Howl discussion

Renee Forest, dressed in black of course, pulled into the silent driveway. Cora's parents. The old alphas. They hadn't been really acquainted and some part of Renee wanted to keep it that way. Renee sighed. No, Cora needs me. They need me to be the Beta I am. Turning off the ignition, she waited for the familiar car she knew was given to Envy.

Finn grumbled a series of curses before getting out of the car himself. He seen the stares that Envy was attracting, he let out a low snarl. Warning them all that if they even tried to touch or talk to her without her permission, there would be consequences. He wrapped his arm around her possessively. She was his. No one would try to take her from him again. Ever.

Cora felt Envy's panic and pushed some of her strength into her. It was her way of saying that she was there for her. Cora smiled up at Rule and snuggled closer to his side.

Renee cursed at herself in Latin, just for good measure to show herself she was being right. She unlocked the door and stepped out, her red hair, tied into a tight bun laying in the nape of her neck, caught the light to signal Cora she was here. Renee's strength pushed her, relieving her that the former Alphas weren't here. She locked her car, tucking her keys into a small clutch and started for the entrance to meet with Cora. She had her head held high, but showed the missing respect that was once gone for Finn. He needed her. Craven was right.

Envy practically hid herself from view when she snuggled into Finns side. She could feel the stares she was getting and she wasn't liking the attention. She kept her eyes down cast as they entered the church. She just hoped to god that no one tried to come up and comfort her or ask her questions about what went down a week ago.

((A week?))

Finn pushed his alpha aura out around him, daring anyone to come closer to his mate. He found a pew and had Envy to sit on the inside right next to him. "It's alright spider monkey..." He pulled her closer, comforting her the best way that he possibly could. He noticed that the stares had come to almost a complete halt, which he was happy about. He hoped this wouldn't last long.

Renee approached the small group from behind, her voice quiet and strong, "Hello." It was really the best she could come up with. Like what am I suppose to say? I'm sorry? No, too damn prideful for that.

Envy silently looked around the church, she saw everyone sitting and talking quietly to each other, probably about her. Her eyes found the front of the church were a black coffin sat with the lid down. Thank god. She didn't think she could stand to see Paxton again. Next to the coffin stood Paxton's mom, Amanda. She stood glaring at Envy with tears in her eyes, like she actually blamed Envy for what her son had did. Envy sucked in a surprised breath and sat up a little taller. She gave the woman a very strong alpha glare back, daring her to blame her for her son's actions. Amanda glared a little while longer before turning and going to her mate's side.

Finn forced himself not to snarl at Paxton's mother, he didn't know her name, nor did he care to. He only cared that he was giving death glares at his mate, her alpha it was rude and disrespectful. But she wasn't in his pack, not yet, so he had no right to interfere. Though if she hadn't have turned away when she did, he would have done it anyways.

Cora turned to Renee, wrapping her in a tight hug, "You're here? I didn't think you would come." Evelyn and Vlad just stared at the girl their daughter and her mate was talking to. She looked familiar, but they couldn't seem to place her.

((I'm going to a school lock-in tonight. My replies will be pretty sporadic))

Renee caught the stares in her vision, knowing that Cora's parents had seen her. "Of course I would come. For both of you." Indicating Finn and Cora. She owed her life to them after all. All the times they had dragged her back into that Pack House, forced her to eat and sleep, not to rebel pack ways. It made her stronger.
"So not the best time to meet the parents," she communicated in Cora's mind, trying to lighten the tense mood, more for herself then Cora.

Tobias sighed heavily as he stood outside the church, he'd never been one for mourning the loss of life, he didn't see the point, why cry about what you lost instead of laugh about what you had?
Then again, he wasn't here for himself, he was here for the alpha, being a beta it was his duty to be here. Inhaling deeply Tobias made his way inside silently, ignoring the questioning and curious looks he gained from his pack members, being absent for a while seemed to accumulate attention it would seem.

