The sun has fallen, and once again, the ceremonial torches have been lit and assembled in the clearing of the forest that serves as a meeting ground for the Muea Tseena Pack. But unlike previous assemblies, the air is much more tense - much more uncomfortable than before. Sitting upon his 'throne' that is a fallen tree trunk, Eli sits, solemn and coldly gazing into the fire pit that has been set up in the middle of the clearing. Strange shadows flicker over his rough, lined face - giving him an almost etherial appearance. He is flanked by Cinco and some of his more faithful followers. Behind him, there is someone that should not be here, judging by his scent. There is a human, standing beside two stoic guards, with a potato bag thrown over the human's face to conceal his identity.
-
Honorary member or not, Summer really doesn't want to be here. There are things that are done within the Muea Tseena Pack that she'd rather not be privy to. Punishments are one of these things.
Unfortunately, Toby had to man the shop and so she's here, again, as a favor to her father.
Movements through the clearing are gentle, delicate even. Rather than appearing as a coyote, she comes in human form herself. Not a word is spoken as she settles herself at the base of a tree near the fringe of the rest of the Pack. Legs crossed, hands settling upon the ground as she watches the potato-sacked human curiously.
Monitoring the feeling of the 'engagement' she simply nods her head at the Alpha, rather than offering him a verbal greeting.
-
What had started off as a normal day for young Hyde proved to be anything but. While making his way home from the garage after nightfall, he was approached by two strange men and then steered into the direction of a black van. The scuffle did not last long - and before Hyde knew it, he was knocked out and thrown into the back of the vehicle. Now?
Now, here Hyde is, still standing in his uniformed overalls - stained with dirt and grease and with a bag covering his head. He can hear dimly, the goings on around him. He can feel his arms tied behind his back, and the presence of two people around him. But most of all, he can't hide the fierce pounding of his heart within his chest as he waits - silently, stoically waits…
-
It's one of those 'must attend' events, Pack or not. Knowing at least a couple of the 'players' in this great staged show makes Brett breathe a little easier, but it's not by much. He's wary, on guard, and as he arrives, can pick out the one or two of the familiar faces. Having only heard a little bit of what is to be covered this evening, it'll most likely be enough to arm himself with at a later date— should he need it. After all, he still needs to talk to at least one vampire.
Making his way fully into the clearing, he inclines his head to the Alpha, a greeting, and moves to pull up a piece of earth next to Summer.
Folding his legs, he settles down and offers a tight smile. Not his choice of evening activity either.
-
Summer isn't the only one that doesn't want to be here. Corey'd rather be just about anywhere else than here. He's just not sure why the pack's summoned the shifters to the clearing. Nor why there's some guy with a sack over his head flanked by two of the 'wolves.
In any case, the younger of the two Coleman boys arrives almost in tandem with his slightly older brother. He pads a few feet behind his brother, giving a similar greeting to the Alpha, eyes sweeping the rest of the clearing and those gathered shortly thereafter. He notes where Brett has settled beside Summer, and moves to join them. He doesn't bother to sit, leaning one shoulder against the trunk of the tree, instead, arms crossed loosely over his chest, one foot hooked loosely over the other, which is planted firmly on the ground.
-
Eli doesn't much react to the nods, though they are acknowledged. It's just, the man has a lot on his shoulders. And he is about to make quite a bold move. He waits a few more minutes, to allow stragglers to approach and get settled, until finally a sort of hush falls upon the clearing - and even the whispered chatter of the members finally calm themselves. It is only then that Eli gets to his feet, surveying the clearing with a general's eyes. "There are," he begins, voice low but loud and powerful enough to carry. "Two predominant philosophies, when it comes to punishment. There are two motivations when it comes to doling punishment out. It's important as a community to name them. On one hand, punishment is seen as a deterrent. They are put in place as an attempt to discourage lawlessness and encourage the accepted order of things. It is a behavioral check." He falls silent, looking at the group to see if everyone understands and is paying attention.
-
Whispered discussions will be frowned upon, Summer well knows. Her eyes are glued to the Alpha, watching to see what he is intending on doing. Considering the human in the potato-sack, she's sure it will be nothing good. There is a part of her that wants to cry out for him to be released, but she remains silent.
Instead of saying anything as the Alpha speaks, she thinks about the last meeting she was forced to come to and how different the atmosphere was for it. Still without a word, she glances over to Corey, then to Brett. A frown creases the features of her face, and she reaches for Brett's hand. Some small semblance of comfort in a rather tense atmosphere.
