Fat Tuesday [kinky sombra]

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

Drunks were not what Josef had intended to observe nor interact with upon his arrival in Louisiana. In fact, he had been ignorant in his own right as the Syrian had forgotten that the Christian holiday of lent was up tomorrow and that meant that today people would commit a variety of the deadly sins. Lust, greed and gluttony that most prominent. Still, had he done a bit more research, he would have simply waited until Sombra left New Orleans so he did not have to be in the cess-pool of drunkards. He watched from the tea house as people danced in the streets, some sitting upon floats and almost everyone in some sort of monsterous outfit. Even though he had spent the majority of his life in the States, there were still some aspects of life that he was not accustomed too. Still, the Alpha of New York watched as men in drag continued to suckle from the openings in their glass beer bottles like a goat to it's mothers tit.

Though his almond colored eyes watched the lucky to be evolved primates and their shenanigans his mind traveled back to the prior eve and what occurred on the beaches. He had found the woman whom he wanted as his Mate. An Alphess who rivaled his own dominance and that was not something easy to do. Josef was not an outwardly cocky individual but he understood the difference between Alpha's and regular pack mates. Even his previous Mate recognized his overall dominance upon first meeting. Still, Sombra was a different breed. She could stand toe to toe with him at on a couple of occasions the two challenged one another in their own ways. Was Ibn-Abad scared of Sombra? No - he just greatly respected her.

He found her though. On the beach and in the presence of another wolf; a male specifically. Still, the Syrians arrival had proven to be a bit much as the Alphess fled in some quaint agitation. Had Josef wanted, he could have used the opportunity to shred the male, who dared encroach upon Sombra, apart. He did not however. The male was not worth the time and it could be seen that he was highly inexperienced in what he was; as though he was getting use to his own skin. He had not been able to find Sombra. He sought her out but lost her scent once reentering the heart of New Orleans. Taking a drink from the cup which sat on the table, Ibn-Abads eyes refused to waver from the drunks. Their behavior, the behavior of this city in fact, was so fascinating. Committing deadly sins before a religious holiday; what were people thinking?

When Josef had made it back to the Hilton he had found a message waiting for him at the front desk. Her scent was all over the single note which read "French Quarter - Sau'er Tea House - Eight P.M." Josef would not disappoint. His eyes glanced at the circular wall clock, 7:50. He had arrived at 7:30, a half hour before the note said. If there was one thing about Josef people had to give him, it was that he was always early. Always.

New York had taken a toll on both Alpha's. That much had been obvious. Josef had come across Sombra in the Central Park. Josef had found her injured and gave her shelter. Sombra had fended for Josef when his home had been burnt down through an accident. Little did either realize that those acts, looking after one another in such ways, had inadvertantly shown their feelings for oen another; or development of said feelings. Still, neither said anything though when emotions began to bubble up, moments before either would actually confess and express, they fled. Sombra left New York and Josef never chased after her. She needed space and he needed to clear his head.

That was New York.

Josef knew what he wanted now. Knew that Sombra was to be his mate and his mate alone. With a quiet sip, he turned his attention back to the drunks, while straightening the cuff to his coat. Decked in a black turtle neck, the Arab did not wear his keffiyah. His head scarf had been left at the hotel, folded neatly in his suitcase. Over top of the turtle neck was a leather coat though he wore a garb that would have surprised most people. The arab wore denim pants. Dark blue denim pants. The Syrian had always hated denim, feeling it to be a peasants cloth but it appeared Sombra had begun rubbing off on Ibn-Abad. She wore denim and through her subtle influence, Josef was now exploring it. With a quiet flick of his lips, he waited quietly.

[*sombra delgadillo]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=c6c7c3] Stress. It was something that always disgruntled the Alpha wolf – the lupine didn’t quite comprehend the necessity for any such things. Human notions were always so massively more complicated than the life that it preferred. The she wolf was prone to solitude and apathy, nothing beyond the feral desire to survive and that was enough for the creature to facilitate a living for itself. Sombra Delgadillo? She was no so inclined to settle, at least that’s what she’d begun to realize. There were things that her childhood’s short span had eradicated – the fairy tale wants of a knight in shining armor, the belief that family life had anything to do with happiness. Now? Her view hadn’t particularly changed. There was something inside of the she-wolf that had always believed that if ever she settled down it would be with the eldest Mercer. Not that there had been romantic feelings, but logically it made sense – he had been the closest she’d ever had to a functional human relation – even if it had only been friends. Jerome was a royal catastrophe, a lesson in pain and trust that had only made the wolf less apt to grow intimate. It wasn’t fear that made the wolf weary, but the recollection of the damage that Rome had inflicted on the human counterpart. What, it wondered, had inspired the biped to make such ridiculous decisions when it came to that particular male? She doubt the wolf would ever understand. It would always bare disgust as far as Rome went and she could hardly blame it – fiasco. Shifting on the edge of the dock where she sat, she’d changed into a pair of faded bootcut jeans, red pumps and a black off the shoulder shirt. Her crimson hair collected in ringlets that billowed down her spine and her features were downcast. Her eye makeup was always the same, darkly hued and smoky in appearance. Her eyes, always intense, appeared even more intimidating with such displays. The wolf was pissed – the human had done the unthinkable. Left a note for the Alpha of New York? The man spelt trouble, he spelt complication and harm to her and the lupine was beside herself with anxiety. However, for all of this turmoil within her posterior was quite pristine, calm and thoughtful – pedestrian to look at as she sat there. It was late, dark outside and the sound of New Orleans in the distance enough to remind her that she’d better start moving in that general direction. It was five and she didn’t want to rush. Sighing, she rose and strode down the planks, back towards the shoreline. The square of her shoulders suggested she was prepared to go off into battle, and in a way the wolf was preparing for one. Reining in the human when she was so emotional was always a nifty trick and the wolf had already had her nerves grated upon in the past twenty four hours. She could not help but be amused by her choice of location – a Tea House of all places. Shaking her head with a toss, she dismissed the novelty of laughter and pursed her lips, silently eyeing those she passed as they stumbled in a drunken stupor. The closer she grew to New Orleans the more apparent her mistake became. Something was going on…And then it hit her – Mardi Gras. Internally she winced and groaned and had every desire to beat herself over the head with a mallet. Mardi Gras. Drunken louts and half naked women parading around the streets all night. What had she been thinking? The human inside her was ranting – if she kept up with the news she would have known what was going on tonight, and the wolf? The wolf was entertained and frustrated all at once, calling her everything worse than a fool. Slipping through the menagerie, she managed to avoid the grappling hands and hiccupping idiots, only having to dodge and trip one as he made a pounce. Her throat was bubbling with snarls but she continued without pause, with one thing in mind – not being layout or just downright turning around. At seven fifty three the location came into view and she crossed the street, swung open the door and stood there, as if to catch her breath. The reality was that she wasn’t out of breath, just taking her last opportunity to decide if it was time to disappear and become a ghost to this man or not. The wolf was all for it. Unfortunately that wasn’t an option for the woman. She couldn’t – it was settling today. The slant of her gaze immediately snapped to the Syrian, sharp and fierce as it always was as if he’d already gotten himself into trouble when in reality it was the wolf’s greeting. As if saying an accusatory you! Meandering over without further adieu, she seated herself, and murmured a low reply to the waitress’s breathless inquiry: water. Leaning back casually in her seat, she finally turned her attention to the man across the table and offered salutations in the barest of forms: ”Hello.” -------------------------------------------------- count: 800+ outfit: click! comments: o.owow

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

Josef knew most of the Alpha's in the United States. In fact, he had gone out of his way to learn about his counterparts and their territories. Wolves were not as abundant as some might have expected and finding dominate wolves was that much more rare. Southern California had a Alphess by the name Inora running around. New York City obviously as Josef. Sombra was... a wanderer who simply went where she wanted. That made three active dominates. There had been more, though no one knew what happened to Adam Vargus or his Mate, or if they did, words were not being spoken. In Europe there was Katra in Paris but no one else. There were murmurs that Londons pack reformed though no one knew who the Alpha was there. Still, what truly mattered to Ibn-Abad was the United States. When the three most dominate wolves were ranked together, one took notice of their personalities.

Inora had always been the quieter, gentler Alphess. She was not outwardly aggressive though undoubtedly she had the skills to be. How else could she have been an Alpha. Then there was Josef. A Syrian with a quiet nature publicly but absolutely ferocious in his dominance over New York City. If Inora was passive, Josef was aggressive. Yet Sombra was a mix and Josef understood the careful balance the woman walked. She was aggressive, dominate yet she was not a senseless bully. She understood her role perfectly. At times she was passive, others aggressive.

When she entered, with a huff, Josef knew the game. It was the same they always played. Josef would be quiet to begin with, Sombra would try and assert her dominance in some form. That had been the key to their relationship thus far. Josef had seen Sombras aggression. He knew what she was capable of. A person like Delgadillo was relatively easy to read in the Syrians eyes. The big wild card was Josef himself, and he knew it. Very few people had ever seen Josef raised his hand. His pack had, on several occasions but all knew not to speak of it. Of course there was the incident at Mercy Hospital, when Josef took the lives of several individuals just before Federal Swat Teams entered the building. Another instance in which anger bested the man. Yet all of those were times Sombra had never seen nor heard of as Josef never spoke of them. Why would he?

