Blood And Banter

Awooooooo!!

A lone howl cut through Silverwood Forest, sharp and commanding. The woods lay suffocated beneath a thick blanket of snow, the temperature cold enough to freeze marrow in bone. But the forest wasn't empty—and the howl belonged to a predator. A hungry predator.

Silence persisted after the cry. A long, ominous, dead silence that made the very trees hold their breath.

Then chaos erupted.

An explosion of movement—a death race between predator and prey. A reindeer burst past the snow-laden pines, hooves thundering against frozen earth as it fled from a relentless pursuer. Mist escaped  from its nostrils, its ragged breathing the only sound piercing the stillness.

Then a white blur overtook it.

The strike came with devastating precision—a powerful lunge to the throat that brought the reindeer crashing down in one fell swoop. Fangs sank deep into its neck, and the creature thrashed wildly until life drained from its eyes like water from a broken vessel.

The white figure rose, standing majestically against the freezing cold, moonlight painting its massive form in silver and shadow.

Deimon.

Eyes burning crimson, his wolf radiated an aura of raw power that seemed to encompass the entire forest. Behind him, two other wolves emerged from the tree line—his companions. Sophia, his older sister, her sleek black coat a stark contrast to his alabaster hide. And Jabari, broad-shouldered and battle-scarred, moving with the quiet efficiency of a seasoned warrior.

What had begun as a casual night hunt had devolved into a frenzy. The moon hung incomplete in the sky, yet its pull intoxicated Deimon's wolf, driving him wild across the snow-covered terrain. He tore through the woods like a force of nature, taking down every creature unfortunate enough to cross his path. 

His companions watched the rampage unfold with a mixture of awe and wariness. This was his first hunt since his ascension as Alpha, so they let him run free, let him savor the violent poetry of the kill.

At last, satisfaction came—after his seventh victim. Deimon stood over the fallen reindeer, sides heaving, steam rising from his blood-warmed fur. The two other wolves approached cautiously, their postures respectful. The rush still sang through his veins, but he recognized the look in their eyes.

Enough.

Deimon released a low, aggressive growl that made both wolves cower instinctively. Then he bolted, racing through the forest one final time, letting the last remnants of moonlight fuel the adrenaline pumping through his system.

---

"My best hunt ever," 

Deimon announced with boyish enthusiasm as he adjusted his fur-lined robe and settled into a weathered rocking chair. "Since the one I went on with Father when I was eleven."

They had concluded the night's activities and returned to human form, now warming themselves in a remote cabin deep in the woods. The hearth crackled merrily, casting dancing shadows across rough-hewn walls. Deimon poured himself a generous measure of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the firelight.

"Seven, brother, seven reindeers."

 Sophia lounged on the cushioned bench, her dark hair still damp from the transformation. "Couldn't even save a single kill for us. That deeply unfair and incredibly selfish of you, I must say."

"So sorry your wolf couldn't keep pace with mine, Sophie." 

Deimon's smirk was infuriatingly smug. "Train harder next time."

Sophia's eyes narrowed. 

"It's not my fault I'm a petite black wolf and you're a white behemoth. I could literally carve out five wolves just from your frame alone, brother."

"We'll have to blame the moon, Sophia." Jabari interjected smoothly, pouring wine into two glasses and offering one to her. "Even a sliver of it made Master Ashworth's wolf go feral."

"I saw your wolf flicker back there, Jabari." Deimon set down his glass, fixing his lieutenant with a penetrating stare. "What was that? Fear? Even though you're my strongest soldier?"

Jabari chuckled softly, settling into a wooden chair with the ease of someone accustomed to difficult conversations. 

"No wolf in their right mind would go toe-to-toe with you, Master Ashworth. The sight alone made me want to retreat. For a moment, I was genuinely afraid you might mistake me for prey."

Deimon threw his head back and laughed—a sound of pure, unrestrained pride. 

