Aeric returned all of Catty’s affections as she joyously dropped down with him. After denying her the intended walk through the fair it was the least he could do. It seemed like she’d forgotten all about that though, left drunk from their date. It was endearing to see her so happy and to know that he was the cause. What he wouldn’t have given to be a man instead, and to have their embrace take a very different course. Luckily her gift of the femur came in handy there, giving him a chance to gnaw out his frustrations after he saw her shed the dress with undergarments to follow. Oh man what I wouldn’t give to just slip into that shower… He was thinking, the supposedly sturdy bone already beginning to weather beneath his powerful jaws. Such desire remained even after dinner when the two found themselves alone in bed. He could not fall asleep knowing they were so dangerously close. Somewhere in the middle of the night he was unable to take it, his body shifting of its own accord as he lay beside her. He tried nothing so bold as the last time, only gentle caresses to soothe his need of touch. But at the first sign of a stir, the form of Aeric was gone, replaced by a ball of fur curled at her side.
When Monday came and Catty made her way to work, Aeric wasted no time in seeing to his own affairs. He showered and dressed with an unnatural haste before hurrying out of the apartment. He couldn’t be certain how long his errands would take, but if he was looking at everything on the agenda he needed for more than a simple work shift. His first stop was to his cellular company, where after an excruciating wait of almost two hours he was finally able to get a new phone up and running. Fetching the napkin left folded in his pocket, he read the blotchy numbers and added Catty to his list of contacts. He sent her a quick and simple text: ‘Hey Catty, this is Aeric finally got my new phone. Maybe now we can plan to meet somewhere instead of searching a crowd for you.’ He left it at that for now, quickly going through his list of contacts after. His first thoughts naturally fell to calling a member of the Pack. He scrolled by ‘Dad’ with a pang of disquiet, going down instead to one of his siblings. But as his finger hovered over the one he felt most likely to have gotten away.
What if they’re just waiting for me to call one of them? He realized with alarm. The men working against his kind were mysterious at best, but after so many years of this struggle they had come to know them rather well. Powerful, high ranking and with near unlimited resources, tracing phone calls was likely a trivial matter for his enemies. So he tucked the phone away for now, relenting instead to count out the remainder of money on his person. The cellphone had cost him heavily, and he was already regretting having not taken more of the stash when he had the chance. I’m going to have to go back, he realized, legs already carrying him that direction. Enough time passed that hopefully the hunters would have forgone interest. Besides, he’d made the visit without alerting suspicion once before already. And if one of the others did escape, there’s still a chance they could have gone back. At least if the money’s gone I’ll know one of them is alive.
But the money was there, remaining untouched which Aeric confirmed by counting it all out again. After a long moment of indecision he once again decided not to take the remainder. Maybe it was out of a foolish desire not to abandon this place entirely or the hopes that someone he cared about would still return and find something that could possibly save their life. Either way, he left half of the remaining money, trying to ignore the nagging uncertainty. It was as bad to leave this much money lying around as it was to keep it in your pockets. Before leaving, he went back to his bedroom, deciding to swap out his clothes for a different outfit. At least if and when I see Catty again, I won’t be wearing the same thing for the third time in a row. After checking his appearance in the mirror, ignoring the way his pockets bulged with the stacks of cash, he decided the best thing to do was go home for the day. Too much time had been wasted to risk getting caught up in anything else. Tomorrow, the real hunt would begin.
Things went apace that night and the next morning, which saw the routine of Aeric dressing before hiding the rest of his money. Man what would Catty even think if she found this… This has to be the stupidest shit I’ve ever done. There was no answer for what she would think; the idea of finding 17k and a gun under his bed was unfathomable. Well beats the dead animals most dogs drag in, he thought, counting out enough to take with him. He already had an idea for a lead in solving the mysterious of his family’s disappearance, and he knew full well that like any little weasel, he might have to grease his palms with a sizable bribe. He would avoid that if possible, but intimidating as Aeric was, sometimes physical threat wasn’t enough to scare the sort of beings he associated with…
Lucky for him that Catty lived on the wrong side of town, because it’s exactly where he would find his man. It’d been years since he last dealt with the sly peddler who’d earned his bad reputation surviving creatures and hunters alike. Everyone knew the little bastard played both sides, but more often than not his connections kept him important enough to both sides that neither was willing to make too big a fuss of it. It may have kept him alive in the long run of things, but unfortunately for him it also meant he was easy to find. A couple of familiar faces in one of the most run down sections of town pointed him in the right direction for nothing more than a couple bucks, and before long Aeric was on his way to pay a visit to his old ‘friend.’
