ROLEPLAY HQ - collision-course

The nice thing about owning the only mechanics shop in a sleepy little town between big cities, was being the soul call out for wrecks in a hundred miles in any direction. Antonio’s shop was fair in its pricing. His tools did the job, even the few with more rust than paint. He’d purchased the place almost years back from an old couple looking to retire to Florida. He wasn’t much for crowds or complications. It took the locals a few years to know him enough to stop giving him looks when he rode his motorcycle into town, but everyone recognized the rumble of old blue. The very large tow truck that sat outside his shop when he was busy under a hood. The winter months always brought slick roads and more call-outs. Enough to get him through the year financially and allow for easy summers. November, the week before Thanksgiving, was no different. One of the first freezing snowfalls of the year coated the two-lane back roads between highways. He’d made a pot of coffee and figured it would be better to stay at the shop for the night. Someone would inevitably need a tow, and there was an antique Chevy in the corner that he had an itch to work on again. His favorite large mug sat on the workbench half full while he rolled between the frame and the pile of parts beside it. .

02:25

A quiet little existence, far away from anyone who knew who or what he was. The biggest issue in this town was every time he had to tow Mrs. Roberts… who insisted on parking anywhere but a valid parking spot. The local sheriffs get a kick out of her yelling at Antonio, but he doesn’t mind. A job is a job, and this one was perfect for him. After meticulously sanding the oxidation from the bit of frame he was working on, the office phone rang loudly through the shop. Clock nearing three am. “That took longer than expected.” He sighed, wiping his hands with a rag and shoving it in his pocket as he wandered over. “Tony’s Towing and Repair.” His customer service voice didn’t change much. What he lacked in smiles and pleasantries, he made up for in skill and price.

The local Sheriff was on the line. There was no rush to get in the truck, a single-car skidded into the guardrail. The driver had a seizure, was on their way to the hospital, and the vehicle was inoperable. With the snow starting to fall, and more incoming calls… they set up appropriate flairs and had to get to the next wreck. Out here… there wasn’t a need for more than three law enforcement officers. Four if you counted the clerk they swore in to watch over the one cell at the station. The vehicle was off the road, there were flares, and all the paperwork had been done. There was very little that required a warm body to be standing at mile marker forty-five in freezing temperatures. Red and blue flashing lights faded off down the winding turn near the reserve. Acres and acres of trees grew tall right to the edge of the road. Around the bend, the officers had missed a break in the brush. The second car was a few yards in. The tiny two-door Nissan held one passenger slummed toward the center console and dazed. The problem with driving through the night was exhaustion and it had all happened so fast. Did Sarah drift off into the other lane sleepily? The only clear memory was SUV headlights that she swerved to miss, and then blurs of green and a blinding headache. The trickle of blood from her eyebrow was superficial at worst. A trembling finger slid across the stabbing pain and she hissed in a daze. This couldn’t happen. She wasn’t far enough away. Her shoulder throbbed where the seatbelt kept her from the windshield. Safety glass scattered over the faded purple duffle in the passenger seat. She groaned and tugged at the belt. Sarah had to get out, find a bus, take a cab. Anything.

The mile markers were a formality. Every year someone ended up in trouble around devils bend. It was a rather steep curve around some protected land at the bottom of a hill. There was usually black ice there before anywhere else and people always drove too fast to stop for wildlife or safety. Old blue rumbled down the road at a steady pace. Some rock station on low broke up the quiet of the forty-minute drive out of town. The town of Purling was already decked to the nines for the holiday season. Santas and snowflakes on polls ended at the city line. Forty-five was a main traveled path. It skipped tolls and was still close to the highway if you got lost… which was hard to do. There were seven turn-offs in a sixty-mile span. Four gas stations, his shop, and two access roads with more ‘No trespassing’ signs than tire marks. The orange tinge of the flare lights cut through the moonless night and reflected off the banged-up SUV. It wasn’t too bad, but the front wheel’s axel was definitely shot. Probably hit the guardrail almost straight on. He threw the truck in reverse, his tattooed arm over the passenger seat so he could get in a position to hook it up. Reverse lights bright across the brush and the annoying trill of his reverse warning ruined a fairly singable chorus. Antonio hadn’t bothered with a coat. His mechanics' shirt was half-buttoned over a plain grey tank top. Still humming along with the music, he grumbled and groaned as he climbed under the SUV and tilted the bed. .

05:20

All the common scents were present. Gasoline, Motor oil, the Leather of the interior. Heightened smell had helped him diagnose cars when it came to leaks. The sweet smell of anti-freeze and pungent air from a radiator problem. With the chains secure and the whirr of the SUV tilting up onto the bed, another scent that wasn’t uncommon at accidents… blood. It was faint in the air, but it was enough for him to climb up along the SUV. His head tucked into the driver’s side and he drew in a deep breath through his nose. It wasn’t from the SUV. Maybe they had hit an animal. The deer were pretty bad this time of year. Antonio’s breath was visible in the cold night as he checked the chains and safety of the SUV. He didn’t bother to turn off the truck. The lights would help anyone driving to know there was an issue. Instead, well-loved boots shuffled across the gravel and into the brush long past the flares. If it was a deer, he could at least make sure it didn’t suffer unnecessarily. What he wasn’t expecting to find was a second car. The scent of oils and fluids was accompanied by the hissing of a damaged engine and blood. The little blue car had made it pretty far in, his head on a swivel for the road, or tracks… trying to figure out how it was missed. He didn’t need a flashlight, the reserve was more home to him than the shop, and navigating nature was a gift he enjoyed. The lights of the car were out. The engine wasn’t running. Hell, when he set his hand on the metal of the car it was cold. “Hello?” His voice wasn’t hopeful. He’d gotten the call an hour ago? The other driver was already gone… so two hours minimum. Then however long the other driver sat there waiting for someone to come along… Asking if anyone alive was stupid, but it crossed his mind as he yanked on the door. The hinges had been crushed, and for anyone else, that door wouldn’t have opened. The crunch of metal giving way to strength made the driver finch away and catch his attention.

