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Singing to the Moon
Chapter 15 |
“Wow, remind me to never really get you pissed off at me.” A voice interrupted my savaging of a blameless bag and I turned to see Tracy Locke watching me with almost wide eyed awe. “Something wrong that you're taking it out on an innocent bag like that?”
I blew out a breath, wiped my face with a nearby towel and shook my head. “Oh just something really made me mad awhile ago is all. Hi Tracy, looking for my brother?
About then I noticed a lot of people in the Dojo staring at me. I just gave them all a tired look and asked, “What? I can't work off some steam now?”
Pretty well everyone went back to what they were doing and Tracy let out a low whistle. “Yes, I'd say something really, really got to you there. Boy trouble?”
“No. ” I let out a sigh and shook my head. “I've just been kind of out of sorts lately is all.”
“I noticed.” She shrugged. “I know, you're upset that someone talked you into that cheerleader bit, aren't you, but you're just like Craig and don't quit anything you've started.”
“I got myself into that one.” I grimaced then let a little laugh out. “So, yes, I'm probably a little upset with myself over that, but I'll deal with it. Imagine, me a cheerleader.”
“Oh, I don't know, you'd probably be a good one with some of the moves I just saw you making you could probably take out half the other team while you were at it, too.” She chuckled.
“And embarrass the guys on both teams?” I grinned at the thought. “Sweet little me?”
“Sweet little you,” she innocently pointed at the bag I'd been working, “broke your punching bag, if that means anything.”
I turned to look and sure enough, the heavy duty canvas with industrial stitching was leaking sand and other things onto the floor. “Uh, oh. Something else to pay for now.”
“Well I hope you get whatever the problem is worked out.” Tracy smiled. “There's Chris, so I'll talk with you later, okay?”
And with that she sailed off with her usual confident aplomb while I just stood there shaking my head. That girl was going to be more than my brother could handle, I just knew it. But she wouldn't intentionally hurt him either. She was just way too much for almost any guy I knew.
At that, I shrugged, started working to get the heavy bag down — not as easy as it used to be for me, and it was hard to do then. Oh, sure, I was stronger than I had been before my change, but shorter arms slimmer shoulders and torso meant less leverage I could use on the thing. Once I came out on top of that struggle, literally since I ended up sprawled in an undignified heap on top of the thing once it did come down, I took a look at the damage.
It wasn't that bad, thankfully, just a split seam. Grumbling, I found a big enough needle and thread that could have stitched a building back together and repaired the thing. A skill I'd picked up early on in life since technically, I was part owner of the dojo since I'd been old enough to start learning the arts.
Then I rolled the thing out of the way, swept up my mess, and headed for the showers.
There were things I really needed to do, but I'd needed to calm down a little first. Breaking that bag really helped at least ease my mood enough for me to think without a red haze of rage filling my vision.
It is never wise to go into or prepare for a fight when you're angry, after all.
“Hey, kiddo.” Dani greeted me before I even knocked on the door of the DBZ house. “What brings you to my home sweet home?”
“Hi, Dani.” I answered and went on. “I need to see Carmilla.”
“You look like someone just pissed in your cornflakes, kicked your cat, and trashed your cute little car.” She observed. “Meaning you look really angry, are you sure seeing Mama San is a good idea just now? She tends to hurt angry people who storm into her office, you know. I could pass a message along for you if you like.”
“Thanks.” I shook my head. “But I really need to see her.”
“Oookay.” She nodded while giving me a worried look. “Just don't holler or make demands, please? You really don't want Carmilla angry with you.”
“Who does?” I asked with a shrug and a slight smile. “I'll really work on being polite and all that, I promise, but this is important.”
“What happened?” Dani had dropped the usual smart assed attitude and really looked at me.
“Hunters.” I replied through gritted teeth. “They've threatened me, my family, and my friends.”
“Holy shit, girl!” Dani had to remember to breathe so she at least appeared to be a normal person since she was outside. “Come on in, sit down, and I'll go find Mama for you. Don't worry, the other sisters won't bother you while you're waiting.”
I could have sworn that she muttered, “If they do they'll meet Bertha.” as she hurried away.
Who the hell was Bertha?
Evidently all the girls in the house were afraid of whoever Bertha was because I got some nods but was otherwise left pretty much alone.
Except for one.
“So, you must be Carmilla's pet coyote.” A smooth velvety voice interrupted my thoughts and I looked up to see a dark haired woman even more gorgeous than the redheaded Carmilla, if that's possible.
