A Lone Wolf

pre-game

I heard my parents leave for work and burrowed further down into my bed. I hadn't gotten home until 4:00am Sunday morning, then last night had been disturbed and I was not ready to get up just yet.

The few hours of sleep I had were restless, filled with that same dream of the grey wolf. I had to wonder now what it meant.

In my dream, the wolf drew me in, his yellow eyes changing to a pale, shimmering blue both drawing me in yet frightening, savage. I'd have to ask Ady about that; I'd left last night feeling overwhelmed and a bit hurt but the fact was that he was the one person who could give me answers. I sure as hell wasn't going to ask my parents.

Luci appeared to be snoozing as well so I closed my eyes and allowed myself to sink into sleep for a while longer.

"Wake up Della," Luci's voice purred in my head, "he's waiting for you."

"What are you talking about?" I grumbled, snuggling further down.

The sun was high through the curtains but I didn't care, I was tired.

"Up!" She insisted sharply. I groaned, swinging my legs over the side of the bed, catching my reflection in my full length mirror. Ugh!

My hair was standing out from my head in mangled Tufts, my makeup smeared over my face.

Luci giggled in my mind, "you might need to tidy yourself up,"

I sighed and nodded before standing up, my little satin slip falling to my mid thigh. I wandered into my ensuite and dragged a brush through my hair, scrubbing my face with my makeup wipes until I looked vaguely human though my mouth still felt like the bottom of a parrot cage.

I grabbed my toothbrush, brutally cleaning my whole mouth with the strong, minty paste before using cold water to splash my face.

Feeling slightly more alive, I took my matching satin robe from behind the door, slipping it over my shoulders, and padded down to the kitchen to put on the kettle.

"He's outside" Luci said simply.

"What? Who?" I grumbled. "You're a bit of a pest Luci, you know that?"

"The handsome hunter!" She squealed like a schoolgirl, "go get him!"

" I thought wolves were meant to only want their magically fated doodah" I said, puzzled by her apparent glee.

I felt her grow serious, feeling a little bit guilty.

"Mate will come when it's time," she said, " it may be a long time and we can't be alone all that while Della; we have needs same as humans, wolves don't do well alone,"

I could feel her sadness as she finished. Feeling guilty, I walked to the door, turning the iron handle and peeked out.

As she had predicted, a large, black truck was stood opposite the house, its driver staring up at my window. I sighed and shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest.

Noticing the movement, his eyes found mine and I jerked my head towards the house. He grinned, unfolding himself from the cab of his truck with surprising grace for such a large man, picking up a box as he exited.

I had to admit, my mouth watered a bit at the tight, black t-shirt and jeans combo, his golden hair swept back into a messy ponytail, showing off that jawline and the scar running through it.

"There's my girl, happy Monday" he smiled as he walked towards me, taking my hand and kissing it gently.

I sighed and pulled him towards the house. "Come on then," I said as he tagged behind, " you'd best come in before the neighbors think you're a stalker,"

He followed willingly, I could feel his eyes on me as I took him into the kitchen. In my bare feet, I was conscious of the height difference between us. Turning around, coming nose to n****e with this behemoth, I tilted my head back.

"Coffee?" I asked

" I thought you were a tea girl," he responded. I shook my head.

"I like both but today I'm tired because a stalker kept me up most of the night Saturday."

"Coffee it is then, " he smirked.

He watched me as I padded around making the coffee and my breakfast before grabbing it and heading into the garden where we sat at the table.

"This is beautiful," he said looking around. We were sat on a sheltered patio with the large lawns stretching away from us, edged with burgeoning flower borders, carefully planted to have blooms for most of the year. The large koi pond was backed by a rockery where a waterfall cascaded into it, the flowing water mixing with birdsong. I loved our garden and smiled happily at the compliment.

"I love this garden," I said, "my dad did it all himself."

"Wow, that must have taken years," he breathed. I just nodded and started eating my yogurt hungrily, basking in the spring sunshine. Once I was fed, I wrapped myself around my cup and looked at him questioningly.

