Her trembling body sent a shiver down Tarek's spine. He didn't care if the vampires were watching, he needed to calm her. Spinning her about, he got down on his knees and pressed his head against her thighs. "Molly, please stop trembling. You have nothing to fear. We might be in the presence of vampires, but they are not as wicked as the other wolves have said. Some might be more lustful than others, but these magnificent creatures are just misunderstood. They are much like us. Just look around."

Rising, he tilted her head so she could look about at the vampires. "They are much like our pack. They live together. Some are in family," he said pointing to a pair of identical vampires. "There is always an alpha," he said looking at Lucas. "And, they can love."

A smile came onto his face as he said love. "Even if this was the last breath we take, but at least we're together. Also, I have something to confess." Grabbing her hands, Tarek pulled the pale girl in close. "Molly, I... I-I..." he looked at Fox and gulped. "I l-love you." A bright red color painted his cheeks. His golden eyes couldn't met hers as he was too embarrassed to look at her. "I'm sorry I left you like I did earlier. I just... I... I...." Falling silent, the rusty haired male looked at his feet.

Molly was shocked when Tarek turned around and got down on his knees. She was still shaking, but the more he talked, the less violent the shaking became. She looked around at the vampires as he spoke. She wanted to believe him. They seemed about as rag-tag as their own pack. They all had a mutual respect for one another and a higher respect for their leader.

When he said the word love, Molly felt a small stab of pain in her chest. She thought she had heard his voice earlier, but now she wasn't so sure. Was she just being delusional? She wanted to him him say that to her more than anything else in the world.

Then a smile crossed her face, he was right, if this was their last breath she was happy it would be next to him. But when he pulled her closer, she feared the worse. She looked up at him as he stuttered. Then, when she heard those three little words, a tear fell from her eyes. Her smile grew as he kept talking. Tarek wouldn't look at her so Molly fixed that. She put her tiny hands on his cheeks and forced him to look at her. "Don't say your sorry. You were my first kiss... and I love you so it's all okay." She smiled and hugged him, tears still in her eyes.

Then she remembered that they were standing in the middle of a group of vampires that still most likely wanted to kill them. She removed herself from around his neck but still stood close to his side. "Please just let us go." She said quietly as she looked to their family leader.

Fox turned as she heard the pair and grind she shook her head as she crossed her arms over her chest. She looked to Ruth and smiled at her. "I don't know about you but really I could go for some blood now or a cigar maybe even a bottle of whiskey maybe three the way this night is going. Come on old girl lets get out of here before all this mussy and loving rubs off on us. We don't want blood to get in the mood of hugging all of us and telling us how much he loves us." She said in a playful tone as she grind. She couldn't help but think about what the wolf had said to her. He knew her name not even the others knew her real name. She had sealed it along time ago with her old life and the loss of her brother. How could the wolf know her name when no one else she truly loved did? She wouldn't Tell blood her real name or one of the others. All she wanted was to run and hide with in their Castle and never come out. But she couldn't she had a job to do a family to protect and tend to. And she was behind on her schedule now and the extra blood that was needed.

"But!" Ruth looked at Blood's angry face. She had only been trying to protect her home. How could he be so angry with her? And to send her to scout the area?! She wanted to know what this animal was doing here. She wanted to do her duty to protect everyone. She DID NOT want that thing in her house. "I was protecting us!" Ruth whined.

Pondering if it would be worth licking the side of the snowmobile for a taste of the wolf's blood and dismissing it as a recipe for her tongue being stuck to the cold metal, she decided restraint was the best course of action. Turning to follow her orders and patrol, Ruth didn't get two steps before Fox appeared with a crazy wolf barreling towards her home. He was inside the open door before she had time to react, so she followed him in.

Ruth looked from Fox to the two animals that seemed straight out of a soap opera. Love, loss, danger, it was all there. Ruth longed for a love so deep that someone would run straight into the wolf's den to save her... or the vampire's den as the case may be. She doubted that love like that would ever exist for her. She was damaged goods. Used for too many years for nothing but sex. Ruth wondered if she would even recognize it if such a thing did happen. And if it did was she capable of such a level of undying love?

She started laughing at the thought of Blood hugging everyone and sharing words of love.

"Are we safe to leave with them here... in our home?" Ruth knew that Blood and Devon could handle the two wolves, but something inside her made her want to be there to help. She was terrified of coming home one day to find her family slaughtered, and herself alone in the world. The threat from the wolves terrified her because she knew that it was a real possibility. Although with the recent puppy love unfolding in front of her, and the two wolves lack of aggression towards her vampires, Ruth began to wonder if they really understood their adversaries.

Fox smiled as she wrapped her arms around Ruth. "Come on love lets go. If you are nice I might nap you a real man. Come on we need to work on your choice in partners." She said playfully as she looked over at the two pups and smiled. "Just look at them it is sick. Ugh If I ever get that way please shove a stake in me. Come on love the night is young and we have some blood and madness to cause. Besides you haven't met all the locals yet. We haven't have fun together in a long time and we need to make up for it. I guess it's time this old bat gets out of her shell and have some fun with you younger ones. If we are lucky we can find you some one you can do that with and make me sick and wish I was dead." She said in a playful tone as she turned and left smiling as she enjoyed the wind hitting her face with the snow. She loved her her hair danced in it. She felt most at home as she began to walk ready to get back to her job.

