[The Fiery Kiss] Sombra

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

"Can anyone find Josef?" A female voice shouted above all others.

"Who's Josef?" A man yelled in response. The street of Josef's home was consumed in chaos. Dozens of people rushed about, frantically checking on their own homes while flames seemed to bounce from one house and too another. Down the street New's crews had begun setting up and filming the ongoing mess while Firetrucks, Ambulances and Patrol Cars tried to weave their way through it all, attempting to bring some stability to an unstable area.

"He's the guy with that beach towel on his head all the time!" The woman shouted back. The little stout woman wore a reflective vest, which was similar to the ones worn by grocery store employees when they gathered up shopping carts in the parking lot. Around her next was a whistle and on her upper arm was a band that read 'Block Captain. "Ok everyone, I want people to line up and pay attention, we're doing a head count." Her eyes widened in annoyance as no one listened, peoples attentions turned the oncoming first responders.

Just outside, a small boy watched the front of Josefs home, holding a stuffed dog Alaskan Husky toy. The immediate next door neighbor to Josef, the fire which had started in the boys families kitchen shot over to Josefs house when the explosion of the gas stove sent a shock wave through the Syrians kitchen wall. Unfortunately for Josef, he had been in the kitchen when the explosion hit. Beneath shards of glass, pieces of drywall, and under some glassware which fell from the cabinets, Josef stirred. A headache raged as his eyes flickered back to life. The irritating scent of ash and smoke filled his nostrils, though it aided in him stirring awake faster. His body was stiff, he gasped for air then allowed himself to lay on the ground once more. Regaining composure, Ibn-Abad did the one thing he knew he could.

The Shift.

Within seconds, the now wolf wiggled his body free, though slow and began a mad dash too the front door. He heard the sirens and the people outside. He barked, howled and scratched viciously at the door. Someone outside the door had to hear him. "Mom! I hear his dog! Mom his dog is still inside!" The boy shouted pointing at Josef's home. The boy, about seven years of age, had seen Josef in his wolvin form on more than one occasion roaming the backyard. Thankfully, the child had never seen the Syrian shift and as a result, was able to be convinced that Josef had an overly large dog.

When the sound of the fire hoses erupted, Abad knew no one was coming. Back into the den and into the first part of the dining room, the wolf turned and eyes the dens main front window. Hoping to have avoided more glass, it was apparent was Josef would have too do. In one fell swoop, he launched his body onto the coffee table, bounced off of the recliner and threw it through the window, turning his head sideways as the weight of his body crashed through. The sound of shattering glass caught almost everyone's attention and the first thing he heard?

"Oh shit it's a fucking wolf!"

Oh the joys. Either he got feared for being a Arab or he got feared as a wolf. Tonight though was no night to soak in the joys that fear brought, that people's ignorance allowed them to feel. He strutted forward, away from his home and plopped on the coolness of his lawn. His tail flipped once, a signal too the boy who took it as a safe time to approach, though everyone held their breaths. Domesticated wolves were infamous for snapping at people. Ordinarily Josef would have done the same; though not at a child. And with a child near by, he did not have to worry about a Police Officer trying to put a plastic leash around his neck and cart him off. The boy walked up slowly, setting his stuffed toy down before gliding his hands across Josefs fur. Though not the gentlest of pettings, it held an aura of innocence. He meant Josef, well the "dog", no harm and Ibn-Abad was in no mood to get snippy, he'd let the boy have his fun.

His almond eyes stared at his home. The boys was in complete flames and looked as though it was about to collapse. Josef's, to the left of the boys, was ablaze, though not entirely. The kitchen and part of the second floor were a mess. The home to the right was much like the boys, nearly gone completely and a home further down must have had embers land as its roof was like the bowels of hell also. He had insurance to pay for the damage but it still sucked. He did not like his things messed up in the least. Josef had an understanding of being appreciative of what one has and when a belonging is damaged, he gets frustrated. Still, at least he was able to wake himself up in the kitchen and have enough sense to get out.

How many wolves were caught in a gas stove explosion from a neighboring home?

Not many. That was for sure.

