Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Well well well, look what the wolf dragged in.” A figure teased as they slipped through the doorway.

They looked up from where they were sitting up against from the wall in their room.

“Ha ha, very funny Krystal. No one has ever used that before.”

The vampire simply rolled her eyes. “Oh please, you know you love it”

“I only allow it because it’s you, anyone else I would rip out their throat.”

“Except Quinn”

“Yeah… except you and Quinn”

“Means I have something to one up Marcel,” She boasted.

Tank smiled a bit and shook their head at her. They were hanging out more with Quinn and less with the pack. he eventually introduced him to all of the so called,misfits he collected, he said. “You’ll fit right in.” Those were his words that day. He was right. Tank fit right in with the others. Krystal was one of the “misfits” as well. A vampire with a sharp tongue, who found entertainment in teasing others. She looked rather young but then again vampires never grew old. No way to tell how long she’s been alive. When asked any question regarding her age or when she was turned, the usual comeback was, “I’m old enough to know that asking a lady her age is rude. So shut it before I snap your neck.” That retort always made Tank smile. In fact they had learned some of they’re comebacks from her. She had made them feel welcome the moment they met.

Krystal eventually made her way to the wall where they were sitting, and simply stood in front of them. Tank looked up at her. They made eye contact with each other, before she finally squatted to match their eye level.

“You’re thinking about something.”

Tank immediately lowered their head, staring at the floor instead. Krystal merely gave them a soft smile.

“Ah… it’s about your pack.”

They shot their eyes to meet hers. They opened their mouth, but no words came out.

“You don’t need to say anything. I know talking was never a strong point of yours.” Her voice was kinder, not in the usual teasing tone when there was other company. She was sitting instead of squatting now.

“Based on what you’ve told me, I don’t think they’d noticed why you’re gone nowadays. If they did ask then they picked a weird time to finally give a crap.”

Tank kept their gaze to the floor. Their mind was too lost in thought. Being part of a pack was, hard. Being introduced as a teenager and being expected to know everything that was going on. They didn’t. The most conversation they ever had with any of the other pack members was during school. David and Asher definitely treated them like one of their own, but no one hardly ever reached out any time after school. All they needed was an open hand to help them. Help them integrate with the pack. Or maybe they just wanted a helping hand. Either way, no one in the pack gave it. Except Gabe. Gabe was that open hand. Things were always easier with Gabe. He made them feel closer to the pack than anyone else ever did. If it was helping them get more comfortable during the pack solstice or simply just talking to them whenever they felt out of place. It was easier. He made it easier.

Things went off the deep end when he died. It was sudden, no one was prepared it. They’d never admit, but they’ve never felt more alone than they did in that very moment. Who could’ve thought that would’ve been the breaking point for them, to go wandering where they met a very sly and insistent vampire. Who also could’ve guess that they would’ve made some friends that actually gave a shit along the way.

Tank remained quiet, and Krystal finally spoke again. “I know that, it’s hard, feeling alone. Hell, I’m a vampire, eternity can get lonely rather quick.” Tank shifted their gaze to meet Krystal’s eyes.

“But remember, you’re not alone here. We’ve all been around each other long enough to see each other fight, plus we’ve all had each other’s backs, been through thick and thin. We all have the mark of our friendship.” She lifted her sleeve and put up the tattoo inside her wrist. Tank’s eyes trailed down to her wrist, then where the same tattoo was found on their own body. “All you have to do is ask, or just talk, we’d listen.”

She stood up, offering a hand to Tank, who was still sitting against the wall.

“Now come on, I think Quinn is going to throw a fuss if he finds us away from the party.” The usual teasing voice returned.

Tank smiled, and finally took her hand. Krystal lifted them up easily, “However,” she pulled them face to face using her hand. This tone was serious, too serious, almost threatening. It wasn’t the concerned and kind vampire they were listening to a few moments ago. “I will expose you in front of everyone if I feel like you really need the reality check.” Her eyes narrowed. “And I don’t care if you try and stop me by shifting. I will bite back.”

Oh that was definitely a Tank threat right there. Tank narrowed their eyes back, a low growl starting in their throat, and Krystal grinned. She suddenly pulled them using their hand, running out of the room. Tank knew they couldn’t get out of her grip, especially not while they weren’t shifted. It was futile, so they just ran with her, being dragged along at some points.

“Come on! I hope Marcel hasn’t eaten all the blood pastries yet! If he did I’m going to punch him in the face, then you’re going to help me make some more!” She shouted.

Tank couldn’t help but laugh. Our little group, as much of a pack as I can get, as much as a family I could have.

That was a couple months before it all went to shit.

Chapter Text

Tank had been back with the pack for almost a year now. Things definitely could’ve gone, better. Trespassing on vampire territory, fighting some vampires, nearly bleeding out on their own coach, figuring out that they were bloodbound of all things to Quinn, surviving a talk with David that definitely seemed one sided, and afterwords a pack meeting that again, seemed one sided. Yeah, things could’ve gone better.

But at least now they now had one hell of a mate. Sam kept them grounded. They’ll never admit out loud, but they loved him for it. He knew it too though. Especially after the unexpected phone call from David about how Quinn was spotting far up north. They would’ve definitely run off that day, gone straight north, trying to see if they could find and kill him once and for all.

“If you promise me you’ll let them try, without running off on your own, and I promise you if he keeps at it, if he keeps hurting innocent people and they still haven’t gotten him, then you and I will hunt him down together, and we’ll take that freak to task, no have measures. No holding back, we do whatever we have do to bring him down. Can you promise me that?”

To be fair, a murder road-trip with Sam was the last thing they’d thought he’d ever agree to.

But he doesn’t know the risk, he doesn’t know everything. The others would be more prepared. And I would rather die than have anything happen to him.

Why did I promise to that?

—————

A couple days had passed. They were at their apartment. Sitting on their couch, eating the instant ramen that they’d gotten the other day, much to Sam’s disapproval.

“Darlin, you can’t just be eating cup noodles, it’s not real food.”

“It’s easier Sam, and most of the time I’m not even home.” That last part was a lie.

He groaned. “I swear one of these nights I’m gonna drag your ass to the grocery store.”

They smiled at the memory. But a never ending guilt was forming in their head.

Should I tell the pack about the others? Should they know about them? It was in the past, we were good friends, we parted on good terms, the pack doesn’t have to know.

Suddenly their phone rang. It startled them a bit. It was David.

“Hey, I’m calling everyone for a mandatory pack meeting tonight at 8.”

David wasn’t the type to call for pack meetings the day of. He’d always let everyone know a few days prior. Something horrific happened. Or something big was going to happen. However Tank was invited, so it was probably the first option.

“…Mandatory? Well damn, must be important.”

“Yes, it is. I trust you’ll be there?”

“…Yeah…alright, bye David.”

They ended the call and ruffled their hair a bit, their hand making its way down to the scar on the side of their neck, scratching it. Shit.

They opened their messages.

Darlin: David called for a last minute pack meeting tonight

Darlin: i think it’s important, wanna come?

Sam: Would they mind?

Darlin: course not

Darlin: if they did I’ll kick their butts

Sam: No need for that Darlin, but if you want me to, I’ll be there

Darlin: then can you pick me up?

Darlin: meeting starts at 8

Sam: Of course

They smiled, things were definitely easier with Sam. They were lucky to have him.

Sam arrived at the parking lot of their apartment in his truck, and they were already outside on the curb, right next to their motorcycle. Tank smiled at him as he pulled into a parking spot.

“Please don’t tell me you were sitting outside this entire time Darlin. I was gonna call you when I arrived,” he said, lowering his window.

Tank chuckled a bit, now walking to the passengers seat. “Don’t worry cowboy, I promise it wasn’t a long wait.”

They got into the car and made their way to the den.

They were quiet. Staring out the window for quite some time now. To anybody else it would seem like they were just enjoying the scenery. Sam wasn’t just anybody else. He knew that look. They were deep in thought, maybe a little to deep.

“Darlin.”

It took a moment for them to turn their head to face him, like they were shaking off a memory.

“What are you thinking about? You can tell me, if you’re comfortable.”

They softly smiled, “It’s nothing it’s just, honestly it’s concerning… this meeting. It’s sudden. And sudden usually means something bad happened, even I’ve been around long enough to know that.” They sigh. “I just hope it’s nothing too bad.”

They closed their eyes, listening to the surrounding sounds, focusing on the peace.

“Hey,” Sam spoke softly. “I’m sure whatever it is, we’ll get through it, together.”

He stuck out his hand so they could hold it if they wanted to. They did. They reached out their hand and Sam held it, ever so softly. He started to caress their fingers with his thumb. Tank smiled bigger this time, and proceeded to look back outside. Their thoughts clearer.

——————

Sam and Tank made to it to the den, he parked the truck outside and they made their way to the entrance.

Tank had a habit of staying in the hall outside the room then entering the a minute before the meeting actually started, but Sam joined them this time. They had reluctantly, they wouldn’t admit that to Sam, entered earlier than they would’ve alone. Everyone seemed like they were already here. Everyone was having their own conversations before David ultimately started the meeting. Tank saw David was near his usual spot, talking to Milo’s mate. Tank noticed they were holding a briefcase. Probably for the meeting. David quickly glanced at Tank, then to Sam who was right next to them, and then his gaze met Tank’s again. He simply nodded his head, acknowledging both of their presences and Tank nodded back. They made their way to a couple of seats, leading the way for Sam.

More time had past, and Tank could’ve sworn Asher and his mate, more so only Asher, were sneaking in, trying not to make it obvious they were the last ones. Asher was failing at that. Tank saw Christian pointing it out to Arden, she only rolled her eyes at him.

David definitely noticed it too, but said nothing. He finally spoke. “Thank you everyone for coming on such short notice,” the room got quiet. “but we need to discuss recent events.”

He gestured to Milo’s mate, Stealth, to talk.

“Thanks David. Currently the Department is keeping this under wraps, but I thought it was important enough to tell David.”

They sighed a bit, took out some files, papers, from the briefcase they had brought.

“Two nights ago, there was an attack farther north of Dahlia. Two bodies were found, identities still unknown. The Department doesn’t know who caused it, only that it’s likely it was a vampire. I managed to copy a few pictures and evidence from the crime scene.”

They took a moment to start passing out papers.

“Actually, I wanted to ask Tank if they recognized the handiwork.” Tank met Stealth’s gaze, and a copy made its way to them.

They opened they files and saw the pictures of the crime. They could hear distant talking around them, questions were asked, Stealth was explaining more, but their focus wasn’t on their surroundings at that point. Tank cringed. They could feel Sam’s breath hitch as he was right there next to them. Holy shit. It was brutal. In the photos, one female and one male. The female was drained of blood. A gash through her neck, pale skin, bite marks. Tank had seen it plenty of times. Her face was partly torn up, bloodied and missing. They looked at Sam and he nodded. They were both thinking the same thing. Definitely a vampire. But the male victim was, different. He had a similar wound that the female had, but it wasn’t a bite for feeding. It was intent to kill. Tank was very familiar to bites like that, they’d experienced it from vampires themselves. Some of his limbs were gone. Not chopped off. Not ripped off. But gnawed off. Like he was used as a personal chew toy. The other limbs that remain were broken. Twisted. They could see the bones poking out from his skin, well, what remained of it anyway. His upper chest was caved in. That was probably the killing blow. Someone or something crushed him. His body was smothered with lacerations, unknown bites and bruises that never healed. His face was unrecognizable. Covered and caked in blood. No wonder the Department couldn’t identify the victims.

———————

As Tank was looking over the case Stealth spoke again, “One male and one female. They concluded that the female unempowered, however the male was a vampire. Signs of a struggle from coming him, most likely against his assailant. From blood testing the Department is positive that the male vampire didn’t feed from the human.”

Asher spoke, “Why did the Department want to keep this hidden? This seems pretty damn important if you ask me.”

“They don’t know who to tie it too,” Stealth explained. “They don’t like the thought of an outside force being capable of… this. They’d rather wait until they’d have enough evidence and information of what they are dealing with. A panic is the last thing they want. By my knowledge I don’t think they’d done any autopsies yet.” They paused. “David they’ll probably let you know soon enough, but regarding my judgment, I thought telling you now was the best move.”

David nodded at them in agreement.

“Vampire.” Tank finally spoke, only loud enough.