-
Hyde doesn't move. Doesn't stir. He's merely there, awaiting his fate, wondering what that ridiculous spiel has to do with anything. And just wishing he had an opportunity to turn to his captors and give him a peace of their mind.
-
Brett watches the older man rise to his feet, and flickers his gaze over to the man with the bag over his head. He's no were, so extra senses is right out in tthis form— but that's gotta be a human. If it was a shifter, he's pretty sure he'd have heard.. wouldn't he? When Eli begins talking, he nods slowly, Okay, pretty straightforward.. except for the fact that the human isn't privvy to the Pack's laws…
Is ignorance a defense?
Looking beside him briefly, he takes Summer's hand and squeezes it, feeling the warmth in the touch. Bringing his gaze upwards, he's doubly glad for his brother's presence.
-
Corey's face remains largely neutral, guarded. He watches. He listens. He reserves any judgment until he's seen more of this unusual pantomime play out. Like Brett, he's glad to have family present, and at least one familiar face.
-
Officer Young enters the area, sans uniform. He places a hand roughly into the bark of a tree at the edge of the clearing and leans partially forward, angling his gaze towards the ones farthest away from him and slowly paying more of his attention to those nearby. For the most part, it's the same as the previous meeting; the werewolf quietly stands to the background of things, listening, bidding idle consideration to his other senses.
-
Late to the party, and running madly through the woods comes the form of a black wolf. A circle around the group is made, a circle which brings the female wolf close enough to Donato for him to sense who it is, but a wolf all the same. Leigh's reasoning for appearing in this form is simple: This meeting is entirely her fault. The 'captor' is going to know who she is if she appears in human form, and thus it's safer for her at the moment to stay like this until the punishment is doled out. She can handle the aftermath… after.
A second circle around the group, and she settles on her haunches not too far away from the Coleman's and the woman, yet far enough away to not be bothersome.
-
"There is, of course, the argument against this sort of ethical standpoint. As it is forward thinking, and only concerns itself with the future. Also, many have said that it punishment should not be a mean, but an end in itself. And so, I present the other primary school of thought with regards to justice: punishment is to be doled out not as a preventative measure - but purely on the basis that it is a reaction to a wrong-doing. Punishment…justice is to be exacted not to correct the behavior of people, but as a sort of retribution, one would argue. As natural a reaction as a person being burned if they stick their hand into a fire." Eli slowly turns around then to face Hyde, nodding to the soldiers beside the captive human. One of them proceeds to remove the bag from Hyde's face.
The reaction is immediate. From somewhere within the group, there is a loud, strangled cry - followed by a feminine sob. Further inspection would prove that there is a woman on the floor, crying profusely, as well as a rather large hulk of a man that's struggling to get away from his neighbors in order to pounce on the human.
"Hyde Theodore Blakeley…" Eli grunts. "You are guilty of the murder of Franklin Demoin. You have taken from our ranks the life of a boy - of a son, and a comrade, and a neighbor. And despite your ignorance, I cannot in good conscious allow you to run free. Not with his parents here, crying for retribution."
-
Retribution is never a good thing, and Summer starts to feel ill. There will be an angry discussion with Toby later, even though she's aware that these are things she must learn for the future.
Eyeing the Demoin woman, she begins to get up to help her. Only to keep herself seated so as not to cause a fuss and embarrass her father. Turning to Brett, she whispers, "I really don't think I can watch this…"
-
Hyde automatically shies away, when the bag is removed from his head. He winces, as though expecting a more physical blow, but when nothing follows, he clears his suddenly too dry throat and attempts to right himself. "I never killed anyone - get your facts straight," he growls out in defiance to Eli, quirking his chin upwards proudly. "Save the ethics and justice lecture for money-grabbing universities. It's rich, how you can go on about the ethics of punishment when you frankly kidnapped me not too long ago."
-
Brett is.. confused. Puzzled, even. Shifters live solitary lives, and right now, he's more than happy for that. Grateful, even.
Squeezing Summer's hand again, he tugs a little to keep her seated. Whispering in a sotto voice, he shakes his head in prelude, "I can't see him killing the guy, Summer.." Right? That would mean that the Pack is not any better than the man who pulled the trigger. And that speaks volumes..
In his own mind, possibilities are spinning, and the one that keeps coming forward, Is he going to get bitten?
Ironic.. a life to replace a life?
-
And if the dead shifter's parents weren't here, crying for retribution? Corey can't say he's at all comfortable with the Alpha's decision on this matter. He's also, however — new as he is to the area and having never met the pack before tonight, uncertain he actually wants to brand himself as a dissenter of any sort. It's not like he'd ever outright challenge the Alpha, after all. The 'wolf would clean his clock three ways to Sunday, he's sure.
