Published: 23 Feb 2017

Chapter 14

As Runi turned and spotted Constance and the wolves, his smile vanished. What this woman has done, and could do in the future was not something that pleased Runi. He marched over towards them, and they all knew he was more than slightly angry. Even though the rage that threatened to consume him, he still could not help but stop and smile as he saw the wolves, and even young Clay step between him and Constance.

Runi said nothing for a moment, as he stood there looking from one person to another. Finally he nodded to them, and relaxed. “The very fact that so many of you would try to protect her, even knowing that you would not slow me even slightly, either says much for your bravery or your stupidity. Since I do not know you well enough as of yet, I am forced to see this as bravery, and not foolishness.” He then looked past them at Constance. “We need to speak, privately. I give all of your people my word that you will not meet your final death tonight.”

Constance nodded, then walked through the others to stand by Runi’s side. She addressed those that came with her as she spoke. “You may not know Runihura, but I have heard many stories from my sire. If Runihura has said something, it will be as fact.”

Runi looked over at Colt and smiled softly. “I am sure you wish to have time to speak with your brother. However, tomorrow evening after we wake, I will need to speak with you.” Colt nodded as Runi turned his attention to the wolves. “If you are like those I knew, you will want to inspect the area, and get to know the smells. Please feel free to do so. If you need anything, please ask. For now, our home is yours.”

Runi turned, and started to walk towards the house when Constance spoke. “One moment Ancient.” She said as she hurried to the van they came in. reaching inside, she pulled out a long leather bag. Carrying it by her side, she moved to catch up to Runi. Before he started to walk again, he motioned with his head that Hank should join them. It took Hank a moment to understand why Runi would want him involved with such a conversation. As Runi’s declared Heir, Hank would be privy to even the most personal of conversations. Part of him had hoped it was just a ploy to upset the elders in the Council, but now it was obvious, Runi had fully meant what he had done. Hank wasn’t sure if he should be proud to be given such an honor, or if he should be petrified at what it meant. As he hurried to catch up, he finally settled on both.

When Runi reached the door, he saw Hank’s twin assistants open the doors, and hold them open for everyone to enter. He nodded his thanks to both, and gave them each a smile. While they stayed stone faced, and bowed as he went by, he could sense that they were both elated to be helpful to one such as he. It was something that he had gotten used to over the years, even if it did still annoy him slightly.

Walking into the ante room, he saw the face of someone he’d only seen once before, in an alleyway. “You must be Deacon.” Runi said, barely slowing.

“I am, Ancient.” Deacon said as he dropped to a knee.

Runi sighed and stopped before him. “Rise.” When the man did, Runi looked up into his eyes as he spoke. “I understand you have information that you feel is vital.” Even though his tone was questioning, his words made it a statement, and not a question.

“Yes Ancient.” Runi couldn’t help but feel the satisfaction of the fear that was rolling off this elder.

“Is this information something that could have earth shattering repercussions if I do not hear it this very instant?” Runi asked softly.

“No… No Ancient.” Deacon stammered.

“Very well. You will wait here, and as soon as I am able, we will speak. Until such time, I expect you to behave as a proper guest in an Elder’s home.”

“Of course Ancient.” Deacon said as he bowed his head deeply. “I would never dream of acting improperly in your home.”

“It is not my House.” Runi said with a grin. “It is Elder Dayton’s home. He is my Heir though, so any slight against him, is a slight against me. Understood?”

“Yes Ancient.” Deacon stammered out again, but Runi was already walking away, making a beeline to Hank’s office. Only Hank and Constance following. Once inside, Runi moved behind the desk and sat. Hank stood by the door, and Constance stood next to the chair in front of the desk. She opened her mouth, but Runi raised a hand to silence her. Less than a moment later, there was a knock at the door. Runi nodded to Hank who opened it, allowing Winston to enter. He moved up to the desk, ignoring everyone but Runi. “Will the Master be needing anything?” He said after he bowed low, and stayed in that position.

Runi stayed silent for a moment, considering, then nodded. “Actually yes. I would not mind some wine, some type of fruit wine. As well as cheese and bread.”

“As you wish.” Winston said before backing up several paces, than turning and leaving the room.

“While we wait, let us speak of more mundane things.” Runi said as he motioned for Constance to sit.

