Eyes in the Night

@ Sweet.Persephone
"As long as you know the proper safety procedures then it's pretty safe," Vince explained. "We scoped out the water under the cliff to make sure it was deep enough before we decided to jump into it." Sitting up slowly, Vince crossed his arms over his chest as he listened to Charlotte. Trying to pick apart what she was telling him. Trying to see if there was anything that sounded like it could be out of the ordinary to do with a group of friends.

"Do you guys go into the forest and have bonfires a lot?" Vince asked, tilting his head to the side ever so slightly. His eyes narrowing in slight annoyance as she looked him in the eyes, but, there wasn't really anything he could do about that. Seeing as Charlotte was human and wasn't used to showing respect to someone who was higher up in the hierarchy of things. If she was to turn though, she'd learn pretty quick that Vincent wasn't a big fan of having people or others of his kind-looking him in the eyes.

A small nod of his head is all that Vince gave as he listened to Charlotte. His mind not really focused on the assignment at hand anymore. No, he was more focused on thinking about how things were going to go with them, with Charlotte. She was a human and he wasn't, and not to mention the fact that she seems oblivious about the things around her. Like all of the humans at this school. "I think we're going to get this paper done quite fast," Vince murmured quietly as he glanced at the shared document that Charlotte gave him the link for. "There's not really much for us to do besides writing everything up really."

@ FallenHope95

"Well at least you check everything out before jumping. Still sounds a little frightening to me but I have never jumped off of a cliff before." She gave him a little shrug at the thought. Despite his safety procedures, Charlotte wasn't sure she would want to do that. There were other dangerous things that she enjoyed but that just seemed like too much of a risk. Maybe she didn't trust her ability to fall in the water right? It was hard to say.

"When it's nice, we do. The guys like the fire and wandering through the woods at times. I think it is nice out there and me and some of the girls just like sitting by the heat. Besides there are just some games that are better to play out there." She smiled at him warmly. "Like Predator and Prey. Sometimes they set up their own version of slenderman too. But we don't go out once the snow falls. Apparently the wolves really like the area during that season and besides, it's way too cold."

Charlotte let out a hum in response as Vincent said that they just needed to write everything up. He wasn't wrong, the both of them had done a lot of research before coming there. "In that case, you finish up the research on half of the minerals and I'll do the other half? Then we can write our own respective parts." Charlotte tapped her computer lightly. "We can probably finish up early today then."

@ Sweet.Persephone
"It's really not that scary, I promise. It's actually kind of freeing feeling." Vince tried to explain, but then shut his mouth. There wasn't really a good way to explain to someone how jumping from a cliff was fun. It was a high altitude thing and then you're falling into a deep pool of water. If you've never done so before, then, of course, it'd be terrifying to d or think about. "It's kind of like how you'd think flying would be." Vince's eyes focused on the laptop as he spoke. "Nothing crossed your mind, it's just quiet."

As Charlotte started to speak about her friends once more, Vince raised his gaze. A brow arching ever so slightly as he listened once more. "Those games sound like they'd be quite scary to play," Vincent murmured, his head tilting ever so slightly. "Do you play those games in the dark or do you go in before it gets dark?" He asked, a light frown slowly appearing upon his lips as he allowed for Charlotte's words to sink in. Something wasn't right with the things that Charlotte was talking about because to him, it sounded like they were trying to plan something. Something that charlotte would be a bigger part of, besides trying to turn her. An with all of the supposed people, surely it'd have to be something big, right?

"That seems like the best route," Vince said as he glanced up towards Charlotte and then back towards his computer. His mind wasn't really focused on the project though, he was more focused on what to do with Charlotte. "It's supposed to be a chance for more rain later, do you want a ride home? I brought my car today." Vince said as he glanced up towards Charlotte. In actuality, Max brought his car. The boys wanted to go into town after Vince was done at school and bum around, but Charlotte was more important than his pack members spending money and finding females to flirt with.

@ FallenHope95

"Well maybe I will have to try it sometime then." Charlotte said, smiling to herself a bit. It was doubtful that she would try cliff jumping. First of all, there was no way she would do it by herself. And even if she had friends with her, Charlotte would still need some convincing. Or a drink. It was hard to say what she would do if she was in that position but she had a feeling it would take her a moment to actually commit to something like that.

