Uh...hey...

Having forgotten to close her blinds before bed, Jillian awoke rudely to a shard of sunlight streaming through, landing directly on her eyes.

"Owwwww...." She groaned and rolled away from the light onto her side. The windows throughout the den were specially customized to remain dim even in sunlight, but when you're used to no light at all, even the tempered light was strong.

Unfortunately when she rolled over, she had chosen the side she had landed against the headstone with, and her groan increased. Not that the pain was unbearable, and in fact was almost imperceptible, but it was enough this early in the morning to give her a small reason to whine.

When it became apparent she wasn't going back to sleep, Jillian stretched and climbed out of bed. Her focus immediately went to the events of the previous night, and her brow furrowed. She needed to talk to Xeph about the new wolf, and hoped she might catch him first thing before he became to busy to deal with a young girl's flights of fancy. Not that her concerns weren't important to her, but Jillian wasn't sure if they would be to anyone else, least of all her pack alpha.

Dressing in comfy, but newer jeans, and a beige tank top with yellow flowers and the words 'Student of Life' written across the back, Jillian slipped into a pair of yellow flip flops, stepped out onto her balcony to brush her hair into a ponytail, and then set out to locate her leader.

The Den seemed remarkably quiet upon entering the main room, and Jillian hoped she wasn't the only one awake. Thinking it might be a good idea to wait just a short while before finding Xeph, she used the extra time to get something to eat, and found she was her typical ravenous diner. The kitchen off the communal dining room was also empty, which was okay with Jillian today. She loved company, and often ate outside her own suite just for that reason, but with her head full of thoughts today, she didn't miss it. Once she cleaned up her mess, she sought out and found Xeph in his office.

Once she explained her visit to the cemetery the last night, and her run in with the wolf, Xeph gave her the standard alpha lecture that she needed to be careful, and if she sought out this wolf again she should take a Piper with her for protection. He went on to warn her that if she wasn't careful, and didn't return by nightfall, he would send out the troops to locate her. Jillian looked at the man somberly, but at times had to bite her tongue to avoid smiling at him. He cared about his pack, and she appreciated that, but every now and then when he said something to remind her of her father, she felt immensely happy, and her face radiated that emotion.

To appease her elder, and out of respect, she acknowledged his wisdom, and agreed. Over the past year Jillian had relied on Xeph for many answers, as well as just some 'fatherly' support, and found he was more than able to provide her with that missing component in her life. She hadn't found anyone to come close to representing a motherly faction, but with Xeph around, Jillian really hadn't longed for anything emotionally under the 'parental' guise. Not that she consciously noticed anyway.

Before she left for her days explorations she also looked for Hammer, wanting to just touch bases with the huge mountainous man. Also during the past year Jillian had developed some feelings for the pack's second in command, though nothing as deep as those for Xeph. Whether or not he intended to, Hammer left Jillian feeling a bit uneasy still. He was without doubt an intimidating man, though she could understand some reasons for that. He had a job to do for the pack, and it helped him do it, she was sure. And he didn't scare her nearly as much as he had when she first met him, but he just wasn't someone she could curl up next to and hug...really. As it turned out she couldn't find him anywhere, so she decided to go about her business, and try again later.

Amid her distractions she forgot totally about finding a Piper to escort her, but when she finally did remember later, she blew it off thinking it was daylight and she couldn't imagine being in much peril this early in the day. Her reasoning may not have been sound, but it seemed so at the moment, to her.

Unbeknown to Jillian, once she stepped out of the Den, a pair of blue eyes never left her side.

Bounding down the steps, feeling as light as the breeze blowing wistfully across the lawn, Jillian reveled in the cool morning air. Soon the temperatures would heat up and the atmosphere would take on an almost oppressive feel, weighing a person down, and making them feel sluggish, and drawn. But right that minute it gave her a sense of anything could happen.

As she walked, she bounced a little, feeling the earth beneath the balls of her feet, and her hands gently swaying front, and back with her fingertips skimming her thighs. It occurred to her that she probably should have grabbed her sunglasses before she set out, but didn't want to take the time to go back after them. With her dark eyes, she knew she could handle being in the sun without them, even if she might have preferred otherwise.

Though she alternated between a sort of jogging skip and a walk, until she reached the beach she kept her pace brisk. Feeling a smile on her face, Jillian shook her head at herself, wondering why she felt so goofy, and giddy today. If anything she knew realistically she should be cautious, and possibly worrisome, but she was none of those things.

Still a considerable distance from the cemetery, Jillian saw him. He only briefly skimmed her vision to the side, but without even looking in his direction, she knew who it was. Her smile dropped, but her heart remained light, and slowing her step a little, Jillian began to wonder what she might say to him, by way of engaging the man in conversation. She needed to find out what she could about him to, a)make sure he wasn't a threat to her, and b) satisfy her curiosity. Why was this 'Oz' affecting her as he was?

Not seriously realizing what she was doing, Jillian began routing her steps up the beach, away from the ocean, and more toward the trees where she'd seen him. Her movements were so gradual, she doubted he would notice until she was much closer. As far as she went, that was exactly when she realized it herself.

Feeling him now only about ten, maybe fifteen yards away, still hiding in the shadows of the trees, Jillian stopped, and looked directly to the spot where she knew him to be.

"You can come out now, you know? I'm not blind. I've known you were there for some time."

Crossing her arms across her chest, Jillian now faced the trees and waited, ever alert. If need be she could be off and running with little warning. She would shuck her flip flops, but was confident speed would be on her side.

Unless he changed, that was.

At one point in Jesse's life he found he possessed a helpful ability, and over time worked to develop it. When he wanted he learned he could almost disappear into the background, or appear to anyway, and it served him well in his quest for survival. Though he didn't actually disappear, he blended into his surroundings so well that unless someone really focused on the spot where he was standing, he would go completely unnoticed.

When he needed food, or money, living on the streets, Jesse could create a distraction, and slip into a store to take what he wanted. Sometimes he would get a stranger to help, and give them part of the cut, but most of the time he just bided his time until someone else created the distraction naturally, and then he took advantage. A few times he came close to being caught, in the beginning, but never was.

So what went wrong this time?

Tracking the girl, Jesse stayed safely back, out of her view, and never got close enough for her to scent him. All the while he found himself nearly oblivious to where he was going, and how fast. For once in his life his attentions weren't on himself, but her. And then she saw him!

Freezing in his tracks, he held his breath and willed himself to change, but not into a wolf, rather the trees. Hearing her words he felt his body tense and nothing went off like it should have. But he didn't move. He couldn't. He just stood, stock still, and rushed through his head searching for a response that wouldn't make him sound utterly crazy, or stalkerish.

"Uh...hey."

He sighed. Brilliant, you ass, he thought.

It took everything Jillian had in her not to burst out laughing. Any trepidation she might have had fled and was replaced with amusement. Here was the big bad who she had been curious about, and while he was indeed big, he didn't look any more the 'bad' than her Kadzait brethern, Drew!

This guy looked to be about her age, give or take a couple years, but what really had her biting her tongue was his look of shock, and fear that he was trying so very hard to mask. A spark of pity ignited, and Jillian regained herself. Thinking she needed to retain the upper hand here, she puffed herself up a bit, and drew on some found forced bravado.

"Hey yourself! Why are you following me? Who are you? What do you want?"

With little thought, Jillian walked up the small bluff, toward the trees and the boy.

"You're the wolf I saw in the cemetery last night, aren't you?"

She had no doubts they were one and the same, and was interested to see if he would admit to it.

"Did you follow me home?"

As he watched the smile play around the corners of her mouth, Jesse didn't feel the usual anger he would have felt in the past. Anger with himself because of any shortcomings that happened to be revealed to his enemies was something he had worked long and hard on dealing with. Once he convinced himself it didn't matter what others thought of him, he no longer got pissed off at himself.

Still, this time, it was different. This time he did care what she thought of him, because for whatever reason, this girl was important to him. What eased his concern was that she didn't seem truly bothered by the fact that he had been following her, no matter how stern she tried to sound.

But the questions...ALL the questions being fired at him all at once...they sent his head spinning momentarily.

"I am one and the same...the name's Jesse, and I was following you because you seemed to have been following me, last night."

Standing his ground, Jesse wasn't sure if what he had just said was true, but he would stick to it for now. Yes she seemed interested in him last night, and did follow him around the cemetery some, but that was all he had seen of HER supposed stalking. It was pretty weak.

"I just followed you home to make sure you made it, you being so young and all. Couldn't let a fellow pack member get harmed, now could I?"

He liked her voice, soft but clear, and with a slight smoky edge to it. It wasn't really a voice that would be guaranteed to belt out a song well, but he could imagine it behind some love songs.

Shaking his head, Jesse's irritation with himself flared up. Yes he was glad he'd met her, and yes he knew there was going to be more between them, but damn it, he had to stop being so fucking romantic. That wouldn't do him any good right now.

"Young?!"

Before she rose completely to the bait, Jillian shut her mouth. That she practically 'harumphed' irritated her, but at least she had the wherewithal to not start screaming at him.
It didn't take her long at all to see that he was just trying to rile her, and she had no desire to feed into that.

Apart from that, didn't she WANT to meet him, and find out what he was all about anyway? How easy it seemed that he was able to distract her from her goal. Her eyes narrowed only slightly as she vowed to keep on her toes around him.

