Enslaved by Blood

The beautiful and elaborate sunrise was like a Van Gogh painting behind his lids. He stood there watching the horizon in its beauty through his closed eyes, letting it burn his skin. he wanted to taste the vibrant colors of orange hot and red, and he wanted to dive deeply into its haze as it covered him like a warm embrace from a lover he could never let go. Above all things, his peace of mind was most important to him, and in the early mornings after a full night of hunting and rampaging through the forest on the outskirts of this small city-town made him lethargic as if he rested on the sweetest drug. In a slight daze, he sighed deeply and yanked his leather jacket tightly to himself, and strode in the opposite direction of the rising sun. With a swift finger, he tossed the cigarette to the concrete ground and stepped on it to put it out. The last thing he wanted was a gotdamn forest fire because he needed a flaming stick break.

Walking home at dawn was a good way to mull the constant thoughts in his head. His slow, lazy walk was indicative of his desire to remain outdoors, despite his well-furnished home waiting in the distance. Passing the small houses on the edge of the big city, he made his way to his loft and stabbed in his key code once he arrived. He entered the apartment building, one he was still quite new to and stopped in front of the mail boxes. He read over the dozen names and pressed his finger to his own with his apartment number "C6" on the front of it in elegant gold writing. Nothing was inside, as he expected, since he had only recently moved here, no one would be sending him letters anyway.

Tossing away a stray strand of strenuous hair, he took the stairs rather than the elevator to the third floor and placed his palm to his door. Inside of his apartment he leaned against the door and stared at its emptiness. He had no desire to shop for furniture, it was not a passtime he felt like spending. He instead stared at the large white walls of his apartment and sunk to the ground still sitting against the door. He had purchased this place with the intent of getting out into the world, and still he only preferred the lonely walk to the edge of the city and a quiet stare at the sunrise. He was running out of time though, and if he didnt find a way to pass the time quickly he would have a very miserable finality to his already miserable life.

Celeste always prided herself in her looks. Nothing was short of perfection when she left her penthouse apartment, no matter what time she left. Working in the city was always her dream. Leaving home...and her family was always her dream. So the day she was able, she left...never looking back. As time went on living on her own proved to be easier than her parents had made it out to be. And for her, becoming an influencer was even easier. Celeste was well known for her fashion, extravagant life style, and her trips. Though her online presence brought her in money, she still loved working. so she had found a very flexible job as a publisher's reader. It offered her the free time she wanted, but the work she craved. In a week (depending on the submissions) Celeste could easily read three books. Of course this all determined whether she actually got into the manuscript. She always got praises from her boss about her notes, which she prided herself in.

Celeste sighed as she picked up her second manuscript. She laughed at the title "The Salt of the Cursed", everything about it was ironic. She flipped to the first page as she grabbed her breakfast. She sat at the large island of her kitchen with her notebook next to her. She skimmed the first page, hoping it would drag her in. Sighing she pushed the manuscript away gently. "Yet another vampire romance novel." She groaned softly as she wrote down simple notes. These would not be submitted with the manuscript, but she loved having them anyways. She kept all her notes from every manuscript she had read so far. 123 different books. Celeste grabbed her phone and started taking pictures for her Instagram of her breakfast. 8:30 am. "Perfect way to start my morning. Meal of a champion. #coffee #healthybreakfast". After posting she let it ding with notifications of likes, comments, and whatever else came through after she posted.

After she had eaten she grabbed her work and headed into her lush living room. Everything about it screamed cozy, which it was. Plants lined the walls, art hung perfectly, dark curtains pulled closed, light wood furniture to offset her dark plush sofa and matching chairs, and a large flat screen TV covering the wall opposite of the sofa. She lounged on the sofa and pulled the manuscript onto her legs. "Let's get this over with." She rolled her eyes. Reading the vampire love story was like being forced to watch that monstrous movie series Twilight all over again. "Why must normies love vampires?" She sighed as her large maine coon, Felix, jumped up next to her. Felix was a monster of a cat, he was 16 inches tall at his shoulder and weighed about 18 pounds. His coat was long and well groomed. Celeste had gotten him because of his eyes. Though his coat was beautiful. He was a grey tabby with swirls, his eyes were amber colored. Over time Celeste had grown rather close with Felix. She hardly every left for a trip without him. Her followers loved him as well, and his crazy antics. Celeste spared no expense when it can to him either. He had his own room with everything a cat could want.

Celeste cuddled with Felix as she read the book. It was nothing special in terms of story line. Woman falls for mysterious new man in town. New man is a vampire. they face hardship when his "family" hates her. So far Celeste guessed how the story would end...happily ever after. "As if that is a real truth, Felix. Happily ever after....a false sentiment." She rolled her eyes, but smiled. Without Felix Celeste would probably be insane by now. Yes she had "friends" but she wasn't close to anyone. Well besides her best friend Claire. She put her pen in the book and closed it. "Wonder if Claire wants to do something later." She picked up her phone and sent a text. Meet up tonight? Maybe go clubbing? Sliding her phone onto the coffee table she went back to reading. She knew Claire would be down. Claire was always ready to go out and party with her. Leaning back she let herself fall into the book without much though. Jotting notes when she needed to or wanted to.

Getting ready for work took longer than it should for a guy his age. Possibly because the entire day, Shaw was working out or doing other strenuous activities such as hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Taking a cold shower, and rushing into his black outfit from head to toe in order to fit the image, it was the dark eyeliner and the dozens of jeweled bracelets and spiked rings he had to wear that took most of the time. By sundown he had packed his electric guitar into its case and tossed the long strap across his back.

