Poisoned Ivy

Chapter 5

"What's your name?" 

"Ivy Rose." 

"How old are you?"

"Sixteen and seven months."

"Where are you from?"

"Here."

"Where were you born?"

"Oregon."

"Which city?"

"I don't know."

"How can you not?"

"My parents are dead."

"Who were your parents?"

"My mother was Katherine Rose. I don't know about my dad."

"Did he leave?"

"No, he died with my mom."

"Did your mom leave?"

"No, she died with my dad."

Benji let out a huff. He got more frustrated with each answer I gave. I wasn't trying to be difficult, but it's not like I was being cooperative either. He leaned back from the desk and into his chair as we sat in his dimly lit home office.

"Why the hell did you break into our kitchen for a pie?" His look is priceless. It's a mix of confusion and shock. I try not to laugh. As I recall, Wren did invite me, but I don't think now is a good time to bring that up. I just shrug and Benji gives me an astounded huff. "Do you realize what I could do to you for trespassing and stealing on my territory?"

"No." I respond with an even tone. To be honest I never really understood shifter society. 

He quirks a brow, "Why don't you know that?"

"I've lived here basically all of my life. It was just my Grandpa and I, and he wasn't much on teaching me about shape-shifters." I point out. "Regardless, this is my home."

"I bought this land through the government and I waited three months before marking it." Benji warns, "It's my pack's home now."

What the hell does he mean by marking it? I grind my teeth. Who the hell does Benji think he is? He didn't even scope his land to see if I was here, he just walked on in and unloaded his shit in my house. I try to keep myself together long enough to get my point across.

"I've been roaming these forests all of my life." I snarl, "This territory is my home, not yours. Leave."

"Only packs can have territory." Benji replies, "Where is your's?"

"Six feet under." I bite. "My grandfather died and I was put in the foster system. I couldn't handle it so I left." There's a bitterness to my words. I can't help but feel angry and sad when I think about it. I never really said it out load until now. There hasn't been another person around to say it to since Grandpa Walter died, and even when he was around, he didn't say much outside of teaching. I'm barely holding back angry tears in front of Benji and I don't even notice my breathing getting heavy. Just thinking about Grandpa Walter makes my blood boil.

He changes his tone. It seems sympathetic, but also controlled, "Calm down Ivy."

I can't. I'm so angry I just can't. And just like that my wolf takes over and bares my fangs at Benji. I snarl at Benji as he tries to coax me out of my anger-high. Yeah like that's ever worked. I look around wild eyed and jump around the office, knocking over lamps and cardboard boxes until I find the door and force it open.

There's a load crash that catches everybody's attention. I dash down the main hall towards the front entrance. Just as I'm running through the living room, a pair of arms reach out, catch me mid-stride, and a body tackles me to the carpet. I try to wrestle myself free and bite whoever is restraining me, but they put a firm hand on my muzzle and keep it shut. He shifts his weight to splay out on top of me and pins me on my side. I struggle for another minute or so before let out a whine of pain. I feel like he could crush my skull with his hand, but at the same time he gently drapes me as we lay next to the fireplace.

Wren hushes in my ear, "Calm down and I'll let go." His breath is warm, but his words are chilling. It's bizarre how contradictory his presence is. I relax beneath him, despite my accelerated breaths. He lets go of my snout and strokes my head. "Shh, kitten, shh." He coos. His warm fingers brush through my fur gently and I shiver from the sensation. When was the last time I felt the touch of another person?

Wren rolls off of me and spoons me, stroking my fur in calming circular motions. He continues to hush me as I whimper with rapid breaths. Wren buries his face in the fluff of my neck, inhaling and exhaling slowly in tempo with his strokes. Eventually my heartbeat slows to match Wren's rhythm and my whimpers stop. I stare off into the fire until my I can't keep my eyes open any longer.

Benji and Garret stand in the doorway between the kitchen and the living room, watching the embers of the fire burn out. Garret asks, "Where'd you find her?"

Benji whispers, "She lived here with her pack until they died."

"She looks awfully familiar." Garret sighs, "Was she born or bitten in?"

"Don't know." Benji sighs, "I didn't get a good look at her to see if she had marks. For all I know, she could be a lying loner. She may not have ever had a real pack."

"She certainly seems wild." Garret comments, "I don't know how you expect to keep her around if she acts like this."

Benji cocks his head as he watches Ivy and Wren's bodies slowly rise and fall, "I can't send her back to the foster system. I'm betting that wolf is the reason why she ran away."

"You can't keep a teenage girl in a house full of teenage boys." Garret points out, "That's not just asking for trouble, that's setting up the dynamite and handing the pyromaniac a lit match."

"So what? I should let her sleep out in the woods and roam the property?" Benji scratches his chin, "She doesn't even understand her heritage or our culture. What is she going to do if something like today happens again with a stricter pack? I can't let her run around blind."

Garret pats Benji on the shoulder, "You know Ben, the more time I spend with you, the more I feel I'm spending time with Grace." 

---------- Author's Notes ----------

I'm diving into longer chapters since that the story's pace is picking up. Now that I have six characters I have to start fleshing each one out. Don't be surprised if you get more one on one moments between Ivy and the different brothers in the future. 

I'd really appreciate feedback in the comments, even if it's random thoughts or questions related to the story. If you like the story, don't forget to vote. :D