Chapter Text
It was a beautiful evening. The wind whriled softly in her fur, bringing with it the scent of wood turning slowly into embers. Once upon a time, it was her favorite smell. A simple sniff reminded her the rest after the hunt with the pack, the barely audible purring of her mates, the taste of roasted boar earned after a long run and a solid fight. It was the best moments of her life but it was what it was : memories. Long gone was the pack. Somes young broken wolves like her, it was all that remained.
- Come on, boy. Don't do that.
Fire meant one thing : humans. She had avoided them for a long time but the retreat of the chill had changed her plans. In a blink of an eye, her claimed territory had been invaded by tiny humans and she had been stuck in the middle with little options. Her wolf hated this situation but she couldn't risk to be caught. Encouter with humans always ended badly and she couldn't bear the weight of another dead body on her shoulders. Even more the one of a child. It was for that reason she was actually watching the uncertain movements of a kid leaning toward the void on top of rocks for god know why. Puppies always had silly ideas, human or wolf. Behind her tree, she let out a low growl, a warning rather than a threat, when the child slipped forward but it goes unnoticed.
- Stupid ! You're gonna fall and break your neck.
If only he could have heard the voice who cried in her mind.
- Humans are fucking useless !
She was lacking of patience but, come on, she had never had much. Loneliness had also made a solid dent in her temper. But that didn't mean she was going to let the kid die stupidly.
- That's it !
Grumpily, she climbed the rocks in a few leaps and moved discreetly to the edge. The child didn't even notice her presence, too busy with his new attempt to reach something below. One too much. He lost his balance, releasing a yelp of surprise while falling. Instinct kicked in immediatly as she closed her fangs on the thick fabric of his coat. He swayed for a second at the edge but she quickly brought him back to safety.
- That was close.
Finally aware of the danger, the child began to cry, heavy tears rolling on his cheeks, and disastrous breathing waving his body, but there was no sound. Not really. His gasps were far from the shrieks she had expected.
- A little warrior, I see.
She could have left, he wasn't paying attention to her and it was surely the best idea but she couldn't bring herself to leave him here. Alone. She knew all too well the feeling. Not to frighten him, she lay down beside him and nuzzled his arm softly. Startled, he moved slightly his head and stared at her with wide eyes.
- Please don't shout, I'm just a big dog. A very large one with good intentions. I safed you, remember ?
Her monologue became tiring but she wasn't ready for a shift. Not now, not yet. Maybe never. The wolf could bottled part of the guilt if she pushed the human far enough. But the animal barely lived without the pack and the human prevented him from losing his mind and just goes savage. As if he saw the gears turning in her head, the tiny humain patted her between the ears twice before rising. Like a fawn, he wasn't very stable on his legs and of course he found himself staggering until she provides him support. The after shock was always terrible.
- Careful, little.
With a smile, he thanked her and clung his fingers to her fur. His other hand was closed in a fist who intrigued her. She slipped her tongue against his skin, making him laugh and release his hold to show her. It was a stone. A fucking stone. Not even a gem, just a dark grey pebble.
- You see ? It had a shape of a heart.
A vague shape of heart. If she looked with squinted eyes. No way, he took so much risk for that.
- I wanted to take it back to my mom. Valentine's Day is close.
Well, it was cute but still stupid. She couldn't judge him however. As a kid, she had done worse. But at eight, she was much stronger than him. And she healed faster. He seemed happy with his gift so she dropped it and japped. She could hardly scold him anyway. Pinching his legs and ears until he submits wouldn't have been effective. All she could do was make sure he came home safe and sound. Or at least with the other humans.
- Come on, let's go.
When she moved, he followed naturally, his grip still firm in her fur. At least, he was able to understand what she wanted, he even seemed reassured that she took the lead. It was the story of her life. Everyone wanted her in charge without worrying about her needs. It was written in her blood, so why not in her heart too ? Yes, she had the soul of a leader. Yes, she wanted to protect her owns. But, she had never asked for that. For the fights, the death between her fangs, the overwhelming power and the inevitable failures. Yet, with the little guy, everything was different. Laugh and conversations had driven fear away and he was walking with ease, the large animal by his side becoming a friend more than a savior. He had chosen to stand with her. Just like that, because he wanted to, not for what she could do for him. It was pleasant to be with someone genuine.
The smell of grilled sausages intensified as they approached the camp. It was time for her to leave. She grabbed gently the hood of his jacket to stop him, sitting down for support her message.
- Come on, doggy, we're close.
She shook her head in a style more human than beast but he didn't care. His eyebrows were frowned, clearly he didn't undestand her rejection.
- You need to go back to your people.
She nudged him more firmly but he chooses to hold his ground. Too many emotions danced in his eyes before he throws his arms around her neck, face fully pressed in her fur.
- See ya.
She thought she felt a wet kiss on her ear before he moves away, shoulders hunched and feelings at the lowest. She hated feeling this kind of emotion in him. In her too.
