In between whistling the heavy instrumental parts, and singing a rare word or two, Bastian watched the road carefully as he drove to Reign's house. Stairway to Heaven wasn't necessarily his favorite song, but it was playing on the cd he was listening to, so it was natural to accompany it. With his slightly raspy voice, he never sang much unless he was completely alone, and usually a bit drunk. Tonight he was feeling happy, and unmindful of annoying anyone else, and the music just seemed to spill out of him.
Reign had asked him not to stop by tonight, and he intended on honoring her wishes. However, he still wanted to just drive by her place and make sure she arrived home as planned. Whether she admitted it, or he voiced it out loud, in his heart he considered them back together. Yet the feeling was too new to just take for granted, and it still required periodic supporting with tangible things...like seeing her, hearing her voice, and touching her. Tonight he would have to be satisfied with signs that her house was again inhabited. Tomorrow he would actually see her...hear her...touch her.
Though they had spoken on the phone during her absence, he had let her lead the conversations with what she was doing. Nothing out of the ordinary had gone on around his place...business was still business, and without her there his evenings were back to being quiet and uneventful. Besides that, he was a lot more interested in hearing how well she was shooting, and how his intuitions about her family had proved to be true. Knowing the strained relationship between Reign and her parents was on the mend was nearly as good news as the fact that they had found each other again. Once Mr. and Mrs. Sorenson were aware that Reign and Bastian were together, Bastian would be able to finally put any final uneasiness behind him.
Rounding the corner his foot hit the brake, and he came to a screeching stop. Focusing on the front of her house, he saw her front door was open and a growl escaped his lips unconsciously. There was always a chance she might have just stepped outside to let Sirius take a leak, but it would have made more sense had she gone out the back. Common sense, or some innate feeling, Bastian knew immediately there was something amiss here.
Cutting his lights, he slowly coasted to the curb, and shut off the car. Too many shadows were visible from inside the house, and he could hear muffled male voices that had no business being in Reign's home. Whoever they were, and whatever reason they had to be there, in Bastian's mind, they didn't belong.
He quickly got out of the Hummer, and made a dash to the side of the house. Peeking in windows he hoped a neighbor didn't catch sight of him and think he was intending harm. Fortunately his wolf senses were kicked into overdrive, making him able to blend into the night more than your average man.
The sight that presented itself to him ripped at his heart, and before he could stave it off, a howl cut the silent night air. Moving to the front of the house before anyone could attempt to locate the source of the howl, Bastian poised just outside Reign's front door, rapidly deciding his next move. No one was going to harm her, no matter what he had to do to guarantee that promise. He just wished there was some way he could communicate with her, and not alert the two men threatening her, but was at a loss as to how he could do just that.
Deciding he couldn't waste time trying to devise the best case scenario, Bastian growled again, but this time the sound was much more controlled, and menacing, if that was possible. He might not be able to truly 'speak' to Sirius, but he had an ability to get thoughts across to canines, and hoped his growing bond with Reign's pet would help in this situation. If he could generate some kind of diversion in the house, away from the front door, he knew he could tackle one of the men, and reach the second before he knew what was going on. Banking on Reign's quick thinking, and a lot of assistance from Sirius, Bastian had little fear of anything worse occurring than what was going on now.
In a matter of seconds, a much louder howl was emitted, followed by the loudest, most menacing growl he could muster, which wasn't difficult in his current state of mind. Seconds later he charged into the house, and jumped on the back of the man facing Reign, effectively dropping the guy to the floor, and knocking enough wind from his lungs to incapacitate him as planned.
Home Sweet Home?
Virginia had gone well. Chicago had gone better. Maybe it was being back where she belonged but Reign had flown through the tournament undefeated and once again secured her number one ranking. More important than that she'd reunited with her family. It had involved shouting and tears and some knock down drag out fights but by then end of her trip she'd moved out of the hotel and was staying with her folks again. It felt good Maybe next time she'd be able to reconcile with Vince. Reign did miss her ex and his twin, a great deal, they had been the best of friends and it wasn't worth losing them for any reason.
Of course all wasn't roses. Her advisor had some strong words about her dissertation and had told Reign in no uncertain terms he wanted things fixed and to see her and the paper again in three months or sooner. He was retiring and determined to get her graduated before he did. She also hadn't worked up the nerve to tell the family she was seeing Bastian again but you couldn't have everything.
But now she was sound asleep, on the couch she hadn't even made it to her bed. It was her first night home after months away and she was just happy to be back. She'd call Lupo in the morning and catch up with him. Its not like she hadn't called but Reign wasn't much of a phone person and so a lot had been left unsaid.
It was hearing Sirius bark that woke her up. Bleary eyed she felt around for her glasses and found the clock. Who the hell would be at the door at this hour it was the middle of the god damned night. She stumbled to her feet with the idea of going to bed, confidant that the mutt had scared off what ever it was, after all who messed with a house that you could hear that bark coming from? Granted she had told Bastian that she would be home some time late tonight, but she'd also said not to come over as she didn't know for sure when she'd be home. That and Sirius always seemed to know when it was Bas at the door rather than some one else. So Reign had dismissed that idea. What ever it was though...
Heading to her bedroom Reign noticed Sirius wasn't following her. She turned and saw him still glued to the front door, hackles raised and growling low and menacing. That bothered her, but she didn't have much time to dwell on it. The door suddenly burst open, little bits splintering from the frame. What the hell! It was an odd surreal experience to see a black clad figured standing unwelcome in her foyer.
"What the FUCK! Who... GET OUT!"Â?
She bellowed at the top of her lungs. Sirius seemed to have similar sentiments for after only a moment's hesitation he'd gone into protective mode. Reign had known Vince had gotten him for her because he worried when she was on the road but she'd never truly appreciated the massive Sheppard as anything other than companionship until now.
Apparently this is what happened when you were out of town for months at a time people decided to break in. Granted Reign was scared, terrified really but she knew she had to keep her head. She had no idea if this guy was armed or what he wanted that didn't stop her, however, from hurling the first thing she could lay her hands on at him. It was a half full glass of wine she'd poured herself before passing out on the couch. Reign had a good arm and hit squarely and soundly hit her target, bouncing off and shattering on the floor. She was reaching for something else to throw when the arcadia door leading to the back yard broke with a huge crash. Before she could react to that another black figure had grabbed her wrenching one arm behind her while pulling her towards him and placing her in a choke hold so tight Reign could barley breath.
"Call him off."Â?
The command was growled in her ear. Reign attempted to comply but couldn't choke out the words. The hold around her neck was loosened some what.
"Call him off!"Â?
It took two tries but Reign managed to gasp out command and Sirius, obviously not happy, obeyed.
"Didn't expect you home. Well you just play nice and we won't hurt you."Â?
Reign didn't believe that for a second, but also didn't think it was a wise idea to call him on it. If she stayed calm maybe she could find a way to run or call the police. Her cell was still in the pocket of her jeans and still had a charge, she just had to get away from them for a bit. For now though if she could keep them from hurting her or the dog, who was still growling menacingly, that would be a plus.
Bastian
16 years ago
Reign
16 years ago
Reign was doing her best to keep her head together while keeping her heart from beating out of her chest. They weren’t liking the idea that she didn’t have anything worth stealing, just the standard electronics no deeds, no jewelry, no silver, no cash. She was truly starting to question her own personal safety as they men questioned her and talked amongst themselves. Biting the inside of her cheek, she refused to give into fear. If they wanted to play that game, she wasn’t going down without a fight.