He found his quarry in a dingy old alleyway; his back turned with two other men huddled in close as if discussing some object of interest. So engrossed in their secret little discussion they remained blissfully unaware of the tall man with dangerous green eyes waltzing right up to them. Aeric came within a few paces and stopped, marveling at how oblivious the trio seemed to be. “Eddy! Long time no see,” he announced himself, causing the heads of all three men to pop up like a family group of meerkats. As soon as the two strangers locked eyes with Aeric, they uttered curses and made to bolt at once. Eddy tore his eyes away from the intruder and ran a step forward, waving after them.
“Wait, come back!” but it was too late, his potential customers gone, leaving the tubby, short-statured man to shove a sketchy looking bag back into his pocket. “God damn it, Aeric!” He moaned, turning around to face him. “I can’t make a living with you scaring away all my business!” His pudgy face was flush with anger so hot it threatened to burn away the wisps of hair left on his balding head. “You know how much money you just cost me?” Though, his anger quickly turned to fear and surprise as Aeric lashed out and snagged him by the collar of his shirt. He made to shout, but the words were lost as his back was slammed against the nearby wall, shoving the air right out of his lungs.
“You think I give a fuck about you losing some junkie’s money?” Aeric raged a hint of the wolf within showing in the way he snarled. “I know the kind of people you really work for, you piece of shit!”
“I ain’t done that kind of work in months!” Eddy protested, his voice sounding feeble as he struggle against his powerful oppressor. “Whatever it is you want I don’t have it, alright! I don’t fuck with that shit anymore. Alright, man? You want to have a good time? You want some pills or something? I’m your guy. I don’t sell the Hunters—“
“Bullshit!” Aeric slammed him against the wall again, silencing him at once. “Everyone knows you talk to Eddy if you want some crazy shit from the old days. If you weren’t still selling to the Hunters they’d have skinned your sorry hide or put you in a cage a long time ago, pussy cat. But you won’t have to worry about them because I’m going to do it myself unless you tell me what I want to know.”
“Which is?” Eddy growled, giving up on his futile struggle as his deep brown eyes stared right back into Aeric’s.
“A hunter with a weird ass silver sword and crossbow led an attack on my family just over a week ago. I want to know who he is and why he’s after wolves. He had a fucked up scar on his face. And one on his hand now too,” he realized, thinking back on the way he felt that asshole’s skin tear beneath his wicked fangs.
“Yeah well I don’t know nothing about no hunter with swords and scars or anything about any fucking wolves! Sorry you wasted a trip dog. Now if you don’t mind kindly fucking off so I can get back to my business...”
But that wasn’t good enough for Aeric. Eddy had to know more than he was letting on. He simply refused to accept anything else. “Guess I’ll just have to beat it out of you then, won’t I, Kitty?” No sooner than he raised his fist, Eddy reacted. In an instant, he was gone, an empty shirt clutched in Aeric’s hand as the rest of his victim’s clothes dropped to a pile on the floor. A heartbeat later, a furry form in the shape of a cat to rival the size of a dog shot out from between his legs and took off down the alleyway.
“Hey you mother fucker!” Aeric shouted in alarm, throwing aside the shirt as he rounded on his heels and took off after the animal. Fucking son of a fucking…. Gods damned….!!! He cursed to himself as he burst out of the alleyway and caused a stir from a group of a people walking. He shoved his way past them, keeping his eyes locked with the dull brown coat of the feline running across the street. How the hell was he supposed to catch him now? He couldn’t shift in front of all these people… Yet, with the way he barreled through and took off like a mad man chasing a cat, he probably appeared just as outlandish; especially when a car had to slam on its breaks, nearly running Aeric down while he heedlessly gave chase.