And that's just if Corey was lucky.
At best, Corey shifts subtly, head ducking a little, though his eyes still sweep the clearing. He notes the black wolf female that moves nearby. His head cants some as he regards her for a moment, assessing her intent there. Ultimately, however, his attention is brought back to Hyde as the man speaks.
Oh. It's gonna be one of those nights…
-
James glances sidelong to nothing in particular and while Eli continues to speak up, the off-duty cop steps forward in order to place himself in front of the tree near to him. At least he is no longer using it as a crutch but in the process. He folds his arms over his chest for a lingering moment and then winces, wrinkling the corners of his eyes. Still, he should probably speak up sooner or later; he just needs a good spot for it.
-
The female wolf seems to know that she's being watched. Her head cants to the side, and then she turns to peer at Corey. Along with the peer is an odd grin — a wolfy grin, which is a bit disconcerting. Ears twitch, and the head turns toward Young. A nod of slight recognition is given to the other officer before the wolf is once more still. Leigh has already spoken her piece on the matter, and as such she'll only spring into action to keep poor Hyde from being killed.
-
Eli ignores Hyde's outbursts at first, turning away from the arrogant human to address his crowd. "Traditionally, he would die tonight. And his blood, spilled upon this hallowed ground our ancestors before us have graced, would appease the cry. But I cannot and will not condone such a barbaric response, while I remain in control." There are cries of protests, primitive calls of 'kill him' that are masked by the mob mentality of the group. A risen hand from Eli silences this. "I will handle the situation as I see fit. Mr. Blakeley…" Finally, the white-haired man returns to staring fire at the human. "Do you believe in werewolves?"
-
Though Hyde may not be put to death, seeing him turned is not something Summer really wants to be involved in either. Though she doesn't know the man, and has never met the Demoin family, she does know a little of the pain they are suffering.
"Mr. Donato would never do that," she whispers back at Brett, before the man himself confirms it. Yet there is a wince.
"I really wish Toby were here…"
-
"Werewolves?" Hyde scoffs out, though there's something akin to fear in his dark eyes, no matter how he tries to mask it. And though he's trying to play it cool and ignorant…it would explain a thing or two, if he thinks about it…and since witches are real… "What are you saying. That everyone here can turn into a bitch - literally - if they wanted to?" He defies.
-
Brett's voice remains low, just this side of a breathed whisper, "I wish he was here too." An elder shifter? It's hard not to respect the guy, and while Summer's father isn't his, there's the regard that is both due and already earned. After all, he's run with the man before on a weekend search.
He certainly doesn't want to see the man bitten either; having another crazed hybrid in the mix; that would mean he'd have to be watched for the rest of his natural life. It's better than death at the hands of a werewolf, isn't it?
The black wolf is noticed from the corner of his eye and he narrows his eyes as he regards it. Does he know..
Looking up at Corey, Brett checks his recognition factor there.
-
Okay, yeah. Having a wolf grin at you is a little disconcerting. But, then, Corey is currently surrounded by wolves of one form or another, now isn't he? And since he's pretty certain that, as a shifter invited to the party to watch the show, he's not on the chopping block himself, he gives the wolf a bit of a wry grin in return. Who knows… maybe it's someone he knows?
.oO(Someone he knows? Hmm…)
He glances down at Summer and Brett, catching, perhaps, a tiny bit of their conversation. He gives a bit of a smile, but it's tight and unhappy, even as Eli suggests he won't be spilling Hyde's blood. Or at least that he won't be killing him.
But, then, if the kid's not to die, how's he not to be left to run free? And is that really better?
Corey tries not to let his grumpiness show on his face. But, he's always been something of an open book, that way. So, while he doesn't actually look exactly grumpy, he definitely looks unhappy.
-
"Hold it," James does indeed speak up now, loud and clearly, from his spot by his tree and after looking to the others, some familiar, some not, he sets his jaw defensively and begins to step forward. He doesn't leave his accented words to just a paltry little command like such and in spite of the dire consequences, the last time he did something like this it gave him the ability to now sport a rather signature look to his face, he does have the cojones to continue interrupting with his particular interjection. "Blakeley there, I don't like him," he's an honest cop, "But he didn't murder this Demoin kid. I was there, first one to respond to the scene. Demoin was attacking a woman - an' fuck - you still have someone attackin' people out there and you want to punish someone who was protecting a neighborhood?"
