutton Mountain range. He was young at twenty three, worked with his hands at a family run butcher shop. Life was pretty ordinary. In all honesty he wanted to leave the town, move into the mainland, but family obligation kept him there.

Sometimes to just clear his head he went off jogging plus it ept him in shape. Breathing out he was moving through the trails. Between Some white reflective colors on his black winter jacket, gloves, a simple headlight and the moonlight he was able to not get too lost in the woods.

Unfortunately the trees made it so he got lost a little this evening. Eventually something caught his eye. She was all curves, had a shock of red hair and appeared to be traveling right. Admiring her backside he tried to run after her, "MISS!" he cried out.

In all honesty he just wanted a direction to run in. If Ethan got a phone number out of it then getting lost would have been completely worth it. "MISS!" he cried out again and tried running faster. For some reason the girl was just trying to move deeper into the woods. Why? No one lived out here so it stuck out oddly to him. Maybe she was trying to get to a make out cove. There were all sorts of hidey holes here in the woods. He figured she probably had some guy waiting on her.

Then his brow furrowe das a thought came to him, "What if she was running from someone?" Pushing harder Ethan tried to keep up. Most of his body was covered but all of the casual running plus the job kept him in decent shape. The redhead must have been a professional runner because he had the hardest time trying to keep up.

"MISS!" he called out again. Moving with her he kept pushing himself. Hopefully she would have heard him. Just chasing her pushed him deeper into the woods and made him all the more lost.

 

[DearSunshine]

Lexi whipped her head back, blinking her wild hazel eyes as she thought she heard something. Narrowing her eyes, she saw with her wolf's vision that there was a man running farther out behind her. What in Luna's name? Humans didn't come out this far! She shook her head, and started to keep up a faster pace, trying to get herself off the path she had been running on, going off road.

Reaching for a hair tie around her wrist, she wrapped out her expanse of red hair into a pony tail as she picked up her pace. She desperately hoped that she lost him, whirling through the forest as her hair now bobbed up and down in its more contained form. She stumbled once or twice, seriously not wearing the right footwear for this. Lexi wished that she could shift, if she had maybe just done that from the start... But no one was supposed to do that until they all came to the clearing for the ritual, those were the rules.

It most likely did look like she was wildly running from someone, in fact it was him, but she didn't realize how it might look as she tried to get away. Potentially just getting him to run and follow along even more.

Before she knew it, she had reached the edge towards the clearing, panting a bit. Placing her hands on her knees, she glanced about. She was a pretty athletic young woman, most of them were relatively fit and trim thanks to all the running they did, but in her human form a good jog could still work up a bit of a sweat when she was practically sprinting. Lexi took a moment to make sure that she had in fact gotten to the ritual by herself, before wanting to step right in. She could hear the Alpha speaking of the importance of the Mother Moon, and how she had looked after her children by allowing them to shift as they wished.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Unfortunately for Ethan it took him a very long time to catch up. The redhead was just way too fast. How she was moving at top notch speeds made it hard for him to keep up. Breathing hard and even stopping a few times to catch his breathe. However, the chanting in the distance acted as a beacon. A means for him to find some escape from all the vast woods.

Eventually he went deeper into the woods then came out. His gaze went around the place until he was able to hear the ritual in full. Repeating parts of the line he mouthed, "Mother Moon has made our children stronger. Cared for our children." An eyebrow went up, one of the few things that could be seen about his person was the color of his dirty blonde eyebrow. All of his hair was tucked under a knitted cap.

"Did I stumble upon a cult?" he found himself asking no one in particular.

 

[DearSunshine]

Lexi stepped into the formed circle, looking sheepish at the glares and disappointed looks from her parents over her being late. She knew she would pay for that later. Being late to this was not going to look good on her family, and she truly did feel bad about it. Things had just come up! And having to take a few extra minutes to try and lose whoever had been behind her in the woods hadn't helped either, only tacking on more she had to do before getting here.