[*sombra delgadillo]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=c6c7c3] Twenty eight days, six hours and five minutes. That was the exact amount of time Sombra Delgadillo had been biding her time. Yes, she’d gone back to California for nearly two weeks but the wolf had been restless and therefore the night before she’d driven to Maine. Yes, Maine. For one thing there were forests there that no one cared for, and another the human really needed a drive. It was something akin to therapy and it calmed her nerves though the wolf continued to chomp at the bit, impatient for its freedom. When she arrived it was nearly midnight…of the next day. Having gone to Durham forest, she opened the driver’s side door and stepped out. Undressing quickly she places the clothes in the seat, locked the car and hid the keys in the wheel well in the back left tire. It was then that the shift began. It was quick and to the point regardless of any pain it may have caused the human. The wolf was ready and that was all that need be stressed over. Stepping through the vegetation, she moved very much like a specter within the floral drapes but it was a slow, methodic motion not so much the rampaging gallop the wolf sometimes adopted in times of stress. Upon arriving to California, Sombra spent days in her home as the wolf and so it was not completely on edge. In fact this trip was a luxury. It was the understanding of woman and wolf – calm, and adoring. While the wolf would always be a wild thing and borderline abusive to the woman they would not resent eachother’s existence…now granted they were in fact one being but the personalities were so utterly and captivatingly different that it would be a shame to simply mash them together. The alabaster canid meandered through the glen for hours before growing bored. Reaching her car once again, she turned to the woman, took the keys from their hiding place and dressed quickly after which she slipped into the Audi. Turning the key in the ignition she listened appreciatively as it purred to life. At 3 a.m. it was odd to see a high end car sitting in the woods…but then no one had stumbled upon her. Lucky fools. Shifting into first she pulled away from the woods fairly quickly and took the highway at which point she turned on her police scanner as well as tuning to their radio frequency. They were discussing just how boring their lives were at this point, resentful that they were required to be awake while every criminal within fifty miles was in fact asleep. Chuckling to herself, it did not occur to her to turn it off. She continued to listen to their chatter which had turned to the great, exciting lives of other law enforcement. The nasal voice of one was commenting on a fire in New York where a wolf jumped out a window… At that point she mechanically hit the brakes, screeching to a halt in the middle of the road. Turning up the volume she listened more keenly as they began to comment on it, the other officers questioning the validity of such a claim. The nasal one those was quite convinced it had to be true. Something about a towel-head’s expensive home exploding. Her brows had been endowed a steep incline, knit together as she scowled at the device. Flipping the switch to turn it off, she went to navigations on the now glowing screen before her and set in the coordinates – his address. Moving the automotive back in gear, it took about two minutes to have it roaring at a 120 miles per hour, though she glanced at her scanner often. She had to slow at least six times before exiting Maine but she was in fact on her way. Picking her cell phone up out of the cupholder, she punched in the number of a tech she often used to hack government computers…just out of curiosity. His chirpy voice was clucking at her as she growled the order. Enda. It was a name she had heard murmured in the Abad household, and recognized her as someone as Josef trusted. The tech, she vaguely recalled his name being Frank or something like that…was fussing over how many Endas were probably in New York. She snapped clearly through the receiver that there was only one associated with Abad, a werewolf as well. At that point he forwarded Enda’s number to Sombra’s onboard computer. Snapping her cell phone shut, she pressed the “Dial” button on the screen and listened to the dial tone in the car’s speakers. On the third ring a woman picked up. Sombra’s single statement was made without ceremony or greeting; Josef’s house is on fire. Hanging up without further explanation, she reasoned a bit of fear would make Enda move more quickly. Another half hour and she was pulling through the streets of New York, gritting her teeth as she dutifully drove the speed limit..or five over. More than once she gunned it through a yellow light. But she made it to the scene. As the sight of the flames had announced itself to her eyes she had sped up only to screech to a halt as an officer stepped out in front of her. Cursing under her breath, she plucked her sunglasses from on top of the rearview mirror and slipped them on. Her lips had been tugged into a smooth, fine line of irritation. Acting as though she was moving to shut off the engine as he moved around her car, she gunned it just as he was moving to peer in her window. She rocketed through the slender gaps between the patrol vehicles and news vans and was soon on the forefront. Screeching to a halt she sat, staring at a child petting the large, sooty wolf and collected herself. Above all else the Alpha female was in control. The wolf was somewhat frustrated. What kind of idiot let his house blow up?! Slowly, she exited the vehicle, shutting the door. At which point three or four of the lawmen moved towards her, shouting for her to halt, put her hands up and the usual. She turned towards them only slightly and smirked. ”Gentleman, I suggest you step off before I have Chief Dons on the phone. His dear wife was gushing over what a lovely dinner she had planned…I doubt he’d be pleased if I had to interrupt him because you were upset.” At this they seemed to rethink their actions, stepping back though resentment was obvious in their eyes. What an excellent bluff. She only just knew that the Chief of the NYPD’s last name was Dons and that he was married to something of a homemaker. But those tidbits had proven useful. Gliding lazily through the crowd, she approached without a change in expression, there was a faint, vaguely amused smirk though the lines at the corners of her eyes suggested a hidden frown. Her eyes…well they were beneath the shade of those dark sunglasses. Staring down at the wolf, and the child who glanced at her with obvious apprehension. “Josef told me to take care of his dog while he was gone – he left yesterday for a trip.” The words seemed to sooth the child, who nodded, clearly trying to pull off a big boy façade. It was then that her glance was allowed to stray to the wolf she’d just mentioned. ”What a mess you got in, you silly boy.” She was feigning that irritating baby voice just as Enda was arriving. The woman looked just as strained as Sombra though the commanding stance Sombra seemed to naturally adopt coaxed her to stop short. The she-wolf rubbed the “large dog’s” left lobe with an amused tick of her lips. ”Suppose we go get you cleaned up, hm?” -------------------------------------------------- count: 1,326 outfit: Click! comments: wee!

