Realistic or Modern Fighting Instincts [Private]

[Fable]

izayoiix
(Yes, she does assume at the end that Alpha would've never bothered to come himself. Imagine that shocking revelation.)

Enora groaned at the sound of her blaring phone alarm. She had set it for 4am and the sun wasn't even peeking over the horizon and wouldn't for a couple more hours. She debated hitting the snooze button or just turning the damn thing completely off, but if she was late meeting the pack leader she'd get an earful worse than her alarm. She grabbed the phone off the small nightstand and turned the alarm off before literally rolling out of bed, onto her feet, and staggering into her bathroom. It was too damn early to put in effort into her appearance, so a messy bun, tank top, baggy sweat pants, and sneakers were the best they were getting from her today. They had better have some coffee ready for such an early morning meeting.

She left her room silently. It was just one of many in this heirloom of a house where all the single pack members lived. It was basically a dormitory. Everyone had their own room and bathroom, but the rest of the areas were shared living spaces. They took turns cooking dinner and always ate together. Those who were assigned breakfast were already in the kitchen. She gave a small wave, not really even looking at who was in there, as she passed by.

She stretched out her arms once she was outside and jogged over to a building where the pack alpha resided. Being the alpha came with the perk of getting a fancy mini-mansion. This was also where more small and intimate meetings were held. Enora didn't know what she had done this time to get summoned like this and was not looking forward to being reprimanded again. As she got closer to the house, she smelt unfamiliar scents; visitors.

She cautiously knocked on the door once she arrived and one of the Epsilon members opened it to let her inside. She already knew where to go. She'd been summoned here quite a few times the past few years she'd been living here. She knocked on the thick wooden door to the large study and another Epsilon greeted her. The Alpha and his Beta were there along with a few strangers she'd never encountered before. Enora's blue eyes narrowed skeptically as she approached her higher ranking pack members and greeted them respectfully.

"Enora, these guests are from the neighboring pack. You already know we've both agreed to a truce, but that truce isn't a simple matter of giving our word. In a show of good faith, we decided to select a pack member to reside with them until the treaty is better... cemented. We hope that once both our packs are more comfortable with the truce, that you might return."

"So, what does this have to do with me? Will I be running messages between the packs now?"

"No. You were selected as the member that would be sent."

If this was a cartoon, Enora's jaw would have comically dropped to the floor as she sputtered gibberish in a failed attempt at a protest. Her hands balled up into tight fists as her body tensed in reaction to the news. She took a deep breath as she knew that arguing against her pack leader in front of a rival would result in something probably much worse. In her mind she was screaming. Couldn't they have asked for someone to volunteer? Sure, she was a labeled as a troublemaker, but was she really so bad that they'd want to basically exile her to another pack? An enemy pack? If the truce ended, she'd be slaughtered!

"I understand."

It was all she could say. She looked over at the visiting pack. She was certain that none of them were the Alpha, but probably still fairly high ranking, after all why would their alpha come for such a task? She didn't hear what else was being said as the two packs discussed things. It was only when the Beta elbowed her side that her mind was brought back to the present.

"Your things will been sent over to you. That is all. I'll let your escorts introduce themselves." With that, her Alpha left the room.

 

[izayoiix]

To say Isaac was unsure about entering the neighboring pack's territory for this treaty was an understatement. Would it be said out loud? No, but the Epsilon beside him could easily sense the tension rolling off of him in waves. It wasn't that he doubted he could do the job, it's just that what was about to happen wasn't something that happens often. And it never happened in his pack, not in the few years he'd been Alpha, and definitely not while his father had been Alpha.

Running a hand through his short hair, the young man sighed, giving his head a good shake. He needed to snap out of it and focus. While he doubted any type of attack was coming, he couldn't let his guard down. He had to be focused. All they had to do today was just go over the terms, sign the paperwork and be done. Isaac could do that. He's been doing that ever since his father had started taking him to meetings.

As Isaac and his Epsilon entered the Alpha's home, he greeted those who lead the well with a polite nod of the head, his face never betraying his inner thoughts. Walking into the meeting room he plastered a somewhat sincere smile on his face and offered his hand to shake.

With the pleasantries taken care of, they went straight to work finalizing everything for the treaty. It didn't take long, seeing as they'd been corresponding for weeks already, and they had just finished when one of the Epsilon's for the Alpha let a young woman into the room. Raising his head from the papers he'd been hunched over, Isaac straightened, watching the interaction between Alpha and Delta, waiting to be introduced.

Smiling slightly as the other Alpha left, Isaac took a step forward so he could greet the girl before him and introduce himself and his Epsilon. "It's Enora, correct?" he asked, offering his hand for her to shake, wanting to be polite.

"I'm Isaac Rockford, and this is my Epsilon Malcolm." he introduced them, gesturing behind him at the large man in his late thirties. "He'll be with us until we pass the border into my territory. I know this might be a little shocking, but hopefully you'll be willing to work with us to settle this...somewhat unusual event smoothly?" he tried to joke, smiling a bit more, hoping to reassure the girl.

 

[Fable]

izayoiix

Enora did her best to contain her unhappiness at this sudden news of being shipped off to another pack. She'd heard of the truce being discussed for weeks between their two packs who had a shared border along their territories. That land had been under dispute long before she ever arrived. She had expected something more along the lines of making that border a neutral zone, though perhaps offering up a pack member was a way to ensure that her side kept their end of their bargain.

Her body tensed as she was left alone with the members of the rival pack. She unfortunately couldn't just run away, though right now she really wished she could. Though she's found herself constantly wishing that and to be able to go back to her human life ever since she was mauled. The male who approached her with a smile and an outreached hand didn't do anything to settle her nerves about being sent away. She was polite and hesitantly shook his hand, trying to give the correct grip strength to show she wasn't a weakling, but not firm enough to be a challenge. It had taken her a year to learn about this kind of etiquette when meeting werewolves.

"It's Enora, correct?"

She nodded to confirm he was correct and wondered what exactly her alpha had told them about her. She had a feeling the reason she was selected was because she was constantly getting into some sort of trouble. Though honestly sending her as a 'sacrificial lamb' seemed like a bad idea since she would just cause trouble with this other pack that it might end the truce. Enora really didn't like this position she was placed in.

