— swear not by the moon.

+

“A woman who knows what she wants, mmkays…I see you.” mused Selin with a playful wink. It was all fun and games, and sure a bit unprofessional given that’s her alpha, but it’s days like this where they both needed to loosen up and have some fun banter. “Mmm, I too feel that way and that’s coming from someone who’s constantly on the move…Somehow that stiffness is still there, but manageable.” 

Gripping onto her necklace pendant, the she-wolf shook her head to deny that it wasn’t working. “It works, I did see a difference…Although, I think it’ll take some time for me to adjust to something new.” She then nodded in understanding and added, “Yeah less than a year and I know…I just need to have a bit more faith on my end.” Heading into the area, the sudden jump scare did cause Sel to jolt slightly not out of fear, but out of the unexpected presence. However, she immediately regained her composure and nodded once more at Sofia as soon as she placed a hand on her shoulder and guided her throughout the house. “For now…” She wasn’t going to take her chance on a clean streak if that wasn’t always the case. “I will say they’re creative. I’m impressed with their effor—” Another jump scare to her left caused her to stop and dodge to the right as she kept walking straight without another word. 

.

Sofia couldn’t help but chuckle as Selin clamped her mouth shut while they made their way throughout the haunted house. That’s what happens when you’re surrounded by supernatural who can hear you or smell you from afar: you get creative. And she had to admit too, this year, their creativity was at the peak. She had to admit, however, that ever since Selin had mentioned the charm to have worked, there had been a sense of relief filling her chest. 

She did try and keep the conversation light while walking, just so there wasn’t any awkward silences filling the room (with the exception of the screams and giggles that were also present). Her eyes caught sight of the exit sign and with that, she squeezed Selin’s shoulders a little. “Almost there, Sel. And I believe we’ll make it through without any casualties, so that will earn you a drink.” Another chuckle left her lips, and before they realized, they were already stepping out of the house. That was the thing with haunted houses: the whole thing never lasted long enough. “There.” She let go of Selin, then stepping in front of her. “See? It wasn’t all that bad. I bet it helped with the stiffness too.”

status: open (0/3)

                     Sofia waited until her mother had gone to the restroom to search the premises and find the perfect person to save her life that afternoon. A sigh left her lips as she slid into the chair from across the other person, one hand already up as an apology. “Sorry to bother, but... Can you do me a solid and pretend to be having a fun conversation with me just so that my mother gets off my back for the rest of the afternoon? I promise I won’t bother you once she leaves and I’ll buy you something nice for saving my ass.”

+

Seeing her alpha in the flesh was reassuring since this conversation would be easier to deal with since Sofia will understand where she was coming from. The last thing she wanted is an encounter with an individual who’s into the spirit of Halloween and calling her out for being a party pooper. 

“If that’s your way of wanting to hold my hand you could have just said so.” she teased. “Yeah? Well you know what? I’m down. Let’s go.” She then linked arms with Sofia and led the way to the queue. “How have you been feeling since this morning? Cause I still feel out of it.” 

               “If I were so desperate to hold your hand, I would’ve done so.” The Alpha quipped back with a sly smirk and a wink. “No excuses.” Truth be told, as much as she was a good detective, she could never really understand whether her conversations with Selin were simple innocent banter or if they were flirting with one another. Maybe her last relationship made it so the Alpha didn’t want to know, but it was for the best. Selin was part of the pack and if things fell off between them, it could create an uninviting atmosphere.

Sofia chuckled when Selin linked arms with her and started leading the way towards the haunted mansion. “I’ve been feeling alright. A little stiff, but nothing I can’t handle, you know?” She glanced at the other wolf. “A little out of it? Did the charm not work for you? Well... for what it’s worth, it’ll get better. You’ve only been a wolf for what--a year? A little less? It’ll get easier. I promise.” As they paced through the corridors, someone came out of nowhere to give them a jumpscare, which made Sofi change their positions and walk behind Selin, with her hands on the woman’s shoulders. “There... I think no punches will be thrown tonight.”

status: closed | @laurelgavaris​

          — Full moons had been easer these last few months, at least Sofia could say she's had that to be grateful for, but with Corn Moon drawing near and it also being a Blue Moon, the Alpha was planning ahead already because the last thing she needed was to have her pack involved with anything dangerous regarding the full moon. So yes, while planning had never been her way of going on about life, Sofia had learned that in order for things to work, she needed to be a planner and a doer. 