Surprised by Fox's sudden caring manner, but pleased by them, Ruth grabbed her coat and scarf and followed the older vampire out into the night. "I hate to be the one to point this out Fox." She put a gentle hand on Fox's shoulder. "But you are already dead." Laughing out loud into the chilly night air, Ruth began to relax. It felt good.

"You know I haven't had sex in years. A girl has needs." Ruth shrugged. "We do seem to be a little scarce on male vampires around here. What other options are there? Just go without?" She paused for a moment, thinking. "I guess I could always try swinging the other way... but I think you would strangle me before you would screw me, and Devon might get a little carried away and rip my neck off in a blood lust. Hmmm. Options, options."

"How many humans are we after? I'm thinking maybe two apiece? Should be easy enough to handle that number." Ruth skipped a few steps in happy anticipation. "This will be so much fun."

They were nearing the village but Ruth stopped just outside it. "Why do you help those people? Be their doctor when you are a vamp. It is in our nature to kill them, not cure them."

Seeing the second wolf enter the castle following Fox, Devon turned quickly away from the window. With a flash, she was at the entrance of the castle with the others, having nearly forgotten what Lucas had told her. Her eyes were still a blood red, but the color was not as intense as it had been before at the first smell of blood. Maybe she was learning some kind of control or it could be her concern for her family. She did not really enter the room, just hovered in the doorway, not entering the room in case she did lose control. It would hopefully give someone a chance to stop her before she reached the wolves.

She arrived just in time to see Ruth and Fox leaving. She wrinkled her eye brows, confused as to why they were just leaving Lucas alone with the two wolves. He could handle himself, but it still wasn't safe. She turned her attention to the wolves. Upstairs, she had heard enough of their little exchange to understand what was going on with them. Her dark eyes looking them over, taking in their features.

She'd never admit it, but she was rather jealous of them, being in love. In the past, she had thought that she had achieved such feelings, but they had all ended in betrayal. Watching them, she was curious about them, but knew that it was none of her business.

Taking a tentative step into the room, Devon entered the room. "This is great to hear, but perhaps you should go. This is not exactly safe territory for you. Nor is it safe for us for you to be here. Unless, Lucas, there was something you wanted to say to them," she said softly, turning towards Lucas as she talked to them.

((@Rude: Sorry XDD))

His bark made Liana glance to the side before nodding slightly to show she'd heard him. Soon enough the flurry of snow around her paws stilled as she glared in fury and disgust at the vampire and Tarek. What was strange to her however, was that the vampire was attacking. They knew full well that war had been declared, Tarek should have been fighting for his life at that point. The fact that he wasn't sent a discomforting chill down her spine, making the werewolf shake her body slightly to be rid of it.

Upon hearing Memphis' words as the other shifted into his human form, Liana swiftly followed suit, her gaze dark, thunderous. She wanted Tarek to know just how pissed off she was. Cruel words formed in her mouth, hovering on her lips. However Liana stilled them. She needed to know, just as much as Memphis, what had happened to Molly. If the other wasn't here then it could only suggest at bad news. As much as the two were an irritant in their...Strange relationship, Liana had always been able to count on the fact that if one was somewhere, the other normally wasn't too far behind. This separation was strange, and for Molly it seemed, dangerous.

"This is my fault. I'll deal with it. You two go back to the pack. I don't need you two getting injured because of my recklessness." Liana stiffened at his words. Was he ordering them? Her face contorted into a low snarl as she took a step forward. If in her wolf form, her hackles would have raised, ears back, teeth bared. Her human form was not quite so threatening, if it weren't for her sharp eyes. "I said, go away. Molly's mine. I don't need your help. You'll only get in my way." His next words made Liana's snarl louder as her hands balled into fists. "You are a londer Tarek, but Molly is one of my pack and I shall protect her with my life" She yelled back before an astounded expression flashed over her features as the loner turned and ran from them.

Eyes narrowed, Liana felt her body trembling with unspoken anger, anger which she struggled to squash down again. After a shuddering breath, she turned to Memphis, unable to hide the rage she felt. "I'm going after them, I can smell werewolf blood now, and the vampire scent is stronger...We may have to go into their castle though" Her warning hid a simple offer. Memphis didn't have to accompany her in this 'rescue mission', it was practically suicide anyway.

Bloodheart, apparently, didn't have much say at his fellow kin's words. With the drama going on in his castle, no less, he brought up a hand to have it run through the side of his head, through his strands of hair. "I was merely offering her a place to stay and for her to change from her wet clothes, supposedly," he told Fox before he'd let out a quiet sigh and quirked an eyebrow the moment he'd heard her say those words. "That idea of giving you all a hug and sharing my love, as you so kindly put it, sounds pleasing."

Of course, a smile of amusement graced his lips as he watched them leave. Well, whatever their thoughts are, he needed to get rid of these two werewolves unless he'd want to invite the pack leader into his home. From what he'd heard, she isn't exactly a reasonable werewolf to deal with when it came to her children. "As it is what Devon had said, go back to where you both come from," he told the two as he came over to them and put his hands on each of their backs, "You also both have my blessing. Now, go forth and multiply."

Lucas wasn't exactly mocking a certain book. In fact, he was joking, which was a rare thing. A playful smile touched his lips as he led the two lovers out of his castle. "Be sure to inform us when the first pup's born," he said, "I might need to rethink about adding up my family if such a thing does happen." The vampire leader turned his back on them as he went back into his castle. When he saw Devon, he only leaned in to kiss her forehead too.

