Together

Women of the Otherworld Fanfiction

Singingfrogs

No copyright infringement intended

It was an unexpected turn of events, and he was beginning to marvel at the fact that so little information had been collected and formalised by the Bear Valley Police department. His life had been so good in recent months, but now, with the threat of a potential hostile situation, it was time he called upon his strength once again. He needed to savour the spectacles as they came, appreciating his loving family, his supporting friends and the beauty around him.

But, as they drove across the vacant plains of bright fields that held the intense volume of food that grew high above his shoulders, the underlying feelings of anxiety and dread was clouding his mind. The time passing slowly as they twisted and turned with the curves of the road, driving between two vast ancient forests of New York, the pair of them moving from the bustling atmosphere of the city and towards the overbearing country town of Bear Valley. This was his world; where so many people lived their lives without fully living them, people struggling with daily scraps of life, going about nonsensical business not fully understanding just how complicated other lives could be.

From his enhanced eyesight he could see the steeping rocks of the mountain range that towered over their destined valley, noticing how his father Antonio turned onto their needed road. His eyes were searching for any abnormal activities, as he knew of the perils that seemed to be looming over the home of his Pack. Wild werewolves known as Mutts, peaceful or perilous, could become very dangerous if they grouped together or singled out any individual member of his pack. It seemed the Pack had learnt that out the hard way considering Daniel Santos and a group of his mutts had provided an intense volume of trouble to his family a few years ago.

The young man glanced towards his father; the older gentleman was in his fifties, but physically he could easily pass for half that age. He was shorter and stockier than his son, but his broad shoulders and bulging biceps were nearly doubled when compared to the younger man in his company. He felt the vehicle beginning the steep incline of the mountain range, allowing the two men who were comfortably seated within their Mercedes to undertake the next leg of their journey.

"We should arrive at Stonehaven around lunchtime Nick." Antonio voiced, his grip on the steering wheel tightened as the tires slipped and skidded on the asphalt road. Nick gave his father a brief smile and a nod before pulling out his iPhone from his jeans pocket and composed a message to Elena, one of the inhabitants of Stonehaven. His father simply decreased the volume of their CD and continued to guide his vehicle through the traitorous terrain of the mountain range.

The sun progressed higher into the sky before Antonio pressed his foot to the break pedal, feeling the tires of the car spinning out from underneath them as they skidded on the rubble of the alley road. Nick could see the sun peeking out from behind the large cliff faces that encased the chasm that held their home and destination.

After an hour, the two of them had emerged through the valley that was accessed by the steep, slippery zigzagged path. He could feel the air becoming warmer as they descended, the glorious smells of pine tree and luscious conifers relaxed the wolf within him as he prepared himself for returning home; he could only smile to himself when the familiar sights of the looming pines gave way to large beech and oak trees. The younger man noticing the freshly fallen snow that had been the product of last night's snowstorm.

His sensitive hearing heard the thundering of a storm over the peaks of the mountains, the valley escaping the onslaught of the upcoming weather. The sunlight glinted and refracted against the windows of the quaint neglected buildings of the town below them, inconsistent trains moving with the landscape as the fast travelling transport prowled through the surroundings dense forests.

Antonio brought them to a comfortable road that led to the edge of the valley. Nick could see a river flowing to the edge of the town, the water rolling quickly and noisily, as mountain-streams do on a sunny morning. Nick recognised the narrow road, so narrow only a single car could navigate, allowing oncoming traffic to slow so others could overtake and continue on their journey. It seemed the gritters of the town had excelled in their job due to the clear roads. Nick could only smile fondly at the snow free road, taking in the large mounds of white, which was a product of the heavy trucks that had forced the dangerous snow to the sides of the roads to keep them clear.

The streets of Bear Valley swept passed the windows as Nick continued to look through the glass, observing the bustling streets of gossiping villagers, people selling their dishevelled wares as if they were brand new or people struggling to make ends meet as they worked more hours than legally required.

