Whisper to a Scream[p][Tag; Syren]

[Ellie Nash]

Marco sat beside me, staring outside the classroom while seeing if he could spot Dylan passing by as I struggled to concentrate on what the teacher, Mr Simpson, was saying. Nervously my hand twitched atop the papers littered all over the desk, fingers hiding the grade mark so Marco didn't see what grade I had received. I'd been doing really bad in school lately, and my grades were slipping. If it kept up then I'd lose the co-op job I had gotten which wouldn't make me very happy. "Coming to the Dot?" A voice whispered behind me, turning around to see Spinner and his girlfriend Paige who gave a quick smile my way. "Not today Spin." Transferring all my things back into my bag, I carefully picked it up, not wanting to disturb the contents. "Maybe another day." As Mr Simpson allowed the class to finish, I hastily moved to the door, not willing to be interrogated by Spin or anyone else as to my avoidance of The Dot.

Leaving them looking rather bewildered, I gripped onto the tag of my bag, feeling the familiar rush of emotions. My right hand moved to my left, snapping the rubber bands against my wrist in effort to quell the sudden urges. My guidance teacher, whom Paige had spoken to about me(without revealing my name), had told me of other ways to dealing instead of going back to cutting. Long story. But she was helping me, and thanks to Paige I wasn't going through it alone. See, my father is in the Army and was sent to a peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. My mother, who was getting better with her drinking, started again when he left. Every night she'd get drunk and I'd be left to pick up the pieces. That along with other stresses in my life, well, I turned to cutting. Paige found out in the washroom at school and tried helping me. A cheerleader, who was the popular girl in school, wanting to help out a gothic, social outcast. It still amuses me, although she went through some issues earlier in the year.

Since I didn't have an appointment today, I began walking towards home, leaving the school and the few friends I had to enter the place that always made me shake inside. My mother wasn't abusive, she just, didn't really care. Sighing softly to myself, I avoided everyone as I headed back along the familiar road to home, knowing that when I'd enter I'd be facing a drunk mother who'd, no doubt, be passed out on the couch. I almost turned around and headed the other way, but sucking it up I continued. Entering the quiet house, I was greeted with several photos of my father on the wall in his Army gear, and just as I predicted, my mother was asleep on the couch. Vodka bottles littered the table as I groaned inwardly. Climbing the staircase, I headed towards my room before placing my bad on the floor, rummaging around to find the box that held everything. CDs, first aid, rubber bands, my pens and everything else. I took it everywhere with me. Ready to start my homework, my ears caught sound of my mother as she stumbled through the house, and I sat with the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Leaning over, I gathered everything back, shoving them all into my bag along with a few extra clothing. I was not staying here. Half of me wanted to call Ashley, but I didn't wish to be a burden on her at all. Readjusting my clothing(which I wore a denim skirt, a black and red tank top, matching arm warmers and gloves with boots), I strode towards the window and yanked it open, pausing only for a fraction of a second before climbing out. It wasn't like she'd notice I was missing anyway. Before I knew it, I had gone from the streets into the woods and I kept going. It seemed like the one important mission my life held was to get away as far as I could, which by the time I could barely walk any further I was somewhere, somewhere I didn't know. It was so much different from Degrassi. It was in the air as well. Mystical. The lands were smoother, the scents different from the usual city life.

In my head were images. My father leaving on the bus, my mother drinking and passing out. The constant fights between us. Biting on my tongue seemed like a good way of not screaming out, even though I needed to vent. I continued snapping the rubber bands against my wrist, despite it not providing very much relief. So, I ended up screaming after all. The sound tore from my vocals, all my emotions and agony into that one scream, and boy did I feel a bit better. I wasn't sure who would hear me this far in the wild, even though I felt I was stepping over into some sort of boundary. Putting my bag down as it weighed more now than it did before, I rubbed my arms carefully to keep warm, feeling as if eyes were upon me everywhere I moved. Taking a seat near an old tree, I kept my eyes upon my surroundings, feeling very much alone, hungry and a little bit tired. At least I was free from my mother for the time being, and truth be told had I been murdered out here, that would have been fine with me. Little did I know that I was close to the borders of the Luna Garou, the clan of the Loup Garou werewolves. To keep occupied, and less apt for freaking out, I grabbed out a journal and pencils from my bag and started drawing, at least for the moment.