"Damn right you should cower! Not everyone gets to witness a white giant in their lifetime. You should savor these moments with me, Jabari."

"All mouth and pride, brother."

     Sophia popped a cherry into her mouth, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You're not the only exceptional specimen in our bloodline. Grandfather was a demon wolf, remember? And Father told us stories of our ancestors who had silver fangs for teeth."

"What are you trying to say, Sophie?" Deimon's voice cooled several degrees. "That I'm somehow less? Our family is gifted, pure-blooded, yes—but nothing compares to what I am. An Alpha white giant."

"A demon wolf could effortlessly humble a white giant," 

    Sophia said airily, examining her nails with studied indifference. "And a silver fang could kill you with a single bite. White giants are just fur and size, no biggie."

"What did you say?" Deimon's face flushed crimson.

Jabari recognized the warning signs immediately. "I'm going to fetch some steaks from the pantry!" he announced with forced cheerfulness, practically bolting toward the back room. "Excuse me!"

"Calm down, Alpha." 

Sophia's smile was pure mischief. "It was a silly joke. Can't you take a joke, big boy? You're making me feel so bad and small, brother. Don't forget this petite wolf used to carry you around when you were a pup."

Deimon sighed heavily, sinking back into his chair.

 "Why can't you let me enjoy my evening after a tiring hunt without your silly jokes and sarcasm always getting on my nerves?"

"I heard you met with the Alpha of the Lupins." Sophia shifted topics with the grace of a seasoned politician. 

Deimon sat forward, suddenly alert. He picked up his glass again. "Cyrus was... a handful. But it went well enough. He wants a direct alliance."

"Wow." 

Sophia's laugh held genuine surprise. She took a slow sip of wine. "So he's finally come to his senses after all that posturing about being independent. So much for being at the top of the big families."

"He had to realize it sooner or later." Deimon swirled his whiskey thoughtfully. "The Ashworths are on the rise. He saw it firsthand."

"Fear?"

 Sophia asked, leaning forward slightly.

"Most likely." 

The answer came without hesitation. "He fears what we might become, so he seeks an alliance now to avoid future... complications. After all, people fear what they don't understand. Eventually, the rest of the clans will fall in line. The entire werewolf nation, under Ashworth influence."

"Things are progressing remarkably well on your end, brother." 

Sophia raised her glass in acknowledgment. "The Ascension seems to have been a catalyst."

"A spontaneous reaction that favored our position," 

Deimon agreed. "The tide turning in our favor externally is a tremendous advantage. Father would be proud."

"I'll drink to that." 

Sophia's smile softened genuine warmth breaking through her usual sarcasm. "To the Ashworths' growth."

They clinked glasses, the sound ringing clear in the warm cabin.

"Best part of the evening!" 

Jabari announced, emerging from the pantry carrying a tray laden with perfectly grilled steaks, the aroma preceding him like a herald. "Help yourselves, gentlemen, and  lady."

Deimon and Sophia lunged forward simultaneously, nearly colliding in their eagerness.

"Mmmmm." 

Sophia closed her eyes in bliss, savoring the first bite. "Just what I needed. You're absolutely magnificent, Jabari."

"You're a terrible cook, sister," Deimon observed between mouthfuls. "You'd probably appreciate anything set before you."

Sophia ignored him completely, too absorbed in her meal to dignify the comment with a response.

"I didn't do much, just the usual." Jabari scratched the back of his head with endearing self-consciousness, looking for all the world like a nervous child receiving praise.

"This would be infinitely more enjoyable with a bevy of lovely she-wolves surrounding us," Deimon mused, his eyes taking on a distant, contemplative gleam. "Perhaps going a few heated rounds afterward. Don't you think, Jabari?"

Jabari chuckled nervously, nodding without committing to words.

"You horny devil." 

    Sophia fixed her brother with an infuriated glare. "You had an orgy three days ago, and now you're already craving another sex party?"