But, as the extravagant Mercedes moved from the valley and into the woods, Nick recognised the twisted driveway of Stonehaven. The large trees of the properties forests were looming over the vehicle as the engine purred and roared with power. As they moved through the overstated entrance archway Nick's eyes sparkled with familiarity as he shared a smile with his father as he observed the enticing eighteenth-century building that was nestled in the centre of the attractive property.

"Home sweet home." Nick breathed, delighting in the rustic elegance and ancient Victorian coloured stone walls. The wide planked pathway that paved the long gated celebrity stone driveway gently climbed and twisted the hillside to make a hair-pin turn before terminating in a large motor court parking area. It seemed the inhabitants of Stonehaven had been able to do very little concerning the dense layer of snow that dominated their driveway, causing Antonio to frown with concentration as he navigated the driveway from memory.

Antonio brought them to a slow stop not failing to recognise the crunching of the snow underfoot. Nick moved his eyes towards his father, finally noticing the dark purples under his eyes. It seemed the long journey from the Catkins and the difficult terrain of the mountain pass had exhausted Tonio. Antonio lifted his hands to his eyes, rubbing away his tiredness before each of them evacuated the vehicle.

The young man leant down to adjust his jeans, small yawns falling from mouth as he stretched and clinked out his unused muscles of his legs, arms and back. He noticed his father was moving to the front of the car, allowing Nick time to reach into the back of the vehicle, wrapping his hands around the straps of their bags, making sure not to catch the canvas on the latches of the car door before he turned away from the car, lifting his leg to shove the door closed and feeling the misting of his breath around him.

Nick continued to readjust his clothing, pulling at the sleeves of his expensive blazer and coat after he had placed his cases to the stone driveway. He adjusted the knot of his scarf, revelling in the warm material against his olive skin as the chill of the January air was biting at his form. However, he felt his father's large palm pressing to his son's back pulling Nick's attention from his grooming causing his eyes to move to his elder.

"My friend." A voice sounded which caused the young man to snap his head in the direction of the impressive building that was dominated with circulating plants of ivy. The young America continued to run his hand through his styled brown hair so he could get a better look at his childhood friend. Clayton or Clay was one of those detestable people blessed with both genius-level intelligence and drop-dead gorgeous looks. Blue eyes, dark blonde curls, and a rugged face straight out of a magazine. Match that with a powerful body and you have a package that wouldn't go unnoticed in the middle of a Chippendale's convention.

"Clayton." Nick replied, a large smile engulfing his full-domed shaped lips as Clay lifted his own arms and wrapped them around his friend, each of them embracing together as they greeted each other after a long period of separation.

"We're glad you're home, Jeremy has had very little rest the last couple of days."

"Dad phoned ahead earlier trying to get some information into what we might be facing. Jeremy just made excuses. Are we in the shit again?" Nick asked. Clayton simply nodded his head before turning away from him, inviting to follow him as Nick headed towards Elena, Clay's wife who was welcoming Antonio.

However, as Nick followed his childhood friend, he could hear their faint footsteps, the sensitive hearing of the people around him able to determine how far away they were. Nick just smiled as he observed Elena turning to face her guests, knowing their arrival would always be noticed.

Elena was just a beautiful as her husband. She was slender, tall and held the werewolves typically athletic build with snow white hair that was mid-back in length. As Nick welcomed her into his arms he lowered his chin to rest on her shoulder, Elena obviously standing about four inches shorter than her companion.

"Come on in, Jeremy was just preparing lunch." She voiced gently, her even tone allowing the two werewolves in front of her to smile before Clayton reach for Antonio's bag and guided the pair of them through the elegant doors that held the stylish Stonehaven emblem to the glass of the door.

The elegant estate was modestly sized, well-furnished and decorated. Elena directed them into the foyer. The walls a pale blue and cream complimenting the wooden panel flooring and the striking Native American animal totem that was positioned by the stairway. Nick could only smile as his eyes fell to the framed portraits on the small foyer table, taking in the smiling faces of Clayton and Elena, Nick grinning with his father while the last photo was of a young red-head, smirking towards the camera with her grey orbs twinkling with life. He was not surprised to hear the chiming of the grandfather clock striking one o'clock.

