A Cold Day in July (Smokin Sombry)

[*Casimir Goetschl]

The Goetschl Ranch had been a staple of Butte Montana for nearly thirty years. Set up by Casimir's parents, it specialized in the domestication of wild horses that roamed through the Rockies. Due to state and federal law, only licensed and trained personnel were allowed to round up a limited number of horses and break them in. Casimir's father had been a Master at breaking in the beasts and had personally taught his son. Still, horses were not the ranches only business. His mother had been the tender to the chick coup which produced several thousand eggs daily. If the horses were not bringing in money then the chickens and the eggs would. It had been Casimir's home for the majority of his life and that history was deep seated within him. Still, the place that Casimir had been born, the place that he learned to ride and break animals in, the same place he learned how to properly break a sweat was swirled in a pit of turmoil and despair as heartache had seemed to set in. Some weeks earlier, the Agent had gone home. Suffering from what the physicians were calling 'extreme shock amnesia', they stated that whatever happened to Casimir had been so psychologically traumatizing that his mind simply blocked out the entire time he was in New York. Whether or not he would ever remember was still being debated but so far... he remembered nothing. All he knew was during that time, he had been bitten.

Still it was what happened when he came home that had caused alarm within his superiors. Goetschl had been the target of a sophisticated Vampiric attack. Having investigated irregularities in a Bank in New York, an unknown Vampire ordered the Agent dealt with. The hit was swift but did not just focus on Casimir himself. To send a message to the Bureau, Goetschl's family was targeted. They failed in getting Casimir. They did not fail in getting his family. He had returned home to find his parents partially degrading bodies, to which had been torn apart scattered about the premises. An example had been made of them but it was what Casimir did when he found out that shocked people. He did nothing. He simply buried them. This was when he had felt the void inside. The place the grief should have been but he could not find. Cas knew he should have cried and grieved and yet... he could not. He knew e was responsible for their deaths, yet he felt no guilt. He felt nothing. His parents deaths made national headlines and no suspects had been named but still... nothing from the Agent who had lost so much. What was his mind waiting for? What was going to be the release that would let out that rush of emotion that was undoubtedly building up?

Sitting atop his blue roan stud, Casimir looked out over St. Mary's peak while letting out a harsh sneeze. The peak gave a great view of Butte, one of the more famous cities in Montana. Unlike most cities which were defined by the terrain of the land, Butte extended from the plain it sat on, into the hills and surrounding mountains. Sparsely populated areas meant cities could be larger than normal in northern state. "I still don't see your point." Casimir said, responding to an earlier statement by a man who sat upon his own horse just off to Casimirs side. Taking a small tube of Vicks Vaporrub gel, Cas rubbed it across his nostrils, desperate to clear his clogged nose. The smell of minty gelatin consuming his scent glands but preventing him from smelling anything else around. Cas could tolerate a flu better than he could a cold. Colds were just irritating. Turning his gaze from the city below, he shot a glanced towards a darker skinned individual. Older, the mans almond eyes remained locked on Casimir and every expression the Agent made.

"You have too be careful who you let work for you. I don't see the point in bringing in hired help. My family is more than willing to help you for fair pay just so your families Ranch is not disgraced when you are away." Scattered Leaf was a Native American of the Salish tribe. He'd served as an Elder of his people until his own wife came down with breast cancer thus retiring from his position. There was little doubt Scattered Lead hated Casimirs idea of hired help, people whom the Indian didn't personally know. Leaf always viewed Casimir like a son, this meant he held no issue with stating his two cents.

"You've been good to my family. Thank you." That was the acknowledgment. Making an agreement with a Native American was not as simple as saying 'Ok, I agree.' Respect needed to be shown. A subtle compliment was all that was needed. "Just be careful. Our chickens bite."

"Then Ill bite them back." Scattered leaf joked. Both men let out a small chuckle moments before an icy breeze blew through the region. "Hmm."

"What is it?" Casimir asked.

"Change." Leaf replied. "Cold in July means change is coming. The winds tell of it." Montana was naturally a cooler state but July very rarely saw cold breezes in the mountain state. This day had a crispness to the air and the breeze was not inviting.

"Change for who?"