"I'm Isaac Rockford, and this is my Epsilon Malcolm He'll be with us until we pass the border into my territory. I know this might be a little shocking, but hopefully you'll be willing to work with us to settle this...somewhat unusual event smoothly?"

She nodded a greeting to the Epsilon politely and turned to look at Isaac indirectly, she looked at his eyebrows since she didn't know his ranking, and looking in his eyes might be viewed as some challenge even though it's just something normal humans did when they spoke to each other.

"That's fine as I see no reason to not work with you, just this is very... awkward. I didn't know about this whole thing about me being sent until, well, just now. I'm still trying to process this."

Enora ran a hand through her hair and sighed. She had found it hard to adjust to being a werewolf and be in this pack, now she had to go into a new pack and adjust all over again. She'd probably lose her rank she had worked hard for. She'd be marked as an outsider and depending on how traditional the pack was, being that she was a bitten werewolf and not born, that would be a whole different problem. Most of the pack members here followed traditional werewolf beliefs, so she had to work hard to get them to stop calling her a 'mutt'; pretty much the worst slur you could call a werewolf.

Three years she had fought and worked her way through the mess her life had become and now she had to do it all over again. She was clearly frustrated, though she was trying her best to not display that in front of Isaac and Malcolm.

"Perhaps you can give me more details on the way," she stated and moved to politely hold the door open for the guests.

 

[izayoiix]

Isaac nodded at her words of explanation. Yes, he could easily see how this situation could be confusing, for a wolf of any station. Watching her as she opened the door for him and his Epsilon, he observed her as subtly as he could, trying to get a solid read on the she-wolf he was bringing back to his pack. Glancing at Malcolm from the corner of his eyes, he noticed the older man doing the same.

Turning his gaze back to Enora, he began to form a response, dividing his attention between studying and answering her. "Yes, I can understand how this would be startling for anyone. It's my goal that my pack and yours are able to fully come to a peaceful solution. During this time however, we'll do our best to make sure that you're comfortable in my home." he explained, stepping through the door, with Malcolm only a step behind him. Waiting for Enora to step through as well, he gestured lightly for her to go ahead of them. "Please," he began. "Lead the way. I'll try to answer any questions you have."

Starting down the hallway, Isaac continued to observe the young woman who couldn't be much younger than himself. She worked hard to be respectful which made him wonder if it wasn't something that came natural to her, or if it was just part of the shock of the situation. He reasoned that both made sense, and didn't plan on bringing anything up seeing as she'd done nothing wrong. While they'd still been inside the Alpha's office, he could tell that while she was resigned to her situation, she was at least slightly annoyed by it. Isaac found he couldn't blame her. He knew if that if it was him in her place, he'd be upset too.

"Due to the fact that we don't know much about you, there will be some restrictions on your activities, but we'll try not to be cruel. It's for everyone's safety, I hope you can understand that." he explained. "After the first few days, things will most likely calm down, and we'll be able to decide what rank you'll hold and what work you'll be doing." he continued, sending another smile Enora's way.

"Is there anything specific you would like an answer to?" he asked, wanting to try and learn more of her thought process. While she didn't seem like much of a threat, Isaac couldn't take any chances. He would not endanger his pack. And anyone who tried to would have hell to pay.

 

[Fable]

izayoiix

"Please, lead the way. I'll try to answer any questions you have."

Enora nodded as she moved to go ahead of the two men, which honestly made her slightly nervous with her back facing towards them. It was an advantage for them if they decided to attack her, but also a death wish while they were still in her pack's territory. She walked with an even steady stride as she led them out of her Alpha's home and through their pack's compound. Thankfully most of the pack were still asleep or off doing other things. There were two teen guys who were chatting on the porch of one of the houses in the area, as she walked by they went silent for a moment as they looked at the men following after her warily.

When he mentioned that she would be staying in his home, she stumbled for a split moment, but did not fall as she casually tried to act like she had tripped over something. She cleared her throat and continued on her way as though it hadn't just happened.

"Due to the fact that we don't know much about you, there will be some restrictions on your activities, but we'll try not to be cruel. It's for everyone's safety, I hope you can understand that. After the first few days, things will most likely calm down, and we'll be able to decide what rank you'll hold and what work you'll be doing."

She wasn't shocked at being restricted, she only hoped it didn't include being watched 24/7 as the thought of having to sleep with someone staring at her creeped her out. She expected as far as her rank went, she'd get tossed in with their Omegas and be given grunt work. However, she wasn't going to say that out loud and get herself into trouble before they even got out of the territory. Even though he smiled at her and was probably trying to not come off as threatening, Enora could only awkwardly look away from Issac. She honestly didn't have a reason to smile, they were lucky she was in too much shock, because once that wore off they might regret accepting her over one of her other pack members.

"As far as questions, oh plenty. Firstly, why me? Why your home? Who the hell decided to make this part of the deal-" Enora's mouth snapped shut as she realized her temper was starting to show. She took a deep breath before she spoke again.

"Honestly, I'm still trying to wrap my mind around this whole thing. I'm not trying to be rude, but right now my biggest question about everything is a great big 'why'."

 

[izayoiix]

Following Enora out of the building and back into the fresh air led some of the tension Isaac didn't realize he'd been holding in to dissipate. Quietly taking in a deep breath of the soothing morning air, Isaac focused just in time to see Enora stumble. He tilted his head, somewhat confused, but didn't comment out loud, though his thoughts did turn questioning. Why wouldn't she stay near the Alpha while he was unsure of her person? It wasn't like they were going to throw her in the dungeon, and he couldn't just let her stay among his pack mates while he didn't know her.

As she started to answer him with her own questions, her temper beginning to flare, Isaac wanted to laugh, but he was somewhat startled. Malcolm on the other hand wasn't amused and tensed, wondering how far she would go with her repetitive questions before she would say or do something she shouldn't when she stopped herself.

"Honestly, I'm still trying to wrap my mind around this whole thing. I'm not trying to be rude, but right now my biggest question about everything is a great big 'why'."

Remaining silent for a few moments as they neared the border, he glanced at Malcolm who'd moved closer to his side ever since Enora began to express herself a bit more, and sighed. Clearing his throat, he tried to think of what exactly he should say. He knew nothing that came from him would truly satisfy her, but he still felt as if he should try.

"I'm sorry this was sprung on you." he began, somewhat awkwardly. He cleared his throat again. "But I don't have the answers for you. And I'm fairly certain that whoever does have that answer, won't be able to provide you with what you want to hear."