However, as Nick briefly turned his attention to the living room, he knew the décor was not exactly subtle. The room was full of natural details, including the stone of the fireplace that was blazing with fire as the heating of the house provided a welcomed relief to the biting chill of the weather outside. He could see a sculptured wooden chandelier, and a variety of animal skulls strewn on the tables. Taxidermy samples and pictures of hunting scenes were hanging on the crimson walls. It seemed, even though Jeremy had fallen from the past traditions of the Pack, he still valued their ancient history. The Chesterfield sofas, brass lamps and traditional frames only added to the character of the house.

Nick placed his expensive converses to the cold stone floor, his outwear still wrapped his limbs as he walked through the familiar corridors of his home. The man had familiarized himself with the peculiar looking artefacts that dominated the walls and every available space. He could only smile, his eyes sparkling with affection knowing that Clay's professional interest in anthropology wasn't left in the classroom and frequently came home with him.

The limited sunrays were radiating weakly through the concentrated corridors of Stonehaven, the pockets of warm air warming him as his eyes momentarily flashed to the bellowing trees of the handsome garden that dominated the back of the property.

Nick could only allow the feeling of home to envelope around his heart and his soul as the familiarity of his wolfish life relaxed his confused mind and the conflicting argument of the new devilry that had engulfed Stonehaven in unwavering darkness.

The man was so wrapped up in his thoughts he was unaware of how his body had automatically followed his friends and into the kitchen come dining room. Nick observed his father embracing his old friend Jeremy, the Pack's alpha. Jeremy holding an uncommon smile on his lips as he whispered hushed greetings to Antonio before the older gentleman brushed the black bangs from his features and headed towards Nick to welcome him home.

"You've arrived just in time." Jeremy started as he moved the final plate of food from the kitchen counter to the large wooden table. "We were just about to sit down for lunch." Jeremy smiled as he took up his usual seat at the head of the table.

Nick squinted as a sudden ray of light washed to his sensitive eyesight, noting how the white light vibrated through the large room. Kitchen cupboards hanging against the wall, a large bookcase rose from the floor right to the ceiling, holding books and trinkets.

However, as he moved further into the room, he could see the large oak table positioned directly in the middle of the room. The high beamed ceiling making the room feel more country as the ancient looking appliances and the netted curtains that hung over the windows only added to that affect.

Nick gratefully took a seat next to his father and opposite Clay who was greedily stocking his plate. The young man could only smile as he took in the array of foods; from cheeses, to four different types of meat and an immaculate array of cooked foods from bacon and sausages, to a large salad or hefty sandwiches. Nick openly helped himself to the mouth-watering foods, piling his plate high with hams, cheeses and meat.

"So what's going on? Clay said you wouldn't explain anything till we got here." Nick's father mused as he angled a large piece of ham into his mouth. Nick just fluttered his brown orbs towards his alpha, chewing on his food as he was consciously aware of the others looking towards Jeremy for guidance.

"The police have discovered a body at the edge of our property line." Jeremy stated calmly, cutting at his food as he tried to answer his family's questions.

"Sounds strangely familiar to the situation that occurred five years ago." Tonio voiced, shooting Elena a concerned look. It was no secret that it was those circumstances that had ultimately led to the feisty woman seated in front of them to finally give in and accept what she was. That she was one of only two female werewolves in the world, and she recognized what her heart was yearning for. Craving the love and attention of her mate, aching for the companionship of her pack and pining for the freedom that came with running in an estate that held over one hundred acres of woodland.

"But there was no mistaking that those kills were defiantly done by a wolf. We haven't smelt any intruding mutts." Elena responded, her wrists leaning against the edge of the table as she clung onto the handles of her cutlery.

"The victim held three very distinctive scratch marks down one side of her back. Wolves wouldn't have been able to leave marks like these." Jeremy answered knowingly.