"Well, as you can see I arrived safe and sound and am perfectly fine, so you really don't need to worry yourself about me any longer."

But wait! Why was she acting like she wanted nothing more to do with him? She wanted to know where he was from, and was he in fact a member of her pack? Was he going to be staying on in Nachton, or just passing through? She had a lot more to ask, so why was she dismissing him so soon?!

Now it was Jesse's turn to fight back a smile, but he seemed able to do so just as easily as she had.

"Ayep, you look very much safe and sound..." And much more, he thought, but didn't verbalize.

"So I've admitted my sins to you, how about you come clean with yourself? What was with all the interest at the cemetery last night...uh...I don't know what to call you."

It was a clumsy attempt to ask for her name, but seriously, he had to know it, and under the circumstances he thought she should have offered it without prodding. Then, it did give him reason to prolong the conversation, which is what he wanted, even if she had other ideas. He wasn't about to just turn and walk away with his tail between his legs because she was done with him.

Waiting for her answer, while trying to look nonchalant, Jesse pulled some needles off a tree, and casually tossed them into the air, as if he always did such a thing while standing at the edge of the forest.

"Jillian, and last night I wasn't interested...just a little curious. I was coming home from Tropics, and thought I'd cut through the cemetery. If you hadn't been acting all mysterious..."

She let the rest of her thought fade in the breeze, not wanting to admit too much. But at least he had stuck around and not taken her implied suggestion to leave, to heart.

"Anyway, all that aside, what WERE you doing hanging around a cemetery? You're not living there are you?"

She had nothing to base her assumptions on, but she just knew he was Kadzait, and thought it was just out right odd that he hadn't come to the Den when he got to Nachton. And she was sure he wasn't living at the Den...she would have noticed someone like...

"You are Kadzait, right? Why didn't you just come to the Den? Xeph is great. I'm sure he would have seen to it that you were made right at home - there's tons of room there."

It never occurred to Jillian that this boy would have any reasons to avoid the pack, or Xeph, or anyone for that matter. In Jillian's world everyone was seen at face value, and until proven otherwise, she didn't seen any hidden motives or agendas in anyone. For all of her life Jillian had been very trusting, and had no reason now to change. Jesse's actions gave her reason for pause.

"It has to be more comfortable than laying around dusty, musty, dead people. Right? Or are you just that anti-social?"

That last part was said in jest. Jillian didn't really think he would choose to live in a cemetery over being around people. That was just silly.

Jillian. For some reason that name took him by surprise, but if he'd had a gun pressed to his head he wouldn't have been able to explain why.

Not given time to ponder the name, the girl was really quick with the questions, and loved asking a ton of them. Again he was amused, and this time let the half smile come out.

"I was living there, for the short time since I arrived. I had a few things to take care of before I approached our alpha."

He answered as if it really wasn't her business, and she should feel privileged to be given a response. No point in telling her he wanted to get his bearings first, so when he did meet the alpha he didn't come off as some 'wet behind the ears' pup...even if he probably still was to a large degree. He did have his pride, and didn't want to bring shame to his grandfather.

By speaking of 'their' alpha, he had answered her next question as well. Yes, he was Kadzait.

"I was planning on seeing if I could talk to Aidan Xephier today in fact, and offering my services to the pack in exchange for lodgings."

Today, tomorrow, Jesse only made his decision at that moment, feeling like he had to have a more definite plan, or risk disappointing Jillian in some way.

He also hadn't given any thought to working for the pack until then either. Though he didn't have a job yet, he was sure he could get one quickly, especially if he was willing to do some things others would find distasteful. Dirty, illegal, dangerous? He'd done a lot of that, and undoubtedly would continue. He had nothing against being legit, but those jobs WERE more difficult to come by, and he did need to eat.

Plus, he had no intentions of just living off the pack. He had taken care of himself since the age of thirteen, and done a damn fine job of it too. There was no reason now to expect handouts.

The 'anti-social' comment went unremarked on for several moments. Jesse WAS anti-social for the most part, socializing only when he needed something from someone. That he now found himself drawn to Jillian, and wanting to be around her did not make him think differently. She was different. She wasn't just anyone. If his first gut instinct proved true, they were meant to be together, and he would see that they were. That didn't have to involve anyone else, in his opinion.

"I keep to myself when possible. I know myself, and trust myself...it's a pleasant arrangement, and one that works for me." He paused then looked through the trees in the direction of the cemetery.

"And I don't look at the smells in the graveyard as those of death. I see them more as the smells of history. Every person buried there, from the tiniest baby to the oldest codger, has a story. I like imagining what those stories are."

That was the most personal thing he had said about himself to anyone in years, and it immediately made Jesse uncomfortable. Would she laugh now, and ridicule him? Tease him about living in a fantasy world? He had gone that route when he'd been much younger, and was one reason partially responsible for his aloofness now.

Hearing him easily answer her surprised Jillian a little. Jesse owed her nothing, yet it didn't seem at all difficult for him to give her what she asked to know. Of course if he hadn't answered her, she would have given him hell about it. She could be ornery that way sometimes.

The truth of it all, or partially, was that she just couldn't imagine anyone living in such conditions if they weren't forced to. Yes, she knew about homeless people, but she even doubted they would live in a cemetery, when living on a concrete hill under an overpass would be less dirty.

Shaking her thoughts back to the now, she realized she was finding it a little tiring looking up the bluff at him while they spoke and walked closer to where he stood. Jillian then sat down, facing the beach, with Jesse to her side. Lucky for her neck, he sat down too, though a tiny bit closer than she might have liked.

"If you were going to talk to Xeph today, you should have stopped me at the compound, and I could have introduced you. As it happens he was in this morning."

Again Jesse didn't owe it to Jillian to react in whatever way she deemed appropriate, but it could have killed a couple birds had he done so.

His explanation for staying away from everyone told Jillian a lot about him, and what she heard made her sad. Had her life really been so different? What could have happened to someone so young, to make them so cynical, and suspect of the world around them? And how would someone like that fit in to the nice, neat and tidy group at the Den? Jillian cherished her new home, and the harmony she felt there. Thinking something or someone might come along and shake that up was not what she wanted to consider.

His next words almost made Jillian laugh, so out of character did she think they were. Fortunately for the two of them, she didn't. Turning her head she could tell what Jesse was telling her was something he considered private, and not what he normally shared with others. It was too fanciful for someone trying to foster an air of toughness, and indifference. She wondered if he realized just how much of himself he gave up then.

Rather than comment on his words, and risk making him feel uncomfortable, Jillian let them go. If she had the opportunity in the future to talk to the boy again, she might delve deeper, and try to find out more. She definitely was interested there.

"Well, I think the whole thing is utterly creepy, and am glad you won't have to do that anymore. If you're the type who gets to feeling cooped up inside four walls, you'll be happy to know several of the suites have skylights that make them seem quite open, and they all have big balconies. I've even slept outside on my balcony a few times when the nights have been warm."

Much like Jesse had done, toying with the tree needles, sitting on the grass now, Jillian played with the sand by her feet, feeling the need to keep her hands busy.

"So where are you here from, Jesse? And what brought you here? My parents died over a year ago, and I came here to get a fresh start, and finish school. I grew up in Nevada."

It only seemed right that she offer him some information about herself, if she wanted him to do the same.

Listening to him talk, and trying not to be too obvious, Jillian looked at the boy sitting next to her, starting with his also bare feet, which were HUGE in her estimation. Her own size eight foot, though a bit on the big size for a girl, looked positively miniature next to his. And where hers was all smooth, and soft looking, with pretty pink toenails, his was bony, and corded, and very tan, with little black hairs growing out of the tops of his toes. Had she ever looked at a boys foot before? She couldn't remember doing so.

Jesse had thought about seeking out the alpha when he was checking out the Den, but didn't think he had enough information to comfortably do that, as it turned out. Again it was something he didn't feel like letting Jillian in on. She would find out his weaknesses soon enough, he saw no reason to just throw them out in front of her right now. So when Jillian suggested it herself, he just shrugged and kept quiet.

It was encouraging though, to hear her offer to introduce him. His attraction to her aside, it wouldn't hurt knowing someone who was on a first name basis with the alpha. Though he had never become involved in pack life in New York, he was aware of the hierarchy that existed there, and had always heard their leader there was not approachable by the 'little man'.

"The Den sounds nice. I do have some issues with feeling penned in, but I can usually handle a few days at a time okay."

And that was the truth. He could live a normal life, inside a house, sleeping in a bed, though he didn't have the opportunity to do so too often. But he would often get antsy if he couldn't get back outside after a few days. Maybe having a balcony would cure that...

"I'm from New York. I have no family there either, and with the way of the world these days, I just thought it might be a good time for a change from the big city. I've looked around Nachton quite a bit since I've been here, and find it accommodating, without being as fucking ... er ...freaking crazy as New York."

It wasn't like Jesse to care about how people viewed him. He never watched his language before, well, except when he was around his grandmother. Now it seemed important to not sound like a sailor. At least when it came to Jillian. He did wonder if it bothered her though. It wasn't going to be an easy habit to break.

"I'm enjoying the change so far. I haven't been outside of New York in my entire life...I have always wanted to go west though, and see California, and Las Vegas. Did you live close to Las Vegas? That place must be totally insane."

And definitely NOT the kind of place he would want to live in, but visiting was a whole other matter.

