You're brought into Toronto, Canada, either ordered by the Council to join the Pack or Clan that resides there for the impending war, to strengthen their numbers, and provide a hand within the war, or you've moved here simply to find a fresher start to life. Will you stand on the sidelines in the Neutral Territories? Or will you decide to take part and choose a side? Your destiny awaits you, make sure to head over to our homesite (link found in the Navigation Section) to begin your journey!
As she stood in the corner, watching the kitchen come to life, Phoenix's mind drifted to her memories. She was thinking of a time before she was turned, a time before running away. When she still had her sister by her side to protect her. She was so in depth with her thoughts, that she didn't see or hear the poor girl trying to talk to her. It wasn't until she'd walked away that she’d noticed and sent her an apologetic look. "Please, everyone, do take a seat and dig in. Tomorrow we will hunt, but tonight, we will relax." Acacia’s voice rang out, her tone suggested that there would be no skipping dinner, as if Acacia had managed to read Phoenix’s mind. Phoenix’s stomach recoiled at the smell of food as she took a seat at the end of the table, where there wasn’t a plate. It wasn’t that the food smelled bad, it smelled amazing but she was used to going without food for a long period of time, her body can’t handle the food without throwing it back up. Not only that, but as Christian had said earlier, there wasn’t enough food for all of them since he hadn’t been expecting two more Lycans to show. She was not going to take some one’s food away from them. From her seat, she gave Acacia a nod and a small smile of acknowledgement and gratitude at the permission to sit. She watched as Willow moved to sit next to the pretty blonde who had tried to talk to her earlier. Phoenix had unknowingly sat on the opposite side, a couple of seats away. She gives her an apologetic smile and mouths ‘Sorry.’ Her gaze travels to her right hand which lies on the table top, tracing swirls and patterns as her mind drifts back to her memories.
********** ‘Phoenix! Phoenix! Look at this!’ Flaming red hair flies after the little girl running down a hill. A smaller blond girl sits on a large boulder stringing together a necklace. Her head snaps in the direction of the voice and her face brightens with a wide smile. When the red headed girl reaches her, she reveals the prize she’d been carrying in her hands, it was a handful of teeth. They were an assorted lot, some white and smooth, some yellow and cracked from age, some curved and pointed, some were wide and flat, some were short, some were long. 'Will they work for your necklaces?' The blonde one, promptly named Phoenix, smiles and takes them. "All of them are perfect Dru! I'll get to work right away! Thank you so much!' The girl with the flaming red hair smiles as she watches her younger sister put the teeth in her bag strapped to her thigh. They both stand and run off into the forest surrounding them, not wanting to go back up that hill just yet.
Their laughter echoes throughout the trees as they run, racing each other to see who can run the fastest and dodge the most trees. They both pause at a stream to cool off and use it as a halfway mark. While Dru sits on a boulder, letting her bare toes skim the water, Phoenix is wading in the shallow, clear water. The water comes up to her calves as she looks at the bottom of the stream for skipping stones. Suddenly she is splashed, the cold water making her screech as it makes contact with her hot skin. She whirls around to see her older sister cackling, to which she grabs her by the wrist and yanks her down and into the water. Dru shrieks and Phoenix fills with satisfaction as she splashes her, letting her get a taste of her own medicine. "Ha! take that!" She shouts gleefully as Dru tries futilely to avoid the freezing water. Just before she can splash back, Phoenix darts away in the opposite direction, her voice fading as she yells, "Catch me if you can!" Phoenix makes it to the hidden structure in the leaves that they use as a tree house. She quickly scrambles up the ladder, bolts the trapdoor shut, and sits on it, waiting for her probably enraged big sister. It isn't long until she feels her sister banging on the door from below and her bellowing as she demanded to be let in. She clambers off of the door and lets her in, holding up a pillow, ready to attack if she needed to. Dru burst in, the light of the lanterns making her hair look like a living flame. Before she could do or say anything, Phoenix beans her with a pillow. Dru laughs, picks up another pillow, and launches into a pillow fight with Phoenix.
OOC: Just a lil' flashback for ya! Sorry I was gone for so long.
Acacia’s words and irritated tone reverberated in her head."I'm not sure if you have noticed, but the table is set," Phoenix looked down in embarrassment and replaced the plates. Suddenly ashamed for not having noticed something as obvious of the table for being set. She did her best to mask her emotions, as she wasn’t accustomed to letting them show, and she prayed that they didn’t. The day was not going well for her, she felt like she was back in a foster home, unwanted and unwelcomed. The knowledge of this sat like an uncomfortable weight in her chest.