When Laurel texted her, asking if they could meet, of course Sofia said yes. With their packed schedules, adult life had proved it to be difficult to meet as often as they used to, but oh well... they made it work. With wine in the fridge, Sofia stepped under the shower and then changed into more comfortable clothes to wait for her friend, which also gave her the chance to order something for them to eat.

The doorbell rang and she welcomed her friend with a tight hug. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in so long. Come on in. How are you?” She waved Laurel further into her house. “There’s a bottle of red and a bottle of rose in the fridge, which one would your like us to start with?” It was easy to step down from her post as an Alpha and act ‘normal’ around Laurel... especially since her friend understood being responsible for others like Sofia was. “Do you want to start off by telling me what you wanted to tell me or do you want to tell me what’s been going on in your life these days?”

Upon her response, Yasmine realised she wasn’t as good as reading others as she used to have been. Perhaps it was because of the months she spent basically in isolation, trapped indoors watching movie after movie. “Well, i’m glad I could be of service, I guess.” she smiled lopsidedly. The womans scent was different, but something about her seemed familiar. Seemed… welcoming. “Yeah, I think. Just getting used to some changes still. Doing a lot better than I thought I’d be.” Yasmine rambled, surprising herself slightly. “Just missing my family, feeling lonely. Nothing too dramatic.” the way she spoke made her tone waver, trying to shrug off the emotions before they breached the surface. The last thing the new vampire wanted to do was burden the other. “Not that it’s your problem to bare.”

—

She reminded Sofia of the bitten wolves in her pack. Slightly lost, but still working towards their own self improvement, attempting not to let themselves nor the ones around them down. “Ah, you’ve moved in recently, then? Where did you move from?” Sofi asked, trying to make conversation, though, she knew better than to try and do that in the middle of the snacks aisle. “If it makes you feel any better, it’s okay to miss your family. Why don’t you try and call them? It’s what helped me when I stationed in other cities.” The Alpha shared, hoping it would help the woman feel a little better.

availability: closed | @laurelgavaris​

FLASHBACK

— Sofia emerged from the water once her lungs no longer could hold in the breath she kept inside. The sharp exhaling creating bubbles in the pool, as yet another attempt to empty her thoughts and heart was presented to her. This time, however, it wasn’t work, it wasn’t the pack, it was simply a well-deserved break from Astoria and everything tied to it. A birthday getaway suggested by Laurel, since they both could use some time away from the big city. Leaning against the edge of the pool Sofia rested her head on her arms, watching as her friend turned on the stretcher by the poolside. 

She pushed herself up, easily climbing out of the pool and sprinkled some water at her friend as she walked past Laurel. “Another drink? I’m making myself margarita number four.” Sofia offered with a sly smirk. They had this house all to themselves. They could indulge on a little alcohol binge. “You should go in the pool. The water is really good.”

+

“You’re very welcome and it is!…I’m sure we can both agree that a break is much needed no?” Selin didn’t have to ask, but with Sofia’s alpha status, it was a given that she’d been busy when it came to overseeing her pack. Rather than meeting at a public place, walking and talking it out, she thought it would be best to have a sit down over a good meal and drinks. Taking a look at the menu, Sel decided on what to eat before informing their server. She opted for their seafood special and their recommended wine before returning her attention to the other she-wolf. Shaking her head, she declined the suggestion. After all, this was Selin’s doing and the fact that Sofia was taking time out of her own day to meet with her was more than enough that she didn’t mind answering their meal today.