@quinnfox

She had tried. The belt wouldn’t unbuckle, and the horn didn’t work. Her throat had gone hoarse from yelling, but by the time officers arrived she didn’t have it in her anymore. Cold, shivering, and huddled as close to herself as she could manage, tired bloodshot eyes watched red and blue lights appear. Heard sirens, and radios and watched everything come and go. Exhaustion won out and sleep took hold. Sarah yelped at the ear-splitting cry of metal being forced aside. Her messy dark hair slung to the side as her arm came up the guard her face reflexively. The hour or two of sleep only added to the aches and pains as she groaned and winced at the rush of cool air from the door. She had tried to open it earlier. It didn’t budge. Her heart rate skyrocketed peering out into the darkness among the trees. There was no officers mag light, no sirens, no ‘Ma’am are you okay’s like most were apt to do on a crash sight. Was it Grant? She’d been driving for over a day. She left her phone and her laptop. All electronics and took the oldest car they had. Even the windows were hand crank. Sarah flinched away from the warm arm reaching past her chest. A trembling squirm followed by her elbow connecting with whatever brushed her shoulder. Like an animal trapped in a snare breathless attempt to defend herself would only further her injuries.

“What the fuck!” Antonio growled as the tiny boney elbow slammed his head into the frame of the door. He had only bent in to get the belt off her. “Stop moving I’m trying to help.” He hissed, using his arm to press her into the seat and prevent another strike. Sure she was scared, who wouldn’t be? But that didn’t give her the right to go swinging on people. The belt clicked free and retracted over her chest in perfect working order. It slammed into the anchor it threaded through on the frame. Her skin was clammy against the back of his arm very little warmth left to her. “Are you in pain? Do I need to call the ambulance back?” he crouched down to get a better look inside the car. Heat was an issue. Ghost white skin trembled from head to toe. She was clearly swinging just fine and probably didn’t have a neck injury. He huffed and let his elbows rest on his knees. The car wasn’t particularly crunched around her. Glass: sure, but there wasn’t a large amount of blood. The congealed blood on her face spoke more to temperature issues than injury. “Let's get you into the truck and call back a sheriff. Shouldn’t be too far up the road.” Antonio fished his phone out of his pocket and turned on the flashlight. Spotlight on his open palm hoped the woman would settle down enough to get her out of the cold. Being unable to see always made humans restless… that was thoughtless on his part. He just wasn’t expecting her to be alive.

@quinnfox

Once the voice was unfamiliar to her she calmed down. It wasn’t Grant. She could still run. The burn of his forearm pressing her into the seat made her cough and groan. How long had she been out for? “Please stop touching!” She demanded angrily as his arm retreated past the belt. There was no more restraint holding her to her seat. He seemed to follow instructions. Silky questions still laced with annoyance, even though the words dripped with concern. “No!” The mere mention of the sheriff was enough energy to get her turned in her seat. “Please don’t call the sheriff. I’ll pay the tow. Whatever else.” Wide icy blue eyes managed to catch a glimpse of the muted blue every mechanic seemed to own. Fear and exhaustion were high in her voice, she was unsteady on her feet but still determined to get moving. Aches and groans were suppressed as she clamored out and nearly fell. It would deplete the cash she had on hand, but one call to a law enforcement officer and she was screwed. “Just need my bag and a bus stop. Please?” The problem with being stubborn, and scared, was she couldn’t run forever, but she had no clue what else to do.

Antonio huffed and stood as she panicked and got out of the car on her own. He kept his light below her eye level, and his arm shot out to catch her as she stumbled. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes at himself. This was exactly the type of thing he tried to avoid. Something messy involving law enforcement. Now, practically cradling someone in distress being for help… he was sure he didn’t want the trouble that came with her. Her weight wasn’t much on his arm, body heat nonexistent next to his, even for a human. Whatever her troubles were, dying seemed preferable to involving anyone. Could he do that again? Let someone resolve to end their own life in one way or another? “Okay. Okay.” His arm carefully pulled her into his chest just enough to make her stop moving. Stop bumbling around in a panic. It was hard to watch and tugged at parts of him it usually didn’t. “I’m not calling anyone… but you gotta get in the truck.” Antonio’s arm opened just enough, if she wanted to walk away from him he wouldn’t hold her back, he just didn’t want her to face plant into a pricker bush. “You okay to walk?” His light shined on the most level path back to the road. Of course this woman had to be difficult turning back to the car after a few steps. Some utterance about a bag. .

07:54

“Don’t worry about the car or the bag. Just get in the truck and I’ll take care of it.” His voice was low and full of graveled annoyance. If she would just listen, it would take him no time at all to load the whole car onto the truck and bring it with them. Easier than doing the paperwork on finding a crash victim the sheriff missed anyway. While he corralled her back onto the road, and the passenger side of the truck, his thoughts were heavy with how involved he chose to get. Not calling law enforcement wasn’t really punishable. They had been at the scene and did paperwork. He could just say her car was with the other and towed it in. As for her… another huff. “It’s a bit of a climb but the heats on and the radios quiet.” He pulled open the rarely used door and left his hand high on her back as she climbed up into the seat. Even in the dim light of night, the seams of her jeans winding over the curve of her hip held his attention for as long as he could get away with.

@quinnfox

Sarah followed the corralling. The warm arm up and blocked her path to anywhere but the truck. He wasn’t going to call so she was still safe. Every few steps the tingling in her foot kept her unsteady, and what she wouldn’t give to be able to sit… she also wouldn’t ask to be carried. Every falter, his bare forearm burned against her arm as he kept her standing. The rattle of the old truck was a relief to hear as her cold bare feet hit the pavement. At this point, it didn’t matter. She was absently walking toward warmth and the promise she wouldn’t wake up to Grant. The air in the truck was suffocatingly hot as she climbed into the cab. The door shut behind her before she could even say thank you or ask his name. She tugged her feet up onto the seat, the smallest ball she could make herself absently tugging the fabric over her seat around her. It stung across her bare shoulders, even more, important to get warm. The mechanic had been right… and very kind about her elbowing him in the face. The gentle rumbling of the truck and low radio bathed her in white noise. The dim cab of the truck was only lit by the reflection of his headlights off the guardrail… Sarah drew in a deep breath and tried to find some semblance of comfort. With her forehead on the condensation of the window, it took no time at all to pass out.