Just as things seemed to be going from bad to worse another flurry of activity, hit. The howl wasn’t her mutt and in a giddy desperate hopefulness, she thought of Bastian. The next thing she knew Sirius had gone into a barking fit, further distracting the invaders. The next thing Reign knew one of her attackers was on the ground. The shock of another dog… no wolf bursting into her house was not making her feel all warm and fuzzy; really it was the last thing she needed. Taking advantage of the confusion, she sharply jabbed the man who held her in the stomach immediately followed by ramming her heel into his instep and getting a good solid punch into his groin. The combination was rewarded when he released her.
Freed Reign leapt over the sofa and grabbed a heavy book off the coffee table with the intention of smashing some one over the head. Sirius, however, had placed himself between her and men and she wasn’t inclined to argue with him.
It felt like her brain had frozen. She didn’t know what to do next. Throwing the book (thank god for hard backs) at the man who’d held her stumbling towards a stack of research materials she continued throwing and began shouting, with as much force and conviction as she could manage.
“Get out! Out! Please! Out! Out! Out!”
Adrenaline was surging through her body and all she could do was run on instinct. She didn’t fully trust the wolf, somewhere in the back of her head, it was familiar and so she wasn’t throwing books at it but she wasn’t rushing towards it as a savior despite its wonderful timing and the help it seemed to be offering. Hell she wasn’t sure if she wanted it out… was she shouting at it too? Reign just didn’t know. Maybe it could all be a dream and if she shouted loud enough she would shout herself awake.
Just as things seemed to be going from bad to worse another flurry of activity, hit. The howl wasn’t her mutt and in a giddy desperate hopefulness, she thought of Bastian. The next thing she knew Sirius had gone into a barking fit, further distracting the invaders. The next thing Reign knew one of her attackers was on the ground. The shock of another dog… no wolf bursting into her house was not making her feel all warm and fuzzy; really it was the last thing she needed. Taking advantage of the confusion, she sharply jabbed the man who held her in the stomach immediately followed by ramming her heel into his instep and getting a good solid punch into his groin. The combination was rewarded when he released her.
Freed Reign leapt over the sofa and grabbed a heavy book off the coffee table with the intention of smashing some one over the head. Sirius, however, had placed himself between her and men and she wasn’t inclined to argue with him.
It felt like her brain had frozen. She didn’t know what to do next. Throwing the book (thank god for hard backs) at the man who’d held her stumbling towards a stack of research materials she continued throwing and began shouting, with as much force and conviction as she could manage.
“Get out! Out! Please! Out! Out! Out!”
Adrenaline was surging through her body and all she could do was run on instinct. She didn’t fully trust the wolf, somewhere in the back of her head, it was familiar and so she wasn’t throwing books at it but she wasn’t rushing towards it as a savior despite its wonderful timing and the help it seemed to be offering. Hell she wasn’t sure if she wanted it out… was she shouting at it too? Reign just didn’t know. Maybe it could all be a dream and if she shouted loud enough she would shout herself awake.
Bastian
16 years ago
Thankful Reign hadn't changed much, and was able to think on her feet as well as ever, Bastian placed all his concentration on not killing the man in his jaws. While it would have been much easier to just rip the man's windpipe from his neck, and move on to the other intruder, Bastian had always tried to hold back on those wolf instincts, and retain enough humanity to remain free from a murder warrant.
Not that he would have hesitated even a second, if Reign was truly in immediate peril of being killed. But with one man down, and the other man effectively distracted, that possibility was no longer turning his mind red with anger. He was as clear headed as his wolf ever was, and intent on one goal...remove the threat to Reign.
Using his wolf strength, Bastian pulled the man through the living room, and into the closest room he knew could be secured. It was odd how in his wolf form he didn't really fully understand human communications, nor retain normal human thoughts, yet still managed to perform less like a real wolf, and more like a human. Whether the man in his jaws had fainted, or was playing dead, Bastian didn't take the time to be concerned with. Instead he just pulled the dead weight through the doorway of an adjacent room, and nudge his prey until he felt confident the man would not be going anywhere. Pulling the door closed on his exit, Bastian left with a warning growl, and made a bee line back to where Reign was. Barking at Sirius, Bastian hoped the big dog would guard the room where the one man was being held, while he figured out what to do about the second.
It never occurred to Bastian that Reign wouldn't recognize him, though he had no reason to think she would. She had seen him in wolf form, but only for a rare, short period of time, and even then the shock of what she saw might have obliterated it from her memory. It wasn't an issue though, as he knew he had a job to do there, and thought of nothing else.
Leaping through the air, to again land on a man in Reign's house, Bastian snarled fiercely, as he sized up the man beneath him. Thinking it would be easier to deal with one man, than two, and somehow reasoning with one man captive it would eventually give them the second later, it became apparent he needed to rid themselves of the second man altogether.
Pulling back, and sitting on his haunches, but maintaining a fearsome stare, teeth bared, and hackles raised, Bastian gave the man few seconds to make a decision. Luckily for all of them the man did not appear to be stupid, and when given the opportunity to escape, he took it. Chasing after him until he reached the door, and was certain the intruder wouldn't be returning, Bastian then dashed back to the room where his initial prey had been left, and was relieved to see the door still closed, and Sirius parked outside it.
Not that he would have hesitated even a second, if Reign was truly in immediate peril of being killed. But with one man down, and the other man effectively distracted, that possibility was no longer turning his mind red with anger. He was as clear headed as his wolf ever was, and intent on one goal...remove the threat to Reign.
Using his wolf strength, Bastian pulled the man through the living room, and into the closest room he knew could be secured. It was odd how in his wolf form he didn't really fully understand human communications, nor retain normal human thoughts, yet still managed to perform less like a real wolf, and more like a human. Whether the man in his jaws had fainted, or was playing dead, Bastian didn't take the time to be concerned with. Instead he just pulled the dead weight through the doorway of an adjacent room, and nudge his prey until he felt confident the man would not be going anywhere. Pulling the door closed on his exit, Bastian left with a warning growl, and made a bee line back to where Reign was. Barking at Sirius, Bastian hoped the big dog would guard the room where the one man was being held, while he figured out what to do about the second.
It never occurred to Bastian that Reign wouldn't recognize him, though he had no reason to think she would. She had seen him in wolf form, but only for a rare, short period of time, and even then the shock of what she saw might have obliterated it from her memory. It wasn't an issue though, as he knew he had a job to do there, and thought of nothing else.
Leaping through the air, to again land on a man in Reign's house, Bastian snarled fiercely, as he sized up the man beneath him. Thinking it would be easier to deal with one man, than two, and somehow reasoning with one man captive it would eventually give them the second later, it became apparent he needed to rid themselves of the second man altogether.
Pulling back, and sitting on his haunches, but maintaining a fearsome stare, teeth bared, and hackles raised, Bastian gave the man few seconds to make a decision. Luckily for all of them the man did not appear to be stupid, and when given the opportunity to escape, he took it. Chasing after him until he reached the door, and was certain the intruder wouldn't be returning, Bastian then dashed back to the room where his initial prey had been left, and was relieved to see the door still closed, and Sirius parked outside it.