 

[Fable]

izayoiix

"I'm sorry this was sprung on you. But I don't have the answers for you. And I'm fairly certain that whoever does have that answer, won't be able to provide you with what you want to hear."

Enora glanced back at the duo, noting that Malcolm had opted to move closer to Issac, which meant she was probably being viewed as a possible threat. She wanted to laugh at the them for the thought. Sure, she was quick, but she was a horrible fighter. The only thing they would have to worry about was if she decided to run, then they'd have an issue since not a single one of her pack members could keep up. However, she currently wasn't crazy enough to try that.

"Not shocking. I wonder what he said to convince your pack's Alpha to accept this deal. Did they even tell you anything about me? Or was it sort of a 'surprise, here is who we are sending with you' sort of thing?"

She was currently leading them along the shortest path to where their territories shared a border. She didn't really want to prolong what she felt was a walk of shame should she come across more of her pack members. The sooner they got to the other territory, the sooner she could start to try and force herself to adapt to her situation.

"You mentioned restrictions earlier. Any specifics I can know about those?"

She started to regret her attire choice. If she had known that she was being sent away, she would have worn something that didn't make her look like she'd rolled out of bed and threw whatever on... though that is sort of what she did. She could have at least tried to have appeared presentable. Her first impression seemed to already be off to a horrible start.

 

[izayoiix]

"Not shocking. I wonder what he said to convince your pack's Alpha to accept this deal. Did they even tell you anything about me? Or was it sort of a 'surprise, here is who we are sending with you' sort of thing?"

Before Isaac could even process what Enora had said, Malcolm was coughing loudly, a small smirk on his face as he glanced at Isaac. It took the young Alpha a moment to realize and when he did, he almost froze, missing a step and stumbling forward. With a quick nudge to Malcolm's side which only made him cough again, Isaac cleared his throat, swallowing loudly, trying to gain some form of serenity.

"Yes, ah, well." he tried, unsure if he should take her words as a shot towards his abilities as Alpha. Seeing as she seemed to not realize he was one. "Well, when the deal was being discussed, I made it clear I wanted someone who held some form of value from their pack." he began to explain, putting extra emphasis on himself being the one who made the terms. He wasn't sure who the awkwardness would be worse for. Enora for not knowing he was an Alpha, or him for not being recognized as an Alpha.

"This deal would be fairly pointless if we received a pack member who held no specific value that would be missed in some way." he finished, ready to be back on his own land.

"As for the restrictions, my father, who is currently my Gamma will be keeping an eye on you for the rest of the day as I deal with the last of the paperwork for this treaty on my end. Other than a general questioning upon our arrival, there shouldn't really be anything to tiring to deal with. We'll get you settled in a room and then sometime this afternoon or tomorrow we'll give you a tour of the areas you're currently allowed in." he explained, going over everything him and his Beta had decided earlier.

"Malcolm will also be available to guide you if need it in the future. But other than any outer communications you make will be monitored for everyone's safety. We will have someone with you at all times you're outside of home and for a while there will be someone stationed outside your room at night." Isaac continued, pausing when he noticed how she seemed uncomfortable with her current attire.

His eyes narrowed in on a raised mark of skin and he realized what that meant. She was a bitten wolf, not born. Thinking back to her earlier questions of why, he could see now why she had asked such a question.

 

[Fable]

izayoiix

Enora's attention was drawn by the cough from Malcolm, but she kept her gaze forward. She didn't want to risk stumbling stupidly in front of them again. She heard some strange shuffling from behind her which made her more nervous since she wasn't sure what they were doing. It didn't sound like they were going to charge up at her, but they were also acting a bit weird.

"Yes, ah, well. Well, when the deal was being discussed, I made it clear I wanted someone who held some form of value from their pack."

Enora froze as she realized Isaac was saying that he was the Alpha. He had been involved in the deal that had ultimately put her in this position. A bit of terror put pressure on her chest as he mentioned that he had wanted someone of value from the pack. Mentally she was thinking, 'oh man you have been conned.' Sure, she was fast, which was how she managed to be in her current pack rank. However, that didn't mean she was viewed as holding 'some form of value' to her pack.

"This deal would be fairly pointless if we received a pack member who held no specific value that would be missed in some way."

Enora now knew that her Alpha had only told them what was viewed as the positives about her character. Isaac probably didn't know about her being bitten, how often she refused to follow orders, how many times she'd be punished for being basically not being a traditional werewolf. She was tolerated. If she had been one with a devious nature, perhaps she would have seriously considering using this chance to make herself out to be more than her Alpha thought of her, but she wasn't. She was too damn blunt, but that didn't mean she was going to throw herself under the bus on her own. She'd let-the-chips-fall-where-they-may and deal with it as it happened.

"Y-You're the Alpha?" she asked, looking him over. He honestly hadn't been what she had expected of their Alpha. She imagined he would have been closer in age to her own, who was in his late 50's.

"Well, I've probably made a horrible impression," she sighed to herself. Her mind currently would have made a sailor blush with the amount of cuss words she was thinking to this revelation.

"I didn't mean to be disrespectful towards you - if I was - because I didn't think the Alpha would have come into the territory. Uhm, god I feel like an ass now."

She ran her hand through her hair as she awkwardly stood there feeling fairly embarrassed. She had been too candid with them. That was a mistake. She forgot for a moment she wasn't supposed to assume someone's rank. But he had never informed her of his, so he was partially to blame as well. Her embarrassment was currently overriding her feelings towards the restrictions being place upon her.

"Is it really necessary to have someone stand outside my room?"

 

[izayoiix]

"Y-You're the Alpha?" she asked and Isaac could see Malcolm smirking from the corner of his eye. He almost found it funny how much amusement the Epsilon was finding in this situation.

"I didn't mean to be disrespectful towards you - if I was - because I didn't think the Alpha would have come into the territory. Uhm, god I feel like an ass now."

Isaac laughed loudly at this. "Don't worry," he chuckled. "I was torn between being offended and flattered. I'm guessing you were expecting someone older as well then?" he asked. "I've been Alpha for a few years now." he offered in a small explanation.

Watching Enora fidget for a moment, Isaac let out a small sigh of amusement. At least he wasn't the only one who had felt awkward at her mistake. "If anything, I probably should have made my position clearer. However, whenever I travel, the sight of Malcolm tends to get people assuming." he said, eyeing the bit of trees they were coming upon. Almost home then. He couldn't wait. There'd been enough excitement this morning, and he was ready to relax in the safety of his office for even a few minutes.

