Alright, I'm sorry for the delay, but it's finally up. So, there's a few clarifications that wanted to be addressed, one of them was: is this story going as far as Rise of the Tomb Raider? The answer is yes. The story will be following the series of the Reboot. I admit, I was throwing in Tomb Raider and Rise of the Tomb Raider references without even thinking about it and how you guys would interpret it.
To be honest though, I haven't thought that far. The 'far ahead' I'm currently aiming at is Tomb Raider, Lara's first expedition in search of Yamatai. I will consider Rise of the Tomb Raider (which I haven't played yet and need to do so, several times, including finding all documents, to get a solid understanding of it), but it is in the list, but I'm not making promises I will get to writing it (I have other ideas that want to be addressed). Anyways, enjoy this chapter.
Now I didn't make Lara as sassy as I hoped, now that she's imprinted on Sam, but I think I have nailed the protectiveness and possessiveness. And the Werewolf Hunters within Trinity are on the move. And yes! I have Alex Weiss in for a brief cameo!
Thanks for ever being so patient! It has finally paid off! As they say: "Patience is virtue." Enjoy the chapter!
"They can't have you
Keeping you for myself
Me and no one else
I won't let you down
I can't let you go."
- Les Friction; Save Your Life
Chapter 6: Imprinting Can Be A Bitch
Next Day…
13:00…
29th November 2010…
(Scene: Cafeteria, University College London, London, England/Lara's POV)
The best thing about mine and Sam's timetable, is that certain days coincide with each other, making it real easy to plan meeting up after a lecture. My last lecture finished, so did Sam's, so we decided to meet up in the cafeteria to have lunch. We both have a two hour break, so that's fine by me, but I do have a class at three. Yesterday was such a blur, I didn't expect Sam to figure me out so soon! A part of me thinks that's bad, how will I tell Roth!? Yet, the other part of me is relieved that a weight has been taken off my shoulder. Sam understands why I leave on the night of the Full Moon, but what really made me feel at ease, was that she didn't run away from me. She treats me as I'm still me, separates my soul from the beast and she undyingly promised, that she will not abandon me. Because of that, our friendship grew stronger.
Unfortunately, I didn't tell Sam I imprinted on her. She's my mate for life, what makes this further more complicated, is that I didn't tell her I have feelings for her! I wonder did father imprint on mother? I wouldn't be surprised if he did. The best part is, I don't know what kind of effects imprinting will have on me! That's great! Make my life more complicated than it is! Sam brought her friends along too; Alison, Clark, Paula and Kristen. Another lad joined us too, Alex Weiss I think? A geeky looking guy with glasses, short brown hair, who's really into his computers. I hear he has decent hacking skills. If he tries to hack into my college files, I'll strangle him! I think he mentioned his course is BSc in Computer Science. Or was it Electrical Engineering?
Alex was giving me strange looks, like 'checking me out' looks. I was a little uptight, but that doesn't mean I'm being rude. He is a nice guy, I can see that social, dorky awkwardness about him, like me. Unfortunately, I have to make it clear to Alex I'm gay. Right now, I'm playing a million scenarios in my head, in how to tell Sam I'm in love with her and that was before I imprinted on her! Yet, can I still be a close friend instead? The visions made it very clear I'm going to spend my life with her. Bollocks! Sod it! I do have feelings for Sam! She was sitting across from me, next to Clark. My muscles bunched, my jaw beginning to grind. Sam was laughing to his jokes. Laughing!
Taking a sip from my water, I placed it on the table. Well… that's an understatement, more like slammed it on the table! Sending vibrations along the surface. The source of the noise got me weird stares from the others. I laughed nervously.
"Sorry, placed it on the table with more force than I thought.",
"It's OK, we all have those moments." Clark chuckled. Alex turned to me.
"So Lara." I looked at him. "Sam invited me to come to the Nine Bells with her pals. Are you coming?" By chance the boss forced me to take a week off work, so I'm literally free. I did promise Sam I will hang out with her more often. It's also her little project of: Get Lara to Be Less Shy.
