Softly biting my tongue, I kept myself from lying to him another ti. Ignoring the urge to let him think I only identified as Helene Duskpaw when I do not.
While I am proud of my actual na and existence, for a short mont I had the impulse not to grant it to him. To any person who slled like Kyrie had rolled around in wolf form with them... playfully or... otherwise.
As well as a contradictory desire to snap and claim things I shouldn’t.
"I go by Citra."
I managed to say with so composure, though I have a feeling I’m scowling like I ate one of those terrible ’lemons’ whole. Because these ’feelings’... are werewolf biology and the ddling of the Lunar Goddess.
After I answered, he began to climb up the slope with lithe ease... more than his upper body bulk implied would be possible. The blonde man stopped a respectful enough distance away - close enough for conversation, far enough not to be overtly threatening.
> We both know how quickly that distance could be closed if necessary. And I’m not doing a good job of seeming unagitated. He is either very self assured or- <
"You’re our new Duskpaw... visitor."
I offer a raised eyebrow at his careful choice of word, not entirely sure why he didn’t just call ’rogue’. Truthfully, I have no idea what he might know, whatKyrie might have told him, or why he is even bothering to speak to .
But I might as well say what I’m telling everyone, at least.
"Forr Duskpaw, if we’re being precise. I have no intention of ever claiming mbership of that pack again. Nor do I feel wary about being labeled a rogue by them."
He studied openly, sothing close to suspicion in his eyes. But no hostility.
"Most rogues don’t announce their intention to stay as such. They are usually looking to get in the graces of the next friendly pack.
"I’m not most rogues. And I’m neither working to appease or cause trouble for anyone."
"No?"
I feel as well as see his eyes moving pointedly to my hairstyle. Suddenly I rember my worry earlier - that I should have put it up differently while sneaking into the railyard.
> Did he see ? <
"We received a complaint from a Pineheart pack mber yesterday. Sothing about a confrontation at Silverton Clinic."
Was that all this was about? I fought the urge to roll my eyes and rely closed them for a few seconds... forcing myself not to think about what it ans that rumors of my being there may be circulating.
The clinic deals with more than pregnancy, surely. Though if the receptionist or nurses are like Lucinda at the spa was... they may tell others why I was there. But I knew that was a risk.
When I opened them, he seed to be looking at like I was insane... and I honestly get why. Looking away from soone who might be an enemy, especially closing one’s eyes... implied a level of trust.
> But it’s really just because I know you were watching out, Vrika. And well, I guess so small trust because Mother’s Intuition has not been pestering since he got here. <
"This is about Ms. Farrow, I assu? The woman refused to move from the seat with access to the power outlet so I could charge my phone. I convinced her to move as politely as I could - hardly pack business."
"Small slights have started large wars before - at least when it cos to humans."
He warned, even though a hint of amusent crept into his tone for so reason. For a few seconds I wondered how much she genuinely told whoever listened to the complaint, before he started talking again.
"The city is host to mbers of several visiting packs at any given ti for the specialized fertility facilities we have. Things are... tense enough without adding more friction. Okay?"
"I’ll keep that in mind. Though I wouldn’t feel at ease unless you returned her the sa warning."
"Hm? They know our rules and have never received a complaint against them, as far as I recall."
"Well, they didn’t get the point of the rules, then. When soone asks you for sothing - politely, I should add - and it is a thing that will not permanently inconvenience you... but has an unknown effect on you refusing them?"
Even though I didn’t intend to at first, my usual sneer and raised chin looks down on the taller man standing just a bit lower on the slope.
"In that case, starting such a ga of ’chicken’ over a re seating location cannot be deed anything other than intentionally causing friction. Or am I wrong?"
A thoughtful look crossed his face as I clearly shifted my weight, looking like I was done talking and fully prepared to leave if not for his presence. While lies are all well and good when needed, recognizing the weakness of my own argunt makes uncomfortable!
> I of course had no idea at the ti if that spot might be quite important to her. Or if not ’backing down’ in front of one of the others there had a higher value than a stranger charging their phone... <
"So, was there sothing else you wanted, Luca? Or do you just regularly patrol parks at dawn and look for rogues to lecture?"
He might have smiled, just barely, over my attitude. What a friendly wolf... even as his next words were ant to imply otherwise.
"I protect my pack. And I make efforts to get ahead of problems for them."
"You’re either high-ranking in the Ricoat, or a very proactive sentinel."
"Sothing like that."
His gaze sharpened with my Intuition still not telling he is bad or dangerous. But I’m starting to not trust that it will always let know in ti - as when so people flip their ntal decisions, it can be instantaneous.
"Not to be rude, Helene. But our Alpha has taken a particular interest in your situation."
There it was - the real reason for this conversation we are having. Yet another person who recognizes who this body was... but while Mira was a coincidence that mories can verify, I’m sure she t no one from this pack before I ca here.
> The more he stands close here, the more I am calming down about her scent being faintly there. Is it only because he seems like an upstanding person? <
I kept my expression blank, not knowing the extent of what she told him. For my part, I would rather no one think I’m supposed to be her fated mate... even ourselves.
"Has she? How flattering."
"She’s not typically one to intervene personally in rogue matters. Not so repeatedly."
"Curious. Perhaps I’m just a special case - or even a passing whimsy."
A dry toned response, but perhaps still a little too lengthy next to his fishing for information. He nodded as if confirming sothing to himself before crossing his arms to look more imposing.
"A word of advice, if I may? Our Alpha and her generosity can sotis be misinterpreted. Or taken advantage of. Don’t do either of those."
Bristling at the sudden accusation, Vrika and I both align in our feelings for a glorious mont. My wolf knows both how much I’ve tried doing neither thing - and also thinks it’s none of this werewolf’s business what its mate does for it!
"I don’t recall asking for her help and you know nothing about why she gives it. Do you?"
"Perhaps, but you are in our territory, wearing undertones of our Alpha’s scent on you like a shield."
His words weren’t deeply accusatory - I can tell the difference between a barbed courtly sting and rely stating facts. Yet they landed on my soul like stones dropping into still water, ripples of suppressed emotions thrumming against the sides of my mindscape of their own accord.
"I didn’t realize I needed to bathe in vinegar after every short encounter. Clearly you did not do so either, with her scent so clear and fresh. What are you to her, anyway?"
Sharp, emotional tone tore from my lips in a snarl. It was t with a genuine seeming laugh that threw off balance... or no... that’s wrong.
> I haven’t been in any sort of balance this whole ti. Just on the back foot, trying not to make the situation even worse and clearly failing. My reaction just now... was not a very smart, controlled Princess move... <
"Enjoy your morning, Citra. Oh, and whatever is happening between you and our Alpha... I hope you know what you’re doing. For both your sakes."
Before I could collect myself and form a response, he was already moving away to resu the rest of his day. Watching him take an almost straight line to the white tower in the distance, I grumble to no one when he is out of the park.
"Kept saying ’our’, ’our’ at the end there when ntioning her. What was that about... so annoying."
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