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

The occasional growl rumbled beneath Josef's chest, each time someone of authority passed by and made a random comment about moving the boy away from the 'dog'. Josef understood two things. Wild animals in New York were put down when captured, which would have meant of they tried to captured the 'dog', Josef would have shifted and caused an uproar of shock. The second was, as long as the child stayed close, no one was dumb enough to risk provoking a wolf. The child was both a curse, as the boy drew attention as well as a gift as he kept most people at bay. His almond eyes watched his home as the first of the firefighters worked on the second floor, their streams of water blasting into the wooden framing before working their way down to the kitchen. The child's home and the one beside it were total losses, the firefighters now doing defensive tactics to protect the other homes on the street. All they could do was let the homes burn themselves out. It was irritating that his home had been part of collateral damage from some neighbors recklessness. Obviously people needed to learn how to use a gas stove.

The boys rythmic petting stopped and Ibn-Abad picked up tension in his palm as it rested on the wolf's shoulder blade. Preparing another growl, thinking it to be another officer getting too close for comfort. Then he heard her voice. Josef's head shot up in absolute disbelief. 'Oh crud.' he thought while be absolutely taken aback by the alpha's sudden arrival. Due to the smoke, the scents of so many other people as well as the commotion about, Josef was unable to pick up Sombra's scent. That would definitely be something to work on in the future. He did not like wolves getting the jump on him. Oh no, that would not do. Then she made a comment about him being a mess and a silly boy. Sombra was beginning to push her luck with the hint of sarcasm. Josef was not in the mood for it. Still, his eyes remained locked on her. He had found her in the wolvin state when she least expected it, he had his hands on her before she could have objected and now she was returning the favor.

It was here that Josef did pick up the scent of Enda. With focus now on his surroundings, the beta's arrival was easily noted though as he glanced her direction, he noted her distance. Now this was interesting. Sombra establishing territory over Josef? Sombra keeping Enda at bay? Quite interesting indeed. The she-wolf began to rub the dogs left lod though an amused look crossed her lips. She thought Josef needed to be cleaned. Cleaned? Did it look like a time to be cleaned? Who did she think she was? 'Oh yeah. A fellow Alpha.' Ibn-Abad reminded himself. 'Well don't think you're putting me in some kid pool and washing me down with flea and tick shampoo while rinsing me off with a garden hose!' Funny, his house had come close to being destroyed and he concerned himself entirely with Sombra.

It was here that Josef finally took in Sombra's sight. He blinked several times as his eyes went from her boots, to her jeans, to her shirt, jacket and glasses. Ok this was not the Sombra he remembered. These clothes... were far different from the ones she had previously worn in his presence. Even the ones he had bought her could not hold a candle to this outfit. Though she could have lost the glasses at least. She did have nice eyes. "Ma'am." A male's voice spoke up, catching Josef's attention. The wolf forced himself up, lowered his head while his ears went nearly horizontal and slightly pulled back. In his mid-thirties, the man had a muscular build, though he wore a uniformed fire-fighters shirt two sizes too small."Wow." The Fire Fighter muttered as Josef watched the males eyes carefully. Very carefully. They trailed Sombra's frame. With each section of glance, Josef knew specifically what body part he was aiming for and just before those eyes, which seemed too eager, tried to catch a glance of her chest, Josef let out a growl.