"For anyone the winds touch." Leaf explained. It was a subtle hint that Leaf was warning Cas of changings coming the Agents way. Leaf was superstitious, holding onto the old ways while others simply let them fade. He held too much honor to forget the past. He had been one of three people whom had been with Casimir when he'd buried his parents, just days after their horrific murders. The Elder, though, noticed Goetschls silence to the subject of change. "Are you sleeping any better? Did you find what you were looking for in California?"

"No and no." Goetschl explained. He pulled a handkerchief from his leather jacket and wiped at his nose. Rubbing vigorously, he suffed the cloth fabric back into his pocket and continued on"Im still up at night and I shot myself in the foot in California; the person I went to see ignore me after I lost... my temper." Nothing about Sombra Delgadillo went to plan. He had gone looking for her help, yet he broke into her home. Insulted her. Then left. Some experience. It was little wonder why the Alphess had completely refused to help him. She offered him some advice though, too simply accept what he was. Casimir knew he was a wolf, knew he could do nothing to change it but was that the same as accepting? He'd wanted to stay, to learn from her but it was how he acted that caused him to realize now that had he continued his pressence, it would have ultimately led to a fight. It was best he'd left. Casimir was on his own and would need to learn the hard way.

"Your Austrian blood gets the best of you, son."

"Uh huh." Casimir snickered. "How has the Montana pack been behaving?" Montana was infamous for its wolf pack, Goetschls ranch being in the heart of it. He had no idea they had actually been around, that a wolf pack had lived near his childhood home until he had come home after his change. Their scents were all over his home, barn, chicken coup and horse pens. The pack had investigated his ranch shortly after his parents deaths and shortly before his arrival. There were times when he felt they were lurking in the surrounding shrub, watching the newly turned wolf. Cas has suspicions on their identities, thinking them a band of local Indians but could not confirm. He wouldn't be surprised if they were though.

"Pretty well. They are unsure of what to think of you." Leaf replied. He knew two of the pack members but given Casimir's specific job, never told the Agent any specific names. "They won't move in on your home now that your home again." He laughed. "They know you didn't like having strangers around your stuff. You're liable to shoot em'."

Both men sat, their horses letting out the occasional teeth chatter or head jerk. His head felt like it was stuck in a vice, throbbing on both sides but it was moments like this that Goetschl loved. Peace and quiet with nature itself. No fear of other wolves, no fear of Vampires and away from his boss' every so watchful eyes. Still inside him was a rummbling animal that he struggled to connect with, too bond with, too understand. Simply because he was once the main human in the world that tracked Wolves, Sombra was right about another thing. Simply cause he thought he knew wolves, did not mean he actually did.

"Head home Casimir. Take care of your cold. Relax." Leaf ordered, noting Casimirs growing condition. "Ill tell the pack to leave your property be tonight." Leaf continued to watch Goetschl, noting the changes the young man showed from the last time he had seen him, "Remember what I said about the winds warning of change? I know you Casimir. Do not try and look too much into it. The change can be either good or bad but it will come. Just be prepared."

Not a word was said with the exception of a simple head nod from Goetschl. Pulling on the reigns, he tugged his brown and white horse, sending a signal to the animal to begin the trek home. A mile out, it would only take a twenty or so minutes to get to the outer wooden fencing of the property.

Word Count: 1640

[*sombra delgadillo]

Montana. Montana was always a good idea. Even when there was no purpose behind the visit Sombra could be found roaming the low ridges and the highest peaks, confronting grizzlies and mountain lions as well simply to feel her adrenaline rush. The alpha was a wanderer, an admitted antisocial and very clearly dominant. It was in the very way she walked, her scent on the breeze and even in those brilliant eyes that ticked over the landscape, daring any being in sight to step up and man up. It was something in her blood that burned red and made her so abrasive, aggressive and absolutely hostile.

So what brought her to this particular portion of the nation at this particular time? Casimir Goetschl. It was an eye for an eye scenario. She was going to get hers in this instance. He pissed her off. Insulted her. Encroached upon her domain. And then had the nerve to ask for help. Shaking her skull, her pads covered the topography in absolute reticence. It was a practiced motion, one that she had developed over a period of nearly a decade. And now? Utter perfection. The alabaster figure seemed very much like a ghost roaming the frontier.