Antonio closed the door as she settled into her seat. He shouldn’t be doing this. With the human into proper temperatures, he could search the car and hopefully find something out. His excuse is clearing the way for his truck… or grabbing the damn bag she seemed so set on in her confusion. He trudged back through the trees as snow began to fall. She should have been dead. Anyone would be dead out here for hours. At the very least frostbitten. Without an audience to downplay his abilities, he wrenched open the trunk. Nothing but a beat-up roadside emergency kit… jumper cables… some reusable grocery bags. The back seat was empty... clean but empty. The front seat offered some insight. A duffle bag, some fast food garbage… and a very large hunting knife, sheathed in old leather. He tossed the knife into the bag after opening it to find clothes. The bag itself reeked of a scent he couldn’t place. The hairs on the back of his neck stood, and he emptied the bag onto the seat. What was it? determined hands pulled around clothes and shoved them back in the bag. There was an interest and a warning coursing through his veins as his search ended fruitlessly. Where ever she was going. She packed light, cash only. No IDs or bank cards. There was nothing in the glove box in case she was pulled over. He’d have to run the VIN at the shop to know who truly owned it. All this told him very little about the woman on the road in his truck. Antonio stood tall over the car with his eyes closed, simply listening. The rumble of old blue hadn’t changed, and the door hadn’t opened. There was no indication that anyone besides them was nearby. No ID, no electronics, and fear of… something. Now whatever trouble that was, was going to be waiting in the seat of his truck. .

09:09

The car was already in a position to be winched out, and there was room for one more on the bed of the truck. It was a simple matter of moving the flares to accommodate a new position. They were burning low as it was, so he worked quickly. Maybe it was the unknown scent maybe it was how easily he wrapped his arms around a stranger… he wasn’t ready to climb back up in the cab with her yet. Instead, he changed how he worked. The tow box on the back of the truck held enough straps to string up the car’s frame. A scowl on his face and a cold huff of annoyance rose through the air as he worked in silence. Maybe he was overthinking it. Someone in distress. It was natural to want to help. The scents in her bag made knots him his chest, a warning. A warning he wanted to revisit. Eventually, he had to trudge back to the truck and climb in. Antonio’s hand purposely made as much noise as possible with the old metal handle of the door. An attempt not to startle her, and to alert her to his presence so he wasn’t elbowed again. Much to his surprise, his annoyed glare softened at the sleeping pile of hair buried under a few of his work shirts. The cab was way too warm, and she didn’t touch the music or wake as he put the truck in reverse and collected her car up. This was turning out to be a shit day and the sun wasn’t even up yet. With her car loaded, he grabbed her duffle out of the car before climbing down. She’d probably want it when she woke. Instead of opening the passenger door, waking and startling her to give it to her… He reached over the console with the bag and set it where her feet should be. She was sleeping so soundly through it all there was worry. Was she injured? His calloused handset on her foot, as it was the only bare skin exposed to the air that seemed remotely acceptable as a stranger. At least she was warming up. Slowly. "Hey," Antonio's voice was soft and low.

@quinnfox

Sarahs foot tugged back under the flannel shirt, and she grumbled, eyes barely slits in sleepy confusion. The warm grip over the top of her foot was suddenly missing and she looked from her foot across the cab. “I’m up.” Her voice was barely above the rumble of the truck and the radio. “Im up.” Sarah assured herself more than him. As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, the cold ache of her hands stung and she winced… guess having crusted eyelashes was better than pain. “I can pay for the tow and all-“

“-It’s about forty minutes back to the yard,” He waved off the confusion and assurances. The cash in the bag would cover any fee he might have had. “Your bags near your foot, are you sure you don’t need a hospital?” Even he was surprised in the worry in his question as he looked over the pile of shirts. Something wasn’t adding up, and now the odd scent of her bag was filling the cab with the blowers on high to warm her.

“I haven’t slept in a few days… Everything else is bumps and bruises.” Sarah sheepishly explained and pushed herself up in the seat in attempt to keep herself awake. Sure, she knew what was really going on with her, it wasn’t the accident. “Should be okay by morning.” Sarah’s voice trailed a bit as a warm hand rested on her forearm between them on the console. “Im ok.” She absently patted like they’d been old friends. Her chin dipped as she fought off sheer exhaustion with the intention of being diligent. Knowing where she was going, trying to make a plan to keep moving north.

He didn’t even realize his hand had found another patch of skin between them. Concern in the soft squeeze left him putting the truck in drive and headed back toward the shop. Sarah’s skin was tingling and cool under his fingertips. As much as he wanted to change the music, to turn the fan down to stop blowing vigilance at the hairs still standing on his neck. He kept his eyes on the road and wasn’t sure he wanted to see her reaction. Antonio wasn’t sure what all was going on, but getting the truck unloaded and a better look at this woman he was now highly aware of. The shallow breaths, shaking hands, and skittish nature. The kind of fear that made her elbow collide with his face was not usually unfounded. Something was a negative force chasing a small frame and bright blue eyes. He rolled his eyes and internally grumbled at himself for even thinking about her looks. She had enough trouble without adding him to the mix. As her body weight shifted in the seat his attention whipped and his eyes whipped over.

Her chin bobbed and she pulled the softer fabric up over her shoulders. Exhaustion claimed consciousness and she fought it like her life depended on it. Because it did. The assuring warmth in the brush of his thumb over her skin chases away fears that had kept her up. Kept her driving and hoping to outrun the horrid situation. She slumped toward the safety holding her arm in front of a heater fan. Restful sleep would hopefully help the fog and weakness she refused to admit. Clad in comfort and offering haven in his workshirt… she would sleep for the rest of the ride.

Antonio shifted in his seat so his arm and shoulder were over the console between them. A bit of closeness as the soft fluff of her hair spilled over his ink-laden forearm. Forty minutes never seemed to pass so fast. What was he going to do? She didn’t want a hospital… or cops. Her breathing seemed to slow, a deeper sleep in her pile of comfort… Her small free hand rested on her forearm butted up against his as she shifted and muttered. Why was she still cool to the touch? The cab was so warm he had to crack the window to be able to breathe. Forty minutes later the headlights cut through the chain-link fence to the lot of projects and tows. There was still no solid solution to the no-named woman he’d been holding for the better part of an hour. The no-named fear that had convinced him so simply to abandon any semblance of law enforcement or passing of responsibility. His grip on her forearm flexed. A little harder with each grip. “Hey, uh. We’re at the shop.” Antonio fought the urge to move her hair from her face as he reached around the steering wheel to turn the truck off so he didn’t have to let go. Why hadn’t he thought to ask her name? Then waking her could be far gentler. Usually, the last thing he cared about was a name. It was on every document, registration, billing slip. Names were so easily forgotten to him that he normally didn’t ask. “I’m sorry,” Antonio shook her arm lightly and barely whispered. “Don’t know your name and it’s time to get out of the truck.” He urged as she stirred.