"It looks like fresh starts are the special these days."

Hearing how she spoke of her dead parents allowed Jesse to remain relaxed. It seemed to him they must have died long enough ago that Jillian was over the initial terrible part of the grief process, like he was with his grandparents. He was glad she didn't have that sorrow to yet resolve.

"How are you finding the changes between Nevada and Nachton? Was it easy for you to adjust?"

Jillian listened, and for the most part was very interested in what Jesse said. Only on a few occasions did her mind pick up on his slight accent, and become waylaid, before she caught herself and refocused on the present.

Besides checking out his feet, her eyes wandered up his legs, moving to his arms, then his shoulders, across his chest, and up his neck to his jaw. All her inspecting was done under the cover of listening to what he said, being very discreet, and making sure he was looking elsewhere at the same time. She liked what she saw, from a purely esthetic point of view. Jesse definitely was a better than average looking guy...much better than average, she mused.

When he made an apparent mistake in saying the word 'fuck', and corrected himself for her benefit, it seemed, Jillian glanced at his face and smiled. It was nice that he considered her feelings, but she would need to tell him she wasn't above using the word herself. She saw no reason to hold him to some special set of standards she didn't follow. Still, she couldn't help be feel a little special that he went to the trouble he had. It was nice to find a guy her age that would.

"No, I'm from Elko, which is in the northern part of the state, almost exactly north of Las Vegas, but close enough to California that we did visit there often." A quiet came over Jillians as it usually did, whenever she talked about the proximatey to California. It was impossible for her not to think of the car crash when she recalled the highway that ran between Elko, and south down around Lake Tahoe, California. But now was not the time to bring that up. Jillian had no desire to get sad and moody now.

"I've never been to Las Vegas, but Reno, I've heard, is a smaller version, and it can be pretty crazy."

Almost everyone had said Las Vegas was a MUCH grander scale than Reno, and that you really couldn't compare the two, but Reno was what Jillian had experience with. She had only been there a couple times, and didn't like it much...so if Las Vegas was worse, she could probably live the rest of her life quite happily without visiting that hot spot.

"I think, probably because there were so MANY changes in my life at the time I moved here, it was probably easier for me than many. At the time it was a choice of either being totally overwhelmed, and just shutting down, or diving in and swimming like crazy, just remembering to breath when necessary. New home, new family, new school, new live in general...too much to deal with I think...ya know?"

It was something she had thought about around six months after she had been in Nachton, when one night it just hit her. She really had blended into the pack well, and life in Natchton too. Aside from a couple very rare bouts of sadness when she thought of her parents, Jillian hadn't suffered at all, and really couldn't have been happier with the move.

"The pack really has been helpful too though...I mean I didn't do it totally on my own."

It struck her then that Drew might be good for Jesse to meet, and get to know. They were probably close in age, give or take a couple years, and might find they had a lot in common. If nothing else they were both cute single boys. Jillian smiled.

"I'm going to have to introduce you to Drew too. He's really great, and very friendly. But then I can't think of anyone in the pack who isn't...though Hammer can be a little intimidating." Again she smiled and hoped to be there when Jesse met him.

For one who rarely talked without prompting, Jesse found himself actually offering conversation to Jillian. It was helpful that Jillian liked to talk, leaving Jesse feeling relaxed and comfortable. Even when there were short lulls in the chatter neither Jillian nor Jesse seemed at odds. Yet for something so foreign to him, Jesse just took it all in stride. Again reacting in a manner totally unlike him.

At some point, several hours after they had first sat down there, where the woods met the beach, it occurred to both Jesse, and Jillian that they were hungry. Almost simultaneously their stomachs growled, and they both laughed.

"Well that's a first for me. No matter how bad things ever got on the streets, I never went hungry."

Jillian had heard almost everything about Jesse's life, before his grand parents died, and after, including the not so pleasant parts. Not that Jesse was proud and boisterous about those things, but Jillian had a way about herself that made Jesse want to share himself with her. He also wanted to know everything about her, and couldn't expect to have one without the other. Not that he hadn't tried, but gave up early on, feeling Jillian deserved better.

After a short discussion they agreed to return to the Den so Jillian could fix lunch...or dinner, which was more accurately corresponding with the setting sun. The walk back passed quickly, conversations continued ranging from semi-serious to slightly giddy. More than once Jesse thought to himself that Jillian was unlike anyone he'd ever known before, and how lucky he was to have met her.

Jillian could sense a change in Jesse as soon as they got within a mile of the Den. He seemed to draw into himself, and close up, like a morning glory approaching evening. At first she wondered if she might have said something that upset him, but for the last bit they had talked it had all been about pretty silly, and mundane things. It had been nice, just saying whatever came into her head, and laughing along with him when her words seemed to surprise him. But now there was no laughter, and his eyes had grown serious, and taken on a kind of...furtive look.

The Den came into view, and Jesse stopped. His gaze was fixed on the building, his hands balled into fists at his side. Jillian was worried.

"Are you okay? Are you feeling sick? I have some aspirin, and some stuff for your stomach in my room if you need it..."

Or was it just that he was REALLY hungry? Jillian had worked up a healthy appetite, that was for sure.

Taking his hand, she rubbed her thumb across the back of it, hoping to get him to relax. She tugged him gently toward the Den, hoping to get him inside where he could sit, and relax again. But Jesse stood steadfast, and shook his head calmly, letting his eyes finally drop to hers.

"I, I...I can't. I thought I could, but I just can't. It's too soon."

Though his intent all along had been to join the pack, meet the Alpha, and learn to live in closer proximity with those of his kind, Jesse hadn't developed any kind of back up plan yet, in case things went south. The only safe haven he had was the cemetery, and Jillian knew about that. If he found he had to get away, find someplace he could be alone, he needed to find another sanctuary. He had lived alone too long to do things any other way.

His eyes darted from the Den to Jillian, and then away. How could he tell her? After all they had talked about today, shared about themselves...after he had let himself get closer to her than he had ever done in the past..how could he shut her out now?

"I'm starting to feel like I need to run...far and fast and away."

The hand she held was beginning to feel sweaty and cold. His heart was racing a little, nothing serious, but enough to make him feel uncomfortable.

Did she understand? Did she get just how difficult this all was for him, and how far he had come? A small part of Jesse was now becoming anxious at the thought of disappointing Jillian.

His hand gripped hers.

He was scared. REALLY scared. But it didn't make any sense to Jillian. How could a guy who had left his home, and had been living in a cemetery be scared about just going inside such a nice homey place like the Den?

Or was it the whole idea of meeting Xeph? Or meeting the rest of the pack...Jesse had been living a solo life for a long time now. That was undoubtedly it, Jillian guessed. And even if it seemed a little silly to her, way beyond normal anxieties of meeting new people, that didn't make Jesse wrong or bad for feeling like he did.

Maybe if she brought him inside, took him to her suite, and let him get situated, he could gradually get used to being under a roof again, and then address the topic of merging with the pack mates? Baby steps.

"Don't run. It won't help in the long run. I have an idea, it might help."

Jillian paused and tried to figure out the best way to get Jesse up to her rooms.

"Lets get up to my place and I'll explain. How are you at climbing? I'm on the second floor, so I see your options of climbing up my balcony, or just walking in with me, and going upstairs through the house."

The Den was far beyond a 'house', but in the time Jillian had lived there it seemed like a very huge one to her.

Jesse's eyes darted around the building, and properties, still not near settling down. Jillian squeezed his hand in return, hoping to impart her confidences to him.

"I can climb okay, but it would be easier just going the regular route. I have a kinda knack for blending into the woodwork, so to speak... If I don't want to be seen, I'm pretty good at making that happen."

Jesse relaxed a little. If he didn't have to meet anyone new today, he should be able to do what Jillian suggested. Meeting her was a blessing, he knew already, but it had still taken a lot out of him, their afternoon on the beach.

The propriety of going to her room wasn't something either of them considered apparently, probably because neither one of them were thinking of anything beyond Jesse's initial survival. When he would think about it later, he would be glad. One less thing to worry about was always a good thing.

"But we probably should go, and get it over, before I think about it any more. I can talk myself out of things pretty easily if I have a chance."

His smile was awkward, but sincere. Somehow he would need to figure out a way to thank Jillian, for all she was doing for him.

Seeing Jesse relax, helped Jillian relax too, and she returned his smile though her own was much more exuberant.

"Great idea! Lets go then." Before she had second thoughts herself, she mused.

Walking into the entry of the Den, Jillian looked around quickly. She heard voices off in the near distance, but saw no one. With dinner time approaching, she knew the place would be filling up soon, but suspected they had a good hour before that became a serious worry. She pulled on Jesse's hand as she made her way to the staircase, and upward.

It took little time to get to Jillian's suite, and once inside she let go of Jesse's hand, and was glad to see she hadn't left the place in any kind of mess at all. Her mother would have been proud.

"Here we are. You're right about that whole 'blending' thing too. If I hadn't been holding your hand, and felt your presence next to me...I really lost you there a couple times."

It had been an odd sensation to know he was right there next to her, but not be able to see him clearly. To make sure she didn't stumble or do anything else that might have given Jesse away, Jillian had just kept her eyes focused forward until they reached her room. As it was, they didn't meet anyone else anyway.

"If you want, you can shower in there. There are clean towels, and anything else you should need, I think. I'm going to run over to Drew's and see if he's in, and maybe get you a change of clothes."