He soon found himself standing near Renee, he hadn't seen her in a few days, well he hasn't seen anyone, not really. He offered her a faint smile, it was a rare occasion to seem him so well dressed, in a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt and black pencil tie, he was immaculate, apart from his hair of corse, it was clean, but as messy as ever.

Renee's eyes flitted toward Tobias, seeing him all neat and dressed. It was hard enough not to let out a laugh. Instead, she smiled, the joke in her eyes. Albeit, right before, scary calmness and determination had been placed. Angling her body slightly away from Cora's parents, she spoke softly. "You decided to come?" In all due respect, Renee didn't want to be here. Why should she for a murderer? Someone who hurt her Alpha by harming his mate severely. Then again, it wasn't like she needed to. Cora did, and she was here for Cora. Finn as well.

Tobias smirked as he noticed how his attire amused Renee, to be truly honest, he was rather tempted to just phase here and now to get rid of the suit, he never enjoyed wearing clothes like this.
"I know I'm beautiful," he joked quietly, "I thought it was about time I stepped up to my job title again, been a while," he added his voice coming out as a sigh, he hadn't really thought about running off and how it would effect him, but he just had to distance himself from the pack, he didn't want to seem to dependant on them, especially since that incident of the nightmare where they watched him, that was a awkward situation to say the least.

"I honestly think Finn..." is too occupied to care. Goddess, she had to cut him a break. She continued slowly, "needs all the support he can get. Even if unwanted." There, she cut Fenris some slack. Renee hadn't forgotten his nightmare, the outburst, and the wild dangerous look in his eyes. A look that she knew well from herself. She kept impassive, showing no sign that she was thinking about it. Renee was not going to have Tobias run off again, right here when Fenris would need him and probably see both his Betas. Plus, if it got to it, it was just one more person to hide behind from the Former Alphas.

"Had to think of something there didn't you," Tobias teased, picking up on her slowing of pace as she spoke the last of her sentence, he began to notice small things like that, but he put it down to him being watchful in case she decided she wanted to kill him again.
"So, why is everyone here for this mental cases funeral?" he asked bluntly, he didn't understand it really, the guy was a nut job, why did people care? He stole their to-be-alpha female?

Cora smiled as she watched the interaction between Renee and Tobias...she was beginning to think that Renee had some explaining to do. Her silver eyes locked on to Tobias, with amusement, "Hello Tobias, I'm pleased to see that you have made it. I know that it means a lot to my brother...forgive him if he seems...distant. He has a lot going on at the moment. And please keep comments like that to yourself...his family is here, as are his packmates. We do not get to decide who has a funeral or not, we can only support our alpha and his mate." Anytime is a great time to meet my parents, I'm sure they would welcome the distraction at the moment. Cora replied to Renee without taking her eyes from Tobias, his words didn't help those already on the edge, such as her brother.

Tobias looked away from Renee to grin at Cora, he hadn't know the Luna long nor did he know her well, but he'd always liked her, she didn't automatically distrust him as soon as he became Beta, unlike most.
"Hey Cora, I can understand that, hopefully he'll forgive me for being distant too," He muttered, making sure it was only Renee and Cora that heard him, after all it was a funeral, whispering was the usual sign of illegal communication, "Sorry, I'm still not.. house trained," he smiled, glancing to Renee, who'd most likely agree with that statement.

Cora started laughing, probably not the greatest thing to do at a funeral, but oh well. She agreed completely with Tobias, she didn't feel that Paxton deserved to have a funeral, not after what he did. "Well don't you worry, we'll have you acting like a well mannered pooch in no time." She smiled back at him, trying to stop laughing as she was attracting glares from those around her. "You're a great beta Tobias, no matter what anyone else thinks. My brother knows that, he also knows that everyone has a past that comes back to haunt them every once and a while. You're here when it matters the most, and that's what counts."