Sarah’s muttering in her sleep quieted and she sat up and away from the center consol. She shoved her hair out of her face and cautious eyes surveyed her surroundings long before the driver. Some kind of car lot, a few tarps over wrecks and everything seemed neatly tucked in order. As she twisted and flexed what she could she let out a whimper and clasped her hand over her mouth looking at Antonio. “Sorry. My name’s Sarah.” She cleared her throat. “Lemme grab my bag and we can do paperwork.” Sarah was careful to keep her shoulder blade still as she opened the passenger door and climbed down. Her bag held what few things were left of hers, and every resource she had. She tugged it out with her good side and closed the door. Out of view, her eyes closed and she took a moment to herself. To really check what she was doing and how she was health wise. She still couldn’t reach the edge of her shoulder blade. That arm was still almost useless. Her thoughts were clearer. The wolfsbane having worn off quite a bit. Sarah was no longer weak on her feet and in a daze. Simply exhausted. Good enough to keep moving. The hour or so of sleep was more than needed. Careful barefooted steps brought her around the truck toward the door below the rusted “Office” sign. Her breath was still visible in the air and the bone chilling cold affected her in ways she hadn’t accounted for.

His free hand smooths down his facial hair and he jingles the keys in his hand after she moves away from him. Antonio wouldn’t have minded sitting there, waiting for her to calm down before she moved away… but he understood. He cleared his throat and began straightening the cab. All the while warm eyes stole glances and side views anytime he could. Was she okay? Better than before? Humans needed hospitals after certain temperatures were reached… His thought’s ceased at her whimper. Concern in his attentiveness as his head whips to inspect. Had he missed an injury? He could still smell her blood, but it wasn’t a lot of it. Maybe a scrape or two aside from the one on her eyebrow. “Names Antonio.” He was sure to be ahead of her, first through the shop door and holding it open. IF she was making an attempt to hide her arm, the door would have given it away. As she passes that thick heavy scent catches his attention again. Hitch in his breath and uptick in his heartrate. “The car will still be there after you find your bearings and are well enough to travel.” He assured her as he hit the light switches and let the door close out the cold. His shop wasn’t particularly warm, but the woodstove in the small seating area was always going. “Have a seat over there for a moment?” he gestured to the sectional facing the glow of the wood stove. He drew in another deep breath, the unnamed scent driving him mad… and disappeared into his office. Something wasn’t adding up.

10:35

Sarah had his attention. The slightest noise. Shift of her weight. His curiosity was unbridled with so little from her as a whole. He shuffled through his closet. The scent was familiar, and the wardrobe was usually closed enough that the scents didn’t overwhelm when he was sitting at his desk a few feet away. What kind of familiar though? An animal he’d encountered out hunting? Some Karen and her damn hairspray? No not that. It was familiar… but not the same… until his eyes landed on the small chest in the back corner of the locker. He didn’t need to open it. She was familiar… because she was a wolf… and different, because there was a pack scent. So why was she traveling alone? Why scared? Packs looked after their own…

Sarah adjusted the strap over her good shoulder and was quick to follow along. She’d gotten enough sleep… it was time to keep moving. Her senses were still dulled. Nose picking up nothing more than a mechanics shop. The oils, concretes, solvents, chemicals. The shop seemed massive until he hit the light switches and revealed the entirety of the room. Maybe she should try to sleep more. Surely a bus station in the middle of no where would take time. She could sleep while she waited. Right...? Her cool tired gaze surveyed him from head to toe as she stopped in the doorway. Longer over the empty shop. The internal battle to keep moving. She was only a few hundred miles off from her destination. But she was far from well. The mechanic had been sympathetic to her requests to leave authorities out of it… and his suggestion of the couch near the heat source was more than welcoming. “Sure,” She nodded, her bag on the floor in front of her as she sunk into the corner of the couch closest to the stove. He seemed on a mission. Maybe to finish paperwork, or fix an issue. It was hard to keep her eyes open. Warm air blowing on her, the muted smells and senses offering a false haze of calm. It was calm nonetheless. Time and a false calm won out over the itch to run, and the itch across her frozen feet heating up. If they found the car abandoned on Antonio’s lot, would any trouble befall him? No… probably not. IT was in an accident, and she intended to sign it over for salvage or wreck to cover the cost. Swimming in her thoughts and plans she zoned out. It was a relief in comparison to the hyper vigilance she’d adopted running on her own for a few days.

Antonio huffed and scratched his head in the doorway. A curious dark gaze looked over the back of her head as she settled into the couch. Certainly, she would know he was a wolf by scent. Right? As she shifted and adjusted and whimpered, he perked up. Standing straight and turning to tune in to her. IF she was a wolf, most if not all of her injuries should have healed by now. She should have been able to see him without a light. A car accident shouldn’t have left a wolf so confused and out of it. Was it his problem? No. No, he should just deal with the paperwork and drop her at the nearest transportation terminal. It wasn’t something he needed to get involved in. He’d left the pack for his own reasons and had no issues living a regular life. Maybe she was trying for that too. Seeing her safely to her transportation was more than enough for a wolf in passing. It still didn’t sit well with him. Something in the terror on her face when he arrived at the car made him want to ask questions. To get involved… “So, It wouldn’t take more than a day or two for me to get it on the road.” He explained standing at the counter where his rarely used register sat. “We could arrange a rental, and I could start now if you want.” Antonio couldn’t help but wonder if she’d accept. If he’d find a reason to be in town a little more than he usually was.

“I was just hoping to sign it over for salvage to cover the cost.” She explains and pushes up out of the couch gingerly. Her voice is tired, lackluster in it’s determination. Bare feet pad across the concrete and the chill is instantaneous. “Where is the nearest bus station?” Sarah notices some old, folded maps on a faded plastic brochure hanger in the corner. It might have been installed when the place was new… but the sun had long tinged the plastic, and the paper that was once vibrant had faded… but it would work. At least to give her a sense in where she was walking.