She sat slowly, than crossed her legs. “What would you like to know?”

“Where have you hidden the wolves until now, and are there more?”

“No Ancient, there are no others. They were the few I was able to secret away at a home near a town called Whitefish in Montana.”

“I see. And all of this while working for my Childe under orders to destroy all shifters before they turn.” Runi asked, keeping his voice devoid of any emotion.

“Yes Ancient. The Lord of Twilight found out that I have a gift that is similar to that of an Elder Wolf, in so far as sensing when a pup is close to changing.”

“Ahh.” Runi said while leaning forward. “So you were tasked with finding them, and killing them before they shifted, thus eliminating the threat before they turned.”

“Yes Ancient.”

“And do you know why he wished the wolves to be killed?” Runi asked.

“While I think he tries to keep this as secret as possible, I did over hear him one time speak about a prophecy, and that it would be a wolf that would end up bringing about his death.”

Runi slowly shook his head. “Octavious… did you learn nothing of what I taught you.” He said softly, more to himself than to anyone else. “And why have you done his bidding, while secretly working against it?”

“Because he holds my Childe. It was my hope that a pack of wolves, led by a true Elder could get my child back…”

Before anything else could be said, another knock came on the door, this time it opened immediately, allowing Winston and Hank’s twins to enter, all three laden down with trays of wine and an assortment of fruit, cheeses, and bread. Without saying a word, they set the trays down on the table, than Winston poured all three of them glasses. He handed Runi’s to him first, and waited till Runi took a sip and nodded, before he handed Hank his glass and finally a glass for Constance. Finally, still without a word being uttered, the three left the room, allowing Runi, Constance and Hank to speak in private.

They ate in silence for a time, Constance more than happy to let the silence reign. Hank, having no clue what was going on, simply stayed in the background, hoping that it would make sense soon. Runi though was trying to organize his thoughts. He knew something was missing, but he wasn’t sure what yet. Finally he sighed, drained his wine glass, and fixed his icy glare on Constance. Immediately, she set her glass down, and sat there looking expectantly at Runi.

“Clay.” Runi finally said. “Explain.”

Constance nodded, then looked down, organizing her own thoughts. Finally she looked up. “I know that attempting to lie to you would be foolish. There is a long history as to why I chose to turn the Alpha’s sibling.”

“What I care about right now is why you would dare turn someone after they had died.” Runi snarled out.

“What?” Hank said unable to stay his tongue. “That’s not possible.”

“Yes it is.” Runi said softly, never taking his eyes off Constance. “However, the result is very rarely anything good. Even the good results are bad.” He broke his eye contact with Constance, and looked to Hank. “Very few are powerful enough to do it, and fewer still are foolish enough to try. The creation that comes out of turning someone who is dead, is what you may call…” Runi had to dig around in the memories of the humans he first killed for the word. “A zombie. Mindless, and only driven by the need to feed.”

“And you did that to Colt’s brother?” Hank asked incredulously.

“Yes and no.” Constance said, her voice steady as she looked at Runi. “There is a way, if done close enough after death, to where there is a chance to retain the personality of the turned. By introducing powerful vampire blood directly into the brain of a newly dead person, the change can still happen… without much bad effect.”

“I know that.” Runi said equally as soft. “However, I have never heard of one who was turned thus, who did not eventually go insane.”

“That is correct. However, I had heard that there was a way. Something that you taught my sire, if used properly, could fend off the insanity. So far it seems to have worked.”

“And what is that?” Runi said, already knowing that he wasn’t going to like this.

“By removing a part of my essence and placing it within Clay, I think I was able to counteract the insanity.”

“You did what?” Hank asked as he found his legs getting weak, so he had to sit.

“It is something that I discovered a very long time ago. The ability to remove part of one’s self, and place it into an object.” Runi’s eyes left Hanks, and met Constance’s again. “However, I never did test putting it into another being…”

“Clay is not the first one it was done to, however, he is the first one that I have done it to.” Constance hesitated for a moment, but a simple look from Runi told her not to leave anything out. “The one side effect I have heard about is that the one turned is forever bound to the one whose essence they have inside.”

“In what way?” Runi said after his voice faded.

“If the one who gave of themselves dies, so does the one who received.”