"There's no need for jealousy, as well, Devon," he said as he brought up his hand to have it rest on her cheek, "You're a beautiful woman just as Fox and Ruth are. You will surely find that man fit for you like that once troubled werewolf."

Nodding once, he glanced back at the doors. "You better go back to your room or I could accompany you to where those two have gone to. You should go out often. The town's a pretty good place to waste time just as long as you don't invite trouble like those two werewolves had," he said as he took his hand back and stretched his arms up over his head while he walked further into the barely lit hallway of the castle. "Come up to my library once you finally decide which one you'd rather do." Honestly, Lucas wouldn't mind at all if he were the only one left alone in the castle. It's not like he leaves his library much, after all.

Fox thought quietly about Ruth's commits. She turned and stared at the younger vampire before smiling slightly. "I am not your typical vampire as I was not your typical human. I have taken care of things so long it is only natural of me. Don't get me wrong I have the same urges to kill as any of our kind. I have just spent my whole life killing and healing. Besides it acts as a great cover and helps to keep our family safe." She said as she returned to walking. She turned suddenly and after the commit hit her and penned Ruth up ageist one of the houses. She gave her a wicked grin as her fangs showed slightly. "To be honest I don't think you could handle me. " She whispered in the girls ear before she ran her fangs down the girls neck then pulled away as she headed into the house.

She picked another target out of the house and drew they blood saying it was needed for testing as it truly was. She placed the pouch of fresh blood in her special heated bag and zipped it up once she was done and helped the man into his bed after changing his dressing for his wounds. She gave her orders to his wive and left the house. "Five down three more to go Love." She said as she looked to where Ruth was. She hoped that the wolfs had made it back and wandered when she could met the wolf again and have a few words with him. She didn't like anyone knowing her real name and not a wolf at that.

Fox was aware that she wasn't the kindest person when it came to her actions and words. She had never had to show any emotion growing up. She pondered on her emotions as she walked knowing that she had never spent really too much time with either one of the other female vampires. She spent her time in her room with her cigars and wine or out here with the people picking who should be their next meal. In their family she was to be the mother figure or something to that effect since she was the oldest of them and Blood their Father figure. She preferred her time left alone and left to her own paintings and books. Maybe that was just with age she thought as she shifted her eyes to Ruth.

Ruth was a good girl at heart. Some times a little wild and enthused but still a good girl. There was no way Fox could dare to pass judgment on the girl for her past life. The girl had did what she had to in order to survive as she had by killing. If it came down to it they where closer related than Fox wanted to admit. Both strong willed and not afraid to do what was needed in order to survive. Both missing the love that other humans had all the time.

Memphis only watched as Tarek left on his own, voicing to him his sense of responsibility in the matter. It was sort of a good and bad thing for Memphis to hear. He was glad Tarek actually felt responsible for his actions, yet at the same time, the last thing he wanted was for the other to run off and kill himself over it. But, as much as he disliked it, he knew Liana would more than be unhappy with it herself. He continued to simply stand there, calm and watchful, as she yelled back at him. She was right. Despite how much Tarek seemed to think this was all about him, Molly was part of their pack, and like Liana, he wasn't about to simply walk away. Especially not after having picked up the scent of werewolf blood, which couldn't be good.

"Yeah... I know." Memphis replied to Liana as he looked on to where Tarek had run off to, having actually followed the female vampire. He trusted her, didn't he? Did that mean...? Memphis shook his head from the thought of losing Tarek to the vampires. By no means did he trust vampires, nor would he ever like to, him having a nice, violent history with them. From what he had come to understand, they were powerful, ruthless, manipulative beings that could easily rip you in two and not regret it in the least. And with that wonderful reminder to himself, he turned back to face the alpha of the pack. "I'm willing to follow you wherever it is you lead. To protect the pack. You know that." He said. "But... with you as the alpha, I must protect you and ensure you're safety and survival."

It was no secret to either of them that going to the castle was practically suicide with three of their own members on their own agenda. He couldn't rely on Molly fighting with them with her scent of blood about, Tarek had practically all but abandoned the pack and joined the vampires themselves, and their third member had chosen the perfect time to take leave on personal business. It really did seem to be just the two of them against the world. The odds weren't good, and that Memphis didn't like. "Liana. I'll go after Molly and Tarek." He then voiced, actually using her name. "We don't know what to expect when we get there, and the werewolf clan as a whole can't risk losing you."

Liana had remained silent as she waited, almost anxiously, for Memphis to answer her. Of course, she wouldn’t blame the other for saying he refused to go. Even Liana wouldn’t force someone to do something against their will, unless they were being completely foolish. The scent of werewolf blood was all too familiar to the alpha as she tried to ignore the smell, her nose wrinkling every few seconds in an attempt to block it out.

She stiffened again, turning sharply to Memphis when he spoke again. At the sight of the other shaking his head, she frowned slightly, not knowing what he could be thinking about. Although, if it was to do with the vampire they had just seen, then perhaps she did have an inkling. Vampires not attacking werewolves was suspicious enough. Werewolves following vampires of their own free will was highly worrying. If the newer members of the pack decided the vampires were trustworthy, where would that leave them? A pack divided certainly. Which was what the vampires probably wanted, perhaps had even planned. She could not let this happen. Liana remembered all too well the bloody wars and battles before the brief time of peace. She carried her own physical scars, hidden beneath clothing or fur thankfully, but all the same ever present. Even Liana could not forgive the vampires for what they had done, and what they had the potential to do.