No one was dressed particularly nice for tonight, despite its importance. They would just be shifting anyhow, and they didn't have as much need as the humans did anyway for clothing that was too complicated or fancy. Lexi herself mostly ran around in jeans and T-shirts, her body always running a little warm thanks to being a Lycan Wolf, even in this type of cold climate.

Bowing her head, she listened to Alpha Ellery continue on about the things they had to be thankful for with the gift of shifting at will, and what it had brought them throughout the year. He recounted great hunts they had had, escapes from almost being seen by the humans. Who might have roughly had an idea that they were there, whispers and tales. But the Pack preferred that it was kept that way instead of direct contact. It had been a generation or two since the last time they had really shown themselves to any humans, besides when they would go into town every so often for more supplies. That, however, was always in human form. They probably seemed off to the locals, and maybe they put it together, but they had never been wolves in front of them.

Alpha Ellery brought forth a knife out of his boot, and started to slice across his hand over the stone in the middle of the clearing. "With my blood, and the blood of our pack, may we continue to prosper untainted by the trappings of only one form, by your blessings, Mother Moon." He called out, and started to hand out the knife to his Beta, and so it went down the line of the pack members, each going over to the stone and letting a few drops of blood from their cut hand drop onto the stone.

Lexi was a few people down the line, when her hazel eyes widened in shock. She had noticed Ethan, and a furious storm of thoughts went through her head. Despite being frustrated that a human had in fact followed her, and had come there, she knew what might happen to anyone foolish enough to stumble into this, and consequently one of their bigger secrets. The woman attempted to subtly motion at him, hoping to shoo him away and get him to run in the opposite direction.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Seeing the knife come out made Ethan flinch a little. Then Lycans chant before cutting themselves. "They're so a cult," he said. What the man didn't know was the little comment, which was meant to be quiet and soft, came out loud enough for a few people on the end and anyone paying attention to him.

Standing there in a mostly black with bits of reflective white winter jacket, black pants with some running pants underneath. Breathing out he wasn't prepared for any stares that came to him. He caught the looks from the redhead trying to shoo him away. An eyebrow went up as Ethan caught the motion. He mouthed "What the hell is going on?"

 

[DearSunshine]

Ethan's loud words drew attention towards him, and it seemed as if the entire pack suddenly had turned around to face him. Each person had a look of either horror, eery fascination, confusion, or anger. A few of the burlier men started to step forward, though it was Alpha Ellery who was in the lead. He had an expression that was stone cold and unreadable, trying to reach forward and yank the human man from where he was standing and drag him into the middle of the circle.

Lexi winced, having seen the human mouth towards her, confused. She tried to move forward, not even sure what she would do, when her father came and put a clamping hand down on her shoulder. James Bolton was a tall and wide shouldered man, with ginger hair just like his daughter. He looked down at her, and she knew she wasn't going anywhere. She was already in enough trouble for being late to the ritual.

"Speak. Identify yourself. Why do you interrupt us in this sacred space? Were you sent by anyone?" Alpha Ellery demanded, his eyes starting to take a more wolflike appearance as his emotions stirred. "You have interrupted the rite! Who knows what consequences that will bring upon our people!"

Murmurs rose through the crowd over these words. Would it work? Would it not? And was this strange man actually a spy from another Lycan group, or perhaps one of those human intelligence services? Their sharp eyes turned on him, the air tense, as if someone might pounce at any moment if he seemed dangerous.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Seeing the large group of people approach him made Ethan gulp. He had never seen a potential lynch mob in making before. Apparently there was a first time for everything. As the Alpha approached Ethan's stance firmed as he wasn't going to run from whatever was about to happen. If this was an ass kicking he was at least going to stand up to it...then try to run.

"Speak. Identify yourself. Why do you interrupt us in this sacred space? Were you sent by anyone?" The Alpha demanded. Ethan was just about to answer the first set of questions when the shift of the Alpha's eyes caused him to flinch slightly. Digging in deep he stood firmly as the rest of the words came.