He needed something clean, and it would be a while before she could see that the clothes he had on now were taken care of. Besides, Jillian also thought it might be a good idea to give Jesse a little alone time here now too.

"And then I'll check out the kitchen, and see what I can come up with for dinner. Take your time...I'll be a little while."

She watched him as he looked around the room, then walked over to the balcony. The doors to her suite were open to the outside, almost always. Even when it rained Jillian liked keeping them open to let the sounds and smells of nature waft in. There had only been a couple times when the wind blew too hard, that she had to close the doors.

Since he didn't say anything negative about her plan, and since he seemed off in his own world at the moment, Jillian didn't say anything further, but let herself out of her room. Jesse was a big boy, and surely he could take care of himself for a half hour or so.

"Drew?"

Jillian knocked on her friend's door, hoping he was home, and lending her voice to her knock as if it would help.

"Drew? It's Jillian. Are you home?"

Though she was pretty sure Jesse would be fine for the short while she expected to be gone, Jillian still didn't want to take more time than absolutely necessary. He had been doing great so far, but the few times she thought she had seen fear in his eyes, she didn't want repeated, and certainly not while she wasn't there to offer him support.

If things worked out, Drew would have a spare pair of pants, a shirt, and maybe some sandals, that Jesse could use, and which Jillian would gladly replace the next time she got to the mall. Knowing Jesse would need more clothes, she guessed that would be sooner rather than later anyway.

How it was anyone could move from one place to another and not bring their things with them was a little strange to Jillian. That Jesse was a boy was probably mostly responsible. Did most boys care about things like clothes? That Jesse was a boy who had been living on the streets meant he didn't have much to bring, if anything. Easy way to live, but it didn't help him right now. Jillian wanted to bring Jesse to Xeph looking less like he had just walked in from a homeless shelter, and more like the guy she knew had to be hidden beneath the dirt, and aloof facade.

"Drew?"

Huh? Door knocking? What?

Drew had managed to fall asleep at his desk. Damned Reign and her ideas she had him looking at PhD options, it was like she and Nikhila were in cahoots with his mother and grandfather. Next time he almost kind of picked a girl up, he was going to make sure she wasn’t educationally minded. At any rate he’d lost track of time and nodded off staring at his laptop, it had been some dry reading and he’d dropped off for no reason.

Blinking a few times and rubbing his face, it felt like part of it had gone numb, he stood, walked into the chair and knocked it over, but did manage to get to the door with out major injury. What the hell time was it any way? Was he late? No. Well if he was, it wasn’t anything to do with Jillian. Opening the door, he grinned down at her.

“Heya chica, come on in. What can I do for ya?”

His own rooms were relatively sparten and rather lived in too. There were books scattered around, some of his anime collection piled up next to the TV a number of family photos, a couple of baseballs a glove and a bat, and some other odds and ends, but mostly it was how the rooms had come. He wasn’t much in for decorating.

It had been a while since Jillian had seen Drew, what with school, studying, finals, and being cooped up. As soon as she saw him she remembered how much she liked him, and nearly leapt at him, giving him a quick hug, then bounding past and into his place.

"Drew! Hi! You look good! It's been a while, huh? How have you been?"

Sure she could have just told him what he'd asked, and accomplished what she had come for, but ever polite, she just couldn't. She had been raised to always ask after a person, and that went double when you were about ready to ask a favor of them.

Having never been inside his suite, Jillian cast a couple sideways glances, but never took he eyes off Drew for more than a couple seconds at a time. Her body nearly hummed with excitement, though she was pretty much unaware.

Drew didn’t mind being half tackled, it made him smile actually and he returned the hug before waving his arm in a casual sweeping gesture indicating that she should make herself at home. He half guided her to a chair before sprawling on the sofa.

Something had her in a good mood, he couldn’t guess what but it wasn’t hard to tell. But rather than going down that road he answered her question first.

“Busy. The glamorous life of an intern you know.” He gave her a wry smile. “Found some parks and rec baseball team to play on, been looking at maybe going back to school made a few new friends. Nothing terribly out of the ordinary.”

He wasn’t going to go into the Reign thing, hell he hadn’t figured that one out himself just yet. And of course his truck was giving him some trouble but that fell under the ‘nothing out of the ordinary’ stuff.

“Now what’s up with you? And if you say nothing tossing you out on your ear.”

The word intern momentarily threw her, thinking she hadn't heard anything about medical school, but then Jillian did recall Drew was working for some company...Meridian? And thought he'd mentioned researching or something. She returned his smile, nodding almost absently when the topic turned to baseball, which then jarred her thoughts again.

"Baseball? Co-ed by any chance?" She needed to get back into some more regular physical activities, and did like playing ball.

She didn't need to be asked twice to reveal her news. It had been her initiating the conversation after all, just showing up at his door.

"Can I borrow some clothes? Shirt, pants, flip flops or sandals...something casual but not too grungy, ya know? I've got a friend staying over but, well do to circumstances beyond his control, he only has the clothes on his back, and they've seen better days."

She paused to await his response, hoping it would be positive, but then continued on, unable to contain herself.

"I promise I'll replace everything, we just haven't had time to get to the mall yet, and I'm hoping to introduce him to Xeph before we head out again...I'd like Jesse to get his own rooms, and get settled as soon as he can..." A little afraid if he didn't, he might think twice and take off again. Jillian didn't want that to happen, though she was prepared to go after him if it did. This guy was special, something told her, and she wasn't about ready to just let him disappear.

"You're his height I think...a bit bigger overall, but that's better than the other, and I just don't know who else to ask...he can't wear my things, that's for sure."

She cast Drew a look of absurdity at that thought, and then did pause long enough for him to answer.

Drew was a heck of a ball player and he knew it. Some of his coaches had any where from strongly hinted to pushed him to go into the minors but given his dual nature that wasn’t such a great idea. Some days that bothered him but not much and not for long, he didn’t regret his decision. But the point was he was playing in a hard-core league.

“Well mines not but I know they have some co-ed and ladies only teams if you want. I’ll show you the web site or take you down to meet with one of the organizers if you want. I’ll even watch some of your games.”

He grinned at her. He loved playing baseball and he loved watching too so it wouldn’t be any issue to hang around for an extra game or two.

A friend staying over with no cloths? Drew tried hard not to go all big brother on Jillian but he didn’t like the way –that- sounded. It sounded… well it cold be a couple of things and he wasn’t sure how he felt about either. Of course he failed in this attempt and wound up frowning and sounding semi suspicious.

“You picking up strays?”

He was all about taking care of family but, well his tribe was very isolated not to mention the rest of the reservation didn’t trust them so it was natural for him to be suspicious of new arrivals. Even more so when they seemed to make their way into things by picking on cute young single girls. No matter that said girl also was a large wolf and could take care of herself. No, it was the method he didn’t like and he would remain suspicious until he met this guy.

“But yeah I’m sure we can dig up some jeans and a tee shirt. I’m a bit shy on shoes myself although Kathy might have sent a pair of sandals or something in that last package.”

Drew had arrived in Nachton with the bare minimum His mom and sisters were taking turns sending him stuff he’d left behind and he hadn’t gone through that last box except to get the DVDs he’d asked for. Who knew what else they’d put in there.

A 'ladies' team? Ugh. Jillian had seen a couple of those back home, and wanted no part of them. Sure the women played well, but they also took up way too much time worrying about their uniforms, and getting play time so their boyfriends could watch. Besides, when grouped with humans, she was a lot stronger, and didn't like being the only person who could hit far, or pitch fast. It would have to be co-ed or nothing, but it would also have to be food for discussion another time. Jillian was glad Drew thought enough of her to go to the trouble he offered, and thanked him.

His next question and the frown behind it was expected. She would have reacted the same way if he had told her about meeting someone new.

"He's pack, but he's from New York, and new in town. He lost his family too." Jillian hoped that helped to explain why she had become involved. It was far from the only reason, but one Drew should understand.

At least his concerns didn't prevent him from helping, and shoes or not, the pants and shirt would go a long way to making Jesse more presentable.

"And a belt? I hate to be greedy, but he is a lot thinner than you, and I'd hate for him to lose his pants in the middle of his audience with Xeph." That wasn't an image Jillian relished, but she still had to giggle at it.

"Do you think Xeph would forgive the shoeless thing?"

Jillian watched as Drew gathered things, sincerely hoping if it came down to it, Xeph would overlook such a social faux pas.

Drew kept his suspicions in check. He really didn’t like lone wolves. It was un-natural. Although he did have a sympathy for any one who’d lost their family, or course it could be a story. OK he was reserving judgment on this one. Hell of a story to make up, after all. He’d been brought up to think lying about some one being dead was the same as wishing them dead.

“I’d like to meet him.” That was all there was to it. “But cloths and settling first. Come on let’s ransack the closet and hope I did the laundry recently.”

He was half way to the bedroom before he got that last quip.

“Are you implying I need to lose some weight?”

He did his best to look both concerned and hurt, it didn’t go as well as he would have hoped. Primarily because he couldn’t help laughing at the question about Xeph and shoes. It’s not like he and the Alpha were best buddies but well he’d learned a few things.

“I don’t think he’d even notice.

He disappeared into the closet cautiously sniffing at things.