Still, Delgadillo was not happy to be here; or specifically the wolf wasn't. Pity. Josef very rarely tried to impress anyone and when he put a little extra effort into looking nice or being presentable and that effort was unappreciated, it irritated him. Still, Josefs wolf and the man himself were already set on claiming Sombra as his Mate. As far as he and the other New York Alpha's were concerned; she already was. That was where were-politics showed. Vampires claimed to have all sorts of nifty little rules yet they could not compare in variety or bluntness to wolves. In the were's world, when a Alpha made his or her interest known, all others were not to encroach. It was taboo and severely punishable. The Packs of the North East United States learned early on of the unique relationship the wandering Alpha and her Syrian counterpart shared and they knew of his interest.

Her life was his own. He had claimed her as his mate, though Ibn-Abad realized she probably knew little of the sticky politics from the North-East. By doing that, it ensured she was safe from other wolves. It also ensured that if anything ever happened to Sombra, Josef would be notified immediately. "You look radiant this evening, Miss Delgadillo." At least tonight he spoke, unlike last night in which he remained in his wolvin form while watching over her. And here it was, as he spoke, that he held no reservations - Josef Ibn-Abad locked eyes with Sombra and showed no attempt to avert his gaze.

That was a change.

"Why did you choose this specific tea house?" He asked quietly while his attention turned to her earrings, gold color, which reflected the light of the house' like an ornament on a christmas tree. They were beautiful.

[*sombra delgadillo]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=c6c7c3] Some people enjoy chess, in fact a great many think the game can be likened to a vast menagerie of real life situations. Sombra on the other hand was not a fan. Why would she be? There were so many variables relying on a solitary person and all for the sake of another player in the end. What she disliked more than chess was any game that required teams. Perhaps that wasn’t very much an indication of her status – pack wolf, but it did disclose how very independent she habitually was. She asked for no help, from anyone and receiving help was about as pleasant as scraping a cheese grater across her forehead. Now, I’m not so sure about you but cheese graters and skin sounds downright painful. In essence the wolf had her game face on, she was staring reticently at her counterpart as she always did waiting for him to avoid her stare at all costs as he always did. Strange dance. It was not so much that she enjoyed it, it was that she was safer in the familiar things and this particular relation was fairly easy to figure out or at least she thought so. She thought wrong though. Sombra knew many things, by instinct for the most part and skill for others. But what the wolf had caught wind of upon entrance had put her on edge. It smelled very much like want. Immediately the human had posed the breathless, internal question – For what? The wolf hadn’t responded, only growled as it habitually did. It meant that it didn’t venture to believe that Sombra could take the answer and maintain her composure as well as it would like. Therefore she would keep what she knew in her subconscious – the wolf. Having situated herself in her seat, her palms flat in her lap, her arms at her sides (just bent at the elbows) and her skull slightly tilted, she stared at him. It was a new look to see the Syrian garbed in and she had no complaints. Frankly, jeans suited everyone. The absence of his keffiyah allowed for easy viewing of the dark surprisingly touchable hair on his head. She preferred the look, though he seemed to have been taken down a social notch as such. As if he’d slid off his pedestal just to mingle with the commoners today. Almost smirking at herself, Sombra arched a brow towards him – a passive action while her gaze was anything but. It rarely was less than intense. It was in her nature to be so. The wolf radiated with ferocity and the intensity of a focused predator, always. It was exhausting but never seemed to allow for rest. Demanding side of her, the lupine, constantly dissatisfied and irritated, while Sombra herself was a quieter soul – no less strong but much less foreboding. The wolf was seemingly already looming in wait, the human would tangible relax…at least in theory. There were very few times that Sombra could recall having relaxed while in someone else’s company. Granted that was a device of the wolf but again – she was the wolf. They were one in the same. For better or worse. She was somewhat distracted, and only seemed to surface from her thoughts as the waitress set her water and a small square napkin before her. A thank you was breathed to the apathetic woman who had already scuttled off. Surprisingly Sombra was irritated – the employee had not inquired as to whether or not the Syrian needed a reheat. She wasn’t a frequenter of public places, but wasn’t that fairly standard? If she knew it it had to be. Almost snarling under her breath, she made a mental note to flag the woman down at the next opportunity. You look radiant this evening, Miss Delgadillo. At this the she-wolf arched a brow slow, almost skeptically and eyed him. Radiant…She rolled the adjective around in her skull…Nope, didn’t sound like one that fit her in any manner of speaking. Had he not stamped her name to the end of the statement she would have looked to see if he were addressing someone behind her…or simply left. Her reply was probably less colorful, but communicated the attention she paid. ”You look relaxed, Josef.” It was said with the pedestrian disregard for the rules society had spelled out – she made her own lines in the sand. Didn’t mean there weren’t rules, meant that she didn’t cater to someone else’s idea of “decent”. The werewolf was very nearly startled by the stare she was receiving, caught off guard to say the least. While she’d seen his eyes on numerous occasions – obviously – it was different, very much so, to be stared down by an individual when in comparison to just catching fleeting glances of a gaze. To her credit, when he inquired as to why she’d chosen this particular establishment she answered promptly – she could have easily made him wait while she inspected his irises. ”Thought it would be calm.” With that she tossed her head in the direction of the door, indicating the street outside. ”Obviously my intel was lacking.” It was said with something of an annoyed puff, an act more orchestrated by the wolf than the human. The wolf was annoyed, the human was uncomfortable. Unfortunately, la loba was governing the conversation right now and she had no intention of dancing around what was going on in Sombra’s head. ”Why are you here?” -------------------------------------------------- count: 911 nojoke outfit: click! comments: right to the chase, homez.

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

"You."

Well that was blunt and straight to the point now was it not? Josef did not beat around the bush. He was a direct individual who thought playing games was for children. If he wanted to say something, he would say it. Honesty, after all, had its rewards. Still, even this Alpha knew when he was walking a fine line, though he was intimidated by Delgadillo's demeanor. He had always taken the meh approach when it came to the woman. She had her own boundaries set up, apparently for just cause, but Abad really did not care. If he wanted through those barriers, like he currently did, he would find a way through.

"Leave it to you to surprise me on the places you travel too. New Orleans of all places. Not exactly a nice city in terms of class." He did not understand the United States fascination with this place; especially after Hurricane Katrina. From his recollection, the city was lead by an anti-white black man and its city resorted to looting, mob rule and mass rape in the Super Dome when the Hurricane actually fell. Why did this country take pity on a people of a city, or a city itself, when it had been ignorantly put itself and themselves in harms way? There had been towns in Mississippi that had been hit much worse than New Orleans but why did people care about New Orleans more? Was it cause it was a primarily black city or was it simply because it was New Orleans, the town of Mardi Gras?

When Katrina hit, Josef learned a lot about American psychology. He understood that all people had to do these days was claim to be victims of race and plead ignorance and the country as a whole would pity them. It was a fascinating perspective of things. No one gave a second thought to the fact that this city's mayor waited so late to order evacuations, nor did anyone seem to give second thought to the millions who refused to leave due to their own stubbornness. This city should have been abandoned, forgotten and allowed to fall into the ocean like it was already on course to do.

"I feel you and I have some things in which we need to discuss." Josef said, breaking his momentary silence. He used brief moments of silence to analyze the air, trying to pick up any other wolvin scents. No not because he was concerned if there was a established pack in New Orleans. He was focusing on Sombra and ensuring that there were no male scents upon her own. If anything, the only male scent he would ever allow around her was his own. "I do not like leaving things unsettled. Call me a perfectionist but when business it left open, I need for resolution to be found, whatever that resolution be. We both know what was happening in New York, Sombra."

Even Josef was just a tad taken aback by his forwardness. Josef was not one to let his wolf due the talking, the most would be an assistance in discussion but Abad understood that males tended to be a bit too forceful, especially around that whom they yearned for. He picked it up from her at times, the angst, the uncertainty, the want. "It is rare for me to leave New York these days so you and I both know I would not be here, should it not be absolutely of the utmost importance to both of us." His voice lowered slightly, "And I dont think you would have come unless you, or at least some part of you, felt the same way."

~ Outside the Cafe ~

The gent stood some distance from the Cafe's window, though he was at just an angle that his sight was locked on both Alpha's as they sat in converse. "I've found him." He spoke into a Nokia cell that was pressed against his ear.

-That woman with him?-

"Yeah, she's here." His eyes narrowed slightly as he took a glance at the woman.

-Are you sure you want to do this?-

"Josef has forgotten who he is. Ill ensure he remembers. He's not in New York anymore. This is New Orleans. He's about to learn that he isn't the only Syrian alpha nor the only family member of the Ibn-Abad family to make a name for themselves in the wolvin community. I'll be home late." With that he ended the call and slid the cell phone into his pocket.