To be honest it didn’t matter that this was “his” territory, it didn’t matter if this was anyone else’s home. She would take them on for the right to move as she pleased, as she always had. It was just what made her a distinction, she didn’t play by the rules but then again she didn’t do the unnecessary. She did only what was called for for her to remain what she called “sane”. So Casimir…Topping a ridge, the lupine’s frigid stare ticked over the landscape, snarls rising in her throat as a multitude of scents crowded in on her senses and bore in through the silence only to bombard her. Dismissing them, she loped down a side pass and found herself approaching the house

Finally she reached it, turning into a human and retrieving her clothes from a bag swung around her shoulder. She slipped into the clothing swiftly and without much trouble entered the house. It was immaculate. That was the first thing she took notice of. Absolutely spotless and organized. She was not surprised. Not in the least. A faint smirk curled her labrums at just how typical this seemed for his type of fed brat. Arching a brow, she moved through the rooms, and finally seated herself on the couch without much ceremony. He would not know of her presence until he got in, assuming he used the front or side door. She came in the back and could only really leave a scent in that direction.

She was waiting for him. Waiting for that bastard to waltz into his home, thinking he was safe and comfortable and prepared to take a rest from whatever it is useless idiots do during the day and find a stranger and a potential problem. Oh wait..no she was a problem. The problem.

[*Casimir Goetschl]

The outskirts of his property were marked by two level wooden fencing that was up for no other purpose than to simply mark pre-determined territory. If they had a load of cattle, the herd would have simply pushed through it and if the untamed horses were allowed to wander free, they could leap over the wooden logs. It was meant to alert hunters, travelers and other ranchers that this was claimed area, property that belonged to another. There was a slogan in Montana, 'tough a log, lose a hand'. As Goetschl's stud strode along the western flank of the property, beginning the slow journy to the stable, Casimir remembered the story his father told him of land prospectors who use to move peoples fencing a few feet here and there at night to enhance the size of another property slightly. When people caught onto the scheme lynchings became rampant. No one could touch the markings except for the rightful land owner. Hell on earth would occur if they're property were intruded on.

The stables were nothing more than a classic brown barn with an arched roof. In winter, the arched roof prevented snow build up which meant that it would collapse in. Horses like all animals had a distinct smell and as he entered the stables, their scents consumed him. Two mares were in season, two stallions were agitated but a flurry of pheromones filled the air as a sense of panic set in with the unbroken horses. Those stuck to the rear stables who felt the entrance of a predator. Unlike humans, Animals knew when something or someone was just not right. They could sense Vampires and more importantly Werewolves. Montana had wild wolves but by the sudden outburst of noises and foot stomping, these horses knew that Goetschl was a more immediate threat. He climbed off his stallion, patted him on the neck before removing the saddle and setting it aside. His horse knew Goetschl was a wolf, it had taken days to gain the animals trust once again. Horses were easily startled and any change to their environment or those in it could cause a panic in the beast. He led the animal to its pen, then ensured he left, closing the barn door and sealing it. Nothing would get it nor out.

From the barn, Casimir passed the chicken coup, passed the open pens where the horses were allowed to roam, the small hut with the ranch branding materials and finally to his front door. He opened the small iron mailbox attached to the outside wall, next to the door. "Bill... Bill... letter from Austria... Bill...." his mummbling fell silent as he spotted the recognizable seal of the Bureau in the corner of the fifth envelope. Closing the iron box's lid, he opened his skin, opened the door and walked inside. Setting his wallet, the bills and letter, and his keys on a table just inside the door. Typically he would have smelt his home, the old oak that it was made from, the fabric of his furniture... various different scents... yet he could still only smell the Vicks Vaporrub. Removing his jacket, he hung it on the coat hanger, snagged up the bills and letter then proceeded through a hall and directly into the kitchen. Taking a pot out, he filled it with water, set it on the stove and turned the stovetop on. The ticking filled his ears before the sound of flames bursting forth as a spark ignited the small amounts of gas that leaked.