Eddy however, had no intentions of being caught. His swift paws saw the ground zipping by with Aeric quickly falling behind. On the other side of the street he wasted no time in dashing back into the alleyways, forcing Aeric to put on a burst of speed just to keep the cat in his sights. “Fucking nagual!” he shouted in complaint, rounding a corner only to see Eddy leaping up a high wall that served as a dead end for his pursuer. Aeric had to skid to a stop, left to feel like a fool as the massive feline pranced several feet above his head, swishing his tail and looking down at him tauntingly before hopping down abaft the other side. Grumbling, the lycanthrope afford no time for rest, whipping back around and dashing back the way he came. He was damned if he was going to lose him. Not now, not when he felt the answers he needed were so readily at hand.
Eddy meanwhile was already celebrating his victory as he bounded along the alleyway, confident there was no way his opponent would catch up with him now. The loss of his goods and his clothes would be lamentable, but circling back could easily see him back in the chase. Just as the discontent feline was weighing the options of turning back around, a black shape came flying in out of nowhere, and just like that the nagual was pinned beneath a massive, furry paw. A sinister growl bounced off the walls of the alleyway, ringing clear the threatening intent as Aeric leaned in close, snarling at his catch. Eddy yowled, wiggling in protest, but was powerless against such a massive opponent. The more he struggled, the louder the wolf threatened, his jowls an inch away and lathered with drool.
Suddenly, it was no longer a feline within his clutches, but a fat, naked man in clear distress and disgust. “Eugch!” He groaned, a human hand breaking free to wipe away some of the slobber that landed on his face. “A LRIGHT, ALRIGHT!!” He cried in protest as Aeric came in closer, pearly fangs snapping near his nose. “I’ll talk!” But that was not enough to make the wolf relent, his sharp eyes narrowing. “Like I said, I don’t know nothing about no scarred hunter!” he spurted out quick as he could, “Nor what he wants with you or your pack. But…” He struggled to say the rest, but another threatening rumble helped him find the words. “I heard about a place in town where they might be smuggling Weres…”
Slowly, the wolf backed away, letting the pudgy man rise. He retook the form of Aeric a moment later, drawing Eddy to throw his hand up over his eyes in another gesture of disgust when he saw the man’s naked body. “God, put a sock on that thing or something will you! How do you even fuck a girl with something that small?”
“That’s funny,” Aeric said with a voice that spoke of no humor, “Take a good look, I’m sure you miss being able to see yours over your stomach.” Though now was not the time for literal dick measuring. “Where are the weres being taken?”
“A big ole house on the upper-east side,” Eddy explained with a grin, “I’m told it’s owned by some senator. Though you can be sure he’s not taking them there for cocktail parties.”
“And what does some rich senator want with a bunch of were-creatures?”
“Are you aware of just how much money there is in dogfighting?” Eddy said, sounding bored with this conversation already, “Well imagine how much profit you can make when you swap the dogs for werewolves and invite all your rich buddies?” Eddy laughed, shaking his head. “They’re treating you beasts like Poke’mon. And killing you when you lose.”
“Us beasts? You think you’re so much better? You’re just the same thing with a different name, Eddy. What’s to stop them from throwing you in one of those rings?”
“Because I’m smart enough to stay on their good side kid. And if you were any kind of intelligent you’d do the same, rather than sniffing around asking questions.”
“Well luckily you are in good with them Eddy,” Aeric said, looking at him seriously, “That means you get to live another day. Because tomorrow you’re gonna use those connections and get me into that Senator’s house. I’d like to see one of these fights myself.” The nagual made no shortage of complaints and protests, but Aeric would have none of it, leaving the cat to yowl as he walked back to his clothes and quickly redressed before someone happened upon them. And though it took the promise of ending all nine of his lives, Aeric finally got the tubby bastard to agree to his plan. “There’s a good puss,” Aeric said, grinning as he pulled his shirt back on, “Now run along and get your drugs before those customers come back and find them.” Eddy glared in response, but argued no further before dropping back to his bestial form and springing back up over the wall.
The two of them regrouped the next day, fully clothed and in human form as they made their way towards the lavish manor on the upper east-side. “You realize this is crazy right?” Eddy continued to grumbled while Aeric hailed down a cab. “These guys are big time, Aeric. They’re not just going to let some punk show up and demand his way in.”
“They will if you do your job and convince them. Besides, I thought you spoke with someone and mentioned us coming?”