Reign
16 years ago
No! Reign was illogically upset when Sirius left her to guard the door. She, however, managed to resist the urge to chase after the dog. Some where along the line she’d also started to process that the… wolf wasn’t acting like a wolf and stopped thinking it was strange that it was there. No of course not, men had broken into her house and attempted to rob her, if not worse, nothing else was going to be strange after that. A giraffe and Albert Einstein could walk in and ask for coffee and while she might have tried tied to attack them she wouldn’t have thought it was strange.
When the one man had fled Reign, in a fit of logic, ran to the door closed it and drug a chair in front of it. It didn’t occur to her she was now trapped inside the house with a wild animal and if it did she deemed that the lesser of two evils. She wasn’t sure what to do with the man now trapped in her spare bedroom/storage room but that problem seemed to solve itself when she heard yet –more- glass breaking. Please god let him run away. Reign ran to the door and threw it open. It was a very stupid thing to do but she had faith that both Sirius and the wolf would be more than willing to charge the room and take care of her. She wasn’t disappointed, and she was right the window had been broken out and there was no one in the room. Sirius had charged to the window and was again barking loudly.
“Let him go. Just let him go.”
She managed to croak out. Not that she had any idea who she was talking too. There was no way in hell she was going to call Sirius off and she had no idea what to do with the wolf.
After a second of complete, numb she ran back to the living room, which was now looked a bit like a tornado had struck with thrown books and shattered doors, and began fumbling for a phone. The police. She needed to call the police, that was the next thing a person did in a situation like this right?
When the one man had fled Reign, in a fit of logic, ran to the door closed it and drug a chair in front of it. It didn’t occur to her she was now trapped inside the house with a wild animal and if it did she deemed that the lesser of two evils. She wasn’t sure what to do with the man now trapped in her spare bedroom/storage room but that problem seemed to solve itself when she heard yet –more- glass breaking. Please god let him run away. Reign ran to the door and threw it open. It was a very stupid thing to do but she had faith that both Sirius and the wolf would be more than willing to charge the room and take care of her. She wasn’t disappointed, and she was right the window had been broken out and there was no one in the room. Sirius had charged to the window and was again barking loudly.
“Let him go. Just let him go.”
She managed to croak out. Not that she had any idea who she was talking too. There was no way in hell she was going to call Sirius off and she had no idea what to do with the wolf.
After a second of complete, numb she ran back to the living room, which was now looked a bit like a tornado had struck with thrown books and shattered doors, and began fumbling for a phone. The police. She needed to call the police, that was the next thing a person did in a situation like this right?
Bastian
16 years ago
At some point Reign appeared at the door to the room, and Bastian moved back, not wanting to crowd her. The feelings he was getting from her made him a little sad, but not truly concerned. He sensed her confusion, and knew some of it was directed at him, along with the other men. He didn't worry himself further, since the sound of a breaking window distracted him.
Nudging past Reign's thigh, he made his way into the room behind Sirius, and realized the huge mistake he'd made cornering the thug in a room that wasn't escape proof. His first instinct was to exit the same window and pursue the man, but Reign's order, while technically directed to Sirius, stopped Bastian as well. It was her tone, and inflection that made him reconsider leaving just then. Bastian had the scent of both men in his memory, and would be able to find them for certain, should he attempt to in the future.
Right then and there, Bastian was again focusing on Reign. As strong as he knew she could be, he had also seen her vulnerable, and right now he worried. When she left the room to return to the living room, he let her go. Barking at Sirius, he convinced the dog to follow, and pushed the door closed. Because he knew he needed to comfort his woman, he changed then and there, without much effort at all. When he knew he was back to his old self, he left the room, and joined Reign and Sirius in the living room, looking only slightly rumpled for the earlier effort. He watched her for a very few seconds, before coming up behind her, and engulfing her in his arm. Her back pressed into him as he pulled her close and whispered.
"You're safe now. You need to call the police. The sooner you tell them what happened, the better your recollection will be. I'm not going anywhere."
Trying to offer comfort, without being overbearing, Bastian nuzzled her neck softly, before kissing the back of her head, and releasing her. He did not move away though, remaining close enough should she need him.
Nudging past Reign's thigh, he made his way into the room behind Sirius, and realized the huge mistake he'd made cornering the thug in a room that wasn't escape proof. His first instinct was to exit the same window and pursue the man, but Reign's order, while technically directed to Sirius, stopped Bastian as well. It was her tone, and inflection that made him reconsider leaving just then. Bastian had the scent of both men in his memory, and would be able to find them for certain, should he attempt to in the future.
Right then and there, Bastian was again focusing on Reign. As strong as he knew she could be, he had also seen her vulnerable, and right now he worried. When she left the room to return to the living room, he let her go. Barking at Sirius, he convinced the dog to follow, and pushed the door closed. Because he knew he needed to comfort his woman, he changed then and there, without much effort at all. When he knew he was back to his old self, he left the room, and joined Reign and Sirius in the living room, looking only slightly rumpled for the earlier effort. He watched her for a very few seconds, before coming up behind her, and engulfing her in his arm. Her back pressed into him as he pulled her close and whispered.
"You're safe now. You need to call the police. The sooner you tell them what happened, the better your recollection will be. I'm not going anywhere."
Trying to offer comfort, without being overbearing, Bastian nuzzled her neck softly, before kissing the back of her head, and releasing her. He did not move away though, remaining close enough should she need him.
Reign
16 years ago
A man’s arms around her again initially caused Reign to jump but with in seconds she recognized the reel of those arms and the sound of the voice and relaxed into the embrace. Turning she buried her face in Bastian’s chest. She didn’t even question the fact that he was there and that he had been the wolf. Something that had been –so- hard to accept and continually questioned when she was thinking clearly and logically was now something natural and considerably easier to accept. Of course Bastian was the wolf, was a wolf. He always had been.
With Bas there and Sirius leaning up against her leg, apparently afraid to let his mistress out of his sight, Reign slowly started processing things. But she shook her head. She didn’t want to remember not right now.
“I know.”
She did know and she would. It was just going to take a minute. Reign knew herself well enough to know she was going to have a total break down soon enough. She’d rather not do that in front of the police and so she needed to get her bearings. That would hold it off for a bit.
“What are we going to tell them? … about you?”
Yes officer I was minding my own business when two men broke into my house for no apparent reason and oh yes I was saved by a werewolf. She might be in the process of melting down but Reign still knew that story wasn’t going to fly.
With Bas there and Sirius leaning up against her leg, apparently afraid to let his mistress out of his sight, Reign slowly started processing things. But she shook her head. She didn’t want to remember not right now.
“I know.”
She did know and she would. It was just going to take a minute. Reign knew herself well enough to know she was going to have a total break down soon enough. She’d rather not do that in front of the police and so she needed to get her bearings. That would hold it off for a bit.
“What are we going to tell them? … about you?”
Yes officer I was minding my own business when two men broke into my house for no apparent reason and oh yes I was saved by a werewolf. She might be in the process of melting down but Reign still knew that story wasn’t going to fly.
Bastian
16 years ago
"Me? Oh...yes...well...there really isn't any need to elaborate on anything that might have been out of the ordinary. We just tell them the truth. I came over to check on things, found your door open, and the two men threatening you, jumped the one guy, and tried to detain him but he got away, as did the other guy. That is what happened, after all."
Glad Reign allowed him to hold her, and felt relaxed in doing so, any of Bastian's fears evaporated. Everything was going to be fine between them, werewolf or not, he now knew.
But he also still knew she harbored feelings and issues that she hadn't fully come to terms with yet, and eventually they were going to force their way through her, and into dealing with them completely. Until then he would need to be patient, understanding, and on guard. She was a strong woman, and she would survive, there was no fear of that not happening, but it could still be a very painful process.