"But then you wouldn't have called us home if these scratches weren't something to worry about." Nick expressed, his eyes shining with emotions, as his mind was unable to progress all the different ideas that were swimming around his skull. Nick knew before even saying the words why Jeremy had called them to Stonehaven; he was possibly the only one qualified enough to know of what the scratches were due to his close relationship with a woman who had gone through a similar ordeal and still held the scars to remind her of her tribulation. "They're the same as Riley's."

"They hold a remarkable resemblance, but I won't go jumping to conclusions." Jeremy chimed, missing Elena's questioning and knowing glance that she pointed in Nick's direction, the young werewolf simply turned his gaze towards her, understanding washing into their expressions. "I've never smelt this thing before; it smells very different to that of a mutt. Riley has also divulged in very little concerning her scars, I cannot fathom what she went through to survive such an attack."

"Riley is very private, there is probably a lot more of her character that we have yet to discover." Elena chimed in before she was interrupted by Antonio.

"Besides, we've not had any problems with mutts on our territory for years." Antonio quipped as he shot his son a glance, observing his blank features as he turned back towards Jeremy.

"So who or what's at the top of the shit list?" Clay voiced as he greedily plunked another stack of pancakes to his plate, Elena pulling her eyes towards Clayton who shrugged at her unspoken question. Jeremy continued eating, unable to provide his adopted son with an answer. Antonio noticed this before shovelling another sausage to his mouth.

"So, some random creature comes and kills near our territory why?"

"I think the most important thing is the kill itself. It's a message, but right now, I am uncertain as to whom for."

"If these scratches are the same there is no doubting who it's for." Nick interrupted, both his father and his alpha turned to look at him, eyes full of emotion as they understood his plight, knowing of his close relationship shared with their missing pack member.

"So what's the plan?" Elena stated, trying to swiftly change the conversation before it started.

"I've called everyone home; we deal with this as a Pack."

"All of us? Everyone comes home?" Elena cried with surprise, her usually composed expression turning into one of bewilderment as she tore at the bread within her hands as her eyes never left Jeremy's. "Even Riley?"

"I called, she answered, and she's coming." Jeremy confirmed, his eyes hard as he gazed at Elena, watching as she shrieked away from him a little.

"You mean she's coming here?" Antonio balked, unafraid to speak his mind to his old friend.

"Why is everyone surprised? She's part of the Pack, she belongs here with her family."

"It's not that Jer, it's just she's…not the best flyer, the last time we saw her was over a year ago."

"She maybe the only one who knows what we're up against as there is a possibility she has been tracking a similar creature in England. She knows that, that's why she's coming."

"And that's the only reason?" Nick questioned, his appetite having been sated as he rested his hands to the top of the table.

"I've been in contact with Riley over the last year, each time she has exhibited an interest in trying to relocate over here to the states. She doesn't have any family in England and the two wolves that oversee the mutts offer very little when it comes to providing the affections that we as a Pack provide her."

"What are you saying?" Antonio asked as he looked around the table and then back towards Jeremy.

"She's lost and very isolated over in London. She does not really have anyone she can talk to and I think she yearns for the love of a family and she wants to reconcile the friendships that she has left strained between us."

"She has nothing to worry about. She's one of us; we would never turn her away."

"I know that, but Riley is a very shy individual when it does not come to dealing with the sciences. She was on her own for a long time and we all knew it would take her a while to integrate into a family atmosphere. We just have to give her some time. Besides, her close relationship with Nick will hopefully aid us to make her see the good of Stonehaven."

"What? Are you kidding me?" Nick balked disorderly, looking to his father for aid but received only a humorous smile. The rest of his pack family smiled at him.

"You see and talk with her far more than we do." Elena smiled as she lifted her glass to her lips. "Didn't you visit her in London a little while ago?"

"Yeah, six months ago, that hardly counts as regular contact."

"It's more than we have buddy." Clay said as he tore at his bread, a mocking waggling of the eyebrows before Antonio changed the conversation for the sake of his son's pride.

"When does she get here?"

"I spoke with her this morning, her afternoon. She's trying to get some time signed off work, easier said than done I might add. But she has a flight booked for tomorrow morning meaning she should arrive here sometime tomorrow afternoon."