“If it’s on the floor it’s dirty, on the bed is 50/50 odds. And that box in the corner is what Kathy sent, why don’t you check there for shoes. Here!”

A pair of jeans, not too worn, but not new flew out of the closet at Jillian followed closely by a belt. He still had one clean and ironed button down shirt, he’d been counting on that for work but he’d manage. Still ambled to the dresser looking for a tee shirt, he could give this guy options, not many but one or two.

“Does this stray have a name?”

"Oh, you will. If he moves in here everyone will meet him eventually, though he's pretty shy."

Shy wasn't probably truly accurate, but it seemed the easiest way to describe Jesse's standoffishness.

Jillian got up and went to the box, not really finding anything, but thankful Drew was having better luck. She wrinkled her nose and smirked when he tried to appear offended at her comparative remark.

"No! It's not that you're fat at all...you're fine...but he's just thin. I don't think he eats regularly, or too well."

And how could he having to feed on local small prey. With luck, and a few good meals here at the Den, Jesse would fill out, and give Drew some competition. Wait...not that Jillian wanted Jesse out in the field with Drew...

The jeans flew by her head, missing her by inches, but the belt she didn't dodge as nicely. The buckle cleared her, but the leather end slapped across her arm, barely registering any sensation at all.

"Oh yea, how silly of me, his name is Jesse, but he's not a stray..." Though she tried to sound indignant, Jillian didn't fare well. She knew Drew was just being protective, and she appreciated that.

It was a relief to not have shoes to worry about. The more she thought about it, the more she agreed Xeph would be more concerned with what Jesse was made of, and not if he was wearing shoes or not. Taking the shirt she folded it and placed it on top of the folded jeans, and belt.

"This is just super Drew. I knew I could count on you, and you didn't let me down. I really owe you a lot...this isn't the first and probably won't be the last time you come to my rescue."

Everyone in the pack that Jillian had met or made acquaintances with had been super friendly to her, and she trusted in a pinch she'd be able to rely on all of them. But none would hold a special place with her like Drew did. Maybe because they had both arrived in the pack around the same time, and were close in age...perhaps it was because she'd always had a crush on him, and he'd never teased her about it. Whatever it was, Jillian was glad he was her friend.

Drew caught the tone and just grinned an apology.

“I do promise to give him a fair shake you know. Some day I’ll tell you more about where I grew up.”

If she knew the Navajo legends that went back more generations than he could count, not to mention all the stories that had been pass around about his family, well she might understand the vibe he was giving off a little bit better.

Hmmm only three clean tee shirts. That one was his favorite so it was off the table, the other was a bit ratty, so the blue with the gold NAU emblazoned across it was tossed to Jillian as well.

“Hope he doesn’t mind being a Lumberjack for a while, but that’s the best I’ve got. If you’re desperate for the shoes I can loan him my dress shoes but I’ll need those back for work tomorrow. I don’t think running around the den in cleats is going to help his reputation.”

He flopped, gracelessly in a papa san chair in the corner of the room and laughed off her thanks.

“It’s not a problem, I mean I don’t wear a cape and tights but some times I’m good for something. If I’d have known I would have done laundry last night the you would have been -really- impressed. Anything else I’m not thinking of? If he’s been roughing it for a while heck… soap, deodorant, razor?”

Jillian shrugged off Drew's promise of revealing more of his history, having heard it before. In the past year since they met, he had given her small glimpses into his background, but even then had remained a fairly private man. Far be it for her to pry. Of course she was interested, but they were just friends after all. He didn't 'owe' her anything really, aside from a friendly attitude, and possibly a reciprocal offer to lend a hand, or ear, now and then. She had taken him up on the latter more than he had with her, but it wasn't like she did anything to prevent him from coming to her for advice, or assistance. It just always seemed like she found herself being the needier of the two.

"Yea, yea...how many times have I heard that one?" She laughed, teasingly.

"And really, this is so good of you. If you saw what he came in with...well there's just no comparison. I'm sure once he cleans up and puts these on he'll look a world better. I can't thank you enough."

Jillian didn't fault Jesse completely with his lack of cleanliness and tattered clothing. He didn't have any money, he had been gone from home for some time, and life on the streets undoubtedly wasn't the most hygienic of circumstances. What she would be curious to see now was how he took care of himself, and things, now that he had the opportunity to do better.

She again waved off the shoes. A lot of the guys around the den went barefoot, or wore sandals. She would just hope Drew was right and Xeph didn't mind.

Watching Drew plant himself in his chair, Jillian knew she needed to get back to Jesse. A part of her still feared he would freak and run off, and though she had no reason to care, really...she did.

Laughing at her friend's casual reference to superheros, and impressing her, she shook her head.

"Nope, I've got those things, plus a brand new, never used on legs razor, and deodorant that doesn't smell like flowers...I'm sure you'd approve."

Jillian didn't mind wearing a spot or two of perfume, and always wanted to smell clean, but she wasn't big on fruity or flowery toiletries. She didn't think Jesse would mind his options.

Walking over to where Drew sat, Jillian bent down and kissed his cheek, giving his shoulder a squeeze.

"You're a godsend, Drew. Thanks again for being here. I know I've said it before, but if you ever need anything I have, please yell. And I promise I'll get these replaced by the end of the week at the latest. I've got definite shopping to do, and no reason to put it off!"

A short skip in her step, Jillian was at the door, and heading into the hallway.

"Tata!"

He nodded very seriously at Jillian.

“I promise, I’ll even buy you a cup of coffee.”

He might touch on it with the new guy if he needed something to relate to. Who knew what this guy’s story was if Jillian was out scrounging cloths for him.

The idea of deodorant that didn’t smell like flowers made him laugh. She was good people. He only shook his head at her thanks though.

“Scouts honor if I need anything I’ll pound on the door. Get going chica He’s probably wondering where you are.”

Drew said with a grin. He followed her as far as the door and tried to work out what his plans for the rest of the day were now that he was awake. Maybe he’d hit the batting cages. Maybe Reign liked baseball.

((OOC… Drew out))

Once she left Drew's place, Jillian was back at her own in seconds. Letting herself in, she started to shout out to her guest, but thought better of it. Placing the pants and shirts across a chair back, her heart momentarily jumped. Had he run off?

No, she saw his leg resting on the chaise outside, and then saw the rest of his body, partially, thankfully, covered by a towel. The man appeared to be asleep, so Jillian continued toward him softly.

As she reached the doorway, the pinkish orange rays of the setting sun filtered around the corner of the Den, and splayed across Jesse's lap, leaving his face obscured by the increasing darkness. He was asleep, and evidently so soundly that he hadn't heard her return. This surprised Jillian, and made her wonder just how he managed to survive as long as he had, if this was the way he protected himself.

She leaned against the doorway and let her eyes graze his form. It seemed both invasive, as well as wicked, yet she didn't stop. Jillian noticed a fine spray of hairs scattered across Jesse's chest, thinking to touch him, and find out if they were as soft as they looked. Instead she chewed her lip, and felt her forehead wrinkle, her feelings mixed, and confusing. She didn't know this man from Adam, and yet she felt something for him already. And, she then realized, it wasn't the sympathy she had imagined it to be earlier.

So intent was she on checking Jesse out to the 'nth' degree, Jillian didn't noticed his eyes were open, and he was studying her just as closely. Until he coughed, and nearly scared her out of her skin. So much for her paying attention.

"Oh! You are awake. I thought you were sleeping. I didn't want to wake you. I got you some clothes. They're there on the chair. They're from Drew. He didn't have shoes though. I don't think it will matter. You want to sleep there tonight?"

Her nervousness forced her words to spill out and in her attempt to not sound like a complete ninny, she wound up sounding like a complete ninny. Then she caught herself staring at the towel across Jesse's middle, and quickly turned away, going back inside.

When Jesse first lay down on the chaise, the warmth of the sun did put him to sleep, but as the night air cooled he woke, his mind full of images.

Since Jillian had left Jesse had done little but think about the young woman. He was torn between having an almost primal need to know her better, and a fear of trusting her. The fear issue was easy to deal with, since he had lived that way for so long, but the other was what had him concerned. Not only were those feelings new to him, but they were so foreign that he just couldn't quite figure out how to handle them.

There was no way he was going to just be taken in by her lofty words of harmony, and easy living, no matter how convincing she sounded. Jesse was sure that would be asking for disaster, even if a small part of his mind had to think life would be a lot more simple if he could just melt in with the rest of the pack, and live there in the Den.

He wasn't aware of how long he had slept, or lay there thinking, but soon he did hear Jillian return. Thinking he would like to see more of her unobserved, he remained prone, and gave the impression he was still sleeping.

Through his thick, black lashes, Jesse could see her just on the edges of his peripheral vision. The shadows helped conceal his being awake, and must have worked for Jillian did study him long and hard. She, on the other hand, was bathed in the dimming sunset, and Jesse felt stirrings invoked by her beauty. He, in turn, watched her.

When she did a funny little thing with her brow, Jesse's breath caught in his throat, and he gave up the sleeping facade. Rather than speak immediately, he let her go on until she was done, a small smile playing around his lips. She sure could talk.

Sitting up, he carefully tucked the towel around his hips before he chanced to speak.

"Thank you. You really don't need to go to all this trouble. I rinsed my clothes out in the shower, and they should be dry by morning."

Casually waving toward the balcony railing, Jesse indicated where he had placed his clothes.