His piercing blue eyes were intent on me as he sipped his drink. I raised an eyebrow to signal that I needed to know the reason for his visit.

He sighed.

"I didn't know if you'd see me after.....you know," he began, a blush creeping up his muscled neck.

I tilted my head for him to continue, offering no supplement to the conversation.

"But there were things I forgot to tell you, there was so much to explain and we got distracted...." He blushed deeper. Part of me wanted to let him wallow in the embarrassment but I decided to take pity on him.

"It's ok, I was pretty overwhelmed with everything and I might have been a little oversensitive," I admitted, "but please be truthful, do you have a partner?"

"Oh god no!" He exclaimed. "I did, I have had for several years but that's dead and buried after she banged half the guild trying to creep up the ranks" he winced. Clearly a sore subject. I just nodded and waited.

"And you've not seen her since?" I prompted.

He looked instantly uncomfortable.

"Not by choice," he muttered, "she turned up uninvited this morning, demanding that I take her to the guild ball tomorrow night." He wrinkled his nose.

"Oh-kay," I said slowly

"I might have told her that I already have a date...." He grinned nervously.

I felt my eyebrows shoot up.

"Would you, I mean, can I ask you if you would mind being my date?" He was now a deep shade of crimson and taking a course in deep coffee study trying to hide his nervousness.

"You want to take a wolf to a Hunter's ball?" I asked, c*****g my eyebrow.

"We're not a bad bunch generally but I can hide your scent if you'd like," he pleaded.

I sighed and relented.

"Fine, fine, after the last few days I suppose life can't get much weirder," I grumbled, "ok Mr Hunter, you have a date,"

His eyes lit up and he beamed at me like he'd just won the lottery.

"Can I pick you up at eight?" He asked, "wait, do you have a gown? Oh, and I got you something useful, open it later" he thrust the box at me awkwardly

I thought deeply, no, I don't think I do have anything suitable. I shook my head, "no, but I'll go find one today. Are we talking full on ballgown ballgown or formal dress kind of thing?

"Either," he said, " there is a good mix of both, it's a tux event so the ladies go all out." He pulled out his wallet, handing me a credit card. My eyes widened as I stared at the black rectangle.

"Take this; no, you are not going to fund this Della, I put you in this position; get your hair done if you like; the guild ladies use their appearance like armour and you need to be appropriately protected."

"So I'm going into the lion's den then?" I asked.

"More like a wasps nest but yes," he smiled. "You will wow them whatever beautiful, though I'm a bit worried I'll be called a cradle snatcher" he chucked his finger under my chin, lifting my face to meet his. "Thank you," he breathed.

"Don't mention it," I smiled.

To my surprise, he bent and gave me a hug, picking me up and squeezing 'til I sputtered.

"Put it down, you don't know where it's been," Amelia's voice came from the open door. She wrinkled her nose at the scene.

"Charming" I muttered, turning around with a saccharine smile.

"Amelia, Ady, Ady, Amelia, my sister." I introduced.

Ady nodded politely but looked at a bit of a loss so I tugged his hand towards the front door.

"It's best you go before you get the third degree," I muttered.

He just stroked my cheek with his finger like I was a delicate bird.

"Tomorrow night then," he breathed. He kissed my forehead then let himself out.

I took a breath, this was going to require considerably more coffee.

Amelia c****d her eyebrow at me as I padded back into the kitchen.

"He's a friend, he needed a date for an event" I explained.

"Uh-huh," she drawled. "He's a bit old Del, mum's going to freak out"

I shrugged "I'm an adult remember and he's just a friend."

I decided against the coffee; I now had a surprisingly busy day ahead and I needed to get decent.

"Ams, how do you feel about shopping?" I asked, clearing my plate and grabbing the box he left me.

"What kind of shopping?" She asked through a mouthful of toast.

"Dress shopping!" I said "he said it's formal so he left me his card to get something"

Her eyes glittered in excitement.

