Chapter Two

I awoke the morning after my run in the forest, underneath one of the trees sitting on the front lawn of the Bed and Breakfast. I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, only to discover that my red cuffs had found their way back to my wrists. I looked down to see a black leather trench coat bunched around my waist, that and my own jacket from last night had been folded up for my use as a makeshift pillow. Someone had obviously found me after I'd come back to Granny's early this morning and made sure I was comfortable. Judging by the scent of rum, sea salt, and delicious male cologne, it could only be my new pirate captain acquaintance. As I stretched I caught sight of my reflection in one of the lower set windows and laughed. I looked a complete mess, almost as if I were making the ultimate walk of shame after a one night's stand. My hair was draped in a mass of curls over one shoulder, my black tights were stretched and full of holes, and although my corset hadn't moved an inch my skirt was quite wrinkled.

Ruby sat down on the grass next to me and handed over a cup of coffee, "I heard that Killian Jones brought me home last night, along with your note. What happened?", she asked in a concerned tone.

"I have more sensitivity to the full moon than most of our kind, because both of my parents were Moon Children. The closer the full moon becomes, the more restless I feel. I can change at will no matter what time of the day or month for that matter, and I keep my mind. No blackouts at all. Last night I just needed to work off some of my wolven energy."

"I didn't know that was even possible. Why didn't you ever tell me?"

I shrugged, "There's no real reason, Ruby. Being a purebred isn't always something to be proud of. Other werewolves call it unnatural or an imbalance of power, while humans just make you out to be more of a monster, because we can choose to change and do so anyway. To preserve our species no werewolf can disobey a direct command from a pureblood, as they're the natural 'Alphas'. Your Mother in particular, tried to have me killed on may occasion."

"I never heard talk of this at all, not amongst the other of our kind in my Mother's den or anything.", she stated disbelievingly.

I stood up, pushing Hook's coat off, and then picking it up along with my own, "You wouldn't have. Anita never kept any wolves over the age of thirty in her den, or else she'd be obligated to tell them about it. She sought to suppress it completely so she would have control over a pack of her own. The law was put in place so we all grew up equal and without resentments, but it was all too often ignored."

"Do you think Granny knows? I'd be surprised if she didn't, but I don't know why she'd never tell me about it."

"Probably, but she couldn't take the risk unless she knew who your Father was. She would need to know if you're a purebred or a Halfling and then wait until you were old enough. It's best just to leave the topic alone."

Ruby nodded, "Alright. Before you do anything today, you should shower and then come into the diner for lunch."

"Okay, I can take a hint. Give me an hour to properly wake up and get ready. I'll be there.", I replied with a yawn, then took the chance to get rid of my ankle boots and have a good stretch. My muscles were aching pleasantly, a sign that I hadn't pushed myself too far in my need to exhaust my restlessness.

"See you then sunshine. Unlike some people, I have a regular job to get to.", she teased, then grabbed my empty mug and took it inside with her own.

I made my way inside and upstairs to my room. Using my key to open the door, I stepped on a piece of paper as I entered. It was the complimentary stationery left in all the rooms at the B and B. Hook's scent was all over it. I unfolded the note and read it quickly.

Marian (or whomever you prefer to be known as),

As you will have guessed, I found you asleep on the grass

during the wee hours and made sure you were comfortable.

Your friend was brought safely back to her Grandmother and your

note delivered. I owe you my thanks for that, else Granny would

have shot me and asked questions later. I just wanted to prove

that you can place your trust in me. Please keep the coat, I own

more than one and have the feeling it will look better on you

than it ever did me. I'll be at the Diner all day if you

wish to talk or at least give me a chance to hope.

Yours,

Killian Jones

I fell against the bed in shock as I re-read his short letter. It was more honest and sincere than anything than even Will Scarlet had given me during the entirety of our courtship. I had to admit that I did find Hook psychically attractive, and I felt a pull that made me want to know him, but we each had a great many demons to vanquish. Everyone knew of his feud with Rumplestiltskin, and now that Cora had been defeated a few weeks ago, there was nothing to stop them from trying to kill each other again. I didn't want to involve myself with someone if I was only going to lose them a short while later.

Bell had made remarkable progress with the 'Dark One', but in all honesty I doubted either man would forgive the other, unless they had a few serious brawls and some intensive therapy. I was torn right down the middle. On one hand I wanted to know him as much as he did me, and then on the other I knew that trouble followed the pirate captain wherever he went. Either way I'd still promised Ruby to go and eat lunch at the Diner.

