~*~

5th November 2012

That is what all the newspapers were saying anyway. Luca stared at them with an expression that showed almost no emotion. The only feeling that anybody could get from him as he glanced around the small town was ever so slight puzzlement.
Stuffing his hands in to his pockets, he walked down the emptying street and avoided the people rushing by to get home before the night fell in. It was an odd little town, a peculiar place with even more peculiar people. Finding a bench, he sat and watched as the dark turned a murky, dark grey and the last few open shops turned their signs to say ‘closed’.

His eyes followed those that got in to their cars or jumped on the local bus service and wondered where they were going. Maybe they were going home to their families so they could all sit around the dinner table and lie about how perfect their lives were whilst they secretly wish they were somewhere else, somewhere happier.
Luca felt a small growl erupt from his throat at such thoughts and shook his head. Taking a few deep breaths, he reminded himself that not all families were bad and unhappy and that he only needed the ones that weren’t. Still happiness tasted so much sweeter than those that were filled with misery and regret.

From across the road, he heard someone shouting and cocked his head to the side as he watched the lady make his way over to him. He could just make out the words ‘safe’ and ‘alone’ before one of the small white coaches from out of town drove between them and when the young lady could see him again, there was nothing but a wisp of black smoke left rising from where the boy had once been sat.

~*~

The forest that grew on the edge of the town was quiet; deadly quiet to the point that even Luca felt slightly jumpy at each breaking branch or every small creature that decided to find out why someone had started a fire in the middle of their homes.
Luca crouched in front of the fire that was slightly bigger than your average campfire and idly prodded it with a stick. Beside him, his bag lay open and on the floor lay three things. There was a pack of fireworks which he had been given for free… of course, a bottle of the finest ‘free’ whisky, a lighter covered in bloodstains that matched those that speckled his clothes and a wallet full of money. If anyone was to ask how he had come about the last two items plus the clothes on his back he would tell them he had a nose bleed. Simple.

Through the silence, his soft mutters could be heard.
“Bonfire night? Yeah right. What the fuck is wrong with people these days? What happened to the traditions? They really are losing touch of the good things in life… all the more work for me I guess…”

Spinning around with a shrug, he dropped the stick to his side and reached for the pack of fireworks. Seconds later, he had set them all up so as they were aimed through the top of the trees in the small meadow he was stood in and was lighting them one by one. Each time one was lit, he disappeared in a cloud of black smoke before reappearing next to another one to light that. It didn’t take long at all before a quarter of them were lit and he had leapt up a tree to hide on a branch and watch his little display with the bottle of whisky in hand. Deep down, he hoped he had sat near enough to the town to wake some people up or annoy them at least. No one else seemed to be celebrating so this was his way to show them they were all being miserable gits and try luring them from their beds to the dark of the forest. After that, he wasn’t sure what he would do to them but at least he’d have them where he wanted then. Right? As the first one zoomed of in to the air with a screech, he giggled and stared at awe at the colours that exploded from it. Brushing his blonde hair from his face as he watched the colours drift back to the ground again, he took out his cigarettes and placed one between his lips to light before getting back to the rest of his show.


.::NOTES::.
OUTFIT

People seem to be somewhat aware that their was something dangerous coming to the sleepy town of Bitter Springs, alot of people were packing their belonging and leaving in a hurry. It was wise of them to just leave for the time being, these pack of werewolves that were coming were extremely dangerous and he wasn't going to take them lightly.

Jack had phoned his fathers side of the family and they were going to be in tomorrow night at 12 PM, so he had to get things ready for them. He had rented out a mansion that sat on the outskirts of the city for the Romanian pack to sleep there. Their were approximately over 100 werewolves in the Stone pack alone, most were family of his and the others were loners that had join the pack.

He had done his research on the enemy pack that was making their way here and what he learn was extremely disturbing to him. He had already sent Kailah out of the city, she was hours away from Bitter Springs at the moment and wouldn't return for about a week. He hadn't told Amanda or Mason about the upcoming danger, they could figure that out on their own and quite frankly he didn't care about either witch at the moment.

Hunter and his pack were out in the woods, deep within the woods training and he would join them later tonight. Right now he had to go into the woods to find a place where he would think the enemy pack would show up. Their was only one spot that he knew that they could be coming from if they took the forest route and headed out there. He ran, using his speed and agility to fly by the trees and heard the sound of fireworks being lighted off.