"I'm Ethan Jones. My family owns Jones's meat market back in," he rattled off the name of one of the small trading towns. To anyone that may have been down in that town to trade, gain supplies, there was a Mom and pop meat market. Yes, it did go by the name Jones's meat market. They may have seen someone that looked like this guy. They had the same height and build. However, between being covered in winter gear now, and the all white attire butchers wore, it would have been hard to confirm.

"I'm not here for anyone or anything. I don't want to interrupt your cult meeting or," his eyes went to the alpha then the group, "whatever you're doing. I just saw a beautiful red head jogging on my route. I had gotten lost. She looked like she knew where she was going so I tried asking her for directions. Because the way I saw it was I can chase the knowing redhead, get some directions or at least get to a phone, maybe a place to stay, or get frostbite for staying out in the cold," Ethan explained. Anyone listening could tell the man was telling the truth or one extremely talented liar. It was hard to say, but everything appeared to be candid.

"I followed her down to a clearing, heard someone talking about getting power and comfort by the moon. Peeked out. Saw the redhead again who tried to shoo me away, spoke too loud, and now here we all are."

 

[DearSunshine]

Half of the pack’s eyes stayed on the human, but it seemed the other half snapped to look over at Lexi furiously. Grummbles of dissent went throughout the crowd, torn on how to handle this breach. The grip on Lexi’s shoulder was tightened, almost threatening to crash her shoulder. Her father though, stepped in front of her. Despite how angry he might have been, he would not have them turn on her as well.

“If Alexandra did anything to bring this… human into our ritual, I am sure it was an accident. You were late helping to care for the pups, were you not?” He asked, looking down at his daughter who gave a silent nod. “See, she most have tried to lose him… Though then attempting to get him to leave without our notice is something that will not go unpunished. My daughter will pay the price for what she has done, hear me. Let it not be worse than it need be though. The Alpha and I will discuss what is reasonable. Let us focus now on what we shall do with this man, and if we can continue the ritual.”

The Betas voice boomed out, and all quieted to hear him. Some nods were given, even if they were reluctant. Lexi bowed her head in shame, not knowing how everything had managed to go so badly! Her eyes picked up to look across the clearing at Ethan, wondering exactly what would happen. After a few silent moments, one woman stepped forward. Her name was Grace, one of the types who would go into town on occasion to run their errands.

“He’s telling the truth. Joe and Smith can back me up, we’ve heard of and gone to his family’s business. Those winters back a few years you know? When the hunt wasn’t very good? We helped keep the Pack diet up by buying from them. It’s hard to tell who he really is with all that junk on, but looks familiar enough to be their kid.” She said, looking over towards the Alpha who took this information in. He raised a hand and she backed up, going back into the crowd.

“You are most likely not a spy then, Ethan Jones. That does not, however, mean that we can just let you walk away. Not after what you’ve seen, and when we aren’t sure of what you will do with this information.” He snapped his fingers, and two of the big men nearby went to try and take a hold of Ethan by each of his arms. If the human put a fight they would take his blows, not concerning them very much, and attempt to get their Lycan strength grip on him.

“We shall continue the ritual. Those who did not give their blood up to the Mother Moon, do so now.” He said, and the knife started to pass towards those who hadn’t. Lexi found herself pushed forward, taking the knife and sprinking her blood drops from her cut palm over the stone, and then handing it over to someone else. There was less ceremony now, and more urgency to just do it and have it be over. Hoping that it would still work.

“The yearly run will be put off for another night.” Alpha Ellery continued, “We will put this human in holding, and Alexandra Bolton will receive her punishment as well. As is fitting and just. May Luna guide us all.” The last words were repeated by the entire pack in the clearing.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

"Yeah, see? Not a spy!" He said with a smile thinking things were going to be easy. Suddenly he was hoisted up and he tried flailing. Seeing that it was utterly useless his body sagged with defeat.