"Yeah, sure. I'll tag along. Well… Sam would be dragging me anyways. Even though my Friday is spent studying.",
"Because you can't resist me! And I swear Lara, if I got a dollar for every time you mention study, I'd be richer than you!" Sam joked. In one sense, not really, it's clear we're polar opposites. I take my studies way more seriously than Sam, but she does work to be fair. Sam just has that perfect fifty:fifty balance of work:socialising ratio. Me, it's 99.9:0.1 balance of work:socialising ratio.
"And as you can see, I'm stuck with a puppy for a roommate for the next three years." I countered,
"I'm an adorable puppy!" She retorted. Alison's eyes had a mischievous glint in them. Oh god! Does she think Sam and I make a cute couple already!? She's probably formulating a plan to make us confess our feelings for each other because we aren't acting on them at the moment and she wants results. I won't be surprised if she set up a betting pool! My mind quickly drifted back to my reaction between Sam and Clark, it was a bit excessive, unnecessary. Was I jealous or something? Protective? Possessive? Like Sam is mine and no one elses'. What is wrong with me? Eventually, I shrugged it off, probably me having an over reaction, over something really petty. I looked at my watch, my class is in fifteen minutes. I stood up.
"I have to go. I have a lecture for my Sites and Artefacts module. I'll see you all tonight.",
"See you later Lara!" I walked off, grabbing my small backpack with all my class notes in it.
(Samantha's POV)
I watched as Lara walked off. My friend seems to be acting a little bit strange, I mean, it's unlike her to just slam a bottle of water on the table. I also noted she was eyeing Clark very closely. Oh hell! If looks can kill, he'd be dead man. I swear she was glaring at him! I now know Lara is werewolf, maybe she has typical wolf traits? Something like over protectiveness or possessiveness. Lara did leave in a hurry, even if she does have class. I shouldn't be over thinking about it, I won't dwell on it too much. I'll make sure she has a blast tonight. Well come to think of it now, we all have to head for class. Oh joys, I'm definitely getting drunk tonight. We all got up from our benches, heading separate ways to get to classes on time.
For now, I decided to shrug off Lara's behaviour, but if I notice it again, I'm confronting her about it. The next thing I need, is her breaking someone's bone! I won't be too shocked because her Enhanced Strength will allow her to do so! And that's the last thing I need.
Four Hours Laters…
17:00…
(Scene: John Adams Hall, University College London, Endsleigh Street, London/Samantha's POV)
I open the door to let myself into the flat, upon entering, I could see Lara's bedroom slightly open. Lara is here already, I take it the straight-A student is studying for that written exam next month. Lara really needs to relax! She has that test nailed if she keeps on top of her studies like that! Has she also forgotten her First Year Co-ordinator had a chat with her, specifically about her insane work ethics! Apart from disappearing once a month, Lara has this set pattern also. It's literally: Get up, Eat, Study, Exercise, Study once more (if possible), Eat again, Work (unless Lara is given days off), Sleep and Repeat. The Co-ordinator, in her career has never seen such commitment to academics, well… she has, but not like Lara's case.
She told her to calm down and enjoy the First Year while it lasts! She also has Lara signed up for a HSBC Scholarship, after thoroughly and painfully going through all of whatever records there is of Lara. In a technical sense, Lara is eligible, despite the fact she has hundreds of thousands of Sterling in her Trust Fund, but refuses to use it, i.e.: her legal inheritance. She also knows Lara is working part-time and has found a second one and will start it when the semester ends! In a sense, Lara needs a little bit of financial help so she doesn't burn herself out. The scholarship will cover her academic duration and will pay for all of her tuition fees, so she's pretty much set up! I know she'll get it! Lara's academic grades are insanely consistent! It downright scares me! I kind of wonder where she gets her brains. Her mother? Father? Or both.
Walking over to the partially open door, I peeked in, seeing Lara at her desk, staring at a textbook with much intensity. Ah yes, her infamous Study Mode. When Lara in that mode, all her other enhanced senses shut down momentarily, so she possibly did not hear me come in. I hear her pen scratch as she jots down a note onto a post-it and sticks onto her wall that literally looks like a battle plan to attack Normandy again! My roommate hardly knows I'm here, so let's take advantage of that. I walked in, miraculously Lara has completely ignored me! I peek over her shoulder to see the book she's reading.