What the hell? He thought and decided to head towards the direction where these fireworks were being light off....he didn't know if maybe a enemy was already here or it was just some stupid kid being rebellious, either way he would need to put a stop to it.

He arrived at the smell of gun powder and saw some kid there who was having the time of his life. Kid, don't you think you should be in bed or something than being out here in the woods by yourself? He said, approaching the kid with a frown on his face.

From where Luca perched he could just make out the form of something moving through the trees towards him. A smile crept across his face as he pulled himself to stand on the branch whilst leaning over another slightly higher and watching as the man came in to view with mild curiosity. He smelt. Like a dog.
Luca couldn’t help but keep the smile as the man questioned him, almost giggling at his words but bit his lip to stop himself before answering the dog smelling person with a mixture of playfulness and bitterness in his voice.

“And don’t you think you be off chasing fur balls or something other rather than acting like my parents?” He leaned over the branch and grinned at the odd smelling person before dropping back on to the branch with his legs kicking back and forth. Rising his hand nearer his face, he picked idly at his nails before carrying on. “Maybe I don’t have a home… maybe I live right here and you’re trespassing right now.” –He looked up now so his eyes were on the strangers again with a slight frown across his face.- “Why have you come here? To stop me having my fun? Don’t you realise what night it is? Or was? And you all sit around with faces like a slapped baboon, where are your festive spirits?? Wait... wait, let me guess… You’re the type of people who celebrate Christmas alone and depressed right? Coz I’m telling you now that really isn’t healthy.”

He let out a small laugh as he opened the bottle of whisky and took a few sips from it, the liquid instantly warming him up inside. He kept his eyes on the man the whole time and for a split second, in the light of the fire, they flashed black like hollow holes before they returned to their normal colour and he started humming to himself innocently and minding his own buisness.

There was something off about this kid and the wolf in him started to growl but he kept quite and just watched the kid with mild curiousity. He couldn't help but to almost laugh at what the kid said about him trespassing on his territory. The last time he had checked, this land belonged to the werewolves. He didnt say anyhjng though. "Believe me if I was your parent I would have eaten you by now." He replied with a smirk.

What the kid said next highly amused him. He had never heard someone talked the way he did and smirked. "We'll I was going to stop you because there is something going on right now and your making a huge scene will only dampen the situation." He added and sat down by the fire and noticed the boys eyes look hallow before changing very quickly and he cocked a eyebrow at this before picking at the fire with a stick.

A strange sound that resembled something like a grown and a chuckle combined in to one emitted from the boys lips at the stranger’s words. A sense of humour! Well at least someone in the town had one even if they didn’t celebrate the holidays like it was their last day alive. Every holiday was an excuse for Luca to live his life like it was going to end at any given moment and with no consideration for anyone else. Then again, Luca found and excuse most days, holidays or not, to push the boundaries as life was too short to not take risks and live a little.

Taking another sip from the bottle, he screwed the lid back on and smiled at the man who was now prodding his fire. Within seconds he was stood behind the man, a trail of black wisps trailing from where he had once been perched to where he now stood. Leaning over the stranger, Luca used the fire to light one of his cigarettes getting a little closer to the fire than most would consider being safe before pushing himself away from the man again.

Crouching down next to the second lot of fireworks, black smoke smothered the area as he disappeared between each one before reappearing beside the man. He was crouched down, taking a slow drag of his cigarette and looked to be deep in concentration as the wicks slowly burnt down on each rocket.
“Hmm, you should work on your parenting skills then. I’m pretty sure there is a law against eating your kids though I’m not 100% certain. You should check it out before you start barbequing kids though… I’m sure that last time the nice people in uniforms told me it was wrong…”

He looked thoughtful for a moment before he turned to face the man as though only just realising something. “Anyway, you can’t put my fire out yet! What if it’s all that I have to keep me warm? I could freeze out here. Where is your heart mister? Does your town welcome everyone like this? Ugh, I will never recommend this place when people need a holiday. Honestly, you town’s people have no hearts!"
For a moment, he looked at the man with wide, pleading eyes before he looked away again as the fireworks finally shot in to the sky with a deafening screech.

Does it look like I would follow any kind of law that humans make? He asked curiously, looking at the other now with a cocked eyebrow. He just chuckled now and watched as the stranger started to disappear now between the black smoke that he was making. He wondered now what kind of being this person was, he had never seen anything like it in Bitter Springs before.

