Storm

Storm wasn’t sure what she was getting herself into when she had agreed to go with him to his pack. She knew that it would mean more safety for her young ones but also she believed that it would mean less respect and freedom for herself. The respect was an issue because right now she was respected for the most part as a strong lady who could fend for herself and didn’t need anyone. But this pack would only know her as the wounded female who Falcon brought in because she couldn’t care for herself and her young. She didn’t want to be thought of like that, but she didn’t have much choice right at this point in time. So, when he asked if she would need some help carrying the young ones she nodded. Being that there were five of them, carrying all of them by herself could prove to be difficult.

Then when her gave her the signal to lead the way she did so, moving some of the pups as she went. Of course, since she had lived in these allies all of her life, she knew where the large pack resided. Without any more hesitation she made it to the pack’s borders. She knew that the longer she hesitated the larger the chance that she would be able to talk herself out of going. And she had to think of her pup’s health so she couldn’t do that. As soon as they reached the borders, though, she stopped and waited for further direction from Falcon.

Falcon

Falcon was being very protective of the pretty vixen beside him and the small forms that carried on her legacy. He was going at the pace she sat, because it was still quite obvious to the titan that she was still unsure of coming to the pack. Which wasn’t good considering he didn’t think he could let her leave, something about the lass kept him wanting her nearby. Her respect and freedom wasn’t really lost, in a pack a member had an opinion, one that could be spoken out loud. Besides, he was going to brag his ass off on the goddess he was bringing back to his home. She had fought multiple wolves at once so she could protect her young. If that wasn’t strong, then Falcon didn’t know a damn thing about it. He didn’t want to seem like the bad guy, so he was making sure to not seem like he was cornering her into this. Everything had to be an option for her. Seeing as she was wounded, he was determined to move as many as possible. Spying an old blanket thrown out, he brought it over and placed their tiny frames upon the comfortable sheet.

I shall pull, you can walk behind or beside the blanket to watch them if you would like.

Then gently, so as to cause little movement for the small ones, he started to pull the blanket while watching Storm to make sure the pups were okay, Her view would be better than his at the moment. The process may have been a little slow, for the safety of the young, but he was enjoying himself since he saw himself with a wonderful lady as company. Soon enough though, they were at the border of his home, where Storm halted and looked to him for guidance. Smiling, he began to drag the pups over the invisible line while flicking his tail to show Storm it was okay to keep going. Argolis he would get after settling the lady and the pups. Near the stairs, but some what away from the entrance of the den were a couple of large boxes that already held his scent. The humans must have put them side to side, thinking strays wouldn’t get inside. However, Falcon had managed to rip the front part open and then used his blunt claws and fangs to open a chunk out of the box beside it so that their was room for more than one wolf. Vixen had stayed in one of these boxes with him when they first joined, before she moved upstairs. Spying his sibling approaching with curiosity on her face, he knew he wouldn’t have to leave Storm to get Argolis.

Vixen, would you ask Argolis if he would come see me?

He spoke before she could, and soon they were alone again. Glancing to the pups to make sure they were okay, he wondered if she would need help settling them in. The blanket could even be used for warmth for the small bodies. Grinning, he looked to Storm.

Storm

Anyone who knew Storm would know that she wasn’t one to be pressured into anything. Well, that is if anyone ever did get the chance to know her. Generally she was a loner and couldn’t really think of anyone that she could call a friend right off the top of her head. She probably couldn’t even if she took the time to sit down and think about it. But that life suited Storm for the most part. Yet, she knew when she had to make changes. And now was one of those times. She knew that she could not continue to fight numerous dogs on a daily basis just to keep her puppies safe. And she knew that more would come when their buddies never returned. She couldn’t stay where she was. Falcon was offering her a home and protection. While if it were just her she would turn him down she had her pups to think of. So, she had hesitantly agreed. She watched as he moved away towards the blanket then returned. Obviously, he was very intelligent to think up such an ingenious idea to move the puppies. She helped to move their small bodies onto the cloth, though they whimpered and yipped in protest. Then she nodded when he said she could walk beside them. Though, no words were spoken as they set off.