"Not my fault my testosterone is spiking, sister." Deimon's grin was utterly shameless. "It's a male thing, a  good thing. I doubt you can relate."

Sophia hissed in irritation.

"Too bad your Luna's a no-show," 

she said sweetly, venom wrapped in sugar. "Unless you want to make do with your big sister."

The cabin went utterly silent.

Deimon stopped chewing mid-bite, his eyes snapping to Sophia with barely contained fury.

"Okay, that'll be enough!"

Jabari intervened quickly, hands raised in placation. "Everyone relax. Let's all breathe and enjoy the evening, yes? I'll make arrangements for a handful of the finest Omegas, Master Ashworth. Send them your way, and—"

"No, it's fine, Jabari." 

Deimon's voice was carefully controlled, refusing to show that Sophia had struck a nerve. Because if he did, she'd won.

"It would have been lovely if your Luna had joined the wild hunt," 

Sophia continued, her tone innocent as fresh snow. "Imagine the romance, brother. Those kisses and fumbling beneath the moon—"

"Sister." 

    Deimon's smile was razor-sharp. "Are you suggesting I go a few rounds with  you? You'd make quite the substitute."

"What?" 

Sophia's glass nearly slipped from her fingers. "That's completely unacceptable, Deimon! How could you even say such a thing?"

"Your words, not mine." His response was ice-cold.

Jabari snorted despite himself.

"Oh, I see." Sophia's eyes flashed dangerously. "You're trying to bite back now, hmm?"

They locked gazes across the cabin, neither willing to concede, the air crackling with sibling rivalry as old as time itself.

"Reports from the Nomads came in, Master Ashworth," Jabari interjected desperately, seizing on the first distraction that came to mind.

"Enough of that for tonight, Jabari." 

    Deimon waved a dismissive hand, breaking eye contact with his sister. "No more Luna talk. Can we please  try to relax without ruining the atmosphere? It'll have to wait until morning. Let me enjoy this smooth evening."

"My apologies, Master Ashworth." Jabari inclined his head. "The Huntsman will have to wait, then."

"The Nomads are quite obsessed, I'll say," Sophia observed, settling back into her cushions. "Taking up your problems upon themselves, Deimon. Such haste to seek validation."

"And they've earned it, Sophie."

     Deimon's voice carried absolute certainty. "They'll be my greatest allies, and I'll have them keep their territories." He said with concern.

    

    " How generous of you brother, that's an improvement " Sophia said into her cup.

    Deimon chewed thoughtfully, then continued. "I'll be attending the Lunar Summit tomorrow. I'd like to address some issues while all the major families are present."

He took a deep breath, followed by a long sip of whiskey, and released a satisfied sigh.

"Good gods, I'm so turned on right now." He grinned wickedly. "Jabari, you should make that call before I go on a sex rampage.. And bring some for yourself too"

"Absolutely, Master Ashworth!" Jabari's enthusiasm bordered on relief. "That would be excellent."

Sophia sighed dramatically, gathering her cup and wine glass as she rose from her seat. "I'd better get far away from you predator before you involve me in your sex rampage, big boy."

Laughter erupted through the cabin—genuine, unrestrained, the kind that only family can share after trading barbs.

"Don't worry, sis!" 

Deimon called after her as she headed toward the attic stairs. "I wouldn't touch you even if you weren't family. You're far too scrawny for my tastes!"

"Scrawny?" 

Sophia's voice drifted down from above, mock-outraged. "I'll show you scrawny, you overgrown fur rug!"

The night deepened around the cabin, growing colder as the half-moon dipped behind thick banks of mist. Inside, warmth and laughter continued, the fire burning bright against the encroaching darkness.

But in the forest beyond, something stirred.

A shadow detached itself from the tree line—silent, watchful, ancient. It observed the cabin for a long moment before melting back into the woods, leaving nothing but disturbed snow in its wake.