He shook his head, listening to the stranger whine like a child. Didn't you know I am the welcoming committee? He said with a smirk.

It wasn't until more fireworks shot off did he frown now and actually jumped up, catching one in mid flight and broke it in half, stomping out the flickering flames at the tail. No more fireworks.....Bitter Springs right now is in danger and you setting of fireworks will only make the situation alittle worst. He said.

Luca’s eyes gleamed as each firework shot in to the air and exploded in a mass of sparkling colours, reminding him very much of his childhood though he wasn’t sure if the memories that were triggered were even his own. His delight was brought to an abrupt stop as the man jumped up and caught on before it got to high and snapped it in half, Luca wincing as the man’s feet trampled it in to the ground. His face fell in disappointment and he lowered his eyes to the floor.

“Wow… if you are the welcoming committee I’d hate to see what the rest of the people in the town are like… I think you should give that job to someone else or at least work on your social skills. Jeez…”

Sighing, he spun himself around to face the fire and absently unscrewed the top from his bottle and sipped at it again. At least he still had his fire and whisky to keep warm, even if the stranger had just sucked the fun out of everything.
He gazed in to the fire as he thought about what the man had said but couldn’t think of why his innocent fun could make any situation worse.
Screwing his face up in puzzlement and his eyes turning black without even realising, he kicked at the edge of the fire whilst taking his time smoking his cigarette.
“Well sorry, I was only trying to have some fun. Sorry if it’s an inconvenience to you and your delightful townsfolk.”

He gave another heavy sigh and rested his head in his hands, yawning as the heat from the fire warmed his cheeks. Tomorrow, he would go in to the town and this time actually invest in some warm clothes rather than the ‘borrowed’ ones he had. He had to admit though; the poor guy did have taste.

Was this kid....homeless? He couldn't help but to look the kid over again, noticing that the cloths were abit dirty and the fact that the kid probably stole these fireworks and was camping out in the woods. He didn't question it though, usually kids who were homeless tend to snap at people once their problems were pointed out by a stranger and he didn't want the kid to bite his head off....especially since their was something inside the boy that wasn't exactly friendly and was very mysterious to him.

He sigh at the kids words and sat back down, taking off his jacket now. He wore a long sleeve black shirt with white skulls contrasting the black color of this shirt. One could tell he had many tattoos covering his body, his entire neck and hands were covered with tattoos and even had a tear drop under his eye. He looked to the boy. If your cold you can have my jacket. He offered. The jacket was name brand and expensive looking and he would gladly give it to the kid if he was cold.

He took out his cigarettes, lightly one up and inhaled deeply, exhaling through his nose and mouth to create rings. Sorry to ruin your fun.....but....if you didn't noticed this town is kinda panicky and for good reason. He added, holding the cigarette between his fingers and looked up at the kid again, his dark and warm eyes staring at the boy for a moment before looking back to the fire.

Luca stayed still with the feeling of being watched growing stronger each minute. He could sense the man’s eyes on him but refused to turn around and question him as he wanted to do, his curiosity eating at him as he wondered if he was in trouble or something.
Oh there would be hell to pay if he was. His mother and father would bring out the belts and pipes and then the chains they used to tie him down and beat him black and blue. Luckily he could hide those scars under his pale, chaste skin. He still felt his blood run colder than it usually was at the thought of his parents, his body freezing in position as he stared into the fire with wide eyes. Of course, they could only hurt him if they were still alive.

A small chuckle left him and the moment the stranger took a seat next to him, Luca’s eyes returned to their normal colour as they looked in awe at the ink that was displayed across the man. That was something he had wanted for a long time but hadn’t yet got around to it. A small tattoo on his hip. As the man spoke again, Luca barely registered as his fingertips examined the colours that ran across the strangers arms, his attention completely absorbed in this action as a look of innocent curiosity crossed his face.

Feeling the man’s eyes on him once more, he felt his cheeks turn a rosy colour before dropping his hand and turning back to his drink. The jacket the man had offered seemed like a good idea right about now as he felt a shiver run down his spine. He hadn’t thought about the weather when he had escaped, he hadn’t even known what month it was until earlier that morning.
Hesitantly, he let his fingers run over the coat, half expecting the man to cruelly pull it away again and laugh at him but when that didn’t happen, the faintest of smiles twitched at his lips as he pulled it over his shoulders and wrapped it tightly around him. It was huge compared to his slim frame. Sure he was tall but this guy had a lot of muscle mass, enough so to ensure Luca didn’t try anything stupid.