-
"You bastard!" Is growled out from the middle of the assembly. Gasps accompany as the man, previously held down, breaks free from his constraints and literally charges towards James. Following the momentum, Harvey Demoin proceeds to swing his large, meaty fists at the officer's face, with every intention of striking the man. "How DARE you!" He booms. "How DARE you dishonor the memory of my son! He wouldn't hurt a fly - and he was shot down, like a dog! You bastard, I should kill you for that! Fucking outsider, coming in to our city, making up lies about our children, and then protecting their murderers!" Behind him, though a couple of people step forward to try and drag Harvey away, the tension has been broken. The people are speaking, chatting softly amongst themselves, trying to figure out how to handle the uncomfortable situation.
"He's right! I've known Frankie, may he rest in peace, come seventeen years and he aint been nothin' but a good boy!"
-
There is a quick movement by the wolf. One that has her rushing the outer circle to find a couple with a blanket. Snarling at them, she makes a grab for the blanket, and drags it back behind the trees.
After a moment or two, Leigh appears wrapped tightly in said blanket. Using it almost like a full body sarong. A look is given to Officer Young, then to Eli.
Her throat clears.
"Not true," she points out to Young, voice not wavering though she can feel her nerves wracking horribly. "The evidence points to Blakeley. His gun, his bullet is responsible for taking a life. Ignorance in and of itself is not a crime, but involuntary manslaughter is. The evidence from your case, Young, and mine match. I can always have him tossed in prison for a great deal of his life for manslaughter, but this is honestly more humane. Punishing him more leniently for the crime, more humanely than tossing him in jail for accidentally murdering a nineteen year old boy…"
She hates to say it, but she is a Pack-girl. Even if this isn't her Pack.
"Not to mention that you should know, as an Officer, that there are two sides to every story. You can never hear Franklin Demoin's side of things because he died shortly after those shots were fired."
-
Brett squeezes Summer's hand and shifts his position, placing himself a little more in front of Summer. Not directly, mind, but there's a mind to protecting, just in case things get ugly. Glancing up and back to where Corey is standing, he searches his brother's face for the unspoken acknowledgment. This could get ugly, and as odd man out? At the moment, Brett's more than willing to sacrifice a change of clothes if need be.
-
The black wolf's movements catch Corey's eye and he turns to watch her deprive the couple of their blanket. As Leigh emerges from the trees moments later, his tight expression turns into a wry smile.
So, that's what Leigh's alter-ego looks like. It makes him smile… just a little.
Still, he follows her with his eyes as she moves to interject as well. His head cants some. He glances briefly at his brother and Summer, but then back to the scene before him.
Why not just put Blakeley in prison?
-
Abbey has been rather quiet up through this point, she's near the back a lit cigarette resting between her lips while her pale gaze just rests on where Hyde happens to be. This is a rather interesting turn of advents, she never thought he would have been found. An while a few things are fuzzy from that night that Franklin was killed, still she remembers how the kid was trying to run away when the gun was fired. She twitches slightly as she recalls the sound over in her head. The cigarette is taken and snuffed out before she pockets it and she starts to move forward through the ones that happen to be in front of her. Once near the front she clears her throat, blue gaze turning towards Eli. "I'd like to say something.." For a split moment she is actually unsure about doing this, but it needs to be said.. Though instead of just coming right out she'll wait until given the ok from the dear pack leader.
-
"Harvey!" Eli barks out, authoritative and firm. Immediately, the fight out of the impassioned former-father dies out, and once again a hush falls over the clearing. Instead, he turns, coldly, to survey Young, clear disdain written on his features. "Before you stroll in here with your ignorance and entitlement, Young, I would suggest remembering who's territory this is. Defaming the deceased of my pack is unacceptable. I personally knew Franklin since birth. And I would stake my life and my reputation on the fact that he was a fine, upstanding young gentleman." A dark pause follows. "What would you suggest, Young, I do? What course of action would you take? Are you man enough to apologize to Franklin's mother, and allow Blakeley to suffer no consequences for his actions, as unfortunate and unintentional as they might have been?"
But then Abbey is calling out, and slowly, Eli turns to look at her, before nodding - allowing her to speak up. "You have the floor."
-
Abbey is quiet while listions to the others around her mumuring and the like while she merely waits to see what Eli has to say to her comment about speaking. "About that night.. I as there, walking through the area." Of course she may get questioned as to why she didn't try and follow after the wounded kid but she'll deal with it then. "The problem was that Franklin was moving around in the form of a black wolf, dog what ever at that moment and wandered onto a busy block of houses. There were kids around, and people thought it was the animal in the attacks." A glance is sent towards where Hyde is before she looks back to Eli. "There was a kid there and Franklin wandered up to him and then when the yelling started, Franklin took off running. I'm not sure when the gun was grabbed, but it was and Franklin got shot and died as a result.." She pauses now letting that sink in and to see what others may have to comment on what was said.