Glancing back to Memphis, Liana slowly smiled, bowing her head briefly in thanks. An expression of surprise had briefly flashed over her face though as he added the last part. Wasn’t she alpha because she was fully capable of protecting herself? Wasn’t she therefore, supposedly, the one least in need for protection? “You do not need to protect me Memphis, I can fight my own battles, as you well know” She pointed out before frowning slowly. Sure, they were likely to not get away unscathed, but Liana didn’t mind. If she could protect the werewolves she had surprisingly come to care for, then that was enough for the alpha.

His next words caught Liana by surprise as she heard her name being uttered by the other. It made her focus completely on Memphis, unmoving as he spoke. Why would he act so concerned over her life? Even as the alpha, Liana was still expendable, still replaceable. “I will not stay behind whilst you risk your life for the others. Besides, what sort of message would that send to the others in the pack? Or the vampires? That their leader is too afraid to fight? I won’t risk that happening, and I won’t risk your life, or the others, by not going as well. We go after them together Memphis” She spoke in a firm tone, this time not up for arguments. “We’re wasting time talking though, shall we go?” She said quickly, glancing around again.

Still embracing his Molly, Tarek's eyes landed on Fox and Ruth before they left. "Thank you, vampire. I'm forever in your debt... wait a minute. Your scent. You smell... oddly familiar." However, his questioning came too late. The vampire had already left. Turning to Molly, Tarek spoke in a somewhat perplexed tone. "I believe she might be... my... well... I think her blood might be close to mine. She smelled just like my mother. It's just tradition for the women in my family to smell like my aunt that went missing over 500 years ago. If I were a gambling man, I'd bet that she is my long lost aunt. The one that was said to become a vampire. But if that's true then...."

His golden eyes lightened some as he turned his head up to Lucas. "You saved her. Your kind, that is. You... you're not like the stories that my family used to share us with. You're more civilized than we werewolves are. You're modest and sophisticated. We're the killers. I bet everything we've been told is a lie. You're not the enemy. You never were. Fear. It's always been fear. Fear... that's our true enemy." Dropping to his knees, Tarek's rust colored hair fell into his face as he bowed before the vampire lord. "We are forever grateful to y-..." his widening, Tarek's head shot toward the door. "They're coming. Molly and I can only do so much, but we'll do our best to lose your scent. I know you won't approve, but... one way to lose vampire scent is to smell like a... wolf."

Rising, Tarek stepped away from Molly, placing himself closer to the vampires. "Molly, you go back. When you run into Memphis and the leader, tell them I was injured. Lead them away from this place. I'll join up with you at Black Buck Creek. I'll stay behind and assist here. Howl if they don't follow. It'll give me a chance to help evacuate these guys," his eyes looked cautiously up at Lucas. "I'm sorry. We've threatened your very existence because you were hospitable enough to let us in. If you'll allow me to help, I have some friends about a quarter mile south of here. They might be able to mask your scent and my own. Molly isn't all that easy to track, but I'm the filthy smelling mutt. If I can get my friends to lay down a smooth coating of their fur and urine, we can prevent the pack from finding you. I fear... I fear that if they find you that they will... kill you."

His body contorted as a muzzle shot out from his face. Once the transformation was complete, Tarek stood in wolf form. "The choice is up to you. We can leave together, but be wary that our alpha will come back later to stalk you guys out." Licking Molly's head, Tarek sneezed. "Oh, and we might just name our first born Lyka." Smirking, the male awaited the vampire's orders.

Molly stood shocked. What was Tarek thinking? As she listened to his half brained plan she started shaking again. How could he be willing to help them? All on the slight chance that that woman was related to him centuries ago? Yes the vampires seemed okay for now, they hadn't attacked them yet, but that could all change at any moment. She thought of the woman who had first found her. Held a gun to her. Thrown her around and almost killed her.

She dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around Tarek's neck. Looking him in the eyes she shook her head. "I will not leave you hear with them." Tears stung her eyes. "Even if i did you know Liana would not listen to me! No one does!" She hugged him tight, her body still trembling against his fur. "You know that if we don't go back together they will know something is wrong." Molly looked up at the vampire elder but kept speaking to Tarek. "If you want to prevent their harm, your best bet is to come back with me. I'm already bleeding, we can come up with some story about me being hurt and just forget all about the vampires. Please don't make me go back alone." a few tears dripped down her cheeks.

How did Tarek expect her to leave him now? He couldn't possible really expect her to leave him. She would rather go with him if anything. She didn't want to leave him alone with them, if they were together she could at least watch his back.

[[XD I have to post this. Just so you know, I'm really not this perverted. Lol. Also, sorry it's short. XD]]

Tarek couldn't help but grin deviously at Molly's thought. "Oh trust me. I could think of one way where you lost blood and could end up getting hurt. Granted, that whole child thing could happen sooner than expected, but eh, you've waited ninety years for me to want you. I guess a little lack of protection wouldn't be the end of the world. Besides, alpha and her little boy toy would just find it as typical Tarek stunts. And, when they ask about the vampire, we can just say that we were just rough housing and asked if the vampire would mind tossing us about some. Although, no offense, I don't need you guys to play rough."

Sitting on his behinds, he looked up at Devon and then Lucas. "Your call. I'm fine with either. If I had to pick, I'd rather do the latter." Winking, Tarek couldn't help but laugh when he saw Molly's face continue to turn red. It was so typical of her, but he knew she wasn't about to oppose.