The hair on his back stood strait as he snapped, viciously. In a knee-jerk reaction, the firefighter back several steps away. "Uh..." the first responder was looking for words, trying to address Sombra while keeping his attention on the angry wolf immediately in front of him. "I overheard you telling the boy that you know Mr. Abad. Tell him that we shut off the gas lines to the entire block. The explosion completely destroying all of the pipes beneath the ground; both gas and water. It'll be a month at least before they will be able to repair them. We stopped the blaze in the hall of the second floor. Once the last embers are out in the kitchen, we can let you go in and gather some things for him." It was here that Josef allowed himself the circle Sombra. Systematic circles that were the wolf's way of ensuring the overly hormonal fire-fighter understood that this one was off limits and any glance towards her body would not go unnoticed. "So..." That one word caught Ibn-Abads attention and brought him back to the front of Sombra. This time a more immediate, threatening growl erupted, as his canines exposed.

"That animal is nuts!" The man spat before backing away and going about other business. With the man gone, Abad gave his home a glance before turning his attention back to Sombra; his tail wagging slightly as the wolf was obviously proud of himself. A look of 'Ha Ha' seemed to race through his eyes as it was apparent that Sombra would have to pick out some of Josef's clothes.

Until he realized that also meant boxers.

Ok that would be embarrassing.

[*sombra delgadillo]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=c6c7c3] While Sombra was no stranger to handling others while in the lupine form, it was an interesting contrast – Josef’s canid. Or perhaps more expressive, she could not quite decide though that hardly was of consequence. The she-wolf was honed on one thing alone, getting away from all this smoke and noise – it was tiresome to have to listen to it as well as a pest to have to breathe through. Not to mention the glares she was getting from Johnny Law and company. They were begging her to act out of line, and to be quite honest rebellion was Sombra’s specialty. Defiance was in the alpha’s gaze, her stance…everything. Perhaps this was yet another trust issue for the creature but that was neither here nor there. She had not come to ponder the inner workings of her mind. This was a “rescue”. Smirking at the concept, her eyes, dark beneath the shades of the glass were ticking over Josef – no not in an “Oh I’m gonna jump your bones” fashion as most might predict, but in search of injury. As it would have it Josef was in mint condition. At that point she straightened, having grown aware of a certain encroaching fire department employee. He was polished, his features a bit scruffy and his gaze far too friendly to be sincere. Any firefighter with a brain would probably look a bit stressed right now. It was probably just a clothing malfunction though – by the frantic look of his nipples in that shirt it was squeezing the life out of his body. Having been single for the majority of her adult life she was quite versed in this entire scenario – this sizing up and looking over. It was a loathsome interaction for the most part, and as any feminist would squawk it was objectifying and belittling. A snarl bubbled in her own throat but was silenced by the Alpha’s impeccable control, that tight leash it had on its lupine though she did not return the smile that said brazen heap of man business was offering. As it so happened, her wolf’s protests were unnecessary – another wolf was protesting. She did not so much as glance down at Josef, fully aware of exactly what was happening. And while in ordinary scenarios this would earn him either a smack over the head or a good long lecture on the fact that she was a) not his to defend and b) a grown ass woman who’d taken care of herself for more than half of her still very short life. But in this instance she endowed him a pass, though it was difficult to hide her amusement first at the firefighter’s expression – turning from that coy smirk to a troubled expression denoting fear. Sombra smirked now but listened as he informed her about what procedure would be. Ah…clothes shopping for Josef in his own closet. Joy. She looked a bit less entertained at this point – not having come with any preconceptions about babysitting in mind. Still, she “owed” him one. The drawled out word was enough to make the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand on end with annoyance, her brow ticking as her façade grew just a bit more severe. Again, Josef seemed to think it was his job to handle it. Breathing a sigh, she bit back a snide remark as the firefighter finally lost his cool (no pun intended), squealed his frustration and stomped off. Tramp...I prefer the term “psycho” or “mentally unsound”, thank you. Glancing down at the lupine, she arched a brow, bumping his head with the back of her palm in a chiding fashion. ”I’ve never had a problem keeping myself single on my own, thanks. These were lighthearted circumstances…because if Sombra allowed herself to grow serious she’d probably rip her hair out, mutilate a certain flirtatious firefighter and instigate a fight with the Alpha of New York. Clasping her hands behind her spine, she observed the flames as they began to diminish and firefighters began to cautiously go in – checking the strength of the building before allowing others in to investigate, etcetera. It only took them about ten more minutes before said goal was achieved and they were told it was safe to go in. Glancing down at Josef, a single, softly growled statement was offered him. ”You’re coming with – I’m not picking out all your crap alone.” It did occur to her that someone might protest the “dog” following her in but who cared? Certainly not the she-wolf – they were far too self important without really having anything to be proud of. Pity. A month’s worth of clothing. Mentally she groaned but did not say anything, turning on her heel she wandered towards her car, popped the trunk and rummage inside to produce a black duffle bag. Questioning gazes were granted her but she offered no explanation; it’s to carry the clothes, idiot. C’mon. She murmured as she brushed past the wolf, treading indoors and daintily moving around the debris and still rather hot ash that littered the hall. Breezily ascending the stairs, she gently nudged his bedroom door with her shoulder and wandered in – assuming the closet was the only room she hadn’t gone in. Ah, yes. And there it was. She wasn’t surprised at the amount, nor the style. Very business-like. Unzipping the bag as she waited for him to arrive, she reasoned that shoes should go on the bottom. Selected a two pairs of black ones and a pair of brown ones that seemed to cover the bases as far as outfits would go. At that point she took several pairs of black slacks, a grey pair or two and one pair of khaki (personally not fond of the color on men). The shirts she took were basic as well, white, black and few other things. She then moved to the bathroom, taking his toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and the cologne. A new razor and aftershave could be found at any store. Her lips were tugged into a very somber line, one that was scarcely abandoned. She wasn't a tragic case of child neglect right now, she wasn't some woman certain she'd die alone, nor was she a beast battling with herself. She was an Alpha and it was time to work. Glancing up from the bag which she had worked to keep fairly well organized she exited the kitchen and opened the drawers in the dresser - underwear, socks and pajamas. Taking several pair of pajama pants and the tanks he assuredly wore with them as well as a long sleeve shirt or two, she moved to the socks and simply scooped a handful or two out - black and white. And finally...the underwear. Contrary to predicted actions she took a dozen or so pairs of them – paying no attention to the color or style and shoved them in the bag. Sighing quietly, she waited to ask him one last thing though she assumed he was probably in his room or at least in the vicinity if not right behind her. ”You’ll have to tell me if you want anything else.” Family heirlooms, paperweights, etcetera was what she was thinking…then again she guessed that on normal circumstances he’d get Enda do gather what he needed because odds are she probably already knew what he needed. Smirking at the thought of such efficiency and the irony it held – women as servants, she waited for some sort of response… -------------------------------------------------- count: 1,247 outfit: Click! comments: wee!

