Seize The Night

[Claudius Galloway]

Waiting for Raf to come around, Claude sood above the muscular lump he began to moan and groan.He must have really fell hard because most people came around from fainting quicker than Raf was coming around. He begins to wonder how many times Raf could faint and fall in a row without causing permit damage. He wasn't sure how to do such a calculation but it made him chuckle thinking about it. He was about to pull out his notebook to make a note to research it further when Veronica came prancing up. She nudged Raf a few times and she almost seemed shocked he wasn't on his feet. " He'll be up soon. He's saying someone named Vern is a beauty." He chuckled and watched Veronica find her way over to Raf's jeep. Figuring she was looking for something to wear he turned his head looking in the opposite direction for her to return.

"My notes never got to waste,and next time I'll spy on someone's date it will be Seth's . I put that guy through the ringer. " Claude stood there looking at Raf as the hawaiian hulk tried to get up to his feet unsuccessfully. He sort of felt bad for the guy. Here he was a big strong muscular man and he couldn't even get to his feet because he passed out in fear because the chick he likes contorted like a demon into a big gray beast. He watched as he grabbed at Veronica's sleeve like she was in need of protection and pulled.he behind him. Even half dazed he was trying to be the hero.

Claude didn't speak up, he was just observing the situation trying to pick up any research he watched as Catcher circles around Rafeal like a beast playing with his toy, Claude was loving every bit of the display from the focused glare to the gimering saliva of Catcher fangs in the faintly lit meadow. He didn't say anything to his favorite leather jacket wearing buddy, came back into view and began to speak to Raf. He listened as Catcher released his secret as it was nothing but common knowledge but for Cath and all his friends it was,it was only the humans he wasn't able to tell. Claude wrapped two fingers around his fangs and acted as he was trying to take them out without success

"Well Raffy Taffy, Ronaldo and blazer babe are Shapeshifters . He is telling you the truth that I Claudis is indeed a Vampire. I do drink blood but fortunately for you you're too beefy for me. I prefer my meals to be thin and grass fed. They don't keep me as full long as someone like you would but after that dinner disaster I'm sort of hungry myself." He rubbed his stomach while he spoke. He always had great self control around humans even since he started eating the blood of animals or what the vampires considered vegetarian he barely wanted a human as a meal. "It's your lucky day we no longer have to lie to you buddy. Oh and my party beside me everyone there they can all shift into some sort of creature. Isn'tit finally great to be a part of the family?"

[Veronica Call]

Humans truly are something. They’re fragile, stupid and motto is YOLO. Til this day, Veronica does not know what YOLO entitles. Everyone says something different; one person said they wanted to drive a Lamborghini as part of their YOLO. Veronica looked at that person and imagined slapping their stupidity away. In her defense, YOLO means do something outside of your comfort zone, be nice and live in the moment among other things. Not drive a Lamborghini. She looked at Claude and saw him writing something in this notepad. She wanted to ask what he wanted to do as his YOLO moment then figured it would be stupid since he’s immortal and can’t die easily. ”Who the heck is Vern?” Veronica looked at Rafael, watching him as patience was thinning out for her. Just like her memory, her patience was even worse. Her eyes widen when she realized who Vern was….her. Even he’s out cold, he’s thinking about her and maybe cheesy lines. What was she going to do with Buffy Daddy Romeo here? “Don’t get caught Claude but do send pictures after the date is over. I would love to see Seth all dressed up.” Drag Queen Seth was burned into her head and she can’t imagine Seth in anything else aside from that.

Veronica thought and imagined several thousands on how to wake up Rafael. When he started groaning and moaning, she sighed in relief. She didn’t want to drag him and dump him into a pool to wake him up. She knew CPR however she was not going to put her lips on him. She even thought that she can do compression while Claude blows into Rafael’s mouth. ”Welcome back dude. For a big guy, you sure are scared of a wolf. Ironically your last name is Wolfe.” Veronica chuckled at poor guy’s confusion. Even brought back memories of Claude’s party where he was dressed up as merman and she was red riding hood; Claude called him out by saying Mr. Wolfe trying to keep little red to himself. She had ignored that comment then but it was burned into her brain and now it makes her laugh.

Rafael’s struggled to get up on his feet, a little of heart ached for him and hated to see him struggle….a little not too much though. Veronica felt Rafael’s hands on the sleeve of blazer and the next second she was pulled towards him. The heck?! Veronica watched him get in front of her while Catcher paced in circles around them like they were his prey. Veronica wanted to know what he thinking as he walked in circles around them. She was mesmerized by Catcher’s fur color; beautiful blue with gray. He was beautiful as a human and as a wolf form. Rafael asked one too many questions from someone who had came back to earth from fantasy world. She ignored his macho-hero savior thing that he was trying to do and got up to pet Catcher. ”Down boy. He’s not food for you.” Veronica bit on her lower lip trying not to burst out laughing. Catcher wouldn’t harm her or anyone unless you provoke him or piss him off. She kissed wolf’s head then watched him grab his clothes and ran away.

”Seriously man, stop being dramatic. C is not going to hurt you unless you hurt anyone he holds dear. That’s including me. Although, if you did hurt me I can easily rip you into pieces.” Veronica leaned against bike, crossed her arms across her chest and stared at Rafael shaking her head. Standing there she didn’t know why she had agreed the date in the first place. Everything was a domino effect - agreeing to date lead to Claude to spy which lead to C boys and Seth to come, Veronica getting mad and tipsy then sober, leaving with Catcher, Rafael following them and phasing. It all leads back to her. Not to mention the irritation in Catcher’s voice when he joined them as human.

Veronica couldn’t look Catcher in the eyes; her heart sank with every word he said with hint of pissed off, irritation and annoyance. Moments ago, they were in their own bubble which didn’t last long. She felt defeated, beating herself for outcome and pissing Catcher off. Her arms dropped to her side, tugging bottom of the blazer hoping it was big enough for her to hide and wallow in pity without prying eyes. She opened her mouth then closed it as she didn't know what to say to him. Sorry maybe? She pulled herself together and looked at men that were around her. ”Shapeshifters and Vampires has been around for many years. We keep it on the down low for humans like you. We are not allowed to tell humans, like yourself, that there are supernatural beings in the world. And Volturi are powerful vampire coven who are like royalty in vampire world. You do not want to get on their bad side.” Throughout the years, she learned more about Volturi than Axel Powell whereabouts. Volturi aren’t the villains however if humans found out about vampires then there would be consequences. Death.

Veronica dryly laughed thinking about how everyone was trying to be on their best behavior at that party and how she told Rafael it was satanic cult sex party or pin the tail on a human. He was the only human amongst them and it would have been hilarious to see everyone trying to pin something on Rafael. ”C and I have a little bit of history. We dated couple years ago. So no, he doesn’t steal or whip girls into his arms. I willingly went with him because I needed to be away for a moment. Now that you know the truth, if I hear that you opened your mouth and put us in danger, I swear I will rip you to shreds.” Veronica hated the picture that came into her head of human hunting wolves as if it was some sort of trophy.