"Is it really necessary to have someone stand outside my room?"

"Yes." he answered immediately. "At least for a day or two. I can guess how it'll be uncomfortable but it's a necessary precaution we're taking for now. Despite what we've been told about you and what I've seen so far, we still don't know you Enora." he explained. "I will not put your comfort above the safety of my pack. So if that means you have to be uncomfortable for a few nights, so be it."

 

[Fable]

izayoiix

Enora felt even more embarrassed when Isaac laughed at her reaction. At least he wasn't angry over it. She didn't want to admit that she had expected him to be much older, he was the youngest Alpha she had ever encountered before. From the few she had actually ever seen set foot into her pack's territory, they had always been older men. When he said he had been Alpha for a few years now, she wondered when that transition had happened. You would think a rival pack that shared a border, such information would have been important to share to avoid future problems.

"If anything, I probably should have made my position clearer. However, whenever I travel, the sight of Malcolm tends to get people assuming."

She glanced over at the Epsilon. She honestly had thought that Isaac had most likely been the Beta of their pack. While her words would have probably still been a bit offensive towards the Beta, saying them in front of the Alpha she was actually sort of complaining about, well, that was still much worse. Enora looked toward the same treeline as Isaac feeling an anxiousness buildup inside her chest. Once she passed them, she'd be in their territory and lose her own pack's protection.

"At least for a day or two. I can guess how it'll be uncomfortable but it's a necessary precaution we're taking for now. Despite what we've been told about you and what I've seen so far, we still don't know you Enora. I will not put your comfort above the safety of my pack. So if that means you have to be uncomfortable for a few nights, so be it."

"It's not that I don't understand, it's just a bit... creepy to me I guess, to have someone lurking outside my door," she replied as they went into Isaac's territory. She wouldn't dare admit her fear to them, it was a sign of weakness. She inhaled deeply and moved to fall back to let Isaac take the lead, with Malcolm falling in behind her as a precaution.

"I do have another question," she began with some hesitation, not knowing if she wanted the answer to this or not, "Is this temporary or permanent?"

She was clearly worried about the answer she would be given. Either way she'd constantly feel on edge since this wasn't her pack, the one she had been with for years since her unfortunate accident. At least if she knew how long she was to remain here, it could help her decide what she was going to do. If this was all temporary, then she'd probably do her best to lay low. If this was permanent, well she wasn't going to be very happy about that arraignment and would have to find a way to tell her former Alpha her opinions on the matter.

 

[izayoiix]

It was as if there was an invisible barrier where the two packs met at the border. When Isaac took the first step forward, moving in front of Enora for the first time since they'd left her Alpha's home. He took in a deep breath and relaxed, his body seeming to slump ever so slightly, most of the tension leaving his form. Now that he was on his lands, he could take full control of the situation. The unease he'd felt since they entered another pack's land was gone now, and the young Alpha could tell that his Epsilon felt much the same.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Isaac started forward again, this time Malcolm a step behind him and to the side, the Epsilon placing himself between his Alpha and their new guest, keeping her in his sights. Now that she was in unfamiliar territory, the older man wasn't going to put anything past her. Especially with how upset she seemed to be getting about her new situation.

"I do have another question, is this temporary or permanent?"

Feeling his responsibilities slam back onto his shoulders, Isaac sighed quietly, pausing for a moment, gathering his thoughts. The feeling of peace that had come with being home had been nice while it lasted. But he had to focus now.

Remaining silent for a moment longer, he turned so he could look at Enora from the corner of his eyes, trying to get an idea on how she would respond. "It's hard to say," he finally responded. "For the moment?" he asked, facing forward again, leaving her to stare at his back. "Yes. It's permanent."

Giving Malcolm a look who only nodded in response, he started forward again. "Come on. We need to get back to the house."

 

[Fable]

izayoiix
(When they get to where she and the Alpha are alone, she will go off on him, right now she is stewing.)

Enora's anxiousness when she crossed the border kept building. She kept thinking something bad was going to happen to her, that she wasn't supposed to be in this territory because it wasn't her pack's area. Perhaps it was part of those annoying werewolf instincts that brought this on, but her body tensed and she felt stiff as she walked, her eyes constantly glancing around warily as if she was trying to sneak in rather than being escorted.

"It's hard to say. For the moment? Yes. It's permanent."

Permanent. The word felt as though it slammed into her with a brute force, causing her to pause in her steps for a brief moment. She felt betrayed by her Alpha and angry towards Isaac because he had agreed to this deal. Her fists clenched and she tightened her jaw as she tried to keep herself from losing it. She'd never admit that being used this way - a bargaining chip, a tool - hurt her. It just seemed like it had been so easy for her to be tossed aside like this. Despite all her faults as a turned werewolf, she was always loyal. She could have easily just run off to some other pack she'd be sent to in order to deliver messages, but she had stayed.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and moved forward once again, trying to focus on her breathing, the scents, the sounds, just anything besides the turmoil she was feeling.

"Well, ain't that a bitch," she commented dryly.

 

[izayoiix]

"Well, ain't that a bitch," she commented dryly.

Isaac winced, though he didn't show it. He couldn't show it. There was a peace in being back home, but his father and the other elders couldn't see him show any sympathy to this girl. No matter how much he wished he could try to help her. He didn't doubt that she was a good person, and he hated that he had to treat her in such a way, but even he had sacrifices to make. Hopefully in time he would be able to help her better. Maybe once she'd gotten through a bit of the anger she had hidden at her situation.

The rest of their trek back was done mostly in silence other than the occasional rustle of leaves around them as they followed the path back to his main house. While Malcolm had pulled out his phone at one point and began to quietly instruct whoever had been on the other line, Isaac remained stoic.

"Alpha," Malcolm called out quietly, gaining his attention. "Your father wishes to see both you and the girl once we get back."

He sighed. "Of course," he muttered somewhat tiredly. Of course his father wanted to see them both. Despite having stepped down from the position of Alpha, the older Rockford male still made it his mission to oversee every course of action that his son committed. "Have someone tell him it shouldn't be too much of a problem."

Malcolm nodded and quickly dialed the phone and began speaking in hushed tones again.