The walk from his apartment to the downtown city area was quick, it was his intention when he purchased this apartment to be close to all of the dozens of popular clubbing spots and performing stages so he never had to walk far. When he had finished another cigarette and hopped into the short line for backstage passes, he breezed past the stage crew and back-door bouncer. He flashed a plastic badge that clung to his leather pants and raced up the stairs to the dressing rooms in the back.

The guys were strung out, drunk mostly and high on some sort of illegal drug. Gladly his supernatural blood ate through the toxicities quickly which left him lucid no matter how much alcohol he threw down on. "Shaw! You boys are on in ten!" the stage manager yelled into the room, not even bothering to check if the other members of "Cycle Strange" were prepared to go on in ten minutes. As high as they were, they probably needed more like ten days.

"Let's go boys. Gotta keep it clean." Shaw shouted as he kicked the ragged boots of the lead singer who growled in protest, tossing crumbs from a rushed snack off of his jean pants. He cursed obscenities and rushed to clear up his face and reapply the makeup that would hide the dark circles below his eyes. "You look like a bottled wine." The lead spat toward Shaw looking at him through the mirror.

Shaw ignored the shot taken toward him, these werent his friends anyway, they were all signed by the same company and seemed to be make more as a group than on their own. Shaw was in it for a reason, a good one, and once he didnt need the cover anymore he would high tail it out of this group with a quickness.

"Ladies and Gents! It is time for the group you have all been waiting to hear. Cycle Strange!" The introduction of their group was met with claps and cheers on stage. Shaw made his way to the stage and silently slid into his position behind the microphone. No one cheered for him, he was the new guy the unknown temp stepping in for the real base player. It was good he wasnt known. He didnt need a bunch of groupies rushing him at the end of every show.

He watched as the lead singer stumbled onto stage and grabbed the microphone with a forcefulness only a drunkard could do, and he watched as he worked the crowd and microphone.

As the time seemed to drag on, the book ended how Celeste knew it would. The "young" vampire claimed his human for himself. Living happily ever after. Celeste tossed the papers onto the coffee table with a sigh. "I can't believe it. Like seriously. Why are normies obsessed with this crap." she grumbled as she made her way to the kitchen. She looked at the clock. She had 2 hours to get ready. She grabbed the fresh food for Felix and set it on the table in front of him. "I spend more money on your food than I do my own." She smiled at her cat and ruffled his fur as she walked passed him. She could hear him eating as she left for her room.

Pushing her way into her room she flipped on the light. Her room was just like the rest of her house. Clean, perfect, and cozy. Dark woods with light colored fabrics. She sat at her large vanity and set her phone up. Opening her Instagram she started her live feed. Normal night for her. She got her makeup and hair ready on live chatting with her followers. She moved to her closet and let her followers pick her outfit. A tight black skirt that stopped in the middle of her thighs, a nude sequence strapless top, and nude heels. She paired it was a gold spiral bracelet and her golden star necklace. She told her live she would be posting pictures of the outfit in a few and some of the club later. After she ended her live she got dressed. Looking herself over in the mirror she snapped pictures. Felix wandered in and she snapped a few with him as well. Posting them she stuffed her phone in the small purse she was bringing and kissed Felix goodbye. Heading out to meet Claire.

Claire was dressed in a short black simple dress and black stilettoes. Typical for her. Celeste loved Claire's simple style. "So what is sit you wanted to do?" Celeste asked Claire as the walked side by side. The downtown apartment was perfect for her active lifestyle.

"So, that band, Cycle Strange...the one I am obsessed with right now is playing at a club." Claire gave a sly smile. "I was hoping the oh so amazing, Celestia could get us in." Claire laughed softly.. Celeste looked at Claire with a wide smile.

"Only because I love you." Celeste linked their arms. Normally one of her other "friends" would do this she would pitch a fit, but with Claire it was different. Celeste knew Claire wasn't using her. They had been friends before the fame hit Celeste. "Lead the way. And I will charm our way in." Celeste walked with Claire to the club. Once at the Club Celeste walked passed the line. Protests came from people but then someone shouted. "Celestia! I love you!" Celeste smiled and made her way to the bouncer. "Two. Now." She said looking at him. He glanced at her and nodded. "Head on in" He grumbled as he let the two girls passed him. The club was deafening. Bodies pressed close to others. Celeste walked with Claire to the hostess and gave her her ID and her credit card. "Booth for two, and we want to keep the tab open." She raised an eyebrow at the woman who smiled politely. She lead them to a small dark booth and left them there.

"You are amazing." Claire smiled as she set down her stuff. Taking off her light jacket. Celeste tossed her purse into the booth and smiled.

"Don't I know it. Drinks or dancing?" She smiled as Claire grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. Celeste usually could handle the scents that overpowered her in clubs like this, but tonight it was different. She struggled to keep her head clear. She could not lose control in a club. throughout her and Claire's dancing and drinking Celeste took pictures and videos for her followers. Not bothering to care if she pissed anyone off. Guys tried to dance with her, but she always managed to slip away from them. She sighed as she made her way back to the booth. Her head was swimming, not from the alcohol, but from the scents. She let herself slid onto the seat and closed her eyes.