Antonio frowned. Other than some bodywork and a check-up the car was fine enough. “It’s not so damaged to be junked…” There was more concern in his explanation as she grabbed up an old map. It seemed she was intent on leaving. Even in a weakened state. It was reckless and unnecessary. The bus station in town opens in four hours.” He glanced at an analog clock on the far wall. He huffed in annoyance and leaned on his elbow over the counter. Bare feet. Was she even going to make it that far in the cold? “Give me until the station opens to get a better idea of your car. I’m not expecting anyone to come in, or if you’d feel better you can go up to the loft. A lot of manuals and dust… but I use it when I’ve stayed too long to drive safely.” Antonio thumbed over his shoulder to a set of stairs. Even if she chose to sit where she had been, she would be fine. “There’s no point in traveling like you are right now,” It comes out far harsher than intended. “First chance I’ll drop you at a terminal but don’t go making yourself worse.” Antonio intentionally softens his voice. It wasn’t meant as a jab but seeing any wolf in that state was unnerving. It almost slips out. A question of her healing… but he’d already been far more abrasive and involved than he intended to be. What happened to just getting her on her way? He could have simply bought it from her, offering a fair price, and fixed it up to sell. That would have been helpful… but now he’s told her to stay… and suggested the closest thing he had to a bedroom.

Sarah had left her bag by the couch to deal with what she thought would be a lot of paperwork. Her fingers were laced on the edge of the counter, deferring to his mechanical knowledge over her current mindset. As he explained and pointed at the stairs her heart dropped. If she was here too long… she could be tracked. Right? The car would be sitting outside. There would be no lying about her having been here… then Grant would know where she was headed, and it would get so much harder. “I…” She stumbled over an explanation. When her plan was repeated back to her, she knew how it sounded. “I’m headed a few hundred miles from here… and I really should keep going.” Sarah wasn’t sure how to explain she would find sanctuary with a pack famous for holding no negotiations with other packs. All she would have to do is make it onto their territory and Grant would be an issue of the past. Facing the judgement of Black Ridge Pack would be far easier than returning to the wolf who claimed ownership of her. Still he persisted, a harsh reality check of her traveling in her current state. “The couch is fine, thank you.” Sarah agrees and meekly returns to her seat. He wasn’t wrong, and even standing and walking over to the counter pulled more energy than she thought she had. It takes no time at all for her to drift off watching the warm embers of the fire behind the soot crested glass.

Antonio sighed in relief as she retreated to her seat. “I’ll see what I can do about your car in that time,” He excused himself to tend to the very real ticking clock sitting on the truck bed outside. Could he make it run for four hours? Not likely. People tended to be more at ease with timelines when you could give them reasons and specifics… so he endeavored to find that… and leave the conundrum of a weakened injured wolf to rest. Once outside… the worry for Sarah’s well-being overrode common sense and he pulled his phone out.

16:04

So, what would in theory keep a wolf weakened, confused and or in pain in a car crash?

Nothing from a car crash. Havent heard from you in years and this is hello?

Hello you whiney dick. Car into the trees. Below freezing for hours. Superficial cuts/scrapes. Weak on feet. Seemingly confused and quiet. Shoulder back wincing/pain

16:32

Antonio huffed at his phone and began taking the straps and chains off her car to get it unloaded. One glance at an 'almost injury' and he threw away years of radio silence with his olf pack. years

Wolves arent overly complicated. Silver, wolfsbane, decapitation/major physical trauma. everything else is a whiney dick looking for excuses.

I might need your help. Keep your phone on please

Will do. Updates required.

Antonio huffed and shoved the phone into his pocket. He hadn’t a need to contact his old pack in years. Will was one of the few that he even kept as a contact. The man had a good head on his shoulders and was someone Antonio respected. Calloused hands worked the ratchet straps and chains on the she-wolf's car, and he worked on getting it into the bay. The knot in his chest hadn’t loosened. He knew of the major reasons… but none of those seemed to fit the tiny build, overly polite, and skittish nature in his waiting area. As soon as he had the car rolled into the shop, he closed the roll-up door and glanced over, half expecting her to have left already. Instead, she’s slumped over the side of the wide armrest and fallen asleep. Too curious to leave well enough alone, silent steps brought him over to the waiting area to get a better look at her now that he wasn’t driving. With a heavy sigh, he crosses his arms. His work boots are barely touching the bag she’d set in front of her. It was a strange tug at his usual disinterest. To spend time simply looking at someone. Her long dark hair was a mess. Soft features are even calmer at rest. Not that she looked very restful. All crunched up and twisted to take up the smallest amount of space. Maybe that’s why her face was scrunched in pain. Very gently, his palm wrapped around her ankle over the jeans. A gradual pressure trying to urge her to lay flat. To make sure she didn’t hurt more when she woke. The curiosity in the tingle as his wrist brushed her bare foot. She was still practically mentholated and he froze to simply register the sensation. Pensive gaze on his hand, the urge to continue to touch her made him retract his hand. She’d laid out flatter. It was good enough. He tugged a blanket over her and returned to the task at hand. The car. The car and not the want to be closer to someone who clearly needed it. She had even settled when his hand was on her.

14:46

If I asked you to visit. Maybe now. Would you?

Are you the injured one?

no... I dont even know why Im asking and I need a second set of eyes

Wait. are you legitimately asking for my help with something???

Something isnt right.

Send me an address

(address)

Sarah fell into an exhausted sleep. She barely registered his hand around her ankle. The whimper at her dreams and the shift of her should is muffled into the couch cushion. By the time his friend arrives she’ll be drenched in a cold sweat, clinging to the blanket around herself and shivering.

Antonio huffed at how simply he’d given up his address and turned to look at the twenty-year-old car. There were far too many questions, and something in his chest led him to believe he would need assistance. He popped the hood and got to work going through checks and systems. The motor mount needed some welding. There were quite a few leaks and hisses. The more he made a list of the damages, the more obvious it was that she couldn’t have been human. Any human would have long frozen in the cold. The injuries from the crash would have caused far more damage than the confused woman who walked herself out of the woods. The problem with great hearing, was its ability to distract. Antonio’s grip on a cap slipped at the briefest whimper into the couch. Tattoo-covered hands rand over one another working the tension from his knuckles and he dipped his head down under the wheel well. He wanted answers for her regarding the car. It was far safer transportation than the bus, or whatever else she was going to do. His messy handwriting built a long list with every line added. Perhaps she had the right idea in scrapping the car. It might be the better option if he found frame damage. Antonio shuffled between the counter where his list was and the car in the next bay. Would it be easier to bring the paper with him? Absolutely, but then he wouldn’t have a chance to check on the sleepy whimpering wolf that was tugging at the strings of his sanity. He’d been decorated in combat with his pack. There were far more ruthless things he’d listened to without a care. But every shift of her arms across the couch made his head snap up. The occasional breathy whimper made him restart a task a few times. What if he could help? Could he be so sure without going over there? Another part to add to the list. A few more hours to scribble up in the corner. This time he kept his head down long enough to focus on his task. .