It looks like Ancient Greek Art, I see the term: Late Macedonian Period on it. To me right now, it looks like the Greeks were into their own, very old version of pornography. The figures are literally naked, minus their private areas, with no signs of clothing on the vases and jars. Hey! That gives me an idea. I was smiling evilly, also because, for once I have the upper hand. Lara begins to write another note. Time to strike.
"Studying an ancient version of porn Lara Croft?" My voice breaks her concentration, releasing her from the grip of Study Mode. Her pen flings up into the air, while she jumps out of shock, onto her desk faster than I could realise! Her actions cause a slight gust of wind, but enough to send some loose sheets of paper and post-its floating mid-air. This all happens while she yells at the top of her lungs:
"Christ Sam!" Before loosing her balance on the desk, only to hit the floor front first. Now I did not want that to happen, but Lara's resilient, she's grand. On the other hand, I was too busy wetting my pants and crying my eyes out in laughter. For the first time, I actually manage to scare the wolf! "I fucking hate you." She grumbles.
"I'm sorry, but it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up! Most of the time your Enhanced Hearing is constantly switched on. So I couldn't miss this chance!",
"I'm going to kill you later." Lara growls. She pulls herself up from the wooden floor, dusting and straightening her clothes. "So, what are the plans tonight?",
"Well… I told the others we'll meet for around six o'clock, so that gives us one hour to get ready.",
"I'm perfectly fine Sam!" Lara argued. All I did was scoff at her. I'm so going to kill her for that damn mindset of comfort over fashion. Lara isn't aware she can pull off both!
"Oh no! I'm picking your clothes out for you missy!" The British woman was about to retort. I interrupted her before she could say a word. "And you're not getting away from this!" I drag Lara by the arm, towards her wardrobe.
I scout through Lara's clothes, pulling out a black thin-strap shirt, her nicest pair of jeans and a black leather jacket that looks like it hasn't been touched. I toss them all to her. She looks hot in that! I always pictured Lara wearing a leather jacket and black suits her very well.
"Put these on. I'll even let you get away with the boots.",
"Fine. What about you?",
"I'm naturally fashionable. It's you who needs fashion advice." I grinned in triumph.
"You're going to be the death of me." I noted to myself Lara doesn't need much make-up, she can attract any guy or girl with her natural beauty alone and also her sexy figure. I guess being a werewolf has its physical advantages. I check the time on Lara's bedside clock; 5:30.
"Come on Lara, the others are waiting for us."
We walk out of the flat, grabbing our purses and locking the door behind us. The last thing we need is a break in, with our belongings stolen. What can go wrong tonight? It's going to be a blast!
Thirty Minutes Later…
18:00…
(Scene: The Nine Bells, London, England/Lara's POV)
Sam and I enter the bar I work in. Our eyes scanned the area for Sam's classmates and Alex. I then hear their voices coming from the right. I turn to see them all sitting around a circular table, waving at us to get our attention. I gestured to Sam to follow me, so she did. When weblog to the others, we all greeted each other. It kind of feels weird I'm not working here on my usual shifts, just sitting here like a regular customer doesn't feel right. The bartender approached us with his notepad, ready to our orders. I know him, it's my boss Blake Coleman, a middle-aged man, but he's not as intimidating as he looks. He means well and just wants to give his customers the highest quality service.
"Well, well, well." He chuckled, "How you doin' Lara?",
"I'm grand. Thanks Blake. These are a few of my friends from the college. The majority are from my roommate's course." I told him, "How's Seán? Where is he?"
"Nice to see you all. What do you want to drink?",
"Budweiser guys?" Clark suggests,
"Don't mind." I answered. Everyone else seems easy about it.
"So seven Budweisers and I'll throw in some chips for you all. On the house." Blake smiles, "And as for my son, he's at his Hurling training tonight."