“I’d reckon more than one.” Sam spoke softly.

“Probably.” That was a whisper. “The female victim was definitely drained by a vampire. But the male... It’s gruesome, but I don’t think it was him.”

“Really?” Stealth asked.

Tank nodded their head. “I don’t recognize the bites, but then again I can’t recognize a lot from… this. But I know that whatever happened to the vampire, it’s not Quinn’s style. His tendency is to maim and hurt his victims to the edge of death, then leave them to rot.” Their hand made it’s way to the back of their neck. They sighed. “Whatever happened to that vampire, it was very much intentional.”

An uneasy chill entered the room. Hell, Tank could’ve sworn Angel got that chill too, and they were a human heater, by the words of Asher. Even Sam right by their side, hot and cold didn’t affect vampires in the normal way too.

The chill was broken by David’s next words. “The fact that a human and a vampire were both found dead raises some concerns. I wanted to let all of you know.”

——————

Tank could swear they could still hear David talking, but their mind was going a mile a minute. Their hand found it’s way to the scar on the side of their neck once more. Tank couldn’t help but wonder. If it was, no. No. There’s no way to tell for certain. No way he’d go after any of us. But his other friends… do they have a vendetta with us? I can’t check. Stealth said no autopsies. Shit. Double shit. He could’ve lied to all of us. But didn’t we all mean something to him? He almost killed my friend, but it was my fault, that was my fault. Maybe if we’d all had stayed. I could’ve handled it. I could’ve handled him. I should’ve…no. We decided to leave. He tried to hurt us. We all split ways. They wouldn’t-

“Darlin?”

Sam. It was Sam. So gentle. He’d noticed their mind was racing. Similar to when they were in his truck.

“Are you alright?” He had made sure it was a whisper, no one else could hear.

“I’ll tell you later.” They whispered quickly. It was quiet even for his heightened hearing. They didn’t even meet his gaze.

Shit. Something was on their mind. He could tell, he could bet it was also something they didn’t want to talk about with David. Sam was still looking at his mate. He was concerned and worried. Stubborn little-

——————

David concluded the meeting. He and Milo helped collect the files with Stealth. He noticed that Tank was surprisingly, not the first one to leave the den. Arden and Christian were the firsts to leave the den. Tank stayed for a bit longer, simply moving to one of the nearer walls, talking to Sam. He was hit with a bit of relief that they had stayed, even if it was a bit longer. Maybe it’s because Sam accompanied them. Whatever the reason, it was nice watching them linger. He had also noticed his mate, sneak, or rather, attempt to sneak their way over to Tank and Sam to engage in a conversation. Tank saw them coming of course. His mate had basically plopped themselves right in between the pair. Didn’t seem that Tank minded though. David was well aware that Angel and Tank got along quite well. They were able to keep up with his mate’s, hyper, personality. He had watched the three of them talk, as he finished packing up a few things. He had noted that Asher, Milo and their mate’s had just left altogether, probably going on some double date that Asher talked the others into.

Sam and Tank finally said their goodbyes to Angel when everyone else had left. He saw that it ended with Angel probably forcefully engaged in a hug with  Tank, but their expression to it was was warm. He could see that they were comfortable around his mate. The trio part ways. David was near his office door when  Angel had trotted their way back to him. They were approaching him with a suspicious smile on their face. 

”Davey were you stalking us from over there?” They teased.

He scoffed. ”That’s bold coming from you.”

”Oh my god! For the last time I wasn’t stalking you!” They exclaimed dramatically. “I just happened to be at the same place you were at.” 

They had moved to put their arms around his waist, burying their face into his chest, hugging him. David responded by put his arms around them. “Tank is doing quite well. Same with Sam.” Then they looked up at him. “I can tell you’re bothered by something.”

His Angel knew him too well. He sighed. “Tank was distracted during this meeting. Something is bothering them. If this is about Quinn they know we already have Gregory supporting us against him. But knowing them they’ll keep something from us. I don’t want to force my hand on them.”

He left out a breath, and looked down to see his mate’s eyes. Their innocent eyes. Definitely in contrast to their brain which wasn’t innocent. Angel gave him a soft smile.

”Oh I know you’ll figure out what to do. You always do. If not then me and Tank can have a heart to heart discussion, like adults.”

”You just want to party with them.”

Their eyes widen. They muttered a shit. “Uhhhh hanging out is the best way to know other’s secrets? And alcohol, but now that I think about it, that one doesn’t really work on Tank.” They gave him an awkward smile. “Honestly, I am kind of worried. You saw those pictures. Imagine what if whatever killed that vampire attacked a normal person? Would anything be left?” He could feel them tense up a bit in his arms.

He hugged his mate tighter. “Angel, I would never let anything happen to you. They have to get through me first.” His words were true. He’d never let anything harm his mate. He leaned his head forward and kissed them on the forehead. He instantly felt their body relax. They looked at him and smiled, burying their face in his chest once more. They stayed like that for a couple more minutes, holding each other close.

—————— 

Tank and Sam were walking down the hallway. Their mood had changed when they were talking to David’s mate, but now it was back to the stoic expression.

“Do you wanna talk about it now?” He asked. 

“No.” They put flatly. They immediately stopped walking. It came out before they had time to realize what they said.

“Damn it, I’m sorry Sam I-“

“No no, don’t you go apologizing. You don’t want to talk about it and I respect that. And I will respect when you do want to talk about it.” He had slowly lifted his hand cupped their cheek. “But Darlin, if it’s something that’s eating you up inside, it’s okay to ask for help.”

They meet his gaze. Their breath was shaking. ”…thank you.” Those were the only words they were able to muster. Somehow a small chuckle made its way out of their mouth. “You know damn well I have trouble with asking.” They leaned into his touch. Their hand found it’s way to gently hold his wrist.

“Then I’ll be here, whenever you’re ready to talk.”

Tank smiled. Sam noticed that their mood had lightened. He took their hand in his, and made his way to the parking lot, his Darlin right beside him. Both of them made their way outside. Tank now had a grin on their face.

“You know I can drive if you want cowboy.”

“Oh really?”

They let out a huff. “Oh yeah, that is, if you trust me enough.”

He chuckled, “Alright, let’s see what you got Darlin.”

He tossed the keys to Darlin right before moving to the passengers side of the truck. Tank was about to open the door when a distance sound pierced the quiet night. A howl.

Arden.

Chapter Text

Tank instinctively looks at the direction of the howl. “That’s Arden.” They look at Sam who’s still on the other side. “Sam stay on that side of the truck.”

“Darlin what are yo-“

“Shifting.”

It only takes a moment, phasing through their clothes, but Tank was now on all fours, on paws. Sam knows that shifting can be viewed as intimate for shifters and he hasn’t had that discussion with his Darlin just yet, so he waits patiently on the other side, catching a glimpse of the top of their fur as they listen through the mental link.

-pire! Vampire! A vampire entered our territory!

What?! That was Milo’s voice.

Me and Christian were around the area, but we sensed their aura and we tried to howl to scare them off, but they’re running further in!

Arden, Christian, where are you guys? David was here too.

Heading to the clearing!

Relax Arden, they aren’t that fast, and by the looks of things, they’re bloody and beat already. I can smell the blood coming off em. They won’t escape!

Wait Christian don’t-

ACK!

CRIS-

Then there was nothing. Just silence.

Arden, Christian, respond!

I-I can’t see! He yelps.

I can’t track! Lost the scent! She yells.  Can’t smell anything!

What the hell was that?

Their aura Chrissy!

Oh shit, it’s gone! I can’t sense it!

What? How is that- Ow! That’s me dickhead!

Tank shifts back, and immediately makes their way over to Sam.

“We have a problem”

“What happened?”

“There’s a vampire going farther in pack territory, Arden and Christian are stunned.”

“Quinn?”

“Don’t think so, Christian said they were bloody and beat.” They quickly glanced over to the woods, the direction of Arden’s howl. “Beat is not his reputation.”

Their conversation is immediately cut of with the sound of David coming out of the den, with Angel right behind him.

“Stay here.”

“Uhhh if there’s a vampire here I’d rather take my chances with you than be stuck at the den alone.”

He groaned, and was about to open his mouth to counter, when he noticed Sam and Tank quickly making their way towards him.

“We should go shouldn’t we,” Tank stated.

David nodded. Tank turned to Sam.

“You should probably come with us as well, you might be the only one who can catch the vampire.”

“What-“

“They managed to stun Arden and Christian, they know how to deal with shifters. Christian also said their aura disappeared.” They said.

“Wait like what Stealth does?” Angel asks.

“Possibly.” David says, he faces his mate looking them right in their eyes. “Angel, stay here.”

“Hey I’m still standing by my statement from earlier.” They countered.

David looks at them in disbelief, “We don’t have time to discuss this.”

“Oh my god I’ll stay with you.” Tank blurts out.

Suddenly all three people were now looking at them. “What? …Oh come on David I thought you’d like this idea. And besides you can’t be in two places at once.”

The two wolves were making direct eye contact with each other, they both didn’t speak, but it was clear that an entire conversation was going on in their heads. David turned to his mate, “Are you okay with Tank staying?”

“Yep, definitely,” they said with no hesitation.

He glances back at Tank. All they do is scoff.

“Don’t say anything, just go already.”

He slightly smiles, and nods his head.

“Let us know if anything happens. Sam.”

It only takes David a few steps to shift, and starts running towards the darkness of the surrounding trees.

“Stay safe you two,” Sam tells them right before he uses his vampire speed to catch up with David.

The two were now only left alone, right in the parking lot of the den. Stuck with each other, only being able to hear the distant sounds of the trees. Tank still had Sam’s keys in their pocket. Both of them were looking where David and Sam had entered into the forest.

“Shouldn’t you shift?” Angel suddenly asked, breaking the quiet surrounding them. “So you can hear David and the others.”

They didn’t look away from the dark trees they were staring at, but now had a small smile on their face, turning to look at Angel. “Maybe, but I haven’t heard any calls. David and Sam are still probably on the move.”

“Oh.”

They noticed that in their voice there was a slight, was it sadness? Disappointment? Tank didn’t know exactly what it was.

“…Do you wanna sit?” They asked.

Angel nods their head. They both sit down right on the curb, side by side, right inbetween Sam’s truck and the den entrance.

“You know, you really would’ve been safe alone. There’s special wards here.”

“Yeah, but I’d be alone with a possibly psycho vampire.

Tank chuckled, “That’s fair.” They look Angel in the eye, “…But this isn’t about that, is it.”

“What?”

Tank sighs, “When you meet enough people you start to, well, pick up on a few things. Any ward can keep anything out,” they paused. “You wanted to come along. You don’t like the idea of being told something with an uncertain outcome. Then having to wait on the sidelines.”

Angel shifted nervously. Tank noticed that they weren’t making eye contact with them anymore.

God am I becoming like Krystal?

“…It’s just like the inversion.” They finally said.

“Hey,” Angel noticed the shift in their tone. It was firm now, but comforting, similar to David’s whenever they were worried. “This is not inversion. We are not stuck on the sidelines again. I can tell you what’s going on. Everyone will be okay, it’s just one vampire.”

Tank noticed that Angel had visibly calmed down. During the inversion, both of them were stuck on the outside, unknowing to what the pack was experiencing inside. They could hear the screams of the people inside, and the magic radiating from inside the ward. It was heart shattering, even for Tank. When it finally fell both of them had instinct to run, not caring about all the chaos around them, the only thing that matter was making sure David and Sam were okay.

“Do you think you could’ve been able to change anything?” They finally asked quietly.

Angel of one of the only people where Tank could have a genuine heart to heart with, well as best as they could anyway. Tank needed a few seconds to answer. The inversion took its toll on everyone. Present or not in the ward.

They closed their eyes, “Could’ve helped Sparky,” they sighed. “Could’ve helped Asher…”

They looked at Angel once more.

“I’m sorry if I pushed you into a spot.”

“No no, I think I needed that,” they responded.

Angel smiled at them, but their thoughts were broken by the sound of another howl. It didn’t take much for both of them to know exactly who it was.

Tank gets up from the curb, “Stay right there,” they tell Angel. They quickly speed over to Sam’s truck, and make their way to the other side to shift. The next thing Angel sees is a wolf emerging from behind the truck.

What David?

Tank, are both of you still okay?