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

If Josef was anything, it was proud. The Alpha prided himself on his lifes accomplishments. With nothing to his name, he had worked hard throughout school, accomplished what some would call 'the american dream' and lived his life as normally as was allowed. He earned everything he held so sitting in his bedroom, his house devastated by fire, it was all a bit disheartening. Some people could not understand what went through a home owners mind when their place was destroyed. The only thing he could tell himself was that at least he had insurance but if people thought he was going to be a burden on Sombra, they thought wrong. Simply because he had helped her out on two separate occasions did not mean he wanted to be paid back. That was the thing that Ibn-Abad did not understand about Americans. Their sense of repayment. When Syrians did something, that was that. Nothing was too be expected in return. Nothing. If anything was offered for repayment on some level, it was declined.

Watching Sombra shuffle through his clothes had been as embarassing as he expected, at least she did not waste time looking at the specific boxer-briefs he wore. The Alphess had grabbed some various clothes, his shoes, the essentials of what he would need. All the while he remained quiet, keeping out of her way while she shuffled about the room. When the Alphess had finished rummaging through the house, through his room, she finally spoke to him. Wanting to know if there was anything else he needed, the wolf turned his head. Of course there was but if she thought he would shift and and prance through the house as a naked Arab, she thought wrong. Thats just what the neighbors would need to see. 'Hey look, its the rag wearing arab. Hey look at night he's a nudist.' Still, he ventured back through the home, back into the den and hit the television stand with his weight. His eyes glanced up at the top where the corner of his wallet appeared. Again he hit it, then again and finally a forth time before the black leather square dropped to the floor.

It was here the Enda had entered his home. The Omega of his pack. She knew boundaries and obviously respected Sombra enough to listen to her. Why though was another question to be asked. Typically wolves listened to their own Alpha's. Did Enda view Sombra as her Alpha? If she did then another question would need to be asked... why? "Josef. Someone wants to talk to you." She spoke whispered as she entered the den and was followed by another woman. A growl escaped Ibn-Aba's lip as the hair on his shoulders stood once again.

"Josef, you remember Samasha Noon." Enda said, making a bad attempt at introductions. Quietly the omega left the home all together.