She kept a close eye on her young ones the whole time they moved and was thankful to Falcon that he was so gentle with them. Many males would attack and kill pups that they knew were not theirs just so that they could try to father a litter of their own sooner. She knew that this was the stray way, but maybe these pack animals were different. Maybe they were a little more civil. The ivory vixen paused and looked to Falcon as they reached the borders. He kept moving, though. She followed with his sign of encouragement telling her it would be ok.

Storm had been standing nearby Falcon as they had reached the boxes and he drug the pups inside. That was when she heard someone approaching. Every muscle in her body tensed visually as she stood between her pups and this other. She was on edge no doubt about that. Yet, Falcon spoke kindly to this female and then the female left them alone once more. Only then did Storm allow her rigid ivory frame to relax once again. She had decided to leave the pups on the blanket to give them added comfort. Though, now she went to checking over each little body to make thoroughly sure that they were all unharmed.

Thank you, Falcon, for all of the kindness you have shown to me and the pups. Now, I think that you should be acquainted with them since it seems we will be staying with you for at least a little while.

She spoke in friendly tones, though it was obvious she was still on edge because she kept looking around to make sure that no one was approaching that might try to harm them. Maybe she was paranoid, but it happens.

These guys are Caine, Raezegar, Brekka, Cascade, and Chianti.

She indicated the two males first then the three females in turn as she spoke their names.

Falcon

Falcon made sure to be very careful of the young pups, knowing that at this time each one was fragile. Soon they would grow to be big and strong, if they took after their mother he thought with a small grin. He could remember when he lived as a loner with his family. In a way they were already a pack, just without land they could call completely their own. So pack ways has always been branded into his mind. As far as the cubs went, he could never kill one so young and innocent, no matter if they weren’t his. In fact he’d kill anybody that would try to harm them. Simply for the fact that they were so pure and innocent and it helped that they were Storms’ offspring.

Still, he knew he had to gain her trust more. This was only the start to win her trust and her love. The titan knew she had only accepted the offer because of her pups and he intended to keep them as safe as their mother. One of them had whimpered after he settled them on the blanket, and he found his nose lowering gently to nuzzle the small ones’ form to calm the cub. Falcon noticed her paused, but he still continued so she couldn’t second guess her choice. It wasn’t long before she followed after he encouraged her and he couldn’t help but smile at her. His sibling wouldn’t hurt pups, Vixen even helped take care of Auris’ young ones. Still he made sure his sister didn’t get closer to Storm than he was. In silence he watched her check on each pup before speaking to him. Her thanks wasn’t necessary, yet he wouldn’t tell her that, and he definitely made no objection to getting to know her offspring. She was still tense and he only wanted to put her at ease.

Don’t worry, no one else will bother us except the alpha. However, Argolis might not even show up until tomorrow. Being the alpha and all.

A grin was given then as he watched her indicate the pups and give names for the two males and three males. In a soft masculine voice he repeated each one after her to make sure he had it right before commenting on them. They are handsome and beautiful, and I’m sure they will take after you….What happened to the father? The question was out before he could stop it.

Argolis & Others

Smallest in the litter, though not by a large amount, little Brekka had her mother's dark eyes and a current sense of uncertainty that matched her dam's. All the new smells and strange voices were overwhelming to her young senses. Raezgar had a bolder streak than his smallest sister, yet even he murmured a few whimpers when he'd been picked up by the unknown male and placed onto the blanket, and then eventually brought inside the Aegis Den and into cardboard box. He only relaxed when Storm's nose passed tenderly over him, reassuring the young pup that she was still nearby and all was well.