Colt watched Runi lead Hank and the woman, he still had trouble not attacking her every time he saw her, into the house. He then turned and looked down at Clay. He couldn’t help but smile. Yeah he knew Clay was a vampire, but at least he was alive… sort of. “Come on little man… let’s go up to my room.”

Clay nodded, and followed behind Colt. As he was walking away, he stepped up next to Christina. “I need to talk to Clay for a bit. You wanna see what you can find out from the new wolves.”

“Sure.” Christina said with a smile, than walked over to where the group was huddled together, looking after where Constance had gone.

“Come on.” Colt said as he led his brother around the outside of the house, and went in one of the side doors. Then up the stairs to the room he had claimed. “We’ve only been here a few days.” Colt said as he opened the door, and ushered Clay into the room that was bigger than their old living room. And that was just the sitting room.

“Crap… are all the rooms like this?” Clay asked looking around, almost afraid to touch anything.

“Pretty much, the guy that had it before us was rich, and old.” Colt moved over and sat on the bed, patting the spot next to him for Clay to sit. As soon as the younger boy was seated, Colt reached out and draped his arm around him. “I…” Colt began, but faltered.

“I know.” Clay said, not wanting to hear what his brother was about to say, not really needing to, he could hear the emotion. “But hey… I’m here now, and as long as you and Constance can work things out…”

At the sheer mention of her name, Colt growled. Clay just shook his head. “She’s not really that bad. She’s been real nice to me.”

“She killed mom and dad.” Colt growled out, trying desperately not to let his anger out, or even be directed at his brother.

“I know. But that wasn’t supposed to happen.” Clay tried desperately. Colt couldn’t talk about this right then, not if he wanted to keep his anger in check.

“Not now Clay. I already promised Runi I wouldn’t attack her, unless she attacked first…”

“She won’t do that. She needs you and the Ancient.” Clay said in desperation.

“What do you mean? Has she told you what she’s doing?”

“Not really. But it’s almost like I can feel her. You know, In here.” He said as he tapped his head. “I know she’s not bad, just hurtin.”

“Do you know why?” Colt asked, curious now.

“Not really. I’ve heard her talk about someone named David. But I think he’s somewhere far away.”

“Okay… I’ll try to give her a chance, but…” Colt sighed heavily, knowing that he still hated her, but for Clay, he would try. “Now. how are you feeling? Have you found your gift yet?”

“Not yet.” Clay answered with a smile. “But it’s almost like I can feel it there. Constance’s taught me a few things, like how to run really fast, and be strong, but she says the gift will come whenever it wants.”

“Yeah, that’s the same thing Runi said.”

“So what’s it like being a Wolf? Gregory and Dustin have been showing me things, and it looks really cool.”

“Which one’s Dustin?” Colt asked, since he only knew Gregory’s name.

“He the smallest one. They call him the Omega. He and Brad don’t really fit in with the rest. They kept saying that you’re bigger and badder than all of them, but I wasn’t so sure. Gregory’s been a wolf for almost 20 years now. But you kicked his butt!” Colt couldn’t help but laugh and ruffle Clay’s hair. Something the younger boy used to hate, but this time he took it with no complaint.

I guess I am.” Colt answered with a grin. “Not that I really know what I’m doing, but… what the hell’s an Omega?”

“The way they said it to me was, he’s the bottom of the totem pole, but… Dustin and Brad can help you. They’re both really smart, and keep talking about how things were before all the wolves were killed. They’ve even shown me some book that they say were written by wolves. But I can’t understand them none.”

“Why not?”

“Cause they’re in some wierd language. There’s no words, just lots of curvy lines. Brad called them glyphs, but they just look like wavy lines to me.”

“I’ll have to ask.” Colt was about to say something else when they both heard a loud crash come from downstairs. Colt was on his feet and running before he even realized it. The funny thing was, Clay was right behind him, and easily keeping up.

“Hey Hector.” Alex said as she came strolling up to where he had been talking to Decker.

“Hey Darlin!” Hector said as he reached out and pulled Alex into a hug. “You’re looking lovely as ever.”

“And you’re just as much a bullshitter as ever.” She said as she hugged him back hard.

“Somethings never change.” He said than his smile faded a bit. “But then again, sometimes things change quickly.”

“Yeah… yeah they do.” She agreed with him, and looked at Decker. “Anything new happening here?”