Sitting in the DBZ house was guaranteed to make any girl feel inadequate, trust me, but I answered very quietly. “I'm no one's pet, but yes, I have met her.”
“And have been given her personal protection here.” The woman nodded as she seemed to be watching things about me other than my appearance or demeanor. “Well, you have spirit, I'll give you that. Why are you here?”
“I'd prefer to speak with Carmilla about it, ma'am.” I answered.
“Polite, too.” She nodded with a grin that raised what hackles I had and would have had me growling and in a defensive posture had I been in coyote form. “Well, no matter. I'm Wisteria, and you should know I can revoke that protection you have. If the things you're doing endanger my house, or the girls in it, you wouldn't like what happens because of that.”
I only nodded, not trusting my voice to do more than squeak.
With another look that chilled me to the bone, she abruptly nodded and stalked away. Yes stalked. I got the impression that Wisteria, whoever she was, would always be on The Hunt. I know I was more afraid of her than of anyone I'd run across yet, including the Hunters.
“Met the head Mama, I see.” Dani startled me by speaking from beside me. “Do NOT mess with that one, kid. She'd eat you and whatever army you brought with you and still be looking for more when she was done.”
“I — I got that impression, thanks.” I answered a little weakly.
“Scared the crap out of you, didn't she?”
“Yeah.” I nodded.
“And she was being friendly that time, hon.” Dani informed me. “Stay as far from her as you can, okay?”
“I have no problem with that advice.” I replied.
“You've got good instincts, I always knew that.” Dani nodded then brightened. “Anyway, my Mama San is ready to see you now. So stop shaking and let's go.”
“So you've been threatened if you don't give them the child.” Carmilla greeted me once I'd sat down in her underground office/lair. How, just how, did this woman seem to know everything going on in town before anyone else was told? Looking at Dani I had my suspicions but couldn't discount other ways either.
“Yes.” I answered. “I won't give Linda to them, no matter what.”
“Even if it means your death, and the same for others you know and care for?” The redhead asked while carefully watching me. That was uncomfortable, but not terrifying as it had been with Wisteria.
“If they want Linda they'll have to take her.” I affirmed. “And kill me to do it.”
“Courage is commendable.” She nodded with a thin smile. “Foolishness is unforgivable, though. What are you planning to do and what do you think I could do to help you?”
“I honestly don't know yet, on either count.” I shrugged. “I just wanted to make sure you had a heads up on this from me instead of someone else telling you second hand.”
“I see.” The redhead got a thoughtful look on her too perfect face and remained that way for a few seconds before looking at Dani then me. “I can't openly offer you more assistance than I've left you with, but once you decide how you're going to do this, send Dani to me with the information and I'll see what I can do for you. It's the best I can do.”
“Thank you.” I answered. “I didn't come to beg, just to let you know in person.”
“I know child.” She actually gave a warm smile and seeing that it was quite easy to see why Tracy's brother was in love with this woman. “That speaks well of you, and young as you are, it seems like a good idea to cultivate your friendship now.
“When the time comes, you will have what assistance I can give you.” She finished then gestured to the door. “Now, it might be a good time to go home. I understand Wisteria has taken an interest in you and she is nowhere near as careful as I am with our allies here.”
I got the message. As if I needed to be told, that it would be a really good idea to stay from the DBZ house for a few years, maybe for the rest of my life. Someone like Carmilla being 'interested' in you could be kind of scary — okay, really scary. But that other Woman, Wisteria? Her being interested in me was terrifying, and very dangerous. That one is a person it would be a good idea for anyone to avoid if at all possible.
“You have Vamp stink all over you.” Carson observed as I met him in our usual booth at Mario's “What have you been doing this time?”
“Negotiating.” I sighed.
“It's about the baby, isn't it?” He wrapped an arm around my shoulders just to show me that he was there and with me. I'd already told him about Linda and his response was kind of a surprise to me. “Okay, so when we mate, I'll already have one daughter to spoil.”
Gotta love the guy.
“Yes.” I let out another sigh, and what is it about girls and significant sighs? I'd been doing that all day and it was starting to irritate me. “I got an ultimatum from the Hunters today. Either I give Linda to them or they'll take her, no matter who dies in the process. Give her up to them and he said that they'd go away.”
“Even if you did, and they did, they'd be back, you know.” He quietly told me. “So what are you going to do?”
“Make sure that the bastards think three or four times before coming to Ravencrest again.” I told him. “I want them dead, not just gone.”