“It’s honestly fine Sofia. I really appreciate your time for being here. I’m sure you’re busy with your own roles and responsibilities.” She then nodded in understanding after learning how she is and when the question was brought back to her and her team, the athlete took a moment to ponder on a response. “The team’s doing good. They’re currently undergoing some spring intramural before focusing on summer tournaments. I’m in the roster on an as needed basis, if anything I’m an advisor at the moment…At least when things get better.” Her expression faltered slightly, knowing that her team hadn’t fully trusted her based on her lack of confidence when it came to her werewolf self. She didn’t blame them, their safety mattered after all. “I will say that I’m overseeing some teams here, so that’s been keeping me busy. It’s been interesting to see supernatural athletes compete in regular sports.” She then sighed and leaned back into her seat, motioning a shrug, “Overall, I’m alright…I will say last full moon was a wake up call…”

—

Being around bitten werewolves was always like a breath of fresh air. It was a reminder that not everyone had the same journey, despite being of the same species, it was also a way of keeping her in check that everyone’s journey was different. Some, dealt with the change quite well, others, saw it as a curse, and it was up to them to see it differently. It had been like that with Taerin, as well as other wolves in her pack, and Sofia could only do much to help guide them through these confusing times. “Well, even someone as busy as me, could use a little break.” Although, as of lately, things had been calm and easy enough to make Sofia not exactly need a break, but she kept that piece of information to herself. “And you’re good company, so it was really no trouble at all.” While it could have been perceived as flirting, Sofia meant her words. She happened to enjoy Selin’s company, even if the other woman and her hadn’t shared many moments together.

Someone approached their table and Sofia ordered a bottle of red wine, one she hoped it would be of Selin’s liking. She also placed an order for a set of bruschettas as an entrée. Their table had an amazing overview to Astoria’s skyline, and it was one of the reasons why Sofia had always enjoyed coming to Moreau, even more than the food itself. Her gaze wandered outside as the other woman let her in on how her team was doing. “Have you ever been to a game?” Maybe that could be a thing that Sofia could offer, in return for the dinner. “Although it’s soccer season, I’m sure it would be a fun experience.” Especially for someone that seemed as passionate about their athletic life like Selin. “Would you like to come to a game with me one of these days?” The amount of time that it took between placing their order and the arrival of the bottle of wine, was short enough for that brief conversation to be shared, and, once the waiter had the approval of both women for the wine, he poured them some and left again, which gave them more privacy. “A wake up call?” She asked, tilting her head to the side. “How so?”

—

         “Only you would exclusively date from the back end of the alphabet and still manage to forget me over everyone else,” she countered, grinning at the other’s expression and the way that she often felt when the other was around. It was always bringing her back to when they had been teenagers, something that she had yet to fully understand the connection, but was forever grateful for what they had created between them. “We were just like them, once. I seem to remember someone who thought they could take the world on by storm and tried to do just that. That was until we ran right up to her mother and then it was game over for the both of us.” Zoey laughed then, moving backwards to warm up a bit more as she waited for Sofia to join her in the ring before turning back to face them. “I’m not sure anyone knows what they can expect when they take a sabbatical, it’s kind of why they take them. But hey, if you need something to fill the hours — we could always use another personal trainer to help fill out the schedule.”

—

The past was a constant reminder to Sofia that her life seemed to be a succession of relationships gone wrong, only to be turned into good friendships. In a way, on the days she didn’t feel quite like herself, it made the Alpha wonder if she would ever be able find herself happy in a relationship. Some of her past relationships didn’t understand how she needed to prioritize her pack, even before becoming an Alpha... and, the only one that seemed to fully understand her so far, had been Zoey, who, she would always be grateful for. “Ah, to be young and naive.” Sofia quipped, good humor streaming down her lips as the words floated away. “Life was much easier back then.” She said while settling in a defensive stand, so they could begin their sparring. “Less responsibilities, less bills to pay...” Sofia chuckled yet again, before spotting a minor breach in Zoey’s defense and trying to take advantage of it. Knowing her opponent like she did, it probably wouldn’t mean much. “Is this your way of saying you’d like me around more often? Because I could be tempted to say yes.”

—

Yasmine’s brows furrowed at the bazare question, amusement breaching on every feature as she thought her answer through. “I’m honestly, well, a fan of both.” Or I used to be. Her chocolate, caramel tarts were well and truly in the past now. They just didn’t taste as delicious. Because yes, she had tried it. “Each to their own, I guess. You seem like a chocolate woman, if i’m honest.”

—

Her ex girlfriend had been the one who had enjoyed chocolate far more than Sofia had, but the Alpha kept it to herself. It was in her nature to be reserved about personal matters anyway. “I’m actually not a huge fan.” Sofia chuckled out in a breath. “But I guess you’ve helped me solving my own debate, so thank you.” She replied while placing the dulce de leche ones in her shopping basket. “You alright? You seemed a little lost in thought there.”