Notes; I could have gone on longer too xD sorry if it sucks, kept wanting to go on different tangents lmao!

[Syren Loup Garou]

It was such a beautiful day. The forests surrounding the Luna were alive with springtime, the sounds of nature in one of it's loveliest seasons music to my ears. I sat with Arya near the stream, we dipped rocks into the water, any with formica or quarts, just to see them sparkle. After an hour or so of playing with various stones, Arya practically begged to play tag. "Awww, come on Gramma, let's play tag. Pweeeeease?" The drawn out and exaggerated "please" won me over. She was my only grandchild and I loved her immensely. She was the darling of the clan. "Alright Arya," I said laughing. "you're it." I gave her a smile, pulled off my white tank top and let my tan, cotton skirt fall to the ground. Kicking off my sandals, I shifted effortlessly.

Arya shimmied out of her sundress, placing it neatly on top of my clothes that I'd simply discarded, I couldn't help but grin at her actions. She nodded to herself, squeezed her eyes shut, as she often did when she shifted, and made the transformation from child to wolf pup. No wasting a second, the rambunctious darling darted under my belly and circled me. So much energy the little one had. I stretched out my front paws, lowering the front half of my body. I watched her frolic for a moment before uttering a soft growl, curling my lips up into a grin. She stopped, yipped, and ran after me. Her four little paws barely touching the ground as she raced in my direction. I stayed in place, waiting for her to close the distance. When she was almost a paw's swipe away, I leaped backward, turned tail, and ran.

Paws pounding, Arya and I both zipped around the little meadow that lay between the forest and the stream. I slowed my pace, barely, as we went, enough to let her get closer and closer. It wasn't long before I felt a little nip and tug on my tail. Immediately I spun and tore after her as she darted off across the meadow. Vaguely I could hear a small "snap, snap, snap" in the distance. It sounded like....like a rubber band? The hearing of a Loup Garou is astounding, and yet I could not say for sure that was indeed what I heard in the distance. I was more concentrated on the game of tag with little Arya. A scream tore through the woods, echoing back at us from the cliffs opposite. It was then that I felt someone cross the boundaries of the Luna. "Arya, run back to the camp. There is something I must see to. Right to your mother, now."

She stopped, turned, and dipped her head before giving me a yip and barreled toward camp. She understood the importance of not running astray. As Lupa, I was one of the clan who could sense the moment someone crossed our boarder. As I ran stealthily in the direction I felt the breach, I inhaled deeply. A human, female...teenage? I doubted she'd be aware she was now within the Luna Garou. But she did not seem to pose a threat, I was nearly on her now, her scent clear in my nostrils. I was loathe to startle her, and had, in my rush, left my skirt and top back at the stream. If I were to shift, being naked would probably startled her more than if I stayed as my wolf. She was human, and most humans were not so very comfortable with nudity as lycans were.

I peeked through the brush, spying her sitting with a pad in hand. She was sketching. And she was calming, but still a bit stressed. It was all in her scent, in her pulse. Moving slowly through the brush, I came through the small thicket directly in front of her. I moved on my belly, a submissive pose to show her I was not a threat. I whined softly before lifting myself up and settling back on my haunches. She probably wasn't ready for the telepathy, and I had no intentions of frightening her, she seemed fragile in some ways, and I do not mean by just being human. I panted, my tongue lolling from the side of my mouth, my lips lifted up enough to appear as a smile without showing too much fang. I gave a friendly bark, not very loudly and lifted a paw, much like a dog would "shake". As a wolf, and a large one at that, it was better to mimic the friendly neighborhood dog when it came to some people. Not everyone knew of the Luna after all.

[Ellie Nash]

How was I to know that I had crossed some invisible line into the territory of a wolf pack? Werewolves did not exist to humans except in stories and the movies, had someone suggested that I stepped into a werewolf territory, I probably would have thought they were doing that to yank my chain. Tongue protruded from my jaw, only the tip passed my lips as I concentrated on the drawing at hand. Ms Sauve had spoken about drawing and writing as a form of therapy, and happily I was obliging to that as opposed to doing what I normally did. Inside my bag was everything, including the razor blade I used previously. There had been times when temptation got the better of me, even with alternate techniques to help, and with the blades there, I was less likely to be stressed if the need arose as opposed to wanting to, and having nothing there. Kinda like a security blanket. As unhealthy as it was, it was the only pain I could control. Knowing that didn't make it easier.