"My family helped yours! My family helped yours!" the man kept screaming as they took him away. Honestly it was the only bartering chip he had. They were talking about pups and moon, he wasn't sure what to do. Sighing he looked between the pair carrying him and asked, "What are you people?"

They were acting like a cult, talking like they weren't human despite obvious contrary appearances. He wasn't sure what to make of everything.

 

[DearSunshine]

The two men looked down at Ethan as they started to lead him up a path that would eventually lead them to the cabins, and to their little makeshift town. "You really don't know? Huh, I guess they have forgotten what is really up here. Or are trying to." One of them snorted, and the other laughed.

"You know those stories about wolves running around? Lycans? You sir, just found yourself a Wolf Pack. Now quiet down there, you're probably disturbing sleeping things right now." The other said, shaking him a bit as they walked. After awhile they would reach the log cabins, they were all scattered apart. It actually seemed to be a pretty good sized pack. Leading him up to the main house, by far the largest, they opened the door and brought him inside. There was a certain rustic appeal and charm to the decorating inside. Someone was obviously a homemaker there and had tried to make it cozy, and a desirable place to spend time. From the outside, it looked as if there would be many rooms in there. Able to fit more than one family quite comfortably, and with room to spare. Where they brought him though for the time being however, was not so cozy. Down the stairs into the basement, the men led him down until they reached some holding cells. There was a small twin bed, and not much else. "We'll just leave you here for a few hours while the Alpha decides what to do with you." They promptly turned and walked away.

Elsewhere, Lexi was getting dragged back to the main house by her father who was cursing up a storm at her. The ritual had ended, and the Alpha and Betas families were turning to where they lived, and to talk this all over. "I'm sorry, I've said a million times that I'm sorry!" She said, getting brought inside.
"Sorry won't cut it this time, Lexi! You lead a human here, and now who knows what he'll go and do! We live in peace because they hardly remember that we're here. And they don't come and see us because we're just whispers, legends, shadows in the night that they shrug off. Mother Moon, if this ritual this year does't work... Do you know what kind of ramifications that would have?" She bowed her head as her father continued to fume. "Alright, I... I'm going to speak with the Alpha. You... Luna. Just stay out of more trouble and don't leave the house." He sighed, walking off and leaving her.

Lexi went to sit on the sofa for awhile in the shared living room where a lot of the pack would usually spend time together. Today though, everyone had quickly returned to their own homes. She quickly grew bored, and the door to the basement seemed to be calling her and her curiosity. Quietly sneaking down, she closed the door softly behind her and walked down the stairs. She had never really interacted with humans before. While she was pissed this one had gotten her in trouble, she couldn't help but want to see him. Peaking her head out from behind the wall, she looked over at the cell in which Ethan was being held.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

When told about Lycans and how they weren't a myth it made sense to Ethan. Stories have circulated for years. Sometimes the paper posted a photo of an animal left in such disarray that it would have made horror fans throw up a little. Seeing that the lycans believed in some form of of domestication shocked him more than their actual existence. Their existence he was able to wrap my head around. Seeing them not running around like actual wolves twenty four-seven was the big shocker.

"They believe in the penal colonies too. Great," Ethan said as he was left in his head. Laying in the double bed he was secretly happy to be out of the cold and laying on something comfortable. Breathing out he mused, "Should I sing a bluesy song? That's what they do in prisons right?" Sighing with defeat he closed his eyes.

The sound of the door opening caused him to shoot out of the bed. He looked around the place, "Hello!? Someone there?!" he didn't know who came down to visit him or why. There could have been many reasons including torture or punishment. He tried not to think about that seeing as he would have been the one harmed. "I swear I won't tell anyone anything. Seriously, I was following the cute girl because I was lost. I just wanted home and here I am!" His head leaned on the bars with defeat, "If you're going to kill me make it quick, okay?"