Keeping his head down, only his eyes looked up to meet the man's, the grateful ness practically shining from him as warmth washed over him. “Thank you…” He said quietly before holding out his bottle in a generous offer to the man. It wasn’t like Luca made a habit of sharing things, often his own jealousy and greed made him want to keep everything he had. It wasn’t fully his fault though, not after most things he had ever wanted had been waved in front of his face tauntingly before being snatched away again. Even the things he had been able to keep had been destroyed just because they hated to see him happy.

For a moment they were quite, Luca struggling to hold back the yawns between the sips of his drink as the shadows from the flames danced of his pale face. Turing back to the man, he finally broke the silence again with a puzzled expression pasted to his face.
“I didn’t mean to cause your town any trouble… well I did… but I didn’t realise you had something going on here. I don’t pick up on emotions all too well… well I do… I just don’t really take them in and let them register. I can’t, not unless I really try but that makes me tired and that’s when things turn bad.” He was at least being truthful which was taking him a lot of effort but the man’s kindness had taken him by surprise. He felt it was only fair he try being nice for the night, locking the thoughts that wanted to escape away and telling them enough was enough for one day. His eyes glanced to the fire and then back to the man again, his questioning expression being very childlike as he shuffled a tiny bit closer to the stranger as he picked up on movement from deeper in the forest.
“Umm, this thing that has everyone in a panic, it’s coming closer isn’t it? I can feel it. Is that why there are more of you out there?” He asked in a quiet voice.

Although Jack was a big guy who looked like a touch asshole, he did have a heart. Course he never let people walk all over him and when they tried to, the result never ended well. He watched the boy run his fingertips lightly over the jacket, as if wondering if it was alright to take it.

The cold air didn't really effect him that much as he rubbed his hands together, staring out at the fire before tearing his eyes to the boy at the bottle that was offered to him. He smiled and took it, taking a swig before handing it back to the boy and chuckled. You look alittle young to be drinking alcohol. He commented.

He listened as the boy started to apologize and explain his actions, he merely shrugged at the boys words. As long as he didn't try to make alot of noise after hearing what Jack had said, he wasn't going to be in any trouble. Your fine....just as long as you don't do it again. He said with a smile.

The movement in the woods caught his attention, he almost growled but kept quite once he felt the boy shuffle alittle closer to him, his child like expression very cute which made him sigh softly. Yeah.....alot of the werewolves here and my own pack are on the move....and alot of the gifted are to......it would be wise for you to leave this town as soon as possible. He added, looking down at the boy, his face rather close to the others.

Luca chose to ignore the comment the man made about his age, his mind wondering about this as well for a moment before he shrugged it off and went back to smiling as he watched the golden flames flickering in the slight wind.
It was a relief that the stranger didn’t seem to angry about the noise he had made, Luca was used to people growing angry whilst he was around though in his own mind he could never work out why. It wasn’t like he intentionally went out of his way make people’s lives a misery. Ok, so sometimes he did but this time he had only been hoping to have some harmless fun. He hadn’t expected a stranger twice the size of him to put a stop to it.

He listened to the man explain his town’s situation, clearly missing the finer details from it but Luca didn’t ask any more questions. His questions about the man’s scent had finally been answered though without the boy even having to ask. The somewhat analytic expression was replaced with a pout at the man’s last warning words.
“Oh… Ok. B-but I didn’t plan on leaving just yet. I’ve just got here. Like, this morning. I-I’ve been walking for days and was hoping I’d be able to stay here for a little while… I won’t get in the way! I promise… I’ll stay quiet until this all blows over and then if you still want me gone… well, I guess I’ll go…”

His pout fell and he looked saddened by the thought of leaving so soon as he turned his gaze back to the floor. Picking himself up, he kicked lightly at the ground beneath his feet.
“I could always help out here though… if you’d let me. Somehow…” His eyes glanced back at the stranger for a moment before he quickly offered his slender, cold hand to him. “Oh, I almost forgot… I’m Luca.”

The boys words made him cock an eyebrow. Did this boy have no family? He watched the sadden expression on the kids face and it almost made him regret telling the kid to leave. It wasn't in a bad way....he was only giving the kid some advice since the pack of wolves that were coming to Somber and they would kill everyone.

