Owen
Rogue Werewolf
Advertising Executive
All my talk of starting over, these words were never true.
Posts: 44
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Post by Owen on Oct 13, 2008 0:44:33 GMT
Swallowing seemed so stupidly difficult and draining, and therefore not worth the effort, but as always, Marion wasn’t about to be put off by a little defiance and refusal to play along. Just because Owen didn’t feel up to it, that didn’t mean she would hold up her hands, say ‘okay’ and leave things be. She hadn’t gotten to where she was today by backing away from a challenge. They didn’t call her ‘Bulldog’ for nothing, after all, and even Owen, just a neighbour rather than a rival lawyer, knew that from experience.
Completely oblivious to Archie’s return to the room and what that meant, Owen was completely wrapped up in the huge task of swallowing. It seemed to sap his strength, and inside of his head, he protested and complained and tried to reason and make sense of it all, but on the outside, he looked ready to drop down dead. He had to. There was no way he could look anything but a mess after what had happened, and of course, there was no way the actions of the doctor could be anything but an automatic response to blood and injury. Who could survive the sort of attack Owen had fallen victim to?
Even with what Marion’s father had said, and sternly at that, Owen was still having a hard time believing in any other conclusion but the most obvious one.
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Marion
Human
Departed
Posts: 119
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Post by Marion on Nov 7, 2008 8:25:11 GMT
Marion saw the effort Owen went to to swallow, and her throat burned. Anger fluttered in her chest - where was Cole - and not for the first time, she thought to herself - Who did this?
She pulled the mug away from his face, and wiped the corners of his mouth carefully and tenderly. "Hang in there Owen..." She swallowed once. "You can trust me. You can." I promise.
She stood and went over to the sink. Placing both hands on the edge, she looked down into it, bloodstains dotting the stainless steel. A tear rolled down her cheek. Taking a deep breath, she shook herself once. Hands busy, she cleaned off the counter, determined not to show any emotion. Keeping her back turned, she dried her hands and took out her phone, staring at the screen. It remained blank. The Bulldog may have been tough, but she was scared. She'd seen this before. And it was close to home again. That was shaking her.
"What now?" It was a question she hadn't meant to voice. But there it was. She had many ideas, but opening it out would give her a few more precious seconds to breathe.
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Nate
Human
ER Doctor; St. Benedict's
The curtains flew then he appeared, saying don't be afraid.
Posts: 89
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Post by Nate on Dec 29, 2008 14:55:11 GMT
If Owen hadn’t been as badly wounded as he had been, Nate wouldn’t have worried. Lycanthropy set in quickly, he knew that, mostly from research and because of detailed explanations from Cole Stanton himself. The bleeding was slowing, it would stop, but keeping Owen from bleeding out before then was his main priority. Treating shock was another. It was clear the man was succumbing to it, and blood loss was making him weak, more inclined to buckle to the pressures of his own body and mind. That wasn’t ideal, but they could hardly blame him.
“Now we wait. It just feels like it’s been a long time.” Nate said it to put Marion at ease. It had only been a matter of minutes, it simply felt longer because they needed Cole and the others, wanted him there to take control, take them all by the hand and lead the way, guide them through uncertainty. At least, that was the case for Nate; he couldn’t speak for everyone, but he and Marion were alike in one very obvious, very important way. They both worked for the wolves, were part of their world and yet separate from it, knowledgeable and yet defenceless, too weak to really fight it. They needed the pack.
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Cole
Alpha Werewolf
Cole's Pack
Fear of the unknown clouds our hearts today. Come into my world, see through my eyes.
Posts: 500
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Post by Cole on Jan 15, 2009 2:38:16 GMT
Continued from: Cole Stanton’s Territory; The Hyperion; The Lobby with Dia, Kyle, Mara, Kennedy, Amber, Irina, Noah, Kai, Natasha, Akiko, Tomas, Mileena and Liluye.
Dia had been in the passenger seat of the car Cole had opted to drive, one of the SUVs that Wayne was always talking about so enthusiastically; it wasn’t just the pack driver’s passion for the larger-than-usual vehicles that had encouraged the Alpha male to choose it, but the space it provided. With Kyle and Mara in the back, it still had enough space for Nate and his patient, which was perfect.
Cole wasted little time in parking the car as quickly but neatly as possible, thanking the car enthusiasts in the pack silently in his head for the lessons they had taken it upon themselves to give to a good portion of the pack, and from there, his pace was brisk as he approached the front entrance of The Colony. The building seemed to loom over them, but Cole didn’t even give the exterior a second glance, knowing exactly where Marion would be found, and in turn, the man who needed the pack’s help. Around the entrance was the scent of blood, recently washed away, but all of the werewolves could smell it as if it were still there, smearing the handles and the glass.