"But I suppose you don't want a dirty, mangy cur meandering your halls, so I'll play nice and wear what you've brought."

Though he lived alone, and stuck to himself, Jesse was still aware of proper etiquette, and how to present himself in a good light. His grandmother didn't raise any heathens. It just wasn't normally important to him. For all the trouble Jillian had gone to on his behalf, he would graciously accept the offer, and forestall any possible bad feelings for her.

Sleeping arrangements had been one of the topics of his musings earlier, and he had already decided to sleep on the balcony. It was where he would be most comfortable, and it would again alleviate any issues Jillian might have with other arrangements.

"This is fine, though, if you have something a bit heavier than this towel, that I could use during the early morning hours? It does get cool, and damp then."

Or he could shift and sleep just fine on the ground. Either way was fine, but he, yet again, was looking out for her sensibilities. He didn't know her well enough to know just how often she shifted, and how comfortable she was with the process. Something told him she was a most agreeable person, and probably completely at ease with her life. However, until he knew that for a fact, he would remain cautious.

"But if you're short on blankets, I'll just put on my own..."

Feeling the towel move, Jesse held it in front of him and stood, wrapping it around his waist, and tucking the ends in, before sitting down again.

Jillian heard 'rinsed', and almost cringed, but managed to maintain a look of complete nonchalance. How the man thought just by 'rinsing' those clothes they would be even remotely clean enough to wear again, creeped Jillian out. But at least he hadn't refused to wear the clothes Drew had let her borrow.

"It's okay, but I think maybe they should be properly washed, and it isn't like Drew minded letting you borrow these things. I'm going to replace them for him when I take you to the mall to get you some more clothes. I suppose living on the streets it really isn't convenient having too many things to keep track of, but here you'll have loads of room."

Jillian really liked to shop, but didn't really like to go alone. Consequently after an initial trip to the mall with Drew along, she hadn't been back for more than a very few random odds and ends. She was looking forward to getting some things for Jesse, clothes, as well as necessities he would have use for once he got his own suite in the Den. Afraid of seeing his eyes glass over, she didn't go into all that right then.

Once he mentioned a blanket, she face palmed her forehead, and bounded to the linen closet.

"Of course you'll need a blanket! In fact, why don't I put this nice soft quilt down on that chaise...it will feel better against your skin than that canvas. Then you can cover up with this other quilt...its not too heavy, but should be plenty warm enough." Glad she had brought the quilts her mother, and others had sewn for her, as well as her parents, Jillian averted her eyes from Jesse's body as she moved behind him to spread the first quilt down. The second one remained folded and was placed at the foot of the chaise.

"Do you do that a lot? Shift to sleep? Under your circumstances I guess it makes a lot of sense, and probably offers you some added protection too, huh? I mean, if someone came across a sleeping wolf at the cemetery, I doubt they would bother it, whereas a man probably wouldn't be afforded the same leeway, right?"

Returning inside again, Jillian covered a yawn, and was only minutely mortified. It was still early but she hadn't had a lot of sleep lately, and it was catching up with her.

Excusing herself she went into the bathroom, showered, and rejoined Jesse dressed in a soft terry cloth sleep set of short shorts, and a tank top. Jillian slept very 'hot', and often in the nude because of it, but of course that was out of the question tonight. What she now wore should be okay, she hoped, and plopped down in one of her easy chairs.

"Want to watch tv? Or if you're hungry, there are some snacks in that cupboard...chips, crackers, jerky...I'm not sure what all is in there but you're welcome to whatever you might like. There are also drinks, and a couple beers in that smaller chest next to it."

Because she ate most of her meals downstairs in the dining room, Jillian never had a LOT of food in her suite, but what with all the studying she'd been doing, she had amassed quite a stash lately. The small refrigerator always held sodas, bottled water, and the random beer or three. Jillian didn't drink much, but liked having it around in case Drew or someone stopped by.

Stifling another yawn, Jillian glanced over at her bed longingly. She wondered if it would be terribly rude to just leave Jesse to his own devices until morning...

Jesse's earlier decision that Jillian wasn't TOO girly was revisited when he caught the face she made discussing his clothes. He'd admit he wouldn't win any modeling contests in them, but they weren't walking around by themselves yet. Then again, there was a pretty dark ring around her shower since he'd bathed.

"Drew?" Why that name caused the little hairs on the back of his neck to stand up was a mystery. Jesse figured the guy had to be pretty decent to just let anyone borrow his clothes. Either that, or the guy was rich enough not to care. A quick check of the jeans and shirts squashed the latter thought...nothing expensive there. Jesse wondered if the guy had designs on Jillian, and his hackles rose higher.

"I don't want you spending any money on me. What you've done getting me here is plenty. If I can get a job with the pack, I'll be able to take care of myself in a more conventional manner, including buying my own things."

Not that he wasn't grateful, but he did have some pride.

He watched as she fussed about the bed, jumping out of the way when he felt he was about to be stepped on. It was amazing that such a little thing could whirl about like a mini tornado.

"Not a lot. I got into the habit a year or so ago whenever I was someplace unfamiliar, but I only shift when it's necessary...full moon time, and self preservation..."

Standing back a while longer, he just watched as she flitted about, left the room for what seemed like only seconds, then finally landed on a chair, and nearly falling asleep the minute her butt hit the cushion. Even as she fell asleep, he listened to her mouth and chuckled a few times because of the absurdity. Yet he didn't think she could have been more endearing.

Jesse didn't need to remain still or quiet too long, before Jillian was dead to the world. It did seem a little strange that she would be sleepy so early, but when he thought of the amount of energy she had to spend as she constantly moved around he guessed she might be like a young puppy. Throwing her all into her every waking moment, maybe she had to nap a little off and on to maintain her exuberance. Whatever the case was, he didn't mind at all, and looked over at her bed, trying to decide if he should try to get her into it or not.

It turned out that moving Jillian to her bed was a simple procedure that only took the young man a matter of minutes. Clearing off all the pillows he gently lifted her out of the chair and walked the few steps to set her down. Feeling her warm, soft body pressed against his, her scent floated up and filled his nose. The stirrings he had felt earlier reappeared, and it took all Jesse had in him not to just drop her in surprise.

When he was relatively sure she wouldn't be waking up any time soon, Jesse tried to occupy his time until he too got sleepy. After an hour of pacing, he shifted and took off over the balcony. A good run would wear him out, and four hours later he returned, and took the bed Jillian had made for him. For the first time in too long to remember, Jesse fell asleep quickly, and soundly. It was the first time in a long time he felt safe enough not to be on guard. And for the first time in perhaps ever, Jesse slept through until the sun beat down on his face, and woke him to the new day.

Bolting straight up in bed, Jillian wasn't sure what woke her, but she immediately thought of Jesse, and wondered how she'd gotten into her bed. Looking through the door way to her balcony, she could see he was still stretched out on the chaise, though it looked like he had fought with the blanket, and the blanket had won.

Stretching languidly, her own sheet fell away, and she slipped out of the bed and her feet touched the rug beneath it. Again she stretched, feeling wonderfully refreshed from her sleep, and excited about the days events.

Making the bed was a simple chore, and one Jillian never missed. There was just something about having a nicely made bed that gave her room the instant sense of organization. Grabbing a robe that was slung across a chair, she casually pulled it on, leaving it unbelted. Though her pajamas weren't really scanty, they didn't offer much warmth against the cool morning breeze.

Stepping onto the balcony, after making sure Jesse was decently covered, Jillian could see he was also awake, though he seemed deep in thought.

"Good morning. I hope that wasn't too uncomfortable for you. Did you get any sleep at all? Are you hungry? I thought we might get some breakfast then go looking for Xeph. If we can get you settled, then we can go shopping and get you some things you'll need. And before you start to argue, I'm going to make sure you have at least one other change of clothes, so you can either go with me and get something you like, or risk my tastes."

Her mind was set, and that was that. If he gave her any flack she would do what she said and if he wound up with a Hawaiian shirt, or plaid shorts it would be his own fault. Jillian giggled quietly at the idea of that combination.

She watched as the muscles in his arms and chest rippled slightly when he moved, craning his neck a little to see her better. He was thin, but he wasn't bony, or at all emaciated looking. His muscles were evident, just drawn taught across his bones, without any signs of fat to soften his edges.

He needed a few good meals, and she would see to that as well.

"Whoa there!" Jesse found himself laughing so hard he could hardly see straight from his tears. It now looked to him like Jillian had two speeds...off, and on. And when she was on, she was all about moving a mile a minute.

"You are really a buzzing little bee aren't you?" Though without doubt the prettiest bee he'd ever seen, even first thing in the morning with little wisps of tousled hair flying about in the breeze, and her clothes a bit helter skelter.

Seeing Jillian frown, Jesse sat up and became a little serious. He assumed from her look that she didn't take what was intended as a compliment, to be a compliment.

"Sorry, but you wake up a lot quicker than I do it appears. My eyes may be open, and there are words coming out of my mouth, but I assure you my brain isn't quite up to par yet."

He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and pulled the blanket around himself to make sure there weren't any inadvertent exposures. He really wanted to get dressed so he wouldn't have to mess with the blanket any longer, but he was afraid to say anything else to Jillian right then.