"Any reason they won't buy that, do you think?"
Almost imperceptibly, Bastian slowly moved the two of them to the couch, and sat down, cradling Reign against him yet. His hand soothingly caressed the back of her head, her neck, and shoulder.
"I suppose when they catch those men they might get a slightly different story, but I would think the police will have little reason to believe the crazy ramblings of thugs like that, when they have much more logical explanations from us...?"
Bastian tilted her head up and smiled softly at Reign. His last words were spoken like a question, but weren't really. He had no reason to feel threatened by those men, and any tales they might tell. He had been through a couple close calls similar to this one in the past, and saw how readily people wanted to believe the simple explanations, rather than the more far-fetched, even if the latter were true.
Glad Reign allowed him to hold her, and felt relaxed in doing so, any of Bastian's fears evaporated. Everything was going to be fine between them, werewolf or not, he now knew.
But he also still knew she harbored feelings and issues that she hadn't fully come to terms with yet, and eventually they were going to force their way through her, and into dealing with them completely. Until then he would need to be patient, understanding, and on guard. She was a strong woman, and she would survive, there was no fear of that not happening, but it could still be a very painful process.
"Any reason they won't buy that, do you think?"
Almost imperceptibly, Bastian slowly moved the two of them to the couch, and sat down, cradling Reign against him yet. His hand soothingly caressed the back of her head, her neck, and shoulder.
"I suppose when they catch those men they might get a slightly different story, but I would think the police will have little reason to believe the crazy ramblings of thugs like that, when they have much more logical explanations from us...?"
Bastian tilted her head up and smiled softly at Reign. His last words were spoken like a question, but weren't really. He had no reason to feel threatened by those men, and any tales they might tell. He had been through a couple close calls similar to this one in the past, and saw how readily people wanted to believe the simple explanations, rather than the more far-fetched, even if the latter were true.
Reign
16 years ago
Resting her head against him, she listened carefully, almost having to repeat what Bastian was saying to herself to make sense of it. Her brain wasn’t functioning normally, time was distorted and things didn’t make as much sense as they should. It was probably a result of the adrenalin and Reign wondered briefly if she was going into shock. Nodding faintly she agreed.
“No I don’t see a reason they wouldn’t believe that. Especially once they get a look at Sirius. He’s not your twin but a fair double if they catch the guys and they have a different story.”
A slightly hysterical laugh escaped from Reign. The idea of Bastian and Sirius being body doubles was suddenly funny as hell. The laugh was followed by a shudder.
It would be a good idea to call the cops now, while she still had some control. Reign clambered to her feet and dialed 9-1-1. She gave a brief explanation of what happened, her address and phone number and told the dispatcher she didn’t need her to stay on the line some one was with her, they didn’t need an ambulance and they would wait for the police. The call made the flopped back on the couch.
“It’s going to cost a bit to fix this mess. But I guess that’s what insurance is for.”
The mundane statement was something of a relief. Maybe she wasn’t going to melt down after all and that would be nice. Or maybe she was hiding it well. Who knew? Who cared? For now she was a functioning human being… mostly.
“No I don’t see a reason they wouldn’t believe that. Especially once they get a look at Sirius. He’s not your twin but a fair double if they catch the guys and they have a different story.”
A slightly hysterical laugh escaped from Reign. The idea of Bastian and Sirius being body doubles was suddenly funny as hell. The laugh was followed by a shudder.
It would be a good idea to call the cops now, while she still had some control. Reign clambered to her feet and dialed 9-1-1. She gave a brief explanation of what happened, her address and phone number and told the dispatcher she didn’t need her to stay on the line some one was with her, they didn’t need an ambulance and they would wait for the police. The call made the flopped back on the couch.
“It’s going to cost a bit to fix this mess. But I guess that’s what insurance is for.”
The mundane statement was something of a relief. Maybe she wasn’t going to melt down after all and that would be nice. Or maybe she was hiding it well. Who knew? Who cared? For now she was a functioning human being… mostly.
Bastian
16 years ago
Watching her cautiously, Bastian had to force back the anger that threatened to ooze out. After longing to see her after her tour away from home, and welcome her back properly, it wasn't at all the way he wanted her homecoming to be. But he was still afraid she was being held together with fine wire, and resolved himself to remaining calm, and in control, in hopes of avoiding such an occurrence.
Her humor was understandable, so he laughed along with her, and held her more tightly when the mirth evaporated and was replaced with shudders. Her ability to think rationally was met with a smile from him, and he kept it while she called the police. Moving to half lie on the couch when she made the call, Bastian again pulled her near when she returned. He kept his hold loose though, not wanting her to feel captive, or cornered after going through what she had. For all he loved her, Bastian knew Reign was an independent woman, and the last thing he wanted to do now was to give her more reason to fall apart. If she needed closeness, he'd be there but she would need to take it.
"Are the police coming now?"
He had heard most of the conversations, from both sides, but must have been thinking of other things when that had been discussed. Having lived with hearing problems most of his life, this new found perk of being a werewolf was often something he forgot he had.
Talk of insurance brought other recent thoughts to the forefront of his mind, and he quickly debated voicing them. His desire to protect Reign, and spend as much time with her won out.
"Insurance should cover most of it, and whatever it doesn't I'll take care of...but that does remind me of something I've wanted to talk to you about."
He paused to allow her the opportunity to reject whatever he had to say. If she wasn't in the mood right now, which was highly likely, at least she would know to expect something from him later. He could wait. He had waited so far.
Leaning forward, over her a little so he could see her face, Bastian smiled what he hoped was a smile of love, understanding, and reassurance.
"I'm sure you love your home, and wouldn't dream of asking you to sell it; however, I'm hoping things between us are such that I can ask you now...would you consider moving in with me...and helping to make the place our home? I know I'd feel not only a lot more secure, knowing you're safe there, but..."
Still restraining himself, Bastian moved slowly as he nuzzled her neck, and hugged her more firmly now.
"...also...I've missed you, and your absence has driven home how much I love you, even more than ever. I don't want to lose any more time together, Cara..."
Her humor was understandable, so he laughed along with her, and held her more tightly when the mirth evaporated and was replaced with shudders. Her ability to think rationally was met with a smile from him, and he kept it while she called the police. Moving to half lie on the couch when she made the call, Bastian again pulled her near when she returned. He kept his hold loose though, not wanting her to feel captive, or cornered after going through what she had. For all he loved her, Bastian knew Reign was an independent woman, and the last thing he wanted to do now was to give her more reason to fall apart. If she needed closeness, he'd be there but she would need to take it.
"Are the police coming now?"
He had heard most of the conversations, from both sides, but must have been thinking of other things when that had been discussed. Having lived with hearing problems most of his life, this new found perk of being a werewolf was often something he forgot he had.
Talk of insurance brought other recent thoughts to the forefront of his mind, and he quickly debated voicing them. His desire to protect Reign, and spend as much time with her won out.
"Insurance should cover most of it, and whatever it doesn't I'll take care of...but that does remind me of something I've wanted to talk to you about."
He paused to allow her the opportunity to reject whatever he had to say. If she wasn't in the mood right now, which was highly likely, at least she would know to expect something from him later. He could wait. He had waited so far.
Leaning forward, over her a little so he could see her face, Bastian smiled what he hoped was a smile of love, understanding, and reassurance.
