Power has a fragrance

Pursuing something you don't know to be true always has a risk of failure. That was what was chanting over and over in her head as she trudged through the shadows of the trees with her fists stuffed into the pockets of her black jeans. This whole thing was quite foolish, looking for a man who could be dead or not even what she thought he was. However, here she was, in yet another woodland in the hopes of finding Werewolves and a specific one at that. If it wasn't for her determination to find the truths and that she knew she hadn't checked all over the globe yet then she would've abandoned this quest a few decades ago.

Callista now knew she was a "Werewolf", for that was what she had read in the shop window in Downtown just a day earlier. That was also the time she had discovered that there actually were others like her. A big advertisement had been plastered across the glass, including a large image of a ferocious, black wolf-like beast, which had the purpose of trying to persuade the Humans to buy some new equipment that could kill such a creature as herself, so now she knew there must be some of her kind around these parts that they wished to kill. There had also been posters advertising various killing devices for 'Vampires', which appeared to be the fanged, blood consuming human look-alikes that had attacked her once before. The Human race disgusted her, trying to rid the world of its diversity just because they were weak, greedy and feared anything that was different to them. Though they could kill all the Vampires for all she cared, blood suckers are equally as bad. In fact, hopefully the two species would engage in a war and exterminate each other.

Pausing, she pulled her phone out of her backpack, switched it on and searched the internet for "How you know when you are in Werewolf territory". Glancing between the phone screen and observing everything in her view, she realised the telltale signs were all here: located deep in the wilderness, the lack of animals announcing their existence, the complete silence and the treacherous terrain which many wouldn't be able to get through. With this new knowledge, her hope had increased and she ventured further between the trees. Sniffing the air as she shoved her phone into her shirt pocket and continued walking, after a couple of minutes she could very faintly smell the canine, earthy fragrance. The essence of it was powerful and predictably male. It didn't require for her to have smelled a Werewolf scent before to know this was such a thing, it was instinctual knowledge. She hurried her pace to catch the trail before winds blew it away, her dark eyes focused in the direction she figured she would be able to fully gain the scent. Callista had never directly met another Werewolf so this encounter was bound to be interesting.

After some time of successfully dodging rocks, thorny foliage and roots, she finally made it to a small clearing. The struggle to get here had irritated her but she wan't tired or even slightly out of breath. From here she could strongly smell the beast which had marked the borders of his territory. It wasn't as if there was some invisible line which shouldn't be crossed but rather the entire surrounding area was the border. Being on the verge of another's ground made her very vulnerable and it was not a welcome feeling. Withdrawing her hands from her pockets, she stood proud and prepared for anyone to meet her. Her sharp eyes roamed around and her other senses were alert for anything approaching. She knew not if Werewolves were happy with a stranger lingering around their land, even if she wan't an apparent threat. However, if any trouble was to occur she was ready and pumping with adrenaline which wouldn't hesitate to make her shift to her primal form if necessary. Looking to the patch of sky visible through the gap in the treetops, she observed the clouds rolling by which prevented the sun's rays from fully lighting the clearing. Wanting to get things moving, she fixated on one cloud as it passed over and parted her lips to release a low, almost commanding, howl. Shuddering her muscles in anticipation of action, the Werewolfess resumed her intent observation of the surroundings with a blank face and slight glare in gaze. In one swift movement she hoisted her backpack to rest more comfortably against her spine.

Thousands of years had passed. Hundreds of Werewolves, possibly thousands, now walked the earth. Some were by the hand of Lucian himself. When he saw humans tread down by life, or forced to live in horrible conditions, he helped them. His father had never been there from the start, only his mother working multiple jobs to keep food, shelter, and clothes for the boy. She tired herself night and day, yet there were no improvements. By the time Lucian had been bitten, his mother was finally getting their finances perfect. She could start affording things again. But it did not last long. The vampire asshole decided to take her life from her before she could really do well on her own. During the Roman times, he liked much of his young life in a toga, enjoy the feeling of being free, while covered. He had visited Scotland and worn a kilt, but that was something he did not like in the least. His mind wandered as he rested on top of the sheets. His mind replayed the memories as if they were film. On one particular night, there was a grand party. He did not know the reason for celebration or even who these humans were. But he knew that among these places were many people who needed 'help'. Lucian stood int he background, watching and waiting for the perfect one to change. Which soul needed it more than anyone else in this very room? Then he saw her. Her hair was long and beautiful. Her body looked simple, just as her clothes were. If not for being close to rags, he would have never known her to have little money. But as he watched her, she kept cleaning after people, cleaning their spilled drinks or projected food. The humans were quite nasty. They enjoyed eating and screwing all at the same time. The consumed loads and loads of alcohol and food. Many great kills went to waste for such feasts. But still Lucian waited and watched, waiting for his chance to aid her.