Do you now have any family....or a home...I didn't mean leaving like for good....I meant leaving because......there is a pack of werewolves coming to Bitter Springs and they will destroy and kill everything....I was saying leave so you don't get hurt. He said.

He stood up now, dusting himself off and took the cold hand in his much bigger and tattooed one, giving it a firm shake. Jack. He said simply.

If you need a place to stay then you can come stay with me.....I have food and all that....... He offered.

Luca offered a small smile as the man took his hand and introduced himself but his mind was elsewhere. Once he had his hand back, the scratched his head in thought for a second before shrugging and turning to look for his bag again. Noticing the wallet was still laid beside it, he moved fast to hide it away, mumbling as he answered Jacks questions.
“Umm… I-I don’t think so… I mean, they haven’t been in touch so I guess not.” He sighed heavily as he zipped the bag up and turned back to face Jack and stuffed his free hand in his pocket. He didn’t want to talk about it so didn’t go anymore in to it. Besides, he felt sure the man would look down on him if he knew the truth. Taking another sip of the liquid that burnt his throat, he shrugged his shoulders and carried on. “A pack of wolves? I-I have never seen one before. I heard they can be pretty ruthless… Anyway, I’m sure I can look after myself. Like I said, I’ll stay out of the way… I think I cause too many distractions.”

He took another drink from the bottle before putting the lid back on and walking back to the fire to share its warmth. What Jack said next took him a little by surprise. Not many people offered their homes to strangers without knowing anything about them first; those that did only made themselves easy victims. Jack, however, wasn’t one Luca would take advantage of to feed his greed, his size being the main factor in this. Luca wasn’t stupid and knew he’d have to keep his head down if he wanted to stay here. He gave a silent plea hoping that he wouldn’t ruin this.

“Umm, thanks. That’s really nice of you though I’m not sure it would be a good idea. I also tend to attract trouble without meaning too… but I’ll try my hardest to keep it away. I don’t really want to stay out here anymore… it’s getting cold and I don’t think that’s good… for me…I can’t even feel my fingers.”
He looked at Jack with half a smile, feeling bad for intruding but not really seeing any other option just yet. He bit his lip gently as he wondered whether or not he should tell Jack everything but then remembered how much trouble that had got him in last time so decided to keep quiet.

Yeah, it probably wasn't the brightest of ideas to let a stranger into his home but he felt kinda bad for Luca. Like it was, he had a big heart and was actually a very kind heart individual than he let on. Believe me, any trouble you attract is nothing compared to what is coming. He said and shook his head.

He didn't bother asking for his jacket again, kicking some dirt onto the fire to put it out since they were going to go to his place. Well lets get going. He said, turning around and headed towards the apartments that were near the forest entrance.

Once they got there, he let Luca in first and closed the door behind himself. He took off his shoes and had to step over the mounds of baby toys laying around. He started to pick up some bottles and a pink blanket that had his daughters name on it up to straightened up abit. Their were pictures of a beautiful, red hair baby girl hanging up on his walls. There were a few that had him holding her with the biggest smile on his face and him kissing her cheek.

Smiling to himself, Luca watched as Jack kicked at the dirt to cover the fire he had started before turning to take his bag. He kept the wolf's jacket on; appreciating the warmth it gave when they started to walk. They didn’t talk on the way to Jack’s place but Luca was fast growing tired so the silence was almost welcoming. It didn’t take that long to get there and by the time they reached the apartment, Luca could already feel his eyes growing heavy.

When the door was opened for him, he hesitantly stepped inside and was immediately hit by the warmth. His eyes gazed around the room, taking in every small detail. A picture hung on the wall next to him and he found his attention being drawn to that. It seemed the man had a child and loved her very much, that much was obvious though there was no sign of a mother in the house.

He stayed where he was, not daring to move as he watched the man with sleepy eyes. Wrapping his arms around his body, he bit his lip and gingerly picked a small cuddly toy of the floor from in front of him. His fingers traced across the soft texture before he dropped it again. It wasn’t his to hold and didn’t want to offend the man.
“S-Sorry… I-I… Is this your daughter?” He asked, quickly turning back to the picture. His eyes absorbing every detail with great curiosity before a small smile etched across his face. Blinking, he looked away again stared awkwardly at his shoes as he waited for the man to finish his cleaning.