 

[DearSunshine]

Lexi amusedly watched the human talk to himself, a brow raising at that. At first she didn't step out, just listening to him yell. After it seemed he had calmed down, or at least stopped talking, she stepped forward so that she could come into the light and be seen. Walking over, she kept about five feet back from the bars of his holding cell. The redhead cocked her head as she looked him over, taking in her first real human sighting up close. As the Betas daughter, and a notorious 'silly little wolf', they had never thought she should get too close to the human towns down below. It was most likely assume that she would go running around, stirring up trouble accidentally.

"Oh, so you think I'm cute then?" She chuckled, giving him what could only be described a wolfish smile. Her hazel eyes danced in amusement, seeing him lean across the bars like he was. "Don't worry, I doubt we will kill you. That would look rather bad if someone went missing and then was found dead. Our pack enjoys having the relationship we do with the humans on this island." She placed her hands on her hips, now narrowing her eyes a bit at him. "But maybe you'll get roughed up. I'm going to be in a lot of trouble now because of you, I'll have you know. If you just hadn't followed me, neither of us would be in this position!"

She stopped, and then shrugged. "Well, you're in the worse position I suppose but... I'm going to most likely have restrictions placed on me now, which won't be fun. I guess I'm at least not being kept in a cell. Yet. You need to be quieter though, otherwise I will end up being locked away somewhere. I probably shouldn't be talking to you."

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Ethan jerked away from the cell due to embarrassment. He listened to the woman's words before his expression hardened with anger, "If you would have stopped and told me where to go...I would have left!" His voice was significantly lower, but she could tell he wanted to yell.

"All you had to do was turn, point, say so many miles that way. I would have left. You could have led me to a cliff and I would have believed you!" his hands were expressive while he spoke. The anger burned in his eyes.

Sighing he turned away. "Sorry. Anger won't get us anywhere now, but don't pin this one all on me, okay? I didn't exactly ask to be let in on the wolf ceremony thing. I was even willing to put my hand on your blade thingy, athame, whatever you call it and join in. I figured that would have bound me as a blood brother. Force me to help you guys when needed and in turn you guys not kill me because I'd be one of you," he shrugged. That was better than getting beat up in his own mind.

"I've gotten my ass kicked before. I'll take this beating too. Just promise me someone will nurse me after, okay?"

 

[DearSunshine]

Lexi huffed, hearing out his point of view. She gnawed a little on her bottom lip, narrowing her eyes again as she thought that over. "Alright, fine, you're right. I should have just stopped and told you to go away." She sighed, running a hand through her thick hair. "I've never run into a human before, I just sort of panicked and kept going. I didn't know what else to do... I'm surprised you even managed to follow after me." She said, giving him something of an appraising look. "Perhaps humans aren't as weak and puny as everyone says." She said with a shrug.

Pacing back and forth across the floor, she looked over at his cell. "What's your name?" She finally asked, "I'm not sure how we'll both make the best of what's happened but... Knowing who the other is, probably a good start." Slowly approaching the bars of the cell, she tentatively extended her hand to him. "I'm Alexandra Bolton, but everyone just calls me Lexi for the most part. I... I am sorry that things have ended up like this." She said, watching him warily, ready to jerk her hand back at a moment's notice in case he did anything. "I also can't promise anything. My father might be important in the pack, but that doesn't mean anyone necessarily listens to what I say. They won't until I take a mate and go through that final rite of adulthood."

 

[Dreamwalker85]

"We don't bite y'know. I mean you could ask us to do it and we will. That's usually between two consenting people," Ethan smiled at the woman. "We're not that different we just can't do the shape shifty thing. I'm sure there's some dietary differences too," a blush came to him as a compliment was given. "If it wasn't for the chanting I would have lost you. At least once, maybe twice. Don't compliment me that much."

Seeing the hand he shook it then kissed the back of it, "Your dad is number two that makes you like a princess or something os I have to respect you by position alone. Ethan's the name. And you are princess...?" his voice trailed as he tried to get a name. Then he snapped a finger, "Princess Lexi." Memory had kicked in.