I had a quick shower to rid myself of last night's grime; blow dried my hair and then dressed myself. I wore an oversized green button-up shirt belted at my waist with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows, over my black skinny jeans, which I'd tucked into a pair of battered motorcycle boots. As I often did while I was in town, I left my hair long and loosely flowing down my back. I looked like my normal self, just a little more… confident and edgier. I completed the outfit by wrapping a dark grey scarf around my neck, and donning the black leather coat that Hook had gifted me with, leaving it unbuttoned to hang open. Surprisingly, I loved it.

"Wow Robyn. Do you have a hot date tonight or something?", asked Emma as she caught sight of me walking down the street.

I shook my head, "Not at the moment. I had fun last night and felt like a change. Do you like it?", I asked and spun around slowly.

She laughed, "You look great. This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain pirate, who was staring at you the whole time we were at the Rabbit Hole last night, would it?", questioned the blonde with a knowing smile.

My grin faded from my face, "Would it be so bad if it was?"

Emma shook her head, "Not at all. Hook has changed a great deal since he came to Storybrooke and Cora's defeat. So have you. I saw you in the forest that day. It was you who shot Cora in the side with that arrow, distracting her long enough that the Blue Fairy's spell worked. You're another unsung hero, Miss Hood."

I shook my head with an innocent look on my face, "I have no idea what you're talking about Sheriff. I spent the day on the other side of the forest. I also heard it was your mother who shot that arrow."

"Oh really? Because Snow swears black and blue that it wasn't one of hers, saying that she'd never have been able to make that shot. There's one archer better than her in all of Storybrooke, and curiously you were in another part of the forest. Do you really expect me to believe that?"

I grinned wickedly, "Of course Sheriff Swan. A delicate flower such as myself should keep clear of battle. I might break a nail."

Emma snorted, "Delicate flower, my ass. You and Hook are perfectly matched if this conversation is anything to go by. I think you may even be good for each other. I won't forget what you did for this town, I doubt Snow and Regina will wither."

I shrugged, "You're forgetting that I don't know what you're talking about Emma,", I said with a wink, "Have a nice afternoon with your son and the Hatter family. I don't know who's more excited, Grace or Jefferson.", and with that I left Emma Swan gaping after me, then muttering to herself curious as to how I'd found out.

Killian had been facing away from the door, but I knew he'd sensed my presence the moment I'd entered the diner, by the stiffening of his back. He was alone fore once and sitting in one of the booths by the wall, but I chose to sit at the counter in one of the stools by the window.

Ruby grinned as she saw me and walked over, "According to Granny, he's been here since we opened this morning."

"Who?", I asked acting confused for her benefit.

"Hook of course. Do you think he knew you were going to show up today? Or did he just feel like spending the day in the diner?", she paused and her eyes widened at something behind me, before she headed for the kitchens.

"You're either a very cruel mistress, or you just don't have the bollocks to face me. So which is it, lass?", whispered a dark tone into my ear.

I shivered at the sensation of his warm breath and lips grazing my ear lobe, I turned to face him determinedly, "Can it not be a mixture of both and the wish of not wanting to be hurt by your ongoing war with Rumplestiltskin? Ruby also asked me to eat lunch here because she knows I skip more meals than I should, and she wants to keep an eye on me.", I answered firmly.

Hook growled and sat down next to me, "The Crocodile and I have come to an accord, now that he has his son back. You have nothing to fear from him and if you do I'll deal with it myself. Anything else you need to bring to the table, love?"

I shook my head, "Other than not wanting my heart broken again, no."

"Good, but you're not the only one who wants that. Now can you get up and sit your lovely backside in the booth with me?"

I nodded and stood, making his eyebrows raise as he realised what I was wearing, "Problem Hook?", I asked teasingly and walked to his booth.

"There's no problem, I just can't believe you're actually wearing it. I was definitely right though.", he answered once he'd recovered and sat down.

"Right about what?", I asked curiously as I slid off the jacket and laid it down on the space next to me.

He smirked, "Right that it looks better on you than it did myself. The only thing wrong is that now all I can think about is you wearing nothing but that coat and a smile. You may just be my undoing she-wolf."

I shot a quick glance back at Ruby behind the counter, knowing she could hear every word of our conversation, and would want all of the details later. My friend just smiled and made gestures for me to continue, signing that she very much approved.

"Well maybe you'll get your wish one day, you'll just have to earn it.", I replied back with my eyes flashing gold.

The pirate reached his hand across the table so it covered my own, and then ran his calloused thumb over the back of it, "I guess you'll just have to stick around and let me earn it then. Shall it involve conquering worlds and slaying dragons? I am gladly up to the task."