03:30

The notes he was making were scribbled out quickly before he allowed himself a look at the couch. The wood stove had died down. Her shivering and tugging around herself were enough for him to justify checking. Whatever was going on with her, if she was getting worse, he needed to know. The stack of wood on the far wall held more dry scraps and small logs. Cut specifically to fit into the stove. Antonio checked his phone. It had been a few hours since he’d sent Will his address… he should be arriving soon. With the sun up it should warm up a little, but the chattering of teeth behind him led him to stack the stove as thoroughly as possible. Cross pattering for airflow and stuffing pieces in wherever they could fit. Though, he was already warm. Antonio crouched down in front of her on the couch. Hesitance in touching her, his hand hovered for a moment over the soft hair hiding her face. That would be far too forward. “Hey?” He retracts his hand and shifts just enough to keep himself balanced on the balls of his feet. His hand on the edge of the couch far enough from her. “Sarah?” Antonio’s forearms rested on his knees hoping her name would be enough to wake her. It was more than enough to say. To feel the warm name over his lips. Internally he chastised himself. He was not that lonely. Was he?

Sarah rolled on the couch, the fabric of the blanket catching on her shoulder and making her cry out in her semi-conscious sleep. She’d hoped to find rest when she closed her eyes. Rest and enough strength to keep moving. She hadn’t expected a flood of old injuries. Cold pockets of Wolfsbane now warm enough to wreak havoc on her physically and mentally. When Sarah escaped she didn’t think with Grants dosages she should have been able to walk. Delayed reactions put her on a stranger's couch. Her hands wrapping and reaching for silver she could not remove by herself embedded in her skin. She tossed and turned, muttering nonsense and pleads like she was a million miles away. The silky warm voice calling to her was enough to quiet her. She stilled with his low rumble of her name. that was not something she’d dealt with in the past. It challenged her mental state. Threw a ripple into the pond of pain and memories. Face still scrunched in pain, she turned toward her name. Face clear of hair and quieter whimper. Something, anything to take her out of the nightmare-scape she had been navigating since beginning to warm. She shifted and winced until her cheek smushed onto the top of his hand. Warm touch and the scent of dark oil and exhaust eased the idea that she was anywhere else. The simple contact settled her restlessness and eased sleep. Clammy skin sticking to his knuckles, she didn’t dare to shift away.

It was a small gesture, maybe not even one she was aware of doing, but his other hand combed her hair back gently. “You’re okay,” Antonio whispered and drew in a deep breath. The tingle her cheek imparted on his knuckles only radiated as he carefully shifted his fingers so she wouldn’t be uncomfortable. The simple release in combing her hair and assuring her did wonders for the knot in his chest. Relief for something he didn’t realize had been bothering him so thoroughly. His face softened at easily she settled underhand. Calloused hand careful in how it worked through her hair. How gently it brushed her cheek hoping for a little more contact and assurance. “You’re okay.” This time when he said it, it was for his own benefit. Wolves didn’t just get sick and die. He wasn’t watching her die. Two loud thumps across a side door made the hair on the back of his neck stand. Right. Daylight. Will would have to stay on the tree line. Antonio pushed off his knees and shuffled over to the door. His eyes were still on Sarah while he held the door open and pressed out of the way of the huge grey dire wolf. The beast’s disinterested huff is cut short. The sweet scent was out of place in the grungy shop and starting to stir again. “Clothes are in the loft.” Antonio pointed and pushed him a bit so he was out of the way of the door latching. Will wasted no time, his interest in talking far more prevalent than remaining to sniff the woman he had so many questions about. The moment the latch clicks, it is loud enough to startle her and he looks over in surprise. “You okay?” Antonio barely whispers and cocks his head. Glossed eyes and fidgeting look lost.

The metal latch of the door rings of being trapped. Again. For a few blissful moments, she had settled. Sarah was far enough away from Grant… and on her way to freedom. The clang was too similar to another door she was lucky to get through to escape. Her steps were small and confused, chin jutting around looking for exits. A door. Two doors. Windows. The urge to run was evident in the tensing of her shoulders as a voice caught her attention from a few paces… “I…” she wiped away tears across her red cheeks. “I have to go.” Sarah practically tripped over the bag and tried to skitter out the front door. Furthest from him. Maybe she was still out of it? Her heart racing at the idea of more Wolfsbane, or silver. Whatever was going on, or going to happen she practically hyperventilated in her attempt to leave. Shaking hand having trouble with the handle. Sarah had forgotten how weak her bad shoulder had made her grip. Absent muttering about not going back. About not getting caught. Was she talking to herself? Convincing herself to get up and move?

“Sarah?” Antonio closed the distance as fast as she’d created it. His back against the door, he slid in front of her blocking her path. His palms pressed against the door on either side of him. A concious effort not to grab and hold her. Even with the desperate tones working through haze in front of him. “Hey, you’re okay, you were in an accident.” His head dipped and with every bit of practice, a calm soft voice tried to explain. Tried to clear the fog causing her tears. Stealing her breath. He swallowed hard, how do you help someone lost in their own head when the only thing you want to do is hold them? “You can leave as soon as you slow your breathing.” He urged quietly, hand out hovering to her side. Hopefully telling her she could leave would help. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back. What the hell had he gotten himself into? What he didn’t expect was her to take another few steps. Face pressing into his chest while she panicked and whimpered. Her arms up between them… still guarded, but lost. .