Fortunate for Jesse, Jillian turned up her nose at him, and stalked back into her room, giving him ample time to get up, get the clothes from where she had placed them last night, and pull them on. He was indeed grateful for the belt, as the jeans wouldn't have lasted ten seconds if he had tried walking in them. The t-shirt he put on under the button up shirt, and felt really human again, the first time in days...or weeks even.

Looking around her bedroom, Jesse could see Jillian wasn't to be found, and went into her small living room where he found her sipping on a bottle of water, watching the morning news on the television. Nothing being played on the television could distract his view from the lovely woman before him.

"I'll go shopping with you, but only if you promise to let me pay you once I get a job, or at the very least take you out to dinner. If you go with the dinner option, you'll also have to come up with the place too though...I really don't know anything about what might be good around here."

He hoped that would appease her, and bring the smile back to her face. It was a very little thing, he knew, having her grumpy at him, yet it still wasn't anything he relished feeling.

She was going to be trouble for him, this one, he knew.

Jillian blushed slightly. She was fully aware she could run off at the mouth, but usually was talking to someone who expected her to do that, or not concerned with what the person she was with thought. In this case she did care what Jesse thought, but was only mildly embarrassed. If they were going to be pack mates, he would need to get to know that part of her, sooner rather than later.

None the less, she didn't want him to see that he had embarrassed her, so she turned and went into the living room, grabbing a bottle of water along the way, and flipping on the local news when she got there.

Trying to appear interested in the story about some local businessman who was doing all kinds of good for animals in the area, Jillian nodded when Jesse spoke of paying her back, but didn't look his way.

"Dinner, that would be fine. I can ALWAYS do dinner." And she did favor that response with a smile. Something else he would learn about her soon enough...she ate like the wolf she was.

"Speaking of eating, I'm really ravenous. What say we dress and go down to see what's up for breakfast?"

Her eyes flitted to his face, where they paused, and she drank in the beauty of his crystal clear, and pale blue eyes.

Snapping out of her daydream, Jillian took her water, and returned to her bedroom, closing the door behind her. He was already dressed, so now she would do the same, without need of an audience. When she had pulled on a pair of white linen slacks, and a tiny tank top of deep burgundy, Jillian covered herself up further with a sheer white blouse, rolling up the sleeves till they were just above her elbows, and tying the bottom in a knot. Slipping on a pair of white sandals, the young woman felt a little overdressed, yet ready to appear before Xeph, and go shopping afterward. She could only hope she wouldn't spill anything on her pants beforehand.

"Ready?"

Appearing in the doorway once she'd brushed her hair and skimmed the mascara wand across her already black lashes, Jillian gave Jesse a final appraisal and doubted anyone would find fault with the young man's appearance. She certainly couldn't.

When the two of them arrived at the dining room, headed toward the kitchen, Jillian was surprised to find Xeph eating his breakfast, and Hammer seated next to him. Relief could be seen filling her face, when she also noticed beneath the table that Xeph wore no shoes.

Her surprise filled her with enthusiasm, and hope that this was a sign of all things good, and that in turn spilled out into her actions. With little thought for protocol, Jillians rushed to Xeph's side, half hugging him about the shoulders. Decorum did then set in, and she immediately stepped back, and out of the older man's space.

"Oh I'm sorry Xeph! I'm just so happy to see you. It's been ages, and I've so much news for you. In fact we..."

Remembering Jesse had also entered the dining room, Jillian waved him over.

"Were going to come looking for you, and here you've made that so much easier."

Again a thought occurred to Jillian, and she glanced at Hammer.

"I...we're not interrupting anything, are we?"

Hammer loved eggs. Absolutely loved them. The large pile of scrambled eggs next to his sausage was probably a decent testament to this fact, but it was a mental statement he liked to mention often, if only to himself.

With large and long fingers, Hammer picked up his fork and began shoveling in his breakfast as he leaned over to his left hand and rested his fingertips against his temple. His demeanor was thoughtful, if not earnest, especially as he quietly answered his Alpha's unspoken question.

'The new male is here.'

The Alpha did not react nor reply to Hammer's statement, which was sufficient to the Beta. It would have been more of a problem, especially for his eggs, if the Alpha had said something in response to the unexpected arrival. Brothers, and sisters, were always welcomed to the Compound - Jillian's acceptance of the male was proof enough that there was no harm in his presence. With a sniff at Xeph's uncooked fish, Hammer continued eating his eggs with as much enthusiasm as he put into any action, which was really none at all.

The familiar scent of Jillian preceded her arrival and the new scent accompanying her was no surprise. Hammer did not look up as Jillian gave the Alpha a girlish hug, but he could not help snorting softly at the affection. She did not attempt a similar action toward him, much to his relief, but it was Jillian and he was fairly certain Hammer did not frighten her, so much as give her pause. Still, she was a lovely girl and he did do her the courtesy of putting his fork down.

Hammer flicked a lone eye at Jillian and then at the male behind her. Wiping his mouth with the napkin that lay across his lap, Hammer waited for the Alpha to respond.

Xeph paid more attention to his slab of tuna than to Hammer's comment. Notably, he didn't look at his Beta. If he did, he would probably gag at the sight of that enormous pile of scrambled eggs. Best not to even think about it.

Turning as Jillian hugged him, he smiled at her and stood. "You have news? What news?"

He grinned at the girl's enthusiasm, glad to see her smiling. Turning to the young man behind her, he raised his brows. "I assume you're the news, or part of it."

He held his hand out. "I'm Xeph, and you're not interrupting anything. Breakfast and work are separate today."

Hesitantly, and remaining behind her, but off to the side where he was visible, Jesse waited. He wasn't sure what he expected, barging into the Den, unannounced as he had, but was somewhat relieved to have followed in on Jillian's wake. He could see immediately that she was well regarded in the pack, though he didn't see how she could be otherwise, and by association he guessed things might go easier on him. Not that he planned on taking advantage of her graciousness.

At the proffered hand, Jesse moved around closer to Xeph, as Jillian moved closer to the other man, and returned the shake.

"Yes sir, I am the news...er...I'm Jesse Katsaros. My grandfater, Aaron Katsaros, of New York, passed on not long ago, and told me I should come to Nachton, and make this pack my home now."

It was uncommon for Jesse to get that many words put together in one statement, especially when he was in the company of more than one person at a time, and those people weren't female. However, he knew he was going to have to offer some explanation for his appearance, and had practiced the little speech several times since he'd left New York.

He was in luck in that regard as well, as Jillian, in her excitement, broke into the conversation, and Jesse gave her the floor, willingly.

Once Jillian had hugged Xeph, she felt she should also offer a more personal greeting to Hammer as well, yet she was pretty sure a hug was not something he would relish. So instead she smiled when he looked her way, and moved to pat him tentatively on his back.

"Good morning Hammer. You're looking well."

One day she hoped she might encounter the man alone, when he didn't seem like he had too much to do, and she could actually have a normal conversation with him. Jillian had been interested in Hammer ever since the night she met him at dinner, and just knew he had to have all kinds of stories to tell. If only she could have a few hours with him she just knew she would learn a lot about the Kadzait.

But that surely wasn't anything she could do now.

Before Jillian could properly introduce Jesse, he did so himself. This was one reason, she mused, that she usually talked so quickly, and tried to get as much of her thoughts in at once...because whenever she waited something crazy seemed to happen. And now it was Hammer that appeared to be giving Jesse a pretty intense once over.

Jillian patted Hammer on the shoulder this time, before she moved to stand besides Jesse, offering him as much support as she could. She didn't want Hammer to think she was trying to protect the younger man, but being that she was primarily responsible for dragging him into this wolve's den, she couldn't help herself.

"Please, don't stop eating, your breakfast will get cold." Hoping her sincere offer would give both men an excuse to continue their meal, that Jillian never wanted to interupt to begin with, she did continue allowing them the additional time. She also hoped Hammer would return to the pile of eggs on his plate, and turn his calculating gaze away from her new friend.

"I ran into Jesse yesterday, and being that we were both ultimately going to the same place, offered to bring him in. I didn't see where it was necessary that he go through a lot of red tape, and didn't think you'd think that required anyway, Xeph."

Jillian looked from Jesse, to Xeph, and then to Hammer, even though she tried not to. Yet once again that was sufficient pause in her conversation to allow Jesse time to approach Hammer, and Jillian cringed.

Not one to back down, unless his death was imminent, Jesse caught the look the other man gave him, and moved to offer his hand this time.

Jillian was trying to intercede for some reason, and he had to let her know he was fine. He was highly respectful of both the alpha, and the beta, and without doubt slightly intimidated by the two as well, but he wasn't afraid of either man...yet. They had given him no reason to be. He was part of their pack after all, even if he was unknown. He wouldn't believe either man would waste their vaulable time considering him to be any kind of threat.

"Jesse Katsaros, sir."

And now that the introductions were done, Jesse hoped he and Jillian could go about their business, and eat breakfast. There were only four people in the room at that moment, but that was really two more than he felt comfortable with.

However, he knew realistically there would probably be a few questions that would require addressing, before he would be left to his own devices. Not to mention they still had to discuss his living arrangements.

Turning his eyes back to Xeph, Jesse spoke before Jillian had a chance to this time.

"I was hoping you might have accommodations here for me? I haven't secured employment yet, and would be willing to offer myself up for anything that I might be suited for here, with the pack, but also plan on going out into Nachton and finding a job too. I don't plan on being a freeloader, sirs."