"They are scary to be honest. But they really like them and I always have someone partner up with me. And they like playing them in the dark. Apparently it's not very fun when it's too easy to see where everyone is." She shook her head a bit at the thought of it. Her friends were a little odd but she got a kick out of the games sometimes. And someone was always with her so it wasn't so bad. "It makes sense that they enjoy them though. Hell, the love scary movies and things like that."

Charlotte packed up her things before standing up and pushing in her seat. She was quiet for a moment as he offered to drive her back to her dorm. They were actually pretty close to where she lived so the 5 minute walk wasn't a big deal to her. But she thought over how she had gotten caught in the rain the other day and didn't want a repeat of it. "Yeah, that would be nice, thank you. And I didn't know it was going to rain today."

@ Sweet.Persephone
Standing up from his own seat, Vince shrugged on the jacket that Charlotte had given back. Her scent filling his nose as he zipped it up halfway. "It's more of an intuition. I've always had this sort of sensitivity to when it rains." Vince explained as he put his laptop back into his backpack and then swinging it onto his shoulder with his good arm. Pushing in his chair, Vince motioned for Charlotte to follow him as he exited the study room.

As they walked, Vince silently pulled out his phone to text one of his pack members. Telling them to meet at the car and get the stuff in the trunk ready because they had a situation. Putting his phone away, Vince raised his head and looked towards Charlotte. "Would you trust me if I took you cliff diving one of these days?" He asked, glancing towards Charlotte as he slowed slightly. Wanting to give his packmates a couple of minutes to get things ready before they met at the car. "Once it's warmer out, of course, I think it's a little too cold to go anymore this year." A small smile slowly appeared upon Vince's lips. "Or at least come watch?"

Once a couple of minutes passed them by, and Vince felt his phone vibrate. Probably one of his packmates saying ready. Vince started to walk once more, acting like he was just waiting to ask because he knew that the drive would be short. Holding the door open for Charlotte, trying to be a gentleman because he'd need all of the points that he could get before he did what he had to do.
As soon as they were walking towards the car, Vince nodded his head at nothing, and before Charlotte could even blink her eyes. Someone poked her neck with a needle with a sedative and Vince was quick to catch her before she'd fall to carry her towards the car.

@ FallenHope95

Once Vincent was ready, Charlotte followed him out of the study room and through the library. Though as he slowed down, she did the same. She didn't think much of it, just assuming that the man wanted to talk to her a bit. It was clear that his mind was still on cliff diving and she smiled a bit as he asked about taking her out there. She was warming up to Vincent a bit. The first day of lab had been a bit rough but she was beginning to think that he had just been having a hard day. "I can promise I would jump with you and your friends but it would be fun to come along. Even if I was just watching."

As she answered the question, Vincent started to quicken his pace to something more normal and she followed suit. "I think I would be more willing to try it out once you and some others jumped." She said with a light laugh, walking through the door of the library. "At least then I would know that it was saf-." Before she could even finish the word, Charlotte felt a poke to her neck and she was out like a light.

---

It was a few hours later before Charlotte started to somewhat wake up. Her body felt so heavy. Like the world's heaviest weighted blanket was wrapped around her. It wasn't a bad feeling necessarily but she just felt slowed down. Especially her mind. It was difficult for her to piece together many thoughts outside of feeling lost in the fog that was over her. A quiet noise left the woman as she tried to lift up her hand. Though the most she was able to move was a finger, at least at first. But as time continued on, the daze started to leave her and she started to get some control of her body again.

After some time passed, Charlotte managed to get her hand up to her face in an attempt to wipe off the tiredness she felt over her eyes. And finally she was able to clear out the confusion in her head enough to open them and take in the area around her.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Watching someone sleep wasn't really something that Vince had ever had an interest in doing. Through the years, he'd always thought of it as a weird thing people who were obsessed with each other. Often telling himself that he'd never be like that. That he wouldn't be like one of those creeps who watched someone sleeping in their bed. Brushing their fingers through their head. Making sure that the blankets were pulled up enough so that they were warm and comfortable. Now that Charlotte was here though, Vince was pretty sure he could wipe the not wanting to watch people sleep thing from his mind because. Well, watching Charlotte sleep just felt right. Knowing she was safe, nearby, felt right to him.