In the time it took for Vixen to locate Argolis and alert him of the new arrivals, Raezgar had fallen asleep, and Brekka was squirming her way into the center of her siblings to find a cozy spot to sleep amongst them. Neither the brother nor the sister heard the distant clack, clack, clack of claws striking against cement, or the accompanying thump of paws carrying the alpha's 130 pound frame their way. Compared to Falcon's chivalrous ways, Argolis' piercing yellow eyes were attentive and alert, looking first and foremost to take in the scene before him and figure out what he had to deal with. The welcoming would come afterwards. "This is the fae you brought in?" The alpha's first question was brisk and to the point, delivered to Falcon whilst his sights were on the steely gray and black-streaked female that he'd invited into the den. "How many pups do you have, and how old are they?" The next inquiry was for Storm herself; not the most inviting or friendly in tone, but then Argolis had to consider how many new mouths he would need to provide food for, especially since he now had young offspring of his own.

Storm

Storm was glad when the other female did not come near to them. Though, the movement that Falcon made to assure that she did stay a safe distance was not lost on the grey and black vixen. She was glad to see that he accepted her wishes to have no one near her young. If he did not then she would not be able to keep herself here long, that much she was completely sure of. The trust that this female felt for Falcon was growing, but it was far from strong. It would take some time before she trusted him fully enough to feel love and such for the male. Though, he was on a good path to that goal.

Then once the pups were settled in, she noticed that her gentle nuzzle to each of them calmed them down considerably. The largest of the five pups, who she had named Caine lifted his little head up and yipped before moving to settle in amongst his siblings. Chianti and Cascade stayed close to each other at all times, so when they were separated when they were placed in the box they immediately moved to find each other, cuddling up on their own away from the others a bit. Upon hearing his assurance that no one else would approach them she nodded. A look of insecurity crossed her features as the male then asked about the pups’ father.

I do not know what happened to their father, to be honest. I had only met him that once and probably did not use my best judgment.

She had nothing against their father, but she should have known better than to bring some so defenseless into the world that she lived it. But, it had happened and she loved each and every one of her pups despite it all. Once the question was answered she began to try and clean a few smaller wounds that were where she could reach them. Blood still tainted her light grey fur, but she didn’t particularly care. The process of cleaning herself was paused as she heard someone approaching.

Dark sepia eyes took in the appearance of the approaching canine and she assumed he was the alpha here. She kept her stance neutral as she heard him speak to Falcon in tones that were much less friendly than the ones that Falcon used. His lack of kindness had her on edge and she tensed a bit. Had it been a mistake coming here? She didn’t have a chance to answer herself that question before the alpha spoke to her. She was quick to respond.

They are only about a day old, and there are five.

She spoke in tones that were neutral yet slightly unsure. Then all that she had to do was to wait to see what judgment the alpha had to pass over her and her young litter.

Falcon

It was obvious the demoness was glad Vixen didn’t come closer, if not show able by the way her form lost all the tension beforehand. Falcon lowered his haunches to the ground as his gaze went to the squirming pups. They had calmed down their whimpering when Storms’ touch reassured them that mommy was there. One of them, Caine he remembered Storm saying, yipped at his dam before returning to his litter siblings. He smiled as they moved closer together no doubt that they would soon fall asleep. Two small gray forms, one darker than the other, was all he could make out as they slept just slightly apart from their other siblings. Chianti and Cascade. He was glad he was being able to remember their names. I’m going to warn you not to go far upstairs unless accompanied with me or a pack member, or let the young ones far out of your sight when they start exploring more. We have a prisoner on the roof who attacked us and traumatized some of the pups here. He is being guarded as Argolis decides his punishment. It was obvious that he didn't think Shetani would pose a real threat for Storm, not when so many pack members around. Besides he woudln't be leaving the ladys' side unless he had a job to do, at least until she adjusted more and wouldn't be so weary of the pack.

His earlier question of what happened to the father seemed to have unsettled the beautiful lady beside him. Her mask took on an expression that soon had his jaws parting to apologize when she beat him to it. Rotten bastard he thought as he tried to think of a reply. His lost, both you and the pups are better off without him then.