The club smelled terrible, the smells of all the people inside made his stomach turn. It wasn't the alcohol that had a mix of sweat, human urine and a strong undertone of bleach-covered stomach acid and bile that made him want to hurl, not as much as the scent of youthful human blood did. The younger the human, the more ripe their blood scent, and that made them detestable to Shaw's senses. He grew tired of pretending, of the shows he had to bring his maddening expressions, dark eye liner and deep voice to just play the part. He wore two disguises, human was the first, a rockstar was the second. Sometimes he wished he was just back on that long stretch of levee that stood above the large lake outside the city and running free like a careless coyote.

When he thought of this, he lost himself in the music he made, his strings upon the instrument in his arms singing for him all the pleasantries in his mind. He strummed hard, the base in his ear ringing true to his emotions and he lowly sung in the background of the band as they began a new set.

"Ladies and gentleman, thank you for being here, its a smash. My boys and I will take a quick thirty and we will be back on to make your skin melt from your fucking bodies. Grab a drink...on us." The lead singer licked his microphone in a sexual manner and it made Shaw roll his eyes. He knew what the lead was going to do, take a swift sniff of the white powder to hype himself up for the next set. Shaw's night fortunately...was over.

Lowering the strap that held his guitar across his body he slipped it to the side and locked it securely on the back portion of the stage. He crouched low to the floor and leaped from the stage, and made his way to the bar. "Give me two cold ones." he yelled over the music that played and one of the bartenders nodded and popped two beers from behind him. He tossed the capless beers over and Shaw downed one without taking a breath and lightly slammed the bottle onto the bar once it was empty. He took the second and turned but was flooded by women, men, humans. He fought his way through them, especially since most were eager to get their hands on his counterparts who also made it to the bar for a stiff drink. The bouncers pushed some of the women away, and for once he was grateful humans existed, even if it was to keep their usuals in check.

His eyes scanned the bar and he peered at the VIP section where he was meant to go and avoid the crowd of crazies, and he flashed two fingers in the air to signal to his manager that he was leaving. The fumbling idiot behind the VIP gate waived his hands frantically for Shaw to stop, to join them. And Shaw responded by turning to ignore his manager who seemed desperate to keep him around.

As he began to walk from the bar he was shoved with a ferocity he wasnt prepared for, and his drink went flying, the contents still full spilling onto one of the tables and spilling directly onto an innocent woman, her dress coated in cold beer. He looked up at her and frowned, turning his head to view the idiot who dared to touch him.

"Where the fuck are you going, Asshole? We paid you for three sets." One of the lackies from the band who was named Jasper or Jasmine, he couldnt recall because the guy didnt really matter, had his hands at his side and had clearly been the one to push Shaw. Rage filled Shaw at an unmeasurable rate and the bottle in his hand cracked, but thankfully didnt shatter.

"You want to do this right now? Right here?" Shaw said firmly, and his eyes set into fury. The man who stood before him took a deep glance, a hesitant second before he huffed and turned away, deciding to let the matter rest rather than begin a commotion in front of fans. Shaw glanced down at the bottle in his hand and he turned toward the table where he had spilled his beer. He didnt really want to stay much longer, so he began to push his way through the crowd to exit quickly. He really needed to get another job.

"Ladies and gentleman, thank you for being here, its a smash. My boys and I will take a quick thirty and we will be back on to make your skin melt from your fucking bodies. Grab a drink...on us." Celeste heard the lead singer of the band say into the mic. She shook her head. The difference between a rockstar and an influencer. Did this lead singer think buying drinks for the people would really make a difference?

Celeste's eyes followed the guitar player as he made his way through the crowd. She shook her head. He should have just followed his bandmates to their booth, which was two down from hers. She watched as the band ordered drinks and made fools of themselves. Some people just weren't meant for the spotlight. This lead singer was one of them. Celeste could smell the drugs on his skin. She scrunched her nose as Claire rushed back and went over tot he table with giddiness. Celeste rolled her eyes as she watched her friend fawn over the lead singer.

At the cold splash of a drink Celeste shot out of her seat. "This is EXPENSIVE!" She growled as she looked at the man who spilled his disgusting beer all over her.

"Where the fuck are you going, Asshole? We paid you for three sets." She heard someone say. She locked eyes with the guy who spilt his drink all over her. A deep growl forming in her chest. She was about to say something to him when she heard him speak.

"You want to do this right now? Right here?" he said firmly. Then he just walked away. Celeste followed after him quickly.

"Rock boy! YOU AREN'T EVEN GOING TO APOLOGIZE?! YOU RUINED MY OUTFIT!!!" She growled as she caught up with him on the street. Standing in front of him. She crossed her arms and glared at him. Celeste was 5 foot 6 inches. She tried to push the growl rising in her down. It was getting harder for her to control her wolf...she hadn't shifted in weeks. 4 weeks? No longer. She narrowed her eyes at the man.

The sudden rush of people was annoying, their glances eager to catch whatever commotion was happening around them. Shaw pushed his way passed and walked to the double doors of the club and exited with fury in his eyes. He needed clean air, another cold drink, and maybe a coffee to get through the night. He stood by the side of the street, his hands shaking and desperate for a cigarette...desperate to shift.

He reached into his chest pocket and patted himself frantically for a light. He needed to kick this wretched habit, it did nothing to actually calm his nerves or his wolf, however it was nice to pretend that it did. When he heard a woman's voice behind him, shouting towards his direction his eyes opened wide and he glanced behind him to see her charging straight for him.

"Shit." He cursed and attempted to step into the street to avoid her. Suddenly, she was standing in front of him. "Yeah- sorry." he quipped, and began to sidestep her. "Look, I'll...Ill be more careful next time a jerk shoves me over a table."