Samasha was one of the liaisons for the Native American pack and her arrival was unexpected. "So it is true. We saw the fire some distance away and assumed it involved your home. Sadly we were right. I hope you are ok." The hair remain raised on Josefs back as his head slowly lowered. "I'm not here to do anything else Josef and I know you don't entirely trust us." Samasha was shorter than normal. Maybe five feet even if that. Black hair flowed to the small of her back, her body covered in thick layers of clothing. It irritated Josef, that Samasha and the Native's, as Josef referred to them, had their territory smacking almost directly into his backyards gate. They roamed the forest at night, they were also nosy little wolves. Samasha's nostrils flared as she picked up the scent of Sombra. "So she is here. Did she ever leave?" Noon quipped.

Josef let out a snarl.

"Ok. Ok. Don't forget Syrian that the meeting is tomorrow. Regardless if you have have a home or not, my Alpha's hope to see you there. Bring your guest too. I'm sure they would be more than happy to meet this new Alpha you seem more than willing to allow into your area." Noon was an insincere individual. One whom thought of herself as holier than though. Most Native Americans seemed to have that attitude. Simply because she was a liaison meant nothing to Josef. In fact, she was the lowest ranking wolf there was. Even Enda had more responsibility than Samasha.

Ibn-Abad let out a snap of his jaws. Samasha's welcome was now over. It was time for her to leave.

"Now Josef, would you really want too start trouble, especially with all those Officers out there with itchy trigger fingers?" She threatened him!?

Ibn-Abad stepped forward several paces, his body nearly shaking from the growl that escaped his chest. Officers or not, he would not tolerate disrespect towards him by anyone. Samasha took a step back for each step forward the Wolf made until her body pressed against the wall. Samasha turned her heard, refusing to return the glare the was radiating from the Alpha's eyes. He stood on his hind legs, his paws against the walls, his almond eyes locked on her face daring the liaison to return to the glare. Each exhale of breath brought forth a slew of saliva which salivated from sure rage. No one, absolutely no one threatened Josef Ibn-Abad; regardless of who they were. The right side of Noon's cheek was covered with a translucent gew; the message had been sent and noon took it too heart. She left without any additional words spoken. Following her through, Enda escorted Samasha from the property all the while the Liaison wiped the spit from her face. Almost as quickly as his fur had stood, it settled back down and the wolf went back in to fetch his wallet.

Sombra was standing there holding it.

She had apparently seen the whole exchange. Was Josef proud of threatening a woman? Never. However it did not mean that a woman could threaten the Alpha of New York City. Samasha knew the rules and if she thought that Ibn-Abad was scared of her screaming for help cause the big bad wolf seemed dangerous, she was mistaken. In his opinion, if a woman like Samasha had balls enough to threaten a man; a wolf; an Alpha of all people then she had the balls to take whatever punishment was due for such an action. Its how wolves worked. Pack structure was important. Anyone threatening Josef was threatening his status as a Pack Leader. He would not lie down for anyone. A threat would not go unanswered; ever. Though he probably lost points in the eyes of Sombra for his display, Abad could not show that he cared. With a huff he left his home and stepped onto the front lawn. Tomorrow would be a meeting of sorts between New York Alpha's and now they expected Sombra's presence. That would be interesting. Tonight however remained to be seen.

His eyes squinted as he tried to glance at the various cars... which one was Sombras. Which one could he get his fur all over? If a wolf could smirk, Josef would have.