-
The protective movement of Brett is noticed. Were this not such a solemn and serious event, Summer might chuckle at it. She is strong enough to handle her own, or at least a fast enough runner to shift and bolt out of the clearing if need be. The gesture is still very much appreciated, because she's of the same mind: this could get very ugly, very fast. Those within the Pack will undoubtedly listen to the Alpha's orders without much fuss. It's the ones that aren't part of the Pack that have her worried.
"Look," she whispers to Brett, and subsequently Corey. "If a fight breaks out, I need you two to take off and get Toby. I'll be okay here." After leaving Mischa's place earlier, she stopped by the Dallas Zoo and the Tiger Habitat. She'll be alright.
-
It's an unsettling thing, having other people discuss one's own culpability in a crime they didn't even know they committed. Hyde is privy to listening in on the arguments, the comments, silently as he starts putting together the pieces, bit by bit. But, surprisingly, he's not speaking. His eyes have fallen to the ground, and a tight frown is pulling at his lips - but he's not fighting. In fact, it looks as though all the fight has been sucked out of him entirely.
-
"Ah, no," Brett's voice is a breathed whisper, "no one is staying behind. You high-tail it out and we'll come up behind you." Wolves hunt in packs. Regardless of animal, a smart, organized pack of wolves has almost no match. "Then the only thing left behind is our clothes." He ducks his head in order to look at Summer's face. "Then we'll all get back to Toby's."
-
Corey isn't actually inclined to argue with Summer, really. This place isn't his place. All these wolves… and he's a cat. Sure, shifters don't really display their animalistic nature in human form. But, still… Cat. And not a Big Cat. Medium cat.
Not a stupid cat, either.
"I'll get Toby, if it comes to it," Corey says softly to Brett and Summer, knowing his brother won't leave his girl and that he can… well mostly… take care of himself. He's already figured out that Summer won't leave this place. "If you two don't come with, at least keep each other in one piece, huh?"
-
"Oh, sod off," Young replies in turn to whoever has come in defense of the Demoin Kid. It doesn't take long at all for him to notice just who it that is yelling and since he's yelling while he's coming, James directs the full weight of his attention onto Father Demoin. He sidesteps the incoming blow and doesn't bother with instincts, the burning urge to strike back with his training or even draw the concealed sidearm beneath his jacket. He merely steps back in circling the nearby others. "Don't patronize me, old man, you've done shit for nothin' about yo-," James tightens his jaw, glancing towards Abbey. He has a lot to say, more than a lot, in defense of just some human, but he isn't here to make friends and kiss backsides.
-
"Yet, Franklin didn't attack anyone. He approached someone as a dog. Why should he be held accountable for the media frenzy which put fear into the hearts of humans?" Leigh will never say that Hyde did something intrinsically wrong, even though he basically performed an act of vigilantism rather than calling the authorities as was requested. "According to Miss Wallace's summarization, he ran as soon as there started to be an issue."
Then she turns directly to Young, and frowns. "And you. You need to learn your place. You're a rogue, you're not involved with the Pack, and so far as I can figure you're not part of any Pack. You do not speak to an Alpha like that in his own territory if you plan on living a nice, long, healthy life."
While she can't actually speak for the Muea Tseena Pack, she's well aware that were this back home with the Lunar Pack, James Young would not have much longer to live.
-
Abbey shakes her head slightly. "He may have ran around like a dog.. But really.. He picked the wrong form to /do/ it in. His a shifter, he could have picked any form.. He chose a black dog?" A glance is sent towards Young and then Leigh whom she eyes faintly. Abs considered Young a friend, and she herself is a rogue after all. "I'm not defending the humans actions but at the same time we all should think about what happened.. A child was there and Franklin was there in a black canine form. He was asking for trouble walking around like that." She is rather sure that most won't let her for that comment, but truly that doesn't bother her. "I know that man.. He works for me. His not the brightest around but trust me his heart was in the right spot, he thought he was doing the right thing." Abbey knows very well that with that comment she is defending the killer of a shifter, but its just in her nature to try and defend the ones that she considers friends, and in this case someone that happens to work for her. Strange logic to everyone but herself perhaps.
