Chaos in a Fairy tale

Untitled Episode 2

Lilac

It’s been hours, I’ve been having trouble focusing. I got the commissioned pieces packaged for transportation and loaded into the client's vehicles. I’ve got 3 other projects underway and all I want is to start sketching the woman I saw earlier. The length of her curve of her jawline, the slope of her nose. The way her eyes tilt up just a little at the corner. She was beautiful, her rich brown complexion had a smooth, matte finish that contrasted with the vibrant copper tone of her hair. Her clothes tightly fitted but not painted on, hugged her in a caressing manner, almost like they were made just for her. Don’t misunderstand, I’ve never been attracted to women.

I shake myself to clear away the thoughts. I’ve never seen anyone that looks as amazing as her before. I tell myself I’m just tired. “I need coffee and breakfast. That’ll help clear this brain-fog and get me back on track.” While deciding if I should order delivery or go pick something up, the bell above the front door indicated someone had come in. “I’ll be right with you.” I called out. “No rush.” was the response I received, the voice was male, smooth and deep. I washed my hands to get most of the paint off and grabbed one of my hand towels. I kept nearby to dry my hands as I walked to the front. “Hi, welcome in. Is there something I can do for you?” I ask. When the gentleman turns to face me, I take in his features with slight awe. He’s insanely tall, anywhere from 6’1 to 6’4. Heavily muscled, he looks like he could lift a bus with no effort. He’s ruggedly handsome, rocking a very lumber-jack style. Flannel shirt, with a white tee underneath, fitted jeans. Not tight, but they sit nicely on his hips. Some kinds of boot look military grade. Scruffy beard but not unkept, the most stunning emerald green eyes I’ve ever seen. The silkiest black-brown hair I’ve ever seen, and I yearned for a moment to run my finger through it. I forced myself to focus on his face.

“I’m looking to have a photo album made. I have quite a few pictures that I’d like to add to them, and I’d like some more current pictures added to it as well. I need a few hundred copies,” I hear him say. I’m a little stunned for a moment, but I feel myself nod. “How big a book are you trying to get? Roughly how many pictures will be in it and would you like to be able to add to the album in the future?” My questions seem to give him pause. “Whatever size you think will work best for 4x6 pictures. There are about 300 pictures right now, and I’d like to have probably another 200 taken to add. Yes, I would like to add to them in the future.” I nod to show my understanding. Making mental note of the things that I will need to write down so I don’t later forget. “Do any of the photos need to be touched up, are they discolored or faded or anything like that?” He shook his head. “No, we’ve taken very good care of the pictures. I decided recently that I’d like everyone to have access to them and having multiple copies eliminates the risk of ever losing any of the memories they preserve.”

“Okay, that won’t be a problem. This sounds like a rather large task, it could get costly. The materials for the books and the copies of the photos themselves depend on the exact quantity that you want. Also, we’ll need to arrange times for me to come and take the pictures that you’d like added.” “Cost isn’t an issue. Do whatever needs to be done and send me the invoice.” I nod once more before reaching for an intake form. “I’ll need to collect some information from you. Also, before you worry about any payment due to the size of the book you’d like to make, I want to make a rough copy for you to approve before I start printing and assembling anything. Of course, the first thing we should decide on is a schedule for the additional pictures.” “That’s agreeable, I would like the photos to be taken on our land. We have an event in a few days. We’d like to have you take some pictures during the day.” Something about the way he said that makes me stop and look at him. "I can take pictures as long as you'd like, I'll just take a few breaks in between activities," I state. He cuts me off before I can speak any further. "We have someone who can take the photos later in the night. I wouldn't ask anyone to work longer than maybe 10 hours max. With breaks, of course, food and beverages will be supplied for the events."

Alpha Blake

After picking up my nephew from Lilac, we headed back to the pack lands. I was profoundly relieved when Star called to say that she had found him. I couldn't let myself relax until he was back with us. Whoever had the stupid idea of taking my nephew clearly had a plan. With this happening so close to the warrior selection and pack fortitude events, I don't think it's a coincidence. "Drop me off at the print shop, the one we pass on the way out of town. I'll have the beta to pick me up, and he can bring some materials that I need." "Do you have to? Can't you just call or have someone in the pack do it?" asked my sister. She's still on edge, understanding that for someone to try something so stupid while we're preparing to bolster our warriors means they hoped to slow progress by taking my nephew as a distraction and hostage.

"No, but I'd prefer to get it started. Everyone having to go into the pack library is inconvenient and the more copies we have the less likely that any of those memories will ever be lost. Anything that would give us away will obviously be kept in the packhouse to be dealt with by one of the pack. Outsourcing the bulk of the work allows everyone to focus on the events." Shortly after this exchange, I was dropped in front of a small shop. The front was unremarkable and easily overlooked, but I'd seen some of the work that had been displayed here. I know that the quality of the work is amazing. I walk in, and I'm hit with a sweet and soothing scent that has my wolf pacing in circles. I ask why he's restless, but all I get is a growl in response. The entire time I’m talking to this woman, I’m studying her. She is beautiful, short, maybe 5’7, muscular, but not overly so. Long luxurious honey blonde hair, an ample bust. With a slim waist that leads to the most round, bubbly bottom I’ve ever seen on a human.

The thing is, she doesn’t smell human. Her scent, while entirely pleasant, isn't mortal. While I ponder her genetics, I answer her questions. “Okay, just fill in your contact information on this document and get me the photos that you already have so I can get started with your albums.” I hear her say after I’ve explained what I would expect of her on the day of the event. I hunch over the table that holds the document that she has requested I fill out. While doing so, I informed her that my best friend is on his way with the pictures and will arrive soon. “Is the phone number on the building a good way to reach you? Once I have everything organized, I can text you the address. Also, I have someone on the way with the photos.”