[*sombra delgadillo]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=c6c7c3] It was almost bothersome, to have to try to read the facial expression that Josef managed to press through the wolven façade. He was very much the animal, very much the provocative, bothersome dog that most would find a family pet. But the intellect that he conducted himself with was commendable and made it impeccably clear that he was no domesticated biscuit eater. Still, the mind reading hoodoo wasn’t going to work. As she posed the question she realized how foolish it probably was – not like he could answer, right? “Want an extra pair of socks?” –Woof-. Yeah that sounded like a highly intelligible conversation now didn’t it? It was only as he turned and made his way out of the room that she received her response: she’d forgotten something. Now what oh what could it be…Some treasure of his perhaps? An heirloom that she would say was junk? As they wandered back down the stairs, Sombra stopped short, standing at the base of the stairwell as she listened…or scented was more like it. She was always on her toes. Always waiting for the next attacker. And even through the smoke and ash that fogged her senses she could tell someone was coming. Not Enda and not firefighter. Another wolf. By the sound of Enda’s whispered words the Alpha made her silent way to stand back a few feet but behind Josef, her pupils narrow and the ferocity of the beast apparent in those fiery gates. She noted Enda’s departure as well, unfortunately, as the defiance of this stranger – Samasha Noon. Odd name but she said nothing. She listened instead as the she-wolf spoke, though Josef’s responses were far more intriguing than some whelp and her empty threats and clueless concepts. At the mention of Sombra being invited a silent smirk curled her lips – Noon would regret visiting Sombra in the state of lupine. Omega, dirt or otherwise, Sombra had no problem serving the beating of a lifetime to the insubordinate filth. Whatever the case, Noon was digging herself quite a hole, the idea that Josef was contained by the threat of a man with a gun was amusing. At least it was to the Alpha – guns weren’t frightening when in the hands of law enforcement – they rarely shot to kill and most were poor shots unless you stood still like the targets they trained with. The situation seemed under control, and since Josef had given Sombra no chance to respond or instigate a brawl she stepped to retrieve his wallet which he’d dropped while handling the departing wolf. As he turned back in Sombra’s general direction, assumedly to find his belongings, he paused and it occurred to the she-wolf that her presence may not have been obvious. She didn’t speak, simply eyed him. Not that she had any qualms with a man growling at a woman. Life would be boring if there were no men to smack around that smacked back. He turned in a huff and made his way out and Sombra had to stifle a chuckle. Someone was in a fussy mood, something she found amusing though she doubted her sentiments would be the same if she suffered from the same mood. The Syrian was wandering in search of something, assumedly a car and she sighed – not looking forward to having to find the guys to detail it afterwards. Still at least there would be no charge for the service and she certainly wasn’t vacuuming it out herself. With a roll of her eyes she indicated the r8 which sat loyally exactly where she’d parked it. The officers still looked a bit crabby, which only served to stir her mirth. Silly boys. Grow a pair. Shaking her head, she unlocked the door, opened the passenger side so he could bounce in while she popped the trunk and shoved the duffle bag in. Slamming it, she stood for a moment in the chill and breathed slowly. Silently preparing herself for housing a guest. Though staying in this city was out of the question. No. California was the way to go. If he had to go to that damn meeting she’d ferry him back but this city was ridiculous. The way she drove she’d get them there by ten in the morning, they’d be able to recuperate during the day and if the meeting was in the morning they’d drive at night. Otherwise it looked like Sombra would receive the luxury of sleeping in her own bed. Something that the memory of staying with Mr. Abad always made her appreciate. Still, for someone who missed her mattress so much she still slept very little. Damned nightmares. Damned animal. Sleep is a good thing. It’s the sleep deprivation that makes the world go all catawampus. -------------------------------------------------- count: 795 outfit: Click! comments: yeah, it's 3 a.m. and I have to wake up in four hours so be glad you got a post, if indeed you think it's a wee bit short...x.x

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

He shifted in her back seat after several minutes of simply resting on the seat and feeling the engine through his body each time the car revved. Sombra was in a hurry and the wolf let out a defiant sigh. Still, she was in a car he never thought she had and was wearing clothes that were so becoming of her. His eyes remained locked on her as she drove, her focus was on the road before them more than on her makeshift passenger. Josef could not but feel humbled by the Alphess due to the situation at hand. She had been in the same exact scenario; although she was hurt. All Josef had was a bit of smoke inhalation which had all but gone away. He would live. So when the shift came, he ensured it was as private as it could be. He got down onto her cars floor, just behind the drivers seat. All that Josef could really think while he body took its shape was the tremendous pain he was in.

Trying to shift in such a confined place was agonizing. Normally when he shifted, he just lay still. Now, his body twisted and jerked about as it tried to find a comfortable angle to finish the change. The hardest part was his legs which over lay and bent slightly on the opposite side of the car. Though the change finally came, his body was stiff, and nude. His bare arm extended forth to the front passenger seat where he snagged the bag of clothes before retreating back to the floor. Dressing quickly in boxers, pants and a shirt, there was one thing missing - or at least he did not see it immediately - his head scarves. Now this was where morality fell into conflict with conformity. What was he suppose to do? He was in no relationship with Sombra; whether it be mate, lovers, dating so it was indecent of him to have his hair exposed to her. She was not blood family which made it inappropriate. This was the moral dilemma.