She had been sleeping for a while and it felt like it'd be a little while still before she woke up. So, Vince took a moment to himself and went to go take a quick dinner break. Planning to bring something back up for the sleeping beauty in case she decided to wake up as well. Surely, she'd be starving, after all. Charlotte had pretty much been asleep the whole day. It was nearly six at night now.

Unbeknownst to Vincent, someone else would be the first to witness Charlotte waking up. Little bare footsteps moved unsteadily down the hall. Stopping in the hallway of Charlotte and Vince's room. Peeking inside, a cute little toddler stood by the side and peaked his head over the side. Upon seeing different colored eyes looking back at him, the little boy giggled and grinned before running away on his unsteady legs only to return a couple of moments later with a toy car in his little hands. "Ca!" He said proudly as he stumbled into the room. Tripping over his own feet. "Uh, oh!" He said as he looked up at Charlotte, grinned, and got up again before coming over to the bed. "Ca!" He said once more, excited to show someone else his new red car.

Carrying a bowl of chicken noodle soup in his good hand, Vincent made his way up the stairs. A plate of two slices of fresh warm bread with butter on the other hand. As Vince got closer to the top of the stairs, the whiney voice of a toddler met Vince's ears. "Caden?" Vincent called out, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Walking up the rest of the stairs, Vince glanced around until he was on the threshold of his room. Stopping in his tracks, Vince arched an eyebrow as he watched a tired looking Charlotte and a talkative Caden. Caden's words becoming gibberish in his toddler speak, which was cute on most days but was kinda annoying Vince today.

"Caden," Vince said in a more stern voice than he's been using. The toddler finally stopped talking and looked up towards Vince, a small grin appearing upon the kid's lips. "Ca!" The toddler exclaimed excitedly and held up his car in excitement to show Vince. "I see, you got a new car?" Vince asked as he walked into the room and set the soup and bread down on the nightstand. "Ya!" The little kid exclaimed excitedly and then held his arms up for Vince to hold him. Which he did, because no one could get over how adorable little Caden was, the little dude had everyone wrapped around his little fingers. Carrying him towards the doorway, Vince rubbed the kid's back as he made random noise with his lips. "Alright bud, go find your daddy." Vince set Caden down and watched the little guy go wobbling down the hall before closing the door and turning towards Charlotte.

Closing the door slowly, Vince leaned his back against it before slowly clearing his throat. "Hey." He said quietly. "I made some soup, you should eat."

@ FallenHope95

Charlotte couldn't help but panic when the first thing she saw when she opened her eyes were two smaller ones staring back at her. It caused her heart to jump and her body to tense up. But little giggles seemed to fill the room before the eyes moved away. Once they were farther away, the young woman was able to take in the fact that it had been a small child staring at her. Her eyebrows furrowed together. What the Fuck?

Although she had managed to wake, Charlotte was still having problems with her body and her mind. As much as she wanted to get up and start to wander, all she could really manage was to shift onto the bed so she was laying on her side and slightly prompted up by the pillow. Her eyes shifted over the room for a long moment, trying to take in where she was and why she was there. And why a child had been seemingly watching her sleep? But she swore that none of this looked familiar to her. So how did she get here?

When the small child came running back in, those thoughts floated out of her mind. It was too hard to focus on more than one thing at the moment. So her attention moved back to the boy who had run in, fell on his face and then got back up to then lift up a small toy car towards her face. Who was this child? "Ca." Charlotte whispered back to him, unsure on how to respond to him. "Where are yo-"

At hearing a male voice, Charlotte closed her lips tightly. But remaining quiet was no use as the owner of the voice was soon at the threshold of the room, looking in. Only more confusion came into her already blurry mind when it was revealed to be Vincent. The last time she had seem Vincent was... it was... oh, right, they were working on their project together in the library. A hand reached up and she started to rub the side of her head. What happened after the library?

While thinking about that, Charlotte almost missed what was occurring in front of her. But the young woman checked back into reality as she watched Vincent set the sweet but random child down to find his father. She watched silently as he closed the door and leaned against it. "What happened?" Charlotte mumbled, completely skipping over what he was saying about soup.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Silence met Charlotte's question as Vincent pursed his lips together. How the hell does one explain to someone that their friends were planning on eating you for dinner one of these days? That they were werewolves who prayed to one of the dark gods of their kind? None of the ways that Vince had come up with, had been a good solution. None of them were really going to make Charlotte hate him less. Then again, what was a relationship without some ups and downs? Hell, they didn't even have a relationship yet.