[Rafael Wolfe]

He couldn't laugh at the irony when he was still rather scared, yes his surname was Wolfe and he was indeed scared of the beast circling around him. This wolf was an ordinary beast ,it was doublenmanybe even triple the size of the timberwolves he had seen in the past.He wanted to protect her, show him he was willing to put himself in harm's way to save Veronica from any danger. The wolf with the blue black fur paced around him and Veronica a few more times before she moved away from Rafeal and began petting at the beast. Raphael was now on his feet, He was shocked that she had just talked to it like a house pet and the beast backed off grabbing a mouthful of clothing before heading away. As the wolf walked away he bent over using his knees as support to try and steady his breathing. His heart was beating so hard out he had almost forgotten he needed oxygen to stay alive. " Harmless? He was just walking circles around me ready to pounce on me… Why would I hurt you? I was willing to be eaten to save you. Why would I ever hurt you?" He was in shock when it came to her beginning as some weird half human creature but to still have him in his life he does anything except every part of her.

Just like a shadowing the night Catcher had returned, dressed disheveled his button up was no undone as he had just thrown his stuff on quickly to not be seen indencely. He narrowed his eyes as Catcher spoke, still unsure how to read the situation.Raf was still irritated that Claude hadn't said a word or came to his defense, he was supposed to be his friend. They went camping for a few days together though Claude slept through the sunny weather and only came out when the sky was overcast or the night had set it but he did enjoy his company. When Catcher mentioned Claude fangs were real and that he was a vampire his stomach felt like he was on a roller coaster as soon as he could accept one thing another curveball was thrown his way, he almost felt like he was going to pass out again but this time he kept breathing and didn't.

"You're a vampire? It would explain a lot." Raf looked over at Claude actually seeing him for the first time. He had always found Claude a little strange but they bonded over working out in the gym and comedy. Claude though he was strange, was a very fun guy to be around. He always had strange ideas that Raf wanted to hear even if they were wild there was adventure behind them. When he heard that he drank blood it almost seemed like the most normal thing about Claude but so many scenarios began to run though his head when Claude could have bitten him while they were in the woods alone, the thoughts were soon quieted when Claude finally spoke up.

" Shapeshifters you can change into whatever you want or are stuck being wolves." He was trying to straighten everything out in his head but he could barely ignore the pounding in his head." I'm glad I have all this muscle now.. Grass fed like vegetarians? So I don't have to watch my back in a dark alley now,but the girl who eats garden salads better watch out ?" It was a lot of information Claude gave him was trying to sort out in his brain. Raf was smart enough to comprehend but what he was hearing still didn't make the most sense to him. Everyone at the party were shapeshifters, that expanded some of the secrecy when he seemed.to be whispering to each other like he was a spy and they were trying to hide information from him at times in the night.

Instead of dwelling on Claude's words Veronica spoke up again, all these words and facts coming at him felt like someone was trying to over stuff a sausage thing to see how much they could pack into his brain before he exploded and couldn't take anymore. He never thought he would be standing on a mountain clearing with three people who were not fully human, but he had been to a party where he was the only human, all this was almost too much for Raf. He just wanted to go home and sleep it all off, if he could sleep after leaving everything. " Shit so humans just walk around all the time thinking they are superior creatures but there are things out there they need to fear more than themselves. Volturi.. remind me to avoid them at all costs.. Why aren't you supposed to tell humans? Don't your parents know?"

With every second all his perceptions of life had changed, he almost wished things went differently instead of being thrown in like a surfer crashing into a hard wave, he wished he could have been told about everything more gently like a child dipping his toe into a pool of ice cold water. His world had changed around him like he had discovered a new colour that no one had ever seen before, he was seeing everything in a new light and now something as simple as walking down a street would be forever changed. The icing on the cake came when Veronica had mentioned she had Catcher once dated. Like it gave him the right to grab her up and take her way whenever she needed a hero to save her. He turned to face Veronica, only just now realizing she.was probably naked under his jacket. "I really shouldn't have learned about all of this tonight, all I wanted to do was spend a few hours getting to know you V, but I guess I learned what I need." He picked up her hand, holding gently in his it was warm and a bit dirty but he didn't care.  He still saw her as the girl he had saw in the red dress at the strip club. A visions of beauty not rhe beast that lived as a part of her.  "You don't have to worry about me saying anything, I wouldn't do anything to put your life in danger." He saw a little twig in her hair and picked it out slowly not wanting to harm even a hair on her head. He ran it between his fingers before dropping it to the ground gently. He turned his head and looked over at Catcher and then over at Calude." I promise I'll never utter a word." He pounded on his chest over his heart as way to show his promises was true.

[Catcher Reeves]

Vern? That was new and his eyes peeked at Rafael and Claude, mildly impressed that he had already renamed Veronica with a pet-name. When he heard Seth’s name, he sighed, crestfallen with the reality of events; he really needed to go see him after all this, check up on his buddy, apologise profusely. He was the first person he needed to stop by and he might even just tell Candela he wasn’t going home at all until nightfall once more if Seth was still scrubbing his insides out from the drink. Wiping the screen of his phone, he left it on the seat of the bike next to Veronica’s purse and looked at her from behind, wondering if he should ask her what to say to his caring roommate; she was a ray of sunshine but her temper was just as frightening as Veronica’s. He spent the next few minutes determining how he just winged things and put the device back in his pocket.

While no one else had to be hushed with Rafael now, he still had to be towards Candela for what he thought would be until he turned to dust. A tiny, blonde whirlwind of fury who had very little tolerance for his excuses; she was beginning to make him feel genuinely married and he scratched his head, scrunching up a clump of dark brown hair, making a face to himself trying to figure out what script to act. He couldn’t even say he went to the strip club because she knew all the strippers then she’d know he was lying; it was confusing that it even mattered where he went but he felt bad if she made food, he was getting too used to having her around and learned a thing called responsibility to someone at home. There had never been a time he was committed to someone this way; ever since Cloud it was like sex, drugs and rock and roll which wasn’t him either and before that, it was just him against the world.

His friends seemed to brew a strange atmosphere after he just came out with the truth like it was just another day, and he looked around as if to ask ‘what’? He never hid his secrets if people asked, it was up to them if they wanted to believe it all, but first and foremost, no one really wanted to ask him anything personal anyway; they were too busy talking about themselves, selling whatever they wanted him to see them as. This was practically a revolution. He was probably the wrong person to let Rafael down easy with the facts, the least subtle of them all but there it was, all out in the open and he puffed his cheeks up with a gulp of air before slowly exhaling to deflate. Claude actually made it all comical, introducing himself as ‘Claudius the vampire’ and his lips moved in waves of amusement, adopting Ronaldo’s more relaxed persona as he always did when Claude was around. Raffy taffy, he had counted on more nicknames from Claude as he had a knack for the things; he was slightly relieved that he only had one, which he liked the most compared to everyone else’s and he let the cold one break all the ice between them.