Standing amongst the crowd, it had been a wonder that the olive skinned man had been able to find a momentary lull in the festivities. His eyes were near slits as they returned to Josef, "I knew this country would be filled with Infidels but I did not believe it would turn one of my own into one."

Walking quietly closer to the window, he avoided whom he could of the crowd, taking extra care to ensure he did not bump anyone. These people were beneath this man or so he thought as to be touched by swine was insulting. Once at the window, thoughts raced through his mind. 'How to get the attention of the great Alpha of New York?' Then it hit him.

Tapping on the window, the gent caught Josefs attention. With the Alpha of New Yorks gaze locked upon the outsider, the native wolf of New Orleans breathed across the glass, a white mist forming across it while quickly writing a message directed at Sombra herself, in arabic.

~ Inside the Cafe ~

Josef could not continue on with his thoughts, having wanted to follow up in some way on how he ended his last statement. That would not occur as an annoying and loud tapping caught most peoples attention in the cafe. His eyes turned to the glass, where they could have fallen out of his face in surprise had they not been held by back muscle. "Fareem." Josef muttered in absolute surprise. His cousin from Damascus, Josef never really got along with his kin. The distant relatives were what Josef had never wanted to be, extremist in their beliefs.

His eyes turned momentarily to Sombra, "My cousin." Josef said with a perplexed look that had a thousand questions weighted behind it. The Syrians attention turned back to the window as the sound of a light new noise was heard. "Uriiduk." There were few things in the Arab culture that could get snap responses out of an individual. In fact only three known instances ever caused immediate, violent reactions from a Syrian man. The first being a challenge to his faith. The second being a challenge to the man himself and the third being a challenge to a lover of a target. Sombra was no lover, not yet, but it did not nullify the importance of what Fareem wrote on the window.

Just after finishing writing, Fareem extended his tongue and licked the window in a highly provocative manor; once again directed at Sombra. As Josef fled from his seat, Fareem bolted down the street. As far as the Alpha of New York was concerned, he had been challenged by another male to be at the side of Sombra. Just as he made it to the door and bolted out, he paused, catching Fareem scent. It was human.

It was were.

With a glance back at Sombra, Josef set off in a foot chase. What the hell was Fareem up too? How the hell did he become a were? and why in a blue moon did he challenge Josef for Sombra? So many questions, so few answers. Regardless, the Syrian had been provoked and even though he was dealing with blood family, it mean little when it came to Sombra. Disrespect would not be tolerated and Fareem would learn one very important thing... when it came to Sombra... Josef Ibn-Abad would answer every challenge. He lost sight of Fareem in the sea of people but the scent trail remained and gave Josef all he needed to run down his prey.

[*sombra delgadillo]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=c6c7c3] The response Sombra would receive would not immediately make sense to her. You. Immediately the human was spun into a world of questions – what had she done that was so heinous that he’d personally come to duke it out. That was simply the level that her brain operated on. A brow had voluntarily lifted in skepticism. Still trying to work over the word “You”. What did he want her for? He wasn’t in poor health obviously. It simply didn’t work in her head, the wolf was irritated as it sniffed around the concept. She was why he was here. She was in no immediate danger, or hadn’t been before his arrival so he could not be here in hopes of helping her in any way. The she wolf was somewhat taken aback, and clearly puzzled as she eyed him. Her features appeared younger when they were allowed to disclose the confusion that riddled her mind. “You”…The sudden onslaught of a headache was not surprising, no word should be so ambiguous. Her lips had been tugged back into a slight frown, and her head tipping as her gaze seemed to be attempting to burn a hole through his into his skull so she could pick his brain. Her… Leave it to you to surprise me on the places you travel to. New Orleans of all places. Not exactly a nice city in terms of class. The Alpha snorted, it had been a very “New Yorker” thing to say. Out of all the states its citizens seemed the most prone to dislike all else but the known. Those words had temporarily drug her away from the whole “You” spectacle but in a moment’s time she was back to pacing within her mind. Naturally the wolf wasn’t allowing her to harbor romantic notions; it had no time for such ridiculous musings and no want to pick Sombra up every time she was wrong. That being said the human was cautious and the wolf becoming irritated. It was a scalding change within her, one that no one ever got to see but when the two sides were at odds (most of the time) it filled her with an aching sensation, her heart pounding against her chest as if this argument was carried even to the physical realm. Such oddities now did not bother her, but when she’d fought her wolf as a youth it had been nothing short of traumatic. It had felt very much like a heart attack then, the intensity of battling within so great she couldn’t stomach it. Only now that she was accustomed to it did she not grow nauseous, weak and panicky. In fact there was no postural sign of her pain. Her features were the same as they had been before – covered in a mild frown. Josef was obviously in thought, and Sombra was only happy to oblige the silence that had so quickly consumed the couple. And as her mind processed the word “us” “you” made sense. The look on her face was what most would term priceless, her jaw hanging slack and her eyes growing to saucers as if she’d been shot. The wolf snorted. It was as if her air had been stolen from her lungs. I feel you and I have things in which we need to discuss. Immediately the wolf reared its head, defiant and fur on end. The whole “us” concept threatened it, threatened who Sombra was. Her lifestyle and the risks she took daily weren’t the kind that a partner would allow and the moment a leash was enforced whatever union there was would dissipate and Sombra, wolf and human, would rebel and find her independence again. Ridiculous, was all the human could think. Their dual dominance almost promised a clash in the near future, one which neither was prone to back away from. Especially her. She was not an agreeable, malleable female. Not the sort she imagined Abad would be interested in. Frankly she wasn’t the sort anyone would be interested in. She was belligerent, unpredictable, and rarely slept. Who wanted that? Who could love that? No one. No one in their right mind anyway. She was vaguely aware that he was talking again but his words weren’t really registering. Of course the wolf heard it all and even it tripped over the final statement. We both know what was happening in New York, Sombra. At this her stare ticked away, unable to meet his at this point as if she’d been caught doing the unspeakable. It had never been her intention to grow attached to the Alpha of New York. She had never harbored any fear of it occurring and it was probably her leisure that had made it so easy for the human to begin to notice the little things that made him Josef. The wolf had recognized dominance in him and therefore its protests had been less than they generally were. It didn’t mean there were no protests. Again its first concern was How are we going to survive this? Sombra was not a daredevil because she was an idiot, she was a risk taker because she had nothing to lose. Even with the silent junctures between speeches it was becoming too much to process. The human was pretty much at a loss. The wolf was amusedly staring at her as if saying “I told you so.” And I don’t think you would have come unless you, or at least some part of you, felt the same. Her lips twitched, and her pupils narrowed, the lupine angered by his assumptions. As if he knew what was going through her head. He hadn’t the faintest idea, if he did he probably would have left by now. If Sombra had been half as smart as she thought she was she would have gone as well. She hadn’t verbally responded to anything, and as an incessant tapping rung through the front of the building it seemed she would not have to. Unfortunately she was rarely as human as she was in this instant. It slowed her reactions especially since her mind was rolling over so many things. Fareem. She didn’t recognize the word as English and it was that that made her focus and the wolf snap back up to process – quickly – what was going on. Josef was staring at the man in the window, and she too glanced at him, keenly aware of the Alpha’s stare as it ticked back to her. My cousin. Internally the human spun, Oh well sure that makes sense. The thought dripped of sarcasm and aggravation. It was as if she felt a pang of humor in the instance. Disaster seemed to follow Josef…while Sombra followed disaster or created it. A nasty mix. While she didn’t comprehend what was being written, or what Josef said afterward, no female was more accustomed to the perverse action following. It invoked a tangible response as well, she jerked in her chair, just as Josef leapt from his chair. What the.. She stopped herself for a moment, watching him halt at the door, glance at her and then break into a run again. The wolf was pleased. It meant escape, his departure. Sombra was less apt to just leave such a position. The human hesitated, seemingly pleading with herself. Begging for some type of mercy that would allow the lupine to comprehend the human just once. The wolf, of course, just sighed but the action was a sign of acceptance and with that Sombra glanced at his tea, tossed a five on the table and almost too casually strode out the door. Upon reaching the street she turned to follow the direction the both were going in. There were a menagerie of scents on the New Orleans streets and an even wider variety of people especially tonight. Sombra wasn’t particularly worried right now, she needed the time she was taking to process. The wolf was making her think it over. What following him meant. It meant she wasn’t out or appalled at his admission, in fact in a way it was an acceptance in its own. Of course the lupine was fairly opposed to the idea, mostly because it was concerned over the aspects of Josef that weren’t a gentlemen, just as the wolf was no lady – the primitive side. It promised to be a hassle, the lupine reasoned. Sombra, at this point, didn’t care. She knew how the wolf processed things, how it was always opposed to risks if they weren’t for some sort of reason it could enjoy. But it had liked the Mercers, after putting up quite the fight to get away from them to begin with, Sombra would adopt them as family – the human and the wolf. So in the end the human made the decisions – the wolf was a guide, and it recognized that together they were one. In fact there was never really any more than one being within her. There were simply the instincts and the emotive – logic verses emotional and her heart was winning tonight; a rarity. As Sombra suspected, running in her shoes would have been stupid, and that was probably another reason her instincts had pointed to walking with no room for argument. The night air was cool around her, and she allowed herself for a second to ignore the fact she was chasing anyone. She was just walking. Going over the information that had been presented to her. I feel you. Now that was something that her instincts would have picked up on if it hadn’t been true. But his words were a testament to sincerity and even now the wolf within her howled in victory. As she was turning the idea over it began to adopt clarity, the instincts began to chalk up a list of pros and cons and was appeased with the allotted gift – a chance to decide what it thought…though Sombra had already made her decision. It hadn’t been her idea, whatever this was, but as previously stated, Sombra was a risk taker. And right now what she was risking was her sanity, freedom and what most would have listed first, her heart. It was a grave situation, the physical wounds she gained in her exploits healed quickly, the internal not so much. Still she continued to follow the fibrous hint of her targets. They were going into an odd part of town, one she was not accustomed to. Still she followed, faithfully if you will, somewhat peeved by the idea that she was following. At this the human finally gave in, and she bent and slid her shoes off and finally broke into a run. This is the part in the movie children where the audience holds their breath in a collective hope that she finds them. The audience doesn’t know Sombra. Within minutes she could see the back of Josef’s head, having dove between the crowd’s gaps and shoved past bystanders rather than pausing for anything. She’d braved some traffic by the time she reached him but the she-wolf wasn’t particularly “there” this evening anyway. He did owe her some shoes though. -------------------------------------------------- count: 1,861 outfit: click! - minus the shoes. -_- comments: speaking of chases