Yeah we’re both still fine. How’s things on your end?

You want to good news or the bad news? Asher suddenly said.

They could hear David’s scowling from the other side of the link.

We managed to make our way to Arden and Christian, Sam checked them out already. They’re okay.

David they can’t see.

I’m well aware Asher.

Well more bad news is that we can’t find the vampire. Milo is making his way around the perimeter to see if he can catch their scent. …How is it possible, no vampire can just disappear, even if what Christian said about their blood is true.

Maybe they’re a stealth like Sweetheart. That was Milo’s voice.

Which is way we need to find them now.

…I’ll go and let your mate know David.

The wolf goes behind the truck once more and shifts back, quickly walking back to Angel, who slowly gets up from the curb.

“Well Mini, everyone’s okay, Arden and Christian are worse for wear though,” they paused for only a second. “Also the vampire apparently just disappeared so that’s fun.”

“Oh great,” they exclaimed sarcastically. “Well at least Davey and the others are okay.”

“…yeah it’s-“

They stopped. Something was wrong. Something was nearby. Why was it, familiar? They looked over to the surrounding woods, expecting to see something, to see anything, but no one was there.

“Tank what’s wrong?”

“…I sensed something, but it’s gone now.”

Suddenly Angel was up against their back, like they were hiding behind them.

“Did you hear that?” They asked.

Tank focused on the sounds surrounding the them both. The leaves blowing in the wind, the branches of the trees hitting each other. Only the quiet sounds of the night were there with them. There was nothing else. Oddly nothing. That’s when they heard it. Footsteps. Shallow breathing. They weren’t alone.

“Mini get inside the den, now. And stay there, I’m calling David.”

They grab them by the arm, pulling them towards the front door, only to stop right before they could open it. The wind was suddenly blowing in their direction. They picked up a scent. They smelled blood. But it was…

“Tank?”

What…no…how…you can’t be here…if you’re here where’s…

Tank let go of Angel and turned around. They slowly took a few steps closer to the forest, Angel was still lingering right outside the door. Then they could feel the aura revealed itself, a vampire. They were able to see the source of the aura finally step out into the moonlight. Angel and Tank both saw that the figure was bruised, they were clinging on to their side. Tank noticed they quickly put something into their pant pocket. They were covered in blood, more on their stomach, on their face and arms. As they figure stepped closer, they were able to get a better look at their face, their eyes. Black eyes, pitch black.

Tank’s own eyes widened. They took a small step back.

“…Krystal?!”

___________

It was happening too fast. Tank was standing right between their old vampire friend and David’s mate. Unempowered mate. Human mate. They quickly look back at Angel, still behind them at the door. Krystal… don’t do it. They take a few small steps forward, and looked into her eyes. They’ve seen eyes like hers before. Pitch black. She needs blood. She needs to feed. They can tell.

“Krystal, it’s me. Listen, I don’t know what happened to you, but I want to help, just look at me.”

But her head doesn’t shift. She’s just staring, directly at Angel. The same thought crosses Tank and Angel’s minds. She’s hungry, and she just found her next meal.

“Krys, hey, hey,” there was now a hint of desperation in their voice. “Hey! Look at me!”

They could see her face flinched. Even with her pitch black eyes, they could tell she was looking at them. Good. She was still there. The hunger hasn’t set in completely. But Tank knows that could change very soon. … Damn it.

“Mini… do you want go instead the den… or do you want to help me? I won’t force you to stay here. I’ll be fine if you stay where it’s safe.”

Angel thinks to themself. Their heart was racing and they were shaking a bit. Yes, going inside would be the safer option. David would definitely agree. Being stuck with a bloodthirsty vampire is the last thing he would ever want. However, this was one of the only times that they have ever heard Tank sound, desperate. Whoever this vampire is, she was important to Tanker. And they knew Tank, they weren’t exactly know for making friends wherever they went, so this Krystal must’ve meant a lot.

“I’ll help.”

Tank lifted their head in shock, not breaking eye contact with Krystal, but then quickly had a small smile.

“Okay mini, listen to me very carefully. There are some blood bags on the passengers side in Sam’s truck. Go and get them, and hand them over to me. I’ll throw you his keys.”

Tank takes a couple more small steps towards her, but then her head shifts right back to Angel. Oh no.

“Krys… come on stay with me.”

Then she walks, limps, slowly. Fangs extending. Tank knows not underestimate her, or any of the others. They could all be predators who knew the exact fate of their prey. Shit. They threw Sam’s keys to Angel behind them. They catch it with a small fumble.

“Krystal, remember what you promised.”

Tank could’ve swore they saw something flash across her face, but it was only for a second. It was gone. Next thing they know she was running towards Angel. But then something in them snapped. Their core was different, it turned unstable. Tank was were suddenly right in front of her, they saw her shocked expression, still covered in blood. They knocked her off her feet and pinned her to the forest floor.

“Stop it!” Their words weren’t getting to her anymore. They could feel her struggling under them. They could hear her pained cries under her screams. Her wounds were definitely having an effect on her strength. But Tank knew she’d free herself from their hold eventually. The look up to Angel who’s still standing by the door. “Mini get the bags!”

They see Angel sprint towards Sam’s truck, keys in hand. Now all they had to do is wait and make sure she doesn’t hurt anyone. But then they could feel their hold was slipping. They couldn’t hold her much longer.

“Krys stop!”

Then they felt her weight shift beneath them, suddenly they were forced down back-flat into the forest floor, with Krystal’s weight on top of them. They were looking at her face to face.

“Don’t s-stop me… I-I n-need it.”

She gets off of them, trying to run into the direction of Angel. Tank quickly gets off the floor and shifts. They crash into Krystal, both of them falling and rolling onto the ground. They regain their footing quicker, running over to Krystal, this time grabbing her left shoulder and arm in between their teeth, making sure not to bite down hard enough so she would bleed more. Just enough so she wouldn’t escape their grip. Please stop… I don’t want to hurt you! They could feel her struggling again. In the corner of their eye they noticed Angel come back with the blood bags in their hand. But they didn’t notice they loosened their grip, only a little. Krystal did, and that’s all she needed. Using her free hand she grabbed the right side of the wolf’s fur in the neck. Tank let go immediately of the vampire, eyes widened from being touched there. She suddenly lunged, grabbed them by the fur and threw them into a nearby tree. Tank let out a muffled pained sound when they came in contact with the tree. They shifted back. There was an intense pain growing in their shoulder. Damn, it was probably dislocated. Ugh… dick move Krys.

_______________

Angel watched as the wounded vampire lifted up Tank with ease and threw them into a nearby tree. They heard a devastating crack when they hit it. Next thing they saw was Tank back as a human holding on to their shoulder against the tree.

“Tank!”

Next thing they know they’re running towards them, only the be met face to face with Krystal. They could see her more clearly now. Her tangled hair, ripped clothes, all still covered in blood. She looked only a few inches shorter than Tank. But her eyes, all black. There was no light in them, only darkness. She was hungry, and they were about to be in her fangs. They didn’t know what else to do, they had to think fast. They tried to open a bag, hoping that maybe she’d go for that instead of them. But they were too slow, they felt her grab them by their arms then suddenly they were backed up pinned against a tree. They opened their eyes and they saw that she was smiling at them, like she was going to enjoy draining them dry. She leaned in slowly, enough that they could see what she was about to do to them. But then all of her weight was ripped off from them, leaving them against the tree, catching their breath. They look over, and see Sam standing right there Krystal was.

“You alright?” He asks. “Does anything hurt?”

They shake their head, gaining better footing against the tree. Sam had placed their hand on their shoulder reassuringly.

“The pack will be here soon.” Sam says.

But their eyes shoot back to Krystal who was on forest floor, groaning, breathing heavily trying to get up. Sam steps a couple paces in front of them, and bares his fangs. Then it’s interrupted by the quiet pained sounds of Tank near the tree. He looks over to his mate. They can be seen leaning against the tree, still holding their shoulder. Oh, that only makes him angrier.

When they look back at Krystal she’s back on her feet, eyes still black and fangs still extended. Then she lunges towards Sam. He lunges back, and Angel runs to Tank.

“Don’t hurt her!” Tank yells.

Their plea catches Sam off-guard. With that hesitation, she manages to gain the advantage, grabbing his arm, whipping behind him and pinning him to the ground.

It was impressive, being bloody and bruised and still having enough strength to pin down another vampire. Even he was having a hard time under her. Was she old blood?

___________

“Tank! Are you okay?!” Angel finds themselves kneeling next to them. They still have the blood bags in their hand.

“I’m fine, it’s nothing.”

“But your shoulder-“

“Trust me this isn’t my first rodeo.” They let out a small chuckle and sigh.  “…I’m sorry Mini. You almost-“

“Stop.” They say. “It was my choice.”

“…David might think otherwise. He-“

Angel sees that they pause. The wolf looks at the forest around them. They groan.

“Speak of the devil.”

Next thing Angel sees is David right beside them.

“Are you two alright?” He asks. They notice there’s worry in his voice.

“We’re both okay, but Tank’s shoulder is messed up though.”

“I keep telling you it’s nothing.”

They can see David tense up at the sight of their shoulder, but relaxes a bit. “Angel get inside, Tank stay put, I’ll come back to help you once we deal with the vampire.”

“Wait but Tank is-“

“Angel please, it’s dangerous with her here.”

At that moment only Angel could see notice Tank’s face slightly twitch at David’s statement. But then their expression changed. That’s when they all felt a gush of wind go past them. It was Asher. He ran past them, wolf form and all, straight towards Krystal, who still had Sam pinned down against the cold forest floor. She didn’t budge. Clearly she would’ve noticed the wolf sprinting towards her by now right? But she didn’t even flinch. With her free hand she reached into her pocket a pulled out something. It looked like a little ball. Asher was in the position to jump to get her off of Sam, but she reacted quicker. As soon as he jumped she threw that same ball at the ground. What arose from the point of impact was grey smoke, engulfing both of the vampires, and Asher with it. The smoke was growing, it was thick, nobody could see right through it.

David yelled out Asher’s name, but no one answered. Angel was still next to Tank, who was up against the tree, face full of-what was it? They couldn’t tell. This was one of those moments where Tank was unreadable. That’s when they tried to get up, Angel grabbed their arms and, as gently as they could, forced them to stay still.

“Tank wait you need to stay down.”

Angel could see that Tank was about to open their mouth to retaliate, but their eyes shifted back to the smoke that was growing. After a couple of seconds the smoke seemed to maintain its size, and clearing slightly. That’s when Sam came out of the smoke, holding Asher’s arm over his shoulder. He looked physically okay, but something was definitely wrong.

“David!” Sam cried out as he was walking away from the smoke. David immediately ran to the two.

“I’m fine you guys,” Asher said. “Visions a little blurry though.”

“Yeah no shit. Your eyes are grey, just like Arden and Christian’s,” Sam exclaimed.

Angel could hear all of their voices overlap, but Angel was still worried about Tank. They could see that the smoke was clearing a bit now. They squinted their eyes, where did she go? Then they felt a hand grab their wrist. Expecting to see Tank, they looked over, but they weren’t there. In fact they weren’t next to Tank anymore. They swear they heard Tank yell something, but they were already gone.

______________

David heard a commotion. It was Tank’s voice. He looked over to where they were sitting, expecting to see his mate right by their side, but they were gone. He felt an aura, farther out to where the smoke had been. That’s when he saw them. That vampire was holding Angel both of their hands with one arm, the other one planted perfectly on their other shoulder. She was in the prefect position to tear open their neck. 

“D-David.” They struggled to speak.

He was too far away. Asher was still leaning against Sam. Milo was with Arden and Christian. He knew he couldn’t run over in time to stop her from drawing blood. He watched as the vampire smiled cynically as they grew closer to his mate’s neck. No way in hell was he going to let her do this. But he was still too slow. Then he heard a knife glistening in the moonlight, cutting against flesh. 

“Stop it! All of you!” 

David don’t even dare look where the noise came from. He couldn’t recognize the voice at that point, right now his focus was on getting Angel to safety, but then he saw the vampire stop right in her tracks. She stood still, her black eyes that appeared to be gazing at something else. Only then did he turn around. It was Tank. They were standing, but it was clear they were in pain. Blood was falling from the hand of their dislocated shoulder. They held a switchblade in their other hand, a blood bag at the same time. 