The idea was preposterous. Of course, it sounded pleasing to his ears at first but indeed, he had to agree the plan was a little more than half-brained. To think, too, the werewolf had to suggest that idea while he was heading up to his library. If there was anything he didn't like, it was having to be bothered in the middle of his reading by strangers. Family was fine but strangers made him want to use his powers to toss them aside. "We're at war," he stated bluntly as he turned to look back at Tarek while Molly washed him with her love, "We're quite aware of our oncoming death."

And what was all this talk about an aunt that went missing? While Lucas thought about it, the only woman he could think of to be hiding such things was Fox. Not that he wanted to dwell into the matter but it did make him curious. The woman was as secretive as a sly fox and though he did trust her with 'family' matters, she still seemed to have trust issues.

Lucas put his hand on his hip and put his weight on one leg as he used his free hand to have it rest on the side of his neck. This Tarek seemed like one to bring trouble onto himself. Hell, if he ever does try to sleep with one of his family members, he might find himself devoid of blood and he'd have to be held responsible over him. "You're giving us two half-assed plans that would get us killed either way," he added as he turned to look down at Devon. It was his responsibility to make sure his children aren't hurt. Yet again, he turned his gaze at Tarek and made a face. "Coating us with urine and fur doesn't sound at all pleasing, too."

The vampire leader still hadn't had changed out of his night clothes. In fact, his upper body bared enough skin for women to fawn over. He had a great body, after all; it came with age and he had to thank his previous life since his father particularly asked him to look good with or without clothes. That, and his wife long before he was turned seemed to love it then. Match that up with his tight black pants and animal-skinned boots, he was a real looker.

Shrugging Tarek tugged on Molly's sleeve. "Very well. Do as you wish. If you don't want our help, then we shall take our leave." Using his nose as a scooper, he popped Molly up onto his back. Using his muzzle to keep her balanced, the red-brown wolf looked up at Devon. Giving her a charming grin, he turned to Lucas. "I pray that the next time we meet that our circumstances will be as friends, and not enemies. But again, that is your choice."

Lunging forward, the male darted out the door. It was almost too easy to leave. Hell, if all his meetings went like that, Tarek would have to quit his day job. Well, had he had a day job. Either way, he was a bit suspicious now of the vampire clan. They were hiding something; he could smell it. It wasn't fear, per say, but they were definitely not letting them in.

Snorting as a large snowflake penetrated his nostrils, the wolf slowed his pace. It was still insanely bright out. Bright and white. Something Tarek wasn't fond of. He much preferred dark and depressing. Perhaps that's because it was the story of his life. The more he thought about it, the more he realized his plans were always rejected.

"Molly," his brows formed a saddening crease between his eyes. "Why do you love me? You know I'm not cut out to be an alpha. I really want you to be alpha. At least you have a heart. Out current bitch of a leader doesn't care about anyone. She claims she cares about the pack, but if she really cared, she'd give us freedom. We're oppressed under her. The first chance I get to run away and leave... well, I'd leave, but I can't abandon you."

The thick snow was becoming impossible to walk though, but Tarek kept it up. He wasn't one to quit or complain. He actually enjoyed the challenge. It was when his paw fell into another paw print that the wolf new he was nearby his pack members. "Found you." Sticking his cold nose against Liana's left thigh, Tarek brushed past her. "I'm taking Molly home. I need to mend her nose." Picking his pace up to a trot, the wolf soon vanished into the white barrier of snow.

Molly couldn't believe Tarek's idea. Her face flushed to an extreme shade of red and she was at a loss for words. But in the back of her mind, Molly found herself not exactly hating the idea, it actually sounded like fun.

When the vampire spoke, Molly felt relieved. He really was a sensible being. Now at least Tarek would leave them and not her. She let him tug her up onto his back. Even in her wolf form, Tarek was faster, she wouldn't be able to keep up. At least if she rode on him they could make better time. Even from his back, Molly caught the grin he flashed at the vampire and she felt a feeling of jealousy and worry taking over her.

The whole ride through the snow, Molly kept her face buried in Tarek's neck. It was bitter cold, but she tried to ignore it, she had grown used to the temperatures for the most part. When she heard Tarek's voice she lifted her head. "I...I don't know why. I just do. I don't care if you are cut out to be an alpha or not, I love you and that's all that matters..." Her voice trailed off but she held on to him tighter. Tarek didn't have time to respond, they had run into Alpha and Memphis. Molly kept her face buried in Tarek's neck, she didn't want to face the disappointed look or angry stares she knew they were casting at them. How did Tarek think she was going to be an Alpha when she failed at almost everything and disappointed all those around her. Hell, she couldn't even kiss right.

Once they were far enough away, Molly went back to his last statement. "And if you don't want to leave me behind, take me with you."

Devon lightly touched her forehead where Lucas had kissed it, the kindness in the motion was still slightly foreign to her after all these years. It really does take more kindness to replace the cruelty inflicted upon a person. His following words brought a smile to her face, as well as a small shake of her head. She still had no desire to leave their castle. She started for her room as Lucas had suggested, before the male wolf began to speak. She stopped and turned to look at him as he spoke, curious about his words and actions.

"We're all killers; me, you, werewolves, vampires. Even humans are; its the nature of things, kill or be killed," she told Tarek. As he continued to speak, she wrinkled her nose, disliking his idea with a certain amount of passion. She had lived through the times when baths were optional or nonexistent. She did not enjoy those times. She preferred being clean and not smelling badly.