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

Fareem continued his bolt, jolting down one street and then another, weaving through the immediate area while trying to find more open space. A smile crept across his face as he pulled the cell free and made a quick call while glancing over his shoulder to see just how close Josef had gotten. As soon as he heard the receiver pick up, Fareem spoke, "I provoked him. Have everyone ready." With that he ended the call. His thighs ached as his chest heaved. The Arab was not a sprinter, his body build for longer, slower paced runs but still the wolf within the man was relishing the idea of challenging a famed Alpha. Around a third street and finally to a quieter area of the city, Fareem began to slow as his attention began looking at his surroundings. 'Two blocks east.' he thought. 'Now to buy some time.'

Just as he was about to make a dash towards the nearest building, the man stopped. He could feel Josef's glare. Call it a sixth sense, but wolves could feel the approach of another. Creepy, really but a great tool. Slowly he turned and caught sight of the New York Alpha, who stood with a surprising emotionless expression. Granted, Fareem noted the lack of physical expression, he could still feel it. Syrians were renowned for hiding emotion, using it as a tool to control a situation. "As-Salaamu Josef."

Josef picked it up now. This area. The scents. He had spent the last half mile to a mile running down a man he had not seen in nearly ten years and it was surprising that he could recognize him so easily. Fareem Ibn-Abad had been the son to Josef's fathers brother. Arrogant, cocky, he had always held the "I am right, everyone else is wrong." mentality which irked the Alpha greatly. Josef, though, realized there were other wolves in New Orleans and now the ideas of being baited into a trap were filling the Wolf's mind. "You address me after acting like you just did?" Abad growled.

"Well... I had to get your attention some how since you had your tongue half out of your mouth for her. She's a beaut. She may make a fine second wife for father back in Damascus." As soon as Josef set off after Fareem again, the Cousin of Abad turned and ran. "Come on old man. You seemed to have gotten slower with a......" Fareem was unable to finish the comment as Josef leapt onto the mans back, shoving him to the ground.

Josef gripped the back of Fareems neck and pulled the younger Abad to his feet. "Say it! Say it again!" his voice so full of rage it was in a sadistic, quiet whisper. His eyes stared at the side profile of Fareems face. "You do not come to the United States. You do not come into my presence and disrespect anyone. You openly challenge me for her. Now say it. Tell me one more time what Sombra would be good for." He put his lips so close to the ears of Fareem, it could have looked as though the flesh was touching. "I dare you."

At this moment Fareem lashed out, his arm swinging backwards as a way to try and loosen Josefs grip. Ibn-Abad immediately shoved Fareem back to the ground yet held his own as the younger Abad scurried and put some distance between the duo. "Can you be so ignorant? Can you honestly believe that your family would not learn of your diversion from the Faith? From God? You galavant around New York City with your pack yet you show none of your faith. You have become what Americans have always been viewed as. Infidels. You now associate with a tramp! An American Tramp! Your family decided to no longer sit idly by. Yes. I'm here but so are others."

Fareem began backing up as Josef once again began an approach. "Aren't you curious about how I got changed Josef?" Finally Fareem got the Alpha to slow his pace. "You know that whore who mauled you. She wasn't done. She came after us because of what you did. She cursed us to be unclean animals. All because of you. It was decided that some would relocate to America. You know the rules Josef. You disgraced your family and now the time to pay for your sins have arrived. You know the penalty. Death but we are not going to stop with you. We're going to kill that tramp you're with as well, that is, if one of us don't want her as a wife."

Josef charged forth again, Fareem again tried to run, though Josef was upon him quickly. The younger Abad swung but his wrist was caught in Josefs grasp. Fareem swung his other, and that, like the first, was caught by a hand. Fareem kicked at Josefs knee, causing the Alpha to lose footing though as he did, the Alpha of New York headbutted Fareem. A pop was heard as blood splurt from Josefs cousins nose. He fell to the ground, covering his face with his hands while crying out in pain. "You jerk!"

"You still have a lot to learn about being a wolf Fareem. You don't challenge an Alpha without being prepared. Now get up!" Josef pushed Fareem with his foot, urging the man to get up. "I want to know who all is here. I want to know who all's been shifted and you're going to tell me. "

"Screw you. Lover of a pig." Fareem spit. Abad kicked the side of Fareems face, another pop being heard as his cheek bone popped. "Ok... ok...."

"You'll tell me?" Josef asked, raising his foot and threatening another kick.

"No." Fareem put his his hands to block the incoming Josef kick while immediately continuing, "Ill show you! They're here and they are close."

Abad pulled back his foot, "Tell me where."

"The Al-Shamira Mosque. Two blocks east." Fareem replied.

"Thank you." Josef kicked Fareem yet again then knelt down. "You insult me. You insult the woman I want as my Mate and then you threaten to kill both of us simply because I was Americanized?" Josef made tisking noises. "You're biggest mistake was not challenging me. That was stupid but not your biggest mistake. No. It was insulting Sombra and Ill tell you why. Im going to leave you hear... for her. You disgraced her first so she gets dibs on you." Fareem eyes widened just before Josef punched him dead on, nearly knocking the man unconscious. Getting up, Josef picked up the musk, the scent of her. Glancing back in the direction he had just come, Sombra stood, watching the events as they unfolded. He spoke know words as she probably heard everything exchanged anyways. With no hesitation, Josef turned and set off in the direction of the Mosque but not before remembering the Islamic greeting Fareem gave him and replying with his own to the now injured cousin, "Wa `Alaykum as-Salaam, Fareem."

