Aiden sighed and looked away. "What do you want me to tell you? That I have nightmares about my dead parents and and wake up shaking every time I try to sleep? I don't." Only once in a while, but Michael didn't need to know that. "So let it go... talking about it won't help. It won't make me a nicer person, if that's what you hope," she said bitterly.

Michael shrugged. "I dont want you to talk about anything, if you dont want to.." He paused. "And I know you wont be a nicer person, that's just not you.." He gave Aiden a little smile.

Aiden's breath hitched and she looked away. "Why do you have to be so goddamn perfect?" She muttered petulantly under her breath, then winced and hoped he hadn't heard her.

For the first time in probably years, Michael laughed. "Perfect?" He chuckled. "I'm far from perfect.." He laughed, but soon stopped and got a serious look. "You think I'm perfect..?" He tilted his head slightly.

A pale rose colour tainted Aiden's cheeks, obvious to those who paid close attention, but that was the only outward sign of her embarassment. "Hardly," she scoffed, doing her best to pretend she'd said no such thing. "Your choice in paramour especially appals me. Your judgement must be severely lacking."

Unfortunately for Aiden, Michael watched her closely to see her reaction. He saw the faint blush. "Hmm.. You're blushing.. I dont think you're such an untouchy, tough person as you want people to think.." He leaned back in the chair, relaxing.

Aiden was at a loss. If she denied it too vehemently, he would think himself right, and she couldn't admit it, because then he would be right, the insufferable bastard. "But like I said, your judgement is severely lacking," she muttered in the end.

---

Kitty entered the church as the sun was rising. She closed the big, heavy door behind her. A priest, one of her dear friends, came over to her. He wanted to escort her to her usual hideout. But she shook her head, smiled and walked over to the altar. There she kneeled and started praying.

Brock walked in, a priest looked at him, unsure of what to make of the man. Brock nodded, than went over to kitty, kneeling down next to her. he admired the art, rather unsure of what to do. he closed his eyes and meditated.

Kitty felt his presence, and finished her prayer. Then she got up, and touched his shoulder. "Come with me.." She said and started walking towards a little, dark brown, door.

Brock got up, cursing himself for trusting this vampire, he figured he could take on two of them... three was pushing it though, he surely would deserve any death she dished out, at this point. Brock followed closely, only slightly distracted form his thoughts, by the gracefull body that moved before him...

Kitty opened the door, and went into the dark room. She lit up candles, and the whole atmosphere changed. The big room had dark walls, you couldnt really make out what color though. Kitty had this as her second room. She enjoyed staying here, more than being at the school. Therefore, this room was very beautifull. It had darkbrown furniture, a big bookshelf and a big old mirror. The table and sofa looked very old, but in extremely good shape. Her big bed was made with textiles that matched the rest of the room. She had a crusifix over the bed. "Come in, I live here sometimes.." Kitty said to the wolf.

Brock walked in, admiring the fine things this vampire had. truth be told he wasn't a fan of crucifixes, they seemed awfully garish... but they did, on occasion, make things more beautiful, brock looked at kitty, unsure of what to think, he did appreciate her trust though, it made him feel more confident... "thank you for trusting me... it really is nice." Brock had pushed all thoughts of killing kitty out of his mind... she was another creature, not an enemy. Brock explored the room, he appreciated the rich dark colors, but wished there were some furs... Brock loved furs, the natural world had so much to offer compared to the fabricated things of the human world....everything with vampires seemed fabricated.

Kitty gave him a nod. "Sit down, please.." She walked over to the sofa. "Do you like tea? I have a fine asian tea.." She walked over to a closet and opened it. It had some shelves, with cups, a teapot and a little box with sugar. "I have to say, sugar, tea and chocolate are three of the best things humans have invented." She smiled.

Brock sat down on the sopha... "umm.. sure, I'll take some tea." brock laid his head back, feeling insanely comfortable on the sofa, he yawned loudly, his eyes growing heavy... he was feeling much too relaxed.

Kitty nodded and brought him a cup, then she disappeared out of the room and came back with the teapot full of hot water. She mixed in some asian tea, and poured some of it into Brocks cup, then she poured some for herself and sat down. She didnt know what to say, so she kept quiet and drank her tea.

Brock stared at her while he drank his tea, he didn't much care for her, but he had no desire to offend her. , Brock blinked slowly, breaking eye contact. "do you take many victims here?"

Kitty blinked. "Victims..?" She looked at him. "Oh.. you mean humans? Well.. I dont like it too much.. I try to survive on the human food. But I have to drink blood some times.. But never here. This is a room in the chuch you know. I dont spill any blood here, never.." she answered honestly.

Brock finished his tea, yawning, and stretching. "so, do you sleep?" he wasn't sure how to broach the subject. he was sleepy, and he wasn't against either sleeping here.. or going home... but maybe he Kitty had an opinion.. why did he care so much about her opinion.. he hadn't given it much thought yet.