I laughed, "Give it some time and we'll see how we go. For now, let's start with lunch and move on from there. Have you eaten yet?"

He shook his head, "no, not yet. Am I right in this meaning you're going to give me a chance?"

"Yes, but dinner may have to wait a week or two. I'm only in town for a few days to resupply, before I head back to my home in the forest. Someone needs to keep the monsters at bay and right now it's just me."

"I hope you don't mind, but I asked around about you, and it resulted in very little. You seem to have as many names as sides to your personality and I can't help but be intrigued. What do you exactly do in Storybrooke, lass?"

I raised an eyebrow, "You certainly don't beat around the bush do you?", I said more to myself than to him, "I have several jobs actually, but most of them are unofficial. Thankfully I don't have to go wandering with a pen and paper just to talk to someone; it was hard not to be able to talk to my clients during the curse. My main occupation is as a woods guide or a forest ranger in these parts. I mark trails, take tours through the forest to the hidden lakes in the mountains, and so on."

"What does that have to do with monsters? I understand you're quite capable, but it's still dangerous for a woman.", he added in a worried tone of voice, that suggested he really cared for my safety.

"I stop them from entering the town, I hunt them to keep the population down and I keep them happy. Troll, goblins, dryads and all sorts of nasties would wreak havoc here. I also collect rare herbs and plants for the town apothecary and make natural tea and remedies for the townspeople who prefer the old ways. It may not be a lot, but it's meaningful and keeps me busy.", I answered, looking down at my hands as I did.

Hook put a hand under my chin and tilted it up so I was looking into his eyes, "It's nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, love. I know what it is to throw yourself headfirst in to one thing, so you can distract yourself from thinking of something else. I find it inspiring that you're both strong and beautiful."

I smiled shyly, "For the record, I'm average, not beautiful. It's not as if I had a choice. In my stories you either had to be strong or die."

"Beautiful to me, but I guessed that. I'm curious as to who you were, love. Every person I ask had no single name for you."

"That's because I have led many lives. I was born Marian Locksley of Nottingham, during my childhood and adolescence I was Alice of Wonderland, then once I'd grown and matured into my full werewolf abilities I became known as Robyn of the Hood. There are a few others, but none that I care to mention, they're not all very pleasant. Take your pick, Hook.", I explained despondently.

"Killian.", he said in a quiet tone as he picked up the menu with a guarded expression.

"Excuse me?", I asked a little confusedly.

"Hook is my moniker and armour against the world. My name is Killian, and for now you can be Robyn, until I find my own name for you. One that isn't so known or foreboding. Something only I can use, though minx seems terribly appropriate.", he said thoughtfully and went back to stroking my hand.

I drew his attention by threading my fingers through his, "I'd like that, Killian."

The pirate grinned at my use of his name, "Just as I like the sound of my name falling from your lips, love."

I rolled my eyes, but didn't pull my hand away, "Flirt."

Ruby appeared a few minutes later to take our order, and winked at me when Killian had fixed his gaze elsewhere for the moment. We ordered our meals and then relaxed in the booth, just talking as we waited for them to arrive. The two of us spent most of the day just sitting in the diner, we chatted, and shared stories that not even the people closest to us had heard.

The sky was just beginning to darken and I stole a glance at ruby, who tapped at her wrist when she saw me looking. I pulled my pocket watch from where I'd slipped it into my jeans earlier today, and gasped.

"I'm sorry but I have to leave now.", I said hurriedly and stood.

"What's the rush, sweetheart?", asked Killian somewhat confusedly.

I paused, "I have to be somewhere important, not that spending time with you isn't. I'm sorry, I just forgot I had to be somewhere else."

Killian stood so I was looking up at him, "I can understand if it's important, but if you're off to see another bloke, you should know that I don't share. Never have and never will.", he said purposefully with a growl in his tone.

I shook my head, "I'm not asking you to Killian. Tell Ruby that I said she could explain, she'll understand. If you want to wait until tomorrow morning, I'll explain everything myself. Goodbye.", I pecked him on the cheek, leaving him surprised enough for me to make a quick getaway through the back door. By the time he'd regained his senses enough to follow me, I was already turning into a wolf and running in the direction of the town's outskirts.

A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed/favourited this story or put it on their alerts. Love you all, glad to know someone likes my ideas. In the next chapter we learn a little bit more about Robyn, her family, the mystery man she ran off to see, and the latest trouble brewing in Storybrooke. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

I am also looking for a Beta who can provide criticism and doesn't mind being a wall I bounce my ideas off.