[*sombra delgadillo]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=c6c7c3] Sombra was accustomed to the hunt. The hunt was something pedestrian and familiar, almost calming as she leapt through the great mass of people. The scent of Josef assured her she was on the right track and with that she allowed herself to zone out and not think about the current situation that she was grappling with. What could be done other than that? Clearly this was not the place for emotional drivel. Especially from her. She’d caught up with them by the time Josef was hurling the stranger to the ground. Instinct said not to interrupt the beat down but take the opportunity to gather insight and so the she-wolf came to an abrupt halt, out of Josef’s line of sight and probably out of his cousin’s as well. She took slow, even breaths so as not to make a great deal of noise and listened intently to the conversation passing between the two wolves. You address me after acting like you just did? “Well I had to get your attention somehow since you had your tongue half out of your mouth for her. She’s a beaut. She may make a fine second wife for father back in Damascus.” At this Josef leapt after the offensive youth and Sombra nimbly came after them only to halt nearly as quickly again. Say it! Say it again! It was a low faint sound that Josef was making, threatening, masculine and the wolf’s attention had been snagged. You do not come to the United States. You do not come into my presence and disrespect anyone. You openly challenge me for her. Now say it. Tell me once more what Sombra would be good for. Sombra’s cheeks heated, flushed with both embarrassment and anger – she could damn well defend her own honor. Her palms had mechanically balled into fists, her knuckles white with the force of her grip as she steadily took the blow to her ego. I dare you. Sudden actions of the foreigner made it difficult to absolutely process what was going on as far as words were but soon enough it was under control once again. “Can you be so ignorant? Can you honestly believe that your family would not learn of your diversion from the Faith? From God? Your gallivant around New York City with your pack yet you show none of your faith. You have become what Americans have always been viewed as. Infidels. You now associate with a tramp! An American Tramp! Your family decided to no longer sit idly by. Yes I’m here but so are others. “ Sombra was now no longer keenly aware of the situation between her and the Alpha pinned his cousin to the ground. Nor did she catch much of the conversation between what he’d just said and “You disgraced your family and now the time to pay for your sins has arrived. You know the penalty. Death but we are not going to stop with you. We’re going to kill that tramp you’re with as well, that is, if one of us don’t want her as a wife.” Again if Josef had not moved Sombra would have been upon this bastard in an instant. It was his swift action that held her at bay though the wolf was breathless and frantic to act. Frankly the she-wolf was so beside herself with rage that the words were drowned out and she watched Josef abuse the offender with envious eyes, quite aware of his enunciation of the word “pig”. Gritting her teeth she lasted just long enough for Josef to turn his relative over to her. Her gaze merely ticked to the Alpha as he set off before it edgily slanted back towards her new playtoy. Her lips tugged back into a grim smirk as she shook her head gravely, a brow ascending with laughter. ”You’ve never been to America before this have you?” She didn’t want for an answer, it was obvious in the way she was standing that she wasn’t going to have a nice little chat with him. It took four long strides and one more as he attempted to scoot away from her to draw within arm’s length of him. He was scuttling for something, something in his pocket and the Alpha allowed him to find it. She wanted him to realize the level of impertinence he was at, to bathe in the shame of it and be degraded further by the idea that a woman would teach him his place. His hand dove into his last pocket and produced a box cutter of all things and Sombra chuckled aloud as he swiped out at her, an action which she leaned out of the way of with an air of laziness. Her eyes bore into his following it and he made one more pitiful attempt before her hand came out, articulations gingerly wrapping around his fingertips. It probably had a great deal to do with the way she was eyeing him, feminine tenderness and all that. He probably believed her too weak to have any impact. Daintily taking the weapon from his stunned self, she eyed it before withdrawing the blade. Balancing the device on the edge of her fingers she sighed. ”You have bad manners,” she sighed quietly, a melancholy head shake endowed. As if in an abrupt change of personality the back of her knuckles rang across his features, tossing them to the side. He grunted and snarled something at her before spitting in her face. The Alpha looked pristine once again, coldly so, unaffected by his snobbish idealism. Capturing his jowls in her slender exquisite hand, she eyed him quietly for a moment, turning his countenance and inspecting each cheek. Smiling, she took the blade she’d confiscated in hand and breathed one last statement to him. ”Your left side is your good one.” In five quick cuts she’d dug into his face with the short, effective tool and with the heel of her opposite hand she forcefully broke his nose and knocked him unconscious. Examining the blood stained device, she dropped it at his side and snorted. Disgust was obvious upon the female’s features as she turned on her heel and moved, again, after Josef. Etched on Fareem’s otherwise perfectly tanned face was one legible word: PIG. The Alpha smirked, having exercised mercy in her dealing – family could not be exterminated by outsiders if one respected the executioner. And if Josef had wished his cousin dead he would be. Again she was left to her own devices in the street, carefully avoiding the ringing sound of Josef’s passionate speech and defensive words though the wolf was still pacing within her – pondering. I dare you. -------------------------------------------------- count: 1119 outfit: click! comments: heheheswine

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

The Mosque was the holiest of objects within a Muslims immediate life, save for the Qu'ran itself. There were specific rules, guidelines really, when it came to the holy structure and as Josef's mad dash which slowed to a small pace and then finally to a stop just on the opposite side of the street, he remembered those rules. Simply because he was not a practicing Muslim, simply because he did not throw himself into the religion like others, it did not mean he did not have faith. Faith had always been a touchy subject with Syrian, who was more a moderate Muslim when it came to focal points.

Taking a small sniff of the air, the Alpha picked up Fareems scent. It was a signal that the man had been here earlier and probably went to the cafe immediately after having been around. There were six other scents on the air, those belonging to wolves he did not recognize. Still, his eyes remained locked on the Mosques doors. The lights were on in the building as the blinds were open to show such. A white building, the roof and window shutters were painted green, a holy color in Islam. He saw no immediate figures and unlike Mosques in Saudi Arabia or the Arabian Peninsula, this was modest. It held no spires, no minaret's, no domes. A simple square building with concrete steps leading up to the two wooden front doors.

Islam was particular about who was allowed into a Mosque. In most facilities Non-Muslims were forbidden, along with Muslims deemed unfit. There were also rules on animals. Dogs, a cousin to wild wolves, were deemed like Pigs; unclean animals who were not allowed on the Mosques property. What Irony it would be if, in fact, wolves were apart of this buildings religious society. Fareem was in the United States, had apparently been watching him. If Fareem knew that Josef was a wolf, then obviously his Parents would have found out. Were they apart of the family members attacked? Could they have migrated as well? Fareem, obviously, held things back and had the Alpha not been so curiously inclined to come investigate this Mosque himself, he might have spent more quality time working the younger Abad over for more information.

It wasn't too hard to unnerve Josef. He was, after all, the Alpha's who's pack had been targeted for extermination. His nerves were tense, a routine feeling he had grown accustomed too under most circumstances though this... this evening had developed in a fashion he had not expected; nor wanted. His cousin appears out of no where. He is challenged for Sombra. His faith is questioned. What a night this had turned out to be so far but if Fareem had been put up to this, and obviously he had, then Ibn-Abad would find out.

Quietly he made his way across the street, the scents of the unknown wolves growing stronger. Yeah, they were here. A deep breath, which had been held since arriving on the block was exhaled as his body strode up the concrete steps and the doors flung open. There was no grace to Josef, there never had been. As the door swung, it swung fully in a complete 180, smacking the side of the building before beginning its turn back. By now a new wolfs scent had arrived on the scene, Delgadillo. Oh this would be interesting. The thoughts of what she could have possibly done to Fareem tweaked into his mind though when his sensitive ears caught the sound of whispers within the building he pushed forth.

The first rule of a Mosque was shoe removal. Josef ignored it. He passed the wooden shoe rack and went immediately towards the prayer floor, thus breaking rule number two; ceremonial washing. The body had to be spiritually clean before one could approach God and that mean the washing of the hair, face, neck, hands, forearms, and feet. Abad was in no mood as his ideals were slightly different from that of other Muslims. He rounded a couple of pillars before coming to the central core of a Mosque. The Carpet was red, the room perfectly square with exactly ten neatly placed rows of twelve black rugs lined out horizontally and equally spaced apart. This was a small Mosque. Just under two hundred members as each member held their own rug, though the majority of the owners were not here. Josefs eyes locked onto three women who knelt in the tenth row, the farthest one from the front, their foreheads pressed firmly onto the floor. They were wolves, their scents strong. The next body he spotted was a man in the first row. "Hello Josef."

His attention was snapped to another man who entered the prayer floor. Decked in black robes, his face was aged. "Hasan." Josef spoke. Hasan was Fareem's father. If there was a person that could make Josefs skin crawl for no other reason than for being in the same room as Josef, it was Hasan. A despicably ignorant and angry individual, he very rarely had anything nice to say.

"You could not even remove your shoes, nor wash?" A disgusted look crossing his face. "Where is Fareem?"

Arab Fathers were extremelly protective of their sons due to the simple fact that the son passed on the family name. "Two blocks back. I don't expect him to be joining us anytime soon."

"What did you do?"

"A bloody arab in New Orleans? Odds are he's hiding."

"You struck your own family." Josef laughed. "You find this funny." Hasan took note of Josef sniffing the air. "It is just us here." With a wave of his hand, Hasan dismissed the male in the front who ushered the women out.

"I heard you lot got turned back home?"

"Yes and because of you, we are unclean animals. I should thank you though. Those of us who were changed managed to become closer to Allah as we pray for his forgiveness in being unclean." Hasan entered the prayer hall further though maintained the exact same distance from Josef as he had before. "It is good to see you, Nephew."

"What do you want? Fareem informed me that you all migrated to the United States. Why New Orleans? Why not come to New York?"

"We are not stupid, Josef. I fully know what you can do and as such we moved to a city where... we could more easily be what we are without intruding on another wolf's space. After all a big-bad wolf like yourself apparently set up rules for New York that even the Vampires who venture there are scared to break." He paused and glanced past Josef, and Ibn-Abad knew why. Sombra had entered the Mosque.

How absolutely bold of her.

"You're friend has joined us." Hasan asked with irritatedly narrowed eyes. "Well don't be rude Josef, your father would not appreciate that. Obviously she cares little for Islams rules about non-believers entering a building so might as well introduce us."

"Miss Delgadillo, meet my obnoxiously arrogant Uncle, Hasan Abad." Josefs voice was a firm and slightly angered, though not directed towards Sombra herself. Josefs eyes never left Hasan.

"Come now woman! Show yourself." Hasan spoke.

"Don't push it." Josef immediately replied to the elder Abad.

"What is your faith woman?" Hasan asked.

Lord. Josef knew where this would be going. The night started as Josefs attempt to grow closer to Sombra. It was now turning into a reckoning for the man with regards to his faith. If Hasan was about to do what Josef thought he would, the Alpha of New York would be forced to make a decision on this eve which would reverberate not just in this Mosque but in New York and Damascus as well.