They started to talk. “Make a choice Krys.”

David looked back at Krystal. She was still unmoving. Even Angel turn their head to look at her expression. Using this opportunity, he tried to make his way over to them. But Krystal saw this and she tightened her grip on Angels wrists. They let out a small wince. 

Tank yelled out, “David stop!” 

He looked back at Tank. They stared back at him only for a moment, and shook their head. They didn’t want him to save them? No, he could tell this was something very different. Their eyes locked back to Krystal’s gaze. 

“You really want to go and break your promise?” They chuckled a bit, a small smile goes across their face. “You know what’s going to happen if you do.” 

David had never seen Tank like this before. Sure they’ve gotten into many fights, he knows that too well, but this was different. They would usually go and make snarky comments and taunt their opponents if they deserved it. He saw his same thoughts in Angel’s expression, they were shocked from Tank’s behavior too. This was a side of Tank that nobody in the pack had seen.

They finally sighed. “Don’t make me do something I’ll regret.”

David saw Krystal was still frozen, but she moved her gaze to Angel’s neck. Then he saw Tank take that same switchblade and in one quick swift motion, cut a gash across their leg. 

“Tank-“

“Darlin-“

”What-“

”All of you be quiet!”

David could see they were breathing heavily now. Blood was seeping out from their wound and was spilling onto the forest floor. They shrugged off a wince. Looking back at Krystal, he saw her expression change. She looked… horrified. Why? She was still staring directly at Tank. They paused for a minute, before speaking again.

“Krystal. I made you a promise remember? …And I intend to see it though.”

It seemed that Tank had completely immobilized her. At the cost of their own blood. They spoke again, but this time their voice had shifted.

“…Mini. Tell her to let you go.” 

David’s eyes shot back to his mate. They managed to speak.

”W-what?” 

“Tell her to let you go, but politely.” Their breath had changed, it wasn’t so heavy anymore. “…Trust me. You’ll be okay.”

He could see that they were thinking about it. They were looking at Tank, who’s eyes were still glued to Krystal’s. Then they looked at Krystal who didn’t even acknowledged their shifting gaze.

“U-uh… Krystal right?” 

David heard the shakiness in their voice. He hated it. He could see they were tensed up, and their breath was quivering.

“U-um… please, let me go.” 

At first Krystal didn’t do anything. But then it looked like she regained a part of herself. Her eyes were no longer pitch obsidian, but they were still dark. Then he could see Angel relax a bit. Did she loosen her grip? The answer to that didn’t matter, because then she dropped her hand completely. Angel’s hands were free, but she still had her other hand on their shoulder. Angel looked back at Krystal, she was shaking. She took another moment think. David watched as she removed her shaky hand from their shoulder. Angel looked at Tank, who gave them a nod. Angel then slowly backed away from Krystal. They immediately made their way to him, and dug their face into his chest.

”Davey…”

“Oh Angel…”

________________

Good. Mini is with David now. They thought. …You really put us into a predicament now haven’t you Krys. …My blood is being spilled on the floor. Shit. Sam… I’m sorry. I hate this blood bond. But I wouldn’t have done it if I knew there was a better way. But still I wonder, if you’re here Krys… where is- 

“D-drop… the k-knife.”

Tank’s thoughts were interrupted. Krystal was speaking to them. And yet for some reason, they couldn’t help but smile. Another chuckle left their lips. 

”…Why don’t you come over here and make me.”

Tank knew she’d use her vampire speed to close the distance, but then their core changed again. In instant, Krystal was in right in front of them, she knocked the both of them down, hard. She landed on top of them and aimed for the knife in their hand, but it wasn’t there. In the moment their core changed, they had already used the knife to open the blood bag. They shoved the bag right in her mouth. 

Krystal began to drink instantly, and immediately fell off of Tank. They used their good arm to set themselves up, while Krystal was drinking right beside them. They looked around and noticed Sam trying to make his way over. They held out their palm and shook their head. No. Sam stopped then and there. Tank looked back at Krystal, who had already finished the bag. They looked her over, her wounds were starting to heal. Then, Krystal turned her head to face Tank. He eyes returned back to their original color, no longer pitch black. 

“I’m… so sorry… I didn’t….”

“I don’t blame you.”

She gives them a small smile. Tank could see her eyelids growing heavy.

“It’s good to see you again Hound. …We have so much to catch up on.”

Her eyes close and she falls right into Tank’s side. They winced a little when she feel. Their shoulder was still dislocated, and they had that gash on their leg that they gave themselves too. Tank sighed, and looked for the object in their pocket that she saw her put in earlier. One pocket had the grey balls in it, not those, and the other, a leather bracelet with a single pearl on it. …Seriously? You used it? …I can’t even blame you for this one can I? They quickly put the bracelet into their pocket. 

They could here Sam coming up near them, along with David and Angel.

”She passed out,” they started, not even looking at anyone, only staring at their friend’s sleeping body. “But she’ll need more blood when she wakes up.” 

“Tank.” David said. “It seems you have something you need to explain.”

They sighed.

…Once again you’ve gotten us into a fine situation Krys. But now the questions are how you ended up beat and bloodied, and how did you find me?

Chapter Text

David’s house was quiet. After much consideration (Tank’s apartment was definitely a no go) he thought it would be best if everyone rendezvous at the alpha’s house so everyone would be more comfortable. Krystal was still unconscious, with Milo watching over her in the guest room. David, Asher, their mates, Arden, Christian and Stealth were all in the living room talking about happened. And Tank was left sitting in another room with Sam, who was healing their injuries. Right before they all left the den, Sam saw to it that all of Darlin’s blood was cleaned a gone from the forest floor. And despite their insistence that they could fix their dislocated shoulder themselves, by slamming it into a tree, but Sam disagreed and fixed it up with no pain whatsoever. At the house he started to check the rest of them.

“Can I touch?” He gestured to their leg. 

They nod their head. He always asked. It was kind of him. They sat there, silent has he moved his hands to check their wound. 

“So you gonna explain how you know her?” He asked, breaking the silence. They did nothing but stare at the wall. 

“…It’s a long and complicated story. But she’s an old friend.”

Sam took their words carefully. His Darlin was sensitive during these types of conversations, so he did his best not to step on any land mines. 

“You’re worried about her.”

They looked into his eyes, they were soft, so soft for them. 

They sighed. “Yeah, I am,” they admitted. “She’s not the type to get injuries like that. And, she doesn’t travel alone.”

“What?”

“Where there’s Krystal… there’s Marcel. …And I haven’t sensed or seen him yet. So maybe I’m worried for him too.”

Sam could tell that this was a sensitive topic for them, so he didn’t want to pry no more. But them another thought occurred to him.

“Why did you do it?”

They look at him. He finishes with their leg, and shifts over to right in front of them. He holds out his hand. They know he’s asking to see their palm, and they do so, slowly.

“You know damn well about your blood bound and yet here you are bleeding like it means nothing.” His voice was firm. He was worried and concerned. It was clear that he didn’t like watching them willingly hurt themselves. “So why?”

Darlin didn’t say anything. It took a while for them to finally answer.

”…She’s complicated.”  

It’s clear to him that’s all they are going to say on the matter. Once he finishes with their hand he helps them up, and together the both of them make their way to the living room where the others are waiting. 

_______________

“I still can’t see shit!” Christian exclaims. “Whatever we got hit with is a pain in the ass.”

”Chrissy please stop yelling. The smoke did nothing to get rid of our hearing so we can all hear you loud and clear,” Arden says. “And truth be told I’m starting to get kinda annoyed that you won’t stop complaining every five seconds.”

”What do you want me to do Arden? It’s not going away!”

“Am I the only one who realizes that without our sense of smell, tasting is messed up too?” Asher asks as he eats a pack of Skittles. “Like, I can’t even taste what flavor of skittles I’m eating. Babe keeps telling me it’s the orange one, but I can’t taste the orange! Does this mean I’m going to eat bland pizza for the rest of my life?”

As the trio continues to talk on the couch, David leans up against a wall alone, thinking about how the heck all of this happened. Was the Krystal a friend of Tanks? When did they meet? He knows that they haven’t had the best relationships with past vampires.  

“David,” Angel says quietly as they walk to him. “I don’t think Tank needs a lecture right now.”

David’s facial expression said it all, or maybe that was just Angel doing what they did best. “Angel you almost-“

”I know, but you need to understand I did it because Tank asked for help. They said I could either hide in the den or help them. They said they would’ve been fine with any option I chose. We both know Tank is not good with asking. But they did tonight. That’s why I stayed with them.”

David didn’t know what to say. Tank. Asking for help? That’s something he never thought he’d hear. So what could’ve possibly happened to them that caused them to finally ask? Angel was looking up at him. He was happy they were there. He couldn’t have imagined what would halve happen if they were taken away from him. But what Angel said about Tank. If it’s true then… His thoughts are cut short as Tank and Sam enter the living room. All the blood on them was cleaned up. Not a single new scar. He knew that Sam would’ve made it so. David was more than relieved about that. Tank’s face is the first to change as they were met with the sounds of Christian’s complaining. He could tell they were more than annoyed. But it seems they were looking at the trio a little too closely. That’s when Stealth came over to the two of them, and gestures David and Angel to come on over as well. The pair makes their way to the other side of the room and somehow it’s gotten a bit more quieter. 

“So, apparently that smoke bomb got rid of their sense of sight and smell,” Stealth explained. “I tried to go to through the Department files to see if anything matched it symptoms, but I didn’t get a match at all.” They sigh as they look over to the three wolves. “We don’t even know how long it’ll last, or if it’s permanent. But one thing did strike my curiosity. It doesn’t seem to cloak auras. All three of them are still able sense the rest of us just fine. So it’s curious how our new vampire friend just disappeared.” Stealth was looking at Tank now. “Was she a stealth?”

Tank was silent. They looked down at the ground. It was obvious that they didn’t like where this conversation was going.

“Tank,” David says as he walks over closer to them. “You need to start explaining. A vampire that you know and defended comes into our territory and now you won’t even talk about her.”

Tank’s gaze never left the floor. David saw that their face was emotionless. But then again, they were great at hiding their emotions. Then they spoke, and their eyes never met his.  

“I can only say so much, but she’s an old friend.” Their eyes moved to the room where Krystal and Milo were.

“Why won’t you say anything more Tanker?”

Now, Tank’s eyes finally met his.

“Because somethings are not mine to share.” They pause. “Hey Arden.”

”Yeah?”

“Can I take a look?”

”Um, sure. but Sam’s already checked out the three of us, and he’s the current healer."

They step away from David and make their way to Arden. They squat down right in front of where she’s sitting and look into her eyes. They were grey, just like the moon. Then from there they glanced at Christian and Asher’s as well.

They said with a whisper, “She was desperate.”

“Huh?” questioned Stealth. 

“Okay,” Tank said louder, standing back up. “Good news is that it’s not permanent.”

”So you do know what it is.”

Tank doesn’t give a clear nod or shake of their head, but they sigh, “Moondust.” 

“What?”

Asher’s voice could be heard from the couch, “The heck is moondust?”

“That’s a thing?” questioned Sam.

“Long story short, it’s basically a shifter repellent.”

“Great how long does it last?” asked Christian.

”A couple hours. But I can go out and gather a few things to shorten that time.”

“Uh yeah, please go now.”

“Wait Tank, how do you even know what this is?” Stealth asked. 

Tank groaned at the question, then simply sighed. It was clear they didn’t want to say anything, and David was getting a bit irritated.

They ran their hand through their hair. “Stop asking me questions.” 

That’s when David walked up and stood right in front of them. It didn’t take a master to know that he didn’t like what Tank was doing. They stared him down, and he stared back. But before he could say anything, Tank opened their mouth.

“If I said things would be easier to explain once Krystal wakes up, what would you say?” 

David thought hard about what they said. This was a rare time when they actually were willing to explain something. It was no secret in the pack that they were secretive. Even when Gabe was still alive they were still reserved with the pack, as far as he could tell at least. When Gave passed and he became alpha, he should’ve been there, but he wasn’t. If he had just been more open at the time, but that already passed, he could only focus on the now with his pack member. He knew exactly what to say next.

”Once she wakes up, you both explain.”