Catcher had completely ignored Rafael’s valiant acts, momentarily wanting to be a dragon that swallowed his knightly exhibit; the man was always so dramatic. A second ago, he had hoped to prolong his fear by insinuating he could have been sucked dry, drained of life or turned into a walking undead by an almost undefeatable being but Claude burst that bubble. It wasn’t too relaxing when he rubbed his belly creepily so he settled that making the man uneasy and scaring Rafael was mostly over, not wholly; this was good enough for now and he had other things to take care of. He scoffed when family was mentioned though and looked up at the rolling clouds in reluctance, hooping everything except the top three buttons of his shirt back up.

When he had been in wolf form, Veronica had been as affectionate as she always was when he was a big dog and he felt confused and bad for having attitude toward her. Now that their relationship had changed entirely, he did the adult thing and placed a hand on her shoulder to get her attention, telling her somberly as he too couldn’t look her in the eye. ”I’m sorry.” It covered everything from getting involved in her date to wanting to start shit with Rafael. She had been extra informative to Rafael about vampires and shapeshifters but Catcher wasn’t hearing any of it; none of those things related to anything anymore for him since he no longer belonged with the pack and befriended city vampires during his absence. Sounding enthused, he thought she should just be left with Rafael and Claude to bond over this incident, dumbstruck she had even mentioned their past connection. He warmed to her admittance, basking in the pride that he had once had her and adoration for her honesty. Having always believed she treated their relationship like a tainted love, he felt positive for a change instead of sinking in the feeling he had lost her. Up until a while ago, their history had been a dying light that refused to snuff out despite the years but now it was smothered and blew up Rafael’s fears he had stolen her for the better.

Catcher watched the merman and finally chuckled, trembling slightly with the giggling, unburdened that nothing mattered anymore. Every question Rafael had asked, he had remained silent to but undoubtedly realised the human made a lot of sensible choices; he was still going to keep him in the dark about shapeshifting into any other form. Basically everything that was revealed beyond what he had thrown out was not his doing; the others could hold confessions all they wanted but no more secrets would leak from him. ”Looks like you’re in good hands.” Holding her purse, he handed it to Veronica, smiling at her as a sweetheart, tucking the same hand back into his pocket as he crossed a leg over his motorcycle, kicking off the stand. ”I’ll see you around.” Never had he said farewell to her as if it wouldn’t matter if he never saw her again but as he glanced at Rafael, he wished them well for her sake. He was just the boy she had dropped off the first day of school, just a ghost standing at the curb as she picked him up, dead and immortalised at seventeen. Watching the large man remove the twig from Veronica’s hair daintily gave him an epiphany, something about the way they moved. The day was beyond him asking why she ever agreed to go on the date with the man because the gallantry, the physique, the simple declarations made Rafael virtually exactly her type and he stepped down once and for all.

”And Claude, I owe you.” He owed him for coming to handle this, he owed him for telling him about the date and giving closure to his heart even if he left devastation in his wake; there was almost nothing he could give or do that would make up for that but he opened himself to be called upon in a future time of need. ”We’ll talk after I see Seth.” It was absolute, whatever he asked; life or death, it was all for one. His chin rose as his head tilted in acknowledgement to Claudius, his fingers slotted the key into the ignition, scooting the bike the opposite direction to leave, mouthing the word ‘thanks’.

As the wheels rolled off the edge of the grass and dirt to the gravel that was a country road into this space, he stopped and turned to Rafael. He had a code of honour and seeing the Hawaiian thud his chest in unity to their sworn secrecy, he showed solidarity in his own way, keeping a tab on this but appreciating the gesture nonetheless. The engine was low, vibrating and he revved it to warm it quickly, paused beside Rafael; he looked up at him before he would ride off and said with breathy sincerity. ”You’re alright.” His gaze was studious at the man’s face, before his dark eyes flashed toward Veronica as he smirked in disbelief at himself, then his head discreetly motioned to indicate her direction was where Rafael should set his sights. It was good luck, it was his blessing, and it was seeing the man in his love for a beautiful woman he cared about as he faded into the distant sunrise.

[Claudius Galloway]

The amount of questions coming out of Raf's mouth was expected. He had just learned as a big bag a muscle he was no longer on the top of any food chain. Claude knew the more questions he answered the more the human would continue to ask. He didn't blame the guy for wanting to understand more, and at this point his questions didn't really need to be answered by anyone. Claude looked at the Raf and placed his hand out in front of him in a way to try to get the man to settle down a bit. "No, I don't eat vegetarian or vegans, just feed on deer, sometimes something bigger if I'm really hungry.".place his finger to his lips and he lets his ears pick up some sounds in the distance, the soft steps of a deer as it walks over a twig. Whenever he was done here he would go feed before heading over to Raf's to retrieve Blue. When it came to his questions about shape shifters he would leave those to the wolves to answer themselves.

Veronica mentioning the Volturi made Claude nervous for a reason he had heard of then way too often they actually scared him more then he would admit. They were who Claude would have to answer to if he ever did something they didn't like. If they didn't agree with you or want what you were doing at any point they could find a vampire and kill them on the spot. Now that Raf knew if anyone found out besides their little group they could be in danger. Not just Raf but himself, he had let someone spill his secret so maybe he wasn't at fault if they ever came after him. "Do my parents know I'm a vampire? William and Elisabeth have been dead for more years than I can count." He wasn't sure if the question was directed at him but his age was never something he had talked about. He dressed and acted as he needed to fit into society, if he didn't his secrets would be even harder to hide. That is how Claude has blended in for so long besides his name, he went by Claude but it wasn't really his birth name he became when he turned. When he started his new life to protect his family. Now that Raf knew both his and the wolves secret he had to always look out for the guy too.

Claude watched as Catcher apologized to Veronica, he was sorry too, if he hadn't just wanted to see how a proper date should be like or even just research whatever was going on between Veronica and Raf all this might have not happened. Catcher was taking responsibility for his part but Claude felt like Catcher didn't have much to be apologetic for. It could have just been his theory to not apologize for small mistakes that could be forgiven. One day in the future they would all look back on this day and probably only remember Raf fainting,nothing more because the more he thought about it, it was sort of hilarious. He didn't understand why his friend thought he owed him anything either.if anything Claude owed the wolf boy such more. Just his friendship had brightened up Claude's life completely. There was something about the guy who reminded him of someone from his past, and even though he had first been formally introduced to this guy as a wolf, it was not that part that won him over it . "Don't worry about it buddy, don't tell Seth I'm sorry just tell him to feel better."

Watching Raf pound on his chest he knew he had nothing to worry about. He would never be someone who gave up any secret when it had to do with people he cared about. Just looking at how tenderly Raf took Veronica's hand and pulled a little twig from Veronica's hair he knew there was more there than physical attraction. If it was all just physical, the big guy would have gone running for the hill. He wanted to be in it for the long haul, he actually found this quite interesting. He found out this pretty little lady could probably rip him apart but he still wanted to be there for her. It was one for his notebook for sure."If you two are fine I'll be off too. Can't be out in the sunlight sparkling like a human disco ball, and I still need to eat." Claude waved quirky and ran off into the forest, in search of the deer he had heard earlier.