He turns rapildy to cross the street only to have a speeding car zoom past him and force him backward to the curb into the woman he was trying to avoid. "Fuck...Sorry." He cursed again. This woman was in the way every time he turned. Was this on purpose?

His eyes began to change and he tried to hawk the change down by grinding his teeth together, making a knashing sound. He finally located his lighter and began to light his cigarette as he glanced up to the street sign that forbid him to cross. The speeding cars weren't going to slow for him, he had to wait.

He glanced to the woman behind him. "What? You want, an autograph or something?" He glanced back toward the cars. "Its just a stupid dress." He said under his breath.

Celeste crossed her arms as he gave his half ass apology. She shook her head. Fucking rockstars. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. His scent hit her with force. He wasn't human. He was a wolf...her eyes opened wide. What the hell? Confusion spread in her. Was there a pack here? She hadn't found any in the archives.... Sure there were loners and a few rogues, but they moved around a lot. Had a pack set up and not registered. Her eyes snapped to his face. If he was he was definitely a high rank.

Celeste was lost in though as this guy bumped back into her. She stepped back as a growl escaped. "Are you drunk?" She asked. It was hard to get a wolf drunk. But she had seen it a few times. Her father was one of those wolves. She made a face when he lit the cigarette. "Why the hell would I want your autograph?" She rolled her eyes. "I'm not a groupie of yours. Nor will I ever be." She growled. "Its not a dress...and it was one of a kind and expensive as hell." She shook her head. "Fucking artists...." She growled and turned to walk down the street. It would be stupid for Celeste to go walking with her anger in full swing. She stopped and sighed. She had to either go inside and hope and pray that alcohol would curb her need to shift...or head over to the wooded area. "Goddamn it." She grumbled as she fought with herself on what to do.

Shaw inhaled deeply and tried to alow the smoke to calm him, and as it began to settle and burn his throat on its way down his ear twitched hard to the words being tossed his way. "What the hell?" He asked as he turned toward the woman who claimed her clothing wasnt a dress. It wasnt a dress?

Shaw glanced backward and he watched as the woman sauntered off with anger, and his eyes angled to her round ass. He leaned his head a bit as he watched her, the confines of her shape igniting his wolf. He gave his head a hard shake. What in the seventh hell was he doing staring at her ass that way anyway? He glanced over her again, and he wondered. Had the definition of a gotdamn dress changed over the past ten years he was in the everglades running like a free wolf?

"Hey-" He called to her back. He wanted to let it go, he wanted to just let it be. But gotdamnit he had spilled his drink on her, and despite it not being her fault he knew his asshole of a bandmate wasnt going to replace her dress or- whatever it was she was wearing.

"Wait." He called behind her and began to jog and catch up. "Listen lady, I'm just trying to get the hell out of here alright? I apologize for spilling my drink on your...shirt." He stuffed a hand into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, balancing the cigarrette on the side of his lips. He went digging for any cash on hand, and he located a hundred dollar bill and some twenties. He took the hundred and a twenty dollar bill and reached it toward her. "Will this cover it? I'll just charge my manager in the morning."

He then began to place the money into the top of her dress, clearly overstepping boundaries attempting to place it into her bossom- suddenly he stopped and thought better to just hand it to her. "Just uh...take it." He waived the money and grabbed his cigarette with his other hand. "The last thing I need is an angry wolf woman chasing me down for a few drops of beer on her clothes."

Celeste needed to get her things and go. She needed to shift. His wolf was surfacing and she could feel it. Every part of her screamed to shift. She was almost back into the club when he called to her. She turned on her heels and looked at him with narrowed eyes. What could he want this time. She was shocked at his words. “I don’t want money to replace it. I could get it cleaned. I just wanted a real apology. Not that crappy one you gave me. Beer will come out of my skirt. The top will be harder but it’s whatever. Was so last season anyways.” She shrugged.

She stopped at his words. “I don’t need some unmannered wolf spilling his drink all over me.” She growled at him. Her eyes scanning his body. He was attractive. Hell he was gorgeous. Celeste had no interest in the wolves. She was one. But she didn’t really like others. Not anymore. She turned away from him. “Just be more careful. If I didn’t have a real image to keep up I would have beat your ass.” She leaned close to him and snarled the words. His scent was intoxicating. Everything about him dragged her in. She wanted to be closer to him, but it was stupid.

While Celeste knew about mates and the bond that comes with them, she always assumed that since she was an omega, I wanted by her pack, that she would never have a mate. No male wants an omega. She breathed in deep and forced herself to walk back into the club. She needed to get away from this wolf. This rockstar. She couldn’t risk her image with some fling.

"Unmannered?" He asked as she turned on her heels. The way she seemed to toss the insult around made him agitated. Which is why he turned around to go back to the street, cross it and walk to his apartment and simply end this charade. Yeah right.

"Hey, get back here. " He pushed his way back to the club and lightly touched her arm to turn her toward him. "If you want to talk about being careful-" he stopped, looking around. He didnt want these details to be spread thin around a bunch of humans. He gently placed a hand on her back and whisked her to the nearest corner in the club. "If you want to talk about being careful then you tell me what the hell a wolfette like yourself is doing in my people's territory unprotected?" He lowered his face to her shoulder to sniff her scent and underneath the wild scent of femininity was a hint of beer and perfume.

"You are in our hunting grounds, and I dont recall you being one of my lieutenants. So maybe it's you who should be more careful." He showed the money to her again. "Just take it, I dont like being in debt to anyone. And I dont need my reputation of being an asshole to travel any further than here."