Tobias grinned and was quite tempted to laugh with her but thought it best not, unless he wanted to get attacked by the deceased mental cases family.

"Shh!" He told her, a small chuckle escaping his chest, "it'll be me who gets the blame of you laughing," he told her with a puppy dog face, "I couldn't handle that right now," he ignored her compliment, waving it away, he never took a compliment unless it was a tease or an insult.

Renee sighed, finding she couldn't take it much longer. She turned, her eyes seeming the flash in the sun that peered through the stain glass. Renee Forest was one for impromptu. She couldn't handle the stares at all. "You. Owe. Me." she replied in Cora's mind but extended the link to Tobias as well. With a determined stride, she advanced toward the parents, nodding her head in respect.

Renee's fists seemed to curl behind her back. What would they remember of her? It had been around 11 years, she had lost count since she joined the back. She saw them 5, 6 years ago, when she was still Rouge-ish. Now she had a tame look, though her eyes, her sharp features, always had the reminder of a hidden danger lurking in her. It was calm now, the Rouge part of her scent not as strong.

((Anyone?))

Tobias who was perfectly fine with ogling looks watched in surprise as Renee strode over towards a couple, they looked somewhat familiar, but that could be because their children actually bore a surprising resemblance to them.
I owe you nothing? Perhaps a protein bar you once gave me but that's all.. he responded through the link easily, confusion clear in his voice though it did not display at all on his features.

Renee had to hold back a roll of her eyes, knowing Fenris's parents would take offense, thinking the action for them. Was talking to Cora. She almost looked back to give him a "No duh" look but decided her little snap back comment was satisfactory enough.

Tobias gritted his teeth, not bothering to hold back the temptation of eye rolling. He always stepped his foot right into when he was around Renee it would seem, he could do nothing right, but then again, that was probably the actual case.
Then why include me in the thought process, hmm?

Envy sat next to Finn during the length of the service for Paxton. She kept her hands in her lap and hee eyes down cast, scared to May make eye contact with someone

Finn kept his arm around Envy, his eyes scanned the scene around him, making sure no one came close to her. Thank you both for being here, it means a lot to me... He linked with Tobias and Renee to let them know how he felt about them being here. It allowed him to breath easier, knowing that his betas would be here to have his back if something went wrong. Which he didn't expect...but he hadn't expected his mate to be kidnapped either.

The second the service was over, Envy jumped from her seat and made a run for the door. For someone in very high heels, she moved surprisingly fast. Once out of the confined space of the church and outside, she felt Luke she was able to breath a bit easier. That was until a voice ruined it.

"You think this is hard for you?" Amanda's sneer filled Envy's ears. "Imagine how I feel About having to go put my son in the ground now." She stomped towards Envy, "We all knew you were supposed to be his!! I've known since you first met each other that you would be his. He used to get this look on his face when he looked at you...." She trailed off, thinking about the memory. "But then with just a couple of days of knowing that asshole of an alpha, you're spreading your legs for him like the true Slut you are!!" she screamed.

Envy had heard enough and turned away from Amanda, trying to walk away. She didnt get two steps till she felt clawed fingers dig into her arm and pull her back. Envy let out a yelp of surprise but also panic. She couldnt stand being touched, especially by the mother of the man who almost took everything from her.

Finn snarled, he wanted nothing more than to rip this stupid bitch's throat out. But he couldn't not only was she not in his pack, but she was a she-wolf. It was against the rules for him to touch her. His eyes went black as night, his wolf was trying to take over and kill Amanda anyways. But wouldn't help their rivalry end at all, it would only cement the hatred both packs felt for each other.

Cora knew what her brother was thinking, he couldn't touch Amanda, but Cora had no problem doing so. She lunged at Amanda, making her lose her grip on Envy. She had Amanda up against the wall, her forearm forcefully crushing the lesser wolf's throat. She growled her tone was murderous, "How dare you! Who in the hell do you think that you are? Your son was a psychopath, he abducted his alpha female and attempted to rape her! Don't you dare talk to her as if she was the bad guy. That slot is reserved for your son, you heartless bitch!" Cora snarled as Amanda attempted to struggle against her hold, and tightened the pressure on her throat. As far as Cora was concerned Amanda would submit, or she would die.