“Okay.” He hugged my tighter and kissed my cheek. “The Lockes have a long standing blood debt the assholes need to pay. Have you decided what to do yet?”
“No, but I will.” I told him.
“That's my Cindy.” He smiled and kissed me on the mouth that time. Much better, by the way. “You figure it out, and if it isn't completely suicidal, I can get the family's help for you. The whole family wants these bastards, big time.”
I knew why that was, too. The Lockes hadn't had a female wolf in such a long time because the Hunters had killed all their females, and a lot of their children way back when. The wonder in all that was the fact that they tolerated the Hunters being here at all. They all had good reason to slaughter any of that ilk who dared to show up in Ravencrest.
“Thanks, Carson.” I leaned into him a little harder and shuddered. “I'm just lining up my allies right now. But I'll let you know once the plan takes shape.”
“Do that.” He seriously told me. “I have relatives that were in special forces. I can get one of them to come talk with you if you'd like.”
“I'll take anything I can get here.” I hugged him tighter and nodded. “Thanks.”
“You're my mate.” He shrugged, then grinned. “Okay, not officially and we haven't consummated that as of yet, but you're still my mate and anyone, anything threatening a Locke Mate is looking for trouble.
“By the way...” He drawled. “Just when can we consummate?”
“Not till I'm eighteen, dickhead.” I swatted at him but with no real force because that was something I already wanted to do so badly it made me ache at times. “You know the inter-clan rules on marriage and mating.”
“Yeah.” He grinned. “But the anticipation is just going to make the real thing all the better.”
Got to give it to Carson. He managed to lighten my mood and frustrate me at the same time. I thought girls did that to guys?
Guess that old saw about two way streets is true.
Now came the really hard part. Talking with my family about the whole mess.
Comments
Smart
Our girl is learning. She talking and gathering allies while learning at the same time. Personally I would be happy if Wisteria and the Hunters offed each other, but that's not going to happen. She's too canny to let herself be caught that way, and they're too smart. Still it is nice to dream.
Carson is really proving to be a keeper. His advice about getting help from the professionals is gold. Few groups know how to plan an ambush like SF werewolves. :)
Wonderful stuff Maggie!
hugs
Grover
thinking ahead
nice to see her being smart an not just jumping into it.
good times ahead it looks like or at least interesting times.
thanks
Get your troops lined up first
A smart tactial move on her part. Now to talk to the family & tell them what she was told & what she's doing now & has no plan formulated as of yet.
Her & Carson Locke mates? Who would of thaught a coyote & a wolf would mate?
Love Samantha Renee Heart
It might happen twice between
It might happen twice between the wolves and coyote.
Consider Tracy and Chris
Mark
Tracy and Chris
Sadly that will not be the case.
Were politics
While coyotes are fairly evenly balanced on the gender front, so with the size of their family/families, probably don't mind the occasional spot of cross-species breeding (especially as there's little conclusive evidence on the fertility of coywolves - recent attempts have resulted in infertile offspring, although there's evidence that coywolves have successfully bred in the past), Tracy is the first female wolf for centuries, so as has already been stated is pretty much duty bound to only mate with another wolf - so re-establishing a pure blood line. So while she can be close friends with Chris, she would never be allowed to mate with him.
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
Just a breed mare... er... bitch
The clan might want her to become a puppy factory, but she is still an American, and we Americans don't go for the whole arranged marriage shtick. She might have difficulty asserting her freedom, but what else is new? She has already asserted her freedom on a few issues -- and gotten away with it.
Besides, if she decides to marry a coyote or even become a nun, she can still have a few dozen of her ova harvested. The Lockes are certainly wealthy enough to provide in vitro fertilization for whatever were couple decides to volunteer.
In fact, even if she does decide to run her own puppy mill, it would be a good idea to have some ova harvested in order to 'spread the wealth,' as well as not having all of her eggs in one basket. Furthermore, creating a bunch of half siblings will be better for the gene pool than creating a bunch of siblings.
What I don't understand is why they don't attempt to court females from other werewolf clans.
Politics
There aren't a lot of female Wolves left so the other Clans like to keep a close hold on what they do have. Locke blood has already been diluted enough with human blood as well...something the other Clans don't want muddying their own. I'll get more into that when I write a sequel to Tracy's story :)
Coyote and Wolf
In real life, in the animal kingdom, coyotes and wolves have been known to interbreed. It is thought that some of the coyotes around here (Cadillac, Michigan, USA) have some wolf blood in them.
Coyotes and wolves can also interbreed with domestic dogs.