Shaw took hold of her hand and placed the money into it. "Buy a new dress on me. Just make sure its Blue. And dont come back to this club. Do I have your word on that?" He saidd with a firmness in his deep voice. Maybe there was a reason he spilled his drink on her. He never would have noticed she was a wolf until they were out of this smelly ass club. But it was clear what she was now, and he didnt need her tattling on him and making his followers skeptical.

Celeste whipped around to look at him. As he guided her to a corner of the club she wanted to smack him and make a scene. Only because she knew it would cause drama. She growled at his words as he spoke to her. “Last I was informed this city didn’t have an official pack. And to top it all off I don’t need some scruffy male wolf to protect me. I am a Beta by birth. And I am trained.” She lied. Celeste was forbidden to train with her pack. She only got by by sheer luck. She had gotten in a few fights with wild animals and won, but she had her share of scars from it.

She shook her head. “It’s not debt. It’s a simple mistake. I don’t need your money. I make plenty of my own.” She smirked at him. “How about you use that money to buy some jeans that actually work with your body and maybe a shirt that actually works for you too. Your style is subpar at best.” She rolled her eyes.

When he put the money in her hand and told her to buy a blue dress and go not come back the the club she growled low. “How about you stay in your lane. You can tell me what to buy or what to do. I will come back here if I damn well please to. This is a free country after all.” She pushed him gently against the wall. “I bring this club a lot of business when I post here. And the owner loves it. Plus where else is within walking distance of my beautiful apartment.” She scrunched her nose. “Now be a good boy and go sit with your band. I have things to do. And a perfect gentleman waiting for me at home.” She let her hand slide down his chest as she turned away. “Oh and my name is Celeste. See you around.” She winked and headed back to her booth.

Shaw was intrigued but not enough to stick around. He needed this woman to take the money and admit this was all a misunderstanding so he could feel better about his mishap of her shirt-dress. He gasped. "Scruffy?" He said with a sly huff. He glanced down at himself. Was this little she-wolf insulting him???

Trained? trained in what exactly? Was she some sort of super-wolf fighter? He looked her up and down, she was clearly hiding something and he was halfway wondering what it was. He glanced upward to her smirking lips and he realized hhe was leaning too close for comfort. As she pushed him against the wall he released a rumble in his chest. This woman was playing at a game she wasnt prepared to play.

He looked down at her hand on his chest and he wanted to swipe up her delicate hand to bring her closer, but he fought the urge. He stared at her lips as she spoke. He had never seen her before, and since she was highly aware this was unclaimed land...that meant one thing. She had caught him in a lie, and perhaps that was a bad thing...for her. She was unprotected, and alone, and that meant she really was unaware of the dangers that awaited her.

"You don't understand-" He started, but his voice fell as she slid her hand down his chest and he swallowed the lump that had suddenly grown in his throat. He was in dire need of a mating, and this woman was pulling a weakness from him that he had forgotten was there, buried deep beneath his stone cold heart.

Celeste...he looked her over as she walked away, heading back to her booth. He stuffed the money back into his pocket. He didnt plan to stay in these parts long, but this woman was probably a single reason to linger a bit longer. His hunting was going to begin soon, so he didnt have time to play. He lowered his head and closed his eyes with a smirk on his lips. He memorized her scent. This was only the beginning of their meeting. But he had matters to attend to, and that couldnt be put on hold, even for his desires.
---------

Shaw left the club, forcing himself to go home. He had figured out information tonight, and it was going to aid his investigation. The club was not a common place for wolves, it was Celeste's scent inside, and she was the only wolf for miles. This was what he called a dead zone, and while he had tracked his brother here, he had not sensed any other wolves around...until tonight. If his brother had come accross Celeste, she would have mentioned it, since they almost passed for twins. She was not a part of a pack, and was seeped into human affairs since she was at a club and wearing expensive clothing. She wasnt the she-wolf he was looking for. But he probably should warn her that there were hunters around, and if she didnt watch her back...

He shook his head as he entered his apartment. Whatever happened to Celeste was her own problem, not only did he not know her or care about her at all...she was a distraction he didnt need right now. It had been a long time since he had sensed a female wolf that was unclaimed, and of course any female would appeal to him so it was natural that he had gotten warm inside seeing a she-wolf. But he needed to stay focused which meant he needed to keep as far from that she-wolf as possible.

As the moon rose, he remained in his apartment and connected pieces of evidence together. Scratching off names, places, he eliminated all of the acquaintances he had seen tonight. His brothers bandmates were not responsible for his disappearance, neither was the manager. They accepted Shaw as if he was his brother, and only a wolf or another supernatural would know the difference between him and his brother's scent. He marked off more names and drank a few more gulps of gin before crashing in his bed.

The next morning he woke early and dressed into a pair of jogging pants, hoodie and jogging shoes. Placing a headband around his head, and a pair of earbuds in his ear, he exited his apartment to get a good run in before heading to the coffee shop. The park accross the street from his apartment was a perfect place to run, and it was as close as his wolf could get to running free in a forest, so he went to the park to run a few laps. He ran full speed down the path, it was early so there were few if any humans around, only other runners like himself. He felt the adrenaline building. He wanted to run liek this forever if he could, listening to his favorite lofi songs. He inhaled the sweet smell of fog and dawn as he ran the park trail.