Tossing the bills onto the counter, along with his letter from family in Austria, he glanced at the envelope with seal. Ripping it open, he unfolded the single page letter:

'Dear Mr. Goetschl,

It has come to our understanding that after the events of New York, we are unsure if you continue to meet the rigorous requirements of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Given the emence tragedy you have suffered both physically and personally, we have granted your request for additional time off. We have, however, opened up an investigation into your recent activities and will be in contact with you to discuss our findings.

Thank you.

Director Esquival'

He tore the letter, his expression unwavering though frustration forming inside. 'A break... ever?' he pleaded with himself. His eyes watched as the water began to boil. Setting it aside, he turned off the stove and entered the den through the kitchen. His nose ached, his head was stuffy and the constant smell of vicks was irritating. He pressed the button to his answering machine which signaled two new messages;

'Hey Cas, it's Monty. I have a buyer interested in thorough breeds. I told him about your animals. He wants to come up Saturday to take a look. I'd say I would ask you first. Give me a call.'

then the second message played

'Cas, its Doctor Fedings. I'm calling to see how you're doing. Give me a call. Please?"

Cas deleted both messages. He would call Monty back in the morning but as for Doctor Fedings... she had been his surgeon in New York. She had explained some of what had happened to Casimir. The druggings... the head trauma... though Goetschl could not remember much himself. Most of it was all a blackout. He scratched his cheek in semi-frustration before leaving the den.

His back having been to the couch the entire time.

Entering the kitchen again, he pulled a cup from the cupboard, poured the still hot water from the pan into it. Going into the fridge, he pulled out a bottle of Lemon Juice and pour a decent amount into the hot water. Next, he took a spoon, stirred the mixture together and took a sip. Absolutely repulsive but lemon water was what his own mother use to give him when he was sick. Some habits were just too hard to forget. With that, he went to the den, grabbed the remote, and turned towards the recliner.

Complete shock covered his face as he finally caught the sight of Sombra. She had been here, but for how long? He realized that because of the cold, he was not able to pick up her scent and since he was out of it, his senses were not too keen. She had gotten the jump on him. The first questions began rolling into his head, the first being 'How did she know where I live?', the second being not so much a question but a statement of 'Ah shit.'

His body remained as stone.

Goetschl could make a sudden movement. Try and put distance between he and her as fast as possible but in his state, Sombra would have the advantage. Still one thing did not come to mind, to attack. He was, frankly, in no mood to play games with her. If she was here to hurt him, they'd dance. Cas might survive, though most probably suffer great injury doing so. She seemed healthy, the wound unapparent from her. No a hint of injury coming from the woman of Hollywood. Still the memory of her scent brought... a ease to his body. All he could do was remember, the damn vicks blocking most smell receptors.

"By now you know I'm not on my A game." he spoke first, flipping the television on to Foxnews then set both the lemon water and remote down before debating whether or not to take a seat in his own recliner. "You can probably sense my weakened state." This was a highly dangerous situation but Cas was not stating the obvious for her. While he spoke, he was running through various scenarios, then he just gave up. Sombra was here. It meant she was unpredictable. Casimir would not let her presence alter his habit. He broke his eye lock with her and took his seat. The couch was four to five feet from the recliner, nothing but a side table between them. Was this payback? Was she issuing her comeuppance on Cas for his stunt in Hollywood.

"I'm glad you are well, Sombra."

He had no expectations that she would show him kindness. He didn't deserve it. Still, he had not intent on coming off as the ass he had in Hollywood. That just was not Cas. He was passed the panic stage and now he was trying... as best he could... to accept what he was. To find normalcy in a abnormal world.

"Would you like something to drink? To eat?"

Hospitality at it's simplest.

[*sombra delgadillo]

Shock and awe, Sombra, shock and awe. A faint smirk ticked over her features at the thought of what Casimir’s features would be to behold. She had begun to listen intently just as he came in the door. H went to the kitchen – making tea she expected. Then as he finished assembling the lemon-y brew, she watched the reflection in the television as he meandered towards the large and well worn recliner that sat parallel to the couch that she currently sat on. Her legs were crossed daintily while her palms were folded in her lap. Her oculi were dark, focused and nearly as cold as they always were.