05:40

“Shh.” He fold his arm over her back and gently held her in place. “You’re okay.” Antonio exhaled slowly, wide palm rubbing high across her back. That was calming right? Not inappropriate for someone in need of comfort? Why did it even matter to him? His hand found her scalp again and she instantly settled in his arms. Antonio shifted his weight so he could cup her face. Warm eyes meeting her’s he looked for any kind of normal or recognition. “Back to the couch, eh?” He suggested softly. The bright blue eyes shimmery with tears only made him want to tug her closer. To wipe them away and squeeze her into his chest until she believed she was safe. His head whipped up to the first creak of the loft stairs. A dull glare for interrupting them. He hadn’t cared to be that close to anyone in a long while, and now Will was sure to give him shit about it. “It’s ok,” Antonio walked with her toward the couch, his steps bringing him between the two.

William’s chest heaved as he climbed the stairs of the loft. He’d run at a dead sprint thinking Ant’s life was at stake. Antonio left Black Ridge Pack six years prior. It was a huge issue that took the pack a few years to recover from. Antonio challenged and killed one of the packs highest-ranked Soldiers. Only to turn around and take a beating from the Alpha in front of the whole pack. It was far from what should have happened in the fair fight, and rather than take the Alpha from his pack, he backed out of the fight and accepted banishment. Regardless of whether or not he should have. Quite a few people took issue with how Antonio had been treated, he proved himself many times. Won battles and had the highest rogue kill count of the perimeter guards. He’d been active in the pack when anyone needed help and was kind. While the Alpha was wrong in how he handled it, he’d feared Antonio would challenge him as soon as he was strong enough. So he took it upon himself to get rid of the young wolf. .

06:38

Will stayed in contact. They were friends far before they were pack mates… and he’d promised that they were brothers even when he left. None of this explained the call, or the woman on the couch. Even last year when the new Alpha tried to invite him back, he declined. Ant’s reputation was far different than most wolves. He did not find interest in the closeness most wolves craved. So as his heavy steps descended, the last thing he expected to see was worry in Antonio wrapped around someone. Had so much changed over the years? With quiet questioning in his dark gaze, his eyes on how much help Ant was providing the woman. Hand corralling her to the couch. How hesitantly she sat. Scared eyes on the new face in the room. Right. He hadn’t made an attempt at bedside manner. “Right, hi, I’m Will.” He cleared his throat and stuck his hand out as he approached. “Ant called me about a wolf injured and not healing right… so. Here I am.” He offered a shrug and a reassuring smile after shaking her hand. “Wanna tell me what’s going on?”

Sarah reached for the handle around the warm body blocking her way. Her head fell with the worry that now that she was caught… she’d never make it out. Soothing words drew in absent steps and her face smushed into comfort. It was easier to breathe. Warmer with his arm around her. There was no heavy nauseating scent lingering. Just calm, and far more care than she’d grown used to. His gentle instruction to the couch soothed most worries, but she was hesitant to move from his palm on her face. She closed her eyes and exhaled a full breath. Only to hear the loud creak of the stairs. Instantly more on guard, but following the patient hands that lead her back to the couch. With Antonio between them, she’d be okay. Sarah blinked rapidly the dull heavy feeling threatening to steal her from consciousness again. Bright blue unfocused eyes peeked past Antonio’s shoulder as he introduced himself. Absently her hands clung to Antonio’s forearm to steady herself. “Sarah.” There was hesitance in her voice. Will’s openness caught her off guard. She barely squeezed his hand and quickly retracted it. A half step behind his arm. Wait. He said wolf. “You said you weren’t going to call anyone.” Her grip tightened with worry. “I can’t go back!” Her breathing shallowed and she shook her head no at the faintest idea.

“Sarah, why don’t we start with sitting down?” Will might have said her name, but he was speaking to Antonio. An instruction. “I’m just here to make sure you’re well enough to travel.” He explained with a pained smile as he sat on the coffee table in front of her. “Get the all-clear and get on your way?” Will suggested and nodded yes. Ant was ever the compliant patient. Something he grew to appreciate in dealing with someone like Sarah. “So we’re gonna do the basics… light, concussion, follow my fingers.” He listed off before she had a chance to overthink. Soft assuring pat on her knee. Much to his surprise, she swung. A reflexively closed fist connected with his jaw the moment he made any kind of contact with her skin. “Fuck.” He groaned and hissed, a glare at Antonio. His hand on his jaw moving it back and forth, the anger on his face faded quickly with the fear trying to dissipate back into the couch, anticipating retaliation. “That’s on me,” He nodded at her fear felled eyes with his hands up and palms visible. “Won’t touch you again without asking. Okay?” It did not escape his notice that Ant couldn’t stop touching her. Pulled her into his side. His hand lacing hers. Every bit of comfort a long-term partner would show. Each comforting shift held a little more of his attention.

“She does that.” Antonio snickered. He’d caught an elbow earlier. “Stop. Please.” His hands clasped both of hers and he turned to face her. “Hi,” He offered a sympathetic smile when she settled and met his gaze. There was still worry in her. More worry than anyone should have. “Where’s your pack?” Antonio asked hesitantly. His head dipped to stay in her eye contact. His hope to get her home. To allow her safety she desperately wanted. Will’s eyes set on the contact between them, and he was becoming increasingly aware of how easy she was to pull close. Her eyes closed and silent tears streamed. Exhausted shoulders didn’t shake as she shook her head no. No? just… no. He sat a little taller. Just. Gone?

15:45

“Okay.” He nodded. If that was the case, there was no need to bring it up again. “Come here.” He tugged her in against his chest and hugged her tight. Sting of tears threatening just holding the heartbreak. He tugged lightly in attempt to pull her into his lap, but something sharp on her shoulder blade burned and it took everything in him not to react. Not to swing and curse and fight the thing that caused him pain. He mouthed ‘what the fuck’ several times looking at the faint red lines across his wrist. They weren’t healing as fast as wolves would expect. The only reaction Sarah had was a cry of pain into his shoulder as she slumped against him. “Shhhh.” Antonio carefully rubbed the other shoulder and readjusted on the couch so she was flat against his chest. “I need to see… okay?” He whispered into the side of her head, hands pinching the bottom hem of her shirt. She’d been favoring the shoulder, and now he had a familiar sting on his forearm. William’s face would tell him all he needed to know. His skilled medical friend had come up with ways to trap wolves, to weaken them if need be… and the familiar sting of silver made his chest hurt for Sarah. Careful fingers pulled her tank top up. Slow drag of his fingertips keeping the fabric from touching as it bunched. With her shoulder bare, she trembled against him and whimpered, trying to be as small as possible against his chest.