Focusing on my drawing gave me some measure of control. Keeping my brain occupied to stop myself from thinking about harming myself, eyes directed straight to the paper as I continued to sketch. Hardly blinking at all, I wasn't taking much in until I had finished, knowing by the contours of his features, and his quirky grin, it was my father. "I miss you Dad. Why did you have to go and leave me with her?" He was Army, he had to go, but it didn't make it easier on me knowing he had to. Every night I longed for his calls, to hear his voice and knowing he was still alive. Telling him my mother was drinking again would have only further stressed him out, if he got killed because of me, no, I refused to think about it. Pencil tip lightly brushed against the paper while I arched both my neck and back, feeling cool and soft winds direct my way, only to inhale deeply. This was, paradise really. Quiet, away from humanity with only the animals to listen to as they foraged around for food and, in some cases, shelter.

My arm itched, prompting me to quickly try and ease the thunderous itching sensation curling through my arm. Healing wounds were never much fun, and I was pretty reluctant to take off the arm warmer in case someone came through. Sean and Paige both knew about the scars, but they were under different circumstances. A sound to the side caused me to pause, hoping that some murderer wasn't about to hit me with an ax, when I spotted what had made the noise in the first place. A brilliant white canine, whether it was a wolf or a normal dog I wasn't about to say either way in case I was wrong. It was big for a dog, so I could have assumed wolf. Plenty of wolf-dog hybrids that were white furred. Staring at the wolf, my eyes were probably as big as saucers, having not expected to see anything around the forest. The wolf, or dog, didn't seem to want to eat me either which calmed down my racing heart as it tried breaking my rib cage with its wild thumps.

"Uh, hi there? Nice uhm, canine." I spoke softly, hoping I didn't look like much of a meal, or a threat. Pushing myself off the rock, hands curled tighter around my sketch, the pencil biting sharply into the palm of my hand though that itself was the least of my worries. "I didn't mean to, walk into your territory. And please, whatever you do, don't eat me." The last of my words were uttered in a half joking manner, wondering if I should have just gone with Marco, Spinner and Paige to the Dot. Moving forwards, feet barely making a sound, tentatively I reached forwards to touch the animal atop her head. The slight stretch was enough strain on my arm, my healing arm, and I winced briefly, contorting my arm to hopefully relieve some of the pressure. "I can leave if you want me to. Although, you may not understand me at all. In which case, I definitely am crazy." Sheepishly I grinned, thinking this was just a normal animal, for who would really think they'd come across something mystical as a werewolf?

[Syren Loup Garou]

She approached me slowly, and caught a whiff of a wound, not too fresh, but not healed. It was fainter than the rest of her scent until I had moved this close to her. Now, it was very prominent. I struggled not to laugh when she mentioned me eating her. Whether it were to come telepathically to her, or vocally and quite like a strange bark, it would surely frighten her. Her hand came out, and she quickly adjusted the angle of her arm with a quick and sharp intake of breath, her pulse speeding for an instance. It was her arm that was hurt. I let her place her hand on my head, even pointing my muzzle down at her feet so as not to pose a threat. If I had been a were-cat of any kind, I would have purred.

Slowly I leaned to one side, until I was laying in front of her. I rolled, giving her my belly. She was afraid of me, even though she was showing great bravery for a human to approach a quite sizable white wolf. I stared up at her with my blue, blue eyes, blinking once slowly. I wagged my front paws a little, though I let a snort slip when she apologized for being in my 'territory'. I was a bit shocked she knew, but not entirely. If humans can open their minds enough, they'd be surprised at what they could sense and experience.

I reached toward her mind now, speaking softly. "My name is Syren Loup Garou, and I certainly am not going to eat you." I let my laugh resound in her mind, simply because I found such humor in her previous comment. "You do not have to leave. You are no threat to us, I can sense it. You're wounded too. That I can smell, as well as another pain...one inside you." I rolled back over and lifted myself into a sitting position again, feeling a bit silly speaking to her while lazing about at her feet. "You are in the outskirts of the Luna Garou. Here I am Lupa, and you need fear nothing from us." I gave her a wolfy grin. "Nor are you crazy. It is a gift of the Loup Garou to be able to speak into one's mind while we are wolf. There are many creatures, humans as well, that do not understand wolf-language. It is....the gypsy in us, you could say, that gives us the gift. A way to communicate to others who are not Loup Garou with ease." I offered her a smile again, though it was still very much a wolf's smile, albeit a gentle one.