"You're too kind boss. Hurling? Seán will have to talk me through that sport.",
"Turn down free chips Croft, I'll have you fired." He joked and I just laughed. "Sure kiddo, I'll get him to drag you along next time." Blake walks off with our order. My eyes dart around the bar, it's filling up already, but with men I'd be wary of. My muscles tighten again as I notice some of them looking at Sam. I fight back a growl that is emanating from my throat. Our order shortly arrives and we all dig into the chips. Alex, who was starting to chat me up again, asks a very direct question.
"Are you seeing anyone LC?" I choke on a chip when I heard the question. Alison pats me between the shoulder blades. I was still struggling to catch my breath, so Ali speaks for me.
"Alex, one: no, Lara isn't seeing anyone. She's still single." Alex's eyes light up a little, then his hopes and dreams come crashing down when Ali interjects one last statement. "Two: she's gay." His face falls in defeat.
"Oh." I feel sorry for him already. "That's OK. I'm glad you have come out Lara. I am a supporter of the LBGT community! Even though I'm… not into… guys." I just laugh. I do find it cute how awkward he's being, as he takes a swig of his beer.
"You don't have to be gay to support LBGT. Just accepting people for who they are is good enough." My attention is quickly diverted when I see Clark talking to Sam again. Is he desperate or what? Sam is a little bit oblivious to his advancements, I see his right hand snaking its way to Sam's. My eyes narrowed, oh no you don't! Not my mate! I take a quick drink, before slamming it on the table again, with more force compared to the first time I did it.
With my added Enhanced Strength, it caused my bottle to break. The sudden noise made everyone, including me to jump. OK! I openly admit, I did not mean for that to happen!
"I'm sorry! Sorry!" Alex and Alison reach for some napkins to clean up the mess and the glass shards. I'm getting angry glares from Sam. I gulp, I'm dead and Sam's going to turn me into rug made out of my pelt!
"Lara." Sam chirps as sweetly as she could manage. "Mind accompanying me outside for a moment?"'
"Sure." I said slowly. We both stood up, left the gang for a while and headed out the back. I'm a dead woman! Well done Lara! And curse the imprint!
(Scene: Back of The Nine Bells, London, England/Lara's POV)
Sam and I stared at each other for an awkward ten or fifteen minutes, which felt like a lifetime! My friend taps her foot impatiently, expecting an answer for my behaviour. Before I could open my mouth to explain, she explodes.
"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT LARA!?" She screeches in a toned down, but angry manner. "Since this morning you've been acting weird! Especially towards Clark! What's he ever done to you!? You look ready to snap his neck! Not to mention, you seem really overprotective and possessive of me! Also, your eyes were darting left to right!",
"I… I…" I stuttered over my words. "It's… complicated Sam." Shoot me for the lame answer.
"What's complicated Lara? I'm not understanding you right here and now. Are you jealous?",
"Yes!" I blurt out. Sam raises a questioning eyebrow. "No… I… God! How do I explain this?" I ask myself out loud, clutching my temple as I feel a small headache coming.
"Just out with it Lara!",
"I… if I tell you, you won't get mad?" I ask her in a rushed tone. She was still able to understand me.
"Just tell me." Sam sighed, "Is it a werewolf thing?" I groaned, you pretty much nailed it in the head.
"Yes. I… imprinted on you. It happened yesterday, after you found out my secret." Her face softened.
"In a sense, I'm your mate?",
"Yes. Also, way before that…" I pause, taking a deep breath. "Long before I even imprinted on you, I developed feelings for you. I love you Sam.",
"Lara." Sam said softly, "I love you too.",
"You do?",
"Yes. I had a feeling, we were meant to be more than friends." She smiles,
"So… will you be my girlfriend?",
"Yes to that too." I quickly wrap Sam in a tight hug, forgetting about my strength again. Sam smacks my shoulder, hard.
"I would like to breathe, thank you very much." I let her go, just smiling and looking into her eyes. Sam plants a quick peck on my cheeks.
"Coffee sometime?" I offered,
"Is that a date Miss Croft?" Sam teased,
"If you want it to be." I joked, sort of. I was being kind of serious there.
"Then it's a yes. Don't be late, I do not accept tardiness.",
"Yes ma'am." We entered the bar again, everyone has long finished cleaning up the mess I caused. Alison was looking at us in particular, oh damn it! That excited glint in her eyes.