Jillian laid her small hand on Hammer and he was surprised that the urge to shudder did not overtake him. She was trying hard to protect the young man, and for a short moment, Hammer felt embarrassed for his impolite greeting, or lack thereof. Yes, he'd have to stand now.

The young man introduced himself to Hammer and offered up his abilities to the pack. Slowly, Hammer removed his napkin and placed it sadly next to his eggs. Jesse was tall, at least the LT's height, but not near as tall as himself or the Alpha. As Hammer stood to full height, he wiped at his khaki pants, letting his arms flex against the folds of his sleeves which were just above his elbows. Hammer was a formidable sight, and did not need to lend a sneer to his stature, but as he stepped next to the Alpha, Hammer looked down at Jillian and managed to give her a smile.

Well, for the most part.

'No interruption, Jillian.' Hammer sighed slightly. 'They're just eggs.'

Turning to the young man he considered his offer. 'Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Katsaros. There is always room for family here. As for employment, that would be up to your Alpha.'

Katsaros. Hammer considered the name. It was vaguely familiar, and he would inquire further into the history of it within the Pack, but for the moment Hammer would accept the man for what he was - young, a Kadzait, and apparently Jillian's friend. That would have to do.

Xeph shook Jesse's hand firmly, his face growing solemn. "I'm sorry for your loss," he said with sincerity. "I am glad, though, that you found your way to us."

Most of them did, sooner or later. Weres were gregarious by nature, and they generally liked to stay in groups, whether with family or friends, or a combination of both.

Jillian seemed to like him, and Xeph was pleased her expedition to discover the stranger in the cemetery had been benign. Jesse already had a friend here too, which would make settling down easier.

"Of course we've got rooms for you. After you've eaten, why don't you see Camille at the front desk? She can let you know what's available and you can choose something to your liking."

Xeph never forced anyone into a room, if he could avoid it. He had specifically asked he architects to vary the floor plans and designs to make a variety of dwellings; some were den-like and cozy, some were open to the sky. Some were a mix of each. there were furnished apartments and unfurnished ones. Everyone had their own needs.

Taking his seat and almost delicately slicing through his raw tuna, he considered it thoughtfully.

"Once you're settled in; I don't know, maybe today or tomorrow, come find me and we'll discuss employment. I'm sure we can find you something here, whether full time, part time, or just temporary."

This part of his job, Xeph liked. Introducing new Pack members to their family, and their Den, was interesting. His people came from all over, with different needs and hobbies and skills. On the outside they may have little in common, but fundementally they shared a very strong bond.

It helped a lot that both men he'd just met gave the outward appearance of welcoming acceptance. For the second time Jesse reminded himself that these were his people, and he was among many who would reside in the Den, and be a part of the pack. Neither Xeph nor Hammer had reason to feel the need to prove themselves to Jesse, their positions long ago secured, and respected by all. It would be Jesse's job to prove himself to his pack, and was grateful he was being given that opportunity.

Nodding acknowledgment to Hammer, Jesse turned back to Xeph, and nodded toward him as well. It was kind of the alpha to speak of condolences, and Jesse wished his grandfather could have met these men, who were now telling him how he could move in to the Den.

"Thank you, sir." Though neither man would have reason to know it, by addressing them as 'sir', Jesse was offering them both his highest showing of admiration. Until now the only other man who had garnered such respect had been his grandfather. Jesse had never met, nor seen the alpha local to his home in New York.

"You've both been most hospitable, and accomodating. I will do that."

He would let Jillian direct the day, knowing she was as eager as he was to get him moved in. Besides, Jesse had already learned that when the mighty whirlwind started on her path, she was nearly impossible to distract.

"And now let us get out of your hair, and let you get back to your meals. I really hope they aren't ruined."

Jesse could feel the emptiness in his own stomach begin to make itself known, He looked to Jillian with the hope that she would now show him where the kitchen was.

Hammer shook the young man's hand with a penetrating stare and then nodded a quiet dismissal. There were eggs to be had, after all.

Turning back to his breakfast, Hammer settled back in across from Xeph and picked up his fork with again much enthusiasm. The scent of another pack member entered the room just as he speared his lukewarm eggs. Looking up he saw the look of urgency on the member's face and the note in his hand. He glared at the male as he approached the table, nervousness emitting from his pores when finally the messenger stood beside Hammer.

'Sir?'

With a roll of his eye, he dropped his egg laden fork and took the note from the messenger's hand. A message from Brig for the Alpha and himself to meet him down in the control room. Jillian and the new male were now forgotten as Hammer showed Xeph the paper. Hammer pushed his eggs back and stood.

'I'm apparently done with my eggs.'

The messenger stood for a moment, waiting for a response to which Hammer shook his head. With a look back at Jillian and Mr. Katsaros, Hammer nodded and waited on the Alpha.

(OOC - Hammer out pending any other responses. Continued in It starts with a whisper.)

Xeph nodded to Jesse, and to Jillian. He approved of their introductions; brief and to the point. Noting the messenger trying to be unobtrusive with Hammer, Xeph smiled at Jillian and Jesse.

"Jesse, I'll see you soon. At your convenience. You can find me in my rooms, or in either of my offices."

He didn't need to describe how to find them. Anyone on the grounds could tell Jesse how to get to either, or Camille could point him in the right direction.

Glancing down at the note Hammer showed him and reading it quickly, Xeph's features drew into a frown. "I'm done with your eggs, too."

He looked back at the two young weres. "Please excuse us."

Xeph was out of his chair, long legs already bringing him to the doors of the dining hall, assuming Hammer was right behind. Within a few moments, the Alpha and Beta were out of sight, breakfast sadly left behind.

((ooc: Xeph out))

The other man appeared just as the conversation was winding down, almost as if it was planned, Jesse thought. But then everything had gone pretty well up till then, and Hammer looked a bit perturbed in not being able to finish his eggs,so Jesse knew it hadn't.

"Was it something I said?" He quipped, not at all seriously.

"They seem like good, honorable men...people who serve the pack well. I really do wish my grandfather could have met them. Though to be honest, I'm not sure how I would react if I ran into Hammer in a dark alley somewhere." He was grinning as he spoke, and hoped Jillian didn't mistake his teasing as any kind of 'dis' against the man. His observance of how she acted toward the men explained a lot about how she felt, and Jesse had no misconceptions...Jillian regarded both men highly.

"So...how about some food?"

Seeing only one other door, besides the one they entered through, Jesse moved toward it, assuming it must lead to the kitchen.

"After breakfast, before we go shopping, can you direct me to Camille, so I can get my lodgings taken care of? I don't want to impose on you any longer..."

"That went well, I think." Jillian's words were spoken over those of Jesse's, though she knew he was only kidding. It didn't surprise her in the least to see the two pack leaders get called away in the middle of their breakfasts. Such was the life of those in charge.

Her head bobbed in agreement, and she was happy to hear Jesse's assessment. It was important to her that Jesse liked Xeph and Hammer, and vice versa. She hoped for a happy and cohesive life at the Den, and since it now seemed like Jesse was to be a integral part of that life the outcome of the meeting was even more important to her.

"I used to feel that way about Hammer too. He is a very imposing figure of a man. I'm sure his stature doesn't hurt him in doing his job either, but I don't fear him anymore. He has always been fair with me, and treats me well...I know he's not, but I often think of him as a big, overgrown friendly version of the 'big bad wolf'. Only this wolf has no intentions of eating me, or my grandma. His bark is worse than his bite...but I'm smart enough to know that doesn't extend beyond me or the pack. For an enemy, yes, I'd be terrified of running into him in a dark alley."

Jillian led Jesse into the kitchen where the two of them raided the fridge and pantry. As they agreed, Jillian fried up a big skillet of scrambled eggs, adding shredded cheese, chopped peppers, onion, and potatoes, as well as diced bacon. While she stood over that concoction at the stove, Jesse toasted several pieces of sourdough bread, lathering them liberally with butter once they were golden brown.

They continued to chat about Xeph and Hammer, as well as the Den, and the pack, or those who Jillian knew. Preferring to remain on their own, they stood with their plates of food, leaning againt the counters in the kitchen. The decor there was homey enough to be inviting, rather than cold and clinical.

With breakfast behind them, and their dishes stowed in the dishwasher, the pair went in search of Camille, still talking about anything that came to mind. While Jillian did do most of the conversing, Jesse found it was very easy to respond back to her, and ask her questions about herself. In fact several times he caught himself and wondered just what kind of spell this young woman had cast over him, to make him so verbal all of a sudden.

They located Camille quickly, and after spending about forty minutes discussing which suites were available, what their 'accoutrements' were, and where they were located, he chose a furnished suite on the same side of the building as Jillian's, and only three doors down. This meant if conditions were right, he could conceivably see her on her balcony, from his own.

Camille welcomed the new tenant with a key, and sent the duo on their way to check out Jesse's new home.

Though it was indeed furnished, there wasn't anything of 'Jesse' there, and there was also a matter of snacks, books and magazines, toiletries, and clothing that Jillian was going to purchase for the young man, like it or not. She compiled a detailed list, and then convinced Jesse there was no time like the present for taking care of his needs. Happy to remain in her company, he didn't take a whole lot of convincing.

In no time their day had continued with Jillian driving Jesse to the Nachton Mall, her recyclable bags in hand.

(Jesse and Jillian out)