"Wow, that's some trusting friend" she grinned; "ok, I'll come if you buy me lunch"

"Deal"

I went back upstairs to shower and get dressed for the day. Under the steam, I thought about everything that had happened; talk about emotional whiplash!

I'd never been to a ball though I knew they would happen when I got to uni. I found myself getting quite excited about it, wondering what it would be like.

I shut off the shower, smothered myself in my rose body butter and wrapped myself in a towel, my hair in a bulky turban on top of my head.

As I moved to the wardrobe, I noticed the box laying on my bed. Sitting down, I started to open it.

Inside, there was a box with a large Motorola logo on it; surely not?

Sliding out the box tray, there was a smallish mobile phone inside. 'starTAC' I read on the little booklet beside it. These things had only just been launched, they were expensive and this would raise questions. I'd have to say I bought it for uni in September. I frowned: this was an extravagant gift from someone I just met.

I flipped the little black cover to reveal the keypad and turned it on; it was fully charged and already had two messages.

' happy birthday little wolf. I thought you might need this so I can be there if you need anything x my number is already in here.' read the first message

I opened the second.

"Happy shopping xx" it read.

I smiled at that, this guy was something else though I had to say it felt oddly reassuring that I could reach out at any time.

I dressed quickly, throwing on a simple, fitted t shirt dress and ballet flats; it would be better for trying things on not having to get out of jeans and boots.

By the time I hit the bottom of the stairs, Amelia was sat in jeans and T shirt waiting for me. It was time to roll and there was only one place in this town where I would find the kind of dress I was looking for;

"To parasols!" Am declared theatrically, pointing out of the door like an arch villain.

I giggled and pretended to march towards the door, grabbing my car keys off the hook.

We bundled into my orange fiesta and I started her up, easing the choke back in as she started chugging.

"I can't believe you drive this thing" she grumbled.

"Hey, no dissing on Fifi!"

" It's only a year younger than you Del" she laughed.

"Yeah but she's mine, I bought her myself and I love her" I patted the brown plastic dash theatrically before snapping my seatbelt in and pulling away.

I pushed through the shop door, the bell jangling cheerily as we entered. Looking at all the rails, I was suddenly overwhelmed. Did I want meringue or sleek and sexy? I wasn't sure.

Amelia veered off to the left so I took the right of the store, stroking through the rails of taffetas, satins and sequins.

A flash of iridescent Cadbury purple caught my eye. I reached up and pulled a full length gown from the rail. It was gorgeous; simple, with a little beading around the strapless neckline.

"Would you like me to put that in the Changing room for you dear?" The assistant asked.

"Please" I said with a smile.

"Can I ask what you're looking for? What kind of occasion?" She enquired.

"A hunt ball," I smiled, "I've not been to that sort of thing before."

She nodded understandingly.

"Yes, they can be quite the battlefield," she said. "How about you continue to look and I'll add some suggestions for you?"

I nodded gratefully "oh, thankyou so much!"

By the time we had finished looking, we had a good rail of choice outside of the fitting room. Along with a thoughtfully placed pair of heels in my size.

First came Amelia's choice, a slinky, sequinned black number that hung off the shoulders with a slit to the thigh.

It looked absolutely stunning, hugging every curve. I threw open the curtain and stood in a runway pose, making my sister giggle.

She whistled.

"Well, if he's a friend, he won't be when he sees you," she snorted "Dad would have a conniption though."

The assistant pondered for a moment.

"It looks beautiful but your sister has a point, it may be a little mature for you dear." She said gently. I knew she was right and valued her honesty.

I must have tried a dozen dresses and so far, it was between the assistants choice of a simple emerald green satin gown with a low back and a sight fishtail or Amelia's choice of a dark red medium skirted ballgown with chiffon layers and scattered sequins. Both looked stunning.

My final dress was the simple purple gown. I slipped it over my head, feeling the satin flow over my body. It was breathtaking. It held and lifted my bust due to some strategic boning then flowed out slightly from the hips to the floor in a beautiful A line. With no petticoat, it was a much simpler line than the others.