"Ofcourse I sleep.." Kitty smiled. "Why are you so friendly? I've never met a wolf with a kind heart...." She admitted.

Brock stood, removing his shirt. "how many have you actually meet kitty?" Brock smiled, pondering for the first time on the fact that her name was kitty, and he was a wolf. with that brock shifted into his wolf form, his jeans falling to the floor. Brock curled up in the bed, looking at kitty.

"Well, enough to have scars from it.." She looked down as he removed the shirt. When she understood that he changed, she looked at him again. She curled up on the bed, some distance away from the wolf.

Brock cocked his head to the side, letting out a curious bark, he nuzzled kittys cold body, dreadfully curious.

Kitty didnt understand, did he want to see the scars? "You want to see them..?" She asked carefully.

brock's wolfish face spread into a smile, his tail wagging slightly. it was all he could do to say yes.

Kitty didnt know. Should she? Why did he want to see them? To see where he could strike..? "Allright, if you change back.. I dont feel comfortable with speaking with a wolf.. no offence..?" She smiled, abit unsure.

Brcok changed into his human form, tired, he looked at kitty, his eyes curious, he sat on her sofa naked, pullin his shirt to rest on his lap, a roguish smile on his face "I think you just find me attractive..."

If Kitty could blush, she would've done it now. But luckily for her, she couldnt since she was practically dead. "I just dont feel comfortable talking to a wolf.." She said calmly, but gave Brock a foolish smile. It was true, she did find the wolf a tiny bit attractive. She knew it was against every rule, but she didnt want to kill this creature anymore. She looked down at the floor. "Mind dressing alittle..?"

Brock rolled his eyes as he stood up, pulling on the pants that were on the floor. "you know, I figured for such terrible killers, you vampires would be a bit more... primal.. I mean, you drink blood!" he smiled though, and sat down on the bed, crossing his legs, and resting his elbows on them. "am I decent mi lady? or shall I put on a shirt to boot?"

"No, that's fine.." Kitty smiled back. "So... why do you want to see my scars..?" She looked at him.

Brock leaned back, looking kitty in the eyes. "each scar has a story, I want to hear one of your stories...." brock put a finger on a small but gnarly scar that rested on his gut, it was grey. "I was stabbed by this elf, with one of their brutal weapons.. I ripped her to peices, but she stuck me good, I walked home, took me a day before the bleeding stopped."

"Eh, sounds nice.." Kitty shivered. "Well.." She pullet her top up and showed him her back. "I was whipped.." She pulled the top back down and turned to him. "This dude, he thought I'd marry him and when I said no, he kidnapped me and whipped me untill I fainted.." She remembered the pain. It was before she was turned into a vampire. "But, you wanted to see the scars after the wolves.. didnt you?"

Brock looked at the scars, it was strange to think of a vampire as helpless... but she was human than. "yes, the scars from wolves." he had seen scars that elk and other animals carried after being attacked, but not taken down by a wolf... many of them died fromt he infection alone, some of them never seemed the same again.

Kitty pulled her top up again, and four long, big scars appeared. "Heh..." She said. they were very long, all over her tummy. "My guts fell out....."

Brock got off the bed, walking up to kitty, he knelt down, placing his fingers over the lines, and raking, following the attack of the werewolf that did this.... "he was quite the beast..." Brock looked up at kitty. "than what did you do? to defeat him?"

"I.." She wasnt sure she should tell. What if the wolf were one of his? "I used my spear, stabbed him several times.. He didnt die, so.. I slit his throat, so that he wouldnt suffer.."

Brock looked at kitty, he seemed perplexed, but slowly a smile broke on his face, and he through his head back, laughing with his whole body, he sat down on the bed, holding his sides as he continued laughing, tears streaming down his eyes, oh the humor, this vampire, after having her guts ripped out, killed the beast werewolf quickly, so it wouldnt suffer, oh how it made him laugh. if it was true, than he genuinley felt sorry for her.. she cared to much, if she was lieing, well why would she lie to him?

"What?!" Kitty looked at him. "What's so damn funny?" She sounded abit angry. "It wasnt funny!" She got up and pulled her top down.

Brock stopped laughing, he was grinning ear to ear though, he did regret her top coming down, he was so attractive, her skin like porcelin... he looked at her though. "if vampire got a hold of me, and ripped out a part of me... I would kill him quickly, destroy him... but not because I dont want him to suffer, because I want him to die." Brock stood up coming closer to kitty. "you know, lions, when they take down their prey, some times they start eating before the animal dies... it seems cruel, but their meal can no longer hurt them... so why kill it?" Brock moved closer pointing to a scar on his chest. "I was young, and I fought a vampire, she was young too, but she had me beaten, almost... I still remember her cold hands ripping into my chest.... but you know what?.." brock stared into kittys eyes... "I had never felt more alive... she died quickly, I felt a surge of power I had never felt before... and she broke, just broke." Brock sat down looking very serious. "I laughed, because I think worrying about your enemy, is a waste of energy, do we have the luxury kitty?"