[*sombra delgadillo]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=c6c7c3] It didn’t take a particularly long time for Sombra to arrive at the destination she did hesitate. It was a large building, filled with the spirituality of the misguided. She wasn’t particularly keen on entering, in fact she really wouldn’t want to enter at all. If it had not been for Josef she wouldn’t have entertained the idea. She was trying to facilitate an instance that made trespassing on this thing with such defiance “okay”. It was proving difficult. There was a hellion within Sombra, an absolutely spitfire whose knack for disregard, disrespect and disdain was nothing short of impressive. Religion though was not something she generally toyed with. Why? Because it generally lead to a dirty fight. Whatever the case was going to end up this evening, the she-wolf would not be defeated by a false god. With a slow sigh, she began to ascend the steps. It took moments, unfortunately. And then she was there, inside the prisms of the building and making her way through the hall into the main (prayer) room. The sound of voices drew her, and upon entering a silent scowl marred her features. Her gaze was affixed on the women, their faces planted on the floor like scum beneath even the plants. That was simply not true, but she did not doubt their culture, Josef’s culture, had conditioned them to belief nothing else but their self worth being that of a dog. At this the Alpha’s dark eyes ticked dutifully towards the men that were speaking, listening with deadly attention, her brow ascended slowly. Miss Delgadillo, meet my obnoxiously arrogant Uncle, Hasan Abad. The female surfaced from the shadows in a slow sweeping move. Her eyes were hooded with the darkness, long lashes dancing slowly over her too serious eyes. They were smoldering, both absolutely frigid and yet so fiercely they could melt the stone she stood upon. Josef’s chiding of him made no difference. The war within had already become personal – those women had made it personal. She could take insults far easier than she could take the derogatory state they’d been placed in. As it was she was barely holding her tongue and barely keeping her cool. She was still, absolutely dormant for a long moment. What is your faith, woman, it said. Sombra smirked, a slow, pristine look that suggested she was far too agitated to be addressed as such. There was a reason she’d become an Alpha, a reason that there was no other place for her in the hierarchy. And that reason was this – she could not be second guessed without a snarl, could not go a day without demanding absolute respect, and could not turn the other cheek too well. Finally, she tipped her chin, her features illuminating in the wan light. What is your faith? She was mulling over the communication of such a complex thing. When she did speak, her voice was smooth, rich and effeminate and rang softly against the confines of the Mosque. ”I believe in God and I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe He’s my Father and my Savior and He forgives my sins however numerous. And because He forgives me my faults I can forgive your rudeness, your ignorance and your arrogance. I can even forgive the position you’ve put Josef and myself in. I find myself grappling, sir, with disregard for creatures in general and the pomposity that you conduct yourself in.” She stopped for a moment, lips twitching with…what was that? A grin. It was a laughing expression, blazing eyes glittering with silent mirth for several seconds before she enunciated her final word on what she believed. ” And I believe that Jesus will forgive you for being such a ludicrous, moronic piece of swine. Finally, I believe that my God saves me from all things earthy, and you have no power here. So whatever it is you think you’re going to accomplish, please, be my guest and try it.” Alright, alright she was trying him, daring him even to jump into a fight. She was welcoming trouble, beckoning it and all with a smile on her features. What was there to be done about it? Damn near nothing. Josef Abad was a sleek, classical version of the controlled, regal type. He was the sort of Alpha who was organized, and honorable. Sombra? Well she didn’t quite fit that mold. There were moments in time when she could be considered regal, generally just after a brawl she came out winning. But there were not very many people who would submit she was “sleek”. She was beautiful, yes, but her style was as I said before – daredevil. She was a “rogue” alpha. She was…the rebel leader. It was in her ferocity that most would place their faith in, not her diplomatic skills. She was far less refined than most, far less domesticated and far less politically correct. The she-wolf lacked a great many things that most found attractive in the fairer sex. Though that wasn’t to say she wasn’t radiant in this setting. Her crimson locks hung in loose curls down her spine, her skin was soft even for the eyes to behold and her feet were bare and unassuming. Her palms were limp at her sides and her breathing had slowly surprisingly fast for the length of the chase she’d just put herself through. There was no question as to why she was what she was, nor the level of regard she commanded. In fact there was scarcely room, even for a patriarchal culture, to minimize her presence. She commanded the attention without a word more. Having lit the fuse to a stick of dynamite, she waited for the explosion and reveled in the sensation as adrenaline coursed through her veins…daredevil. -------------------------------------------------- count: 963 outfit: click! minus shoes comments: heheheswine

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

[atrb=width,435,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=1c0000] So Sombra does have faith? Though it was a statement, Josef thought it more in a questioning remark. It was not truly surprise though his interest had been peeked. Sombra was a reserved individual who did not go out of her way to discuss the intimately personal aspects of her life. In all honesty, Josef was the same way when it came to faith. He held back and simply because he did not run around like a Jehovah Witness doing door to door ministry did not mean the Alpha of New York did not have his own faith in God. Still, in a way, it was reassuring she believed. Christians, Muslims, and Jews were the three main religious faiths of the world. All three had things the greatly divided them though at the same time, they all had one thing that bound them together; the belief in the One True God. Yet, when Sombra scolded Hasan, and rightfully so, Josef knew where this was headed. A nasty rebuttal. "You dare scold me about the Prophet Jesus? What does a heretic like you understand of Allah? You believe that the man you believe proclaimed himself the Son of God is God? You mock me for my rudeness, my ignorance and my own arrogance and yet you show none in return. Don't Christians believe in setting an example, being the bigger man so to speak? Don't you dare judge me or my faith when you are in no way, acceptable material to be in the House of Allah." Hasan immediately turned his attention from Sombra and to Josef before Abad could interrupt. "And you! You let a woman speak out of line? You let her address me? You let her challenge me? I am suppose to be sorry for the position I put you two in? Have you lost your marbles completely?" Before Hasan could continue on, Josef rose a hand which infuriated the Elder Abad. "Islam teaches tolerance, no ridicule. You mock a Christian when the Prophet Muhammad himself stated to be open minded. You close the doors of the House of Allah and yet I do not see Christians nor Jews doing the same. Any and all are welcome into God's graces at their facilities, why not ours?" Josef was not an Imam, was not a philosopher but he did know a few bits and pieces and had no problems shutting down people. "Allah did not give you the right to judge me nor Sombra. Allah did not give you the right to judge our personal religious perspectives." Ok Josef was being a bit too preachy in his opinion. Eugh. Words were only good at certain times but talking to brick walls like Hasan was not one of those times. "You send your son out to me and he acts in such a manner that is disrespect to Miss Delgadillo here." "Josef you speak out of line!" "Do I?" "Yes! It is my job as a Patriarch of the Family to help bring you back on the path to Allah. Repent your sins, cast this heathan aside and come back into the graces of The Almighty." That was intriguing. He spent the better part of the past several minutes insulting Sombra, insulting Josef and in a span of ten seconds seemed to try and do an about face. Simply because it was intriguing did not mean Josef was going to bite. "No." "No?" "As I said, No. The only heathen here is you and I have no desire to cast Miss Delgadillo aside. In fact," Josef looked at Sombra, "I hope to spend more time with her." With that, he turned back to Hasan, "So I will be making my own choices, doing what I want to do." "You will not!" The issue with Muslims mosques was that voices, when loud enough, echoed within the concrete walls. This was shown when Josef lost his temper, "You do not raise your voice to me! I am Alpha of New York City. You will respect my authority and if you don't I will hold no resolve in tearing you limb from limb." Sombra and Josef, both being Alphas, had keen senses on other Wolves and their abilities. They knew within the first several seconds of meeting someone as to whether or not they were a dominate. Scents differ from Alphas, Beta's, and other pack members. Alphas had the stronger scents, Betas a so-so strength scent and other pack members weaker musks. Hasans, like Fareems, was not strong. Did New Orleans have a Muslim pack with no Alpha? "I will ask you one more time to come back to us. We came to the United States for you. What would your parents think of what you've become of yourself?" "My parents are my concern, not yours. Don't bring them up again." Hasan now completely ignored Josef and turned to Sombra, "You did this to him. Why you piece of..." his throat began to gag as Josef gripped it within his hand. Even the Alpha was astonished at how fast he managed to move and this singular act would reverberate throughout the family. "You will not address her again. Do you understand stand me?" A response came from Hasan but not one Josef expected. The sound of a gun cocking filled the momentary silence of the Mosque. Looking down, Abad noticed Hasan holding the weapon, which must have been hidden in his robes sleeve. Pointed at Josef. "Let..." he gagged, "go." Josef squeezed harder, Hasan pressed the gun into Josefs abdomen. "Coward." Josef snorted as he shoved Hasan away. This was where Islam failed to ring in extremist views. Many muslims believed it proper to carry weapons into a Mosque just in case they had to act in its defense. It seemed a bit of an irony that people preached love and peace yet some carried weapons. The Elder Abad stummbled slightly though did not lose his footing and ensured the weapon remained pointed at the Alpha of New York. "I'm sorry Josef but you've left me little choice. I must protect the Sanctity of Islam by removing its dead limbs. Starting with you." then addressing Sombra "Tell me, Miss Delgadillo, will you feel any regret when I put a bullet between Josef's eyes?" -------------------------------------------------- count: xxx comments: hopeyoulike