[Veronica Call]

Veronica mentally kicked herself for spilling all the beans than she should have. One after another, things were happening and the night turned into one big clusterfuck. She kept her eyes on Rafael in case he decided to run of the hills. When he didn’t, she exhaled slowly. She didn’t know why she was holding her breath when Rafael meant nothing to her. Rafael reached out to take her hand as his eyes never left hers; the green of them so deep and hopeful and open and sweet. While the man standing in front of her was sweet, she had been nothing but rude.

When catcher got on his bike and rode off into light sunset, her heart slowed down. The goodbye moment was different and she wanted to run after him and hug him one more time. Go back to their bubble and actual have a conversation one last time. However, the moment was gone and he was off to deal with Seth and Candela. Veronica slid her hand out of Rafael’s hand, took her phone out and sent a quick text to Candela to apologize for keeping Catcher for the night, to have coffee and food ready for him. Candela was sweet to Catcher and their living arrangement was different, weird but it works out for both of them.

When she heard Claude’s voice, she looked at him and gave him a nod. ”Sorry to keep you here. See you around Claude.” Veronica gave Claude kiss on his cheek before he ran into forest. The sunrise had become even more beautiful as the sun peeked over the horizon. The sky had now become pink like a sea of cotton candy, with the light of the sun coloring the clouds above with a pinkish hue. As the sun slowly ascended, the sky in the west became a deep neon blue as the light reached further out.

A new day was here and she was left with Rafael. Her mind was debating between phasing into a wolf and run hope or have Rafael drop of her off. As much as she wanted to phase and run wild, she had belongs that she needed. Bending down, she picked up her heels and smiled at Rafael. ”I’m sorry about the date, running away and spilling the truth. It’s a lot for human mind. But for now, it’s time we leave this place.” She walked back to Rafael’s car and got in the driver’s seat. Not knowing how he was feeling, if he knew the road; she just wanted to drive the car at the end. Placing her shoes on the car floor and clutch on the console, she made her way to Cullen residence. Temporary house that she has been staying for past few weeks.

Veronica scrapped her bottom lip with her teeth and scratched her head. Once in while she would look at Rafael, give him a small smile and look ahead. By the time she reached home, pink had become a pale yellow mixed with blue. She parked the car and cut the engine before grabbing her things and exiting the vehicle. ”Um, I will return your blazer after I wash it. So, do you want to come in for coffee?” Veronica knew she was stalling, for the first time she didn’t know what to say to him. Normally she would have ton to say to everyone and this shocked her. She walked to the front door while digging out key and unlocked the door. Changing locks around the house was something she needed to get it done soon. One too many people can get in and last thing she wants is come home to unwanted guest.

Inviting him inside the house was a bold move. She wasn’t ready to have him inside but if she would kick herself even more if she hadn’t invited him for coffee. He runs his uncle’s antique shop in La Push and he may need caffeine throughout the day to keep him going. Or he might keep the shop closed for the day and catch up on sleep and maybe get more information on what was dumped to him. She threw her clutch on table by the door and shoes under it and leaned against the front door frame.

[Rafael Wolfe]

The clarification Claude provided helped Raf make more sense of his friend who he and newly discovered was a vampire. It was good to hear the guy didn't feed on humans. He didn't know if he could still be the vampire's friend if he did. He sort of felt bad for the guy to always be living a half life elbowing if he did the wrong thing. Some other vampire could just come in and take his life. It was actually quite terrifying and now he had to live with things he wished she didn't. He kept everyone secret even if it sent him into an early grave. His word was his promise and he would never break it.

Raf could see where Claude risk was coming from but he still didn't understand how Catcher and Veronica could change into giant wolves. Was there a reason for their stance ability? Were they vampires enemies? If they were, why were they so nicer to Claude? So many questions ran through his head but as he stood there with Veronica he didn't ask. His mind was having a hard enough time accepting Claude was a vampire. That all his questions about shape shifters would probably mull together and he wouldn't be able to sort through it all clearly later.

He watched Catcher drive off on his motorcycle,and soon after Claude had taken off too. Hr was left there standing with Veronica in some half shocked, dazed feeling. He hadn't realized the sun was about to come up but the darkness had left the sky and it began to lighten as the sun was returning to greet the land once again. When she had said they should leave he just followed behind her like she was now a human and a dog. "It's okay, I still sort of feel like I'm dreaming but I know I haven't been. Just hit my head a bit too hard when I fell, and now I'm just a little tired, guess." He climbed into the passage seat as she took the driver seat without asking. He would just let anyone drive his jeep, but Veronica he would never object.it didn't matter to him that she was different if anything it made her even more special. He kept his eyes on her the whole time she drove back to where he had picked her up. He wanted to say something and when she nodded.

She didn't have to wash his blazer but at the moment it was all that she was wearing and if it made it more comfortable to give it back later it would be fine. Hell at this point she could keep the dawn thing as a reminder of their first date. Hearing her invite him in for coffee was almost a surprise he thought after last night she would just want to spend some time alone. He debated a moment knowing if he did go home his mind wouldn't let him sleep wanting to get more answers from Veronica.

Finding his phone he sent his uncle a quick message letting him know he wouldn't be able to go to work today and apologized and agreed to work the rest of the week. Veronica had gotten out of the car and he could see her standing on the door way .Getting out quickly he ran up the stairs and wrapped his arms around her pulling her in tightly to bring her face close to his own." You know after a night like this you might be stuck with me for a while." He kissed her gently on the forehead and left her go guiding her back in the house." How about that coffee?"

[Veronica Call]

There’s a couple billion people of the world and million places Veronica could be at but here she was, leaning against door frame looking at her date. She doesn’t know how it happened or why it happened but it happened. She just took the moment in; her highs were marvelous but her lows made her strong and led her to this. It was scary that she invited a person she told herself not go out with and push him away. She kept giving herself pep talk that this was just a date, nothing serious. Some part of her was telling her to let the past go and enjoy the present. Other parts were telling her to run as fast as she could, leaving everyone in the dust. And tiniest part of her, was telling her she was cheating on Axel.

The imprint hadn’t been broken even through she did put her and Axel to rest for good. She often found herself thinking about what would have happened if he was still around. All her life all she wanted was a perfect man to sweep her off her feet. Thinking about Axel made her heart tug a little and eyes watering. She quickly blinked away her water works and pushed away the broken heart thoughts and feeling. It was early morning, she just watched sunrise and she didn’t want to start off the day being sad. Plus, she had company whose world was turned around moments ago. He needed her to be present and answer any questions he may have. Or just enjoy some good coffee in the morning then sleep rest of the day.

She watched Rafael exit vehicle, his hair flying behind him as he ran towards her. Before she could withdraw her mind from its far places, his arms were around her. Her arms were pinned to her side, surprised by the embrace and closeness. The warmth that seeps off his body seems to sink into her own skin. She froze at the touch of his lips on her skin. She didn’t know how to react, what to think of it and more importantly did he just say she’s stuck with him for a while? Her brain started running like a marathon, trying comprehend what he said. Was she stuck with him for the morning? The day? For months? For years? How long will she be stuck with him for? What’s a while in his dictionary?