Kitty got scared as he moved close, and kept her mouth shut untill he sat down. "You're here to kill me, arent you?" She asked after he had finished. She didnt know what to do now, she had no weapons and a wolf his size would kill her very easily. "If you are, I beg you to do it some other place than here.." Her voice was thin, she was so scared now.

Brock felt hurt.. he wasn't sure why, but he felt very hurt... he trusted her, but she didn't trust him? why on earth not.... "kitty, I dont know how to exlain this to you, but if I had wanted to kill you, you would be dead while you were in my territory.... I would have finished it than." Brock could feel his blood calling to hers, it wanted her, and not in a violent way... it wanted the closeness, it was singing when he was just inches away, and now it was rushing for that sense of closeness again, brock focused himself, he was physically and emotionaly exhausted...."would you like me to go?"

"No.. dont go." Kitty answered. "I dont know, I feel so weird. This is so wrong!" She took a few steps away. "I want you here, but you're the kind I'm trained to kill.." She stopped. What should she say..?

"calm down." Brock was sitting back on the bed, she seemed panicked. "look kitty, it's going to be okay. there aren't actual rules about doing anything with anyone.... it's never come up before. but, I dont know about you, I need my rest. I'll sleep on the sofa?" it was a strange thing to ask, back home he would have taken any woman and pulled her into his bed with him....now he was content to sleep on the sofa.....

Kitty nodded. "Ok.. I guess I can sleep alittle. I need it.." She crawled into her bed before the wolf has gotten the chance to get away. "Here.." She gave him some of the many pillows.

Brock took the pillows, moving to the sofa, he shifted into wolf form, leaving his pants on the floor. he jumped onto the sopha, going in circles for a time, before curling into a tight ball.

Kitty couldnt sleep. She just looked at the ceiling. After a few hours she closed her eyes, they were sore. She felt so tired, but couldnt sleep. She turned to her side, looking at the cold tea on the table and the sleeping creature on her sofa.

Brock couldn't sleep, his ears were sensitve, he could hear her moving, constantly, he even heard her eyes blink.... oh why this? Brock jumped onto her bed, shifting into human form mid jump, the lights were off, no harm in that. Brock sat on her bed. "can't sleep?"

Kitty could see him better than he might think, since she was a vampire. But she decided not to say anything. "No.." She sat up. "I dont know why, I usually fall asleep quickly.." She folded her hands, not to pray though. "How about you? Couldnt sleep either?"

"no, couldn't" Brock didn't want to mention that maybe kitty was moving around too much to sleep... and maybe he did feel weird, sleeping with a vampire right there. "I ussually dont sleep alone... maybe it's that." Brock propped his back against the bed post, looking down at kitty. "whats stopping you from sleeping? is it the wolf at the foot of your bed?"

"Uhm, maybe.." she admitted. "I'm used to having a whole room to myself.." She said thoughtfully. "Well, I've had another vampire there, he visits me from time to time. But he usually leaves within a few hours.." Kitty was talking about Michael, but Brock couldnt possibly know that.

Brock could feel the hairs on the back of his neck rise, the thought of another vampire coming in here did nothing for his mood. his voice was stealy, and hard "what are the chances of another vampire just walking into here?"

"No! Not here.." Kitty sat up. "He doesnt even know of this room. He visits me in my room at the school.." She actually took the wolves hand in hers. "Noone knows of this room, except you, me and the priests.." She said softly. Then she understood what she was doing, and quickly let go of his hand.

when she touched his hand, his temperature rose a few degrees, his heart beat quickened, his muscles flexed, it was a crazy combination of rage and excitement... she was gorgeous in thie dark room, her pale skin almost glowing, she was gorgeous in the way that every woman is gorgeous to a man, right when he wants her, he didn't even realize it, his hand held onto hers, they were smaller than his, tender hands... yet he knew they were the hands of a killer... as quickly as they came, they left, her hands were gone. Brock broke down what she said insanely stricken... he crawled up the bed, sitting next to kitty. because he wanted to, but also... because he felt it nesesary. "are you telling me you have taken me into your sanctum?"

Kitty looked down, like she was ashamed. "I dont know why I showed you this room, but it felt right.." She almost whispered. "This is my sanctuary.." She nodded after a pause. "ha...have I done something wrong?" She asked, her voice weak.

Brock avoided looking down at her... he was a natural thing and natural things had a tendency to do what they wanted... and she was what he wanted to do. Brock stared ahead, thoughtfully. "I dont know. if you have some kind of.... underhanded goal, I can't see it. you've been stupid, but I wont kill you." Brock looked down at kitty. "does it strike you as odd that your at war with the humans, yet you live amongst them? if you win, will you let the good priests live?"

She knew she had been stupid. Shit, what had she done? She looked at the wolf, then at everything else. "I dont want to kill a man of God.." she said weakly. "And the fact that I've been stupid enough to let a wolf into my sanctuary, well.. That's more than enough to go kill myself.. I'm a worthless vampire.." She sighed deeply.