Finally at the early hours of morning, most of the drunks were passed out, or not wild enough to party any longer. Lucian was still waiting and watching. As she soaked the torches, he slowly approached her. They spoke for some time, he listening more than sharing. He allowed her to speak of her troubles, he life and her past. She was not happy with any of it. She seemed strong willed and determined, features any werewolf would love to see in his own kind. The vial was strapped and held close to his skin, beneath his cloak. He kept it close for occasions just as this. This blood would save her. He encouraged her to drink of it, all of it. Hesitant, she seemed, but willingly took the liquid into her mouth. As she swallowed the contents, he could not help but to smile. Taking the vial back, he gave her his name and told her if she ever needed him, she could always find him. Even though the girl seemed confused, he slipped into the darkness, never to see or hear from her again. As he rose from the bed, he thought of her still. He wondered if she made it alive, or if she had been discovered and killed by the humans. Both questions pressed on his mind, forcing him to think he perhaps, destined her to death. No life was worse off than death itself.

Stretching his arms high above his head, he slid off the bed. He walked around the cave, looking at his items. He didn't have too much around the place. He kept it simple. A bed, his dresser, a desk for his work, his TV, and a couple things he enjoyed. He walked towards the entrance of his den, looking at the water as it fell over the entrance. Placing his hand underneath it, he felt the cool waters, deciding what better way to relax than standing beneath it? He took a step, lifting his head up as he allowed the water to roll down his bare chest and body. It drenched his hair and soaked his skin, making him feel refreshed and cool. Taking more steps forward, he lifted his head up and ran his hands through the drenched hair. The water seemed to ring itself from his hair as he did so. A smile was plastered to his face, feeling the chill and calming peaceful nature of his lands. He stretched once more, but before he could go for a morning run, he heard a howl and his head jerked towards the noise. It was obviously a female. The sound was too soft and delicate to be a male. Though, it was very loud. Shifting to his primal form, due to laziness, he moved for her direction. As he raced through the trees, jumping over vines and boulders. As he made his way, he finally stopped.

He stared at her face, her hair was short, which was very weird in females. Although, he had seen lesbians with such short hair. He wondered who she was. Her scent was somewhat familiar, but he did not completely recognize her. He slowly approached with his head held high. His tail curled behind his back and his ears were alert. As he looked over her, he wondered if he should shift to his human shell. But then he remembered that he was naked and decided to keep his form. "Who are you and what brings you here?"

Efficient. That was the first thing she noted about this "pack". How quickly this male had responded to her call was impressive, or perhaps desperate. Of course, she sensed him approaching; she had heard his paws nearing as they embraced the earth and his scent grew stronger with each print that scarred the surface of the soil. Although when the beast emerged into sight, it did take her slightly by surprise due to her presuming he would also be in the human form. Tensed for a moment, her eyes trained on him instantly as her senses had alerted her to expect him to emerge from that direction. As he gradually moved closer to look over her she too did the same, eyeing up each stroke of fur within his pelt, every muscle and most importantly taking notice of his tall stance.

It was a little awkward to be in her human appearance whilst talking to a mighty wolflike animal, but she wan't in an intense enough mood to allow her to shift. Whilst he spoke she remained in a neutral yet defensive position, his voice just barely familiar. Ignoring that, she took slight heed of his display of dominance by choosing to greet him with a respectful forward incline of her head, before snapping her eyes back up to analyse the males intentions and what she should respond with.

The weight of the backpack was now something she realised could prevent quick movement should she need to. Nothing too precious was contained within, just a few medical aids, food, water, small garments, denari and electrical supplies. So she relaxed her shoulder, the straps sliding down her toned arms before the bag dropped by her feet. Her eyes bored directly into the creature's as she prepared to answer his inquisitions until she was momentarily caught in a moment of recognition. It was him? Those eyes of lush hazel green which had saved her all those millennia ago? Surely it was unlikely that this was the guy she was seeking, even if she knew that eventually she would likely find him and there was a small chance that that time could be now. Quickly, she straightened her thoughts and presented herself calmly and assertively. "My name is Callista, previously Kallistê. I am here in search of other Werewolves, which I now have found by the looks of yourself. However, I look for a particular male who helped me back in Ancient Greece some three thousand years ago." She stated, looking at him with a hint of knowing behind her usual harsh stare. If this was that man then he would hopefully understand the hint. If not, then her speech still caused no problems unless he questioned her about it and then she would leave first. Callista continued to add on one final piece of information, "Also, I would rather like to join a pack of Werewolves to allow me to be free to act naturally, away from the likes of Humans and others. Therefore, feel free to question me as you would a potential pack member."