She would love to be alone, that’s how it had been in the years leading up to joining her former pack, and that’s how she preferred it. Even in foster care, she had been left alone when she wasn’t bullied. Phoenix wondered if they would be okay with her skipping dinner altogether and just hiding away in her room. She looked up to see Acacia walking through the kitchen and Phoenix moved to get out of her way, she backed into a small alcove, not too far from the dining room. "It has been a long day and the tension is high with so many strangers in a home I've known to be just mine and Christians, excuse any harshness this may be causing." She nodded in response, she knew what the Alphess was feeling, but she couldn’t help but feel as if it were all her fault. “You’re so worthless Phoenix, even the Higher ups don’t want you in their pack. What a screw up.” She mutters to herself, not loud enough for anyone to hear, but anyone who cared enough to listen, could probably hear her.
A woman with brilliant red hair walked in asking about drinks and Phoenix thanked the gods that the attention was finally off of her. She watched from her corner as the Beta visibly relaxed and even smiled at the woman. Phoenix longed to feel as welcome as this new woman did, for even the Alphess smiled at the woman. At the mention of dinner, her stomach rumbled loudly and the pain of an empty stomach shot through her, but she was used to it. She merely sipped at her water and the hunger pains muted themselves. ‘Should I run away? Should I escape to the city?’ Phoenix highly doubted the Alphess or Beta would care, since it would mean one less stranger in the house to deal with. Plus it meant she'd get to be alone then.
It was decided then, she’d leave that night, while everyone slept. Now it was a matter of whether or not she should, or even could, skip dinner. Would they let her? “If you want, you can also take a seat wherever you like,” She overheard the Beta say. She had a dreadful feeling that the answer was no, even though the statement was directed towards the woman. Genevieve had been her name. Phoenix had to admit that she was beautiful, but seeing the look Acacia gave her, she decided right then and there, the Pack would be off limits, if she even decided to stay. She probably would have better luck with a human. “Oh I do hope everyone doesn’t take too long,” Acacia mused, “I certainly am getting peckish.” Well there goes her idea to escape to her room. She’d probably sit as far away from everyone as she could get. She lifted a skinny hand to fiddle with her wolf tooth pendant in silence as she remained alone in her alcove.
OOC: I'm back! Also, Phoenix as well as Cara Delevingne are blonde, they aren't redheads xD. Its Dru/Luanna Perez that are redheads. ~Mentioned~ ~Beta Christian ~ ~Alphess Acacia ~ ~@genevieve ~
"Feel free to have a drink," Acacia had said, her light tone helped Phoenix to relax and she found herself becoming more comfortable around them. Thank the gods for that, Christian and Willow never let her go without a meal. They knew she struggled with her self image, and at times, shoved food down her throat if she refused to eat. 'Can't watch my every move, Chris.' She thought smugly, she nodded in thanks to Acacia. "Thank you, I don't eat much, so you won't have to worry about food disappearing from your pantry." She jokes, taking the extension of Acacia's arm as an invitation to look through the cabinets, she walks past the male and extends an arm to open a cabinet in search of a glass.
She could feel their eyes on her. It slightly bothered her, but she gave no indication that she noticed. If they looked hard enough, or cared to, they'd see that her wrist was impossibly skinny, and her fingers were so skinny, that it looked as if someone tried to stretch her skin over her bones as tightly as possible. Her frame was extremely narrow, but she hides her scrawniness well. She currently wore a stylishly baggy shirt, but her skinny jeans showed off her unnatural thigh gap. Not to mention, her collar bones were visible, her face was almost hollow. To her, her disorder was only slightly noticeable, but if one looked hard enough, it was noticeable.
The cabinet she'd opened revealed plates, she reached up to grab a stack. She stumbles as they leave the support of the cabinet and gravity takes over. She manages to catch them and regain her balance. She turns to face the pair with a small smile on her face, presenting the plates for them. "Christian, this is Phoenix, one of the new arrivals. And Phoenix, this is my Beta, Christian." Acacia introduces her and the male, and her smile grows slightly, but her face brightens. He nods to her, as if he were uncomfortable, but she smiles. "Nice to meet you, Beta." She sets the plates down on the counter and holds her hand out for him to shake. When he makes no move to shake her hand, she pulls her hand back awkwardly. 'I guess he isn't a people person?' Her face falls slightly, and she resumes her search for a cup.