She nearly rolled her eyes at his comment that his Alpha and other pack mate would try and kill them. They were at war; such things had been occurring for centuries. Well, at least since certain vampires found the taste of werewolf blood appealing and began hunting them for sport, as well as for dinner. There were times, even then, she had wondered if it had been worth it. Then, they'd catch one and she would think about it for a while. Now, it was not exactly something she was exactly proud to be apart of, having never mentioned it to her new family.

As Tarek smiled at her before leaving, she frowned slightly. It was supposed to mean something, she thought, but hadn't he just professed his love to Molly? She turned towards Lucas after they had left. "They're a little odd? Aren't they?" she asked him, nodding her head towards the open door.

Memphis couldn't help but smile as Liana voiced to him her viewpoint. Yes, she was right... again. It would seem bad and she did have certain duties as the alpha. But he couldn't help it. Something in him just wanted to protect her. But it seemed that she wasn't about to let that happen. It was rather commendable, he had to say. No wonder she was the alpha. Fearless , strong, and courageous. He really couldn't see anyone else in her place. "Yes, you're right." He agreed before giving a small smile. "And I suppose I couldn't expect anything less from the pack leader." He then nodded. "Yes, we need to hurry. Lets-" No sooner than that did he see Tarek stroll by, running into them with a bloody-nosed Molly on his back, only to give some lofty excuse for whatever it was he was doing at that point in time and walk off again.

Memphis was in utter shock. Well, before all-out rage became to consume him. He let out a low growl, even if still in human form. That asshole just did what he wanted, didn't he? He didn't care about the pack. He didn't care that a war was going on. Hell, he probably didn't even care about Molly as much as he liked to think he did. No. Memphis knew his type. He only cared about himself. How else would you have explained his actions? Making them chase them halfway through the area, into vampire territory, leaving them worried to death and practically ready to kill themselves to find and protect them, only to come back and not even care to give them reason for doing so.

Really. It took a lot to get Memphis railed up, but this was getting ridiculous. Terek was supposed to be the older male. The responsible male. But no. He was acting like a stupid pup who's balls had just dropped. But, somehow Memphis was still able to calm himself. Unlike Terek, he prided himself on having self-control, and wouldn't let himself be seen in any other light, especially around the pack leader. He only watched silently with a scowl as Terek left. But, instead of blindly following after Terek, Memphis instead came closer to Liana, watching as Terek and Molly began to disappear in the snowy distance. "I don't trust him..." He said in a low voice, still watching him. "Something's been off about him from the start, but now... well, I just don't have a good feeling about it."

As a werewolf, his job was to protect the pack. But what if said pack were to turn on them? A pack member, perhaps? To Memphis, his primary goal was to protect the alpha, the core of the pack. And right now, that alpha was Liana. If Terek were to betray them, he wouldn't hesitate in the least to go head-to-head with the older and clearly less responsible male and put him down for good. He'd swear his life on that one. With a low grunt, he transformed back into his wolf form, ready to take leave back home under his alpha's lead.

The whipping wind was growing oddly annoying, but the silence was more than refreshing. With each step taken, a chill ran down the wolf's spine. Thankfully his Molly was keeping him warm, but he feared she would freeze to death. The word death caused the wolf to whimper. Even though he never really acted like he cared about her, Tarek genuinely did. The other wolves of the pack would forever label him an outcast or even a traitor, but that wasn't true. Granted, he was self-centered, but it was all just a facade. The male was far more than just that. Being self-absorbed was the role of a stuck up bastard who truly cared about no one but himself. And yet, there Tarek was pushing his might to the limit to ensure his Molly was safe. He even risked his life to break into the vampire's castle. And then there was fighting that vampire named Fox. Even though his original intention was cowardly, Tarek had learned to man up and face himself.

A large chunk of ice reflected the brown wolf's reflection. Wincing at his own self, Tarek brushed off his feelings of self-loathing hatred. Had the other wolves known anything about him, they would have known that there was more to him than met the eye. He didn't spend his days screwing other women in town. No, he was out looking for his family. His wife died about 500 years ago, and Tarek was still trying to piece together her death. Asking relatives of people he knew long ago, he prayed that one day her wandering, taunting spirit would be put to ease.

It was then when a humble looking building came into view. "Hang in there just a bit more, Molly. We are almost home." Lifting his muzzle to check her pulse, the male frowned. She was growing weak. Her blood-loss and the sever cold weren't helping either. Putting his foot down, Tarek's worn body inched closer to the house which was radiating heat. It came over him like a twister out of nowhere. It was comforting, warm, and all around perfect.

Just as he reached the doorsteps, Tarek morphed into a man. Smiling, he scooped the sickly pale woman into his airs and brought her into the house. Some of the others were home, but they paid no attention to the couple. It was just typical drama in the werewolf house. Tarek and Molly were always at it. Arguing like they were married, but never kissing or holding hands. Such an odd couple they were.

The stares he received were different this time. The once hollow looks were now full of concern and wonder. If curiosity killed a cat, it would surely drown a werewolf. There tongues rolled out in high hopes they would receive a snip-bit of news from the tragedy that played before them. But, do their dismay, nothing came. Only silence filled the air. Even the heartbeat of Tarek and Molly were faint. Tarek's was no longer racing as he saw Molly's life flash before his eyes. In the future, he wanted Molly. Having her die like this just wouldn't do. He had high hopes for her.

Placing her on his bed, he lit the fireplace that was in his dank room. The sickly mildew smell was still there, but a fresh layer of bleach was working its magic at erasing the terrible scent.