The look on Tank’s face changed, as if they would have never expected this response from him. They gave him a small nod, gathered some stuff and was about going to walk out of the living room. But apparently they heard Sam walking towards them as well, because next they spoke.

”Sam I think you should stay.”

“Huh?”

”If she wakes up before I get back, she may or may not be in a state of panic. She might be more comfortable speaking to another vampire.” 

He stares at them. “What are you even looking for?” 

They say nothing, but their hand finds their way to their neck. Sam notices they did that at the meeting too.

“I promise I’ll be okay,” they say. “I’ll be back in 30 minutes.” 

Sam is quiet. He knows damn well that his Darlin was sincere about what they said. He could feel it, and he never wanted to push where they were uncomfortable. 

“Be careful Darlin.”

They smiled softly, “Of course.”

Then they walked out of the living room. He heard their footsteps get quieter and quieter. Then he heard the front door open and close. 

_________________

Tank was leaving David’s house and making their way to the forest when they stop right in their tracks. Someone was coming up behind them. They didn’t even need to turn around to know exactly who it was.

“What are you doing mini?”

”I wanted to ask you a question.”

Tank turned around to face them. Angel was still a couple footsteps away from them. 

“Okay, maybe two questions.” 

All Tank did was stare back and tilt their head a bit.

”Did you get me out of a lecture?” Tank asked suddenly.

Angel grins, “Maybe I did.”

Tank chuckles a bit and looks down at the ground. They kick the grass with the heel of their shoe before looking back at them.

“Then I guess I do owe you for that at least,” they say with a small grin. 

Angel smiles, but it fades a bit when they finally ask, “You’re not the type to ask for help, so I could tell you were concerned, weren’t you?”

“…What if I was?”

Angel was quick to shake their head. ”I’m not saying it’s bad at all! But there’s something else. You didn’t want to hurt her. But how did you know that she would let me go? She was a vampire who needed blood and from what Sam tells me that hunger is not the best thing for a vampire to go through. I was right there, lined up for her like a whole ass meal, but she let me go and prioritized you instead.”

Tank didn’t say anything for a bit. They were thinking, trying to figure out what exactly they were going to say, and how to say it. Angel just stood there, waiting patiently for their response. Tank took their time figuring out an answer, one that keep their friend safe. 

“There’s… a few reasons. She made a promise. But also, I bet when she looked at you… she saw herself.” 

Angel wasn’t able to say anything before Tank continued. 

“And… she doesn’t like it when I get myself hurt. Happy?”

Tank’s face looked stoic. It was clear to Angel that they wouldn’t go into any more detail, so they asked their next question.

“When I was standing at the entrance of of the den, right before you told me to run to Sam’s truck, I saw you just disappear. You were gone from the front and just appeared next to her. From what David told me you guys shouldn’t be able to do anything like that while you’re not shifted.” 

When Angel finished what they said, they realized they didn’t even ask a question, but when they looked closer at Tank’s face, their expression said it all. They looked, disappointed? Or was it sadness? Or shock? It didn’t take an expert to know that Angel touched a line, but the question was if they crossed it.

Tank looked to the side, away from them and thought. Then they looked back and simply said, “Mini, that is a story for another day.”

That’s all they said, before they turned back around and continued to walk into the forest. Mini, just leave it alone. It’s for the better. Before Angel could say anything else, Tank opened their mouth. 

“You should go back inside. I’m sure David would get worried if you were outside for too long.” 

That’s all they said, and Angel couldn’t ask anything more, by the time they ended their sentence, Tank was already walking closer to the forest. Then their walk turned into a sprint, their legs into paws, as they ran into the forest’s deep. 

They were alone with their thoughts, running with the wind in their fur. It felt nice, physically. Being a wolf was always calming to them. Running on all fours, the ground between their claws. But their mind was human, it could always be human, it will… always be human. 

Krystal… Marcel… all of you…

They shook off the memory. I’m getting distracted. 

They thought as they ran, eyes scanning and avoiding every obstacle in their path. This might be a very long night, but first things first, the solution to Moondust. 

_____________

“What is the logic behind an “shifter repellent”?” questioned a voice.

The other figure in the room smiled as he made his way closer to the table, where the first voice spoke.

”My dear alchemist it’s simple. It’s beneficial to us. We both know that fellow vampires are easy to escape if you play your cards right. …Packs of shifters however…”

“No thanks to you Quinn,” the alchemist retorted. He stood up from his seat to look Quinn dead in the eye. But, his argument is logical. Some of us have our heads targeted by other shifters, but that was still his fault.

Quinn raised his hands up in a mock surrender. ”I just want to keep my group of misfits safe. I won’t always be around to take care of all of you.”

The alchemist stopped his thoughts. Quinn did take care of them, one could say they were all saved. That was true for Krystal’s case at least. He gave them all a place to stay and hide when they were alone. So what he was saying now was, reasonable. However, one problem remained.

”So you are saying you want me to create a better way to escape shifters, despite us having Hound and-“

”You and I both know the little wolf is different,” Quinn said as he got closer to the alchemist’s face. “I know you’re looking for something to help them, but you know the truth. It was in their genes and it was… unfortunately triggered.”

The alchemist noticed Quinn’s change of tone when using the word “unfortunate”. He could tell that Quinn wasn’t that concerned of Hound’s condition. He remembers the day when Hound confessed to all of them about it. They told them that they were born with a certain gene, and was constantly exposed to the environmental trigger to activate it. Now they were stuck with it, it could never leave. That was the most honest they’ve ever been, and he was honored he was able to hear a part of their story. He told them that one day, he would create something to help them. That day still hasn’t come yet.

“Doesn’t mean I still can’t try.”

”Of course, of course!” Quinn’s grin grew as he spoke. “I never said you had to stop now did I?  So that should honestly just make things easier for you. It’s quite simple. Something that affects opposing shifters, but not our own. Like a smokescreen. To everyone else it’s a smog, but to certain shifters?” Quinn looking gleeful, a bit too happy for this conversation. “As for the other wolf? He’s already halfway there now isn’t he? Isn’t this such a fun little science experiment for you to do? I know how much you enjoy these types of things.”

The alchemist was quiet. He had nothing to say back. He was busy thinking about the logic behind all of this. It was a good idea, truth be told. They could all easily get outnumbered if they weren’t careful.

”The perfect escape device,” Quinn continued. “Handy if you’re ever in a pinch against…who know who.”

Quinn gestured in a way that made it seem obvious the alchemist knew who he was talking about. Honestly there might have been too many. Quinn was great at making friends and enemies in less than 5 seconds, he knew that well. But even so, there were too many other variables of all the people he may or may not have pissed off. 

“You’re a smart one. I know you’ll make the right call. You wouldn’t want our friends to get hurt now do you?”

The alchemist thought long and hard about what to say next. He was being told to create something that can both help and hinder. Help my friends? Yes, I do want to help them. It would be beneficial. But in doing so I could also screw the shifter population if I’m not careful. The Shaw Pack is not a threat, but on the other hand…

“Fine, I will create this “shifter repellent”.” he finally answered.

Quinn now had a smug smirk on his face, but it faded as the alchemist continued.

”But, it’s steps to creation will be kept secret, and I will only make more when I feel like it is needed.”

Quinn smile was completely gone. The alchemist could tell he was rather, annoyed by his response, but Quinn didn’t push.

“I’m happy you agree at least.”

The vampire started to walk towards to door. He stopped right before it, turning back to look at the alchemist, and giving a him a smile, before finally leaving the room. The alchemist sighed as he leaned up against the table. He stared down at his notes, all disorganized and spread out on the table below him. One day Hound, you won’t have to worry about losing control. He took his phone out of his pocket and began to scroll through his contacts. There was only so many. He saw the one he was looking for, and calls. The other end picks up. 

”Hound?”

”Yeah what’s up?”

“Can you come over to my room? I have a question I need to ask you.”

_____________

Angel enters the house again, and walks into the living room. David was talking to Sam and Stealth, while Asher, Christian and Arden were still sprawled out on the coach talking, with Asher’s mate standing beside them. No sign of Milo, they assumed he was still watching over Krystal. David was this first one to notice.

As soon as he walked in he asked his mate, “Did they say anything?”

Those on the couch seemed to quiet their voices. Angel thought back to Tank’s words. They certainly were something else. They were vague, but at least Tank said something. 

“They told me why I didn’t get bit. Tank said that she made a promise. Also that when she looked at me, she saw herself.” 

“How much do you guys wanna bet that’s regarding her turning?” Asher said from the couch. 

“Asher I think we’re all thinking the same thing,” his mate said. 

“That’s all Tank would say,” Angel said.

They thought back to what they saw Tank do. How an unshifted shifter was able to move as fast as a vampire. They decided to keep that to themselves for now. It was clear to them it wasn’t a good topic for Tank to talk about. However there faced changed as they remember what else Tank said.

”But they also said that she hates it when they get themselves hurt.” 

The room went silent. Tank was known for getting into fights, almost everyday when they were a teenager they would either been seen with a new bruise, cut or bandage somewhere on them. It was a common thing to see. They scars littered across their body was no secret to their personality, at least, that’s what most everyone thought.  

“Well that could mean a plenty of things, they’re always getting into fights they can’t win.” Christian exclaimed. 

Sam looked Christian’s way, it looked like he was about to defend them, but Arden beat him to it.

“Chrissy be quiet or I’ll tell them what you said.” 

”What? I’m just saying what we already know.”

”Do you want to be blind for the next couple hours or not?”

They siblings were arguing, they room was getting louder. Asher was trying to calm them down with Babe and Angel backing him up, but who were they to stop sibling arguments? Stealth stood there in disbelief and David was getting to the point where he was about to intervene too, but what stopped him was that Sam walked closer to them both. 

“There’s something you should know.”

”What is it?” He asked.

”When I was healing them, they mentioned that she wasn’t alone. Another person named Marcel, they haven’t seen or sensed him and I could tell they were worried about him too.”

“Another vampire?” Stealth asked.

“They never said,” Sam sighed. “I’ll go and ask Milo if he’s willing to switch.”

Then he took his leave, leaving David alone to ponder in his own thoughts. Right before he saw Sam knock on the door, he saw him grab a couple of blood bags as well. He walked in, and after a couple of minutes, Milo came out, and walked to where David and his mate was. He placed himself right beside them.

Where’s Tanker?” he asked.

”They said they were getting things to fix…” they gestured over to Asher, Christian and Arden. “That.”

”And they know how to fix it?”

”Yep, but it’s painfully obvious that they know so much more than they’re telling us. Like about our new friend over there.” 

“She’s sleeping like a baby,” Milo stated. “It’s weird. You’d think once a vampire drinks blood they’d be feeling better right?” 

“Wait, that’s a good point,” They put their hand on their head in defeat. “This night is getting more interesting by the second. Well in the meantime, I’ll see if I can find more about Krystal and this Marcel. Maybe the department as some knowledge on them. David, mind if I use your computer?”

”Not at all.”

“Thank you.”

They put their arm through Milo’s, threw him a sneaky grin and pulled him away. David was left alone once again. Truth be told, he was worried. How much didn’t Tank tell him? How much did they keep from the pack? He sighed. He silently listened to all of the chaos among him. Yeah, Arden and Christian were definitely not going to stop anytime soon. Sure he could tell the both of them to stop right now, but he was too lost in thought. He simply just let things play out as they were going, waiting for Tank to come back through the front door. 

More time passes by, but the sound of the open and closing of the door finally dimmed down the noise coming from the living room of the Shaw house. Tank enters the living room holding two bags.

“Uh Tanker, what’s with the bags?” Milo asked from where the computer was. Stealth was right beside him, working diligently on the department files.

They drop one bag to the floor, and take the other one and open it. They pulled out a greyish flower. It didn’t look all that appealing honestly. Its petals were drooping and starting to wither. The steam was this unpleasant shade of greyish green. 

“Do you guys have bowls or something?”

Angel responded immediately, “Yep, I’ll go get them.” They get up and walk towards the kitchen.

“Tank, where are you going with this?” David asks as he walks over to them

They sigh. “If I’m right, this flower helps get rid of the effects of Moondust. Take its petals and soak them in water and bring it to a boil. Uh, like you’re heating up tea. Then once the color of the water changes add the other herbs in the bag. Once it changes again, they need to wash their faces in it,” they pause and hand over the bag to Angel, who had already turned on the stove and set up the pot with water in the kitchen. “Make sure it get’s in their eyes.”