"I'm sure you love your home, and wouldn't dream of asking you to sell it; however, I'm hoping things between us are such that I can ask you now...would you consider moving in with me...and helping to make the place our home? I know I'd feel not only a lot more secure, knowing you're safe there, but..."
Still restraining himself, Bastian moved slowly as he nuzzled her neck, and hugged her more firmly now.
"...also...I've missed you, and your absence has driven home how much I love you, even more than ever. I don't want to lose any more time together, Cara..."
Reign
16 years ago
For some god knows what reason, possibly being attacked in her own home and threatened by strangers, Reign was desperate for human (werewolf) contact; the non-threatening non-hostile kind and she had curled up as closely to Bastian as was physically possible. He smelled good, he always did though, and that was reassuring.
“Yeah. I feel like I should clean up and make some coffee but it's not exactly a social visit is it? And I’m not sure how accurate movies and TV are when it comes to crime scenes so I guess cleaning up is out of the question too.”
Which left pacing madly or holding very still in Bas’s arms while trying not to think too terribly much and calm down a little. Option B was winning quite handily.
“You can come with me to the hard ware store if you want but I think insurance should get most of it and if it doesn’t I can. Stupid deductibles.”
What the fuck was her deductible? Maybe she should look that up she knew where the policy was and if she couldn’t find the hard copy, there was one on her laptop. Reign didn’t think they’d gotten that…
Now –that- was a change of subject. It was so far from Reign’s immediate thoughts that she physically had to shake her head to clear it and try to replay what he’d said. When she was finally sure she’d heard correctly Reign didn’t even know what to say. She lay there silent and unmoving for several seconds before being forced to stifle a giggle. A giggle that grew into half laughter half crying, although she would deny the crying.
“You do have the strangest timing Lupo.”
She turned and wrapped her arms around him. It wasn’t a yes but it wasn’t a no either. It was just … … odd. God knew she wasn’t feeling too terribly safe in her own home right now which made the offer tempting enough but well she loved the bastard. Loved him enough to hate him for years and to be willing to try again now. Reign very much wanted to say yes but she’d been trained not to make decisions under stress (look where the last one had gotten her, estranged from her family for years) and also she didn’t quite know how.
“Yeah. I feel like I should clean up and make some coffee but it's not exactly a social visit is it? And I’m not sure how accurate movies and TV are when it comes to crime scenes so I guess cleaning up is out of the question too.”
Which left pacing madly or holding very still in Bas’s arms while trying not to think too terribly much and calm down a little. Option B was winning quite handily.
“You can come with me to the hard ware store if you want but I think insurance should get most of it and if it doesn’t I can. Stupid deductibles.”
What the fuck was her deductible? Maybe she should look that up she knew where the policy was and if she couldn’t find the hard copy, there was one on her laptop. Reign didn’t think they’d gotten that…
Now –that- was a change of subject. It was so far from Reign’s immediate thoughts that she physically had to shake her head to clear it and try to replay what he’d said. When she was finally sure she’d heard correctly Reign didn’t even know what to say. She lay there silent and unmoving for several seconds before being forced to stifle a giggle. A giggle that grew into half laughter half crying, although she would deny the crying.
“You do have the strangest timing Lupo.”
She turned and wrapped her arms around him. It wasn’t a yes but it wasn’t a no either. It was just … … odd. God knew she wasn’t feeling too terribly safe in her own home right now which made the offer tempting enough but well she loved the bastard. Loved him enough to hate him for years and to be willing to try again now. Reign very much wanted to say yes but she’d been trained not to make decisions under stress (look where the last one had gotten her, estranged from her family for years) and also she didn’t quite know how.
Bastian
16 years ago
His arms did tighten around her a bit, when she spoke of making coffee. It was a tad ridiculous to think of entertaining the police...playing hostess...when she had just been through the ordeal she had been through.
"No...no cleaning, or moving anything beyond what has already occurred."
During his recent years without her, he had done a lot more than make a name for himself in the business world, become a werewolf, and then a doctor of veterinary medicine. Bastian wasn't proud of all his escapades, including a couple run ins with the law himself, but he chalked it all up to dealing with his virus, and tremendous change in lifestyle. He was happy it didn't take long for him to get his life back under control, and there would be no criminal record to follow him around.
He hadn't told Reign everything about his years in between, not because he was ashamed, or feared her reaction. It was pretty trivial though, and would easily wait until some quiet evening a few months down the road, when life with them was better settled.
Her reaction to accepting things from him hadn't changed, and he expected her reaction. Again it was a small matter in the grand scheme of things so he let it go easily. Her laughter at his question was fairly expected as well, and he didn't take offense to it at all. It was the fact that she didn't say no, outright, that gave him the reassurance that they were on the right track together. Whether or not they moved in together now, or later, he wasn't insecure any longer. If she chose to hold back longer, he would just need to put forth more effort in making sure she was safe...totally on the sly, of course.
"I suppose I do...no worries Cara...nothing needs to be decided tonight...we have time."
Again he kissed her hair, and rubbed her arm slightly absently.
"Though we both might sleep better if we go back to my place once the police have made their report...no?"
Again, whatever her decision was, one thing he was sure of...he wasn't leaving her side tonight.
"No...no cleaning, or moving anything beyond what has already occurred."
During his recent years without her, he had done a lot more than make a name for himself in the business world, become a werewolf, and then a doctor of veterinary medicine. Bastian wasn't proud of all his escapades, including a couple run ins with the law himself, but he chalked it all up to dealing with his virus, and tremendous change in lifestyle. He was happy it didn't take long for him to get his life back under control, and there would be no criminal record to follow him around.
He hadn't told Reign everything about his years in between, not because he was ashamed, or feared her reaction. It was pretty trivial though, and would easily wait until some quiet evening a few months down the road, when life with them was better settled.
Her reaction to accepting things from him hadn't changed, and he expected her reaction. Again it was a small matter in the grand scheme of things so he let it go easily. Her laughter at his question was fairly expected as well, and he didn't take offense to it at all. It was the fact that she didn't say no, outright, that gave him the reassurance that they were on the right track together. Whether or not they moved in together now, or later, he wasn't insecure any longer. If she chose to hold back longer, he would just need to put forth more effort in making sure she was safe...totally on the sly, of course.
"I suppose I do...no worries Cara...nothing needs to be decided tonight...we have time."
Again he kissed her hair, and rubbed her arm slightly absently.
"Though we both might sleep better if we go back to my place once the police have made their report...no?"
Again, whatever her decision was, one thing he was sure of...he wasn't leaving her side tonight.
Reign
16 years ago
Well that was a relief. It was one thing to straighten up for the occasional cleaning service it was another to have to put this mess to right for the cops. God it was going to take days to fix it all, glass all over the family room and she’d have to keep the mutt out of that the back bedroom window broken out and the lock on the front door was probably shot.
“Good. I wish they’d get here.”
Mind you, it hadn’t been all that long but time was very distorted for Reign right now.
It took some effort but she managed to get the tears under control, she was still giggling off and on but that had been scaled back a bit. She nodded silently. Yes, time would be good, and maybe a conversation without a tidal wave of adrenalin clouding her judgment.
“Yes! Yes please if you don’t mind bring Sirius with us and helping me lock things down as well as we can. I’ve got the strangest feeling they’re coming back.”
She paused awkwardly and blushed very faintly. It was total weakness to admit it but Reign wasn’t in the mood to pretend.