His hands stroked her face as his body moved closer to hers. "Can I get you anything?" A look of sheer concern and passion filled his glassy golden eyes. Wetting a towel wouldn't be enough. The silence the filled the air was unbearable. They would have to talk. They needed to talk. Tarek had so much he wanted to tell Molly, but he was afraid. Afraid that she would reject him after hearing the truth.

Biting his tongue, the rusty haired male patted her bloody nose lightly. Standing once only to ensure his door was locked, Tarek maneuvered back to her side. With the blood off her face, her tear stained cheeks began to regain there color. A side smile appeared, but it wasn't wholehearted or meaningful. It was just a motion. Something Tarek had learned to fake. Molly would see through his mask. He could see it happening. With the silence coming to its near end, Tarek looked longingly into the female's eyes.

She would break the silence. He would break her heart. It was really going to be a long and painful night. A change was needed if this werewolf wanted Molly to become his lifelong mate. A serious change was needed. But would Tarek be willing to change? Not even the great gods knew that answer. It all rested on Molly. She was going to decide everything and carve out the couple's very fate.

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[[Whooooooooo! Massive post. I win! XD]]

Molly didn't know when she had passed out but the next thing she remembered was strong arms around her and a growing warmth that was slowly seeping back into her. She had gotten so cold her body was past the point of shivering, but now as warmth was introduced to her, the shivering began. Her face ached as She watched Tarek pat at the injury and wipe the blood from her face. They were in his room, Molly knew, but he tended to like to keep her out of there. Like it was his dark cave of secrets.

Sher eyes locked with his as she saw the fake smile cross his face. He had always been a terrible actor. Still shaking, she pushed his hand away from her face and sat up. Molly held onto him for support as she looked up at his face. "Tarek..." Her voice was soft. She looked away not really sure if she wanted to know the answer to the question she was about to ask. "Tarek, I love you, you know this.... But what you said back at that mansion. You didn't mean it did you, you only said it because you thought we were about to die didn't you?" She looked back up at him. Tears in her eyes.

She knew he wasn't perfect, but she didn't care. She loved him anyway, all his flaws included. Despite all the hell he had put her through for ninety years, she knew she would always feel the same. If it wasn't him, Molly didn't know if she would ever find a mate. Just at the thought, the tears dripped down her cheeks. Her heart was aching, why was it that the only person in the world she cared for didn't feel the same towards her?

At last. The silence cherry was popped. No longer was Tarek allowed to think. No, it wasn't past that time. Long past it. It was time to talk. To actually communicate with the woman before him. But where was he to begin? The beginning was the obvious answer, but then exactly was that? The mugging? Or before then? Did Molly even know he was married? Did she ever know that he had a child on the way? Could he ever tell her?

Yes. Closing his eyes, the male exhaled. "I have to explain a lot before I answer your question. What I'm about to tell you is going to rip your heart out. If you hate me, I deserve it. If not, then I have no idea what I did to deserve such a faithful woman at my side." Taking her hands, he placed a kiss on them.

Eyes closing, he began. "It was about 500 years about. I was married to the most beautiful woman ever to walk the earth. I was so happy. So... in love. We had everything we ever needed. We had one another. She was aggressive and unlike any other woman I had ever met. Together we were going to start our own life. With a kid on the way and a new farm under out belts, we were more than ready to take on the world. However, one night I had to run out to help a neighbor about five miles down the road kill some wild dogs. Needless to say, when I returned, I found my house ablaze. The barn was nearly burnt to the ground and my wife... I..." tear balled up at the corner of his eyes. A few slipped out and crashed down on his bedding. "I was too late. She and the baby were dead. I was at such a loss that I wasn't strong enough to move myself from the fire. As my body was about to burn, I passed out from taking in too much Carbon Dioxide. At first, I thought it was a curse, but today I see it as a blessing. You see, this wolf, one that I was hunting, followed me home. Seeing me there, he bit me and transformed me into what I am today - a werewolf."

His golden eyes finally opened, but he was unable to look at Molly. Not yet, at least. Tarek rest his head against the wall. "If we time skip about 410 years later, you come into the picture. But, you shouldn't have. You see... it's my fault. It's all my fault. I was wasted. I had seven too many beers. And it just so happened to be the anniversary of the day I lost everything. So, in a fit of rage, my boys and I went out looking for blood. We strolled across a slender, little woman who was walking home all alone. She had a basket tucked under her arms and his pure white scarf wrapped around her torn dress."

Silence came. Shifting, Tarek looked Molly in the eyes. "It was you. You were the victim. I was the leader so I swung the first punch. When you went to run, I chased you down. I yanked your hair, I slit your throat. I tore your clothes. It was my idea. My idea. To mug you. To hurt you. And, to make it worse, when we left, we went back to a bar. Taking a shot and losing a bet, I was to come back and rape you before I lodged a bullet in your head. Only... when I stood over your body... I... I... I couldn't hurt you." Trembling hands fell before his eyes. Looking at them, the rusty haired male turned away. "Your blood was on my hands and your life was in those tainted hands. I looked up at the full moon. Let loose a wild howl and vowed on your weakened body that I would protect you. I changed you, but out of guilt. Guilt. Not concern. Not compassion, but pathetic guilt."