They nod, and they together with the help from Babe and Milo, they take Asher, Christian and Arden into the kitchen. Tank is left with with David and Stealth was still siting a that computer. Both of them didn’t know what to say. They weren’t looking at him, all they were staring at was the bare wall near the floor. David assumed it was him who had to break the silence, but surprisingly it was Tank instead.

”So Sam is watching over her.”

”Yeah, they switched a while back.”

They give a small nod, but glanced at him, and looked back to the empty wall. They sigh again. The next time they speak their voice is distinctly quieter. 

“He told you something didn’t he?”

He froze. How did Tank do that? Most of the time it felt like they didn’t give a care in the world. It felt like they always ignored something if they felt like it didn’t apply to them. But rarely, they actually paid attention. More attention than anyone else in the room. David only saw it once or twice when his dad was still alive. But only one time really still sticks out to him. 

_________________

Gabe had taken the entire pack out to go to the carnival that year. He chaperoned Milo, Asher, David and Tank. They were rather young teenagers, with Tank being the youngest compared to the other three. They had just joined the pack as well, so his dad told him it would’ve been a good bonding exercise. The group had arrived to one of those “guess which cup has the marble in it and you win a prize” games. Asher thought it was going to be the easiest way to win a prize, so of course he wanted to try it. He went straight to the man holding the cups before anyone could stop him and gave him $5. The man took it and smiled.

”Alright, kid this game is simple,” He placed 3 cups on the table in front of him. Then he pulled a marble out of his pocket and placed it under one of the cups. “Guess the where the marble is correctly 3 times in a row and you get any one of these prizes of your choosing.” The man gestured to all of the prizes around him. Plush dragons, wolves, dogs, cats, toy swords, laser guns, you name it, it was somewhere there. 

Asher smiled. This was gonna be easy as pie. Milo and David were standing to the right and left of him, while Gabe was behind David and Tank was on the other end of the table, in between the man and Asher. 

“But be warned,” the man grin widens. “The rounds will get progressively harder.”

Asher laughs, “Oh please, it can’t be that bad.” He sticks out his tongue at David, who just gives him an eye roll in return. 

The man doesn’t stop smiling, and started to move the cups. He only stops after about 7 moves, so it wasn’t that hard for everyone to figure out.

”Cup 1, 2 or 3 my boy?”

”Cup 3.”

The man lifts up the cup, and there was the marble. He sets down the cup again, and starts to move them. But this time it takes more time for the man to finally stop moving the cups. If David had to guess it was about 25 turns. The man stops moving the cups.

”Which cup?”

It takes Asher a little while longer to respond. 

“Cup 2.”

The man lifts the cup, and there was the marble. If you weren’t paying attention then you definitely would have lost it. 

Asher releases a breath he didn’t know he was holding. It turns out Milo did the same as well. Even Gabe was in interest, and Tank was looking over from the side. Didn’t seem they were paying much attention though. It looked like they were looking at his arms and not the cups. The cup was set down once more, but this time the man picked up the pace moving the cups. It was surprisingly fast. Asher stared to panic and Milo was in disbelief. David could tell what Milo was thinking just by watching his face. Something along the lines of, what anime shit is this? This man was unempowered right? He had no magical aura, so how the heck was he able to move his arms that fast. 30 seconds pass of him moving the cups then he suddenly stops, and politely asks Asher the same question. 

“Which cup?”

Asher is speechless. Surely he didn’t lose the marble right? The man took note of his hesitation. 

“You can ask your friends to help you if you want. I don’t mind.”

Milo is the first to speak, and points to cup 1. “Choose this one.”

David speaks next. “I agree with Milo.” He looks at Gabe, but he just smiles and continues to silently observe.

“Ash, I’d go with this one.” Milo says, still pointing to the first cup. 

Asher is still hesitating, but while he does, the man turns his head to Tank.

”What about you young one?”

Tank’s eyes widen on their face, now looking at him They definitely didn’t expect him to talk to them did they? The man smiles. 

“Which cup do you think it’s in?

Tank is silent and looks down at the table. Then they glance at Gabe, and look back at the man. They speak.

“The second cup.”

The man smiles and looks back to Asher. 

“Now which cup are you choosing my boy?

”…Cup 1.”

The man lifted the first cup, but the marble wasn’t there. Asher and Milo silently cursed. But then the man lifted the second cup, and low and behold there was the marble. Asher was baffled. He didn’t know what to say. The man let out a light chuckle. 

“Now now, don’t be sad my boy. It’s a simple slight of hand trick. You may have gotten it wrong, I’m willing to give your friend over here a chance to win a prize if they can correctly guess where it is in a bonus round.”

He smiled at Tank, and they stared back. 

“Tanker you gotta do it!” Asher yelled. 

“Now hold on,” Gabe started. “I think we should let them decide if they want to.” He bent down to David and whispered in his ear, “David, one day you’ll understand better, but you’re gonna have to remind them that they will always have a choice.” 

David stared at his father, but he simply stood back up, smiled at Tank then looked at the three boys. Tank sat at the table, thinking about their choices. Then they started to move and placed themselves right next to Asher. 

“I’ll do it.”

Asher removed himself promptly, and was replaced by Tank. They were sitting right across from the man on the other side of the table, with the boys at their sides. The man smiled. He lifted the second cup, proving that it was still there. He dropped the cup and started to shuffle them. He started off slow like he did in the first round but began to pick cup the pace, even faster than he did in the third round. David, Asher, and Milo all lost track a long time ago, but Tank was still staring at him. It sure did look like that they were paying attention, now if only they could do that when dad’s talking. Then the man stopped, and threw a quick cough.

”Excuse me. Now, where is the marble?”

Tank didn’t say anything, it seemed that they were stumped as well. 

“You can see if any of these boys wanna lend you a hand.”

“Tank, go for the third cup.” Asher said. They gave him a look. 

“You don’t even know where it is do ya?” Milo countered.

”Hey I’m trying to be helpful. We have like, what a 33% chance to get this right?”

Milo groaned, “Starting to feel like it might be zero.”

Asher continued and told Tank, “Go for the third one.”

Asher looked at David, waiting for him to back him up, but David just sighed and said, “I think Tank can choose for themselves.”

They looked at him, eyes wide open. Oh how he wished he could’ve understood their expression back then. But that was a long time ago. They ducked their head and looked at the man with the cups once more. They were quiet, but then they suddenly smiled.

”It’s in your mouth.”

The man smiled in disbelief, while the boys, minus Gabe all looked in shocked. The man lifted all three cups, the marble wasn’t under any of them. But then he opened his mouth and lifted his tongue. He opened out his hand and spit out something. It was the marble. The man let out a laugh.

“Wow, it’s been a long time since anyone could guess that old trick! You’re a very perceptive individual,” The man had a huge smile. “Well, a deal’s a deal, anyone of those prizes is yours to keep young one.”

He gave them a smile and Tank smiled back. They got up and looked at their choices. They ended up choosing a plush dragon. It fit perfectly in their arms. They didn’t show much expression towards it however. They walked back to the group and gave a small smile. They all started to leave, with Asher looking a bit disappointed and Milo giving him a pat on the back. They were already a couple paces away from the man when David noticed something didn’t feel quite right. He stopped walking and looked around him. His dad, Asher and Milo were all in front of him, but Tank wasn’t there at all. He quickly looked back at the man, and there was Tank. They were talking to him and they pointed to the prizes. The man smiled and nodded his head. He grabbed his Asher, Milo and his dad’s attention. The four of them made their way back to the cup man, Gabe gave him a nod and he nodded back. Tank was standing to the prizes, still holding their dragon plush in their arms.

”What are you doing?” David asked them.

They looked at him, and then at Asher and Milo.

“I-uh talked to man again, he said it was okay for you guys choose a prize too. For trying to guess as well.”

Asher lit up. “Really?! Oh thank you Tanker!” He immediately made his way to the toy sword and grabbed it off the shelf. “Wicked.”

Milo followed him, grabbing a lightsaber from the shelf. “This is incredible!” He looked at Tank. “Thanks Tank.”

They gave him a small smile and nod. The two boys go and start fighting each other with Gabe following them to make sure they didn’t get into any trouble. He knew full well that he could leave his son alone to take care of his packmate by himself. 

David looked around at the prizes, but didn’t really saw anything that interested him. Then he noticed that Tank was staring at him weirdly. They quickly looked away, but then walked over and handed him a small pouch. David took it, confused. 

“It didn’t seem like there was a prize that you’d like, but I saw this and I thought it suited you.” They said still holding their dragon plush under their arm. 

David opened the bag, and inside it was a a leather cord. He took it out. It looked like a necklace, but then he noticed a gold wolf charm on it. 

He looked at them and they just shrugged their shoulders. 

“Don’t think about it much.” They said while looking away. “But thanks.”

David couldn’t help but notice a hint of softness in their voice. Then they walked away in the direction of Gabe and the two boys. David stood there, quiet, but then shook of the feeling and ran to catch up to his packmate. Somehow, a question left his mouth. 

“How did you know it was in his mouth?”

They didn’t realize it, but it seemed they had slowed their pace, and looked at him coming up from behind, their eyes a bit wide. Their gaze left his when he was right by their side, and they continued walking normally. 

“The man’s movements differed, they weren’t like the previous rounds. And his words changed too.”

David looked at them, curiously, they didn’t look back.

”He asked Asher each time, which cup? But when it was my turn, he said, where is the marble?”

David was amazed. Even he hadn’t took that into consideration. He was too focused on shuffling itself. David and Tank caught a glimpse of Asher and Milo, and continued their way to them through the streets of the carnival. Gabe looked over to the duo and waved at them. David smiled, and he could’ve swore he saw Tank smile as well. 

“David, Tank, you guys are back!” Asher exclaimed. He hurried over to them, with Milo close behind. “So, what’d ya get?”

Tank looks down at the ground, holding their dragon plushie tighter. David saw that and was quick to respond. “I don’t have to tell you Asher.” Tank looked at him. 

”Oh come on! Pretty please?!”

Gabe came up from behind Asher and put his hand on Asher’s shoulder. “I believe that David can tell us if he wants to.” 

David smiled at his father, and Asher was quick to back down. He sighed and frowned a bit. “Aw, alright.”

Gabe let out a husky laugh. “Well come on gang! We still got plenty of time here, let’s go find some food to chow down on.” 

He made his way through the carnival, Asher and Milo behind them and then David and Tank. 

“I… saw how you acted when Asher asked me what I got.”

Tank looked at him, their eyes were different. 

“I could tell it was a bit, awkward, so that’s why I didn’t tell him.” He looked straight into their gaze. “And I’ll respect that.” 

Then Tank smiled. Like actually smiled at him, but quickly looked at where they were going. However their smile didn’t fade right away. They continued to enjoy their day at the carnival. Eating food, gaining prizes, and riding on rides. On the trip back, Gabe was driving, David in the passengers seat, with Asher, Milo and Tank at the back. Asher was knocked out from having too much fun on the right side near the window, and Milo was innocently looking at his phone in the middle. Then he looked at Tank. They were sleeping peacefully on the left side, still holding their dragon plushie that they won. They were smiling softly, and that made him smile too. It was nice to see how his packmate that put up so many walls finally relaxed a bit. But still, how Tank knew where the marble was. To this day, it still impressed him. 

_________________

“Yeah,” he paused. He didn’t know if what he was about to say was going too far or not, but the words already left his mouth. “How’d you know?”

Tank scoffed. “You do this weird thing with your shoulders when you want to say something but you don’t know how.”

His brows furrowed. Wait, really? David was baffled. He did what? Even he didn’t know what he did. He started to shift his body a bit, but Tank started talking again. 

“It’s nothing that visible. It’s very subtle.”

They were looking at him now, face to face. 

“Who’s Marcel?” he finally asked.

They let out a breath. “He’s Krystal’s boyfriend. Or maybe friends with benefits,” they let out a chuckle. David was surprised that they’re actually more open to conversation this time. “They never really put a label on it, but they both cared, even I know that. They messed around quite a lot. Last time I saw them he left with her. So if they were traveling together, and only Krystal made it here in that condition… then…”

They were interrupted by the sound of Asher’s voice. 

“I can see again!” he sniffed the air. “And my sense of smell is back! Let’s fucking go!”