“I was working up my nerve to ask you if you’d mind staying over any way, as long as you weren’t too busy tomorrow.”
“Good. I wish they’d get here.”
Mind you, it hadn’t been all that long but time was very distorted for Reign right now.
It took some effort but she managed to get the tears under control, she was still giggling off and on but that had been scaled back a bit. She nodded silently. Yes, time would be good, and maybe a conversation without a tidal wave of adrenalin clouding her judgment.
“Yes! Yes please if you don’t mind bring Sirius with us and helping me lock things down as well as we can. I’ve got the strangest feeling they’re coming back.”
She paused awkwardly and blushed very faintly. It was total weakness to admit it but Reign wasn’t in the mood to pretend.
“I was working up my nerve to ask you if you’d mind staying over any way, as long as you weren’t too busy tomorrow.”
Bastian
16 years ago
"I know, Cara..."
He whispered in understanding. Not that he imagined the police would arrive that quickly. Break-ins weren't high priority when there were murderers, and worse ilk about.
Concerned for her mental state, Bastian continued to offer his arms, and soothing words, hoping he could see Reign through till morning, when he was fairly sure she would be much better. Her giggles didn't fool him.
"Of course Sirius will come, he's part of your family Reign, I would never want to keep you two apart. Besides, in case you hadn't noticed, we now both fight for the same side, and he's stopped being quite so jealous."
Speaking of family...
"How were things in Chicago?"
Maybe if he could keep her talking she'd lose track of time and wouldn't notice if the police took much longer.
He whispered in understanding. Not that he imagined the police would arrive that quickly. Break-ins weren't high priority when there were murderers, and worse ilk about.
Concerned for her mental state, Bastian continued to offer his arms, and soothing words, hoping he could see Reign through till morning, when he was fairly sure she would be much better. Her giggles didn't fool him.
"Of course Sirius will come, he's part of your family Reign, I would never want to keep you two apart. Besides, in case you hadn't noticed, we now both fight for the same side, and he's stopped being quite so jealous."
Speaking of family...
"How were things in Chicago?"
Maybe if he could keep her talking she'd lose track of time and wouldn't notice if the police took much longer.
Reign
16 years ago
It took something of an odd twist but Reign bent back to pet Sirius, who was laying right next to the sofa. She was rather worried about the dog, not sure how he was handling the stress.
“You made a very good team. I guess now that I think about it I’m surprised he didn’t treat you like another intruder and try something dumb.”
Reign actually had noticed the two of them had reached some kind of true and were now almost even on friendly terms. Good thing two she never would have wanted to chose between them. Who knew it she was a ‘love me love my dog’ kind of girl.
Closing her eyes Reign allowed herself to think of home. Some place safe, some place she understood, some place where insane men didn’t break in and attack her.
“I won.”
She said simply, knowing that wasn’t what he was asking. But that was the easiest question to answer.
“It wasn’t easy. Pop and I tried to kill each other once or twice. Alex had to get us apart.”
Not that they’d come to blows or even close but Reign and her father had similar temperaments and some times that was a problem.
“But it worked out, some how. I’m still not sure. I still feel bad I cut them off like that. I’m not sure why I did it. If I hadn’t though I’d probably still be in Chicago.”
And not here waiting for the police.
“I even got in to meet with Professor Grillo a couple of times.”
Another time she would be aware of Bas trying to distract her, but right now, she was willing to accept the distraction. Whether she knew it or not she wanted that alternate train of thought.
“You made a very good team. I guess now that I think about it I’m surprised he didn’t treat you like another intruder and try something dumb.”
Reign actually had noticed the two of them had reached some kind of true and were now almost even on friendly terms. Good thing two she never would have wanted to chose between them. Who knew it she was a ‘love me love my dog’ kind of girl.
Closing her eyes Reign allowed herself to think of home. Some place safe, some place she understood, some place where insane men didn’t break in and attack her.
“I won.”
She said simply, knowing that wasn’t what he was asking. But that was the easiest question to answer.
“It wasn’t easy. Pop and I tried to kill each other once or twice. Alex had to get us apart.”
Not that they’d come to blows or even close but Reign and her father had similar temperaments and some times that was a problem.
“But it worked out, some how. I’m still not sure. I still feel bad I cut them off like that. I’m not sure why I did it. If I hadn’t though I’d probably still be in Chicago.”
And not here waiting for the police.
“I even got in to meet with Professor Grillo a couple of times.”
Another time she would be aware of Bas trying to distract her, but right now, she was willing to accept the distraction. Whether she knew it or not she wanted that alternate train of thought.
Bastian
16 years ago
"Mmmm..."
He really was listening, and he really did care, and was happy she had resolved things with her family. It had been her close, loving relationship with her family, in part, that drew Bastian to Reign. It was because of this that he knew she would never be truly happy until she was again communicating with them, and why he pushed her to talk to them. For whatever similarities Bastian and Reign had, family was not one, but he hoped with her he could change that in the future.
However, she had been gone for some time, and he had missed her terribly, so while he was trying to maintain an air of comfort, and support, he found it difficult not to think of how good she smelled, and how soft and warm she was. His loving nuzzles and kisses were becoming more and more impossible to keep dispassionate.
"I'm very glad you all are a family again. Now you should leave the worries and 'what ifs' behind, and concentrate on the fact that you don't need to avoid them any longer."
It crossed his mind to ask her if she mentioned him to her family, but kept his mouth shut. Thing were definitely good between the two of them, and he had no doubt her parents would find out eventually, so pressing the matter now would serve no purpose. As long as it didn't keep her away from him, he was happy to wait.
"And..."
Sometimes pressing was appropriate, and being that she was now talking about school, he didn't have any fear that what she had to say would be painful.
"Have the two of you worked out a plan now, that will work better for you?"
He hoped her professor was smart enough to have found a way to help motivate Reign. Bastian had already experienced his own career motivational shortcomings, and didn't wish that on anyone. Had he not had Sabine to offer him support, he didn't think he would have ever found his niche in life. It bothered him a little to know he couldn't do that for Reign, but the fact that she had more talented people to do that made up for it. He didn't have to be all things to her...his confidence and security in his self had been a long, hard battle to win, but he had. He could be quite content to watch other, more talented people fill those places in her life, as long as he had her love.
He really was listening, and he really did care, and was happy she had resolved things with her family. It had been her close, loving relationship with her family, in part, that drew Bastian to Reign. It was because of this that he knew she would never be truly happy until she was again communicating with them, and why he pushed her to talk to them. For whatever similarities Bastian and Reign had, family was not one, but he hoped with her he could change that in the future.
However, she had been gone for some time, and he had missed her terribly, so while he was trying to maintain an air of comfort, and support, he found it difficult not to think of how good she smelled, and how soft and warm she was. His loving nuzzles and kisses were becoming more and more impossible to keep dispassionate.
"I'm very glad you all are a family again. Now you should leave the worries and 'what ifs' behind, and concentrate on the fact that you don't need to avoid them any longer."
It crossed his mind to ask her if she mentioned him to her family, but kept his mouth shut. Thing were definitely good between the two of them, and he had no doubt her parents would find out eventually, so pressing the matter now would serve no purpose. As long as it didn't keep her away from him, he was happy to wait.
"And..."
Sometimes pressing was appropriate, and being that she was now talking about school, he didn't have any fear that what she had to say would be painful.
"Have the two of you worked out a plan now, that will work better for you?"
