How to be of shadow and light (bxb)

14- Pack

Alec watched the werewolves and particularly their alpha with an unreadable emotion. Fai had no idea what the league was thinking and it worried him slightly. He couldn't help but think that the boy had got this far and didn't know what to do next. If Alexi had done that then they would both be doomed, especially since a shapeshifter taking wolf form was often seen as an insult in the werewolf community. 
   "What is the meaning of this," the alpha wolf growled moving an inch towards Alec who still stood his ground. Then the leshy did something extraordinary. He rocked onto his back legs and stood up on them so he towered above the other wolves, to add even more height he raised his head to the sky. A long low rumble erupted from Alexi that soon turned into a strong howl that vibrated the very air around them. The wolf pack dropped like swatted flies, rolling over to expose their bellies in submission whimpering all the while. None of them would meet the leshy's piercing green eyes and their eyes were wide with fear. Fai had no idea what was going on but even he felt affected by the howl, it made him feel small and somewhat weak. He didn't feel worthy to gaze at his friend however to some extent he could resist the lull of the sound because it was not aimed at him. 
   Eventually the tremendous noise ebbed away and Alec looked over the wolves with satisfaction. His instincts had guided him to a way to resolve the situation and so he was content. The strange wolf body was the closest he'd ever felt to being truly himself, although there was still room for improvement he felt. 
   "The call of the wild," the pack whined in fear. They used their collective voice, which could be accessed when the creatures were all of the same mind. It was an interesting ability unique to werewolves.  "Lord Pan we did not know it was you. I swear if we had known-"
   "No matter, these things happen," Alexi said trying to cover up the fact he didn't know who Pan was. All he knew was that Pan was something that struck fear into the alpha's heart. He was still getting used to talking as an animal, since it was very different to talking as a boy. As a fox he couldn't because it was a blank animal but whatever he was now had magic running through it's veins. 
   "What can we do to make it up to you my lord. As you well know, we werewolves are rich creatures. Of course it was you who blessed us with the ability to smell jewels deep under the Earth. I offer you any of my pack's possessions as a gift." While the alpha wolf was talking there was a skirmish going on towards the back of the group. A young face had popped up to catch a glimpse of "Pan" but the child was immediately pushed rather forcibly back down with a snarl. There was something unusual about the creature as well, it looked different to the rest of the biomorphs. It was still wolf-like but also more solid in shape, squarer if you like. 
   "Who wishes to look upon the face of Pan," Alexi called a little softer than before. His heart went out to this small creature who clearly wasn't being treated as an equal member of the pack. Something else as well made him feel instantly attached to the creature, he'd have to ask Phoebe about it. 
   "Oh ignore her your grace. She is a foolish mutt not worthy of your concern," the gruff grey she-wolf who had pushed the girl sniffed haughtily. 
   "Are you saying that she was a mistake. For you know I shaped her with my own magic." It was a stretch but the leshy felt it was the right thing to say, Fai was still bewildered but decided to back Alexi up. 
   "Do not disrespect Pan again, or you will face the wrath of him and myself," he snarled making his fur's light burn with an intensity that made the werewolves shy away. They were naturally afraid of fire and the light reminded them of it. 
    "No, no," the alpha assured  hurriedly. "There will be no need of violence. It's just the girl is a bastard, the result of breeding outside the pack and species. Her mother was a whore who forced herself on my son and I was forced to banish him by our laws. It was no fault of yours sir."
   That really made Alexi see red. Language like that used in front of kids back in his village would have warranted a beating. Now he didn't really know what to do so he decided to ignore the alpha and bring the girl to him. 
   "Child come here," he called softly his voice bringing in the sounds of the nicer parts of nature. It sounded like wind through tall grass, rippling water and bird song. 
  The face appeared again looking worried, Fai had no doubt that they intimidated her. "We won't hurt you dear," he told her quietly. She still looked unsure so he sent out a beam of light curling and spiralling round the girl. It had the desired affect and she giggled in delight chasing it over to them. 
   "What is your name pup," Fai asked kindly. She sighed and shook her head which was comically large compared to her body. She was very cute as well as funny, with fuzzy brown fur and wide honey coloured eyes. Her ears were slightly more rounded than a wolf's and it made her look like a teddy bear. 
   "I don't have one," she aid almost in exasperation. That made them both glare at the pack. It was hard to tell how old she was when she was in animal form but Fai reckoned it was at least eight. 
   "Okay, well do you know what you are?" Alexi asked curiously. Fai noticed that he was looking at the girl with a softened expression . He understood, it was difficult for someone hard done by, not to empathise with someone in a similar situation. 
   "I'm a mutt, half werewolf and half Earth bear," she said looking intently at her paws. 
Alexi had no idea what an Earth bear was but Fai did and he was shocked. There were very few of the creatures left, from what he'd heard less than fifty still in the world. They were extraordinary elemental with the power to manipulate the very ground you stood on. As with this girl they were shy and mostly solitary, though in recent times they stuck together for survival. He didn't know what the girl would be capable of but he was sure she could be a powerful ally. It was probably why the wolves were trying to suppress her, they feared her. 
   The alpha was watching them with a smug expression, he clearly had an idea and was very happy with it. "Would you like her," he asked with infinite sliminess. He had seen their interest and thought it was the perfect opportunity to get rid of his problem. 
   It took Alexi aback and made him very angry, though he knew it would not solve anything. He looked down at the nameless girl and thought about it. At the moment he wasn't in much of a position to care for a child but he couldn't just leave her here.  Alexi gave Fai a beseeching look and they spoke in their heads again. "Phoebe will take her," Fai assured Alexi and that was that. 
   "Yes we will take the girl. Say your goodbye's." Nobody said anything so Fai transformed slowly, them picked the bundle of fuzz up. 
   "I'll beam us back if you can handle it," the Illuceo asked cautiously. He was still feeling guilty from the last time he'd taken Alexi for a joyride at light speed. 
   "That's probably for the best," Alexi agreed. 
Then the three shot of back towards the house, leaving confused and shaken wolves in their wake.