She didn’t care that he was sick. Or about his excuses or feelings. Frankly she was just sore – irritated that he had interloped and then been so rude. She didn’t know exactly why she hadn’t wiped the floor with him, but she hadn’t. However, another encounter like the one at her domain and he would learn the taste of tile, carpet and hardwood. He was a lighteweight. Or Sombra was not afraid. It was probably a mixture of both – she was not to be toyed with. Like most wolves her temper was short and this bastard dared provoke her.

He would regret it today. She listened to the still that seemed to drag on as he went over what his options were. Frankly, Run was the best choice he could have gone with. Run and don’t look back. However, he spoke before he reacted. Foolish. ”Actually no. I thought this was you’re A-game,” she stated lazily. As he maneuvered around to sit in his large chair. ”And you are not.” (well). He was clearly very sick. And it amused her. I suppose it’s saddening – that the alpha wolf had very little compassion. Or really, if she believed he actually really suffered at all or was in any sort of real danger she might be inclined to…laugh less. But as it was he seemed fine.

”What I would like is an apology so that I can be on my way.” She stated dryly, the liquid chill of her stare now encompassing the blonde werewolf in a manner that can only be defined as predatory. Again she was daring him not to respond nicely. Daring him to provoke her once again. This time there would be no mercy. It would be the actions of a pissed off alpha wolf with an issue with aggression. An issue with people. An issue with just about everything. Casa was just another thorn in her side at this point. A disturbance of the piece. Not that she ever really received much of that.

That was a problem with living anywhere but Alaska. Though she had contemplated moving there on multiple occasions. Perhaps that was a good destination, and she would ponder it more. But at present she was tying up loose ends – she would not be tempted like that with no retribution. Surely he must have known that he was opening a bigger can of worms that one would hope to get into. But he had. He was in the dog house. Now out with the apologies.

[*Casimir Goetschl]

She wanted an apology? Funny, she did the exact same thing he had done. She broke into his home, she was being completely rude, so in all aspects they were even. She was out of her domain and on his own. She was in his house now and all she did was reaffirm his behavior. He was not feeling good, was in no mood for a fight nor confrontation but would sure as hell not give an apology. Has she knocked on his front door, had she approached him differently, there would have been no question; she would have gotten one but by her behavior, she damned herself. She was having fun. Playing dominate. It was apparent she had never met anyone... as complex as Casimir. Was he the strongest wolf? No. Was he the most feared? No. Was he to be underestimated? No. Goetschl had a reputation amongst wolves and vampires for doing the unexpected and as his eyes locked onto her own. She was challenging him and the only thing she got in return... complete and utter silence.

There was a trick with bullies. People that thought themselves tough shit, they thrived on attention and by Sombra being here, she wanted his. She was itching and her gaze screamed of preparations for a fight. That was her edge. Her weakness was simple; she did not know Casimir. He glanced away from her and gave the television his full attention. When she acted civil she would be granted the attention she sought. Sombra Delgadillo got the advantage on him earlier. Her arrival was most unexpected but it did not mean Cas would not adapt. When they were in hollywood, she shot herself to make a point. She snapped back, rebutted everything he said. Every word he said had one in response from her. They were in Casimirs house and how he would deal with this woman would be one that was more damning than any words. Nothingness. She deserved no response. When she acted like a lady, she would be treated like one.

Someone can't be a hypocrite, barge into someones home simply because they did it previously and then demand an apology. Life did not work that way. In fact life just sucked. He took several gulps of his water, the temperature burning his throat. Nothing important was on the news and Goetschl knew what he now wanted. His sinus' were stuffy and had to be flushed. If this cold caused a sinus infection, he was fucked; the Agent had crap for medical insurance. Quietly he got out of his recliner and left the room.


Then he returned.

A minute or so had passed since Goetschl had initially left and returned. The key difference, as the wolf grabbed his cup was this time he wore nothing. Having undressed while proceeding up the stairs, his clothes just dropped to the floor as he walked, Goetschl decided he wanted his water. He could have cared less that Sombra was in his home, he had nothing to hide and was proud of his frame. Still, he spoke nothing to her as his buttocks was just a foot from her. Leaving once again, Goetschl coursed the room, directly in front of her, heading into the kitchen to put the dish into the sink before passing through the room a second time in the buff. He needed a shower.

He had to drain the sinus'. Perhaps if she was still here by the time he got out, her attitude might have changed.