Royal Wolfsbane chapter 1

         The light of the moon shone above her, and for a moment she felt the sweet pain of bones cracking, crunching, twisting. She felt herself tense as her jaw lengthened, tail sprouted, and her red-brown fur grew from her skin. She closed her eyes as she took in the change from simple human to Loup Garou, wolf.
         Opening her eyes, the world was reborn in front of her.The brightness of the stars and full moon above became great, and her sight allowed her to see miles ahead. The scent of sweaty human, liquor, and mexican food intensified. She could taste the night air on her lips, and her legs ached to run; her paws itched to pad the ground with a swiftness man could never possibly understand.
         She took off running wild and free, hopping onto the dumpster and jumping onto the rooftops with ease. She glided above the human world, feeling ever closer to the Lady Moon.
         Her spirit soared higher and higher, and she knew no boundaries. The human world knew nothing of the freedom of being wolf. The human world knew nothing about the hidden treasures of her world. The human world would never know her, but as long as she had this love for life, this taste of freedom, she did not care about the likes of them. She was free; she was wolf; she was Kataryna LeDeux, Princess of her Loup Garou pack.
         She laughed, coming to the end of the row of buildings on Main Street. Sitting, content, she peered over the ledge of Mickey's Diner's rooftop at the people walking below.
         There was a couple walking hand-in-hand just beneath her; the man told a seemingly bad joke, but the blond-haired woman laughed in spite of it. Her laugh was charming, and Kataryna found it almost repulsive.
         Across the street, an older man with greying hair wearing an oddly heavy jacket in the middle of the summer, took a swig of whiskey, she smelled, from his paper bag, taking his seat on a wooden bench in front of the bar. Pathetic. She thought. For a moment she let her mind wander to thoughts of why the old man had to drink his feelings. Why does he let himself be swept away by liquor? Did his wife die? Leave him? Did his retirement check not cover his habit?
         She knew she had no right to judge this man whom she didn't know, but she couldn't help it. Even while in human form, she was one of those people that watch someone run a red light and wonder where he's going so fast; why he's going there; is he rushing to the hospital to see his grandmother on her death bed; is he merely late for his job at the supermarket; or is he hoping his date won't be too upset with him for being so tardy? Kataryna was uncontrollably curious about the world around her, and she loved to observe it, letting her mind use its creativity in many ways. Sometimes, she would just stare off into space, imagining a stranger's whole life, after only getting a quick glimpse of him or her.
         Of course, no one knew how truly creative she was, except her father. The leader of the pack: king, so to speak. She had no secrets from him; he was her mentor, her best friend, and she was his only successor.
         Well, supposedly.
         Her mother had died breaking up a fight between two young pups, just a few months after Kataryna had been born, making it impossible for her father to have any sons. Once a Loup Garou mates, it mates for life. Widows and widowers do not remarry in the wolf world like they do in the human world.
         Since Kataryna was the only heir to the "throne", technically, it was she who was to become the next leader, but it had never been done before. A woman as pack leader was unheard of, and there was a great possibility that someone would challenge her. Or, they would challenge her father when the time came. Or, perhaps, her father would just abdicate the rank to a trusted friend. It was up to him. And them.
         The thought of Christopher or Markus leading the pack after her father instead of her made her shake in anger, and she had to be careful not to growl, for risk of being heard or seen by the humans. Chris and Mark were nearing the age of their prime, when one could challenge the leader, and they were both strong young men; that much was undeniable. The only thing she really had against them was that they were completely foolish. Christopher had a thirst for blood, and Markus had a hunger for control.
         Either one of them could make a stupid mistake and put the entire pack in jeopardy; whereas, Kataryna simply thirsted for knowledge and understanding of the world. She'd much rather lead with her stubborness than watch the pack burn because of male pigheadedness.
         As long as she knew the pack would thrive even after her father's reign ended, she didn't mind much who lead them. If she trusted the challenger, or new successor, she would gladly step aside from her birth right. But if it was one of those two, anyone could bet that she'd put up a hell of a fight. The pack was her family, her freedom, her life, and she'd be damned if she let one of those two knuckleheads ruin everything.
         She shook her head as she stood on all fours, having watched all the businesses shut down for the night. Must be after midnight. She thought. Kataryna stretched, then took off for her run back to the alleyway down the road. Smiling, and wagging her tail, she forgot all about politics and just ran with freedom as her companion. She felt whole and supreme in her wolf pelt. It was all of her.
         When she reached the dumpsters, she flew to the ground, taking human form once again, landing on her feet beside her clothes. She dressed, then set off on the mile-long walk towards home, masked in her human disguise, a grin spreading across her face.          
         "Hiya, Brian." She said.
         "I hate it when you do that, Kat," he said, suddenly appearing from behind a building and tossing an arm around her shoulder. "Just once, can't you give a guy the element of surprise?"