"I heard somone say that you couldn't measure the worth of a person...." Brock pulled a blanket to cover his groin. "I dont know if you can measure the worth of a vampire, or a wolf...I suspect you can't though. so dont try to." Brock looked down at kitty "for what it's worth, your very beautiful. and I wont kill you, or the preists... id much prefer this whole thing was over." brock had felt this way for a time... but not as strongly as he felt it just than, looking down at her.

"Yeah, peace." Kitty nodded. "That would be great.. not being afraid that you'd get killed when you walked in the streets.. And to be able to speak with others, like we do.. it's rare.." She yawned.

Brock stared off... his body radiated warmth as he though, he could feel kittys chilled skin, it radiated out of her. "fire and ice..." brock looked down at kitty. "what about the elves? I haven't even seen them.. for a very very long time."

"I havent seen them since.." She tried to think. "I saw one elf once, a years after I was reborn.." Kitty remembered. "She..hmm.. shorter than I thought, really.." She nodded to herself.

Brock looked down at kitty. "depending on my mood, everything is tiny to me.." he smiled at the little joke... felt awfully clever. "I need to go though. "Brock leaned down and kissed kittys forhead, he jumped off of the bed, pulling on his pants.

"Why?" She got up. "It's still daytime..Dont you find the sun abit....annoying?" Kitty walked over to the door and peeked out. "You cant go out now, there are too many people in the church." She said and closed the door.

Brock rolled his eyes " why would I find the sun annoying? im not a vampire." He looked down at kitty, she was tiny... "why can't I leave?? too many people? it's a church, I could pass off as a worshipper..." as he said this he realized he did not look much like a worshipper.... and would scare most of the patrons.... but sitll. "so, what do you suggest i do here?"

"Because if they see you coming out of this door, the priests will start asking me questions.." Kitty said calmly. "I dont know what you can do. Sleep?"

Brock shrugged, he was very tired at this point, and did not feel like putting up a fight... he climbed into the bed, pulling the covers up to his neck, he closed his eyes, mumbling gently before sleep took him. "afraid they might think we are sleeping together?".. with that e started snoring gently.

"Yeah.." Kitty said in a whisper. She sighed. That wolf, why did he make her so weird inside? She had not felt like this since before she had been reborn. Kitty sat down on the bedside, thinking back. That man that had made her feel so strange. He had been very handsome, halflong dark hair, clothes of a gentleman. She smiled slightly. This wolf did look alittle handsome, but in another way than the human she had once fell for. Kitty looked at the sleeping wolf, took a deep breath and lied down next to him. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep.

Brock slept soundly, waking only a short time, he noticed the sleeping form next to him, he was strangely comforted, and slept much better. once the sun came down, Brock rose from his sleep, and dressed, preparing to leave.

Kitty woke up. She stretched and sat up. "Leaving?" She watched the wolf dress.

Brock couldn't help but want to hold her, as she stretched, it taunted him. Brock nodded. "I have things to take care of, a pack that needs tending..." He buttoned up his shirt, looking at kitty. "would you like to see me again?"

She nodded carefully. "I guess.." Kitty gave the wolf a smile. "When will I see you again?" She looked at Brock. She really did find him attractive. Kitty got out of her bed, not sure what she should do.

"I'll see you when I see you. I'll leave a message in the church." Brock looked back at kitty, she was standing, on politness he was sure, that vampires, although terribly cruel, would do something like stand to be polite... but kitty was different, so he was sure there was something he was missing... brock walked over, and gently cautiously, gave her a hug, after all he touched her when he was in wolf form, why not now?

First Kitty didnt know how to respond, but she hugged him back. She gently let her fingers run through his hair. So close, she could feel his heartbeats. She closed her eyes, to feel him even more.

Brock's blood was rushing, he could feel himself losing concentration, he ended the hug as best he could, his heart beating wildly. "I'll see you in the morning..." with that brock left out of the door. the sun was just barely setting outside, and he had to see if his pack mate jason had completed the task... he began sniffing the air, getting a lock on his scent... kitty still fresh in his mind.

After Brock left, Kitty sat on her bed for quite a while. Then she changed clothes, and went out to have a late tea with the priests. After the tea she headed out to hunt. The wolf kept popping up in her mind, making her unconcentrated. She was about to jump from one building to another, when she encountered Jason. He stared at the vampire, smelling his King on her. Had she killed him? Jason grabbed Kitty second before she jumped and pinned her to the roof. She tried to get away, but the wolf was too strong for her. Jason felt the scent of the King very strongly. "I'll take you back to my King." He hoped Brock had managed to get back to the school. In a tight grip Jason led Kitty back to the werewolf school.

---

Jason had been trying to find the human Brock had talked about. But now the sun was up, and he was getting tired. He walked into some sort of diner. He saw a little table by the window, with only one chair. Jason sat down, feeling pretty hungry. Human-food wasnt too bad, maybe the sweet waitress noticed him quickly and gave him something to eat...