It was only a few minutes later when Isaac stopped, having reached the edge of the forest. "Once we pass these last few trees we'll be within range of my home." he announced, turning slightly towards Enora. "We'll be spotted almost immediately and approached by some other guards. Ignore them. You are with me and Malcolm and you are a guest, not a prisoner. You'll stay by my side until I say otherwise." he began to explain. "Once we enter the building, we'll be going to see my father in my office. No matter what he says in passing about you, don't respond. If he tells you to do anything, ignore it."

He looked at Malcolm who nodded and stepped forward, out of the treeline so he could greet his fellow guards, leaving the two alone for a moment.

Isaac sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Please," he began, his voice quiet and stern. "Stay by my side or Malcolm's until I say otherwise. It's for your safety."

 

[Fable]

izayoiix

Enora focused on breathing, inhale and exhale, as she tried to keep herself from snapping from all this pressure. Eventually she would snap, somewhere, somehow, but right now she needed to do what she could to prevent more problems for herself. She was in - what she viewed - as bad situation. She didn't know exactly how she would emotionally erupt exactly, in anger, panic, or even fear. Just that she would and it wouldn't be pretty, and she'd rather be alone when it happened.

"Alpha, your father wishes to see both you and the girl once we get back."

Malcolm's words seemed to add more weight onto her shouldered problems right now. She wasn't sure why the former Alpha would want to see her, but it probably wasn't for a friendly welcome surprise party. Enora stopped when Isaac did, she knew better than to waltz past him.

"Once we pass these last few trees we'll be within range of my home. We'll be spotted almost immediately and approached by some other guards. Ignore them. You are with me and Malcolm and you are a guest, not a prisoner. You'll stay by my side until I say otherwise. Once we enter the building, we'll be going to see my father in my office. No matter what he says in passing about you, don't respond. If he tells you to do anything, ignore it."

She looked at Isaac indirectly as he spoke, giving her orders and seemingly changing his temperament to one of more authority than he had previously been displaying in her presence. Since she couldn't argue, and if she opened her mouth she might yell at him, she could only stand there silently before moving to stand somewhat closer to him, but a still respectable distance.

"Please. Stay by my side or Malcolm's until I say otherwise. It's for your safety."

Enora snapped.

"Safety? Oh you've got to be fucking joking. There isn't ever going to be any safety for me here, so please don't give an empty idea of it even being a possibility. I'm not a prisoner, I'm a guest? I didn't know that you were such a comedian, because clearly you know that's a fucking joke. A guest is a person who willingly wants to be hosted. I'm just a pawn in these bloody stupid pack games that I didn't ever ask to be a part of. I tried to behave! I tried to fit in! I guess it wasn't enough so now they've made me your problem!"

She was panting and as angry as she was her eyes were watering slightly.

"You wanted someone of value, surprise, you were conned. You got someone complete worthless."

 

[izayoiix]

At her rant, Isaac was surprised, and he showed it. For a moment before his expression turned stony and he remained silent, waiting until she was done. Internally he could understand her anger, but his instincts as an Alpha were outraged that this little she-wolf thought she could get away with mouthing off and disrespecting him in such a way. While he understood her words, his pride as an Alpha was enraged. His nostrils flared and one corner of his lip pulled up in the beginnings of a snarl.

"You wanted someone of value, surprise, you were conned. You got someone complete worthless."

Isaac snorted somewhat derisively at her words. He could smell the tears pooling in her eyes despite her anger and his humanity kept reminding him that she was going through a hard time. While he could let some things go, he would still make sure the little Delta knew her place.

He took a step forward, his eyes dark with repressed anger that he was trying to hide. "Listen well, little Delta." he growled lowly, quickly latching onto her arm with a tight but not bruising grip. He wouldn't let her turn away from his gaze just yet. "I can comprehend the largeness of your situation, but do not take my attempt at kindness and patience for granted." he commanded lowly, searching her gaze. "You are now a member of my pack, temporary or not, and I will not have a wolf under my protection through my offers help back at me with words of spite."

"You are in shock and angered." he growled. "I understand this. But do not think to let it happen again any time soon." he finished, his eyes softening slowly as he released her arm. He swallowed down the rest of his anger and took in a deep breath before closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose. "Do not ever belittle yourself ever again. Now come. We must go, otherwise we will both have more problems to deal with than we would like."

Giving Enora one last look he turned again and stepped through the trees at a slow but even pace, giving her a moment to collect herself and follow him. They needed to hurry before his father came looking for them.

 

[Fable]

izayoiix
(Sorry this is sort of just following the lead, since I don't want to have them waltz into Isaac's office as I don't know if you have anything planned for that. X3)

Once Enora had finished ranting she immediately froze and slowly tried to back away from Isaac. She didn't know his temperament, but any Alpha wouldn't let her get away with such behavior. She knew that. She saw his expression and felt fear, trying to back away even more, but slowly so as to not provoke him any further. She'd already fucked up enough by letting her thoughts loose on him.

When he took a step towards her, she thought she was screwed. However, he managed to close the minor amount of distance she'd put between them and grabbed onto her arm harshly, causing her to stop in her efforts to back away and out of the situation. He made sure she was looking at him as he spoke, though she desperately wanted to look away and become invisible right now.

"Listen well, little Delta. I can comprehend the largeness of your situation, but do not take my attempt at kindness and patience for granted. You are now a member of my pack, temporary or not, and I will not have a wolf under my protection through my offers help back at me with words of spite."

She tried to move away slightly, but his grip held fast and her heart was pounding. When he had said she was part of his pack, she kept her comments to herself. She'd never be a part of his pack. Hell, she had been barely part of her own pack. Right now all she heard from him was things he felt like he should say to her regarding her situation, because telling someone the dark ugly truth wasn't 'polite.'

"You are in shock and angered. I understand this. But do not think to let it happen again any time soon. Do not ever belittle yourself ever again. Now come. We must go, otherwise we will both have more problems to deal with than we would like."

She was much too scared right now to reply to his words. All she could do was nod that she had heard and understood him. So when he finally released her, she silently followed after him, further into the lion's den of wolves (hue~). She used the back of her hands to wipe away the tears that had been threatening to come. She was upset with herself for being so weak in front of an Alpha. She had told herself to never, ever let anyone see any weakness in herself. Thankfully she hadn't really started crying in front of him, that probably would have made everything so much worse.