But it was interrupted again by the sound of Sam opening the door and stepping out. 

“Guys, she’s waking up.”

He closed the door quietly, and Tank moved from where they were immediately and grabbed the other bag that they has placed on the floor earlier. As they walk to the room where Krystal was, they found themselves being blocked by David. They narrow their eyes and sigh. 

“I would like to talk to her alone first.”

”Tank-“

”Would it make you feel better if Sam listens in?” They say suddenly.

”What?”

“Sam can listen in, and I say anything gravely concerning, Sam will tell you. But I really do need to set something straight with her first.”

”Darlin, are you sure about that?” Sam asks. “I don’t wanna intrude on anything personal.”

“It’s fine,” They simply state.

Tank looks directly at David, eyes never leaving his gaze. He sighs deeply and looks at Sam, “I’ll hold you to that.”

Tank nods and David lets them pass. They open the door, walk in and close it quietly. They notice that Krystal is moving a bit, eyes still a bit droopy. They look around the room, and notice there’s some blood bags left on the table. Sam must’ve brought those. They drop the bag quietly and walk towards the table. They grab the bag and make their way to the bed where she is. She opens her eyes, tense, but then immediately relaxes at the sight of a familiar face. She sits up and Tank smiles at her and asks,“How are you feeling?”

She lets out a small laugh. “Like shit, but definitely better.” Tank chuckles a bit, and hands her the blood bag. Krystal smiles, and takes the bag. There’s some awkward silence while she drinks, but once she finishes she says, “Hound I’m so-“

”I’m not the person you should be apologizing to. There’s someone else who I think deserves it a lot more than me.”

Krystal is quiet. Not knowing what to say. “But… it still shocked you didn’t it.”

They make eye contact with her. It was nice to see that her eyes weren’t pitch black, like they were a while earlier. But the memory of what she did while in her bloodlust overtook them. 

“Yeah,” They sigh. “It-it was a pretty dick move.”

“I’m still sorry. I know how you feel about that.”

Their hand makes their way to the scar on the right side of their neck, grazing it. “What’s past is past,” they look at her again. “You and I both know we can’t change it.”

She smiles slightly and extends her hand out to them, palm up. Tank is a bit confused, but they extend their arm out. She takes their palm, and flips it up, looking at their forearm. 

“You got rid of it?”

They chuckle. “You know I can be stubborn, but I’m not that stubborn.”

She lets out a breath, and with that, she pulls them into a hug. The movement shocked them a bit. Her face is against their stomach, holding their torso tightly. They smile softly at the sight and wrap their arms around her. Normally, they wouldn’t exactly do this often, but they knew they had to make an exception. They can feel her arms loosen a bit, and they gently force themselves out of her grip. They walk over to where they left the bag. They pick it up and hand it over to her.

”Go change, you’re still bloody.”

She grins widely. “Aww did you get me clothes?” She opens the bag and looks inside. Her expression changes. “Wait, these are from-“

”Yeah, now shut up and change.”

Tank walks to the other side of the room and faces the wall. They can hear her grinning and snickering from even from over where they stand. They can hear her get out of bed and start to change clothes, while continuing to ask some questions. 

“Is this your house?”

”Nope,” they say while still facing the wall. “David Shaw’s.”

”Oh. The alpha.” Tank can notice the hint of, sounded like annoyance when she said that. 

“Don’t be rude. He’s basically helping you.” 

They can hear her scoff from behind them. 

“Should I mention that you tried to feed from his mate?”

She didn’t respond. Now that shut her up. “I could tell that they were unempowered… but I didn’t know that.”

”It’s why I said don’t apologize to me.”

She sighs. “…Always looking out for others.”

Krystal is quiet, for a bit. Tank still can hear the ruffling of her clothes. 

“I… heard what happened to your friend.”

Tank didn’t say anything. They continued to stare at the wall. They closed their eyes and sigh. “How’d you find out about that?”

”Word travels fast for people like us remember?” She pauses. Tank notices that she suddenly stops moving. “I really am sorry. He’s a dick and he’s going to die. He can’t hide forever.” Her voice was serious. 

Tank lowers their head and lets out a small sigh, but it sounded like a laugh. “I just wished we saw it sooner.”

That’s the last thing that was spoken for a while. Tank can hear that Krystal is still moving around but then they can hear that she’s finally done. But it sounds like she’s looking for something. She’s looking through her bloody clothes. Tank narrows their eyes and speaks, “Missing something?”

They got no response. But they turn around and pull out the bracelet that they had taken from her when she fell unconscious. They hold it up where she can see, and she stares back, frozen. She narrows her eyes as well. 

“…give it back. You have your own.” Tank remembers that tone of hers. It was mainly used whenever someone crossed a line, or really pissed her off. But Tank was pissed off in their own way as well. 

“Why did you use it? You know what could happen if things like this end up in different hands. You’re lucky I was even here. And that actually brings me to my next point. What were you going to do if I wasn’t? You went straight into pack territory, bloody and injured. And apparently not even fed! You all could’ve killed each other.”

They’d hate to admit it, but when needed, they could give a pretty good scolding to someone. They had personal experience with it after all.

“I was just going to use one ball and bounce,” she countered. “That part worked out just fine. So yes, I used it to make sure I could escape. But… I wanted to check if you were here. So I went farther in, and that’s when I sensed you. I was so relieved, but you were with-“

She stops her sentence. Tank knew exactly what she was going to say next. 

“Are they okay?”

”Yeah, and I told them some, vague reasons why.”

Krystal was quiet, it seems that she’s calmed down. She looks down at the floor, frowning a bit. “I did almost feed from them,” they looked back up to Tank. “It’s fair.”

They hum, and but the bracelet back in their pocket. She opens her mouth to say something, but their gaze stops her. Tank gives her a look and she doesn’t say anything more. Sorry Krystal, but I can’t exactly trust you again with this quite yet.

”Now, how do you feel about an audience?”

She scoffs. “You mean the wolves outside the door? Along with… a stealth and… another vampire? That one can already hear our conversation.”

Tank glares at her, and Krystal’s expression changes. She’s shocked, but then nods in understanding. 

“Oh… I see then,” she says. She walks back to the bed and gets in. “I’m… alright for a conversation.”

Tank nods, walks to the door and opens it. Everyone is in the living room, waiting patiently. Tank notices that Arden and Christian aren’t here anymore, must’ve left. “Okay, we’ll talk… but all of us shouldn’t go in. She’s not the biggest fan of too many strangers.”

Chapter Text

Tank was outside the door to Krystal’s room, and saw David give his mate a knowing look, silently telling them to stay in the living room. They saw Mini wanted to say something, but simply just nodded their head. They could feel their eyes narrow looking at the pair, but once David simply gazed in their direction, they couldn’t help but look away. They couldn’t look him in the eye, not with everything that was unfolding. 

David then separated from his mate and walked up to Tank. He opened the door for him, all polite like. They just nodded their head slightly to him. They could see his expression soften, just a little bit, then he walked in. Then their eyes landed on Sam. They motioned their head at him to go in as well. He sighed and walked right up to them. 

“You sure?” He quietly asked. 

For some reason, they let out a breath of relief. One they didn’t even know they were holding. They didn’t even know why.

“She’ll be fine,” they say to him. “You can go.”

He smiles at them, bringing his hand to cup their cheek. They can’t help but smile a little, closing their eyes and leaning into his touch. They smile a bit bigger, while they lose that pleasant feeling as Sam walks into the room. 

Somehow, they decided it’d be a good idea to let Asher into the room as well. Maybe his personality would help. His mate was quite alright to stay in the living room.

But as soon as Stealth tried to enter, Tank carefully grabbed their upper arm. They stopped and looked at them confused, but they gestured at them to follow. Of course Milo saw this and came along, but right now, Tank decided it was fine. They managed to walk to the other side of the house, but not before tapping Mini’s shoulder, telling them to come along.

“Krystal isn’t the biggest fan of The Department… or anyone who works there.” They sigh a bit. “I don’t know how she’ll…”

What they see on Stealth’s face is simply understanding. 

“I see. Well it’s fine, I’ll just go and continue my work on the computer.”

Tank couldn’t help but wonder what they could be doing, but that wasn't their priority right now. Stealth dragged Milo back into the living room, and now Tank was standing face to face with Mini, once again. 

“Come along.”

They were about to say something, but Tank beat them to it.

“She might be a lot more talkative with you.” 

____________

It was weird. The tension in this room was… interesting, to say the least. All Krystal did was stare at all of them. Looking at each person that entered the room. Currently it was himself, Asher, and Sam. Physically she was looking a lot better, though she was still a bit bloody, but he could tell that she had her guard up. He grew up with the troublemaker to recognize that feeling. Where were they? What was taking them so long? With impeccable timing, the door opened, with said troublemaker walking in, but another figure followed them. Angel. They gave him an awkward smile as they walked behind Tank.

He opened his mouth to tell them to leave again, but before he could muster a word, the troublemaker stood right in front of his mate. As if to protect them from… him . He was met with a calm expression. Then they simply continued to walk and sat down on a chair on the opposite side of the bed. They gave Krystal a look, perhaps to reassure her? With that she finally spoke. 

“I’m sorry… for all the trouble I caused.” Now that didn’t have an ounce of sincerity in it. His eyes narrow, and find their way to his pack member sitting on the opposite side. He notices how they seem a bit relieved now. Krystal looks at Tank, and they give her a blank stare back. She looks around a bit, her eyes finally stopping at his mate. “I really am sorry for the fright I gave you.”

He could tell that was sincere at least. He remembers how Tank would do something similar when they were a teenager.

Angel speaks up, “It’s ok, Tank told me you actually mean well.”

She pauses a bit but then gives a faint smile. “Well I guess we can properly start introductions. Hello Shaw Pack, my name is Krystal and Hound is my friend.”

“Hound? You mean Tank?” Asher points out.

“Oh right,” she glanced at them. “I forgot they called you that.”

They shrug their shoulders, but say nothing nonetheless.

“Well Tank also promised us that you’d both give answers once you woke up,” David explains. 

She scoffs. “Oh,” she looks at Tank, amused almost. “Did they now?”

“Stop it.” They snap back, eyes glaring. “Where were you two nights ago?”

Krystal clicked her tongue, eyes stuck to the bed. She heaved a deep sigh. “Me, Marcel and an unempowered friend of ours were walking through the outskirts of Dahlia. Up north.” 

The moment he heard those words leave her mouth, David’s eyes couldn’t help but find their way to his pack member. Their face remained stoic as always, but he was drawn to the fact that there was a sudden pain in their eyes.

“We were taking a walk, enjoying the scenery, looking at the stars… just talking. Then I sensed something strange, Marcel did as well. We told our friend to run, while we stayed to figure out what was happening. I felt something zip past me, then something hit me… hard, then everything went black from there. I really don’t remember a lot, but I could hear her screams. She was nowhere to be found. Next thing I saw was Marcel, covered in blood, he told me to run and find our friend. So I ran, and I was slammed again. I looked up, that’s when I saw the alchemist standing in front of me.”

Tank’s head snapped toward Krystal. “What? No, he wouldn’t hurt a fly, nonetheless us.”

“I’m only telling you what I remember, and I remember the alchemist tearing out my throat,” she pauses a bit, before continuing. “Everything went black again. When I woke up I was alone, but I was thankful that the sun hadn’t risen yet. The pain was still there though. I managed to find my way to the path where I ran from, and that’s when I saw her dead body, and Marcel’s mangled one beside her.”

David could hear a hint of panic creep into her voice. 

“I didn’t know what to do, s-so I went to find you.”

Tank sighs, eyes glued to the floor. “And you managed to make it all the way here without feeding and throughout the day.” They sighed, and the room fell silent for a moment.

“The alchemist?” Asher couldn’t help but ask. He really didn’t know how to keep that mouth of his quiet.

She narrowed her eyes at him. But then David noticed how her eyes couldn’t help but find their way over to his pack member, like she was waiting for their permission. However they still simply stared at the floor. With no answer, Krystal continued, “…Another one of our friends, one we were both quite close to…he was a part of our little group.”

It was David’s turn to speak up. “Group? What group?

Krystal couldn’t help but smile a little. She leaned her back against the headboard. “ Quinn’s little group. His band of misfits that he collected over the years.”