Marina saw the new customer out of the corner of her eye, and she hurried over once she'd finished serving the people on the table she was currently busy with. "Hello, may I take your order?" She asked sweetly, gracing Jason with one of her polite "work-smiles".

Jason looked up at her, smiling. "Something meaty.." He grinned, his dark eyes searching hers. "I'll have a big sandwich, with chicken, a big coke and..hmm...." He looked like he was thinking. "Something sweet for dessert.." He gave her a wink.

"How about I get you your sandwich and coke, and I can bring along the dessert menu later?" Marina smiled and quickly jotted down his order.

The wolf nodded. "That sounds great, sweety.." He smiled to Marina. Then he let his fingers run through his dark hair, stretched and yawned.

"Long day?" Marina asked sympathetically as she finished noting down the order.

"Long night.." Jason sighed. "The day wont be too long though.." He gave her a smile. "I work nightshifts at the old museum, a guard.." He lied so good he almost believed it himself.

"That sounds hard, working nights like that. I could never do it, I need my beauty sleep," she laughed and looked down at the order. "But I'll get your sandwich and coke, be back in a minute."

"You dont need anything to look beautiful.." Jason smiled to her and nodded. "Yeah, breakfast..." He said, feeling very hungry, almost too hungry.

Marina got comments like that all the time from drunk customers, so she just laughed it off and went to the kitchen to inform the chef of the order. Then she took the order of another table and went back to Jason with his meal once it was finished. "Here you go, a chicken sandwich and a large coke," she smiled, putting down the meal in front of him.

"Thank you, miss.." He looked at her. "What is you name..?" He said, and took a sip of the coke.

"Marina," she smiled, willing to indulge him for a moment, as it was rather quiet and not very many customers.

"Go get yourself something to drink, on me.." Jason gave her a flirting look. "If you want to, ofcourse.."

Marina laughed and went to the bar, then came back with a small glass of iced tea. "Thank you," she smiled, and, feeling presumptious, not to mention tired from being on her feet for quite some time, she sat down in the chair across from Jason.

"Tell me abit about yourself.." Jason said, friendly. He kinda liked this human. Maybe she'd be a good meal..dinner. Afterall his King had told him to bring back something tasty for dinner.

Marina laughed lightly. "Not much to tell," she admitted truthfully. "Country gal, now making my way in the city by juggling two jobs," she shrugged. "How about yourself then, Mr. Museum-guard?"

"As I said, I'm a nightguard at the old museum. A pretty boring job to be honest. All I do is walk the halls all night...." Jason admitted. "Grew up here.." He smiled and took a bite of his sandwich.

Marina smiled wistfully. "It sounds a whole lot better than serving rude customers all day, that's for sure. But do you spend all day sleeping then?"

"Mostly, sleeping and eating.." Jason smiled. "Great sandwich, give my regards to whoever made it." He took another big bite.

"I'll tell Ned," Marina smiled. "He always loves it when peope compliment his cooking. He's really very talented, completely wasted on this place," she shook her head a little, lost in her own thoughts for a moment.

"Then why dont you guys just cooperate and open a fancy restaurant?" Jason asked simply. It couldnt be that hard...? He finished the sandwich and drank some more coke.

Marina laughed loudly. "Oh yes, why didn't we think of that?" She shook her head merrily. "Oh no, with all the capital and permits needed for such a venture, it will more than likely never rise above the dream stage."

"I see.." Jason said thoughtfully. "I wonder why most people give up their dreams so easily these days.." He said, mostly to himself.

"It's easier," Marina smiled and shrugged. She hadn't given up on her dreams, but she didn't speak much about them either, knowing from experience that it made the disappointment greater if they didn't get fulfilled. Instead she kept them to herself and daydreamed to her heart's content.

"Yeah, but still.. dreams are made for reality, in the end.." Jason didnt understand her. "I dont understand, really.." He had allways believed life was pretty simple.

"What don't you understand?" Marina cocked her head to the side and looked questioningly at him.

"Well, I believe life can be as simple as you want it to be.. you understand?" He drank the rest of the coke and leaned back.

Marina shook her head. "Life is never as simple as you want it to be when other people and their emotions and decisions feature into the equation," she argued, sipping her iced tea.

"My life is, I dont have any other people.." Jason said and closed his eyes for a second. "So, how much did the meal cost?" He opened his eyes and looked at her.

Marina looked pityingly at him, before getting to her feet. She mentioned the price and started clearing away his empty plate and glass.

He payed her and got up. "Thank you,Marina. I'll come back tomorrow." He gave her a smile and left the diner. Then he hid in a dark alley not far from it, to wait. He wanted to see where she lived, and when she left work.

Marina worked hard the rest of the evening, and when her shift was over she said goodbye to Ned the chef and to the bartender before putting on her jacket and her scarf and grabbing her purse from behind the bar. She headed outside and walked quickly in the direction of her small loft.

Jason followed her, still in his wolf form. He stopped in the shadows when he had gotten too close, and trotted after her like a stray dog when she was some metres away.