When she cared about someone, she couldn't help but be curious. Rather than go back, she remained in the bushes, observing life in the camp. One tiny human was, of course, more interesting than the others. Evening became night which became morning but she was always there, wary of everythings, even when the tents had become calmer. Unlike humans, she knew that these woods were dangerous. The sunrise found her yawning, mouth wide and full of sharp teeth. A predator in all his splendor.
Seeing humans prepare breakfast, she contemplated the idea of going for a hunt. But she hadn't seen her human yet. The kiddos swarmed into the camp, ready to start a new day while he was missing. Breakfast would wait. She stood up, shook herself a little to get rid of the dew, and sniffed the air for a long time until she picked the scent of the boy. North, towards the river.
- Back at it again with trouble ?
His track was so easy to follow. Some day, she would teach him discretion.
- Wait. There is no some day. He's not your pup. Anything it was, it stops today.
This didn't prevent her from hurry the pace until he was in sight. Sitting in a fallen trunk, blue coat hanging on his shoulders like a cape, he watched the current, alone. Something told her he wasn't a social bird. And maybe everything wasn't lost. His track was obvious, but he seemed good at sneaking out. She stepped heavily on a twig to attract his attention before going to sit beside him. In the morning cold, she offered her warm by leaning against his small figure.
- Hey, doggy.
- Hi, kid.
A new yawn escaped her, causing him to do the same.
- Short night ?
His hair was a mess from sleep, making him look like a ball of straw. A cute ball of straw but a comb wouldn't have been too much. He turned on her a serious look, arm firmly hooked to her back.
- I knew you will come back.
- Oh really ?
She was amused by his certitude. Maybe a little embarrassed too because he was right, she was here, for no reason. Nothing held her back but she didn't want to leave, too content with the child for her own good. Some had been tamed by less than that.
- You're alone here ?
A tug on something around her neck reminded her of the existence of her collar. The old one in brown leather with a golden tag wore by the pack, just in case. The number of the Alpha was on the tag but she didn't have to worry about someone disturbing him in his coffin.
- Where is your family ?
- Gone. Something like that.
The child was oddly sensitive because he hugs her ferocely just when she pushed back a wave of sadness way too familiar. Her whine was so pathetic, she had difficulty believing that it was coming from her.
- You can come with me, you know ? I always wanted a dog. And everyone need a family. Plus you're big and brave, you can protect the house. We have a cat but he's ugly and he scratches me every time I try to pet him. Mom will say no first but Costia says she's just a tough cookie and I have my way with her.
Baffled, she was baffled by his sudden speech. Innocence made you move moutains in a blink of an eye. But it wasn't so simple. She couldn't become a pet, just like that. She was a fucking wolf. Werewolf actually. His mother would see it and, at the best, she would just run away with him. In the other hand... She had to admit that leaving this place without having to shift was attractive. She could still disappear later. But it wouldn't work. Not a chance.
Actually, it works.
The boy's mother says no, but he's ressourfull. She didn't attend the conversation, hell she doesn't even know who is his mom, yet she understood what was going on when he came back alone and dragged her to a car. It was wrong, but she didn't hesitate to jump into the trunk. He hid her under a blanket and his backpack, closing the door just in time.
- Ready, buddy ?
The voice was far from what she imagined. Definitly younger. The mom should barely approach the thirties. Under the blanket, she tried to imagine a corresponding image. Probably blond like her son, with lighter blue eyes, and a cheerful face.
The engine started a few moments later and the car set off. She was surprised to hear the casual conversation about the weekend in the front, the boy not at all worried or ashamed.
- Piece of cake.
Maybe ten minutes later, she reviewed her point. It was too hot in the back and a strange scent stung her nose. She had to refrain from sneezing at every inspiration.
- Come on, think about something else. Breath. In. Out. In. Oh shit, nope !
Of course, she sneezed. The car went silent after that before a final brake stroke.
- Aden. Tell me the dog isn't in the trunk.
- Well...
- Don't play dumb.
- Mom...
The o hardly dragged himself out of the boy's mouth while his mother was getting out of the car. He followed, suddenly far less petulant.
- Mom, please.
- I had said no, Aden, not 'puts the damn dog in the car'.
The trunk opened and the blanket was slowly pulled. She raised her head and blinked, dazzled by the sun. So, the mother was definitly not blond. Actually, she didn't stick to the image at all. She's a pretty brunette with wide green eyes. Oh god...
- ...he's huge ! Aden, you said it was a dog, not a freaking...
The last word remained stuck, probably because of the shock. Shock that she undestood, she hadn't expected that the boy's mom – Aden – was like... that. The latter took the opportunity to intervene.
- Mom, he's not his fault. He's super sweet, actually he saved my life yesterday.
- What ?
- I was going to fall but he caught me. I swear, I almost died.
- Wha- Ok, I need to sit.
She was feeling guilty for provoking all of this. She didn't want it to go so far. She had been driven by Aden's enthusiasm, but it was obviously a bad idea.