Finn wrapped Envy in his arms when Cora pulled Amanda off her. He needed to have Envy close, or he would replace Cora and kill Amanda himself. He made a silent link to his pack, letting them know to be on alert. This could get bad, but he didn't care. He would gladly kill off the rest of Paxton's family if they attempted to hurt his mate.

Amanda fought and snarled at Cora for a couple of moments before before giving in and baring her neck in submission. Once the Luna had let go of her she scurried off to her husband with her tail between her legs. She didn't dare look in the direction of the Alpha family.

Envy was shaking slightly as she put an unsteady hand on Finn's cheek and made him look down at her, "I'm ok." She said, her voice also shaky, unshed tears filled her beautiful eyes as she looked up at her mate. She needed to get away...from everything. She couldn't stand being around so many people right now. She just needed Finn.

Renee barely could contain the anger she felt for Amanda, snarling, showing her role in this to Fenris's parents. If it hadn't been for her stupid funeral dress and the humans next door, she would've killed the woman. It was clear too. Soon though, her rage quieted and her gaze returned to Evelyn and Vlad.

((I miss all the action... ))

((Cora locked that crap down lol))

Cora's gaze followed Amanda until she reached her husband, the Shadowfield pack seemed to have mixed views on what she had just done. A few of them shot her dirty looks, they didn't like that she had manhandled one of their packmates. She matched their looks with stern looks of her own. She walked over to Rule, and wrapped her arms around him. Her wolf was still on edge and she needed to calm down.

Finn nodded his thanks to Cora and Renee, before pulling Envy out the door. They both wanted to get out of there. He was going to take her to the cabin, he helped her in her new car and shut the door firmly. He got into the driver's seat and started the car up, "Let's get out of here, spider monkey. I'm thinking some food, some rest, and maybe some swimming." He hinted to the last time that they were in the pool together. A smile graced his lips at the cherished memory.

Renee connected eyes with Cora's parents. This was the time, if ever, to help Cora slip away with Rule. Renee Forest was not ordinary. She had a temper, rarely used manners but on occasion, and always had a mind of her own.

Then Renee held out her hand to Evelyn, "Name's Renee Forest." It was so out of character that anyone watching would have stared. "Go and ditch me Cora," Renee's half teasing tone taunted Cora's mind privately. She was slightly hurt that Cora wanted to go off with Rule but knew that not everyone could have what they want. Besides, Cora earned it hadn't she. Doesn't matter, she said internal, everyone I love gets taken away from me at one point. It was one of the reasons she never wanted to find her mate. Never wanted to go through that pain.

((Why does the sleep ninja attack me when things get juicy!? WHY?!))

Tobias who had remained just off to the side had just watched the scene before him, his inner wolf snarling viciously, not because of what Amanda had done to Envy, nor the fact she attempted to fight Cora, it was more the idea she had placed his alpha in an awkward situation, even though Tobias was against physical violence to all women by males, he thought he'd easily let that slide with that she-wolf. He watched as Fenris drove off with Envy, it was best they got out of here as soon as possible, with both packs here it could be volatile.

((Ikr, I feel like I'm not even needed -rolls eyes-))

Renee caught his eye, and for a split second, she let herself show the nerves about confronting Cora's parents. Then, Renee's eyes closed up again in a cool manner. Hand still outstretched, she raised her eyebrows back toward the former Alphas.

Tobias was curious to know who these previous alphas, if they could unnerve Renee like he just witnessed, he believed they'd be somewhat good company for him, stop her trying to rip out his throat.
Renee Forest, are you nervous?! he teased her through a single link, his lips curled into a smirk as he looked on.