Celeste watched him leave. Part of her disappointed he left, another part of her was glad he was gone. She waited for Claire to be done drooling over the lead singer. Celeste wanted to go home. So she went over and said goodnight to Claire and then headed back to her apartment. She needed to forget about this wolf. He was a loner probably...or a rogue. Either way he was here...nothing new. Celeste had meet a few other supernaturals in her time in the city, but mostly they were just vamps or the fea. Nothing special there, but this wolf was. Something about his scent and the way he made her react. She shook her head as she walked.

"I'll just gone home, curl up with Felix and forget this wolf. It was probably the only time she would ever see him. As she walked she fought with her urge to go to the woods. Yes, she needed to shift and go for a run...but she knew it was only Friday. She could plan it tomorrow night. Make it seem like she is going to focus on her second job for the next two days while she roamed as a wolf to get the urge out of her body. As she entered her apartment building she stopped. Was that his scent? She shrugged and got on the elevator and headed up to her floor. She unlocked her door and smiled. "Felix." She cooed as he strutted up to her. She bent down and picked him up. "I think after the night I have had I deserve a bath." She told the cat as she walked towards her bathroom.

She set Felix on the counter and started her tub. She stripped down and tossed her clothes into a third hamper, she used for things needing to be dropped off at the cleaners. She sighed, "Full again." She pulled her hair into a messy bun and started sprinkling different things in her bath. Epson salt, scented bath bomb, dried flower petals, and some lavender oil. She turned the lights down and flipped on her dock for her phone. She turned on her piano playlist and slipped into the tub. Felix laid on the counter purring as she soaked. Letting the night wash away as she did.

By the time she crawled into bed Celeste was bone tired. She crashed as soon as she hit the pillow. Felix curling up against her side. The sun woke her. She blinked a dew times trying to clear the sleep. She rolled over and opened her phone and started posting about last nights "fun" and told her follows she was going to be reading a new manuscript for the next two days, which wasn't a full lie. She would get a new one read....but she was spending the nights shifted. She got out of bed and went to the kitchen with Felix in tow. She made them both breakfast and sat with him at the island and ate. "I think we should order Tai for lunch?" She asked and tapped her pencil on the closed notebook. "I think Tai and this book will go well together." She smiled.

So she spent the day at home with Felix. Reading and writing and just relaxing. Her sweater and sweat pants never felt better to her. By the time night feel Celeste was antsy. She needed to run. "Felix, I will be home in the morning. So be good." She kissed his nose as she gathered lighter sweat pants and a sweatshirt, putting them on along with some easy slid on shoes. She left her apartment in a hurry. She needed to get to the forest. She needed to shift. Every moment closer to the forest she ached. Once deep inside Celeste stripped down and left herself become a wolf. Shifting hurt, because she hadn't done it in a while. But once she was done she shook her fur out and took off. She felt the wind in her fur. She felt alive. She missed this. As she ran she let herself only think about what she was doing.

It was a calm day, and that meant it would lead into a calm evening. While working on a case, Shaw decided the only way to let the time pass faster was to act as if his own life had not been placed on hold. The daily jog, listening to his music, working his day job and maintaining his wolf form were all requirements to still feel normal. Now that he had been running in the park for a while, it was time to get his true "run" in. After running farther into the forest portion behind the park and sniffing the good air he searched for a good place to shift. Lately he had not trusted the area enough and felt comfortable to shift, but now that he had established himself it was time to let loose and get his paws deep in the dirt. He found a clearing and began to safely remove his airpods and stopped when he sniffed a familiar scent.

Turning, he followed the scent until he saw a separate neat pile of clothing. he stepped closer and frowned. This scent was recent, familiar, and worst of all, female. Shaw should have known this area was taken. This wasnt a good place to shift at all if the female he met from the club was running around this place. He decided it was best not to shift, and to return home to prepare for work.

But then again, hadn't he been the one to say that he hated jobs when he couldnt find a wolf brother to hang with? Didnt he hate it when he couldnt get any information from his own kind? Didnt he miss running alongside other wolves? The thought of him going back twenty years to his young days playing in the caves outside of the city and smelling the scent of "girls" made him chuckle at how much of a brat he was. He hated "girls" because they were always so clean and proper, not befitting a proper rustic wolf. Most of the girls in his clan had forgotten how to shift because they had become so modernized. Now this woman, she was a wolf. Did he want to let this opportunity to run with a wolf pass him by?

Well, maybe just this once he could give his rusty social gears a turn.

He began to remove his clothing and folded them neatly beside her own and he shifted quickly, enjoying the feeling of becoming his true form at heart. He dashed through the trees maniacally and released a barking sound eager to begin a day of chasing. He lowered his sniffer and began to follow the scent of the female wolf. He wasn't far behind, and he dashed behind her only to find her a few feet ahead, running. He raced faster to catch up and attempted to place a paw to her backside beside her tail. He jogged beside her and cut her off, blocking her path. His tail wagged at a raging speed and he lowered his head challenging her, and eager to play.

His wolf gave a soft snickering smile.

Celeste lets herself forget everything as she took off into the forest. She stopped at the sound of a bark. Another WOLF?!? she thought to herself. She let her paws carry her fast away from the sound. She didn't need a fight on her paws. She knew their were other wolves in the city. Most just stayed to themselves, like she did. She let herself race away from the bark. She couldn't get into a fight. Fighting another wolf spread like a wildfire through the community. She would be branded a rogue who was hostile. She couldn't have that. She knew she needed to get away from this wolf. So she did the best thing she could think of, RUN.