She kept a close, but safe distance from Isaac. She didn't bother trying to look around at her surroundings, she just focused on staring at Isaac's back. She wasn't glaring, she was trying to make herself look as though she hadn't just pissed of the Alpha. She may have fucked up how Isaac viewed her, but she needed tot try and make his pack wary about messing with her.

 

[izayoiix]

Feeling Enora's stare on his back didn't faze Isaac. He may not like it, but she made her choice and now he had made his. Just because he didn't want to be an absolute jerk leader, didn't mean that he wasn't to be respected. He wasn't exactly happy with how things had gone a minute ago, but what was done was done. Time to face the consequences and deal with the rest of the day.

Once he was sure that she was right behind him, he called for Malcolm and began to head for his office at a brisk pace. He'd kept his father waiting long enough and he didn't want to deal too much with his criticisms of his performance.

It didn't take long to get to get to his private home where his office was held and where most private meetings took place. Once in sight of the three story building, Isaac could clearly make out the light on in his private office and the silhouette of a pacing man. He sighed, hurrying his pace a tad more. Once inside, he removed his shoes and jacket, hanging up the fabric on a small hook beside the door. Making room for Enora and Malcolm to enter, he gestured towards where he'd left his belongings. "Feel free to leave your shoes here." he told her. "After we meet with my father we can get something to eat if you're hungry."

His message delivered, he turned again so his back was to her and he headed for the stairs, going to the second floor where the offices were held. Opening the door at the end of the hall once on the second floor, Isaac paused in the doorway, watching his father settle himself in the chair behind his desk.

Isaac felt his jaw tighten as he felt a prick of annoyance at his father. The man needed to realize that he wasn't Alpha anymore. He had passed the title down to his son and he needed to understand that that meant that he wasn't in charge. Letting out a large puff of air, he plastered a painfully fake smile on his face before stepping inside and ushering Enora and Malcolm in. "Father, what can I do for you?" he asked, keeping his tone a mix of respectful and neutral.

The older man gave his son a hard stare before his gaze turned towards the she-wolf who entered behind him. "So this is the runt we got from that pack?" the older man asked, his voice harsh.

Taking a deep breath, Isaac prayed that Enora would keep her mouth shut. "Yes father. This is who their Alpha selected to come back with us. She was a Delta there, so once everything settles down again I'll be finding something for her to do around her."

That shocked his father, and Isaac could only wince internally at the at the thunderous expression now displayed on his face. "You aren't making her an Omega?" he demanded.

 

[Fable]

izayoiix
(Reactionary post is reactionary.)

Enora didn't even glance at Malcolm as they rejoined them as Isaac led the way to where his father was waiting for them. Isaac was emanating agitation and she wondered if he was still frustrated over her verbal explosion. She kept her mouth shut though seeing as she really didn't want to push her luck and make him even more pissed off at her. She instead changed her thoughts to wonder why the former Alpha was pressing Isaac for a meeting. She wondered if perhaps there was some sort of power struggle going on between them. She hoped that wasn't the case, from what she had heard about this pack, their Alpha was more traditional than her own.

Her mind wandered again on that subject. Seeing as Isaac said that it appeared she would be here permanently - even though he also said 'for now' - was she supposed to consider him her official Alpha now, or did her loyalties lie with the Alpha she had known since when she was bitten. She had no idea what sort of protocol there was for this. When a werewolf left the pack to go to another, it was cut and dry that the new pack's Alpha was their leader. There were those cases of loners, those who went without a pack and survived on their own. Enora had considered that lifestyle at one point, but she was too scared to be alone being the way she was now. Right now though, she felt like neither Alpha's were really her 'leader.' So, she'd just be loyal to herself and decide that she'd listen to the Alpha of the territory of where she was at that time.

Enora had been in 'auto' mode until she heard Isaac speak, telling her she could leave her shoes. She removed them wordlessly and then followed after him to the office where they were to meet his father. She hadn't expected a warm welcome from the elder, but she managed to remain quiet even after being called a 'runt' in a rude manner. She'd been called worse. She was more annoyed at Isaac for letting his father insult her in such a manner, though perhaps he viewed her the same way.

"You aren't making her an Omega?"

Enora's brows furrowed at the elder's question. She had fully expected to be sent back to the bottom ranks, they had no reason to not do so. They couldn't use her to deliver messages since that took a bit of trust that she wouldn't purposefully try and change the messages to her or her pack's advantage.

She glanced at Isaac, the first time since he'd grabbed her and had a few words spoken at her. She felt very out of place right now, like a person who was unintentionally hearing a conversation about themselves by accident.

 

[izayoiix]

Gritting his teeth, Isaac felt his hands curl into fists at his side. His anger was getting ahead of him again, causing him to react without his conscious consent. "No," he bit out. "I'm not."

"Well why not?!" the elder man demanded, his eyes flashing in outrage as his former Alpha dominance tried to come forward. "This brat is no pack member of ours! We have no obligation to care for it properly, not to mention that she's bitten! It has no dignity!" he snarled, practically spitting out the words, glaring at Enora as if the sight of her disgusted him.

As Isaac's anger grew in response, her was glad that so far Enora had remained silent behind him. While he guessed having people talk about her without including her must have been annoying, if she'd responded to his father, the situation could be a lot worse. Slowly feeling his anger at such disrespect being shown before him, the Alpha in him demanded that the offender pay, father or not. The sudden rough grip on his shoulder had him tensing, but it was enough to bring him back for a moment, recognizing Malcolm's grip on his arm from childhood.

"I'd been wondering if you were ready to become Alpha!" his father growled. "I guess I stepped down too soon!"

It was all Isaac could take at the moment. He snapped.

Lunging across the small space, he was in front of his father in a second, his eyes black with rage. Walking into the man until he was pressed against the wall, Isaac slammed on fist into the wall beside the elder's head, his free arm braced against his neck. From his peripheral, he could just make out Malcolm moving so he was standing in front of Enora, blocking her from Isaac's view, and the human part of him was glad. She didn't need to be dragged further into his anger.

Lowering his face until it was right in front of his father's, Isaac let out a heavy breath, the hot air fanning across the slightly aged face. Taking in a second breath and letting it out in a similar manner, Isaac began to speak, his voice low and guttural. "Enough." he growled.