Renee tried hard to not show her irritation and instead became snappy in the link. "Says the idiot." Renee held in her sigh of contempt as she privately thought to herself, He really has no boundaries!

Evelyn took the girls hand, she was assuming that she was the current female beta...Renee? Yes, Renee that was her name. Coraline's best friend...the one that she healed with the wolfsbane poison. "Hello, thank you for being...here...today." Evelyn tried hard to keep the bitterness from her tone.

Renee didn't take her eyes off Evelyn for a moment and growled secretly in Cora's mind. "Nevermind, what if they want to know me? I can't stand to have a dinner with these people, hell no."
On the exterior, Renee forced a smile, making it look genuine and natural. "My pleasure." She couldn't help the bit of sarcasm into her voice. She remembered the last time she seen them. At nine, when she was taken in, they heard of a Rouge but only when she was 13, five years ago, that's when they were acquainted. For a brief moment. In Renee's defense, she had been perfectly mannered but whenever it came for another meeting with them, "something" always popped up that gave her an excuse to leave town that day.

Her sarcasm was just a bit of showing how strong a character she was as a Beta and it was clear Renee was thinking twice about playing nice.

She hates being here, she doesn't hate you, Renee. Cora responded with amusement, her mother felt the same as everyone else. Paxton didn't deserve this kindness, that is what she was bitter over. Not Renee.

Evelyn arched her eyebrow at Renee's tone, she suddenly realized that she could have sounded bitter towards Renee. She hadn't meant it towards Renee at all, she meant it towards the situation that they were in.

Renee wanted to glance at Cora and give her the "Goddess, I want to hit you" look. Renee smiled apologetically. "I think no one wants to be here. How about I give you a ride home?" She was cutting it close to an invite but perhaps they still wanted nothing to do with her. She slid her eyes to Vlad and nodded with a faint smile, giving him a greeting in return.

Tobias leaned back against the wall, he was only watching the scene between Renee and the ex-alphas because there was literally nothing else better to do.
So, you're nice to everyone but me? Tobias said to Renee with a faint smile, his arms crossed over his chest in amusement, it was odd to see her react so.. Nicely to someone apart from Cora.

Renee clenched teeth and slid her eyes over to Tobias warningly. "You really do push it Tobias. I'm nice to everyone, depends on your definition." She threw a smirk in his direction. Anyone could sense the tension between the two Silvermoon Betas and Renee Forest wasn't about to hide it from the Former Alphas and let them think it was something else.

Well that's a lie actually, you were nice to me when I was a rogue, he reminded her, tilting his head to the side to give her a teasing look, he knew she hated him, but she's have to like it or lump it, he wasn't leaving anytime soon unless Fenris told him to or he died, those were really the only options left.

You haven't seen my mom when she gets angry, anyone would be stupid to not to be nice to her. Cora shuttered at the memory of the first time she seen her mother kill a rogue. It was one of the only times that Cora had ever been terrified. She rolled her eyes at Renee's look, like Renee would ever actually hit her.

Oh I remember Cora, she almost killed me when Fenris brought me in. Evelyn had every right to as well. Even now, in the recesses of her mind, Renee could feel the darkness lurking, waiting to take over once again. At the moment though, she felt secure. Safe. Not from herself of course but for everyone else.

Then to Tobias, See how generous a person I am? Considering I haven't kill you yet. Her hidden smirk is obvious.

Tobias couldn't help but snort out loud when he heard what Renee had said, not without trying, she'd baited him a few times, but those were just for a reactions, she was always jut sizing him up, always trying to see what's she could beat him.
If he was being honest, he believed they were equally matched, they had both been rogue, they knew what it was like, they learnt the ways to survive.
So generous, what can I say

You could say you can be a complete idiot at times. Renee's face showed no implication she said it to him whatsoever but the smugness in the thought was all Tobias needed to tell she was enjoying their banter.