William’s eyebrows raised at how easily Antonio situated her in his lap. The comfort and care showing a delicate touch he wasn’t aware he knew. “How long you known each other?” He mouthed as Ant lifted the back of her shirt His arms in along her sides to cover anything that might sip past the offending injury. ‘Couple of hours’ He mouthed back. The intent with which his friend watched for his reaction unnerved him. His face paled as her shoulder blades were uncovered. Silver tiger wire sewn in where she couldn’t reach. Red inflamed edges scorched from holding together so long. From trying to grow over the long-standing silver cable. He couldn’t help but cover his mouth. Eyes set following the raised skin and scars from stitched in cable. Where it had been… where it still was… there were pieces with scar tissue fully grown over them. “We gotta take her back.” He whispered. Eyes drifting to his friend. There was no way he could safely get it all out here. He knew that was the expectation, but he wouldn’t put anyone through a half assed surgery.

“There’s nothing you can do here?” His hands pressed her head into his shoulder with a soft petting to calm whatever fear was rising from Will’s statement. Far too loud and not thought out. She’d already tried to leave once in fear. Blurting out taking her anywhere was stupid. It irked him far more than it should have. A flat glare followed his friends thoughts around the shop. The wall, the counter. The faded bathroom sign in the corner. No that mirror (if there was one) was too far away. With one arm holding the racing heartbeat against his chest he fished his phone out of his pocket. It had a camera, and he wouldn’t have to let her go. “Shhh please?” His fingers raked through her hair and soft voice whispered against the side of her head. “I’ve got you.” Antonio assured her softly while Will snapped a few pictures. After Will sat back, eyes refusing to meet Ant’s He carefully began to pull the shirt back down, only for wills hand to shoot out and stop him. He shook his head, held the shirt up, and offered the phone back. “Shhh. Sh. Sh.” He shifted and held her as close as he could manage into his collar. With a few swipes of his phone he let it fall beside him on the couch. “Hit the closed sign on the door. Kill the lights. The keys to my personal truck are under the register. It’s around back.” His instructions were flat. Well thought out… and mission oriented. As she shifted in his lap his attention focused in on just her. Just the wolf in his lap surviving something he wished she’d never know of.

15:48

“I’m taking you to Black Ridge for help.” Antonio explained into her hair. “You’ll be okay.” Another quiet assurance and he closed his eyes against her. Will had his back, of that he had no doubt. There were a million questions racing through his head. An anger sitting on his chest threatening the level and calm breathing. There was no question of whether he was going with her. In a few short minutes, Will would start the hours long drive back to the pack house… And he would be on his way back to a headache he didn’t want… to ensure every sliver of silver was removed from her back. It had to have been months. Months without shifting for fear of the silver splintering and hitting her heart. That was the only reason to leave it lodged in her for so long.

Sarah shifted and tried to panic as decisions were made around her. Her shirt now tucked up into the collar at the nape of her neck… but Antonio just kept gifting her calm. Soft touches of rough hands across her skin filled with care… his chest rumbled against her arms, putting them at ease and allowing them to fall to his side. She was straddling him. Not by any active means and exhausted. His steady thump of a heartbeat offered peace where hers ran wild with fear. It didn’t feel threatening or invasive. It felt, warm. Like a swim in a lake after a hundred-degree day. The water was still far too warm, but it was also somehow refreshing. Her nose tucked against his skin and the cool buzz was enough. It was enough. Antonio was grounding a fear she had learned to live with. Offering to guard while she rested. Not slept. The sting in her shoulder would keep her from sleep… but rested. Eyes closed and simply breathing. Never before had “I got you” brought peace. Her cheek bone squished against his collar bone and she checked out. Half lidded gaze on the ink in front of her nose. Sarah was wrapped up in the calm he provided to care how exactly he was doing it.

Will wandered around the shop. Lights shut off… locks checked. He shut off signs and grabbed the keys from under the register. All the while thinking of who he was calling in. the tables and medicines he would need. Ant was welcome back, but he declined. The care in how he held her worried him. If they were mates, his return would not go smoothly. The current Alpha was without a mate, and quite frankly sucked at his job. Not that he would tell Ant any of this. His concern right now was the woman he was wrapped around. “I’ll pull around.” His hand clasped Antonio’s empty shoulder for a moment. “Then come back in to help move her.” Will was sure moving in any capacity was excruciating. Hell, he wasn’t sure how she was conscious… but it made a hell of a lot more sense why she seemed like she was dying. She probably was. Ant kicked the duffle by his foot to get Wills attention. Without any more instruction he took the bag with him. The side door opened, and locked as he headed to the back lot. It was a tad chilly, bare feet and chest in the wind… but the truck would warm quick enough. He hit the unlock button and bright LED headlights shine like a spotlight. A brand-new truck with every bell and whistle roared to life with the press of a button. Will rolled his eyes. It had four hundred miles on it. The leather of the interior still crisp in his nostrils. He was too busy changing heating in the seats and adjusting things so he could drive to notice the ostentatious crimson leather… matching the outside of the truck. The old beat up shop couldn’t be doing that bad with this heavy machine doused in ‘compensating’. He pulled as close to the front door as possible. All the overhead lights off, it was easier to move in pitch black, and he sat a moment, hands on the steering wheel.

16:37

His friends mate. Will was about to drive her to operate on a wolf he had no history on, who was in rough shape as it was…. And if he failed. Ant wouldn’t be able to cope. After checking that the heat had warmed up and the radio was off, he got out and tugged open the front door. He almost ran square into Sarah wrapped around Antonio, who had tucked his arms under her butt and leaned back enough to make it easier for her to stay against him. Will stumbled back out of the way and rushed to open the back door of the truck for him. A door that would usually not be wide enough, but a full wide second row was a bench. Will’s hands were up as Antonio climbed into the truck. He twisted and bent as he flopped back flat against the seat, so she was still on his chest. It wasn’t graceful, but the order of importance was clear… he wasn’t letting her go until she was better. A quick jerk of the front door to confirm it was locked… and he settled in for the long drive. “I need to know.” He barely whispered at Ant. “Any information you can get will help me keep her alive.” Will explained heavily. Any information. He hoped in this wording Antonio might press harder in questioning. Or push at all with how quickly he guarder her.