"So, what happened?" Without thinking, Sam just gives the whole thing away.
"Lara and I are officially a couple." Alison just leaps out of her seat like no one cares.
"I knew it! Finally! You two took long enough and you guys better pay up!" Half of the gang groaned, as each of them; Clark, Paula and Kristen pulled out a fifty pound note each! Sam and I just stood there, unsure of how to respond! Well I did tell myself the possibility of a betting pool. How many others now owe this student money after placing their bet? Sam, on the other hand, was just downright surprised.
"You guys actually made a bet!?",
"Yeah." Alison answers casually, "And it it turns out, I played my cards right!" And she's proud it. Kristen looks at her watch.
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm having an early night. Have a class in the morning and an MCQ to study for." Alex, Clark, Paula and Alison stood up as well.
"I agree with Kristen. You guys having an early night?",
"That is probably-" Then Sam cuts me off,
"Nah, Lara and I will stay another bit." Everything clicks, I see where this is going. The others feel like they're intruding and want to give myself and Sam some space. Just go with it.
"Hanging back won't hurt. I'll ensure we make it back to the flat safe and sober." Sam just pouts at me when I emphasise sober. Too bad Sam. The gang leave, waving goodbye, promising to see us in the morning. Soon enough, it was just myself and Sam.
Three Hours Later…
21:00…
Sam burst out laughing after I forcefully told her my story of locking Winston in the freezer. I annoyingly pouted at her, she managed to break me, threatening her friends in her course by telling my embarrassing tales as a child. Roth, you are so dead when you show your face at the flat. I stopped to sip my water, so did Sam. I promised to tell her one more tale of my youth if she swore not to buy another glass of any form of alcohol. She conceded. I cleared my throat.
"So, apart from my parents sparking my interest in archaeology, my first historical find did as well.",
"What was it?" Sam asked me, interested.
"You're looking at it." I pointed my finger at the jade necklace. Sam stared at it in awe, probably admiring the shape, the crafting. I began to explain it to her. I think the jade is of Asian origin, but it's obvious, what other countries out there have the expertise to craft and be abundant in Jade? The question of how it got in England was beyond me. Maybe explorers or the Spanish and Portuguese colony during The Age of Exploration? I roughly dated it to be 1400AD, if not, it's much older or younger than I originally thought. "I found the jade on one of father's digs, with some begging and Roth convincing him to let me tag along. As soon as I set foot on the site, I grabbed my brush and spade, began digging not caring about getting down and dirty." My friend, now girlfriend I should say, giggled a little.
"Was it just your father and Roth?",
"No, father had students with him. Some under and post-graduates, PhD students and some assistant archaeologists. They were looking at me stupid because they expected me to be all prim and proper, some little girl forced to go out.",
"You proved them wrong.",
"Well getting down in the dirt without complaint was good enough for them. As I was saying, I began to dig, like father taught me. Kept going, getting deeper and deeper until I saw a glint of dark green. I managed to get it out from the dirt, cleaned it and was so excited I ran to Roth because I couldn't find father. That's how I got to keep it. Father argued a bit with his colleagues, but they gave in." I finished my tale of finding my jade necklace.
"What about the binding holding the necklace?" Sam questioned,
"Mother made that for me. She knew after that, I wanted to learn nothing but History, be like father.",
"And what about the penguin pyjamas thing?" I began to blush, my cheeks going red. I did purposely leave that out.
"Let's just say, it was very early in the morning, my father was heading out and I just ran down the stairs. I knew I didn't have time to change.",
"That's so adorable!" Sam squealed. I sighed, she's never going to let this go. There goes my dignity. My hand moved towards the basket that usually has chips in it, I was a little hungry. Sometimes, I hate the fact I have a fast metabolism. I felt nothing in the basket and unconsciously let out a defeated, puppy-like whine, which Sam found very adorable. Guess there are some characteristics of my werewolf side that is 'cute'.
