Chapter 2

Stop and Stare

The pull from slumber into consciousness was easier than earlier. Heavy emerald eyes fluttered open and took only a moment to adjust. She was curled on her side facing the inside of the fire stained room. She took a deep breath and information loaded her senses with the smells of the fire to the wolf sitting just to her right in a chair that looked rather out of place. It wasn't burned, nor was the bed in which she lie. It smelled like him. A voice broke the silence and her eyes shifted over to Peter who was smiling seeing her awake.

" I must say, you are a pro at sleeping. Two days and not a peep. " Peter rose from his arm chair and crossed the distance over to the bed, taking a seat at her bedside. Her heart made a loud thud in her ears and she knew Peter could hear it as well. Those beautiful blue eyes simply smiled as he shook his head. " I don't think I would have stayed so vigilant were I up to no good. " attempting to put her mind at ease. He showed her his hand and how there was nothing in it and then moved to look under her bandage on her side. Her wound was healing slowly, but at least it was healing.

She simply watched him. He made a good point. Why would he try to help her if he was just going to kill her later. She let her eyes follow his hand to her side. He removed the bandage to check on her wound and her eyes went wide as she looked to it. She moved her hand to touch the tender flesh and winced lightly. For the first time in days, she spoke. It was soft but enough for Peters senses to pick up on. Her accent rich with Latin heritage made Peter stop and pay attention all the more.

" I owe you a debt. I was sure I was done for back there in the forest. " She looked from him back to her wound. " I don't suppose you picked up the weapon the hunter..." she paused seeing the glint of bronze of the knife now held in the wolf's hand. There was that signature Peter Hale smirk as they both came to the realization that these two creatures were nothing alike.

He looked the ancient knife over, letting his fingers play over the rough edges. " Bronze? So Were-kittens have an allergic reaction to third place... interesting. " He cut his eyes back over to hers and offered her the knife, hilt first. Instinctively, she flinched away as if he were going to touch her with it. When she saw he was offering it to her, she sighed lightly and took it by the leather binding as to not hurt herself. As she looked the knife over, Peter spoke again. " It occurs to me that there are a few things I don't know about you." As he spoke he looked away but as he looked back he saw her with her own weapon, a small collapsing blade of silver. " However you seem to be on par with all the information." giving a nervous smile.

She chuckled and shook her head. " You have the gift of the silver tongue. It's a wonder it doesn't burn your mouth. " She sheathed her weapon back in her bracelet and moved to get up. She winced but kept moving, ignoring his hand to help her up. She stood and noted her clothing wasn't on her but on the end of the bed. Without hesitation or a show a humility she moved with a grace befitting her people. She spoke once more as she slipped her clothing on. " I am not born this way, nor am I bitten or clawed. I was cursed by a very ancient, very power and very vengeful deity. "

Peter moved to stand and folded his arms listening. Of course he took the time to appreciate the fine female form before him. He noted the tattoo on her hip, the scars along her back and legs. It would make sense if those happened before she was transformed into what she is now. Of course the question that was raging inside him was just that. " Not bitten or clawed but cursed...so what does that make you, if silver has no effect on you?"

She finished dressing, much to Peters disappointment, and turned to face him. She walked toward him and gazed into his eyes. She was seemingly searching for something. She then shook her head after a moment. " I'm in debt to a wolf...how times have changed.." She smiled lightly and kept watching his eyes. " I am Anara. Without getting into everything, I will suffice to say that I am what you would call a poly-morph. I have many shapes. Bronze is to me as silver is to wolves. " She gave him a short answer only because he saved her life. She hoped it would appease him for now however she didn't know Peter Hale that well.

I just wanted to say thanks for reading my story. I will try to update every week. I am a huge Peter Hale fan and I have many stories for him that im putting into this format. Comments and suggestions are helpful. We see a Softer side of Peter here than in the show. He's a very complex man. with as many sides as Anara has forms.