         "Maybe I would if the guy didn't make as much noise as a human." She chuckled as he lifted a brow and pretended to look hurt.
         "Ouch. And here I thought I was learning."
         "Well, take my advice and fire whoever's teaching you." She fought to keep a straight face.
         "Maybe you could teach me then, Miss Greatest of Us All." He bowed to her in mockery before winking at her.
         She laughed. "Well, there are a few lessons you could use."
         "Oh? Such as?"
         "Such as 'how to come up with better lines'. Maybe I could make that into a 101 class for pups like you." she teased.
         "Hey! I'm no pup!" He said. "I'm nearly nineteen; soon I'll be taking my mate." He puffed out his chest and pounded on it once, giving him and the apes something in common.
         He was right. Technically, he should have already chosen a fine wolfgirl from within the pack, but thus far he'd taken none as his own. The two of them had been friends since Kat could remember, and she really hoped he would find the perfect wolf. She was to be coming of age soon, on her eighteenth birthday in a couple weeks; the next full moon. She was both excited and annoyed at the idea of being ready to mate.
         When Kat reached her own prime, the male wolves would be ready to spring for her, she knew. They'd be after her for a few reasons. 1) She was their Princess, and mating with her meant leading rank for them. 2) She had inherited her mother's gorgeous auburn locks. 3) She had yet to choose her own mate, so she was "free pickings". Honestly, the idea of her pack's strongest and ablest warriors fighting over which female they'd get to take to bed for the rest of their lives made her want to hurl. It was really pathetic, but then, it was tradition. Maybe one day she'd be able to change that as the first female leader.
         "Helloo??? Kat? Anybody home?" Brian waved a hand in front of her face, bringing her out of her thoughts.
         "Hmm? Sorry; brain working again. You know how that gets."
         "What were you thinking about?"
         "Just...How dumb it is that the males choose their mate, and fight, literally, over who gets who. It's really foul."
         "Aw come on. When the Loup Garou males fight for you, you should be full of pride that you're such an elligible bachelorette. Hell, at this rate, I might even be one of them. If the ladies keep up the way they are."
         "If you so much as think about fighting over me I'll dig my claws into you myself."
         "Promise?" He eyed her devilishly, and she shoved him back gently. Well, if he'd been human, he might have hit the ground hard, but he wasn't. He had as much, if not more, strength than she did. Being wolfen kind did have quite a few privileges, even in human form.
         "Oh, bite me." She said without thinking. "No-shut up-" She started to correct herself, but he cut in.
         "Gladly. Just mark the spot, babe."
         "Ugh. You're such a dog, Brian." She giggled, and they reached the driveway to the townhouse they lived in. Most of the pack lived there, aside from a few of the newly-mated ones. Newly-weds. They were some of the most annoying little brats Kat knew. They were always hovering over eachother and never wanted to do any of the work neccessary to keep the place running. Kat even worked at the mall on weekends, and even sometimes after school. She, of course, worked in the Hot Topic shop; the place was fun and different than the rest. Plus, when the other teenagers from school saw her working in there, they kept their distance even further. They thought she was a freak. They were right.
         "Yeah, well, you know you like it." He nuzzled her neck playfully, and she pushed him away.
         "You keep acting like that and the others will think you've chosen me." She laughed.
         "Would that be so bad?" His former laughing, laid-back features were suddenly sober, and he was no longer laughing. His big brown eyes bore into hers, and his curly brown hair was the only part of either of them moving; it was following the wind. They'd stopped walking, and now she was sure he was done playing and laughing with her for the night. She knew this would happen. He slipped his hand from around her shoulders to her hand, and her eyes flickered to see her hand in his.
         She eyed him intently. His once boyish face was no longer curved like it had been when they were children; he now had a straight, manly jaw-line, and was growing a goatee and mustache. Around his eyes, laugh lines were starting to appear, and he had adopted a smile in his eyes that never seemed to fade. Except for moments like this, perhaps. His eyes weren't playful or childish at all; they were serious and hard. He stared at her, still awaiting a reply.
         "Brian...You've been my best friend, most trusted friend, for so many years. I can't remember you ever not being around. But at the next full moon, I'll reach my prime, and since my prime is near to the same time as some of the males', I really have to focus on my rank. There's going to be competition for me, and I have to be ready. I have to take all the time I can to prepare for the possible future I have ahead of me. The future of the pack. I can't let anything get in my way to confuse me or take my mind off what's at stake here. I don't plan to be chosen, or choose my mate, until I've reached my twenty-first year." She touched his cheek with the back of her free hand.
         "Will I be your first choice?" He asked. She couldn't believe he was serious, but in his eyes, there it was, the lack of laughter and games. He was very serious. Dear sweet Lady Moon, give me strength. She thought.