"Why won't they listen to you until you sleep with someone? Why is it a rite?" He asked confused not getting how the weres saw mating as a marriage like tradition.

 

[DearSunshine]

Lexi cocked her head, not really understanding what he meant by the two consenting people and biting comment. Having been raised in a very different society and atmosphere, there simply were human like inneundos and references she just wouldn't get. "We at least don't look that different... Well, maybe some of my teeth are sharper than yours even in human form, but other than that. Not much." She said with interest.

It startled her a bit when he kissed the back of her hand, and she tugged it away as if he had burned her. She looked over her hand, trying to see if he had left anything on it, or if it had been something of a trick. Lexi didn't understand that it had been a gesture, not a tactic. "I am hardly a Princess. I'm a Beta's daughter. It's not really the same, but.. Well, there is status and power involved. You still haven't given me your name yet though."

She then rolled her eyes lightly, "If it only took sleeping with someone to gain acknowledgement, I would be fine and good. Mating is a big deal to wolves though, it's your life partner. Unlike your human marriage and divorce, there is no backing out. You're bond together, a part of your minds seared together so that you can always feel them. It's more than just sex, or marriage, it's... It's everything in our society." She said, as if she didn't understand how he didn't get that.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

"Name's Ethan, like I said. A pleasure to meet you Lexi," he smiled at her from behind the bars. "I wish the circumstances were better, but nice to see a friendly face around here. I imagine being a human doesn't exactly give me too many of those. At least not too many on my side," he shrugged to the woman then sat on his bed.

He listened to her talk about how mating worked. "Sounds like it could be really nice unless you get paired with an asshole. I hope you do not get paired with an asshole. You're too nice and pretty to be paired up with a dickhole. With a soft smile he said, "Remember that."

 

[DearSunshine]

Lexi's sharp hazel eyes followed his movements, watching him going to sit on the bed. As if she was waiting for him to do something strange, or impulsive as if try to escape. Perhaps another one of his strange, human quirks that she had witnessed so far.

"Thanks," She replied dryly, though with a hint of humor after his well wishes. "I'm really rooting for a someone who isn't a dick too. I'm sure they'll be announcing my match soon actually. But, that's unimportant." She said with a shrug, "I suppose it's just good for you to know how these things work if you'll be kept here for a time... You will undoubtably hear people speak about their mates." She tried to think on what else could be handy for him to know.

"What Alpha Ellery says, goes. His words is law, and while sometimes we can give input, he will do what he wishes. There is a council, made up of elder wolves, that he goes to for advice but still... You have to be respectful, and understand that. My father is the top Beta of the pack, and Betas are next in line. The more aggressive wolves, our hunters, our protectors. The Omegas are the ones who go into human civilization, they can pass more easily. They help do more everyday things around here, keep our little town running." She then tilted her head up, thinking that she was hearing something. Looking back to him, she tried to meet his gaze.

"I wasn't here. Do you understand? Don't you dare say a word." She said, turning to dart up the stairs quickly and leave him alone for the time being. Returning to the living room, she took a seat there and nervously sat, hopeful that she wouldn't be called out on going down to visit the human. After a few minutes, Ethan would be able to hear the door open again, and heavier footsteps walking down. The Alpha, Lexi's father, and a middle aged woman descended into the holding cells to face him.

"Ethan Jones, we've decided your punishment."

 

[Dreamwalker85]

"I'm sure you'll be paired with some strapping young lad. Some dude that will look to be cut of stone or wood," Ethan shrugged looking around the cell from his bed. His eyes went around, "Got it mates are like super wives and husbands for life. They're you're partner in crime until death and even beyond that."

His eyes opened and closed as he listened to how the hierarchy worked. "Ellery is like part president, part dictator and part king. Your dad is his vice. Ellery has a council of betas that he can get ideas from yet it's still his show," he said making quick notes of understanding.

Seeing Lexi go he nodded, "I was talking to myself." Closing his eyes he waited for something to happen. Heavy footsteps echoed and he sat up. "What's the punishment? If it's death just...make it quick okay?" Breathing out he stood up and just waited for the sentence.