Several long, purposeful strides carried Cole, the gathered group from the pack at his heels, from the entrance into Marion’s office space. As soon as he crossed the threshold, knowing they didn’t need to knock given how many of them there were — even human senses would detect the approach of a good dozen figures — the panic in the air struck him like a wave, and his wolf rose from the depths of his being, jowls curling up and back in a growl. The suburbs were not included in Cole’s territory, but someone connected to the pack, even if only very loosely, had been attacked, and by a rogue. It was certainly enough to rouse and rile the slumbering predator within him.
“Marion,” Cole said, assessing the situation quickly before moving towards the couch on which the wounded man had been settled, crouching close to the lawyer and the physician. “Nate.” His green eyes were studying the barely-conscious man. “He’s hanging in there?”
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Akiko
Pack Werewolf
Cole's Pack: Fighter
And we'll fly, and we?ll fall, and we?ll burn
Posts: 41
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Post by Akiko on Jan 15, 2009 18:30:18 GMT
Akiko had kept her eyes fixed outside the window as they drove, dark eyes watching the passing scenery, mind taking note of every little glimpse of life she could see illuminated in the patches of light from the street. You never knew when some tiny piece of knowledge could come in handy, or when a casual word or image could slot into place with pervious information you already had, bringing it all into bright context. True, even Akiko doubted that the sight of people just walking home in the dark would in any way tie into the newly changed werewolf they were going to see, but there was always that chance no matter how slim. She didn’t believe in coincidences not really, but the strangest things did happen.
She climbed gracefully out of the car, feeling the wolf inside stretch, just as grateful as her human side to no longer be sitting still in such a cramped vehicle. It was at times like this that Akiko missed traditional Japanese transport, even more than she normally missed her homeland.
The phantom scent of blood was enough to keep her feeling unsettled, even as they passed through the entrance and further into the building, where the scent of blood was connected to a living, breathing creature. One of them now, no matter his origins regarding the change and the human line from which he had come. Akiko glanced around the room, taking the time to examine the surroundings more closely as her Alpha headed towards the injured wolf. There was nothing she herself could do for him and so Akiko was content to simply keep watch, sharp eyes taking in the human stranger along with the wolf stranger and those humans that she knew. Cole would take care of this, he always did.
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Archie
Human
Departed
You vitriolic, patriotic, slam, fight, bright light, feeling pretty psyched
Posts: 35
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Post by Archie on Jan 15, 2009 18:36:52 GMT
If he was being honest, Archie wasn’t sure exactly what he had been expecting to happen next. He knew from what little he had overheard between Marion and Nate that they were waiting for somebody and that somehow, things would be alright once that somebody arrived. The sight however of not just one somebody, but a whole dozen of somebody’s, and at least some of them were armed, was not the most smoothing of surprises. It didn’t seem to faze Marion however, Archie risking a quick glance towards his boss even as he stumbled away from the couch in order to give the newcomers better access to Owen.
All Archie could do was follow Marion’s lead, as he had been doing time and time again since this whole strange thing started and trust in her. Surprisingly, even after everything that had happened, he found he could still do that – could still believe that whatever was going on was the right thing to do, that she knew what she was doing. Belief didn’t help the increasing heat he could feel, his skin almost burning from what Archie assumed was worry and panic, no matter how hard he tried to tell himself that things would work out. Apparently his inner temperature didn’t have the same strength of loyalty as the rest of him did.
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Mileena
Pack Werewolf
Cole's Pack: Fighter
Hope dangles on a string like slow-swinging redemption...
Posts: 39
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Post by Mileena on Jan 15, 2009 20:56:29 GMT
Mileena stood quite and stoic near the back of the group as they all filed into Marion's office. Like many of the others, she too was affected by the scent of blood, and the rush of different emotions that clouded the room. Though there was no serious danger, she still felt herself going into "fight" mode; muscles tensing carefully, subtly, in preparation for whatever movement might be required of them.
Of course, there was only so much that could be done for the bitten man, so the female hung back, not wanting to get in the way. Similar to Akiko, she found herself glancing about the room, if only to take in her surroundings and make sure she was alert to them. Better safe than sorry.
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Nate
Human
ER Doctor; St. Benedict's
The curtains flew then he appeared, saying don't be afraid.
Posts: 89
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Post by Nate on Jan 16, 2009 22:54:00 GMT
Nate didn’t realise they had company until Cole came to crouch close to him and Marion. His eyes moved from the Alpha werewolf to the man on the couch, and his brain worked quickly away to try and put the facts into a cohesive order. Briefly his eyes flickered to Marion, and then he cleared his throat with a nod; “He’s hanging in there. The bleeding is slowing, but he’s not out the woods yet. Understandably, he’s gone into shock.”