“I did but look at you! You don’t fit in with these people. My connections only go so far! At beast you’re going to get us both killed. At worst, you’ll get us locked in chains before we’re killed in one of those fucking death matches!”
“Well either way at least I won’t have to hear you talking anymore.”
Aeric had their driver stop a couple blocks away from their destination, not wanting the high-society crowd spot them showing up in a taxi. Arriving on foot wasn’t bound to be much better, but it also made things less conspicuous if he saw the place and decided it would be better sneaking in instead. But upon actually seeing the mansion, any thoughts of such infiltration were completely lost. “That’s not a house,” he said quietly to Eddy, “It’s a god damn fortress!” The home had to be at least four stories, with sentries posted at the front gate and throughout the large grounds. Aeric felt uneasy as they approached the front gate, fighting the urge to look up at the cameras homed in on them.
“Like I said, bad idea,” Eddy told him while they were still out of earshot. But as they approach the guards he put on his happiest face, sharing a quick conversation with one of the two men who he apparently recognized. He introduced the man to Aeric, though did not reveal the lycan’s true identity, calling him Aiden instead. Aeric went along with the ruse, trying to commit the fake name to memory as the two of them were permitted entry with the warning not to cause any trouble. Eddy led them through the opened gates with a brisk pace, and Aeric tried to quash his sense of doubt after they came closing shut behind them. No turning back now, he thought as they stalked through the shadow of the giant house. His mind ran with all the possibilities of what could happen if he got caught. Strangely, he thought most of how Catty would be affected. No doubt she would be devastated by the loss of her dog and potential boyfriend both.
Better not to think about that shit, Aeric told himself when they reached the front door. Another couple of guards stopped them as they came near. After having been let through the front there was no further questioning, but both Aeric and Eddy found themselves being patted down. Only once both men were cleared of having any weapons, were they finally allowed inside. But even then they were not given the reins of trust. A member of the security remained with them, leading them swiftly through the house so they would not lose their way. But that didn’t stop Aeric’s eyes from wandering, drinking in every detail. He committed the route they took to memory, just in case he had to find his way alone at any point. It was a lot to remember as their guide led them down a series of halls before coming on yet another guarded door. With a nod however, the sentry opened the door, permitting them into a huge stairwell that led down into a basement area.
As they began the descent, the sound of raucous, cheering voices reached their ears. Through another set of doors and they found the source. Bright, fluorescent light came pouring through the entry-way, making Aeric’s eyes blear as he stepped into a make-shift coliseum of sorts. A large grandstand circled about a massive, caged pit. The crowd was larger than expected, everyone shouting in excitement as they cheered and shouted, praised and cursed as they leaned hungrily over the railing or jumped excitedly out of their chairs. Even Aeric’s attention was locked center-stage, focused on the action going on below them. In the center of the ring was a wolf and a bear, unmistakably were-creatures based on the intelligent look gleaming in their eyes. Fastened around each of their necks was a gaudy, silver color. Upon closer inspection, Aeric noticed there were strange markings inscribed on each of the bands. That’s the same language I saw on that asshole’s sword! He realized with a start. His heart was practically racing over finally having found a connection to the man he searched for.
But before he could thing about it too much, the bear lunged, narrowly missing the wolf who snapped back in reply. The two began a chaotic dance, claws and teeth flying in every direction. It was a short affair however, as soon a yelp of pain rang out, bouncing echoing off the walls as the bear caught the wolf between his jaws. A terrible crunch followed, bringing an abrupt end to the canine’s cries before the mighty beast lashed his head and threw the corpse away. The lifeless body of the shaggy grey wolf slammed into the bars before thudding to the ground. The display left Aeric burning with a white-hot fury; it had not been anyone he knew, but it was all too easy to envision the contrary. A group of men entered the ring shortly after, brandishing weapons on the bear, who wisely knew to back away. Certain he was not a threat, two orderlies came in after, retrieving the body of a wolf and dragging it away. In its wake, a large, red streak of blood was left across the ghost-white floor of polished marble.
Eddy ushered Aeric on, moving him away from the scene before his enraged gawking drew anyone’s attention. They found seats away from anyone else, and while Aeric felt sick to his stomach over witnessing anything else like that, he knew it was necessary. He had to know if anyone from their pack had been taken here. The announcers voice sounded off just as they settled in, coming from two large speakers in either corner of the room.