Those so soft pair of lips touched her forehead lovingly in a feather kiss, making her sigh in relief when he said ’how about that coffee?’ Veronica closed the door behind them and walked towards the kitchen. Passing a mirror, she saw her reflection making her eyes widen almost letting out a scream. Her face was dirty, her hair was in a knotted web, her make up was all over the place. First her dress was gone now she looked like she woke up from the dead. Veronica quickly started her coffee pot, taking two cups out from the cabinet and creamer from fridge. Make yourself at home. I’m going to go look little more human.”

Veronica ran upstairs to her room, took off Rafael’s blazer and threw it inside laundry hamper and turned on the shower. While she waited for water to get temperature she wanted, she turned on bluetooth, played Talk to ya by HRVY from her iPod. She started singing to the chorus as she stepped into shower. She can’t believe Rafael fainted when she phased. She chuckled at the image of big guy fainting; to be fair it was her fault for phasing in front of human who wasn’t ready. She washed her hair, body and face couple of times to get rid of any trace of dirt, wolf smell and wanting to feel fresh and clean. Rinsing herself once more, she turned off shower, grabbed her towel and dried off. Music was still blasting in the bathroom as she wrapped the towel around her body and existed bathroom. Something just like this starts playing, making her sing on top of her lungs and dance.

Going into closet, she picked out sage-green sweatpants with black tank. Wearing them, she dried her hair with towel before hanging it on the hook in the bathroom. She turned off bluetooth, sprayed floral perfume to her clothes and left. She danced and sang to Chainsmoker, smile on her lips and feeling thousand times lighter. She opened all the kitchen window, saw coffee in her mug and took a long sip. She felt herself purring at the taste of coffee and awaking her half-dead soul. ”So Mr. Wolfe, are you still dreaming?” Veronica placed her mug on the counter and leaned against it. There was some awkwardness in the air and hoped that it will leave as time goes on. 

[Rafael Wolfe]

Following Veronica into the house, he had seen her catch her reflection in the mirror, from her reaction he could tell she didn't like the way she was looking. He didn't care if her hair was messy or she was a little dirty looking. In fact he liked a girl that was not to get dirty. He enjoyed camping,and hiking, which themselves were not the cleanest activities in the world. Nor was turning yourself into a giant wolf and running through the forest. It was a big shock to the system to learn Veronica was not all he expected but it wasn't too much from him to handle. There was something special about Veronica that stole his heart the moment he had seen her dancing round in her red dress at the club. He didn't say long but in the one close moment they had that evening she had captured his attention and all he could have wished was to see her again. He had been given that chance on the beach where he was lucky to have a pen in his pocket to leave his number. He didn't know what made Veronica call him when she did but he would never forget this evening.

He slipped off his shoes and followed her into the kitchen. His eye tracing her as she moved around the prepping the coffee makers and pulling out two cups.
He listened as she told him to make himself at home and he sat down on a spinning bar stool chair that sat at the island. He swiveled in the white chair a few times before hearing her mention she was going to get cleaned up. Raf just smiled and nodded in her direction. "Take your time, I'll still be here when you're done." He watched as she walked away, his blazer didn't do anything for her shape but he watched her away as she exited the room leaving him alone.

As soon as Veronica was out of sight, he went to the mirror in the hallway to look at himself. If she was getting cleaned up he wanted to make sure he wasn't too messy himself. He ran his fingers in his beard straightening out a few hairs that had seemed to have gotten out of place, and while he did this he was contemplating whether Veronica liked beards. Dome women found them attractive but others found them to be itchy and annoying. He hoped she didn't mind them much. It had been a while since he had been fully clean shaven and without his beard he didn't like it much feeling he looked like a little baby faced without it. As he contemplated his look in the mirror he could hear music and what sounded like singing so he slowly and quietly moved closer to the bottom of the stairs to listen.

He found just by being here a new moment he had learned a bit about Veronica, for one she could sing. He could hear the sweet melody of her voice mixing with the music playing in the background and it intrigued him a bit so he took a seat on the bottom of the stairs waiting to see if he could catch her singing again. After sitting there for a few moments he could feel his eyes getting a little heavier and his head starting to lean back a bit. Not wanting her to think he was spying on her, he got up.and move back into the kitchen. The coffee was finished now so he poured himself a mug, and filled the other one and let it rest on the counter so it would cool slightly by the time Veronica returned. The first sip of the warm black liquid seemed to help bring him back to a more alert state. He leaned against the counter and brought the mug closer to his nose so he could breathe in the strong awakening aroma with his eyes closed. Veronica was so light on her feet he didn't hear her return and it almost made him jump a little but he caught himself before he did so.

"I think I might be. All I have wanted since the night at the club was some time with you. The wolf stuff is still hard to grasp, but if I need to find that out to be standing here sipping coffee it's worth it." He lit a smile spread across his face and he lifted the cup to his lips and took another drink. Not many first dates ended standing in a kitchen drinking coffee just to make sure your mental state was safe enough to get home. " It's been awhile since you ate, I can cook you breakfast if you like? I know it's your place but I love cooking. " She hadn't eaten much at their late dinner and he assumed it took a lot out of a person to change into a supernatural beast again. "I make a good omelet if you have the right ingredients. I can make you one."  Raf moved over towards the fringe sitting his mug down on the counter. "Do you mind me snooping?"

[Veronica Call]

Time was ticking slowly in her head, she told herself that she was imaging things and need to get hold of herself. Veronica looked down at her coffee mug, watching steam evaporate. Hot coffee, cool weather, reading a book by the pool were her normal morning routine. And maybe a donut or half a dozen. Her gaze shifted to Rafael and truly look at him aside from a stalker. The pair of blue jeans and a snug black t-shirt which display the brawn of his biceps to perfection. The devil on her shoulder was telling her to jump him right now but the reasonable angel told her to look away before being caught and not doing anything stupid.

Staying at the Cullen’s residence gave her peace of mind and away from the pack. While everyone was doing their thing, Veronica felt like she was living under a massive house. The smell doesn’t linger as it use to or she got use to it and doesn’t mind it. Sometimes, she found herself thinking and wishing she was human rather than a werewolf. Life would be some what simple or crazy. Right now, she felt stuck in her life. She thought going on a harmless date, may ignite fire in her life and will want to do something with her life. She was beyond happy for her friend, Natasha, for doing something in her life. She may not agree with complicated relationship she and Catcher are in but she’s making mistakes as she should have been.

Veronica picked up her mug to take another sip of coffee. It was hard for her to hide who she was and being with her meant, ripping off bandages and not create lies on her whereabouts. If Rafael wanted to be with her, which he does, he needed to know who she is and what comes with the package. ”Before I phased the first time around, I thought it was just stories that was passed down for generations. It was hard to process when I phased for the first time and all the rules we have to follow. When I phased for the first time, Catcher was there and if it wasn’t for him, I would’ve been lost.” Flashes of vineyard memory flashed in her mind, being dunked into wine barrel for throwing tantrums, tasting wine and getting drunk. A smile formed on her lips, thinking about simple times and uncomplicated relationships. If she could go back in time and hit pause on that time frame and live again to make better choices, she wouldn’t be having coffee with Rafael. Rather, she would be happy, having a constant person in her life and planning a future.