A shallow sigh followed. "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't regret doing that to you. If I could take it back, I would. I... I... I never met to hurt you. And the falling for you... it wasn't supposed to happen. You weren't supposed to love me. No one should. But you did. And, and just recently I realized I loved you back. But I was so blinded by my sins that I wasn't able to see that I was just hurting you." Pulling his hair back and fighting off his tears, Tarek stood up. "There you have it. I love you, but you shouldn't love me. I'm the one thing that ruined your life. It's my fault. It's always my fault. Your near death. Your body nose now. Hell, even you risking your life to find me. It's my fault. I just can't do anything right. I'm just a royal... fuck up. Ever since that night, since that fire I was a possessed man. But then I met you. You changed me. But for the worst. I learned to lie. I learned to fake things. I wore a mask and pretended to be someone I'm not. I-I... I can't do it anymore. Not to you. Not anymore."

The light that was in his eyes had faded. That passionate spark that used to exist had died along with his self. At that very moment, Tarek would be a different wolf. He was no longer a sinner. Pledging before Molly, Tarek dropped to his knees and bowed before the female wolf. "I vow on my life to change for you. Even if you don't want me, I will still change. You cannot get rid of me. I'm our protector. And my love for you will only strengthen. No matter what I do, I will do it for you. I want you to become alpha one day. And, to make that happen, I must change. I'll change so you won't be brought down by my burdens and baggage. I'll change. Change for you. If I must, I will die for you. Gladly. I would gladly do it. Your every wish if my command."

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[[I'm off to bed. I won't be back until wayyy later. But I might sneak on here and there to see what's happening. :)]]

Molly watched as he kissed her hands, she didn't know what was going through his head. But whatever it was she knew it would be a lot , she wasn't sure if she was ready to handle what he was going to say but she loved him, she knew she had to. As he started, she felt her heart soften. She knew he had a past, bad memories that plagued him but she had never pressed. Molly didn't know he was married or that he was expecting a child. The thought of them dying hurt her because she knew it hurt him.

Then Tarek moved on to describing her. How had he known what she was wearing that night? Her eyes went wide and she felt herself pull away from him for the first time in her life. It was him? Her tiny hand went up to the scar on her neck. Tarek had been the one that beat her? More tears flooded down her cheeks. It didn't seem possible. She listened to him continue as the memories played in her head.

Her looking up at the men standing over her as they all took turns beating her fragile body. The knife on her neck, she could remember the pain of the cold blade. And she could remember the eerie howl of the creature that had bitten her.

It was really Tarek? The man before her continued. Regret pouring fourth from his mouth as he begged for forgiveness and confessed his love. When he was finally done talking, Molly sat frozen for a moment, taking it all in. Then she reached down to where he was kneeling and pulled him to his feet. She gently wiped the tears off of his face and gave him a small smile.

"You think you ruined me?" She started. "Tarek, you saved me. I should slap you for what you did before, but i won't." She looked down to find his hands so she could hold them in hers before she locked her gray eyes with his. "Before that night, i was completely alone. I had no friends, no family. I was failing out of a college that i owed way to much money to. I had been abused and abandoned by everyone i knew. Then you saved me." She smiled, but tears still dripped down her cheeks. "I have a family now. I have people to care for and people that care about me, I've never had this before. Plus i have a long life to go and see all the things i missed as a child. And i have friends that i don't want to ever be without. " She took a deep breath. "And you can not say that you don't deserved to be loved, everyone does. You can't say I'm not aloud to love you. I do and that's not going to change." Her voice was shaking with emotion.

Molly let one of his hands go so she could brush hair from his face and let her hand rest on his cheek. "You keep saying you want me to be Alpha one day. Well i can't do it alone. And i will only do it if you help me. I don't want to do it without you."She leaned forward and let her forehead rest on his. "I don't care about the past. I love you and that is not going to change. I want to be with you, i don't want you leaving or dying because you think it would be better for me because trust me, it wont be."
She sighed and took a moment to catch her breath and just hold on to him.

Molly pulled away and looked at him. Her teary eyes were searching his, hoping she had gotten through to him, hoping he would stay with her. "I love you Tarek. If you really love me, don't apologize anymore, i don't care about all that. Just say it, just say you love me, and mean it." her tiny hands were trembling as she waited to see what he would do.

It's the nature of things, kill or be killed.

It were those words that caught Lucas' attention and he turned to look at Devon in surprise. He hadn't thought such a gentle girl would actually let out words that showed the harsh reality of the world. Of course, he hadn't missed the charming smile the werewolf had sent towards Devon's way and he, for a moment there, wanted the werewolf dead. There was no way he was going to have that werewolf who had just professed his love to another chase after his children. Like a doting parent, he even stood protectively by Devon's side.

Without the mother, which he'd suppose is Fox, to take care of his children, it should be right that he take care of them, right? As he thought this question, he'd almost missed Devon's words. He snapped himself out of his little trance and turned to look over his shoulder at Devon. Lucas glanced back out to look at the doors. A look of distaste touched his features. "They are," he started, his voice a little threatening as he brought up a hand to have it run over his face. Resting his said hand on the lower part of his face, he let out a quiet sigh and shook his head. "That male werewolf... Tarek, was it? He's not very smart." He dropped his hand back to his side and turned to look back at Devon. This time, he was smiling softly.

"Nonetheless... would it be too much to ask if I ask for you to accompany me?" Instead of having Devon stay in her room all day, why not he ask her to stay with him? It'd be safer that way plus, he might even be able to borrow her lap if he could to lay his head on. The women in his family, after all and honestly, were softer and sturdier than any pillows he had.