She smiled tightly, anxiety hidden behind the gesture of shaking Sofia’s hand. “Yes, please call me Dani, it’s weird hearing my whole name.” Dani joked out of nervousness at times. While she assumed Sofia had little knowledge of who she was or her past, the obvious elephant in the room was that Dani was looking for a possible pack. And despite the reasoning and the circumstances, either way it made her vulnerable, a feeling she wasn’t used to and a feeling she hated. It was unnerving. “Yeah, you– uh you’re the pack leader of the Bodden pack. You inherited it, right?” Dani assumed the question could be taken hostilely, which was understandable. If people asked questions about her inheritance of her pack, she’d be hackled but the line of succession wasn’t so obvious to outsiders of her pack. “I’m only asking because of the name. Bodden pack, your last name is Bodden. Just taking a guess.” She trailed off, sitting down on the closest bench behind them. “Yeah I’m just doing homework, I guess. I’m looking to make a life here, and I just want to know my options. I heard about the other packs, but part of the reasons yous stuck out to me was because of you and the– progressiveness that I heard about.” Dani had a tendency to just keep going once she started, if she was nervous. And here wasn’t very different. “Sorry, I just wanna cover my basis.”

—

Sofia nodded, abiding to the younger woman’s wishes about the way she wanted to be called. While not really being one for nicknames, especially for ones she hardly knew, it wouldn’t hurt to do it for this woman. She had to admit, though... it was odd to hear fellow wolves referring to her as the leader and not as the Alpha. Semantics, she knew. But it was still odd. Sofi didn’t voice her thoughts, though. “That would be me.” Again, she nodded. Her father’s voice rang in her head, telling her to measure her words around strangers, especially since they could be searching for weaknesses, and, with her pack already at a delicate state, she couldn’t give others reasons to doubt her. “Yes, I was appointed as the Alpha by the previous one, and he happened to be my father.” She paused for a heartbeat. “Though, that’s not something unusual to happen. Nowadays, Alphas are more likely to be appointed than not.” She explained, not really knowing if the other woman was aware of that or not. Just like Danielle, Sofia was assuming things. “Why do you ask?” Soon, her question was answered and Sofia eased up a little, though there was still a light tension on her shoulders. “Ah, I see. And how can I help you with that, Dani?”

▬ 

The dizziness became a constant the past few days, James was trying to act nonchalant and pretend that while some had been enduring the consequences of the disappearances in January, he wasn’t one of those. It was probably no big deal, the voices in his head were also his usual monsters trying to get the best of him. Or, that was what he was trying to believe while grabbing a cup of coffee before he’d head to Elysium. In fact, while ignoring the thought within his mind that sounded a lot like the desperation of the barista in front of him holding the mayor’s drink, James texted Manuel Ríos back before he finally moved his gaze up to notice his drink was ready. Almost at the same time that Sofia’s voice reached him. “I’m the mayor, I know everything,” he joked. Not the same humorous tone from usual, but he did try to wear that smile he usually had over his lips. “Full moon days, I don’t think I could not work during those days. I’m meeting the council at… Elysium. How’s the pack for this afternoon?”

—

Although he was not a werewolf, Sofia believed that full moon days tended to be rough on James... because of what he represented as a public figure in Astoria. She wouldn’t blame him for seeming so stressed, hence why she offered driving him over to Elysium, where the few privileged ones tended to protect themselves on full moon days. It could have been left unsaid, but, as she pulled into the entrance, she’d told James to be careful. The Alpha had grown to care about him because of Zoey, and, those feelings had never faded. Now that the two were back together, it almost felt like things were getting back to their original places.

That particular full moon had been eye-opening to a lot of people, including the ones that judged themselves to be human. The city was still recovering from the chaos of last full moon, but it seemed to be in better spirits. That’s why Sofia asked to meet James for lunch, to both check in on him and try to see how things were on a political level, hoping she’d have some leverage on the matter due to their closeness.

“You look better.” She smiled, motioning her head towards him when the man sat across from her at the table. “Have you been okay?”