She finally finds one and manages to grab it, filling it to the brim with ice from the freezer before getting tap water. She munches on the ice while she sips at the water. The cold blooms across her chest and pools in her stomach. She closes her eyes and sighs at the feeling. She sets the glass on the counter and grabs the plates and faces the pair again. 'Why do they keep watching me like I'm going to kill someone? For the love of chocolate, I'm not a murderer!' She thinks as she sees them looking at her. To her credit, Acacia wasn't being obvious about it, but Christian was openly staring at her. Her voice is confused as she speaks, her eyes keep glancing at Christian, confused. "I was thinking I could set the table? I don't know how many people are, so how many places should I set?" She is talking to Acacia, looking at her this time, but Christian's stare was causing her anxiety to spark. Did she do something wrong? Did they not like her? Were they going to throw her out? Was the whole pack like this? Her fingers drum against the bottom of the plates as her anxiety grows under Christian's disapproving stare. Her teal eyes sparkle with anxiety as the silence becomes deafening. OOC: Phoenix is a bit like me, if someone is staring at me, I start to freak out internally. xD
Phoenix's bedroom is probably the smallest in the entire house. She occupies the attic, where she can be alone when she needs to. It's her quiet place for thinking. She has various herbs and potted plants hanging throughout the room, where they're either drying or growing. Her room is quite simple, mirroring her persona. Upon walking in, there are two bookcases to the right (OOC: It's out of frame) filled with various books and trinkets. Much of the space is filled with jars of salts, herbs, crystals and a couple of old but beautiful weapons. Across from it, is a desk, designed with many carvings Phoenix did herself. On it, is a lamp, her laptop, a leather bound and locked journal, and a pair of potted orchids. On the wall above her desk are various pictures of her old pack, and pictures of her family, all forming a large collage, Next to the desk is her bed, it isn't much of a bed, but is just a box spring and a mattress on top. On it are four pillows, and a couple of pelts along with the bedspread. Next to her bed is a lamp and another plant. Off to the side, next to the pair of bookcases is a wardrobe filled with her clothes and such. Beyond that is the door to her bathroom, also small. In here there are more herbs and plants, a claw-foot tub, a toilet and a sink.
Phoenix Riley
Someone once said, 'Where there's a will there's a way.' If I'm not dead yet, there's always a way.
Phoenix followed the Alphess inside, however, rather than following her, she went to find a room. She climbed a couple flights of stairs before reaching a room that didn't have a current scent in it. Without looking, she threw her bag into the room, soon followed by her jacket. She tucked her phone into her pocket. She darted into the adjoining bathroom and underwent a through examination of herself. She removed her beanie, since it wasn't cold in the house, and smoothed her hair with her fingers. She stares at her reflection, regarding her face with cold calculation. "They're never going to believe you. Even if they contact Sienna and the council. I bet a couple of them think they're the only pack." She sighs out. She has had enough stress, she didn't need more. 'Don't ask or expect the position. Council or no, you need to prove yourself. This is a new pack.' She didn't mind having to reprove herself, but she was fed up with the Council.
She trudges down the multiple flights of stairs until she reaches the bottom floor. She follows her nose to the kitchen, she is just in time to hear the male say, "One of them can have my plate, I have nothing that I could really make, unless I went hunting, but dinner has been dragged on long enough," Never mind the last part, she knew there wouldn't be enough. She clears her throat as to not seem as if she were eavesdropping. Looking down so she didn't seem dominant, she spoke. "Excuse moi, demoiselle. I couldn't help but over hear that there isn't enough. I am not hungry, I'd be happy to sit at the table and participate in the conversation, but I don't have to eat. I don't want to make anyone give up their food. Could I trouble you for a glass of water?" To this, she looks up at the Alphess, but not in her eyes, that would probably piss her off. While looking up, she noticed that something was off about the male. She just couldn't quite put her finger on it.
While she was waiting for the Alphess, she'd noticed the male watching her already, scanning for a threat obviously. Phoenix understood, she used to do the same whenever someone dared cross Sienna. At the same time, her unnaturally bright eyes scanned him, she marked out anything that could threaten her or the other Were quickly approaching. She could smell the territorial testosterone coursing through his veins, oh he did not like her. Not only was it obvious from his stance, he never returned her nod. No matter, she wasn't here for him, she was there to speak with the Alphess, not him. The other Were she'd scented earlier approached the porch. She could tell from the air she admitted that she was older, and for that, Phoenix gave her a courteous dip of her head, acknowledging the older Were as her elder.