“And our defending champion continues his reign!” he said excitedly, drawing murmurs from the crowd. “We’ll see if that winning streak continues when our next match begins in a few minutes! The odds will be posted momentarily, with our lovely ladies coming around for your bets shortly after!”
As the voice died off, a monitor came to life on the other side of the room, listing the names of the next two combatants. ‘The Grizzly Terror’ was obvious enough, but his contender ‘Snow White’ was a little less so. Upon seeing the odds and the way the werebear had torn apart one challenger already, Aeric couldn’t help but feel sorry for whatever poor creature would be facing such a massive beast. The last thing he wanted to do was contribute to this blood sport, but in the interest of keeping their cover he put $100 down on Snow White when the collectors came around. Eddy was far more excited about it, placing a large sum on Grizzly Terror and flirting with the girls as they took his money.
“How can you be enjoying yourself?” Aeric snapped when they were out of earshot again. “This is sick.”
Eddy snorted, brushing him off. “Shit like this happens all over the world ‘Aiden.’ There’s nothing we can do about it so why sit there moping? The way I see it, I’m stuck here with you so I might as well make a little money. Besides, if those Weres didn’t want to end up in chains maybe they shouldn’t have let themselves get caught. Shall I weep for every fool in the world?”
Before they could argue further, the two of them were cut off by the announcer’s voice proclaiming the next round. Aeric’s breath caught in his throat when he saw a huge she-wolf with beautiful, pure-white fur step into the arena. Her fierce blue eyes jumped all around, narrowing at the faces that jeered from above. They fell lastly on her opponent, where they locked with a glint of iron will. She appeared lean, yet fast and powerful, capable of proving a threat if the bear got on the wrong side of her snarling maw. “Freja!” Aeric quietly exclaimed. He motioned to leap out of his chair, but Eddy quickly threw a hand out to stop him. Why is she fighting? Why hasn’t she tried to shift or run? Doubtless she was kept here on threat of death, but Aeric knew his sister. Proud and stubborn, Freja would surrender her life long before giving these vile people what they wanted. Yet here she was, and before Aeric could contemplate further action, there was the sounding of a bell.
The bear lunged forward at once, coming at Freja with a swipe of his razor-sharp claws. But the white wolf was like lightning, dodging the assault and dashing to the other side of the arena. With a roar the bear spun around and gave chase, coming in for another lunge only for Freja to snarl and wheel away once more. The crowd roared in momentum with the fight, their voices thunderous. But Aeric could barely hear them, everything else tuned at as he focused on the battle with a growing fear for his sister’s safety. It quickly became apparent her strategy was to tire the bear out. She was doing a good job of it so far, even managed to dive in and catch his flank with her wicked jaws. But the bear was powerful enough to yank away, gaining a bloodied hide before swiping at Freja and sending her back on the defensive.
Her speed gave her the advantage, but there simply wasn’t enough room to maneuver the way she needed. Before long the bear was able to anticipated her limited range of movements, and cut her off. Hemming her in, Freja soon found her back against the wall. Snarling like the cornered wolf she was, her fur bristled as she lowered herself, looking for a means of escape as her opponent prepared to rush. When the moment came, Freja jutted forward, attempting to dip out from the left. But she was too slow, the bear’s reach too great. A formidable paw swung around, catching her in the side and sending her tumbling. Freja yelped in pain as sharp claws tore through her flesh and the breath fled her lungs. She struggled to get up, eyes-striking with panic as the bear came in for more. Aeric could only sit and watch, helpless as jaws clamped around his sister’s throat. By some miracle the slave-collar she wore saved her from the utter carnage suffered by her predecessor, but he knew the damage was extensive by the time the bear finished thrashing and tossed Freja aside like a rag doll. Her gorgeous white coat was stained an ugly shade of crimson when she hint the ground, every breath appearing a struggle. Aeric had never felt such a wrench in his heart, nor had he ever felt so useless or weak as he did in that moment. The scene was painstakingly unreal, and all around him came crashing applause and cheers over the bloody battering that just took place. His sister was just mauled half to death before his eyes and people were happy about it. Even Eddy had just won money from her misery, but he was so stricken with emotion he couldn’t even process that. It was a wonder he could even hold himself together and remain rooted to his seat. The latter took serious effort when he saw the group of men enter the arena to drag his sister away like the wolf before her.