[Ellie Nash]

Truly I would treasure this moment forever. The fact this wolf was allowing me so close, without snapping or wanting me as a meal, it was simply amazing. Wolves were such beautiful creatures, and had I been more of a poet there would be many words to describe this, right now. However, I lacked that ability, Ashley was the one gifted with poetry. Placing my head directly atop the wolf's head, feeling fur as soft as silk, fingertips lightly kneading the fur itself, I could feel a smile began to spread across my features. Muzzle pointed to my feet, and that was when I knew that tonight at least, I was not going to be eaten as a meal. Even though there was still fear, it was surely leaving as the wolf rolled to her belly, and I took the chance to give her belly a soft rub, grinning like a fool at being able to experience something such as this. Not many got close to wolves, some even believed the stigma that they were evil.

No, wolves were just majestic creatures, and as my hand rubbed across her belly, I couldn't describe the feelings I had. Amazement, wonder, pure appreciation for nature and all its beauty. What I wasn't expecting was words beginning in my head, in a voice not my own. As the voice spoke, my brain seemed to display a sharp spike of pain before it receded, leaving a sort of warmth instead. The laugh resounded in my head, and part of me knew how foolish I had sounded, although if she found humor in it, then hey, it was worth it. "A pleasure to meet you, Syren Loup Garou." A name I'd never heard of before, but surely never would be forgotten. "Uhm, thanks?" I chuckled, clearing my throat as well as any lingering nerves that tried surfacing. "Thank you, for not immediately ordering me to leave." I lowered my head, red curls drifting forth, touching my skin. "You are right. I'm not a threat." Momentarily I paused, instantly drawing my arm close to my chest as she mentioned me being wounded, some unknown fear that caused me to shrink into myself.

"How do you, know? About both?" Of course she'd be able to smell my healing wounds, but the pain inside me? Paranoia crept up, perhaps she was following me, or perhaps I was being stupid. Maybe she knew because she was different to everyone else I'd met. "That gift does come in handy. Otherwise I would have thought you were a regular wolf. The Luna Garou. I've never heard of it. Then again, I've never ventured this far out from home before." Shrugging my shoulders as if the words meant little, there was more behind it than I was letting on. Of course, Syren would probably know since wolves usually had superior hearing and the like. Which made sense since, not only did she mention me being wounded, but pain inside me. Leaning back on my heels, I sat down so I could look at Syren face to face, resisting the urge to cuddle into her incredibly soft fur. It really did seem inviting, but I wasn't sure how she'd react for some random human to cuddle into her fur. "I'm Ellie." I used the name everyone called me by to introduce myself to Syren. I hated my full name, Eleanor, since my mother always used it. And part of me hated her to.

[Syren Loup Garou]

She drew her arm into her chest, and I knew I had been correct, shame wafted through her scent. Self inflicted wounds then. Inside, I hurt for her, my compassion and empathy welling to the surface. "Your scent carries more than just who you are. It tells of what your feeling, much as your body language does and more so. It actually changes the way you smell, to wolves at least, and we are able to determine fear, anger, sadness, everything. The wounds also add to your scent. They're not recent, but not healed." Ever the leader, the mother, I wanted to soothe her wounds, both emotionally and physically. However, I was a stranger to her, and that might not be well accepted. I hadn't meant to pry, and hoped she didn't feel as if I had. It was not my place, and yet this was my place, my home.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to. But your arm, the wounds, they're self inflicted aren't they? The way you pulled it close into you, the shame that came with it, the sadness you carry in your heart. Don't be ashamed, there are many ways one needs to release emotions pent up inside. Everyone does so differently." There were healthier ways to deal with such pains, without hurting yourself further, or another. But I understood the frustration that builds when it seems that constructive behaviors don't aid in letting go of inner turmoil.

I leaned forward, nudging my head against her chest, rubbing, covering her in my own scent. "I wish that I could ease your pains. I hate to see one so young in such a state. It is unfair and cruel. Much as the world itself is at times." In my eyes, the younger the creature, great or small, the more innocent they were. To damage, in any way, that innocence struck a chord deep within me. The young should be protected, strengthened, and supported by those elder. Though it didn't always work that way. In the Loup Garou, however, it did.