Right on cue, her stomach growled making her laugh. It felt like she ate but didn’t at the same time. ”I would love that. Let’s see what you can make, Mr. Wolfe. If you’re cooking is good, then you might have a problem.” Veronica chuckled and opened fridge to take eggs and milk out. She set them on the island and closed the fridge. ”Snoop away. If you find dead bodies in the closet, I didn’t do it.” Tucking her damp hair behind her ear, she went in the living room to play some music. Something to keep in the background for them. It was rather for her so there wasn’t any awkward silence between them.

She took her phone out of her clutch, she saw a message from Candela with angry emojis and telling her she owes her for keeping Catcher out whole night. She laughed at the angry emoji and pictured a short blonde haired girl fuming. She didn’t know how her and Candela’s relationship was like this sister one but she was grateful to have her. What made it worse is that Candela’s ex was in the kitchen making her breakfast. She wrote her a response but erased it, deciding to call Candela later in the evening. Turning on bluetooth in the living room, she connected her phone and played High Hopes by Panic! At the Disco. Music started blasting through the speaker, she set the device down and went back in the kitchen. ”What are you thinking?” To her, Rafael was a serial killer, stalker who falls for girls who are good looking. She figured he was in his thirties whereas she’s in her early twenties. She had thing for older guys who knows what they wanted and that’s something that she was attracted to. Also, tall, bulky guys. She felt like a little girl next to them.

[Rafael Wolfe]

Lifting the mug to his lips, Raf took another mouthful of coffee and swallowed it down in a gulp. He had been up close to twenty four hours now to his body needing the caffeine to push away the thoughts of grabbing a pillow and just falling asleep on the couch. He was all ears when Veronica started talking about the first time she had phased. It must be what they called it when they turned from human to wolf. His dislike for Reeves dissipated slightly finding out he was there for Veronica in such a difficult time in her life. I wasn't surprised that the legends were passed down as stories. In his culture there many stories passed down the same way. "I'm glad you had someone to help you, even if it was him." Everyone deserved to have someone to help them in the time of need but Catcher was starting to seem like this guy who went around helping all these girls when they seemed to need the most help. He was either someone who genuinely cared or maybe someone who took advantage of situations to benefit himself. He knew right now wasn't the time to think about the scrawny biker so he pushed the thoughts from his head.

He wasn't shocked she took him up on his offer and gave him free reign to look around the kitchen, he actually thought most ladies were surprised that he knew how to cook. He had started cooking when he was young being taught by his mother and nanny. Usually it wasn't a thing boys would want to learn but even as a teen he has been close to his family. He enjoys learning how to make meals because he knew one day he will be living off on his own away from home and wanted to be able to actually cook things he liked to eat. He watched Veronica take the eggs and milk out of the fridge and he smiled and took a fry pan down off the hanging rack above the island. "Dead bodies? You're joking right?" He watched her move out of the checking her out from behind as she left the room. He couldn't help checking her out even with wet hair and green sweatpants. She still looked good. It wasn't just her looks that had just captivated him, It was her bold personality the way she had not filtered to her word as you can trust whatever came out of her mouth to be honest.

He took the stainless steel handle of the fridge and peek his head inside the icebox looking for other ingredients. There he found butter which he need to prep the pan, peppers, ham, cheese that would go work well, he didn't know Veronica well enough so he didn't want to go too crazy adding extra ingredients that she might not enjoy setting the cheese and pepper down in the counter he returned the milk back to the fridge as he would be needing it. He heard the music start playing. Moving around the kitchen, he walked over to the spice rack grabbing the salt pepper first before grabbing some chili flakes and dried chives.As he turned back around Veronica was back in the kitchen. He sat the spices down next to everything else, and pulled a knife out of the wooden knife block and put the cutting board down on the marble counter where he had decided would be the best place to get everything started. The only thing he was missing was a cheese grater but it too was hanging where the pan was originally.

" What I was thinking is if you eat green peppers and ham. Besides that, to be honest I was thinking about your ass." He smiled and picked up his cup of coffee and took a sip before returning it to where he had set it down previously. Picking the green pepper up in his hand, he walked over to the sink to raise it. "You are  always thought it was the best I was too..." He turned it around and placed the pepper down on the cutting board and split down the middle, removing the chore before chopping half of it into smaller pieces. Placing the at the corner on the cutting board in a pile he started cutting the ham into little cubes. "I have also been thinking how I'm going to live each day normally when I know that my friend is a Vampire and the most beautiful girl I have ever met can turn into a wolf."

He set the frying pan down on the stove and turned it on low letting the butter start  to melt when looked for a bowl and fork to beat  the eggs. He opened a few cupboards and drawers and found what be needed and proceeded to crack three eggs into the glass mixing bowl taking care he didn't drop any shells it. Even the worst chiefs knew any bits if shell is you eggs wasn't acceptable . He turned up the heat on the stove a little more waiting for it to heat up enough to put  the eggs in." I mean like eveything I've learned about the world and  life might  all be a lie."

[Veronica Call]

To her, Catcher was type of person that helped everyone and it was the truth that she would be lost without him. There will be some part of her that will belong to him and their memories will last a lifetime. With Axel, things were different. She didn’t realize it then but realized it now that he was running away after each interaction. He would hesitate after kissing her and even though she didn’t mind it back then, she hated it now. She felt like she wasn’t enough for him. Often she would tell herself that she is enough and what she had with Axel was a chapter in the book. That book was closed, thrown in the raging fire hoping it would also destroy her memories. But that wasn’t the case. She body remembers everything and being in the kitchen with Rafael, felt like she was cheating. ’When will this stop?’

”I don’t get why you have a problem with him. He’s not a bad guy.” Veronica finished last of her coffee before filling cup with creamer and pouring more coffee. Some nights she barely sleeps, making her attached to coffee pot or being out and about. Her mind would start imaging things or start playing songs in her head making her stay up all night. It was a good thing that she doesn’t hang out with anyone during the week and sometimes will see Candela on the weekend. It’s more of a ‘check on her’ visit. Other times, she would have a date with bubble bath, candles, mellow music and wine. She kept a straight face and shook her head. ”Not kidding, man. This is vampire house that I’m house sitting. It’s beautiful though.” Veronica pulled out stool under the island and plopped down on it.

Watching him cook eggs and being in his element, she was taken back. She never had anyone cook for her like that before and it felt different. She wasn’t greatest cook but she make do. The moment she tastes his cooking, she knew she would be in trouble. She’s a sucker for good food. Everyone in the pack was rather. Before Candela, it was Emily and everyone was mostly at Sam and Emily’s place or Jacob’s. Now that everyone is doing what they want, within in their limits, they started hanging out with Candela more. Candela is like a doll that everyone wants. Veronica knows enough about Candela’s past that makes think why people were mean to her. She went through tough times but she wouldn’t show it to anyone. She had her guard up even when she was drunk.