With that there were finally traces of emotion on Tank’s face. They looked… solemn. David couldn’t believe what he was hearing. More vampires? How far did this go? How many people did this son of a bitch manage to manipulate?

Krystal stops for a moment, and takes a glance at everyone’s faces around the room. “Based on your reactions you all must have sucky relations with him.”

“Yeah, pretty much,” Asher answered. 

“Nice to know we’re all on the same page,” she couldn’t help out a small chuckle, “Well we aren’t actually hard to find. You just need to look in the right place.”

Krystal then lifts up her wrist, revealing a tattoo. With that she looks at the shifter sitting in the chair, expectantly. 

“No.”

She sighs and shakes her head a little, “Typical.”

“Shut it.”

A subdued laugh managed to escape her lips. “Anyways, we all got these tattoos together.” Then suddenly her eyes made direct contact with David’s. Her voice went low, “Interestingly similar to those pack marks you wolves have, right?”

It’s common knowledge that all members of a pack have a pack tattoo somewhere on their body. Once a shifter shifts for the first time, the magic forms a tattoo looking mark signifying that they belong to a pack. He and Asher each have it on a shoulder. Milo’s on his chest. David remembers how proud his father was once he shifted for the first time. He remembered the feeling of truly, truly , feeling like he was part of Shaw pack. But of course, it only appears if one was born into a pack, or accepted into one. Now that he thinks about it, he doesn't remember seeing his mark anywhere on Tank. 

A smirk of amusement flashed over Krystal’s face. Obviously proud of herself. “But you know damn well what this means, right Hound?” The shifter eyes remained glued to the floor. “We gotta get the gang back together.”

“You know that includes the alchemist, yet you say he’s the cause of this,” they finally look up at her and pause, trying to make sure she understood everything they were saying. “We both know what he’s capable of, so we both know attacking you was never on his agenda.”

“Doesn’t change that Marcel is dead,” she snapped. “If not him, somebody else is going to pay.” His pack member remained silent, offering no words on the matter. “Don’t deny it, I know you feel the same way.”

“…We can discuss it later.”

With that the vampire couldn’t help but let out a small smile. “Well hasn’t this been such a fun conversation? David Shaw?”

“What I understood is that you want vengeance for your friend.”

“Aww, it’s incredible that you managed to follow along this far.

“Krystal, don’t. Provoke them and I’m not helping, you can get yourself out of that mess.” They leaned back into the chair, arms crossed. “Besides, there’s no need for your guard to still be up. I’m right here.”

“…You really didn’t need to say that out loud,” she mutters. 

“How else will you listen?”

Krystal tilts her head to the side and sighs. “Very well. You’re all lucky I'm in a relatively good mood,” she sits up straighter and puts her left hand on her chest and raises her other hand in the air. “I’ll answer any three questions of yours with complete honesty, but that’s it.” With the end of that statement, David couldn’t help but notice the gaze she had landed on Tank. 

“Wait, just three?” Asher couldn’t help but butt in. 

Tank let out a groan as they spoke. “Eh, consider it generous, it used to be two. There’s no convincing her for any more,” they looked over to the vampire sitting on the bed. “However, more answers come with time won’t they?

She grins and sticks her tongue out at them. And suddenly turns over David and the others, no longer smiling. 

A deep furrow formed on David's forehead as he pondered. Despite his burning desire for more answers, his thoughts strayed to his pack member, their internal thoughts against his own desires.

“How many people are in this… little group?”

The vampire gave him a smile in return. “Seven. Me, Bruiser, Apollo, Specter, AB…the alchemist and of course, Hound,” she said as she nodded into her friend's direction.

His mate couldn’t help but pipe up. “Wait, then who’s Marcel?” 

Krystal stared at them for a bit, perhaps thinking to herself. She hums and sighs a bit, “I guess it doesn’t matter anymore… Marcel was Bruiser. We all gave each other little nicknames. He was like a brawler.” Krystal couldn’t help by the end of that sentence. “That was only one question by the way,” she says while smiling. 

David couldn't help but observe Krystal's softened demeanor during her interaction with his mate. He wanted to see if they could ask more, however, her vampire senses would prove things difficult for it to go unnoticed. He decided to leave it alone.

“The smokescreen you used against us.” David could see her smile slowly fade as he spoke. “Who created it?”

Even David could tell there was an uncomfortable pause that stretched between Krystal and the troublemaker, both their gazes holding an understanding that neither verbalized, the truth lingering awkwardly in the air. 

Krystal finally spoke up, “...The Alchemist created it for us. We got into a little bit of trouble back then. It was an easy way for a quick getaway.”

David couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Wait, this… moondust takes its toll on shifters,” he stared at his pack member in the chair. “You let them create something against shifters? Despite you being there? And you let them?

The shifter’s eyes were glued to the floor. They were silent. All they did was let out a little huff, probably out of annoyance. Then, Krystal started to… laugh. Laughing to herself. “I’m sorry, it’s just,” she stared at Tank. “It’s just that you really haven’t changed at all, it’s adorable.”

With that, Tank’s eyes shot up, staring her dead in the eye, “Don’t you dare talk about them.”

“Oh don’t get your tail in a twist, I know that you care… in your own way,” a sly smile found its way across her lips. 

“Tank, you promised us answers,” David said. 

“I know what I said,” they rapidly stated. “Just not that.”

“That was two.”

This conversation was getting more difficult. Why couldn’t they tell all of them what was going on? They obviously knew more. They are going to need to tell him everything, but before that David needed to ask about who this Krystal was. 

“Your aura, two members of our pack said it just vanished. Were you a stealth before you were turned?”

“No,” She quickly takes a glance over to his pack member. “And that makes three. Three questions and three answers.” She claps her hands together. “Looks like tonight’s Q&A has been completed.” She looks at the alpha in the room, then to Tank. “So now what?”

“Don’t look at me,” the shifter said from the chair. “It’s not my call to make.” 

She scoffs, “Oh but you’ll do your best to help me.”  They sigh at her statement.

David couldn’t help but feel a bit frustrated at the outcome. However, if what his pack member said was true, then they would all get more answers soon enough. There was still one more matter to attend to.

“Troublemaker, can I talk to you?”

“…sure.”

He saw that Krystal shifted strangely on the bed. Looks like the troublemaker realized it too.

“Krys, you alright?'

The vampire is quiet, just staring at the wall of the room. David eyes his pack member, and they understand that look completely. It’s simple, they know her better. It’s better to allow them to decide what should happen next with her. 

“Asher, you should probably leave as well. But Mini, you can stay here with Sam, if you wanna chat or something,”  they finally say. Asher stared at them, but just slowly nodded back. As he walked out, he gave David a glance, then he was gone. With that, the other shifter in the room turns to their friend. “Knowing you, you need a bit of time to think. Those two can keep you company,” they said as they nodded to his mate and Sam.

Krystal gave the shifter a small nod as they walked out of the room with David, leaving her alone with his mate and Sam. 

______________________

“You’re upset.”

“I never said that.” 

“But you were thinking it.”

David could never understand why they were like this. Always assuming something. They were like this when they were teenagers too. Defensive and very reserved. Like they didn’t have a choice. They needed to understand that keeping the pack in the dark wasn’t a way to protect them. It was a way to hurt them. 

“There are so many things that I can’t say. I just can’t, but if there’s one thing that I can tell you, Krystal means well. She won’t hurt anyone unless they really deserved it,” they paused, looking him straight in the eye. “I trust her. However, if anything happens, tell me, I’ll straighten her out.”

“You realize I need to inform The Department. She’s a witness to their crime scene.”

“No,” they quickly say. “You can’t, she hates them. It’s not going to end well for any of us.”

David sighs. He can tell that they want to help her friend, but he can’t tell if they’re also trying to protect this… Alchemist. Everyone was in a complicated situation. He needed to think about what was right for the pack, as well as Tank themselves. 

“She can stay.”

“...What?”

“I won’t inform the Department just yet, not until we learn more. I’ll tell Stealth to keep this quiet. In the meantime, she can stay at your place if you’re fine with it or even the den. I could ask Angel, and if they’re alright with it, then maybe she can stay here too.”

His pack member left their mouth open. They blinked at him, once then twice before finally shaking their head a little as if to break free from his sudden words. “Thanks David.”

Tank leaves the room, opening the door back into where Krystal was staying. Then he heard a voice perk up behind him. “David,” it whispered. He turned around, it was Stealth, with Milo right beside them, who was gesturing to him to come over there. 

“What is it?”

“Okay I have bad news,” David raised his eyebrow. “I looked into them, both Krystal and Marcel. They don’t exist.” 

David’s brows furrowed in concern. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve checked multiple times. For each. Marcel was a dead end but for her, I gave a detailed description of her appearance into the Department’s database. Nothing popped up. It’s like they don’t exist.”

Well, now that is concerning. “Thanks for your help Stealth, if you find out anything more, please tell me.”

Stealth gives him a nod and drags Milo by the arm back with them. David sighs and runs his hand through his hair. If The Department has no knowledge of these, seemingly nonexistent vampires, then maybe a certain vampire king would instead. 

_________________

As soon as David and Tank left the room, Sam reached out his hand and offered Krystal another blood bag. She stared at him, and after a moment's hesitation, she took it from him, mouthing a small “thank you” and started to drink from it. It was quiet, and awkward. Angel didn’t like that one bit.

“So, uh what was Tank like back then?”

Krystal stared at them for a little before finally speaking, “I really need to get used to that name,” she smiles a little. “...and I apologize again.”

“No no, I uh, understand. It’s okay.”

Krystal chuckles a little. “Well, Tank back then, was very reserved when we all first met. Didn’t exactly trust everyone, but there was a softer side underneath all of that. It took a while for them to get comfortable, but we learned they were a very fun and kind individual. I believe that out of all of us, they were one of the nicest. I’m sure you’ll see that one day. They’ve been through a lot, so honestly, I’m quite happy they turned out as well as they did,” her smile fades a bit, “But for some reason, I think they’ve reverted back to their old tendencies.” She takes another swig of the blood bag. “Can’t blame them though, Quinn’s a little asshat,” she said with a hiss.

Well, at least they know where she stands on this whole Quinn situation. Angel was quiet, trying to figure out what to say next, they looked at the vampire. “Can I ask what happened between you all and Quinn?”

She stares at the blood bag in her hands, swirling it a little, watching the blood move on the inside of it. “What’s there to say? All of our stories are quite similar. Outcasts or misfits. We were alone, and had nowhere to go. Then we met him. He gave us a home and purpose. Of course we stayed, and made some friends along the way.” She sighs a bit. “Quinn’s facade only lasted for so long. Hound-” she stopped herself from continuing. “We saw him for who he really was, and hated him for it. He lied and betrayed his friends. He hurt us, only fair that we hurt him back.”

Angel gave a quick at Sam, they could see that he sighed a breath of concern. Angel was about to get another word out, not until Tank opened the door. “Congratulations, you’re on probation.”

“Huh?”

“You can stay with me at my apartment, back at the den, or if you’re fine with it,” they said while gesturing to Angel. “David said you can stay here.”

Angel’s eyes widened. “He did? Well I’m okay with it if you are,” they said looking at Krystal. 

They could see the vampire's eyes light up. “Ooooo, you know I’ll gladly spill the times when Hound used to-”

“Nope,” Tank quickly cut her off. “That’s enough, you’re staying with me.”

“You’re no fun,” she pouted. 

Tank scoffed and shook their head a little. “Go clean up some more. There’s a shower over there, David said you could use it. We’ll talk more later.” 

“Okay, I’ll see you later then,” Angel couldn’t help but notice a softer tone in her voice. 

Tank looked at Angel and Sam, and gave them both a quick gesture to get out of the room. Angel stood first, but not before giving Krystal a quick wave, and she returned the favor. They exited the room and then Sam stood, patiently waiting for the shifter. They were about to exit before they heard a voice. “Hound.”

The shifter moved their head to face the vampire. “Can you tell David I said thank you?”

They gave her a small smile in return, “Sure thing.” With that, Tank and Sam exit the room. The minute they close the door gently, they quiet huff.  Of course Sam noticed it. He reached out to them and grabbed the sleeve of their shirt, pulling them a little closer to him. 

“You alright Darlin’?” 

They hum to themselves, staring at the door they just closed. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just have a really bad feeling about this.”