I gave her cheek a tentative lick before laying on the ground, resting my head in her lap. It was all the comfort I felt I could offer her. Had I been in human form, I would have hugged her close. To change now meant exposing her to a suddenly nude woman, and though I had no reservations about nudity in any way, she might find it slightly odd to be hugged by a wolf turned naked woman. I settled for resting my head against her. "I am sorry you carry so much pain. I truly wish I could take it from you."

[Ellie Nash]

As Syren began speaking, answering those questions I had asked moments before, I sniffed the air out of curiosity to see if I too, could smell what she could. Stupid to think I would smell it, but I simply had to try, as if there was something bad smelling around me. All I could smell was my normal shower gel and lightly scented spray. Human senses were pretty weak when it came to comparing us and other animals. "Must be great being able to know all that from scent alone." My words weren't sarcastic, but simply truthful. Sometimes it would be nice to be able to scent something and know, saved time and trouble especially with those that didn't wish to talk. They'd still get comfort anyway. Touching my arm, I let my fingers walk over the fabric covering my skin. Syren was right. They weren't fully healed, and tender to the touch. Human healing seemed to take forever, and as my fingers froze over where the cuts were, I blinked a couple of times, holding my arm even closer than before.

Swallowing the thick lump inside my throat, figuring that I would answer because there was no harm in it, knowing I may never see her again and therefor, it wouldn't be that bad. Putting the sketch onto the ground, careful to line it so the edges didn't get too dirty, I carefully peeled back the arm warmer, making sure not to let the rubber bands suddenly snap off and flick Syren in the face. Along my arm were the cuts I had inflicted myself, and once again, the shame welled inside, memories going back to when I had shown Paige. "They are self inflicted. It was the only pain I could manage, the only pain I could control. Now I tend to snap rubber bands against my wrist, even when there are urges stronger than what the bands can do." At least she wasn't reprimanding me or feeling disgusted because of it. I dealt with things the best I could, and just because I harmed myself did not make me a monster. I was still human, without being able to release my pain, I don't know what would have happened.

In spite of what I was feeling, I actually smiled. This was not what I was expecting, and part of me wondered how to respond. For the last few months I had an alcoholic mother who was drunk every night. Syren seemed to care, about a complete stranger. In a way she reminded me of my father. "Thanks." I turned away in case I started to burst out crying. I didn't know why. As Syren lay down and licked my cheek, I relaxed a little bit more. "Why? I'm just a stranger to you." After I had spoken I realized how that could have sounded and mentally smacked myself. "I'm sorry for how that sounded. I just. I don't know. I guess I'm not used to words from an adult female thats not a teacher or guidance counsellor. My mother doesn't usually speak like that. Most times shes too busy passed out drunk." My words sounded bitter because I was bitter. And I really hadn't meant to speak those words out loud, but it was too late to take them back now. Instead, I decided just to cuddle into the white wolf for now, gaining a small measure of comfort from her presence. "I didn't mean to reveal so much."

I added, blushing slightly. I hated telling people how I felt, and I really didn't want to put a negative damper on the situation. "Syren, can I ask you a few things?" I asked, biting my lip in case she got sick of me and decided just to leave. There was the small part of me that trusted her, and I wasn't sure why. To keep myself calm I began snapping the rubber bands against my wrist, unless Syren got annoyed with the sound and told me to stop, it was rather relaxing.

[Syren Loup Garou]

It was wonderful to see Ellie smile, and I got the strong impression that it didn't happen often. I nuzzled into her. "I care because it is my nature too. I have a daughter who has dealt with her pain in a similar manner." My blue eyes sparkled for a moment, the dappling sun reflecting off of unshed tears. "Amanda has had much turmoil and strife in her life. She has come far. The family she grew up with was an abomination. They were horrid to her, their every action leading her into a further decline. If I could have had her within my care, it would have been different for her. For all of us. But I have her now, and I love her more than words can express."

Amanda had grown so much since embracing the Loup Garou way of life, though she was still haunted by her past, she'd made great strides. "Your mother sounds very similar to the bitch Amanda grew up with." I did not apologize for my words. Nor did I tell Ellie that together, Amanda and I had killed both of her "parents". "I only hope your father is not." I licked her arm gently, cleaning the wounds she had. If only a swipe of my tongue could clean away the aches in her mind & heart the same way.