[*sombra delgadillo]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=c6c7c3] There was nothing vaguely intimidating about the man that stood before the she-wolf. Her eyes were large and round but more a phenomenon caused by her dimly lit surroundings, not of apprehension. She finished her speech with finality, the tone in her voice suggesting that she had nothing more to say about the matter and the subject, for all intensive purposes was closed. However, the look in that woman’s eyes was wrought with conviction, absolutely fierce. Sombra wasn’t the sort to be changed by the shouts of others – just because someone was yelling didn’t mean they were right. Honestly, the individual did not raise her voice very often; it was always in the soft effeminate tone that she impressed the most power. There was obviously going to be a stern reply from the man she had previously given a tongue lashing. After all, she’d slapped him around with the idea that he was nothing short of unclean. She’d insulted him as much as any Muslim could tolerate, and honestly that gave her more satisfaction than having professed her faith. The Prophet Jesus…At this she gave a small huff of amusement, reducing Jesus to that box. Silly, silly swine. Don’t Christians believe in setting an example? Again, she looked amused, stifling a sincere laugh. Contrary to common belief Christianity wasn’t about going to church, or making sure you were in good favor as far as the local preacher went. It wasn’t about making a grand show for the church ladies and always wearing that smile and labeling what was wrong and what was not. It was about a relationship. It was about ones closeness to Jesus Christ and relying on His words to define what you were. And Sombra was untouchable thanks to the affirmation. She observed now that Hasan had turned his attention to Josef, and she took the opportunity to shift her weight – testing her clothing; she could not recall what weapons she had on her but she knew she’d been too paranoid with so many people milling about to go around unarmed. That simply was an impossibility. Ah. A gun, a ruger no less was tucked in the small of her back, beneath her shirt and between her skin and her jeans. There was no outward sign of victory on the she-wolf’s countenance, but she rested assured that she wasn’t completely in a helpless nude as far as this situation went. Again the roles had switched – Josef was telling Hasan off now, and Sombra caught bits and pieces of the actual words though she found herself preoccupied by how comforting the sound of his voice was. It was familiar, something she was unaccustomed to under all circumstances. She heard enough to know that while Josef was defending her he was doing so not because he agreed but because Hasan’s argument had been flawed. Josef was using logic to take it apart, like a grammar instructor might pick apart a poorly written sentence. At Hasan’s latest outburst, Sombra raised a skeptical brow taking a glance to the elder before her gaze settled on Josef – he was silent, as if considering it. At this the woman felt somewhat betrayed and a bit indignant. How could anyone believe the religious ranting of this bastard?! Finally it seemed Abad had made a decision of sorts, but she was albeit steamed by the time he did respond – Took you long enough. The slow glance he endowed her made the miniscule hairs on the back of her nape to stand on end and remain so as he looked back at his relative. Still, for the sake of security her own stare fastened back on the antagonist. Josef’s assurance that he would be doing exactly and only what he wanted to do made the she-wolf smirk lazily – Welcome to the Club. To this his uncle was none too pleased and the female saw the look in his face before the thunder clapped. At least that was the impression his upraised voice gave. And then Josef’s response. It made her lobes ring but her face was unaffected and unmoving. She could not help but turn to stare at the two of them as Hasan was abruptly cut off. Josef’s hand was wrapped around his counterpart’s throat and his voice was positively livid. She attempted not to appear like a fish out of water. Sombra was accustomed to fighting and defending…but not being defended. She could not recall ever having been defended from anything by anyone…ever. Of course we’re still talking about Sombra so she didn’t get the saucer eyeballs going but she was in an impressive amount of shock simply because…well…because. The click of a weapon however snapped her back into a far grimmer place she often referred to as reality. It was as if the brightness of the colors diminished and the truth crowded in. Click. That only meant one thing and as Josef unhanded Hasan she knew it had to be true; gun. She was too busy thinking, going over the smooth move of her palm around her back to the stance that would ensure a clean shot. The fun part about the little pistol she possessed was that it was messy. It cut stuff in half. And that was exactly what she planned on. Blinking slowly at the now aggravating opposition, a brow ascended as he questioned her. Tell me, Miss Delgadillo, will you feel any regret when I put a bullet between Josef’s eyes? His eyes seemed trained on his relative, underestimating her as a woman or perhaps just ignorant over all she was glad of it. In a single languid motion she ripped her firearm from its place behind her and fired exactly where she’d been picturing the cross hairs for the past minutes. The bullet tore through the air and connected directly with his elbow. The joint albeit exploded and severed his forearm from the rest, the weapon and the hand that had been holding it tumbling to the ground. Sombra replied with a single word; ”No.” -------------------------------------------------- count: 1,007 outfit: click! minus shoes comments: ohsnap...hope my powerplay is okay?

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

[atrb=width,435,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=1c0000] The smell of blood filled Josef's nostrils, followed by a breif stint of burnt flesh. It was funny really, that his senses ignored the smell of gun powder but more so focused on the raw blood that now poured from what has been the elbow of his Uncle, whom was slumped onto the floor and swearing various words in Arabic; most were too graphic too translate. Between his tears of agonizing pain, his eyes shifted from that of pain and fear to anger and hatred. Josef glanced over at Sombra, surprised that she had been packing though in no way condoning what she had done. He defended her honor, she saved his life. Still, Josef understood what this now meant. In Islam, it was the responsibility of family to forever protect their kin, under any circumstance, even if that family member had performed ill-will against them. By not acting in defense of blood, some Imams might black cast Josef, his family disowning him. That was an interesting concept and the one the Alpha focused on. Being disowned meant that he was no longer welcome into anyones homes, even his own parents. So Josef was not stuck in a catch-22. No matter what he did now, he was essentially damned no matter the route taken. Sombra had just expressed she would feel no regret if Josef was laid out on the ground. His Uncle wanted him dead. Slowly his gaze turned back to his Uncle, who had turned pale in appearance, the blood loss greater than even Ibn-Abad expected. The Alpha's gaze turned towards a woman whom rushed in, one of the three whom had been praying earlier. A wolf herself, she made no attempt at retaliation towards Josef or Sombra and instead came to Hasans aid. Taking her Hijab, she wrapped it around the elder Abad's upper arm, tightening then tieing it off. Her hands rubbed over Hasans face as Hasans eyes remained locked on Josef. "Happy?" Hasan muttered. His eyes were blood shot, his voice exhausted and obviously riddled in pain. That was a curious question. Was Josef happy? Was he happy that Sombra took action? Was he happy that his Uncle bled on the floor of the Mosque? Was he happy that his family seemingly judged him when they held no right too? Was he happy overall? He had no answers as in the sudden turn of events, his mind had cleared. It was as though Josef put himself a step backwards and just watched things as they occurred, as if having no part in this and simply watched Sombra and Hasan. Yet, now that he had a moment to think, he was focused on the question, Are you happy? Hasan obviously had referring to Sombra shooting him but Josef put it to more meaning. "Father!" Fareem shouted as he entered the Mosque. Josefs attention turned towards his Cousin, astonished that Sombra hadn't finished him off, though as Fareem took a look of shock on his face as he entered the prayer hall, Abad spotted the word PIG carved into the mans face. His gaze turned to Sombra then back to Fareem, who's only bloody self slumped next to his father. Fareem had stamina, that was obvious though he was in no shape to fight. "I do not want to see any of you again." Josf spoke towards Fareem, Hasan (though he was now close to unconsciousness), and the unknown woman. "You are not welcome in New York, nor in my presence." His eyes glanced about. Words were one thing but Arabs were stubborn people. It took actions to show them just how serious words that had been spoken were. With no other comment, Josef began to advance through the Mosque, kicking Hasans pistol towards Sombra as he did. Entering the ritual room, Josefs eyes aimed at the two items he had been looking for. Oil that was used for lanterns during Ramadan and a box of matches. Snagging both, Josef propped open the bottle of oil, sprayed it about the room, over the other bottles that rested on the shelves then the door leading to the room, around the area he had just come from and finally back to the prayer room. After spraying about sporadically, Josef tossed the bottle aside. "I don't know how many of you are here and I don't care anymore. I don't know how many wolves reside in New Orleans, or how many Muslims are wolves, I don't really care but I am sending a message." he jiggled the box of matches so the sound of the small matchsticks could be heard inside, "If you screw with me I won't just come after you. I will eradicate everything that is you and everything you hold dear." "Go, he's serious!" Fareem shouted at the woman who help to lift Hasan to his feet and begin moving him from the room. Josef opened the matchbox, pulled out a stick, and slid it across the side of the box. A sizzle erupted as a flame burst to life. With little remorse, Josef dropped it to the floor, atop the end trail of oil and watched as it began to race off. Turning, he made his leave from the mosque, his Uncles question still on his mind more than it should have been. 'Was he happy?' "This isn't over Josef! Mark my words, this is far from over!" Fareems voice echoed through the mosque as Josef left the front doors and the smell of burning carpet filled the air. "By morning you will not be breathing." The Alpha was riled, irritated and tense yet all he could muster was a snicker as he walked across the Mosques property, back to the street and the direction he had come. Stopping at the corner of the street, he turned and paid the Mosque one more glance. Red and orange lighting engulfed the left side interior, which meant that the flames had ignited the remaining oil bottles. There was no explosion but flames none the less had free run of the building. The Mosque had no been defiled both by human blood and fire which meant that it would never be used for approach to God again. -------------------------------------------------- count: 1053 comments: I love =D