Her heart pounded as she heard the paws of another wolf chasing after her. She looked back to see a grey and brown wolf chasing her. She let out a growl as he caught up to her and cut her off. She raised her lips showing her teeth, but stopped when the wolfs tail wagged. She looked at him confused. What does he really want? She watched him carefully as she stepped back a few steps. Her head cocked to the side as she took in his stance. She wasn't used to not being able to rely on communication by body language. Her pack had always had their magical link, allowing them to talk to each other. Her blue eyes darted around. Looking for the best way to escape. Being a coward wasn't what she wanted, but she knew that it was either that or risk getting in a fight because she didn't really have the skills to read wolves body language.

Celeste had seen her fair share of loners and rogues over her months of travel and even just here in the woods by the city, but she usually just let her head hang low as she slinked low to the ground passing. It was the only thing she really knew. Submit and let other have what she had. Being an "omega" had taught her to just roll over and move far away from other wolves. So that's what she did when she came across a wolf. Even real wolves, which she had the pleasure to meet once. It was a rough encounter for her. Being as she was an unmated female....and a stranger in the packs territory...and smelling like hints of human. Real wolves and shifted wolves were very different. Celeste was no stranger to being attacked. So looking at this strange male wolf, who she knew the scent of...but couldn't really place it. Tail tucked, ears flat, lower body, let out a whimper. She though as she tried to remember the way the pack pushed her to do. Her tail curled under her backside, she pushed her ears flat against her head, and she lowered herself to the ground. She let out a soft low whimper. Trying to say she was not a threat and that she had no power. I fucking hate what they have done to me. She though as she looked at the wolf's paws in front of her. Her pack had beaten her into submission and it was drilled into her now.

Shaw's wolf was ready, so ready! He dashed left and then right, and then backed away and playfully snarled. He was full of energy after his run in human form and now he wanted even moreso to play with a wolf like himself. Yet the reception he received from the female wolf was so unexpected his tail froze from wagging. Was she bowing in submission? Did she not want to play?

Shaw felt his teeth chomp closed as he shut his mouth. Gosh he must look like an idiot. He raced behind her and somehow terrified her, or perhaps made her feel afraid that he would harm her. Well that wasn't what he was trying to do. Shaw smirked to himself, he wondered if she knew how much she contradicted the person he had seen the other night. She had charged at him, powerful and strong, demanded that he at least acknowledge the assholery he had done to her shirt at the club.

But what had changed? Now here she was, in a more powerful form yet she became submissive? There was definitely a mystery here. And he couldnt wait to figure it out.

The wolf straightened and gently padded toward her as she whimpered. He then sunk low to his tummy and began to slowly creep to face her until they were only inches apart. He gently lifted his paw...holding his breath as they were only now centimeters apart as he crept incredibly close. And Booped her on the nose.

the wolf then leaped to his feet and growled playfully and lowered his front body with his rump high in the air and tail wagging. He playfully jumped toward her and snuffed her flat ear and gently tugged it. It was time to play, and he didnt want her to feel afraid. But he also knew she was alone, and no one really wanted to be, even her. Right?

Celeste watched the wolf carefully as his body changed again. She watched him closely her mind racing with thought. What if he was like her pack? What if he attacked her. Sure she was powerful in this form, but he was a male wolf...He was stronger than her. Sure she could possibly outrun him and maybe even outsmart him, but in strength Celeste would lose horribly. What does he really want? Why does he smell so familiar? Her mind screamed at her to run. Wolves who smelled familiar always ended up being from her old pack. ALWAYS! They wanted her back....but she would never go back...not alive.

Celeste watched him wearily as he inched towards her sinking low to the ground in front of her. What is this male getting at? She though to herself as he grew closer. Her heart pounded in her chest as he was only inches away from her. His paw raised and she flinched slightly. Waiting for the attack, but he tapped her nose with his paw. Confused she blinked at him leaping to his feet and growling...playfully?

When he tugged on her ear she nipped gently at his jaw. He wanted to play? Her tail slightly thumped. I pray this isn't a trick...if it is I will surely die this time. She thought to herself as she let herself open slightly to the male wolf in front of her. Her tail wagging a little more freely now, as she rose and play bowed toward him in return. Alright big boy, if you want to play...catch me. She thought to herself as she nipped gently, but playfully at his muzzle and took off into the woods. She wanted to test this wolf. See if he was friendly or a foe. She couldn't trust herself to be tricked again.

As she ran she sniffed, making sure they were alone. Letting out a bark as she raced through the woods. She jumps over logs, and made sharp turns as she ran. Her heart raced as she let her limbs stretch and flex. It had been to long. Thinking about her last shift made her shake her head. She couldn't get lost in those thoughts again. Sure in her human form Celeste had gotten to the point she was a bold woman, but as a wolf she was submissive and weak. She hated it...but maybe if this wolf was a friend...he could help her....

The female wolf was a challenge at first. It was hard to discover what her intention was being how she acted submissive and afraid. He was not sure what to think when she continued to bow low, as if she was inferior to him. His head tilted, and he waited to see what she would do. He began to glance at her tail and caught the slightest hint of a wag and like a fool, his jaw dropped and his large tongue flopped out. She was only fooling around!

He released another growl as she leaped up to race into the trees. He lept behind her and ran behind her, bumbling around and even tripping into the grass. This female had tricked him! At least he thought so, it was a great way to get a head start. He howled loudly and jumped to the large trunk of a tree to launch off and attmept to cover more ground behind her. She was swift, and she seemed to enjoy being chased and racing in the wood. He had to admit the chase was one of his favorite games.