"You sounded so cute when you whined! There is so much potential for canine puns." She was grinning evilly,
"You start them and I'll break up with you!",
"Touché. I take it you're hungry? More chips then?" I nodded very quickly. "Chips it is." Sam got up from her seat, heading towards the bar and catching my boss' attention. They were talking, Sam ordered more chips and chose to wait at the counter. My ears then picked up a group of near-to drunk men, they seem to be in their early and late twenties. They look like trouble, better keep an eye on them. They were talking loudly, one of them laid eyes on an unaware Sam. He actually wolf-whistled, which she paid no heed to. Good one, if she turned, she'd be giving the guy a clear signal. He tried continuously to get her attention, but nothing worked. Sam just continued to ignore him.
Annoyed at the fact he was being ignored, the short, black haired lad stood up, boldly approaching Sam, who was still waiting for the chips. I actually growled this time, but I waited until Sam was showing some uncomfortable body language. I didn't want to start a rouse too soon. Sam looked, who was now facing the unknown lad, she didn't want to be too rude, but gave him an awkward smile. They were talking. That's when the lad made a wrong move. He put his hand on Sam's, talking about forward, but Sam is mine! And mine alone! Angry at him for touching my mate, I stood up, storming to him. Before I knew it, I was at the counter, standing between him and my girlfriend.
"Hey! What's your problem mate!?" He exclaimed,
"My problem mate, is you were getting all hands and horny on my girlfriend!" If I didn't imprint on Sam, I'd be less direct and more gentle, but I did and he just crossed the line.
"I didn't take this beautiful Asian woman to be a dyke." Sam gased. I began to grind my teeth, my muscles tightened. That is extremely offensive and the words of a homophobe. He still continued, "But maybe it's just an act so I'd just leave. I have seen this being done many times." He gave a cocky grin. "Not out of the way sweet cheeks." He attempted to walk forward, but I stopped him in his tracks my smacking my fist down on the bar counter, blocking his path. The noise should've given him the message to:
"Walk away. Last warning." But no, like all idiotic people, they ignore the warnings.
"Come on!" The 6ft 5inch lad looks over my shoulder. "Hey baby, help me out here.",
"Sorry mister, but this is my girlfriend." She said sweetly and innocently,
"This is all an act. Now let me take you out somewhere." The young lad pushes me aside, nearly making me lose my balance. Sam steps away, only to be grabbed roughly by her wrist. That move angered me.
"Don't touch her!" I growled. Moving at a speed he couldn't comprehend, I didn't care if wasn't in control of my strength, because this guy deserves it! I brought my fist up, squaring him solidly in the face.
(No POV)
A man hidden in the corner of the bar, was watching the drama unfurl. He had a notepad on him, he was jotting down information, anything his hearing could pick up. He noted the inhuman strength the Englishwoman showed, the speed was faster than the quickest athlete in existence. He also wrote down a word, but with a question mark next to it.
"Werewolf imprinted?" A werewolf who imprinted could be a problem and make the mission all the more riskier. That was when the name of the werewolf, that he and his team were going to hunt and kill, was yelled out.
"Lara!" He wrote down the name, a fine lead, with a name he can get more information. They'll be ready, they won't go in blind. The last kill nearly ended in disaster, the old man Croft was stronger than he looked, ripped apart half the squad, only one man, the tenth soldier, infiltrated the Manor successfully, before finishing him with a bullet through the heart when others failed. Thankfully Croft was unprepared and not in his cursed wolf form. That was the year 2002.
That mission was different, Croft knew of their existence, he was searching for a key to immortality, they were too. Even if they were focused on the Star Phenomenom, he had to be eliminated after getting too close to one of their members and just being a thorn in the organisation's backside, his execution was ordered. The spy finished writing down the name:
"Lara Croft. Attends University College London." They have her now, she'll have no hope of surviving them. This monster will join her family. He picks up his cell phone.
"Report.",
"Lieutenant Jenkins, sir!" He whispered,
"What is it officer?",
"Target has been acquired. I repeat, target acquired.",
"Excellent, get back to base." Jenkins ordered,
"Yes sir." Placing the phone and notepad into his coat pocket, he got up, walking pass the ensuing bar fight that Lara was handling pretty well despite some minor injuries and exited the bar. He sat into his car and drove off. He couldn't wait to begin the hunt.
And that's it! Keep on watch for Chapter 7! Six down! Four to go!