[*sombra delgadillo]

[atrb=width,435,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=492e65] Sombra was not the type of person who was known for her adept people skills. She was not eloquent or grand and did not possess your average lady-like mannerisms. She was only the most she could be. She was what was necessary to insure her survival and as of late just a little more. To appreciate it though I suppose you’d have to be in her head, dangerous a place as that is. The moments after she fired her ruger were filled with sound, Hasan crumpled to the ground and Sombra watched with the same intensity as if he had both appendages. She remained motionless even while the man’s harem came to him in an effort to stem the profuse bleeding and even when Fareem surfaced and, too, rushed to his father’s side. Sombra seemed to be living in slow motion. She blinked once, and then twice but could not manage more than that. Or, rather, she would not. There was no need for it. She had neutralized the threat. Hasan was speaking, questioning Josef who met the elder’s gaze with an almost resigned look. If she had done anything less than save the day Sombra didn’t know it. It did not occur to her that she hadn’t been crystal clear. She was staring silently at the remnants of her enemies, as she often did, as they lay crumpled, figuratively speaking. Josef glanced at her, but she did not offer her own regarding look until he’d taken his gaze from her. She could not at present meet what he required of her as far as interaction went. She was in defensive mode, where the only thing that mattered was the fact that someone had threatened a familiar, someone she had contradicting emotions about. Therefore everything was coming mechanically. She was working to not seem frigid to this man as if in an effort to communicate she wasn’t the monster he probably thought she was and yet here she was…the monster. A small smirk crept over her features, almost bitter with the dawn of recognition. Always. She was always what she was, no matter how much she fought it the odds were against her and in the end that was what occurred. She became so much herself that no one saw her. At least…the side of her that wasn’t so prominent or obvious. Because her one side was so prominent most assumed that was all there was and who was she to correct them? She was no longer certain what was left of her human self was worth noticing anyway. The speech Josef was giving was caught by the she-wolf but she did not respond in an exterior fashion, there was nothing for her to say to him right now. She recognized when he kicked the gun her way, and stooped briefly though watchful eyes were still pinned on Hasan. Soon as he was being escorted out she tossed the weapon back across the floor in disgust – it smelled of the smoke of this place and the incense and him. Fareem’s voice rang out as Josef exited and still, the Alpha did not move. She was blinking slowly, staring at the blood on the ground. What was to be done about this? The smoke and ash had begun to fill the air and with a shake of her head, as if to clear it of the fog that dominated it. Still facing Josef at present seemed more than she could bear and suddenly she couldn’t decide what was worse – dealing with what was outside or the fire that would surely consume her if she stayed. Pausing in step, she turned to gaze at the growing blaze but as the wolf snarled for her to move she went back into motion. As she exited though, it seemed Josef was no longer interested in talking. The wolf sniffed, smug with the assurance that no one could handle what beast she’d molded herself into. And the woman? She nearly slumped in defeat and relief. Freedom was simple. It meant that she answered to no one. And went and did what she pleased. It meant that there was no one that could govern her or tell her what was wrong with her. While she very well knew something was off she wasn’t dumb enough to dig at her own wounds. Stopping after descending the last step, she eyed Josef with narrowed pupils – her stare reading the anger as clear as crystal. Unfortunately, her eyes mirrored the emotion. Someone had so much as threatened him and she’d blown their arm off. What more did he want? Sighing, she turned and began to move away, any way but past him worked. She didn’t know where she was going, then again she rarely knew that, and set off down a sidestreet. A shoe store sounded like a good idea. The wolf sneered – Waste of heels. Her palms clenched at her sides as she brushed past the passersby, feeling the salt in the lacerations memory had pronounced in her, feeling the sting of being proven right once again. Solitude was created for her. And her name would be her soul companion – Sombra and her shadow. -------------------------------------------------- count: 866 outfit: click! minus shoes comments: finally finished le table. -_-" (sorry if this post is too much work for jo lol)

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

[atrb=width,435,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=1c0000] His head hurt while he watched the the building continued to be encased in flames. Fire was much like a serpent. It slithered, wound, and bound itself to its prey and when people attempted to act against it, fire seemed to flare up in defiance. Josef was left to question his actions. He had done it by instinct, almost as though it was second nature to him to burn down a House of God. What did he believe? Did he believe he just committed a unforgivable sin? Did he believe at all? He had never wanted to be confronted by these thoughts. His understanding of organized religion had been shaken, his fundamental core beliefs thrown askew when he had first been turned. Wolves and dogs were unclean and if he had to get technical with his faith, he was deemed as such. What further complicated matters was with Islam, anything that was not an Angel nor Human was not a part of Gods greater plan and thus evil in some sense of the word. Was Josef an evil person? He was violent at times, others he was angry and even still there were moments when he was both but he built a reputation of using his brain before his brawn though one had to still ask, was he an evil person? Was he evil as a human and was he evil as a wolf? He found himself following Sombra's trail now. Walking away from the Mosque as it might have been a bit too much to continue to stand and stare. The only person there with no reaction while everyone else who seemed to gather and gawk looked shocked; that would have raised an eyebrow. Instead, his mind had calculated following the woman whom stated she would hold no quarrel if Josef had been shot. Honestly, who the bloody hell did she think she was? Even as Josef pondered, he could not find himself to be angry with her. He understood one very important rule about Sombra, one he had conditioned himself to accept when he came to grips with wanting to make her his mate; she was a defiant and independent woman. That, in itself, was what drove Josef wild about her. She took no guff from anyone and had the gall to stand toe to toe with any man. Even tonight, though she expressed no real interest in Josef, she had acted in his defense; but why? That was a question that did not come to the Syrian until now. Why would Sombra hold no quarrels with watching Josef slump to the floor yet defend him? It was an interesting irony and one that Abads gut told him there was more too than what initially appeared. Sombra had taken a right when she first left the Mosque after Josef. His nose was now locked onto her scent and refused to let go. She seemed to have a longer, more agile stride than Josef whos body composure meant he had to walk at a faster pace to keep up with the womans own but he was getting close. She was up ahead, her silhouette clashing against the shadows and limited lighting of the night. Luckily Delgadillo had not gone back to Mardi Gras festivities. He wanted to call out to her, to get her to stop but his voice was lost. Would she respond to a man calling out her name? How was one to get a woman, who was on a pace to get away, to stop? Then Josef realized he was thinking about it all wrong. He was asking himself the wrong question. He stopped and watched her silhouette for a moment while beginning to derobe. At first he saw no one around, he had the street, for the moment to himself then the change began. It did not hurt him too much, the change. He was obviously use to it and Alphas had a better control over how fast or slow their own change took. Josefs was time anywhere between a minute when he was not in a hurry to three when he was stressed. Some wolves were able to shift faster. Good for them. The fastest he had managed a change was in less than a minute at New York Mercy but that had been life or death. The syrian had been unable to recreate that timing. While his body reshaped through whatever mystical means it employed, he was brought back to his prior thoughts. Was he an evil creature? The answer was simple but complicated. No. He was not a loyal servant of God. He never did his prayers, lived his life how he wanted to live it though he always held a sense that God was watching over him to some degree. If there was one thing that scared the wolf beyond belief; it was God himself. Even a stubborn Alpha knew who the top dog truly was in the wold. He was not evil but he also wasn't a servant of the Lord, or whomever. If there was a purgatory, Josef probably had a one way ticket with his name upon it. By now the change had finished and he stood, on four paws with his eyes locked onto Sombras Silhouette. "Holy crap a naked dude just changed into a dog!" he heard a voice shout. His head snapped to the left, spotting a man standing, wide eyed and shocked though with the faint scent Josef picked up with his nose, just a bit drunk. "Here poochy poochy..." the man said making rather annoying tisking noises and acting as though he had a biscuit in his hand. "I can't believe it. I saw a naked man standing right there...." suddenly he slumped to the ground, took a swig of his liquor bottle and rested his head against a wall, ignoring the Wolf just as fast as he'd addressed it. Josef turned his attention back to Sombras silhouette. His question about how a man would get a woman to stop was wrong. The question he ended up asking was how did Josef get his mate to stop and there was only one way. With as loud as he could muster, the Wolf let out a bellowing howl which echoed through the street. His neck steered up, his snout pointed to the sky as his vocal cords let loose. -------------------------------------------------- count: 1058 comments: Damn right she's his mate!