Veronica placed mug on her lip, about to take a sip of warm goodness when Rafael told her what he was thinking about. She froze for a second before taking a sip and nodding. He was thinking about her butt, making her squirm slightly. ”Can you make mine without ham?” Her brain was processing the whole ‘ass’ confession he made. It affected her way more than it should. Boys used to turn their heads when it came to her and she was unfazed by it but with Rafael, it’s like she can’t get words out. ”So you’re an ass man. Good to know. What do you mean that it was best?” She scratched nape of her neck, filing in words that were left hanging by him.

Smell of melted butter filled the atmosphere, making her stomach growl even more. She patted her stomach while making ‘shh’ sound as if it was going to listen to her. Her action made her chuckle at herself on stupid things she does. ”It’s not a lie. If humans knew about this world, then think about how much of wannabe vampires will hunt down vampires just to turn them. Or humans that want to kill them. It’s a cycle and less they know the better it is.” It’s never easy to tell a mortal that vampires and werewolves exist. They don’t know if they’re going to kill them, run away or just leave them. Truth be told, Veronica was hoping that Rafael would leave once he found out who she was. She wasn’t ready to have another guy in her life when she barely has any space for herself. In a way she was stopping whatever was going on between him and her. It was a perfect plan until he came inside the house and offered to make breakfast.

She got up to pour some coffee into Rafael’s mug then opening door that goes to the backyard. ”There are million other girls who are beautiful. I’m nothing compare to them.” Veronica never thought about herself as beautiful, gorgeous and when someone complimented her like that, she’d get awkward and not know what to say or do with it. It was funny that, she used to wear mini skirts, tanks, heels few years ago without a care how cold the weather was. Now, she finds comfort in baggy clothes and eating her feelings. ”Are you only child?” She asked, dying to change the subject to be anything but hers. She popped diced peppers in her mouth and roamed around the kitchen and living room.

[Rafael Wolfe]

It wasn't that Raf had a big problem with Catcher and as of right now he actually owes the guy a thank you. If he had never taken Veronica on his motorcycle this date might have never ended back at the house and he would be standing here right now preparing food to eat for breakfast. "Don't worry about it. I am not going to cause any problems with him." He wouldn't want it to turn something so small into anything. He might not like the guy completely but it didn't mean he couldn't be civil with him. He wasn't one to hold grudges just sometimes jumped to judging people depending on their actions. He had been spying on them on their date,it almost felt like her friends didn't trust him at all. They didn't have anything to worry about and how that had been revealed Veronica was a werewolf; he was the one who had some slight fear of the woman, but it wasn't enough to stop him liking her.

She was staying in a house owned by vampires. It wasn't something he would think would happen. All the tales he had ever heard about vampires and werewolves were they were enemies. Thoughts began to play in his brain as to why Catcher and Veronica became friends with Claude. " How is it that if you're a werewolf that you can live in a vampire's house or even be friends with one?" He was invested in what she had to say there. It distracted him from his task slightly but he kept himself on task if he didn't then breakfast would never be more than a thought. He picked up the block of cheddar cheese and began to rub it against the metal teeth, letting the cheese be cut into tiny little ribbons pilings up within it. He folded the cheese back up in its wrapping and set it back down on the counter.

"Peppers and cheese it is." He smiled over to her and lifted the grater off the board and the cheese fell down in a tiny pile. He placed it in the sink to wash later, he would do the dishes so as not to leave her with the mess. He picked up his cup to finish off the and almost spit it right back out when Veronica mentioned he was an ass man. He kept his lips pressed tight as his cheeks puffed and he forced the mouthful down, coughing a bit as he cleared his throat. "Honey your ass is banging, of course I'm watching it. I meant with you I don't want to make mistakes or hide things. You always get my full honesty even if it seems like I'm acting like a caveman." He knew with his beard and long hair he looked like a bit of a wild man, that paired with muscles people would see him more as a brute than as being intelligent.

He poured the egg mixture into the pan as she tried to help him clarify his thoughts about vampires. It would be one of the worst things for people to find out vampires existed. It would be a war that wouldn't be equally fought. He would have to forever keep his mouth shut about knowing the fact that he didn't so much danger could come of it. He was letting his mind run a bit and he focused back on the eggs, sprinkling some cheese chilli flakes and peppers into one half before folding the other half over. He pulled it off the heat to dump it onto a plate for Veronica. He sprinkled a bit of salt and pepper over top and pushed it in front of her, returning the pan back to the stove to cook for himself.

She topped back up his cup and he listened how there were so many other girls in the word more beautiful than her. To him there was no comparison. Shutting on the burner, as she asked if he was an only child. He could see she was changing the subject and he moved to where she was and placed a hand under her chin so she would have to look at him. "Never compare yourself to any other woman. You're more beautiful than any princess or movie star and shouldn't  say this because they would probably get mad. You are  more beautiful then all five of my sisters." He smiled and let his lips touch her very quickly and soft before reaching behind her and sliding the plate closer, not giving her a moment to react. "Eat up. I also have two brothers, they are uglier than frogs, so,I guess you were lucky to meet me first." He made his way back around to the stove and turned the burner back on and started cooking for himself, turning away hiding a sly smile as it spread across his face.

[Veronica Call]

Last thing she wanted was some trouble between her good friend, ex, and Rafael. She’s uncertain on what kind of relationship she and Rafael will have but she’s certain for sure, she will take her time to get to know him and not jump ships. ”Thank you.” She felt little relieved knowing he is not going to cause any trouble with Catcher. Catcher, Natasha, Seth and her were four musketeers in her eyes. However, after what happened between her and Catcher, she’s not certain if they will be like how they used to be. Deep down, she wished she didn’t mess up anything with him and hoped that in the future there wouldn’t be any awkwardness between them.

”Quileute Shape-shifters and vampires have been enemies since a vampire started killing among both Quileute settlements and of their neighbors.” Veronica watched Rafael cook as she explained why they’re enemies. There are good and bad vampires, she has been staying at the good vampire family. ”This house belongs to Carlyle and Esme Cullen. Personally, I don’t mind vampires as long as they’re the good ones. Like Claude. I needed a place outside of Res and my friend, Bella, told me to keep an eye on the house while Cullen’s are out. It worked out for me.” The house itself was middle of the woods, by a river, making it feel like isolation paradise for her. Veronica had the urge to tell Rafael more but she had to hold herself back. He had a rough night and her throwing more information at him with either fry his brain, as Candela liked to say pea sized brain, or have him run away. She wanted him to run for the hills though he made it clear she’s stuck with him.