 

[DearSunshine]

The fair hared, older woman stood just a little behind the Alpha, a hand on his back. It would be easy enough to connect that this woman must have been his mate. The three pack members stood before Ethan's holding cell. Lexi's father looked more stoney faced than the other two, carrying the double burden of having to help decide Ethan's fate, and also his own daughter's.

"We will not kill you, Ethan Jones." The Alpha started, looking over this man before them. "We of the Sutton Range Pack do not wish to alienate any humans, or become hunted by them. While we have never wished for ties with your kind before, interfering with each other's business in such would not be good for either. While our concern at first was that you might tell of what you saw, heard. Potentially report our whereabouts back to others that still might even try to hunt us down despite us doing nothing to them... We now also have to take into consideration that you joined us in our ritual, came into our circle. We do not know what that will bring, either for you, or for us. We will be keeping you here, with our pack, while we wait and see what it does."

James Bolton nodded, "You may try and run back to your home, but we'll be keeping you under close watch. I'd also think that you might not want to... In case any side effects take over you, it could be dangerous to be around other humans. Perhaps by being near our magics, some wildness may have taken into you. Perhaps not, but Luna has a way of playing her own tricks. If it happens, it could go away, or it could last. We honestly have no idea, nothing like this has happened in centuries. What we know is only folklore. You are not a prisoner here per say though, and we'll move you out of this cell and into decent lodging. But I'd truly think on whether or not you want to hurt people. Once we feel comfortable that everyone will be safe, you will be allowed to leave though we can't say when that will happen."

The woman tried to smile at him, "We realize this will be hard. You can send letters to your family, we'll deliver them. You are young, yes? It can be played off as wanting to go and take some time away from your family business, go to the mainland. Stay with some friends, see if that life would be more for you. Tell them not to worry, and that you'll be back. You will be given a guide here, the Bolton's daughter. That will be part of her punishment, that she must take responsibility for you. Whatever you do will reflect on her, so we would hope you would not make trouble." James's body stiffened a bit as Mary explained that part, he wasn't particularly a fan of what they had all come up with.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Hearing everything Ethan made no sound, no emotion nor reaction. Thinking on it he looked at everyone in the room from the bed. Standing up his hands went over the bars. "Only if you ask her. " When the reactions came to him he said softly, "I came here. It wasn't her fault. She should have a say of being saddled with me. Yes, whatever I do should be on her head. However, she should have a say if she's my guide."

For some reason he wanted to make sure Lexi was okay with matters. "I understand you're the Alpha, your word is law. I am newly inducted into this world unless Luna says otherwise. Since it was my folly it shouldn't have too much fallback on Lexi," the man waited for some kind of rebuttal because this could have been seen as defiance. He wasn't sure how well Werewolves dealt with someone that stood up and rallied against orders.

"My family helped out you and yours. They can do it again. If Luna deems me worthy I would be happy to extend the same courtesy to you and yours again. That makes me a little valuable in your world especially during harsh seasons. So my request to have someone that will be paying for my sins, be asked if being my guide is okay. I imagine is a small request would be fairly reasonable given the would be benefit of having me associated with you and yours," Ethan said leaning against the bar and staring into the eyes of anyone that dared move forward.

Deep down he wasn't sure where this protective streak came from. Where this defiance came from too. Either case he didn't want Lexi burn for him even if he felt they were both at fault for everything.

 

[DearSunshine]

The Alpha curled his lip as Ethan dared to try and give a say in how this worked. His Beta merely looked at the human in confusion, not particularly liking that this human was already addressing his daughter by her first name. While he would have hoped himself for a different situation, James Bolton would not speak up against what they had all decided.