He hoped her professor was smart enough to have found a way to help motivate Reign. Bastian had already experienced his own career motivational shortcomings, and didn't wish that on anyone. Had he not had Sabine to offer him support, he didn't think he would have ever found his niche in life. It bothered him a little to know he couldn't do that for Reign, but the fact that she had more talented people to do that made up for it. He didn't have to be all things to her...his confidence and security in his self had been a long, hard battle to win, but he had. He could be quite content to watch other, more talented people fill those places in her life, as long as he had her love.
Reign
16 years ago
“I never avoided them.”
She half snapped. Well aware that wasn’t at all true, she’d avoided, hidden and flat ass dropped off the radar.
Frowning, there was no reason for that little out burst, she buried herself in Bastian’s arms again. Her emotions were a bit raw and she was having trouble controlling them right now.
Sirius, aware of the distress in Reign’s voice sat up and looked quizzically over to the couple but Reign didn’t see it. She was busy keeping her eyes tight closed and concentrating on staying normal. Oddly enough it was probably Bastian’s roaming hands that kept Reign from freaking out. As long as he held her, touched her, it was ok. She felt loved and safe, for now.
Focusing back on his next question she let out a short bark of a laugh.
“Less plan more flat out direction. He’s retiring soon and wants to see me graduate. I’ve got an appointment to go back and see him again in two months and he wants to be able to turn my dissertation over for review in six tops. And of course Jane has two more tournaments lined up for me, I don’t know how I’m going to fit it all in. I’ll probably skip the first tournament so I have a chance to get some extra work in. You’d think I could pick one career or the other.”
She half snapped. Well aware that wasn’t at all true, she’d avoided, hidden and flat ass dropped off the radar.
Frowning, there was no reason for that little out burst, she buried herself in Bastian’s arms again. Her emotions were a bit raw and she was having trouble controlling them right now.
Sirius, aware of the distress in Reign’s voice sat up and looked quizzically over to the couple but Reign didn’t see it. She was busy keeping her eyes tight closed and concentrating on staying normal. Oddly enough it was probably Bastian’s roaming hands that kept Reign from freaking out. As long as he held her, touched her, it was ok. She felt loved and safe, for now.
Focusing back on his next question she let out a short bark of a laugh.
“Less plan more flat out direction. He’s retiring soon and wants to see me graduate. I’ve got an appointment to go back and see him again in two months and he wants to be able to turn my dissertation over for review in six tops. And of course Jane has two more tournaments lined up for me, I don’t know how I’m going to fit it all in. I’ll probably skip the first tournament so I have a chance to get some extra work in. You’d think I could pick one career or the other.”
Bastian
16 years ago
Her bark didn't bother him at all, and in fact reassured him that she was going to deal with this trauma well. Reign was a fighter, and Bastian would have worried a great deal if she remained mute, and calm. These outbursts he could deal with...he wasn't sure he would know what to do in any other instance.
So he stilled his comforting touches, but only for a few seconds. and then resumed.
"Two months? Hmmm...wonder what your parents would say if I accompanied you on that trip?"
He loved her parents, and was still afraid they might never forgive him for hurting their daughter the way he did. He knew he wasn't outright responsible for Reign's marrying Vince, or subsequent divorce, and alienation from her family, but he also knew that had their split not occurred, it was likely none of the other would have either. He accepted responsibility for that, and wouldn't really feel completely good about being back with Reign until he had resolved things with her family as well.
Of course it helped his confidence, a little, to know that Helen didn't hate him.
"Having options is always good, until you are certain what will make you happiest. The day may come when you no longer want to travel, and tour..."
He would never say anything to dissuade her from her goals, but did hope eventually they might change and merge with his. Raising a family was still something he longed for, and though he wasn't going to bring it up now, it was bound to come up in the near future.
Not that they couldn't have children, and manage her touring some how. Bastian just didn't think it would make for the most ideal arrangement.
A knock at the door brought him back to the present, and he gave her a warm squeeze before taking them both to a sitting position.
"Shall I get it?"
So he stilled his comforting touches, but only for a few seconds. and then resumed.
"Two months? Hmmm...wonder what your parents would say if I accompanied you on that trip?"
He loved her parents, and was still afraid they might never forgive him for hurting their daughter the way he did. He knew he wasn't outright responsible for Reign's marrying Vince, or subsequent divorce, and alienation from her family, but he also knew that had their split not occurred, it was likely none of the other would have either. He accepted responsibility for that, and wouldn't really feel completely good about being back with Reign until he had resolved things with her family as well.
Of course it helped his confidence, a little, to know that Helen didn't hate him.
"Having options is always good, until you are certain what will make you happiest. The day may come when you no longer want to travel, and tour..."
He would never say anything to dissuade her from her goals, but did hope eventually they might change and merge with his. Raising a family was still something he longed for, and though he wasn't going to bring it up now, it was bound to come up in the near future.
Not that they couldn't have children, and manage her touring some how. Bastian just didn't think it would make for the most ideal arrangement.
A knock at the door brought him back to the present, and he gave her a warm squeeze before taking them both to a sitting position.
"Shall I get it?"
Reign
16 years ago
Reign snuggled closer against Bastian and shook her head.
“I haven’t got a clue what they’d say. I think we just added something else on our list of things to talk about.”
Oh, they’d be polite of course but that didn’t mean they’d relish seeing him, the same with her two brothers still in town. Reign had not handled Bastian’s disappearance badly and she was more than a little afraid they hadn’t forgotten her hurt and less than pleasant reactions.
Any further conversation was halted by the knock at the door followed by Sirius’ loud aggressive barking fit. He’d run to the door before Reign could even think about moving and didn’t sound like he wanted to share his territory at all.
“I think the mutt got it.”
Clipping off two commands to Sirius, most commands were given to him in Latin, Reign found her feet, made her way to the door and climbed on the large chair in front of it to use the peephole. Well it looked like an officer and she could see a squad car out front but she still made him show her his ID before she re-rearranged the furniture, opened the door and let him in. It turned out there were two officers, one male one female.
After the formalities Reign brought them both into the living room, introduced Bastian and gave them a brief synopsis of what happened and then the questions started.
“You’re sure there were two?”
“Yes, very.”
“Can you describe them?”
“The one that broke in through the front door was probably 5’11 sturdy guy light skinned dark eyes and hair he hadn’t shaved for a few days. The one that broke in through the arcadia was 6’2” at least tan, some kind of hat so I didn’t see his hair lighter eyes and not as heavy as the first.”
OK she wasn’t really ready to talk about this. Much too soon to go through it all again. But she kept at it, kept trying to keep up. Trying to explain about the mutt, about why Bas was here etc, etc, etc. It was starting to be a very long night.
“No they didn’t seem to be after anything particular, but they must have been watching the house they seemed to know I’d been out of town a while. I think they were surprised I was back.”
“I haven’t got a clue what they’d say. I think we just added something else on our list of things to talk about.”
Oh, they’d be polite of course but that didn’t mean they’d relish seeing him, the same with her two brothers still in town. Reign had not handled Bastian’s disappearance badly and she was more than a little afraid they hadn’t forgotten her hurt and less than pleasant reactions.
Any further conversation was halted by the knock at the door followed by Sirius’ loud aggressive barking fit. He’d run to the door before Reign could even think about moving and didn’t sound like he wanted to share his territory at all.
“I think the mutt got it.”