“We can’t do anything for her now,” Eddy cautioned when he saw the struggle in Aeric’s eyes. “Look around you. One misstep and you’ll be even worse off than she is.”
Aeric knew he was right. If the security watching the ground wasn’t enough, a path way extended out from the skybox above them. Men paced along it, assault rifles held ready in their hands as they surveyed the happenings below them. A false move here would see him riddled with bullets. Clearly, Eddy wasn’t lying when he said there was a lot of money in a Were-fighting ring. To think some sick fuck built all this beneath his house… a member of the government no less. if Freja’s still alive after that, I have to get her out of here. It seemed impossible; the place was an armed compound, after all. But there was no question in his mind, it had to be done. He would have been content to figure it out there and now had Eddy not been there to impart what little wisdom remained in his tiny cat brain. After talking him out of a daring proposition, they were forced to remain, watching multiple rounds of slaughter until they’d stayed long enough to leave without suspicion.
Aeric never felt quite so sick or miserable as he did when they finally left. He initially planned to find some way to sneak back into the house, but just as they were escorted in, they were escorted out. He could feel the eyes boring into him with every step, the lack of trust evident in sentries. It was obvious they were well paid and well-trained men. With neither Eddy nor Aeric being a regular face, they watched the men like a hawk. Eddy continued his attempt of talking sense into Aeric, urging him not to do anything he’d regret. Aeric just ignored him, his mind already made up. Parting ways with the shifty nagual couldn’t have happened soon enough, leaving Aeric to head back to the apartment before he risked Catty coming back to an empty home. That was the last thing he needed. I just need at least one more night… he thought, sensing the end of his stay with Catty on the horizon. Tomorrow I’m going for Freja… no matter what.
Once back home he followed his daily ritual of undressing and bundling up his goods. Lastly he checked his phone, making sure it was on silent so as not to alert Catty he was keeping it here in secret. He’d taken to texting her occasionally, never anything serious or coming up with a solid plan for a next date. Hopefully she wouldn’t come to realize the pattern of him only texting when she was away at work; never at night when she was actually home and free. I guess it doesn’t matter now, he realized, putting the phone away, Depending how things go tomorrow… I might not ever see her again. It was a harsh epiphany, but there was no shirking his resolve. As enthralled as he was with his unexpected roommate, family had to come first. So it was he decided to spend as much quality time with Catty as he could Wednesday night, ‘Anubis’ showing perhaps the most affection he’d mustered so far. As they relaxed on the couch his head never left her lap, keeping her legs warm right up until they called it a night. Again he took the form of a man that night, watching her sleep with adoration as nerves over what he was planning bundled up inside. Before changing back, he placed one last soft kiss upon her plush lips, and slumbered restlessly until morning.
Aeric was a ball of nervous excitement Thursday morning. He watched Catty leave with doleful eyes, silently hoping the image of her walking out the door wouldn’t be the last he saw of her. But he wasted no time once she was gone, heading to the room and fetching his things. Once he was fully dressed he checked the pistol, making sure a bullet was ready in the chamber before tucking the weapon away and overlooking the small stack of money he’d been hoarding. He took a fair sum of it, enough to get him by an emergency and not encumber him to carry. The rest he shoved back below the bed, satisfied that in the worst case scenario, at least it would be left there for Catty to find. If nothing else, that would be his way of repaying her. With everything in order, he left. Part of him wondered if he should lock the door for the first time, but better judgement told him not to. There was no guarantee he wouldn’t be coming back after all.
Steeling himself, Aeric made the journey back to the Upper-East side. Once again he had his cabbie stop some odd blocks away, but this time he approached the massive estate from a different direction. I have to find a plausible way in and out of there… Though as he began to long, tiresome process of staking the place out, it became painstakingly clear that would be much easier said than done. The place was well guarded, with eyes or cameras covering just about every angle. Nothing could be done about the video surveillance, but the guards… There had to be some way to get by them. After a couple hours of searching however, Aeric could think of no solution that would spare him being on the wrong end of a gun. Maybe they have some sort of shift change, that could make for a good opportunity. Having found a good vantage point, he decided to scope things out for another couple hours, taking in every detail carefully. He got a good idea of what sort of rounds the sentries made, dismayed by how tight they kept things. People came and went at odd intervals, but traffic never seemed too busy. Sometime deep into his stake-out a black, unmarked van pulled up to the gate and was allowed entry without hesitation. Aeric watched as the vehicle rolled lazily across the grounds, coming to park in a large garage which was hastily closed.