Allowing the inner wolf to run was like taking a large fresh inhale of air into his lungs after years of not being able to breathe. Being swallowed by the needs of the pack, being forced to hunt sometimes his own bretheren, and living a lonely life to service his pack was just a world he could not escape. At least here, and now, he was free of it. And before he moved on to the next assignment, he wanted at least to make the most of this temporary job.


Chasing the female wolf took a while, and every time he got close to her he allowed her to slip away. He didnt want the chase to end. but as they dashed along and his howling started to sound like an old wheeze he realized they both needed a break. He jumped ahead of her and skidded to a halt until she ran into him and he nipped her ear. Running along her side he slowed down to sit in the cool grass and lapped from a small puddle beside him. He licked his nose and sat upright to observe her. Looking up to the sky he noticed the morning was passing soon. He would need to prepare for work, but this seemed like a good day to play hookie.

He began to communicate with her, his front paws planted in the grass. He showed images in his mind of the night before, the way her scent matched the scent of her now. He wanted to connect with her mind, speak with her and possibly spend time together as humans. He thought of where their clothing was, would she join him as a human or only as a wolf? The images of his mind were an easy way for him to communicate with his pack, but he was not sure if she would be able to do it since they barely new each other. It only required a connection between them, no matter how small. He wondered if it was there.

Celeste let herself go as she realized this wolf wasn't going to kill her, or at least not yet. She let out a tip of excitement as she looked back at him. He was fast and graceful. Part of her wondered why he was alone and another part of her wondered about his mate. She shook her head as her breathing became labored from racing along the forest floor. It had been a long time since she let herself really let go. Sure a few times over the last few years she had hunted small game, which she hated doing...but it gave her a reason to actually run.

She crashed into the male wolf as he jumped in front of her and stopped suddenly. She jumped at his nip, her ears flattening and her tail tucking slightly. Was he angry with her? Did she mess up. She slowed to a walk and sat down. Watching him as he drank from a puddle, she shook her head and walked away from him. She wanted to show him the river that ran through the woods. The cool water tasted better than a dirty old puddle. She looked back at him and wagged her tail gently and jerked her head for him to follow her.

She stopped when he didn't follow her. She sat down, her sides heaving, just looking at him. What was he doing? She tilted her head as he just stared at her. She started shuffling her paws as she grew uncomfortable with the stares. She glanced around, noting the sun was coming up. She sighed softly. The night was over and she had to go back to her second life. She didn't want to. She wanted to stay in the woods. She longed for the days she could just shift whenever she wanted to and go for a run without the fear of being caught. But she knew she had to get home to Felix. He needed her.

Celeste rose to her paws and glanced up at the sky. How do I tell him I have to go? she though. She had never really been around wolves she wasn't in a pack with and she knew that she couldn't talk with him. She slowly began making her way back to her clothes. Looking back over her shoulder, seeing if he followed her.

Tilting his head to the side in wonder, and his tail suddenly haulting its slow wag, the oversized mutt of a wolf stared at this female counterpart. She was jerking her head in a comical fashion but when she went still to watch him, he realized their ability to communicate was lacking. He watched as she rose and began to leave, her head glancing back toward him.

She had been watching the sky as well, it meant she knew it was getting later and possibly meant they had to go and live the human life. Shaw skipped until he caught up with her and they jogged back to their clothing. Shaw swiftly went for his pile and picked them up into his snout. He turned and dashed away to give himself (and her) some space. Once he was a few feet away and safely behind a tree he began to shift.
....

"So, do you come here often?" He called out as he shook out his pants and undergarments before putting them on and sliding them up his lengthy legs. "I sensed a female, but I didnt think I would find you out here. I would say you're stalking me, but then I think...what the hell would make you do that?"

He sighed and called out as he placed his shirt over his shoulder rather than putting it on. He still needed to cool off a bit. "My name is Shaw. I'm only passing through but it would be nioce to have a running partner. If you're...okay with that." He calledd to her. He didnt want to step from behind the tree too early, since human shifting female wolves liked their privacy. If she had already gone and he was talking to himself, well he would feel like an idiot.

Celeste picked up her clothes when he dropped them. She ducked into the thick underbrush and shifted, a soft cry left her lips as she did, it was still painful since she didn't shift enough. Hearing his voice she froze. FUCK. "As often as I can get away." She called back to him pulling on her shirt. She pulled up her sweats and shook her head. "I wasn't stalking you...I simply needed a run...and I ended up running into you." She tried to hide her annoyance. She had been hoping it wasn't him, but how many wolves did she know in the city...not many.

"I'm Celeste. I don't go for runs often...which sucks, but life is what it is." She stepped out from behind the tree and started pulling on her shoes. "Though we could go for a run tomorrow night...if you are able." She shrugged. She had already planned on going out for a run tomorrow, but having someone else there would be better than being alone. She never let on how lonely she truly was. Sure she had her friends, but none of them were like her. She had to hide herself. She hated it. She waited for Shaw to come out. She didn't want to be rude and just leave. Sure he had ruined her outfit, but he didn't seem like a bad person.

I mean he had every opportunity to kill her in the woods and he didn't. Part of her regretted acting like a bitch to him when they first meet. Who knows maybe he is the wolf she is looking for. Her mate...whoever he was had to still be out there. She shook her head as she waited. She needed to stop this nonsense. She didn't need a mate. That would just complicate her life. She didn't need a pack either...or at least she thought she didn't need a pack. Part of her knew that was a deep lie she has been telling herself since she ran away.