Clipping off two commands to Sirius, most commands were given to him in Latin, Reign found her feet, made her way to the door and climbed on the large chair in front of it to use the peephole. Well it looked like an officer and she could see a squad car out front but she still made him show her his ID before she re-rearranged the furniture, opened the door and let him in. It turned out there were two officers, one male one female.
After the formalities Reign brought them both into the living room, introduced Bastian and gave them a brief synopsis of what happened and then the questions started.
“You’re sure there were two?”
“Yes, very.”
“Can you describe them?”
“The one that broke in through the front door was probably 5’11 sturdy guy light skinned dark eyes and hair he hadn’t shaved for a few days. The one that broke in through the arcadia was 6’2” at least tan, some kind of hat so I didn’t see his hair lighter eyes and not as heavy as the first.”
OK she wasn’t really ready to talk about this. Much too soon to go through it all again. But she kept at it, kept trying to keep up. Trying to explain about the mutt, about why Bas was here etc, etc, etc. It was starting to be a very long night.
“No they didn’t seem to be after anything particular, but they must have been watching the house they seemed to know I’d been out of town a while. I think they were surprised I was back.”
Bastian
16 years ago
He had posed the matter as a question, but Bastian had really only been thinking out loud. He might have hoped Reign could respond more positively, but having just mended the bridges with her parents herself, he would have never considered asking her to intervene on his behalf. Yet he knew it would ultimately become a necessity, if they were going to remain together.
When some time had passed, he would consider the matter more seriously, and between them hope to figure out a way to fix things.
Letting her go to the door, watching carefully, and joining her as she opened it to the officers, Bastian remained silent. Not only did he not want to make things worse, and step on anything she might say, but he was also still very focused on how she was doing, and wanted to be near if she needed him, but not suffocating.
The officers appeared understanding, attentive, and competent, and Bastian hoped that wasn't a false impression. Though he would be very surprised if the two men were caught by these two, he truly believed they were doing the best they could.
After they questioned Reign, the female officer turned to Bastian and smiled. He had fully expected his presence to be questioned, and had no reason to be nervous. He had done this before, this needing to explain his presence, without giving away anything 'wolf' related. As long as Reign held her own he didn't expect any problems.
"I'm a friend, and fortunately for Ms. Sorenson I happened by to check on her. She'd been gone a few weeks and I knew she was returning tonight...I just wanted to make sure she had."
"When I drove up I saw the front door was open, and knowing about Sirius here, I found that odd. So I approached the house quietly to see if anything unusual was going on, and found both men threatening Ms. Sorenson, as she already said."
"I don't suppose my entrance was the smartest thing, but I was only thinking about removing the threat."
"Yes, I jumped the man who had his back to the door, before the man facing me could do anything. Luckily neither man was very brave when faced with more than a lone, frightened woman. And Sirius here can be quite intimidating when he wants to...right boy?"
Bastian reached down and gave the dog a hearty pat on the neck, using his eyes to convey a silent message. Now would not be the time for the dog to show any animosity toward Bastian, and he appeared to understand, even if a little bit begrudgingly.
Fortunately for them all, the police didn't seem to take any exception to the explanations either Reign or Bastian had given. He was glad his words of support and comfort earlier were panning out. There was still some what of a road for the two of them to travel to get to a point of complete trust and understanding, and this experience wasn't going to get in the way of that.
When some time had passed, he would consider the matter more seriously, and between them hope to figure out a way to fix things.
Letting her go to the door, watching carefully, and joining her as she opened it to the officers, Bastian remained silent. Not only did he not want to make things worse, and step on anything she might say, but he was also still very focused on how she was doing, and wanted to be near if she needed him, but not suffocating.
The officers appeared understanding, attentive, and competent, and Bastian hoped that wasn't a false impression. Though he would be very surprised if the two men were caught by these two, he truly believed they were doing the best they could.
After they questioned Reign, the female officer turned to Bastian and smiled. He had fully expected his presence to be questioned, and had no reason to be nervous. He had done this before, this needing to explain his presence, without giving away anything 'wolf' related. As long as Reign held her own he didn't expect any problems.
"I'm a friend, and fortunately for Ms. Sorenson I happened by to check on her. She'd been gone a few weeks and I knew she was returning tonight...I just wanted to make sure she had."
"When I drove up I saw the front door was open, and knowing about Sirius here, I found that odd. So I approached the house quietly to see if anything unusual was going on, and found both men threatening Ms. Sorenson, as she already said."
"I don't suppose my entrance was the smartest thing, but I was only thinking about removing the threat."
"Yes, I jumped the man who had his back to the door, before the man facing me could do anything. Luckily neither man was very brave when faced with more than a lone, frightened woman. And Sirius here can be quite intimidating when he wants to...right boy?"
Bastian reached down and gave the dog a hearty pat on the neck, using his eyes to convey a silent message. Now would not be the time for the dog to show any animosity toward Bastian, and he appeared to understand, even if a little bit begrudgingly.
Fortunately for them all, the police didn't seem to take any exception to the explanations either Reign or Bastian had given. He was glad his words of support and comfort earlier were panning out. There was still some what of a road for the two of them to travel to get to a point of complete trust and understanding, and this experience wasn't going to get in the way of that.
Reign
16 years ago
Even though it was mostly question the investigation/check up took quite a while and it seemed even longer to Reign who still didn’t have her sense of time back completely. The officers did have the good sense or training to ask after her and she did her best to assure them she was physically fine. They did recommend a councilor if she needed it and also had some suggestions for securing the house both until she got things fixed and after. Once things seemed to be wrapping up she did venture a few questions.
She was told it was unlikely the thieves would be caught but the would do what they could, which included stepping up patrols in the area for the next few weeks at least. That made her feel a bit better. She also asked if it would be all right for her to spend the night elsewhere. The officers were quite empathetic, apparently understanding that it would take some time for her to feel safe in her own home again, and said it would probably be fine so long as she got the broken arcadia door and the window boarded up first.
Everything that could be done right now was done and the officers showed themselves out and Reign collapsed back on the sofa.
“Great all we have to do now is find an all night hardware store.”
Reign sounded a bit discouraged. She was trying to sort out what she had on hand that would work. She did have some wood in a shed out back, in fact one large sheet of plywood she had been intending to mess with and try and fix the dog house up a bit. It might just fit the glass door for now.
Practicality was starting to kick in and she was half tempted to suggest they both just stay here for the night. But fear still lingered and she didn’t want to sleep amongst broken glass and locks waiting to see if they came back.
“Let’s see what I’ve got in the shed. I really don’t want to stay here longer than we have to.”
She was told it was unlikely the thieves would be caught but the would do what they could, which included stepping up patrols in the area for the next few weeks at least. That made her feel a bit better. She also asked if it would be all right for her to spend the night elsewhere. The officers were quite empathetic, apparently understanding that it would take some time for her to feel safe in her own home again, and said it would probably be fine so long as she got the broken arcadia door and the window boarded up first.
Everything that could be done right now was done and the officers showed themselves out and Reign collapsed back on the sofa.
“Great all we have to do now is find an all night hardware store.”
Reign sounded a bit discouraged. She was trying to sort out what she had on hand that would work. She did have some wood in a shed out back, in fact one large sheet of plywood she had been intending to mess with and try and fix the dog house up a bit. It might just fit the glass door for now.
Practicality was starting to kick in and she was half tempted to suggest they both just stay here for the night. But fear still lingered and she didn’t want to sleep amongst broken glass and locks waiting to see if they came back.
“Let’s see what I’ve got in the shed. I really don’t want to stay here longer than we have to.”