Marina felt uneasy on her way home for some unknown reason, she she hurried even more. When she got to her building she fumbled with the keys and almost lost them in her hurry to get inside. Once the managed to get the door open, she quickly closed it behind her and breathed a sigh of relief before checking the mail and heading up the stairs to her loft apartment.

Jason stopped outside her door. Perfect, now he knew wich building she lived. He then remembered the job the King had given him. Find the human with the same necklace as mine.. Jason nodded to himself. He could give it one more try, before he headed back to the school.

---

Kamara looked around. So many people, and so much noise! She looked at Evel. "How can you live like this?"

"What do you mean?" he didn't quite get i. As far as e was concerned, it was still pretty quiet.

"It's so noisy! Cant you hear it?" Kamara wanted to cover her ears.

"I guess you get used to it.. it's a lot worse where I live. But maybe you don't find it so strange that I was just walking in the forest anymore? It's nice to get away from this stress once in a while."

"I understand you better now, yes." Kamara said and looked around. She saw a boy eating a hotdog. "What's he eating?" She pointed at the guy. "It looks so weird! And why all that blood on it?!"

"Don't point at people, please.. and it's a hotdog. The 'blood' is ketchup, made of tomatoes. Oh.. and hotdog desn't have anything with dog to do."

"hot..dog?" Kamara raised her eyebrows. "Why is it called that? What does it taste?" She watched the guy eat the hotdog. "Canm I have one of those?" She smiled to Evel. "Do we have to trade something for the food, like we do in the village?" She picked up a little mirror. "You think he wants this..?"

"No, I think he wants money" Evel smiled amused. "I'll go get one for you." He went over and bought a hotdog.

Kamara nodded and waited. When Evel came back she took a little bite of the hotdog. She chewed it slowly, it tasted so strange! but good. "Wow!" Kamara smiled wide. "I think I can deal with being 'human' for some hours! Your food's great!"

Evel grinned some. "Not really.. it's not healthy."

---

The next day Marina had the day off, and once she'd eaten breakfast she headed out to do some grocery shopping. It was a lovely morning, crisp and cold, but with rays of sunshine dancing over any convenient surface. Marina made her way to her local grocer and grabbed a basket as she entered the door, heading for the fruit and vegetables section.

Jason followed her, but kept his distance. As she entered the store, he gracefully managed to get past her and into the store before her. He stood there, pretending not to know wich apple to choose. Jason had one red one in his left and a green one in his right hand. He wanted to see if the human recognized him.

Marina grabbed a basket from the stack and headed leisurely for the fruit and greens section, looking at the different vegetables to try and decide what she wanted for dinner. She noticed Jason standing with his back to her and recognized him instantly. She was in a good mood, and feeling playful she snuck up behind him and, looking over his shoulder, commented: "I'd go with the red one, they're sweeter."

Jason smiled to himself, what a stupid human. He turned his head. "Oh! Hi!" He said cheerfully. "Thanks for the tip." He put some of the red apples in a bag and turned to Marina. "Hello, Marina.." He gave her a bright smile.

She smiled back, pleased that he remembered her. "Hello yourself. Did you just come off work?"

"Yeah, quiet night.." Jason lied, smiling. "Very boring.." He yawned. "So, now it's breakfast and then bedtime..heh."

Marina laughed. "Then I won't keep you any longer, you must be tired," she said sympathetically.

"No no, dont worry." Jason smiled to Marina. "I still have to get some stuff. wanna shop together?" He grinned and walked over to the oranges.

"How very domestic," Marina commented with a laugh, but followed readily. She picked up some bananas on the way and put them into her basket.

Jason laughed and went over to a shelf with some soups and sauces. He picked out a mushroomsoup and a couple of meatsauces. "Yum..dinner.." He mumbled, so Marina could hear him. "I think I need some meat and rice.."

Marina was reminded of her quest to find an acceptable dinner vegetable, and she looked back towards that section. "Ah, yes, dinner," she said absentmindedly, mentally going through her list of options. "I'm just going to pick up some vegetables," she smiled at Jason and headed back to the fruits and greens section, and deftly picked out an eggplant, some onions, a garlic, a couple of tomatoes and some salad. Nodding a little to herself she walked back towards Jason.

Jason was finding some rice and meat while Marina was getting her vegetables. He watched the gracefull human as she walked over to him. Oh, how good it would feel to rip her to shreds and taste her blood. He gave her a smile.

She caught up with him by the meats and picked up some ground beef to put in her basket. "Is this your local grocery store?" Marina asked, trying to make conversation.

"Yeah, I usually do my groceryshopping here.." Jason nodded. "What about you?" He looked at Marina as he walked slowly over to the milk.

Marina nodded and picked some sour-cream off the shelf as they passed. "I live right around the corner, so it's very convenient."

Jason gave her a nod. "I see, house or apartment?" He smiled. "You can learn so much about a person just by knowing how they live.." He gave her a little wink.

Marina laughed. "A small loft. And what can you glean from that information?" She smiled mischievously.