I opened the curtains and my sister clapped her Hands in excitement. The assistant nodded.

"So, it's between this and the red," I breathed, " I just can't choose!"

"Can't you get both?" Am whined "you're going to need ballgowns at uni."

She had a point.

Eventually we left the shop with both dresses, bags draped over our arms, one paid for by me to take to uni; it still didn't make choosing which one to wear any easier but at least I could have them.

I stopped by lockz to make an appointment for an up do the following afternoon then we headed for the pub.

We spent a pleasant hour shooting the s**t over lunch before driving back home; I knew I'd miss these times with my sister once I left; we hadn't done it often enough recently with the stress and study of exams.

When we got home, I headed upstairs to hang my dresses in their bags before kicking my shoes off, piling my long, dark waves on top of my head and heading into the garden, grabbing myself a wine glass from the cabinet on the way.

I fished a bottle of muscadet out of the outside fridge. I poured a glass before settling down on the swinging seat in the late afternoon sunshine. I could smell the early honeysuckle and jasmine, hear the tinkling of the waterfall and if I closed my eyes, I could imagine I was in some tropical paradise somewhere rather than just chilling in the back garden.

I took out my phone and started putting numbers in it; none of my friends had one yet though so texting wouldn't be happening just yet; I briefly wondered if we'd get to the point where everyone had one; would that be a good thing?

As I was thinking, a text came through, the green screen flickering; repeated beeping would have to go, it got on my nerves already.

It was from Ady.

"Successful mission?"

I smiled to myself.

"Mission accomplished" I shot back.

I closed my eyes and swung gently, taking a sip of my wine.

I heard the phone ring indoors but couldn't be bothered to move.

"Dellaaaah" Amelia shrieked, damn that girl could holler.

I sighed, placing my glass on the table beside the swing and heading indoors.

"Sabina" she grunted, handing me the receiver.

"Hey girlie," I greeted.

"You up for some fun?" She got straight to the point.

"What you plotting?" I asked

"Just a little trip over to the city; it's student night at Jack Flash, my brother is going; we can use his NUS card, 2 for 1 drinkie poos," she cajoled. I sighed, I was out tomorrow, I had been out Saturday; I had been looking forward to a quiet night but my time with them was limited now so I wouldn't waste it.

"Sure Bee, how we getting there? I just had a glass of wine so I can't drive over."

"Ooooh, pre drinks, I like it! He's driving 'cause he's got work tomorrow; Nay can't come, she's visiting her Grandmother in Somerset"

"Ok, what time should I be ready?"

"We're heading out at 7 so we'll pick you up."

Seven; that gave me just a hour! Clearly wavy hair and a relaxed vibe is the way to go; who parties on a Monday?

We said our goodbyes and I went to grab my wine glass before freshening up.

I put my hair up for a quick shower and washed my body hurriedly.

Combing through my hair with an afro comb, I frowned; I usually liked my hair sleek and shiny but at least it was looking reasonable.

I dug into my wardrobe for something to wear; nothing glittery or too much, it's just a Monday; still a club though.

I decided on a little suedette mini skirt and a snakeskin belly top that tied at the back, leaving most of my back bare; I'll have to get Bee to safety pin it or some joker will pull it undone.

I zipped up my knee high stiletto boots, found my earrings and looped my belly chain around my waist, settling for heavy eyeliner and a bright red lip; we're clearly going for the vamp vibe tonight.

I stood and checked out the effect; yes, that would do.

I quickly added a spritz of my rose perfume and a sprinkle of body glitter before necking my wine as I heard a horn outside.

Shoving my purse and phone in my mini backpack, I careered down the stairs, dumping my glass in the sink, almost mowing my mother down as she came the other way.

"Out again?" She asked. I nodded and kissed her cheek before resuming my exit.

"Student night at Jack's!" I yelled, "Don't wait up!"

She shook her head and waved as I jumped into Bee's brother's Cosworth, the exhaust sounding like a spitfire.

We sped off, me panting a little bit with the rush.

I