         "If you still haven't taken a mate, then perhaps." She winked at him, trying to get the humor back into him.
         "That's not good enough." He pulled her close to him, and before she knew what was happening, he kissed her roughly, thoroughly. When he let her go, he more demanded than said, "I will be the one."
         "You keep acting like that and you'll be the first one killed." She scowled. "You better hope none of the pack saw that ensemble." She walked swiftly to the door, trying to shake the memory of what had just happened away. Unfortunately, she was failing miserably.
         Please. Tell me they didn't see that. She prayed silently.
         Unfortunately, all the prayer in the world wouldn't be enough. Kat smelled them before Brian opened the door.
         There were four Loup Garou men waiting for them as they stepped inside. Chris was among them, which wasn't surprising, but one of them was a wolf she'd only seen once or twice in the hallways or at meal times. His name was James, she believed. Why is he here? He doesn't even know me. She thought.
         "Hey, boys." She greeted them casually.
         "Hey, Kat. Already being courted, we see." Chris spat, short and to the point.
         "No, I'm not."
         "She's right." Brian chimed in. "She turned me down." He became a charlatan, playing the shame card. Kat mentally thanked him for putting up a good fight.
         The twins, Tony and Sean, both tutted simultaneously, and Chris laughed.
         "Well, you did at least try to court her." Chris was leaning against a cherry wood antique desk, with his leather-jacket arms folded across his chest. Kat couldn't deny; the bad boy look was quite attractive on him. He had the shaggy ink-black hair, the small green eyes, the body structure common for most rebels. He was lean, and slightly muscular, but wore clothes that made every single masculine curve in his arms, torso, even legs sometimes, stand out. Also, he wore excessive amounts of jewelry; his right ear was pierced in four places, his left six; around his neck he usually sported a dog collar, pentagram, wolf pendant, and cross, all in gold or titanium alloy. Very expensive, sure, but worth it when you're a werewolf trying to go for the "edge" look.
         "I tried and failed." Brian said pointedly.
         "You are aware that once courting begins, she's free for us to duel for." Chris had a smirk on his face, and Kat wanted to claw it off. Her hand twitched.
         "I'm not an item you can bark for at auction." She said instead. James's lip twitched, and Kat saw he was trying not to smile. He thought she was funny? Remain calm. She told herself.
         "I will decide when and who I will mate with at the appropriate time." She continued.
         "Now is the appropriate time, since the courting has begun." Tony said. Now Kat understood; they were invoking a law set back hundreds of years ago, one she'd only scarcely remembered.
         "You aren't at top rank, Miss Kataryna. You are not above our laws. You have no say in when we duel now." Sean grinned.
         Kat grimaced. He was right. She had no control over the laws. She couldn't change them. She had to find a way out of this. Another law. Think. Think, Kat. Think. What would your father do? THINK!
         "You're right Sean. I am not above the law. But you four would do well to remember that neither are you." Chris, Tony, and Sean, all looked puzzled for a moment, but James smiled. What is his game? He hasn't even spoken; he doesn't belong among these ruffians. He drove her mind crazy.
         "There can be no brawls or courting in the house of the pack, for fighting within our own walls is weak, and shows a breach in pack trust." Ha. Weasel out of that one, boys. I have my father's wit. She smiled, and James nearly grinned.
         "Then we'll take our fighting elsewhere." Chris said with a half-shrug.
         "You'll do no such thing." Derek, pack leader, and Kat's father, boomed from across the room. "There can be no duel until the next full moon. That is when this female reaches her prime. It is the law." She loved her father. He was a lawyer in the human world, and dressed in suits and ties. He was always neat and tidy during the day, but at night, he was anything but. Tonight, he wore his long robe of midnight colored cotton. His damp, chocolate hair was a mess. Not a day over thirty, the human women thought. But in fact, he was an old geezer at forty years old.
         His hazel eyes twinkled with laughter, leading Kat to assume he'd been listening for a while. She knew he'd heard her fast arguments, and he was proud of her, even though his jaw was set, daring the pups to have a dog pile now.
         "Disperse." He said, making it final.
         Tony and Sean were the first to leave, obviously the weakest of the contenders, in Chris's eyes. In Kat's father's eyes, perhaps, they had the most respect for authority. Brian was still standing beside her, unsure if he was meant to leave as well. After Chris left reluctantly, and not before scowling at Kat, her father clarified.
         "I should be the only male in this room."
         With that, Brian glanced at Kat, then went down the west hall. James, she guessed, had been unsure of whether or not he should leave too, because he left very hesitantly. She would speak to him tomorrow about his behavior.
         "You handle yourself well. It's a good thing you've been glued to my side all these years." Derek sat down on the sofa with a sigh.