“Nope, other than the love birds are at it again.” He said as he smiled and nodded over to where Devon and Jared were sitting, talking quietly to each other.

“Oh those two are so cute.” Alex said with an exaggerated sigh.

Decker laughed. “Yeah reminds me of you and Jazz.”

“Oh shut up you!” Alex said as she reached over and slapped his shoulder.

Hector laughed, dropped his arm from Alex’s shoulder, and walked up behind Devon. Both boys were deep in their conversation, and never heard Hector come up from behind. Getting a grin on his face, Hector raised his hand high. “HEY DEV…” That’s all he got out because as he brought his hand down to slap Devon’s shoulder, a bright flash happened, and Hector went flying backwards, through the wall, and out of sight.

Runi sighed as he rubbed his eyes. Constance had laid out most of her story, and now Runi had a headache. He shook his head as he looked up and met Constance’s eyes. “You have 48 hours to explain all of this to Colt. You better hope he’s more reasonable than I am.” He was about to say more, but a loud crash from in the house drove all three of them to their feet. Hank, being closest to the door, had it opened, and was out of sight before Runi was halfway there. He knew there was no one new in the area, so he wasn’t sure what was going on.

“What happened?” He heard Hank exclaim as he rounded the corner and saw Hector picking himself up from the rubble that used to be a wall.

Runi looked up as Colt and Clay came racing down, and everyone else that was in the house, suddenly showed up, many of them with weapons. “I don’t know what happened.” Devon cried out, tears coming from his eyes.

“I… I was just coming up to say hi.” Hector said. “I was gonna surprise him.”

“He was going to slap him on the back or something, but just as his hand hit, Hector went flying.” Decker spoke to everyone, but his eyes never left Devon.

“What do you mean he just went flying?” Hank said, motioning to Lugh that everything was okay.

“Just that. There was a flash, and Hector went flying.” Was Decker’s response, finally looking at someone other than Devon.

“What were you told about using your gifts!” Runi spoke loudly, just below a yell.

“I… I… didn’t do anything.” Devon said, focused now fully on Runi’s stormy face.

“You obviously did.” Runi said as he stalked up towards Devon. “If you can not follow even the simplest instructions, then how are we supposed to teach you anything?” His voice rose as he got closer. As his words died, he raised his hand, as if to slap Devon. The younger boy put his arms up in defense, trying to cover his head, and protect it from the blow that was about to land.

Preparing himself, Runi let his hand fall, smacking Devon’s upraised arm. He made sure not to hit too hard, in case his guess was right. Just as his hand made contact, Runi saw Devon’s eyes flash their weird color, and suddenly Runi was flying backwards. Being prepared for it, he only flew a few feet before he stopped, and hovered there. “Well… I have not seen THAT gift in many many years.”

“Huh?” Devon said, poking his head up from behind his arms.

Runi floated back down to the floor, all eyes still on him. The only one that seemed to know what he was talking about was Constance. “It is called ‘Reflective Armor, or also Reflexive Armor’.” Runi said as he stepped closer to Devon. “I am sorry I had to frighten you, but your armor would not have worked had you not known that you could have been in danger.” Runi reached out slowly, making sure Devon knew he wasn’t being threatened. When Runi touched him, and nothing happened, Runi pulled the boy up to his feet fully.

“I don’t get it.” Hank said in confusion.

Runi though wasn’t the one who explained. “It’s armor that is brought on by the vampire side, automatically. It is almost impossible to learn to control, or at least to be able to consciously bring it forward. Hence the Reflexive part of the name. The Reactive part comes from the fact that it takes the energy that was going to hit young Devon here, amplifies it, and then turns it back at the attacker.”

“You mean… I did that?” Devon asked fearfully.

“Yes.” Runi said, then turned to Constance. “It looks like you may have to help explain this to Hank’s Childe, as you and I are the only ones to know about it.” He than looked to Hank and explained. “Her Sire, Ishmael, is the only other one I have seen with this gift.”

“He seems to be picking up gifts quickly. Judging from how young he is. Reminds me of someone I have heard tale of.” She said looking pointedly at Runi.

Looking decidedly uncomfortable, Runi looked around to all who were in the room. “Those of you who do not have a gift yet, you have been working on learning, correct?”