Cole nodded, looking Owen up and down again, assessing everything they would need to do. “Amber,” the Alpha said, immediately catching the tall, blonde female’s attention. “Pull the SUV around to the door, as close as you can get.” He tossed the fighter the keys from his pocket. “Just make sure we can pull away quickly.” With a clipped but respectful affirmation, Amber headed out again to do as she’d been asked. To Nate and Marion, Cole said, “We need to move him. The sooner, the better. Can that be done?”
“Um.” Nate cleared his throat again, using his rolled-up sleeve to mop perspiration from his brow. Knowing that they didn’t have any other choice, he nodded at last and said, “It can be done.”
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Marion
Human
Departed
Posts: 119
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Post by Marion on Jan 17, 2009 7:29:46 GMT
Marion felt her mind move back into territory she knew. Cole was there, the pack had Owen. Now she could watch her promise to him unfold. Her knees had wanted to buckle when he walked in, and she had a hysterical urge to hug him with relief.
"He's my friend, Cole. I don't know how it happened to him, but I can give you all the information about when he came in, and where he was found." She didn't finish the sentence. She knew Cole would hear the ferocity in her voice. "And you should meet my new assistant - Archie - when this is over." She gestured to him once, meeting his eyes and smiling as reassuringly at him as she could.
She noticed Mara in the crowd and met her eyes, nodding, then turned her attention to Nate and Cole. "Carry the whole couch to the SUV, Cole. We can throw a blanket over him, and if anyone asks, I decided to change my decor. Owen owes me a couch, anyway." She swallowed the next thing she wanted to say, knowing it would be unnecessary, but she reached forward and touched Owen's hand once. The gesture said it louder than she could. Take care of him.
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Mara
Rogue Werewolf
Departed
Posts: 260
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Post by Mara on Jan 17, 2009 7:46:58 GMT
She'd spent most of the trip over staring out the window and breathing deeply. Reviewing kata in her head, reciting the chemicals for her developing films. She'd achieved a calm when she arrived, and she drew on the strength of her wolf tentatively to maintain it. Kyle's unflappable calm provided a current to hold to, and she did not want to admit how much she was depending on it as they made their way into Marion's apartment.
She smelled the blood first, then saw Owen on the couch. Images filled her mind of the first time she'd changed, and she shook her head once to clear it. The firm set of the pack with her hummed along her skin, they all knew what they were dealing with, and it leant a new texture to her emotions as they took up places.
She gave Marion a half smile, then took a deep breath. She was here to help. And she knew something she could do immediately. Whether it was the smartest thing to do or not, she wasn't sure, but she'd set her teeth on this. She was going to help Cole here. And after what Marion said, it steeled her resolve even more. She owed that woman, and she owed Cole her life.
She moved toward Owen hesitantly at first, then stopped just short of where his feet were. Waves came from him. She clenched her fists, closed her eyes, and concentrated. Then she spoke quietly. "He's afraid, Cole. He doesn't believe Marion - he trusts her, but he doesn't believe her. I feel fear. I feel pain. He needs comfort before he needs care, Cole."
It was out before she could check it - and she opened her eyes, they flashed her wolf's color and she moved backwards quickly, bumping into Kyle in her haste. "I mean.." She silenced herself, and looked at the floor. Idiot. You know your place on the sparring floor, how the hell do you forget it *now*...
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Cole
Alpha Werewolf
Cole's Pack
Fear of the unknown clouds our hearts today. Come into my world, see through my eyes.
Posts: 500
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Post by Cole on Jan 17, 2009 18:27:57 GMT
While Marion spoke, Cole nodded, already processing everything Nate had told him moments ago. The man on the couch was barely responsive, and from what the Alpha male could see of the injuries, it was no surprise; at this moment, unconsciousness would be a blessing. The lycanthropy that was already flowing through his veins would fend off any real danger that would normally come from a victim in shock losing consciousness. His eyes moved to Marion, and then followed her gaze back over his own shoulder.
Cole had seen the young man, but hadn’t really noticed him; it had been the wolf in him, quickly assessing the stranger and deciding immediately that he wasn’t a threat. For now, Cole only gave Archie a nod; real introductions could wait for later, and then, Cole would apologise for seeming rude. Now was not the time. Attention back on Marion, he said to her, “We can’t take the whole couch, though it will have to be destroyed.” Cole didn’t doubt that Marion already knew that. “We’ll have to carry him, but we’ll be careful, Marion. You know we will.”