Slowly, Vince moved towards the bed and sat on the edge. His eyes focused on Charlotte's two different colored eyes before looking down at his hands that he intertwined his fingers in his lap. "I have reason to believe that your life might be in trouble," Vince said as he raised his head and glanced towards Charlotte. Looking her in the eyes so that she understood that he wasn't joking around with her. That he was being as serious as he could fucking be. "Those supposed friends of yours aren't really your friends Charlotte, they're baiting you. They're getting your guard down around them so that they could take advantage of you."

Raising his right hand, Vince pointed to the side of his neck towards the back where her mark was. "You've been branded." He told her, knowing that this part was going to sound completely insane since she couldn't really see the mark herself but those of his kind could. "It means that a pack wants you, rather make you a member or in their case a sacrifice." Vince slowly licked his lips to moisten them. "You would have been in worst danger if I was to leave you at their mercy Charlotte. You're safe here, with us." Vince slowly moved to stand up and pointed towards the hot bowl of soup that was on the nightstand. "I know you're probably confused, but you need to relax and eat something. I'll explain more tomorrow. There's a bathroom through that door if you need it." Vince said as he went to the door and exited, then locked her in for the night.

@ FallenHope95

It was hard for the young woman to comprehend what Vincent was saying as he spoke. Longer than she would like to actually admit to. But between his strange explanation and the fogginess that was over her mind, Charlotte was only able to piece it together by the time Vincent was making his way out of the room. He thought her friends were trying to hurt her? And it sounded like Vincent thought they were in some kind of cult as well, which really was ridiculous.

"Wait! Vincent!" She called out but the door was already shut and it seemed that he didn't hear her. Or, in the least, had no intention of coming back. Charlotte fell back into the bed, pressing her hands into her face as she let out a sigh. What Vincent had said didn't cover everything. Besides the fact that Charlotte knew he was just wrong about her friends, how did she get here and why did she feel like this? She rubbed her forehead harder. The last thing she remembered was walking out of the library. What had happened between then and now? Did she agree to come here or.... or did he force her here?

Charlotte chest tightened at the thought. If that was the case, she needed to leave. It took her a few minutes but Charlotte was able to find the strength to get out of the bed. Her legs were wobbly but she made her way to the door, trying to open it. Locked. There was no doubt now. She needed to get out of there.

The young woman was able to make her way to the bathroom, but as she entered, Charlotte saw that there was no exit. Though she could feel her legs giving out from under her so Charlotte sat down on the edge of the tub. Her heart was beating fast and her anxiousness was rising up but she knew she couldn't make it out until she rested. So, she took a moment to look at her neck in the mirror. But she saw nothing. No brand in the mirror. Goddamn it did she get kidnapped by a psycho?

As much as she wanted to bolt right that instant, Charlotte forced herself to wait until the middle of the night. Both to make it easier to sneak out but also to wait out whatever was fucking up her mind and body. By the time midnight came rolling around, Charlotte was almost back to normal. She was dead tired but at least she could walk. So she headed over to one of the windows of the room, opening it up before sliding out of it. She found herself on the lower part of the room but with some maneuvering, she managed to get her feet on the ground without injury. Without looking around, Charlotte started to book it away from the house, almost tripping on her feet as she did so but she managed to keep herself upright.

@ Sweet.Persephone
It might seem like no one was keeping an eye on Charlotte. Like they were just keeping her in that bedroom and leaving her there. They weren't, Vince made sure to have members of his pack on a rotating schedule to guard Charlotte as well as the parklands. Now that that other pack knew that they were in the area, there were chances that they'd try and attack them or try to drive them away. Both were options that Vince didn't want, so he made sure that everyone was on high alert.

Nearing midnight, Vince went outside and headed towards the forest. He kept glancing towards Charlotte's window as he walked, wondering if she was listening to him and catching some rest. He was a little annoyed that he'd be spending the night in one of the guest bedrooms for now, but if it made Charlotte feel safer. Then he'd manage for a bit.