-
Eli stares at Young - cold and icy in demeanor. "I show," he declares to the group, "my compassion and fairness by allowing you to live. By not running you off of this land. But keep in mind that this is your last, and final warning. Defy me again and you will be removed. Permanently." Either by banishment or death. "With that, I would like to declare a state of heightened security. If you defy my laws, anyone - you will be dealt with swiftly and without reservation. The two-natured of this land have become complacent and lawless - I will not permit our kind to be jeapordized by the carelessness of heathens any longer. The next two-natured to attack a human will have their paw chopped off."
But! Back to the situation at hand. He turns to look at Hyde then, brows furrowing. "It is out of my hands. But tonight, we will welcome another into our fold. What I am about to give you is a curse, Hyde Blakeley. You will not be one of us. You will be a mutated aberration - a monster of literal proportions on the nights the moon is full. But…I will charge myself personally with the task of babysitting you, if I may."
-
Summer turns a pleading eye onto Corey. "Go now, and take Brett with you. I've been to see the tigers, I'll be fine. Come back once you've gotten Toby." There's an edge of tension and a bit of fear in her voice as she rises to her feet. "Please, Mister Coleman," she says to Corey, not being on a first name basis with him yet. "Grab him and go."
She knows that Brett will argue, and she knows that it will do no good for her to try and get him to go. She also knows that if he doesn't and something happens to either of them, she'll be held accountable. Either way, she's prepared to keep him safe even if it means shifting into an unfamiliar creature.
"Actually, you are condoning the human's actions, Abbey," she says, recalling the younger woman's name from the bookshop. "I'm behind the Pack, and my Alpha, no matter whether the decision is one I like or I don't. Whether Franklin Demoin should have chosen something else to shift into is not the debate, but the human's actions are. The human should not have been firing on an animal in a street if it is that full of people and children anyhow."
-
Funny, how all of this revolves around Hyde, and he really doesn't seem to have a say in the matter. Period. As Eli approaches the young man, however, he does nod and look upwards, with much more fervor and intent than is probably expected of him. "Shut them all up," he requests, with a passive sort of nod towards all the rabble of the pack members. "I get it. I understand. It's fine - I can accept the responsibility for my actions. Let's just…just get this over with."
-
Brett's eyes open a little wider, and as Summer rises to her feet, so he does. He really, really doesn't want to leave her, particularly after hearing the beginnings of what is coming out of her mouth.
Looking back at Corey, then Summer.. and he's torn. Leaving her to get her father, well..
"Cor—"
-
Corey places his hand on Brett's shoulder. He'll insist Summer call him by his first name another time. For the moment… Look, this thing is beginning to turn ugly. And he's really, really not interested in watching the Alpha rip into the human — who'll have only about a 50-50 chance of surviving the aftermath.
"C'mon, bro," he says, meeting his brother's eyes. "She's Pack." He heard Summer's words quite clearly. Her Alpha. Her Pack. He gets it. "She's safer here than we are. Let's get Toby."
Brett's obviously not happy with his brother's — or his new girlfriend's — insistence, but ultimately Corey knows he'll comply. Dad's voice is no doubt in both their heads: Never get in the middle of Pack business, boys… or whatever the Pack had decided to make their business. This obviously qualifies.
Thus, both Colemans reluctantly slip away to fetch the other shifter… were… Toby. Whatever he is.
Just don't let Summer get hurt, or Brett'll kill Corey. The lynx shifter has no doubt about it. He transmits that warning with his eyes to the lady 'yote, and pulls his brother away through the trees.
-
Young stares just as hard and right back at Eli, not backing down in the least. He might be an upstart and usurper, but he trusts his conscience more than he trusts the local Alpha. His right hand tightens and he settles with a brief look to the side, first to Abbey, then to Leigh, before settling back on the Alpha and the Beta of the group. He's soon just watching after Eli and holding his ground despite all the tension and the act itself; justice, he figures this is, but humane he does not. Still, he's silent - At least, for the time being.
-
Leigh, still clad in the blanket, moves forward. She situates herself between Young and Eli, moving closer to Hyde. She doesn't seem to be backing down either, but then again as an heiress to a Pack back home, she doesn't like it when snarly upstarts try to cause trouble. Her eyes narrow on the man she works with, and while her eyes remain on him for the time being, she calmly tells Hyde, "I'm sorry for this."
And she is, too. But that doesn't mean she could have let the death slide. One way or another it would have had to be dealt with, and allowing the Pack to handle it rather than the legal system means that there is a better chance for Hyde.