As Rafael cooked, Veronica went to pantry to take out hot sauce and ketchup. Placing them on the counter and opened bread box to realize that she was out of bread. Her cheeks flushed pink when Rafael complimented her ass. She wasn’t used to the compliments over her ass or compliments in general. Thankful her back was towards Rafael and he couldn’t see her. ”Acting like a caveman? You are a caveman. And no you cannot pee on me to mark your territory.” Veronica pictured Rafael peeing on her in front of her and his friends to mark territory. It was funny yet disturbing that Rafael might do something like that. He doesn’t have anger issue like her however from what she can tell, he has issues with guys hitting on her. If he had seen her how she was back in school with short skirts, tanks and heels, he would have a heart attack then throw some baggy clothes or coat at her and cover her up. The picture of him doing that burned in her head, making her laugh at the image.

Veronica took out utensils from drawer and took her place at the island counter right before he placed omelet before her. Her stomach has been growling at her nonstop, making her mouth water and waiting to dig in. Picking up fork, she was about to dig in when she felt his warm hand under her chin. Her chin tipped up, her eyes looked at his wet, full lips then trailing her eyes to meet his green gaze. She noticed that his beautiful greens has brown specks in them. He was talking but she wasn’t registering anything in her brain. She was sucker for beautiful eyes and truth be told, she was sucker for handsome guys. She told herself to pull away. She has to. It did not matter that he’s single and that he’s Candela’s ex fuck buddy. He won’t be here long, and he’s not someone she should become attached to. His hand was holding her in place and she couldn’t pull away. The kiss was so light and quick that she barely had time to register and recoil.


So far there has been no post-kiss awkwardness. As Rafael went back to cooking his food, she drank coffee and wiped her lips with paper towel. It wasn’t full kiss but rather a peck on her lips. The kiss. The cooking. And whatever he was thinking or doing, she was not expecting that. It felt wrong to have her lips touch someone else and her mind was screaming at her that she betrayed Axel. In her mind, she laughed and rolled her eyes when it came to Axel. He was gone. Left her in the dust and same thing will happen to her again if she lets Rafael win her over. Veronica had to stay strong and not cave into whatever Rafael had plans. This was supposed to be harmless breakfast, get to know one another before anything. She was hoping to take this slowly with Rafael or any guy. She wasn’t completely healed on the inside and she doesn’t know when she will be.

Grabbing hot sauce bottle, she shook at little before uncapping and adding some on top of her food. ”That’s huge family. No wonder you want a huge family. I can picture it, you and your siblings fighting, loving, have each other’s support…” She stopped talking, not wanting to finish the sentence. From the talks of it, she can tell that one day he too wanted a big family. One day, maybe she will have a family of hers. One day she will have enough love to give to her man. One day she will be happy with her life. For now, she’s going to give her attention to Rafael. ”Even if I did meet them first, I don’t think they will get any different reaction as you got from me.” She dug into her food, savoring taste of eggs, peppers, cheese and spices. All she was missing was either butter toast with jam or hash browns.

[Rafael Wolfe]

Time, that was what he would need to let all these things about vampires, and shape-shifters to sink in. It was a strange thought that even though they should be enemies that there were exceptions to the rules. There was already too much information swirling around his head he really didn't want or ask to make more questions on the subject he just hoped Veronica would never l have any repercussions for telling him all this information,she didn't deserve them. "I'm glad to know Claude is one of the good ones, the last thing I need is to run and hide from a vampire. Probably find me wherever I go and I don't think there is any place sunny enough to keep them away."

He watched her leave the island and walk over to the pantry grabbing a few condiments and setting them down in front of him. He didn't know why he referred to himself as a caveman man but it was an obvious comparison that he wished didn't completely exist. He was a man made of muscle and hair that looked more like someone you would find living in the wilderness and not in a city of steel and stone. A full belly laugh bursted out of his mouth when she mentioned him peeing on her to mark her territory. "Pee on you? Last thing I would do is pee on you, I'm not an animal Veronica. Shouldn'tI be worried about you peeing on me?" It was a funny joke but she was more beast than him. He just looked more like one with chosen appreciation than she did but inside her there was a monster ready to explode whenever she desired to let it out. He kissed her knowing this part of her. Every bit of her he would accept even if it seemed crazy for him to do so most people would run but the moment he had first seen her he knew there was something special about her, something deeper that pulled him in. There was nothing about her that fit the mold of the girls he would have originally gone for even if it took him forever he hoped one day she would be the half that made him feel whole.

He picked up a handful of ham, cheese and peppers and tossed them in with the eggs that he had cooking away in the pan for himself, sprinkling more chili flakes on his then he had done here's not know how hot she like her food but he took the mental note the moment she had set the hot sauce down on the counter a few moments before that seemed to like things a little spicer. It made he wonder if wasn only her food choice she like a little hotter or would it be a little more adventures in other aspects in her life, lie the bedroom. The thought was wiped from his maid erhe moment he saw her wipe her lips with a napkin not long after kissing her. He hadn't eaten anything yet so he didn't worry that he had bad breath. He was worried that he may have done something wrong but she didn't say anything about it so he didn't either. There was no reason to make things awkward.

Usually when people found out he had a big it surprised people, Raf liked having so many siblings but he didn't talk about them much. When he was younger they were pretty close but now they are enjoying their own lives. His young sister just turned eighteen and soon would make a choice about what she wanted to do with her life. He just hoped she would close something more promising than he did. He had chosen to try to become a pro surfer, it worked out for a while but when he had to give it up because of his accident he didn't have much to fall back on. It was why when his uncle got sick he was free to leave California, with all that happened with his accident he would never be able to ride a surfboard to the level he was at before. "We were all close when we were younger. I'm the second oldest so watching the others grow over the years was fun. It one thing I love about being a part of a big family is you get to see the younger ones grow and become beautiful people."

He turned off the stove and took the pan off the stove, tipping his omelet out onto a plate and picking up a fork to join her in eating. He tried a bite first, then put some salt, pepper. He reached out and grabbed the hot sauce in his large hand holding a finger over the lid before giving it a shake a few time and drizzling some on top of his eggs.He did want a big family one day but knowing how hard his mother and father had to work to provide for eight children he didn't want to have to struggle like they had to keep ends meet. For years every time he would win some money from competing he would send money back home to help the family. The one thing being a big brother to so many had thought him was you took care of your own if they were struggling you did your best to make ether struggle a little less painful. "Why is that? You weren't impressed when I strolled up to you on the beach, finding my confidence to give you my number, what made you call anyway? After every time I tried to talk to you I felt you were a little cold." He picked at his eggs, shoveling a mouth full of food in his mouth, careful not to get any for the melted cheese to fall into his beard. He looked up at her. He knew sometimes he could come off too strong but when he knew her really wanted something he was determined.

He let his eyes fall on Veronica, studying the little deals of her face, her deep brown eyes and how her dark lashes framed them beautifully without the help of makeup. She was most beautiful like this in her natural state, not needing anything to enhance anything. She did look nice all dolled up the night before but he prefered her au naturel. She was someone he wanted in his life. If she didn't like all his advances he would ease up a bit. She was a queen in his eyes, a woman who deserved the world and if she really gave him a chance he would always treat her as such. He nodded his head up at her as he slit the fork out of his mouth, it gritted his teeth slightly making a slight grading like sound and it clicked around his enamel. "How's your breakfast?"