It was Falcons’ gain as far as he was concerned. Seeing her trying to clean some of her wounds had him nearly cursing himself as he forgot to see to her health right away. The titan was about to offer some help when she paused to look up. His own gaze moved to the approaching male, whose own steps gave him away, as he stood out of respect for his alpha. A nod was given to Argolis when he came to a stop and questioned Falcon after his gaze went over him and Storm. Yes sir, the ladys’ name is Storm. Storm this is Argolis. Argolis’ lack of chivalry had the duchess tensing up again beside him. He didn’t like how his alpha was staring down the huntress beside him, but he gave no objection or outward sign of it. Although he did remain to stay the closest to her. His own lyrics barely had time to finish before Argolis went on to ask how many pups there were and how old. Obviously this was to find out what extra stuff the pack would need to cater to, but this was also where he needed to step in and offer his own assistance. Storm answer was quick to hit the air as she said a day old and that there were five of them. This he already knew, except for the day old part, and now he spoke after her.

Argolis, sir, seeing as I am the one who brought the lady and the young’uns in, I thought only right that I be the one to see to their needs if permitted. Along with my other duties to the pack, of course.

It wouldn’t be hard to catch an extra prey or two, not when it was for such a pretty damsel, and he would see to whatever else she needed. Even if it meant babysittin, although he knew it would take longer for her to even trust him to pupsit. Smiling he could just imagine what his sisters would think if they ever saw him volunteering to baby-sit a bunch of little ones. Chocolate soul gates returned to Argolis and Storm.

Argolis & Others

The tension in the fae was quick to be picked up on by Argolis, though he didn't immediately relax his authoritive posture or ease up on the blunt questions. New mother or not, the alpha's stress was running high right now due to a prisoner being held by the pack, and the fact that his decision to spare that transgressor from immediate execution had been met with quiet but obvious disappointment from some of his members. Add his own young pups to the mix, and Argolis was not given to being friendly at the get-go, unfortunately for Storm. Thankfully for the mother, she did have Falcon on her side, and his courteous manners and dedication to her welfare and safety offered the wolfess some buffer against Argolis's less tactful ways.

"Five pups?" The hybrid's nose quivered inquisitively to pick up her scent and that of the pups secured in the cardboard box. Normally he'd have been circling around Storm by now, but even the assertive alpha knew better than to push a mother too far, especially when she had young children to take care of. Thus Argolis stayed where he was, listening to the newcomer and Falcon respond to his questions. Eyes shifted to his trustworthy pack member next, once he'd made the introduction and went on to take responsibility for feeding the six new mouths. That right there settled some of the reservations in the alpha's mind, but there was still something else that he needed to cover before considering whether to allow Storm and her small family into the Lurker's pack. "Your scent is familiar - you've lived in the area for quite some time, haven't you?" Argolis couldn't be entirely sure of that of course, but he thought he'd come across the fae's odor before, during one of his many patrols of the Alleys and surrounding areas. "Do you have any affiliation or family in the Valley?"

Storm

Falcon’s warning did not fall upon deaf ears when he spoke of the prisoner. She nodded to show that she understood and that she had no intention of going far from where she was right now. She did not feel comfortable integrating herself here just yet so she would stay on the outskirts of the pack as much as possible. There was no fear of her allowing her pups near the others either.

It would be obvious to anyone that Storm was not comfortable with this new male, be he the alpha of this pack or not. Falcon was the only one that had gained even the slightest bit of her trust and this was only due to the fact that he had shown her kindness and had been quick to come to her aid when she needed him. No one else had ever done that for her and she was sure no one else would. After all, she was used to only having herself to depend on and it would take quite a bit to change that. Since that was the way it had been since her mother had left her when she was only young.

The leader seemed to think that her and her pups might be a nuisance to the pack. It was just the way he seemed to act, with his mannerisms towards asking her about the pups and such. It seemed to her that Falcon thought that the leader was also thinking this. After all, Falcon did offer to take care of herself and the pups. He offered to hunt for them and such. This had Storm’s lip curling up slightly.