"Hmm. you're hardworking, maybe student?" Jason smiled. "You love to be free, and traveling's something you find fun..?" He said to Marina. "And maybe you're more outside, than home.."

Marina looked surprised for a moment. "Very impressive," she laughed. "Though I'm not a student," she added as an afterthought.

"Oh well, I cant be right on everything.." He grinned. "Now you try, I live in an apartment, 4th floor. One bedroom, a livingroom and kitchen in the same room.. not very big, but big enough for me.. Tell me about me." Jason smiled and reached for some milk.

Marina looked thoughtful for a moment. "Clearly you are an FBI agent, working undercover as a museum guard to catch a secret society of thieves specialising in ancient artifacts," she said with mock seriousness.

"Oh crap, you're good.." Jason said, totally serious. He didnt show any emotions. He wanted to see if she believed she was right, or if she was smart enough to understand he joked.

Marina laughed. "Does this mean you have to kill me to keep the secret?" She gasped, putting her hand to her chest in a very dramatic show of feigned fear.

"Nah, I'll just have to kidnap you and put you in one of my holdingcells.." Jason laughed as he tried to find his wallet. He was done 'shopping', he wanted to find that damn necklace! Hmm, maybe this female knew about it...

"Holdingcells? In an apartment of two rooms?" Marina shook her head, grinning. She had long since gotten everything she'd wanted, so now that her companion looked to be finished as well, she glanced towards the cashiers to see which queue was shorter.

"Well, I have secret rooms.." Jason smiled and walked over to the first queue he saw. He didnt bother with finding the shortest, they allways seemed short but usually were the slowest.

Benjamin rushed through the streets, angry at himself for sleeping past his alarm again. I'm going to be late for work again, they're going to fire me for sure. he thought miserably as he hurried round a corner and skidded to a halt in front of the small grocery store. It was always his job to pick up snacks and drinks for the other mechanics, so maybe if he picked some up before he went to work he could use that as an excuse. He hurried inside, a disgusted looking woman staring at the oily work overalls he was wearing over his clothes, his necklace tucked under his tshirt. Benjamin rolled his eyes and hurried through the store, picking up various different bags of food.

Marina followed Jason to the line and stood behind him, holding her basket with both hands. "All those secrets... must be hard to keep track of them at all times," she smiled.

Benjamin finally grabbed the last packet of food then hurried to the queue. He groaned loudly when he saw that there was no free cash registers. He kept glancing at his watch every few seconds, hoping that the speed of the queue would suddenly pick up. "Come on..." he muttered to himself.

"Yeah.." He grinned. Jason heard the other human. "In a rush?" He asked the male behind them, looking at him. He glanced at something shiny at the humans neck. "You have alot of groceries? If not, I guess we can let you go first.."

Marina looked back to see who Jason was talking to and instantly recognized Benjamin. "Oh, hello!" She smiled at him. "You stood me up for our 'date' yesterday morning," she said teasingly, referring to their conversation about him coming in to buy his breakfast at the bakery she worked.

"Yeah i'm in a major rush..i'm late for work. Thanks a lot for this..." Benjamin said as he slipped in in front of Jason. He smiled suddenly when he saw Marina. "Sorry about that, but I had the weirdest night, the night before last. You wouldn't believe me if I told you, I hardly believe it myself now I think of it." he said then laughed slightly. He quickly set his groceries down on the counter then pulled his wallet from the breastpocket of his shirt, his thumb catching on the chain of his necklace with the two rings on it and pulling it out for all to see.

Jasons eyes narrowed. The necklace! He couldnt let that human leave without him knowing where. "OH?" He said friendly. "Then why are you buying food now? Lot's of people to feed?" He smiled to the boy.

Benjamin smiled and scratched his head. "Well I thought if I bought the other mechanics some snacks they might not be so mad at me...and I could use the excuse that I would have been on time but the queue for the grocery store was miles long." he said then laughed as his food was bagged.

"I see. Well, those mechanics arent the best dudes to be enemy with." Jason smiled friendly. "I hope they're not too mad at you when they see you." He said to the boy. He payed for his groceries and waited for Marina to be done. "Where are you heading? Maybe we're going the same way?"

Marina paid for her groceries and bagged them, watching the exchange between the two men.

"I'm going to Gibson Avenue, it's a few streets from here." Benjamin replied after he had paid for his food and lifted the bag away from the counter. He set it by his feet on the ground then returned his wallet to his pocket and when he realised his necklace was in view, tucked it away under his shirt before lifting his groceries back into his arms.

"Sounds like we're going the same way! I live just a few blocks from there.." Jason nodded with a smile. He knew he was going to get that necklace, or maybe he could just kidnap the boy. He gave Marina a smile. "I guess I'll see you later. I have to get home now.."

"Yeah it was great seeing you again." Benjamin said smiling warmly at Marina. "I'll come visit you again in the bakery as soon as I can. But for now, I gotta go, i'm so late, i'm sure to get fired." he smiled once more and gave a small wave then hurried towards the exit where he paused for Jason to join him.