-
Abbey smirks as she hears Summar and casts a slight glance towards her, a faint shrug seen. "If that's the way you see it then fine." She was expecting the comment from someone in the group. Her gaze drifts towards Brett and Corey watching them leave before her gaze drifts towards Eli and Hyde at the comment of turning the human into a bitten wolf. Abs recalls the night she had to deal with a bitten wolf rather well, it wasn't a easy thing to deal with. Turning she moves closer to where Young is, pausing only when at his side, that is if he'll allow her near him after everything that was said. She's chewing on her lip slightly, the thought of Hyde being a bitten bothering her.
-
There is no pomp, no condescension. Eli merely bobs his head towards Hyde in a nod of sorts, allowing his eyes to catch with those of the Pack members flanking Hyde's side. One of them produces a knife - and with that knife, cuts through the ropes restraining the man's arms. "Don't move, and don't resist." Eli offers as advice to the human. "I will keep this as painless and clean as possible…
And with that, there is an immediate ripping noise - the sound of Eli's clothing shedding as, instead of an army veteran, a formidable wolf stands in its wake. The pack members then force Hyde to hold out his left arm, so that the wolf - after licking his wolfish lips - can proceed to bite the limb. Deliberately and with precision, so that he may deposit the venom that will either make or break Hyde Blakeley.
-
There is a stillness that falls over Summer, and she winces. Her eyes flit between Abbey, and Young, then back to Eli and Hyde. Back and forth, back and forth, almost as though she's watching a tennis match. Only once does she look back to see where the Coleman's went. Only once does she allow her concentration to break. Her body is tense, and she's edging closer to the Pack now. Each step taking her precariously closer in case something bigger is about to happen.
-
Hyde does well - he barely even flinches when he is witness to the transformation of a grown man into a…an animal. When his hands are freed up, he takes some time to flex his fingers and rub at his wrists, even once throwing a nervous look around - like a trapped animal in search of an escape route. But, he doesn't move. Not once. And when he is instructed by his silent sentinels to stick out his hand, that's what he does, without hesitation. Even when sharp teeth slice through his flesh, he makes no sound - no complaint, though he does grimace in pain.
-
The tension within James is slow to ease and ebb away, and that leaves him to continue standing there watching. As much as he would enjoy stopping any and all of this, he stands there watching. An exhale escapes from the depths of the werewolf after he looks over in the direction of the Demoins. However, he's soon simply waiting until it is all done and over with so he can, again, interject.
-
The blanketed Leigh Rossum just continues to stand between Young and Eli. She is not part of this pack, but she is not alone either. Several of the Pack join her, blocking the dissenters from causing mayhem while the retribution is going on.
It takes all of her willpower not to snarl at Young, and Abbey at his side. One whom she works with, the other whom she was considering a friend of sorts.
-
Abbey glances towards Eli and Hyde, watching quietly at what takes place. She takes in a slight breath once the bite is done. No turning back now. Her pale gaze turns towards Leigh and she looks to James. "James.." Is said with a faint murmur. "Now is not the time to go pushing buttons with anyone here.. It won't end pretty for either of us." It seems to have dawned on her that by moving over near her friend she's put herself in the middle here. On one side the pack and on the other a friend. Not that she has any wish for being in the pack, but there are a few more of them here at the moment. Though with her comments eariler she most likely didn't make any friends here, which she can deal with.
-
The entire process does not last long. Mere moments, really. Soon enough, Eli has released Hyde and is pawing about, in long, loose gallops as he circles around the gathering of hushed people. Once Eli is out of the picture, silently, a pair of pack women march over towards Hyde with towels and first aid equipment, apparently intent on tending to his wounds.
Disappearing behind a tree, Eli reemerges soon afterwards, a dark red robe thrown over his shoulders and preserving his modesty in an imperial manner. "You are dismissed. The lot of you. Hyde has paid his dues. He is not to be harassed or harmed under my authority - and to blatantly disregard my authority will lead to exile from this land." There is no room for conversation here. "Tell everyone. All shifters you know of, that any infraction will be dealt with in the harshest of manners. If leniency has breed disorder and chaos, then strict militaristic discipline ought to do the trick."
-
Though dismissed, Summer lingers just long enough to ensure that she won't be needed to help care for the man, or to protect anyone in the Pack. She is nothing if not loyal. Toby taught her that.
While she waits for everyone to get free and clear of the clearing, she digs out her cell phone and sends a text to Brett to let him know that everything, for the moment, is fine and that she's on her way to the Deli.