The Alpha didn’t stop Mara from coming forward, hearing the quiet movements of Kyle as the stoic fighter kept close to the empath in order to act as an anchor for her. Cole looked up as Mara stumbled back, his body tensing as if bracing for some invisible attack. Quickly suppressing that tense energy, not wanting to transmit it to the pack members present, he nodded his head at Mara, showing her with the simple motion that it was okay. “Marion, will you be able to come with us? He knows you,” he said, nodding to the man on the couch, “and your presence will help keep him calm.” At his side, Nate nodded his agreement.
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Kyle
Pack Werewolf
Cole's Pack: Fighter
Will they open their eyes and realise we are one?
Posts: 63
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Post by Kyle on Jan 17, 2009 18:33:02 GMT
Kyle kept close to Mara, knowing that he could serve a purpose here and now when there was no fighting to be done and Cole was in no immediate danger; his role as bodyguard, self-appointed or otherwise, meant very little here and now, when there was no danger looming. This was more an intellectual situation, a place where thoughts and reasoning meant more than strength and prowess. But Kyle could assist Mara, in his own way. He knew he was almost painfully inexpressive at times, but he wasn’t without emotion. He simply knew how to manage it. How he had learned so intensely was anyone’s guess, but he had been told he was almost constantly projecting a controlled, calm sort of energy, and right now, that could help Mara from being dragged down into the waves of anxiety and anguish rolling off the victim of tonight’s attack.
When Mara stumbled back and bumped into him, one of his hands lifted steadily, finding the small of her back, but he didn’t push; didn’t push her away or distance her from him. He simply laid his fingers and then his palm against the subtle curve of her back, over her spine, and hoped the contact helped bring her back from the turmoil she had tumbled into. The pack needed her calm. Cole needed her that way. Kyle could help her get back to that place, and so, he would.
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Marion
Human
Departed
Posts: 119
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Post by Marion on Jan 17, 2009 19:08:20 GMT
Marion nodded once. She held back a giggle at the notion of a viking funeral for her couch, an absurd image of werewolves toasting marshmellows over the burning piece. Shaking herself mentally, she told herself firmly to get it together.
"Of course I'll come, Cole. I had hoped I could. I'll even make it unbillable time." She crooked a smile, trying to cheer herself just a little. "But yes. I will. Give me two seconds to get something." She moved into her office for a pair of real shoes and to shed her blazer, coming back into the room, ready to move. She stood next to Owen and took his limp hand in hers. "Help is here, Owen. Hang in there."
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Owen
Rogue Werewolf
Advertising Executive
All my talk of starting over, these words were never true.
Posts: 44
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Post by Owen on Jan 17, 2009 21:21:59 GMT
Though he looked ‘out of it’, close to prone and entirely unaware, Owen still had enough sense left in him to realise, albeit with a delay, that the room suddenly held far more people than it had only moments ago. Where the hell had they come from? What did they want? Who were they? Already his addled mind seemed to have forgotten what Marion had told him, that this was ‘Cole’ and the friends she had promised would come and help, and his brain fired madly, messily, telling him that there were too many bodies, not enough room; they needed to go away.
He barely even heard Nate Wilder’s gasp of surprise as his body found some secret reserve of strength and tried to lash out, to fight off these new people and whatever intentions they might have, his breaths coming erratically, so completely without rhythm. In his jerky, panicked movements, he had tugged his hand out of Marion’s, not even registering it; all he really knew was a kind of instinctive alarm and in turn a desire to get away.
Owen was too ‘out of it’ to feel someone moving to hold him down, too easily, against the couch.
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Archie
Human
Departed
You vitriolic, patriotic, slam, fight, bright light, feeling pretty psyched
Posts: 35
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Post by Archie on Jan 18, 2009 2:14:25 GMT
Keeping out of the way while Cole and the rest did… whatever it was they were doing, suited him down to the ground, more so when he noticed at least one of the dark hair women looking at him with an expression he couldn’t quite identify, but one that made him supremely uncomfortable. Added to the fact he already felt less than a hundred percent and all Archie knew was he had to get a little bit of breathing space between him and everyone else. All he was doing right now was taking up space anyway, although he was glad to hear that plans were being made and that finally, finally they were going to do something serious to help Owen.
Mumbling something to Marion – Archie wasn’t exactly sure what he had said, or even if they had been words at all instead of just random sounds – he stumbled away from the group, the large amount of people suddenly making the air hot and oppressive. At least that was probably it, the young man couldn’t help but feel that he was missing something although the fuzzy nature of his brain was making it hard right now to figure out just what that something was. Even feeling as rotten as he did right now, Archie still made the effort to move as quietly as he could, so as not to disturb anyone else as he reached the edge of the room, fingers curled tightly around the door frame.
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