I am capable of hunting for both myself and my pups. None of you need to take on the responsibility of caring for us. We did not come here because we needed to be cared for. We only came because Falcon was kind to us and asked for us to join him here. If we will cause an inconvenience to anyone then it would be best that we leave.

Yes, Storm had always been blunt and she was not afraid to speak her mind. And the fact that she had very young pups and was still on edge from the fight, as well as being injured it was really no surprise that she was the way she was right now. When Argolis finally spoke again, asking if she had any ties here she spoke once more.

I have family here, but my mother abandoned me when I was barely able to survive on my own and I never met my father. So, you ask if I have ties and I can tell you no, my family that left me really means nothing to me now.

There was a flash of anger on her icy yellow eyes as she spoke about her family. There was fury beneath her calm exterior as she spoke about her family. She did blame them for leaving her, though she had never admitted such to anyone.

Falcon

Falcon knew what kind of stress his alpha was under, which made him wish all the more that the prisoner had been killed on the spot, yet he had given no objection unlike some of the other members. His own sister had been one to protest, and the brute under question had only been saved by Dixie, the kind alphess. Still, too much drama had been caused because of that ridiculous mongrel, and he hoped that soon the trouble will be done with. Mainly by ending Shetanis’ life.

Argolis two word question broke him out of his thoughts while he watched his alpha sniff for their scent. He had been quick to offer to care for them, without thinking that he might injure Storms’ pride. Her lip curling, she told him that she was more than capable of caring for herself and her offspring, and that they would leave if necessary. The word no almost escaped him then, but he stopped himself. Feeling somewhat chastised by her rebuke, he smiled a little as he nodded to calm her down. Her wounds would keep her from such activity for awhile though, and he would tend to her until then, even if she didn‘t want it. Falcon would just use tactics to get her to accept his offerings, and he knew that he could do jus that. It seemed like Argolis was content with what he and Storm said, for he continued on to another question. Curious, Falcon wondered if she did have relation in the valley, but he didn’t remember her mentioning any.

Storm wouldn’t have to worry about pack life so quick, he wouldn’t let many near her at once, his already protective nature showing even against his own sibling. The damsels’ sweet voice filled the air as she replied, and Falcon found himself listening intently. He knew only the names of her parents, and it seemed that their had been more to the story. It was obvious she had been hurt by parents abandoning her, even while she showed anger. That anger was enough to let him know that she had been affected though. His form moved to sit in fur brushing closeness of her, in a way of comfort. Looking to Argolis, he waited to see if the alpha wanted anything else before he would go back to tending to the lass beside him.

Argolis

Mother or not, the raised lip provoked an immediate growl from Argolis. Deep, low, and almost quiet in nature, the rumbling in his throat was not a threat persay, but a subtle warning that Storm was to mind her manners in his presence while on the Lurker's turf, even if she wasn't a member of their pack yet. That rumble would have been replaced with a show of fangs had Storm not been a mother, but as it was, he continued to offer her more leniency than usual on account of the newborn pups, as well as Falcon's apparent trust for her.

"You're wounded." Argolis pointed out tactlessly, not meaning to offend the wolfess, but to contradict her claim that she could feed both herself and her pups. "It would be a challenge for a healthy mother to feed herself, let alone five pups who cannot be left by themselves for any great length of time. Without a pack's support, it would be a struggle at the very least." Once he was finished shooting down her defensive claims in a less than delicate manner, the alpha went on to grant Falcon's request, in a decision that had to be at least partially influenced by his own youngsters. "You may join the pack, Storm. Falcon will be primarily responsible for providing you with food at first, and you will have the entire pack's protection during that time. Once you have settled in and recovered your strength, you will be expected to help out with the rest of the pack, and in return, you can expect the same from us." In other words, Argolis was a little uneasy about letting another member join, but he could not deny the pups shelter; if Storm proved willing to be a part of the pack, he would then grant her full membership. Of course, Dixie held just as much sway as he did now, and being a much kinder, gentler soul than he, it was entirely possible that she may overrule this integration period if she wished.