The Alphess soon answered the door, it was a shorter woman with white hair. But past experiences taught her that size isn't everything. This woman, though polite, obviously had a power that she wasn't afraid to brandish. "Welcome to my home," Phoenix caught the Alphess' examination and stood straighter, careful not to look her in the eye, she was most likely looking for strengths and weaknesses. "I am the Alphess of this Domain, and I'm going to guess right off the bat, that the Council has sent you?" She waited, trying to let the elder Were speak first. When the older woman introduced herself as Ashley, it was her turn. Giving the Alphess a respectful and polite half curtsy, she spoke. "Bonjour demoiselle, I am Phoenix Riley, former Delta of the Portland pack. The Council transferred me here, I don't know if they have informed you like they promised they would. I apologize if my appearance is unexpected." Her intent isn't rude or trying to show power, just to inform her. She spoke politely, wanting to sound respectful, she learned from watching Ariana say the wrong thing to Sienna that Alpha's don't take too kindly to someone trying to show off a power they don't have.
"Dinner will be ready shortly and, during that time there will be plenty of time to meet and greet everybody else then." To this Phoenix nods, she had smelled the wonderful spices when the white haired Alphess opened the door. It caused her mouth to water and her stomach inevitably growled, causing her to flinch. It was a long drive from Portland to Ontario, and Phoenix didn't like making a lot of stops. Thus she drove overnight, and most of the day. Dangerous, but a risk she was willing to take. Starving as she was, she doubted the chef had planned on having two more unexpected wolves. "Demoiselle, as tantalizing as that sounds, and smells, I don't wish to intrude. Especially if the one cooking wasn't expecting two more arrivals. I'd hate to cause them more work." Though the Alphess' tone had been almost playful, she had no intention of pissing them off. She kept her tone respectful, always. She also, refrained from looking into her eyes, as she'd learned a while ago that the Alpha's took that as disrespect and as a dominating expression.
The hot day was quickly becoming cooler as night fell. Phoenix navigated her Yamaha R6 silently through the woods, she loved how quiet the engine was, not something you see often in a motorcycle. She pulls up to the driveway of the house belonging to this pack. She pulls off her helmet, letting her long blonde braid fall out, and replaces it with her signature beanie. She shoulders her duffle bag and dismounts, her helmet in one hand with her keys. Her electric blue eyes scanned the area, just as her phone rang. She looked at the Caller ID and saw that it was labeled as "Beta C." Her former Beta, Christian was calling. After their rough start, it wasn't long until they became good friends. She probably needs to change the name since he isn't her Beta. She answers the phone and walks towards the pack house, pausing at the base of the stairs. She makes sure to keep her voice quiet as there is someone outside who most likely wouldn't be interested in her conversation.
'I just don't see how it's fair that you have to go and be subjected to a new pack.' She sighs, they'd had this conversation many times since she'd announced she was being sent out."I know Christian but I don't have a choice. You know the Council doesn't take no for an answer." It is quiet on the other line and she begins to make her way up the stairs. Halfway through, he speaks, but she continues walking. 'Sorry for snapping at you, I just am gonna miss you. You were the best Delta a pack could ask for.' She laughs at this, now at the top of the porch and seeing another person on the far side. "Only because I was far more laid back than you. Even Sienna agrees." 'You could always just bail, get a new identity and come home. Maybe get plastic surgery and some facial reconstruction.' She rolls her eyes at this, "Christian, you know damn well I can't do that, the Council will still know who I am, regardless of how I look. besides, plastic surgery goes wrong so easily, I like my face how it is."
She leans on the porch railing, tracing the groves in the wood and breathing the wonderful smell of pine sap. 'Phoenix, I order you to come home.' He says in his Beta voice, it is at that moment, that she realizes that he doesn't have any power over her anymore. Sorrow washes over her and grips her heart tight, it fills her voice as she speaks. "Christian, you know I can't, and don't waste your Beta voice on me, you aren't my Beta anymore. Hey, I have to go, I'm at the pack house now. I need to present myself to the Alphess. Say hi to Sienna and the pack for me, I'll facetime you guys later." She hears him sigh, 'Knock them off their asses, girl. Who knows? Maybe they'll have a Delta position open. I miss you.' She smiles, "I miss you too, I'll call you later, bye." She hangs up and sighs, this is going to be hell. She steeled herself, put her phone in her pocket, undid her braid, combed her hair with her fingers and walked up to the door, her duffle bag over her shoulder and listens. A faint murmur of voices tell her that there were already a numerous amount of members already there. Her nose picked up traces of steak cooking, pine sap and tobacco smoke. The later at which, she wrinkled her nose at and looked to the male who seemed to be the one responsible. She gave him a curt nod and rang the doorbell with her free hand.
Get better Zoe 