"You will hold your tongue. This is my pack now. I am Alpha and you will show me respect. Or father or not, I will rip your tongue from your mouth." he threatened. "Do you understand me?"

It was silent between them for a moment, the only noise in the room being the heavy breathing from the two males before the pinned man nodded, anger etched darkly into his features. Isaac didn't waste a second. "Good." he released him. "Now get out of my office."

Watching him scurry out with still dark eyes, it wasn't until the door had slammed shut that Isaac felt some of the tension drain from his body. Reaching blindly for his chair, he pulled it out and slumped into the cushioned seat, resting his arms on his desk as he leaned forward and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to calm himself down.

"I'm fine Malcolm," he spoke in a soft voice minutes later. "Did he say anything to you or Enora as he left?" he asked them both, refusing to look up from his desk.

 

[Fable]

izayoiix
(Fortnite early release is very distracting lol. Excuse mistakes, didn't proof-read cause I was in a rush X3)

Enora's body stiffened as the elder werewolf and former Alpha raised his voice, demanding to know why Isaac wasn't setting her as the lowest rank there was. She wondered that herself, but she wouldn't have asked like his father has just done. The insults about her person continued, not only was she a 'runt' but also a 'brat' and an 'it' rather than a person. She wasn't shocked as it was pointed out that she was bitten, something she'd learned a long time ago made her almost like an abomination to the hardest traditionalists who focused on "pureblood" werewolves. At least he hadn't called her a mutt.

The tension of the room was palpable as the two males stared each other down. She had a bad feeling this had a chance of becoming violent, and in the case of werewolves, that could lead to unpredictability, sometimes even a forced shift. As Isaac's position as Alpha was threatened, and though it shouldn't have caught her off guard, when he lunged at his own father she defensively took a step away, trying to put as much distance between herself and them. They were pack-mates, they could settle a dispute with less of a chance of death. However, she wasn't pack of the pack officially, meaning there would be that instinct to defend one's territory in the heat of passion, so she'd be right there as an easy target.

Enora looked at Malcolm's back as he positioned himself between her and them, basically overshadowing her presence. That didn't mean she suddenly felt comfortable about the given situation, but at least there was now someone to keep her from being collateral damage in a fight between two Alpha males. As Isaac warned his father and reminded him of his position, Enora felt like this wasn't the last time something between Isaac and his father would happen.

Once the elder was released, Enora made sure to move aside to ensure she was as far away from him as she could be as he left. She didn't know if he'd try to snap her neck on his way out. However, all he got was a hateful glare from the man and his lips curled back as though he was about to snarl at her, but he stopped. Once he had left the office, her attention cautiously turned towards Isaac. He looked very stressed at this moment and she didn't envy having his position. Her own Alpha she'd never seen challenged, well, except by her (which always ended badly), so this was a first for her. She'd been given a crash course on pack life and that the first years with a new Alpha were always the worst because it brought on challengers of that position.

"I'm fine Malcolm. Did he say anything to you or Enora as he left?"

"Not words to me directly, though he made his thoughts on my presence very clear. ," Enora replied, trying to keep the bitterness out of her voice.

"I would understand being made an Omega. What I don't understand - if I can ask - is why am I not?"

There was quite few other things she wanted to say and ask, but she left it at that. She didn't want to pester him about her things since she was sent off without notice, that pretty much meant right now all she owned was on her person. If he didn't want to make her and Omega, then what rank would she be and what jobs would he give her. She wanted to sit down and have him answer the basic need-to-know-immediately questions, but with his body language, he probably didn't want to be pestered by her. After all, she'd already pissed him off once and now by presence alone had caused a conflict between him and his father.

 

[izayoiix]

( Fable Totally fine lol)
There it was, Isaac thought. The large question. Or one of them at least. Why wouldn't he make her an Omega? Other than his personal beliefs, he only had wide reasons that would most likely anger some of the elder members of his pack. His father was one example of this. He sighed.

"Why indeed," he mused aloud, lifting his head to stare at Enora with still dark eyes and a fatigued expression. "There are a few reasons I could give you," he began, choosing his words carefully. "But the one I'll give you for now is that you are an able bodied wolf. You were bitten, true. But you still managed to get yourself ranked as a Delta. No matter the issues you had with the other Alpha, you still held that rank. Who am I to take that lightly? Why would I waste your talent by making you an Omega when I could easily find something for you to in the meantime?" he asked her, raising a brow.

He was silent for a moment, almost daring her to respond but he continued on, knowing he needed to get some work done before they could sit down and have a proper talk.

"Maybe one day I'll tell you the other reasons." he said. "For now, Malcolm will show you to your room and if you remember the way back, say in an hour or two, you can meet me back here and we can go over your other questions. I know you have them." he bargained.

Watching her for a moment more, Isaac nodded to Malcolm who opened the door, and gestured for Enora to go first while he turned slightly in his chair and opened a drawer in his desk, pulling out a stack of papers to go over. He needed to gather his thoughts before he could speak with Enora now. Not after this long morning. He needed time to calm down and relax after what had just happened and would no doubt happen again. He sighed. He really hoped he was right about Enora. He would need all the help he could get.

"If you need any help and Malcolm or I aren't there, ask anyone in this building for directions." he called out to her before she left. "As long as it isn't my father, anyone should be able to help you without an issue."

 

[Fable]

izayoiix
(Zombie killing while sick FTW. Prolly more typos and such, trying to get it finished before I gotta eat dinner.)

"Why indeed. There are a few reasons I could give you, but the one I'll give you for now is that you are an able bodied wolf. You were bitten, true. But you still managed to get yourself ranked as a Delta. No matter the issues you had with the other Alpha, you still held that rank. Who am I to take that lightly? Why would I waste your talent by making you an Omega when I could easily find something for you to in the meantime?"

Enora wasn't sure if she should take what he said as a strange compliment towards her ability. Yes, she had indeed fought her way up the pack food chain and it had not been easy. She would have suspected she had been given a steep learning curve, but that honestly hadn't been the case. She had a small grace period to learn - a very small grace period - and then it was basically all trial by fire.

"Maybe one day I'll tell you the other reasons. For now, Malcolm will show you to your room and if you remember the way back, say in an hour or two, you can meet me back here and we can go over your other questions. I know you have them."

She pursed her lips slightly, but annoyed that he'd apparently thought up of many reasons for his decision, but only telling her the one. She honestly couldn't think of a single possible reason for it, but she was going to get her answers at some point. As Isaac had expressed he wanted to be alone, Enora moved towards the door, but turned to look at Isaac.