"Do not apologize for anything, especially for being so honest with me. You do not know me, and I asked. I feel privileged that you revealed so much to a virtual stranger. And a werewolf at that." Again I laughed, the sound of it traveling from my mind to Ellie's. I nodded, before resting my head back on her lap. The snap of the rubber band on her wrist was doing a little to calm her, her scent had changed slightly. "Of course Ellie. You may ask me anything." I rolled to my side, easier to look up at her while remaining on her lap.

[Ellie Nash]

Listening was the least I could offer, and besides, it was quite interesting to talk to Syren, it wasn't like talking to Marco, Paige or even Ashley. "Your daughter is lucky to have a mother like you." I responded truthfully, keeping my body close to the white wolf, more out of comfort than anything else. "No one deserves that. I am pleased that you are together again." Nodding my head to show that I believed what I had spoken, I fell silent again as Syren spoke. My only actions came from snapping the rubber band as it flicked against the skin of my wrist. "She, isn't too bad. When my father is around, shes fine. When he leaves, she too, declines." Sad fact of life, and while my mother probably loved me, right now she loved the drink more than her own daughter. As Syren licked my wounded arm, I couldn't help but smile as she mentioned my father. He was my hero. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have him in my life.

"My father, is, a great man. Hes different from my mother. Hes in the Army on a peacekeeping mission. I miss him." Gently I reached over for my journal, picking it up and making sure it was on the page of the sketch I had drawn before. "This is my father." I carefully peeled the page back, showing music lyrics beneath although I had no need for them here. I'd left my guitar back at home. "Thank you. Although I feel privileged that you are allowing me this opportunity to talk to you, without judging me or anything. I know I sound stupid or corny." I chuckled, slightly shaking my head to clear out buzzing thoughts that tried to invade. "Whats it like? Being a werewolf? To run free?" I asked, feeling appreciation towards Syren as she allowed me to ask questions. I, a mere human, when she could easily kill me. Not that I had any thoughts about her killing me. As I wrapped one arm around the curled wolf, my head tilted back as I peered into the sky, humming a soft melody, wishing I had my guitar. "Do you, ever play music?" The sudden question flew from my lips before I realized what I had said. But music was something I enjoyed, something I could easily get lost in.

[Ashley Kerwin]

Sitting cross legged, my fingers danced along the strings of the guitar as it cradled in my lap. Words darted passed my lips as I began singing a song, waiting for Craig, Spinner and Jimmy to show up. Paige and Hazel were near me, Paige working on lyrics while Hazel was setting up the keyboard. Hell Hath No Fury, formerly PMS, and Downtown Sasquatch were playing together, which was the girls band and the boys. We had decided for a mass double group at the Dot. Shrugging my dark burgundy and black hair from my eyes, I carried on when a worried voice broke out from outside which was recognized as Marco and Sean as they argued while Jimmy was trying to calm them down. Looking over my shoulder, glancing at the other girls, I stood up, headed to the door and yanked it open. Startled, they all broke off so it was quiet once again. "Whats going on?" I scanned Marco's face and then Sean whose was more grim than before. "What?" Worry gnawed at my insides as they debated on how to answer.

"Ellie isn't home. Her mom hasn't seen her since this morning." Marco spoke as Sean looked rather pained, pacing around for something to do least he kick a hole in the wall. "Shes missing?" I knew Ellie had issues, and her mother was an alcoholic, so naturally my worry for her safety was above all else. She was my best friend and helped me out so many times. "Come on, we're going to find her." Shoving past the guys, guitar still in hand, both Sean and Paige ran behind me as they both seemed to have something to say. It was in the air with their urgency. "Her mother was drunk when we went by." Sean's words didn't surprise me, while Paige gave me her cell phone. "We all need to keep in contact." Before she darted off. Sean would go with Marco, Spinner and Paige together, Jimmy and Hazel. Leaving me and Craig, which wasn't at all pleasing. "He loves her." That gave me a smile. Ellie deserved happiness, and Sean, while a bad boy at times, seemed to really care and love for Ellie.

Our search lead us to the park where a group of teens had seen Ellie pass by earlier. As we followed their directions, the streets thinned out, forests and nature seemed to take its place. Craig had gotten a message from his step-father regarding his little sister so I told him to go see her. I'd be fine, plus I was ready to be rid of his presence. I had no idea where my search would lead me, and I still had the guitar in my hands. Raising Paige's cell, the service was pretty low, so if I got kidnapped or attacked I was screwed. Hearing movement around me was spooky, so I began to run, not wishing to be eaten or harmed in any way.

