[center] [img] http://i.imgur.com/ZnOpQuF.png[/img] Location: Smithy's drug and grocery store, Las Vegas Time: Evening [/center] [hr] Ben heard Ji’s cry, but he ignored it. His muscles rippled under his fur as his paws hit the tile floor. Each lunge propelled him forward, cutting down the distance fairly quickly. Like track shoes, his claws prevented him from tumbling muzzle over tail. Benjamin’s attention narrowed on the item underneath Mandate’s foot. It was the only thing that mattered. The instinct to protect his pack mate drove him onward. His nostrils flared, drawing in more breath with each inhale. His inner wolf demanded he go faster. When Yeong went for his neck, Benjamin twitched. He had been ready for this. Impulsively, his neck jerked out what little fur she could grasp away. The scruff snapped back like a rubber band. His black lip curled, exposing the white fangs, followed by a rumbling growl. It vibrated his whole throat. Ears pinned back against his skull and eyes widened in anger. Benjamin’s scent washed over Yeong, increasing his intimidation. A magical scent hit him. It appeared right in front of him causing Benjamin to abruptly come to a halt, he tried to turn on a dime. His paws skidded across the floor as he darted to the right, following the cup-shaped gush’s edge. The wind brushed his fur, tossing sections wildly. He slammed into the open coolers. Immediately his mass toppled over the barrier and landed in the fresh meat section. His head hit the railing, becoming dazed by the impact. Benjamin rattled his head trying to regain his awareness. His ears caught the sounds of struggles between Yeong and Mandate. Immediately he struggled to get up. His paws slipped among the various plastic packages. They squished and slid whenever he tried to push upright. Each time he fell, he gave an irritated snarl. [color=ffe4b5][b]”ENOUGH!”[/b][/color] The feminine voice echoed through his skull. Energy exploded glass and mirror all around the pup. The shards showered over him, salted into his thick fur and lacerated the skin underneath. His eyes stung most notably from a shard deep in the right eye's edge. Blood trickled down his cheek, staining the blond fur slightly red. As Benjamin finally managed to step out of the open cooler, he cautiously moved toward Mandate. He didn’t care he was bleeding at the eye or he couldn’t see straight. All that mattered was protecting his pack. When Marie stepped between them, Benjamin paused. He stiffened in confusion at her actions. A small, weak growl started before it ceased at her words. [color=ffe4b5]”You promised to help me if I helped you in return. I know it must seem like I’m digging a bigger hole for myself, choosing to trust someone who has threatened people you care about, who’s killed someone I once cared for. It doesn’t make much sense, but I need this. I have to know about my past and as it stands, you two are the only ones who can help with that. We can make this work, I promise.”[/color] Benjamin didn’t flinch when she placed her hand upon his matted fur. Her emotions caused him to whimper. His paws shifted uncomfortably as he leaned into her face, applying gentle pressure. A large tongue darted over Marie’s cheek. [color=ffe4b5][i]Please.[/i][/color] [color=chocolate][i]Protect you. Pack is life… all that matters.[/i][/color] Benjamin’s words rippled into Marie’s mind. His sense of responsibility poured into her core. It came from a creature that thrived on a social existence. Dependent on others as they were on him. They lived, died and protected each other because it was their nature. Anything else felt… wrong. The mindset of a wolf was difficult to express in human terms. For Marie, the sensation would be overwhelming. A complete and absolute devotion to his pack mate. There was no question about why the item was important to her, only that without it she was incomplete. Just like him. It was a rare loyalty that only a werewolf, or their kin, could ever show. It would also be very clear her carelessness could kill him. [color=thistle]“Trust is quite fragile and difficult to come by, as Gwyneth was sure to make a point of when I spoke to her. If it eases your mind we can shake hands on it?”[/color] Benjamin growled softly. His fur stood on end as his nose caught the whiff of Odette, ignoring the allure to it. He snorted then stared at the woman lingering beside Marie. An irritated and tolerant voice edged into Odette’s head. [color=chocolate][i]No closer…[/i][/color] [color=thistle]“You all are only at the beginning of a quest. Several pieces of your soul are scattered, all carrying peculiar properties. Never in one spot for long.”[/color] Odette’s voice continued to grate on Benjamin’s patience. If it wasn’t for the fact Marie was touching him, the wolf might’ve forgotten her disapproval about his attacking. When Bach passed, another low warning growl vibrated through Benjamin’s throat. However, he remained close to Marie and aimed to not upset her more. He twisted about to stand at Marie’s side. The werewolf’s body half curled about the witch as his side pressed to hers, much like he would to another werewolf. He watched the Ambassador and her unseen companion converse with the Dover Twins. When Freya’s questions poured out, Benjamin snorted. His eyes shifted to Marie as his deep voice rattled in her head. [color=chocolate][i]Too long…[/i][/color] Marie would get the impression he was referring to how long it took for someone else to notice Bach. A slight annoyance because he noticed the Fey the moment Odette and Mandate revealed themselves.