"Don't back out of telling me those other reasons later," she told him to let him know that she was only accepting the delay, for now. It was also a way to sort of push that Alpha button there that challenged their honesty, that he couldn't lie about saying he would tell her and then to later back out. Malcolm also served as a witness, so if Isaac tried to avoid it it would reflect badly on him. With that, she left so as to not let linger to deal with the consequences if he decided to be temperamental about her challenge of character.

She followed after Malcolm as he lead her to where she would be staying. She was still unsettled that she'd have someone monitoring her until who-knew-when. She was led down a long hallway and given a small tour of basically 'don't go into rooms but your own' style. She was brought to a room at the end of the hall and Malcolm opened the door for Enora. It was a lot larger than where she had been living back with her own pack. This looked like a fairly comfortable and well-kept guest room and even appeared to have a private bathroom.

"I'll come back for you in a couple of hours. You're free to do what you want in here, just don't go wandering off right now until everything is settled first," Malcolm informed her before closing the door and leaving. Once she was alone, Enora explored the space, sniffing it curiously. It didn't smell like anyone's claimed room and seemed like everything had been recently cleaned. She was more than satisfied with this room arrangement, except for a few issues. She was in the Alpha's home, she was going to have someone outside of her door - which she hadn't heard Malcolm walk away after he had closed the door - and this situation could always change to something worse.

She flopped down on the bed, not even bothering to get under the covers. She yawned widely as the boredom of being stuck in a room set in. Eventually she did fall asleep, though that hadn't been her intention, she was just tired and had been up way too early today. She later awoke to a knock on her door and Malcolm entering without an invitation, seeing a disheveled and groggy Enora. He said nothing, but the smirk he wore made her get up and go to the bathroom to see her hair was a mess from tossing and turning in her sleep. She used her hands to fix it as best as she could before Malcolm told her she needed to stop fussing about and follow him.

She was led back to Isaac's office and as she entered she was stretching her arms above her head, not looking the slightest bit professional in her manner at all.

 

[izayoiix]

( Fable Sounds like you're living the dream :3 It's fine lol. Mine most likely have small errors too )

Once the two had left, Malcolm shutting the door softly behind them, Isaac felt himself finally be able to relax. And relax he did. Slumping forward, he let his head drop heavily onto his wooden desk, a soft noise mixed between a whine and a groan escaping him. He wondered what exactly he was doing. At only twenty-six he was locked into a battle of wills with his father, a man he had idolized growing up. Closing his eyes at the painful memories that began to surface, he questioned how they had ended up this way. He didn't remember his father being cruel. He didn't remember belittling other wolves, bitten or born. He didn't remember his father doing half of the things he did now.

"What am I doing...?" he mumbled to himself, letting a huff of air escape him. Rolling his shoulders slightly, he winced. He was so tense. "Maybe this is why most Alpha's find a mate early on." he mused somewhat sarcastically. "They need someone to get rid of the knots in their muscles." he laughed.

He was quiet for a while longer, his forehead no doubt gaining a bright red mark due to the desk. It wasn't until he heard soft voices passing by his door that he finally lifted his head, blinking in shock at the sudden white page covering his eyes. Reaching up he pulled the paper off of his forehead, setting it down on his desk while he stood and began to stretch out his arms as he walked towards his bookcase. Scanning the titles on the shelf, he paused at the picture he used to treasure the most. With hardened and tired eyes, he flicked it from back, watching with tension as it fell, falling forward so the image could no longer be seen.

Turning his back to the shelves, he sat at his desk once again, determined to focus. He'd had his small pity party and now it was time to focus. He wasn't a child anymore and he had work to do. He wouldn't let his father or Enora distract him anymore. He wouldn't let his pack fail due to his inattention.

Soon he was lost in his work, reading over paper after paper, signing and documenting everything that had been left for him by his Beta. He'd just started looking over messages left for him by his own Delta's when his door opened, causing his head to shoot up in alarm.

"Who?!" he started to growl, only to let out a small laugh as he relaxed, realizing it was only Enora. Chuckling at her lack of care in her appearance, he assumed she'd been sleeping and waited for her to focus on him before gesturing to the chair across from him on the opposite side of the desk. "Have a seat." he told her with a small smile.

"Have a nice nap?" he teased gently, referring to her stretching.

 

[Fable]

izayoiix
(I just try and proof-read them a bit before I post, but between having to fight zombies and having to go eat soon, I decided to post and not check. X3)

Enora casually plunked into the chair still trying to chase off the last cobwebs of sleep. She had been too tired to be bothered by the fact that Malcolm had stood watch outside her door while she slept. It would probably bother her more later on, but right now she'd not focus on that little detail.

"Have a nice nap?"

"You try sleeping in a twin bed with a dorm-room style mattress for three years. I may as well enjoy the cushy queen-sized bed while I can," she replied. She'd grown used to her overly firm bed back at the singles dorm, so sleeping in the guest bed here was a luxury she had forgotten existed. She leaned back in the chair in an almost nonchalant manner, though that didn't mean her mind wasn't starting to buzz with thoughts.

"I'm not going to bother you about your reasons since you've already stated you'd go over them some other time. As far as my questions go, top one right now is where are my things? I hadn't really been given a notice that I had needed to pack, so now I get to look forward to know someone went through my personal items. You already told me what to expect security-wise, with the whole 'watching while I sleep' thing and such. So, that leaves the question of what your plans for me are as far as a job. I had a thought on that though, sort of two-birds-one-stone type of deal."

Enora leaned forward, changing her posture from slacker casual to focused intent.

"It was pretty clear on how what your father thinks about my presence. Alpha or not, he still has influence and I don't doubt that he may have complained to others about me. You need to find a way to prove to them that I can be placed above an Omega rank. Even if I am not an Omega, being who and what I am, to them it would possibly come off as insulting for those who end up in a lower rank than myself. It's also in my own best interest as well because if I can make others think twice about being disrespectful towards me there will be less conflicts. I propose a public test. You test my skills however you wish, though I will probably do best in something with speed or agility. Of course, there is that risk that it could all go wrong for a variety of reasons, but that doesn't bother me. If I succeed, you may find yourself with less scrutinizing and I will hopefully catch a small break regarding those wanting to bother me."