         "You mean it's a good thing you forced the laws down my throat as a child." She grinned.
         Walking to where her father sat, her smile didn't fade. She kissed him on both cheeks, and was getting ready to walk upstairs to her room when he stopped her.
         "Where'd you run off to tonight?" He asked.
         "Main street. I was people-watching."
         "Pretty dangerous for you to be out on a busy street like that this time of year."
         "It's July. And technically, I wasn't on the street. I was on Mickey's rooftop.
         Her father rolled his eyes before replying.
         "You're far too curious, you know. One of these days you'll get too close."
         "Perhaps. But the pack will be safe, even if I am discovered."
         "What makes you say that?" He stared at her, confused. She sat down beside him.
         "There are others among the pack that would lead them well. They would be able to migrate to another territory or state. We aren't alone, after all."
         "Politics has been on your mind a lot lately."
         "And it hasn't been on yours? Can you really blame me for worrying about the future of this pack? I don't want my family and friends being led towards disaster. I have to focus on them."
         "I know you think you do, but really. You're a young woman. And you're about to reach your prime. You should be excited, focused on choosing a mate. You shouldn't be terrified about being top rank, or what will happen if you aren't." He ran a hand through his hair. "Sometimes I worry about you, Katu." This was his softer name for her. He only called her "Katu" when they were alone.
         "Why do you worry?" She held his hand. "I'm your daughter. I have your blood running through my veins. I'm strong; I can handle this."
         "Yes, but you shouldn't have to. And you also have your mother's blood in you somewhere, Katu, don't forget." It was moments like this that her father seemed old to her.
         "What are you saying?" She eyed her father wearily. What was he saying?
         "Derek. Can I speak to you a moment?" An adult wolf, Adam, interrupted.
         "Certainly." Her father stood, excused himself, and left her alone to ponder his words.
         Kat sighed and took a deep breath.
         "Katu?" James appeared after a few moments; he'd surprised her while meditating.
         "It's his name for me. What are you doing up?" She asked. "I thought you went to rest."
         "Sorry. Just didn't feel like sleeping." He shrugged.
         "Right." She scoffed. "So what were you doing trying to get into that brawl earlier?" She brought her legs up onto the couch so that she could face him comfortably.
         "I am a male. And I am within my rights to duel for a decent mate." He moved to stand in front of her, so she instead sat cross-legged on the couch, better to stare him in the eye.
         "You mean a mate with decent benefits. But still, you didn't open your mouth once the whole time. And I saw you smiling, so don't even try to deny that part."
         "I'm not."
         "Then, why?"
         "Why what?"
         She was getting annoyed now. "Why were you smiling?"
         "I found the whole thing amusing, to tell you the truth."
         "Well, I'm glad I can be entertaining to a pup like you." She stood, and started to walk away.
         "Wow." He chuckled.
         "Wow what?" She turned around to face him.
         "You really think you're special, don't you?" Hmm...He has attitude.
         "Excuse me?"
         "Are you really that high and mighty that you think you can just call anyone lower in rank than you a pup? Listen princess, the only reason you're even a prize to be won is because..." He had been building up steam; Kat felt his anger, and then his power faded. He didn't want to finish his sentence. It was a challenge, Kat thought.
         "Go ahead, finish what you started, Mr. Mouth."
         "The only reason you're a prize to be won is because your bitch of a mother's bite wasn't nearly as bad as everyone thought." He said in a very low voice.
         "How dare you." She said in a voice closer to a whisper than anything. This was not what she'd expected. She didn't even know this createn, didn't even speak to him, and yet, he had the nerve to disgrace her mother, as well as enter the duel to take her as his mate? How dare he. This was one twisted wolf. She had no idea what she thought of him. She didn't like him. She stared him dead in the face, and let her gaze bore into his blue eyes. "My mother was killed because of pathetic male stupidity. She died trying to protect the pack from duels. Similar to the one that could've begun tonight. She was weak from childbirth at the time. And you have no idea who I am, or what I think, or how I feel about being a 'prize to be won'. News flash, I don't want to be some trophy just so some stupid male like you can lead the pack. I'm not the prize at stake. The pack is. I just happen to be the quickest way to get it. You want to know why I say you're a pup, well here's a lesson for you. You are a pup. Because you, like those other baffoons, care about only one thing. Power. You have no respect for anyone, or anything. And I have no idea why I am explaining myself to you. You are not worth my time." With that, she turned around again. Why was she explaining herself to him? Her mind was going around in circles, and she wasn't even sure if what she'd said had made any sense at all.
         He didn't stop her, and when she reached her bedroom, she didn't slam her door. She shut it without a sound. That would put way more emphasis on her point than slamming it would, she knew.
         She collapsed on her gothic four-poster bed and shut her eyes. She didn't even move until morning.