More werebeasts, he wagered, burning with anger at the thought. He would have loved to rush in and put an end to this shit, but he was helping no one by getting himself killed. There’s nothing for it. If I try to sneak in, they’ll see me. If I go in like I’m there for the fights, they’ll watch me like a hawk and I won’t be able to get anywhere. With no better idea, he decided his best option was to leave for now and come back in the dead of night. With any luck the guard would at least thin out. It was doubtful, but at least in the darkness he had far less chance of being seen. I’ll just have to wait at Catty’s place until then. Good thing I left the door open… begrudgingly he made his way back, completely unprepared for what would be waiting for him upon arrival.
Things seemed fine at first, the coast clear as usual as he headed back up to the apartment. By a twist of fate he’d showed up just moments after Catty, missing her completely as she found herself locked alone with Carl. He was just out of ear-shot of hearing the door slam, leaving him to casually approach as if chaos did not stir within. Once he reached the door and his hand reached for the handle though, he stopped, his brow knitting in confusion. His heart practically stopped when he realized he heard voices in side. His mind immediately jumped to panic, wondering if it would be a good idea to enter. If Catty had come home early he might be able to swing the idea of her dog simply getting out of the house. To have him waltz in during the event however… well there was no fucking way he could explain that.
All thoughts of consequence went out the window when he heard a loud thud near the door though, and the followed by the unmistakable shrill of Catty’s voice in the sound of a pained scream. Without hesitation, Aeric burst into the house, finding the scene with a look of surprise, which was quickly replaced by pure, indescribable fury when he realized what was happening. “GET THE FUCK OFF OF HER!” He bellowed, voice seething with anger. He didn’t give Carl the chance to abide by the advice though, rushing in and slamming the flat of his foot right into the greasy mother-fucker’s face. The sudden assault was more than another to knock Carl down, breaking him away from Catty before he had the chance to do any real harm. Aeric’s second instinct was to run to Catty’s side and help her as she was left rasping to reclaim her breath. But he lost himself entirely to his first instinct, which was to beat her ex fucking senseless.
No sooner than Carl had been laid low did Aeric rush in and grab him by the shoulders. He flipped the sorry excuse of a man over like he was nothing, ignoring his dazed, bloody face as he reared his fist back and brought it down with all his strength. He felt bone gave way under his strength, as well as the flesh of his knuckles bruise and split. But none of it felt real. All he saw was the color red; dazzling, blinding. It erased all his other senses. The only thing he could think about was delivering the blows with steady repetition. All the pain that plagued his life over the last several months was delivered ten-fold, erupting out of him and directly into Carl’s face. He was consciously aware that the pitiful human might not survive if he continued his assault, making his problems ten times worse with the faction that planted him. But he didn’t rightly care in that moment. Tears welled in his eyes as everything he was feeling came out, the sorrow and rage over the scenes he witnessed yesterday more than anything. And as Carl crumpled beneath him, Aeric was terrified by how good it felt.
Every muscle was quivering, his fist nearly as bloody as Carl’s face by the time he finally stopped, halting a balled-fist just before driving it back down. Carl was still breathing, albeit it shallowly and with a senseless gurgle. Aeric released his grip, letting his battered victim collapse to the floor before rising on wobbly legs. The reality of everything was sinking in now, leaving him stunned by his brutal feat. Like a hazy memory, Catty’s name came back to him and he was suddenly aware of her presence. He turned to face her, at a complete loss for words. He hadn’t arrived in time to hear that Carl had already revealed his secrets… but that wasn’t his primary concern right now. “A-are you alright?” he asked, still shaking with the adrenaline over what just happened. A thousand things ran through his mind at once, not the least of which was What the fuck am I going to do now? The smart thing would have been to run, bolt out the door and never look back. But locking eyes with Catty kept him grounded, making his legs heavy like lead as he waited to see how she would react to all this. Carl was left to moan and wheeze all the while, a huge problem that threatened to ruin everything.
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