“I thought the first gift would be a personal gift, based on your past.” Jazz said from where he now stood holding Alex’s hand.

“Not always, and not needed.” Runi said as he went into teacher mode. “You will all learn of a gift that is personal to you, but that does not need to be the first one you learn, nor the only.” Looking at everyone, Runi explains, “Remember that I told you that your gifts will come, when you finally accept what you have become? The more fully you accept what you now are, the quicker your gifts will surface and the easier it will be to learn the gifts of others.

“I have come to understand that gifts do not seem to be shared any more. That, however, is not the way it used to be nor is it the way it should be. We will all grow stronger by the sharing of our gifts. Please spend some time speaking to those who know either a gift, or several, and ask them to teach you. While it may not be easy to learn someone else’s gift, the more you have accepted what you are, it is more than possible.”

Seeing that many of those assembled were nodding, he turned and looked towards the wolves. “I assume you have been practicing with your abilities?”

“We have.” Gregory spoke for the pack as was customary.

“Good. Gregory, I would like to ask that you take the time and speak to Colt about what it means to be an Alpha. As you know, he was born a True Alpha, but you have the experience of being an Alpha, so will be able to help him with what you know. The rest, we will have to work on as it emerges.”

“Yes Ancient.” Gregory said with a bow, surprising Colt slightly. When the older man waved him over, Colt hesitated, but then moved, and stood next to him.

Runi then looked over to Deacon and sighed. “And I guess I’ll hear what you have to say now. But understand my patience is very thin at the moment.”

Colt watched as Runi left the room with Hank and Deacon. He than turned and looked at Gregory. His nervousness was obvious so Gregory smiled and stuck out his hand. “Hey… I’m sorry about earlier. You know how it is when the Beast demands something, you really don’t have much of a choice. Plus, let’s face it, if your gonna be an Alpha, you gotta prove you can do it.” Colt still hesitated, but accepted the hand. “Let’s go outside. I don’t know about you, but we all feel better outside.”

“Ummm… sure I guess.” Colt said as he looked around. He finally found Chris, standing right behind him actually, and Mato right near her. He should have known that they would have had his back. He motioned for Gregory to take the lead, and then followed him out of the house.

Once outside, they walked around until they found themselves next to a fire pit, with benches arranged around. Gregory looked at Colt, who nodded. “Dustin, Brad, go get some wood… let’s have a fire.”

Without saying a word, the two teens ran off into the woods to gather wood. Gregory watched them run off, than looked at Colt. “I know you are the Alpha now, but, if you would allow it, we have a normal, ceremony type thing we do to welcome new people into the pack. Normally I would run it, and if you’re okay with it, I’ll run this one too.”

“Sure.” Colt said with a shrug, totally confused since Gregory seemed to be so friendly now, but just a short time ago, he attacked Colt.

Christina rescued him from his confusion. “Okay, I know I’ve only been a wolf for around a week, but this is screwed up.”

“What?” Gregory asked confused.

“Less than 2 hours ago, you tried to kill him!” She said in desperation. “Now you’re acting all nice and shit.”

Gregory laughed loudly for a minute, as did the other wolves. Seeing this only pissed Christina off even more, he held up his hand. “You have a lot to learn, but I promise, by the time we’re done, you’ll know more. Hopefully by than you’ll understand.”

“I hope so too.” Christina said as she sat down on one of the benches. Colt sat down next to her, and Mato sat on the ground next to them.

The teens came back with arm loads of wood, and Gregory went to work setting up the fire, while they went back for more. Over the next ten minutes, nothing much was said as Gregory worked on the fire, and the boys kept bringing wood. At one point, one of the woman went to the house, and came back with a cooler full of drinks for everyone.

Just as Gregory was sitting on the bench next to one of the woman, they heard someone walking towards them. Mato jumped to his feet as he cried out “Takoda?”

The Shaman teen didn’t even acknowledge Mato, as he walked towards them. “His eyes…” One of the younger wolves whispered. Takoda kept moving, his bright, reflective wolf eyes leading the way. He pulled his ever present satchel forward, and reached inside as he got close to the group. He never stopped walking till he reached the fire, then brought his hand out of the bag. “Tonight you meet the spirits.” He intoned in a flat voice, as he threw a hand full of herbs onto the fire, causing it to flare up violently.

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