Was he suppose to say Thank You? Sombra had left without much of saying anything herself the last time and he had no clue where she was taking him. Still hunched behind her seat and out of view; he could feel the real Alphess. She was not hurt or injured. She was healthy and strong. Sombra was truly his equal on this night. "As-Salaamu Alaykum, Miss Delgadillo." He said. "I would tell you about the most exciting thing about my day today but I think you already know what that is." His thoughts fell to Enda, more specifically how Sombra knew how to contact her. So Josefs pride was not so much hurt as it was threatened. Very few wolves had the gall to dare order his wolves about yet Sombra did. There were two ways Josef could have gone with it. He could remain in feeling threatened, the fact another Alpha was putting her will over his pack. Enda did have the expression of outright hesitation and fear of Sombra or he could have found it too be nothing more than a momentary thing. He could even find it to be that she felt comfortable doing such around him. Either way, Josef, like any Alpha would be a bit bruised. Another Alpha had to inform his pack that he was injured.

"So tell me, Miss Delgadillo. What are your plans for me? Where are you taking me, if I may ask." Abad spoke, finally breaking the silence completely. "Oh, by the way, you look radiant on this eve but back to another question I want to ask. How come you're in New York?" A part of him wanted it too be because she had some deeper urge to want to see Josef again. Another part of him knew that would not be her reason.

[*sombra delgadillo]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=c6c7c3] The sound of the wolf maneuvering around, assumedly seeking comfort, upon the leather back seats was enough to make Sombra herself shift uncomfortably. She wasn’t particularly certain about how she felt – a mutt in her car. Ultimately it no longer mattered – Josef was leaving hair and dandruff all over the seats and floor. Breathing slowly through her nostrils, she tempered her frustration, reasoning that if given the choice she would have chosen a less pampered vehicle but in a pinch this one did the trick: getting them out of there. Even without glancing at the taut countenance of the fidgety lupine she could sense the Alpha’s distaste when given the idea of being taken from his city. Ah well. He’d return when he wanted to. In Sombra’s mind she was aiding him as far as she owed him, coming to aid when it was necessary…though her need had clearly been direr. His house burning down was unfortunate, but everything in it could be replicated as far as she was concerned. The sound of bones crunching behind her was enough to coax the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end, but with the grim knowledge of what exactly was occurring she refrained from looking back in alarm. Out of her peripheral vision she easily picked out his arm reaching for the bag of clothing in the front seat but she did not interfere. She simply stared vacantly down the stretch of highway they’d hit – yes, she’d found her way out of the city that quickly and without any police interference. They would probably avoid her now: no one wanted to cause a scene where a doubtlessly rare car was involved, it would be positively scandalous and bad publicity for NYPD. Drumming her slender fingertips on the leather covered wheel, listened to Josef’s movement absentmindedly – tracking his positions. Again with the language she could not understand. Dipping her head in a silent nod, she acknowledged the salutations somberly as she did most things when not in an injured or weakened state. “A fire was the most exciting thing of the day….” She paused, processing the idea while a small smirk twitched at the outermost seams of her lips. ”You need to get out more.” Fires were natural disasters. Half the excitement in living was going out and finding the unnatural peril there was that that world had so conveniently created, created in spades to be honest…It had not occurred to her that her actions had been brazen and if it had occurred to her she was showing no signs of remorse. The reason she was regarded as such was because she demanded it and if it was not given freely she taught them the value of dirt, grime and blood for lunch – side dishes for the special of the day; a knuckle sandwich, served by the Alphess herself. What are your plans for me… Again a smirk danced across her features, seemingly amused by the wording in the inquiry: as if he were a captive being held on a faraway island. By the way, you look radiant. A brow jerked upright, bemused by his choice of words yet again. Radiant? Hardly. Sombra had never regarded herself as anything near such a word. Attractive on occasion but radiant seemed a description befitting the sun or a bride but not herself. How come you’re in New York… So many questions: some things never changed, Josef Abad was still a talker. Inhaling slowly, she prepared to provide explanation, stepping on the gas and hoping California arrived more quickly than she knew it would. ”My plans are simple – I’ll provide a place to sleep for the night. Your destination for tomorrow is your decision but my home is open. As for the reason why I am…or was…in New York, I wasn’t. I was in Maine entertaining myself and got word over police radio talk that a wolf’s house was on fire in the New York area.” She shrugged then, clearly believing that the rest seemed to be fairly obvious. Of course it probably would have been hospitable to add something like “I’m glad you’re okay” or “I was worried” but supplying sentimental babble was not exactly Sombra’s way. Okay…it really wasn’t Sombra’s way. -------------------------------------------------- count: 710 outfit: Click! comments: yayposts