- Sorry, mom. I didn't want to lie to you. But look at him, he's sad.
Aden's mom sat at good distance, but she turned her head to look at her. She didn't like this careful observation, she doesn't like it at all, but she understood the importance of looking harmless. She had nothing to do to stick to Aden's definition. She seemed sad because she was sad, no need to argue.
- Aden, I'm not sure you really understand... I don't think he's a dog.
Just a whisper, as if talking too loudly or actually saying the word would make the situation too real. She had to confess she was impressed by Aden's mom relative calm. Many would have panicked at her mere sight. Maybe it was a family trait.
- Mom, he had a collar, so it's a pet right ?
As if everything had been coordinated in advance, she stretched her neck to make her collar visible. With obvious doubt, the woman reached out for her, taking a trembling inspiration, before finally daring to touch her. Once again, she was amazed by her self-control. She remained perfectly still while the mom was studying the collar, surprised that she doesn't find the medal. She must have lost it during her wandering in the woods. A good thing, even if this didn't relieve the woman. With a resolute sigh, she got up and let her eyes glide between her son and the trunk.
- We will stop in town and ask about him. Maybe he's lost and his family will be happy to find him. Don't expect too much, Aden, we have no deal about that.
Aden seemed to think otherwise. His smile went from ear to ear and he returned to the front with a jump in his step. The mom threw a last look into the trunk before closing the door to join him.
The next stop was the gas station. She had watched the sky parading through the window, not daring to stand up from fear of being spotted by someone. Even in the closed car, she could smell gasoline, the same wich always mixed with the scent of another wolf she knew far too well. With him, it would be like playing heads or tails. She dared to straighten herself a little when Aden's mom got out and called the pumpman.
- Excuse me.
- Yes, m'mam ? What can I do for you ?
This voice, indeed, belonged to Wells.
- I found an...animal in the woods earlier. Has anyone lost a kind of dog ?
- A kind of dog ?
- I think the easiest way is to show you ?
Once again, she found herself exposed to the world. Except that was Wells and he stared at her with confusion.
- Clarke ? What are you doing here ? No one has seen you in a lifetime.
- This is not the time to talk about that. You have to help me with that one. Please.
- Oh boy, in what trouble are you stuffed ?
- Long story.
- What do you want me to say to this poor lady ?
- That I'm a dog to start with ? And answer her, you begins to look suspicious.
Uncomfortable, Wells ran his hand through his short black hair. He had never loved lies, a thing wich became handy for a werewolf. Instead, he preferred to divert the truth.
- Oh, it's Pike's dog. Poor guy is dead this winter.
Charles Pike was the former Alpha, actually dead this winter. No one really regretted his loss because he had been a terrible Alpha, always looking for conflict, and considering humans with disdain.
- I'm sorry.
- Don't be. He was sick.
Sick of power.
- So, what's the matter with his dog ?
- He dissapeared often after his dead. People give him food but he doesn't appreciate the compagny. Dogs also need to mourn. But I guess he's with you for a reason.
The woman glanced at the passenger seat before lowering her voice.
- My son became attached to him. I don't know the complete story but the dog would have saved his life.
- That doesn't surprise me. She has always helped people lost in the woods.
The tenderness in his voice didn't go unnoticed.
- You seem close to the dog.
- Yeah but the feeling isn't mutual.
Guilt struck her like a punch in the guts. He didn't say that to hurt her, it was just the raw truth. Feeling the heavy atmosphere, the woman changed the subject.
- So, it really is a dog ? The breed tells me nothing. I tough he was a wolf, actually.
- It's a funny mix. Bastard dog are surprising. Surely a half shepherd or something like that.
- Son of a bitch ! My parents are both werewolves, you're the bastard here.
- Hush, Clarke. I'm trying to save you ass, just in case.
He was right, but she didn't like being insulted when she couldn't react. He would pay for it.
- You intend to take her ?
- I don't know. It's a huge decision. Is he stable ? Accustomed to children ?
- Yes, yes. She's a real love. Well trained, obedient, sensitive,... Maybe a little grumpy but we have all our flaws. She's perfect for a family with children. And her wolfy style is a plus against bad guys. You know she's adorable, not them.
- You made a good point. You say her since earlier, so I conclude that she's a female. She's got a name ?
- Don't say Clarke !
Wells brain must have been blank because he let out way too much uh before actually responding.
- Griff. For Griffin. It's her name.
- Woh, so much creativity.
- Oh shut up, she caught me by surprise.
- Well, Griff it is. You have intel about vet data ? Like is she sterilized or ok about shots ?
If she had been human, the sudden chock would have made her whiter than her coat. No way that she goes to the vet. Wells almost chocked with laughter under the mother's critical glare.
- WELLS ! SAY SOMETHING.
Her panic didn't help Wells laugh. She was close to lauching herself at him to snatch his stupid throat, when he finally reacts normally.
- Yeah, it's all done. Maybe think about a good shampoo against fleas.
She was going to murder him.