Marina waved both boys goodbye, before heading in the opposite direction, back to her own place.

Jason walked with the human who had the necklace he was looking for. He smiled as he said. "Poor you, work now.. I'm happy I work at night, less people... and less people who'll be mad at me for being late.." He joked.

Benjamin walked quickly, his bag of groceries held tightly in his arms. "You work at night? I couldn't do that...I enjoy my sleep to much." he said then laughed.

"As a museumguard, I have to.." Jason sounded abit annoyed. "But it's easy money.." He grinned. "Well, here I live.." Jason said as they walked towards a big brickbuilding. It looked nice, no fancy, but it was nice. "Maybe I'll see you again sometime, good luck at work today!" He smiled and slowly walked up the stairs to the front door.

"See ya." Benjamin replied with a wave before hurrying on towards his work. He turned quickly down an alleyway, knowing that it would lead to the street his work was on. Suddenly the bottom of his grocery bag split and the food spilled out everywhere. "Oh no..." he groaned as he hurried round trying to pick it all up.

As soon as the boy was out of sight, Jason walked down the stairs again. He went into a dark alley a threw away the groceries. A old, poor man saw it and hurried to pick them up, blessed Jason as he picked up the food. Jason ignored him and hurried after the human. He made sure the boy didnt see him, as he followed him,

I have the worst luck...Benjamin thought miserably to himself as he knelt down to pick up some more packets of food. "At this rate i'm never going to make it to work..." he grumbled to himself not anywhere of anyone approaching.

Jason stopped in a dark alley not far from the boy. He narrowed his eyes, waiting for the clumsy human to pick up his stuff and keep on walking. Jason could smell the boys misery, he could see alittle of the necklace. He waited patiently, this was a catch he couldnt let get away.

Finally with his arms full of food, Benjamin stood and carried on down the alleyway towards his work. He began humming a soft tune to himself as he tried not to think about the conversation that was soon going to happen between himself and his boss.

Jason grinned to himself as he kept following the human. He felt tired, hopefully there was some place he could sleep while he waited for the boy. After the male was done working, Jason would try to get the necklace. He needed that necklace.

Benjamin finally made it to work and as expected was shouted at by the boss and was warned that if it happened again he would lose his job. He spent the rest of his shift working on cars whilst the others snacked on the food he had brought. Finally the boss declared that it was shutting up time and Benjamin hurriedly packed away his tools then said farewell to everyone. He pulled his jacket tightly round him as he stepped out into the cold evening air and glanced up at the setting sun. I'm glad that days over. he thought to himself as he began the long walk home.

Jason had changed to his wolfform and were sleeping when the boy came out. He woke up quickly, and changed back to his human form, without anyone seeing him. He silently followed the male back to his house.

Benjamin yawned as he walked feeling relieved when after about fifteen minutes he saw his apartment building. He fished his keys out of his pocket then proceeded up the steps to the front door where he slowly opened the door and stepped inside. Thank goodness I have the day off tomorrow. he thought happily to himself.

Jason nodded to himself. Maybe he could change and go for a stray dog? He could look alittle like a big, thin dog. He changed, his blackblue fur shining in the light from the moon. He rolled in some dirt, to make himself look really terrible. Then he started limping over to the boy, whining and looking awfull.

Benjamin stopped halfway through the door and glanced over his shoulder, curious as to what was making the whining sound. When he saw the dog he turned and approached it slowly, feeling very sorry for it. He stretched his hand out slowly towards it, gauging its reaction to having a human try and stroke it. "Good dog..." he said to Jason. "You hungry?"

The dog lifted its right front leg, and waved its tail. He seemed happy that someone actually cared. It barked happy a few times. Jason knew to himself that if that human let him in, he'd get that necklace for sure!

Benjamin smiled and ruffled the hairs on the top of the dogs head. "Thats a good dog." he said encouragingly to the animal. "I'm not supposed to have animals in the building..." he said glancing up at the apartments. "...but I guess if its only for a little while it won't matter." Benjamin had always had a soft spot for stray animals, and was always scolded for bringing animals into the orphanage when he was younger. He patted his pockets looking for the bar of chocolate he had saved for later then pulled it from his pocket and opened it. "Come on..." he said holding it out to the dog as he slowly walked towards the door to the apartments. "I'll get you some food and somewhere warm for you to sleep tonight."

Jason sniffed the chocolate, it smelled awfull! So sweet, he felt sick. But he looked like he really wanted it. He wagged his tail, following the boy. He still limped, but not too much. He didnt want to be sent to the vet.

Benjamin slowly walked through the door then when the dog had entered after him he closed it quietly. "This way." he said still holding the chocolate out towards Jason as he now began to walk up the staircase to his apartment. When he finally reached his door he unlocked it quickly, then entered the apartment still trying to coax the dog inside. "Theres a good dog." he said with a friendly tone. "I should have some tasty leftovers for you and a few warm blankets that you can curl up on for tonight."