"Alexandra will do as she is told. It will also be easier if she is the one to keep an eye on you, if what you say or act on will reflect on her. How would someone else know to keep her from harm as well, if they are not her?" The Alpha retorted, thinking that his logic was obviously superior to anything a human man said. His wife lightly squeezed his arm and looked up at him. "David, it won't hurt to just bring her down here, let her hear it. Let him hear that she'll say yes.... Maybe it'll just move smoother that way. I am sure Lexi will accept her duty as a guide, as the first part of her punishment." David Ellery's wife had managed to calm him a little, and he grunted in reply. Apparently meaning that he would go along with what her compromise was for this situation.

The woman made her way back up the stairs, and shortly returned with the redheaded woman who glanced about between them all warily. The Alpha turned to explain to her what he had said to Ethan, how she would be keeping an eye on the human. Making sure that nothing happened, and that he learned how to interact with them all. She bunched her nose up at first, "I have to be a baby sitter, you mean?" She snipped, more upset by the idea of her own freedoms being limited than by actually having to spend time with Ethan.

The Alpha's hard glare rested on her, "I am sure that we can think of something far more painful and unfriendly than helping your pack mates in this way, Alexandra." He growled, and she quickly dropped her gaze to the ground. "Yes, I'm sorry. I accept this, it'll be fine, you're right. The human will not get into any trouble as I look after this. I accept that if he does something, it will reflect upon me." She said, realizing how this part of her punishment most likely was getting off easy in comparison to what he could have done to her.

James Bolton sighed, shaking his head lightly and going forward to open the door to Ethan's cell. "You get her into trouble and they'll never be able to find your body when I'm done with you." He whispered to the human with a stern look before backing away to let him leave and walk into the room with the rest of them.

"Alexandra will be showing you where you're staying." The alpha's wife said, trying to give Ethan a smile. "Why don't you follow her?"

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Staring into the Beta's eyes he said through gritted teeth, "She'll be safe. You have my word, sir." That protective streak reared its ugly head before he stepped out of the cell. More fear and respect was given to the Beta than the Alpha. Tearing his gaze away he looked at the Alpha's wife then gave a respectful nod, "Thank you."

Ethan tried to run after Lexi, "Wait." When Ethan caught up to the woman he said softly, "You don't need to stay in my cabin or wherever they put me. I'll just go to sleep, keep to myself, and keep you safe by proxy. I don't want you to get hurt for my part in this," he was honest with the woman. Part of him felt extremely bad given the situation she was in. Yes, he had a part in it but it felt like watching her get in trouble for something he did.

"You can live your life and not worry about me, okay? I'll be fine." Ethan said not realizing he was walking with the woman. Really, he wanted to make sure she was fine even if it meant violating part of the rules set out by the Alpha. Why he was doing this was a mystery to him.

 

[DearSunshine]

Lexi turned and walked up the stairs, motioning for him to follow along with her. Going out of the main house through the front door, she started to lead him along one of the paths that winded along. They would pass other log cabins, things that even looked like they might have been shops. Or at least workshops, where people could go and do certain things that needed to be done around there. A few of the other pack members milled about on their porches, or behind windows, watching the human and the Beta's daughter moving along. They seemed to be heading for more of the outskirts of the little wolf society.

"There's a cabin back here that isn't being used right now, usually visiting people from other packs might stay in it. We have a few of those around for when we're playing hosts to a summit or just a friendly visit." She explained, batting a low hanging branch from a tree back. "I won't stay with you full time in the cabin." She said, hearing what he had said to her. "They'll probably want me to for the first day or so, make sure you really don't run away. I don't really care." She shrugged, "I'm a wolf, I sleep in the forest half the time when I can, where I sleep doesn't particularly matter as long as the pack is nearby."

"I appreciate that you don't plan on running around like crazy, but you will be expected to come out. We'll need to prove to people that you aren't going to hurt anyone, and... If something happens to you because of the ritual, you'll want to know the people here. We'll help you in that case." She said, looking up towards the small log cabin that they were nearing. "Sorry, you can't just be a weird, creepy shut in." She teased, "Besides, there is fun to have around here, y'know. I want to go out with my friends tonight. You'll come along."