I was close to the forest border when I heard a voice seemingly talk to herself; Ellie. "Ellie!" I called, relieved that I could hear her voice but scared something was going on. I wouldn't care(I would but, not in the bad way) if she heard voices in her head, she was still my best friend. I just hoped no one was trying to kill her or hurt her. Getting closer, I stood just before the invisible line(not that I knew) and stood dumb struck. Even the fear of being followed had depleted. Ellie was with a huge white wolf. "Ellie, we're all worried. Uh, who is the wolf?" I asked, swallowing fear. I didn't know the wolf was a Loup Garou, and I had not entered the territory yet, but another step and I would have crossed the border. "El, we should go. Something followed me and I wasn't keen on seeing who it was." I couldn't hear the telepathic conversation that was going on between the Loup Garou as Nathaniel, in his wolf form, stalked around the edges. "My Lady Syren. Someone is following her. I cannot tell who he is, but he doesn't look like one for polite conversation. Hes human, I can tell that. Wait" There was a pause. "The two are in trouble. Hes been searching for more victims." Nathaniel ended his words. The human had been a stalker of both Ellie and Ashley when they played in L.A after winning a music contest at the Dot.

[Syren Loup Garou]

I rolled so that my stomach was exposed, a sign of trust, as well as showing that I was comfortable with Ellie. I gave her a wolfie grin. "Thank you." It was quite nice to hear a compliment regarding my mothering. It was, after all, my duty and privilege as Lupa to act as mother to the entire clan. It was my calling, an ability as any other that I possessed, to nurture. It was also a great honor. "I too, am glad that Amanda and I have been reunited." I snorted slightly. "That is quite common I suppose. I know I would not be the same without Cole, my mate."

I listened to Ellie speak affectionately of her father. He was a central figure in her life, and they were close. "I wish him strength, and a safe return to you." I lifted my head and gazed at her sketch. She was quite the artist. "You have a real talent there." I yawned, stretching, sinking deeper into Ellie's lap. I smiled up at her as she asked about being a wolf. "I can imagine no other life. We are bound by gypsy magick and the call of the moon. We answer with our howls. Our ancestors watch over us. We run free and play in the meadows, the woods. We connected to all of mother nature's glory. Ellie, it is the best and most fulfilling existence I could dream of." My eyes drifted closed as I told her of my view on my life as a werewolf. Wriggling a bit so I could face her upright, I continued. "But I suppose it is not all fun & games. There are those who hunt us. Our enemies can be many, and powerful. Without the Munin to protect and guide us, without our abilities as Loup Garou, we would not have survived this long."

We lay there in the forest, occasionally she stroked me a she hummed a soft melody. "Hmm. I have little musical ability. However my son, Midian is quite good on the guitar and often writes songs. I can play a little, but nothing compared to others in the Luna. You play? I'd love to hear something sometime. Perhaps you can join us one night at the Luna. There is often singing and much music. Not to mention more food than even a clan our size could need." I laughed, a small snort escaping me. "Music is something that brings peace, and unites. And as they say, it soothes the beast." Again, I laughed slightly.

A scent came to me. A young girl, Ellie's age, human, and distressed. She worried a great deal. I sat up from Ellie abruptly, ears twitching to catch the sound of the others hurried steps. A voice followed, calling for Ellie. "She is worried for you." As the girl came into view, it was obvious by the expression they both wore that she cared a great deal for Ellie. They were friends. "She is already frightened Ellie. I should not speak to her mind as I am with you. Tell her all is well, that I and mine are of no threat. I will speak to her as well, if you think it should help. I only wish not to exacerbate her fear." It was Nathaniel's voice that came to me then, and he was concerned as well. We had an intruder coming. I would let no harm come to Ellie and her friends. "No harm shall come to the girls Nathaniel. Keep track of the movements of the intruder. I shall watch over Ellie and her friend. If he come near me, do not send the alert, I shall take care of him myself."

Not wanting to startle Ellie's friend, I had no choice now. "Greetings, I am a friend. But the one following you is not. Come be with Ellie. He is nearly upon us, tracking you. I will not let him harm you." I stalked forward, edging Ellie's friend to her side so that the two stood together. Facing the direction the masculine scent came from, I growled low, the hackles along my back rising. I stood before the girls, teeth bared toward the man coming our way and spoke to them both. "Do not be afraid, I will protect you both."