Coywolves
Believe it or not they're actually called Coywolves. When Maggie and I discussed the possibility of Cindy and Carson being together I looked it up to see if it was possible for wolves and coyotes to breed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coywolf
War
And war comes to our small town, her pulling in allies, and letting the town know, is the mature beyond her years action of only the finest. As I have remarked before Kill them All! well, maybe let one go to tell the tale, after all if the horde of hunters just disappears, others might come to investigate, and that would just continue the same, over and over. Wonderful Maggie keep em coming, more please!
Draflow
Time to Hunt the Hunters
Maggie,
This continues to get better and better. How will Cindy protect Linda and her family? How high will the body count go, and when will Tracy release her real wolf form?
Looking forward to the next chapter and the "Coyote's Plan".
As always,
Dru
As always,
Dru
I meant to mention this on my post...
But I got sidetracked. Oops...
It seems that Cindy has been a bit angsty lately, but that's okay by me. She's one of the few that can say that her teenaged angst has a body count. ^_^
Peace be with you and Blessed be
As Grover mentioned...
Only a few of the town's groups know how to lay an ambush like the Lockes. I believe they are going to be powerful allies to have when this situation boils over.
And I find it intriguing that Wisteria has taken such an apparent intrest in little Cindy. It makes me wonder if she can see the spirit of the Coyote within Cindy or maybe just noticed that there is something different about her than with the other Weres in the area. Wisteria never struck me as the type to willingly walk away from something that intrests her when it jsut waltzes right on into her "lair", as it were, so I would think that she's plotting something here. But that could just be me though...
All of that aside, excellent chapter Mags. I loved it and I'm looking forward to reading more and hopefully soon! =3
Peace be with you and Blessed be
YAY!
I can only hope that Cindy gets the chance to make her plan before the Hunters make their move against her! She seems to be going about it the right way though, marshalling her resources and building a plan for what she has, though I think she prolly needs to know a bit more about the Hunters numbers, resources, strengths and weaknesses before she can make her move.
Thank you for another enjoyable chapter. :-)
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
A bit off topic
I thought Chris and Tracey had separated. I like where this story is going.
Their Relationship
This story actually takes place before they separated, a lot of the events depicted here are in that month or so when they dated that I never wrote about :)
Surprising neither singing to the Moon or
It is surprising that Cindy is not singing to the Moon
Though it shows maturity that she seeks out Carmilla
Not immaturity just to quickly strike back then swoon.
Friends Tracy and Dani are nice, but she reaches out to a gorilla
Wisteria has a scent of her own
Cindy has the wit calmly as can be to leave her alone.
But into the den she did walk
Because there were bigger dangers that stalked.
The Hunter will be hunted
and their numbers will be stunted
Having the spirit of the Coyote is part of her wisdom
She's not the Lone Ranger scripted to win
She's responsible for a special child if not a king(queensland)dom
To come up short would be an unforgiveable sin
Jessica E. Connors
Jessica Connors
Careful plans
Cindy has a good head on her shoulders. Gathering allies, making plans, and informing those who need to know will go a long way toward wiping the bastards out. Getting the Lockes involved... Well, having an alli that is as determined and passionate as you are will go a long way.
I'm really looking forward to seeing this play out.
I suspect it has to get a lot worst in order to get better
I think ideally they have to create a situation to draw in as many of these clowns as possible before really putting the hurt to them. This way, it would take a lot longer to recover, ideally forever ( but unlikely. ) Also ideally, it needs to happen in such a way that it never gets back 'home' as to how those hunters got destroyed. This way, it will set the 'Fear of God' in them as they do not know if it is some unknown weapon that destroyed them.
It sounds like the gathering of forces has started in spades that's for sure.
As for other allies, I think the Witches would make sense too unless politically impossible.
Kim
Building alliances
So Cindy's got Carmilla's tribe willing to help once she's determined how they can help her - albeit she's been advised to use Dani as a messenger to avoid gaining unwanted attention from Wisteria; as well as the Lockes (courtesy of Carson). It wouldn't surprise me if the Styles clan are eventually added to the coalition - it'll be interesting to see if she manages to make contact with any other varieties of Unseen.
Once built, the coalition may be useful for defending Ravencrest against multiple threats - as we've seen from EOF's tale about Kelly Daniels, Hunters aren't the only group of people showing an unhealthy interest in members of the Unseen residing in town (although in the case of the Black Crosses, it would almost certainly require more than a handful invading to need the services of multiple Unseen factions!)
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!