-
And…just like that, it's done with. Easy as pie. Hyde doesn't seem nearly as tense as the stand off going between the pack members and the non-pack members, nor does he look particularly upset about it all. He is a bit annoyed by how the women are literally babying him, and insisting on dress his wounds themselves in a faintly mother-esq manner despite the fact that he's a grown man and can do it on his own. In fact…
"I'm a grown man! I can do it on my own!" Hyde protests.
-
James focuses his attention on his coworker and briefly does he split his focus on the others shielding him from the act itself. When his gaze is back towards Leigh, he offers a wry and faint, wolfish grin. He still looks ready for a fight though and there's a good part of him that figures he could take on at least half of them, unrealistically, with ease. "I'm not pushing buttons, this isn't… right." His accented voice picks up from the conversational lows he has with Abbey and he looks towards Eli upon the conclusion of things. He's back to proving his ownership of cojones and, or, stupidity, with a gamble: "Donato, I'm challenging you right here an' before everyone."
-
"It is Pack law, Young," Leigh snaps, "And you're a damned fool. I hope you realize you've just signed your death warrant." Blanketed as she is, and a non-pack member, she doesn't move toward the man. But others that have been standing in he protective line do move in to circle the man.
Snarls and growls come freely now, more than one wolf preparing to shift.
"Miss Wallace, I'd strongly suggest that you move before you're painted a traitor too."
-
Abbey shakes her head slightly. "It might not be right, but this isn't the time to deal with this.." She blinks as she hears James and just looks at him wide eyed at the comment of him challenging Eli for leadership. "James.. Have you lost your freaking /mind/?" Her own thick irish accent showing through before she hears Leigh and she chews on her lip a moment and glances to the ground. "Damn you James.." She hisses out faintly towards him, she can't stand by him.. Not though this. A glare is sent towards Leigh, right now she hates that one but she moves away from Young.
-
When Eli turns and fixes his eyes on James, his features are positively blank, and expressionless. "You have the nerve, as an outsider and an outcast, to challenge me to a dual? Boy, I have half the right mind to throw you to the wolves, right now." Literally, not even figuratively. But then, he shakes his head once, holding up a hand to keep any of his pack from pouncing and attacking the young, insolent fool. "No. If you want to welcome death so easily, boy, so be it. But not tonight. I will give you a week to decide, rather than rely on the impulses of a green little boy with a bruised ego. If you return, in one weeks time, I and my pack will be here to welcome you with white teeth. I will kill you then, if you wish it. For now, get out of my sight, you pathetic little bitch."
-
There is another wince as Summer reaches the edge of the clearing. Shifter hearing may not be as enhanced as that of the werewolves, but she hears enough to know that things are really about to not be pretty. The phone is dropped back into her pocket, and she's bolting at a full run through the woods, in order to get Toby, and a few others she knows are missing, and bring them back to aid if necessary.
-
Hyde falls silent as his arm is in the process of being bandaged up, looking over at all the were politics with his brows furrowing in a dark, thoughtful manner. He makes no sounds, no movements. Merely surveys the mess he has inadvertently caused.
-
James is left all alone where he stands and still he doesn't back down, not an inch. There's no point in showing a backbone and then taking it all back once the outlook turns grim. Instead of sticking his proverbial tail between his legs and fleeing the scene, he takes a half-step back with a slight, vaguely respectful nod of his head towards Eli. "If not now, then we'll settle things in a week. Don't be late." He then directs himself to the nearest exit.
-
"Does your mate know what you are up to, Young? Your mate, who is a member of the Muea Tseena Pack?" Leigh may not be part of the Pack, but she knows damned well who's part of it, and who isn't. It's part of what makes her a good cop on the supernatural scenes. Turning to Donato, she offers, "His mate is Doctor Tasha Cox, and last I checked she was still a part of your Pack." There is more to say, but it will be said in a private discussion and not in front of the challenger.
-
Abbey didn't have a choice is leaving Young's side, the fact that she sorta still enjoys being alive took over the thought of standing there with him. Her pale gaze rests on James, shoulders lowering slightly. Still even though it was the right move on her part she feels that she let him down. With nothing left to say she turns to leave as well, hearing Leigh talk as she goes which makes her shake her head slightly at the information that is given.
-
"Rossum…leave it be." Eli offers, softly and calmly to the impassioned woman. He merely shakes his head slowly. "It is what it is. I will have no reservations when it comes to putting him in his place if he is foolhardy enough to go through with his bout of temporary lunacy. Now, everyone - go home. The lot of you." And with that, he begins marching off. Slowly, as most of the pack is still shocked by this turn of events, everyone else follows.