Looking ahead, Vince stripped from his clothing and hid them in his usual spot before shifting into his wolf. The dark black and brown are in his fur allowing for him to easily blend into the night. Once he was fully shifted, Vince started his slow prowl through the forest. Moving is an uncoordinated path as he sniffed around, and placed scent markers where he felt the pack's scent was weak. His large paws allowed him to move smoothly through the forest, his eyes easily able to navigate him through the forest.

Heading towards the small clearing to the right of the house, Vince paused as he heard a small yip sound coming from Joel. Charlotte was trying to make a run, he caught sight of her. A small huff escaped from Vince, he was about to head towards the house to try and help round her up but stopped himself when he heard human footsteps coming towards him. Staying in wolf form, Vince moved more into the clearing, allowing for the moonlight to make him visible as he watched the direction that Charlotte was coming from. Laying down by the tree, Vince lowered his head onto his paws. Acting like he wasn't waiting for Charlotte or expecting her.

Then, as she finally got near enough to see him, Vince slowly raised his head. His tail slowly starting to thump against the forest floor as he tried to seem less threatening. After a moment of watching Charlotte, Vince slowly stood up and remembering his hurt leg from way back when he first ran into her. He lifted his injured leg and started to slightly limp, acting like he was hurt. Stopping a couple of steps away, Vince made a show of being in pain by whining and lifting his leg a little bit for Charlotte to look at it.

@ FallenHope95

Charlotte had not made it very far but she was feeling good about it as she glanced back at the house. None of the lights were on and it seemed no movement was coming from inside. Good. It meant that Vincent probably didn't notice her leave. Which was definitely how she wanted it. The more time she had to get away, the better. Especially since she was running low on energy. She wouldn't be able to run away forever. Especially thanks to whatever fucked up thing Vincent had given her. It felt like most of it was out of her system but damn she just felt so tired. She just wanted to lay down.

Her head turned back, wanting to pay attention to what was in front of her as she moved further into the forest. Though as her eyes turned, they caught the sight of a large back and brown wolf. Well this could be bad. Charlotte knew that wolves weren't all that likely to attack humans but that also didn't mean she wanted to push her luck with that either. So she started to slow down from a run, more to a light jog with the thought of moving around the creature in a relaxed way to not freak the wolf out.

Though she watched the animal's movements. Noticing how he laid down while he looked at her. The way his tail moved like a dog seeing it's owner. Charlotte slowed down a bit more until she was walking along now, watching the dark brown wolf with interest. But as she got closer, she started to recognize it as the wolf she had saved from the bear trap. Especially once he started to whine and lift up his leg.

The young woman looked around again, wondering if she was being foolish during her escape attempt. But it the house behind her was still quiet and the wolf seemed friendly. It seemed silly but maybe if she helped the wolf, he would help her out of here? In the least, if there was a wolf by her side, maybe Vincent would back off if he were to find her.

Charlotte stopped in front of the wolf but made sure to keep plenty of distance between the two of them. She bent down slightly and started to whisper. "Hi there. Do you remember me?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Watching as Charlotte tried to jog around him caused slight amusement to rush through Vincent. Didn't anyone ever teach the young human to never made sudden fast movements around wild animals? That they were all skittish creatures and could attack at any given moment if given the chance? Sure, wolves were more likely to run, but the principle still applies. They're wild animals and not all of them would conform to the status quo. Then again, neither was Vince.

Keeping a watchful eye on Charlotte, Vince studied the human. Taking in her naive nature and how she was trying to befriend a wild animal. Charlotte was a fool, and Vince would need to educate her on how to interact with an actual wild animal one day. If he decided to do anything with her that is. So, moving slowly as Charlotte knelt down and started to whisper. Vince kept his tail wagging, mentally feeling stupid for doing something that was completely out of his element, and started to slowly move towards Charlotte. He kept his ears down, glancing around every so often. Acting like the scared little animal that she thought she was before glancing towards her once more.

Making sure to put emphasis on his fake injured leg, Vince limped the whole way he slowly moved towards her. His large wolf paws making is possible so that he could move quietly along the forest floor. Like the predator that he is. Vince lowered his head slightly and sniffed her right arm for a moment before slowly raising his head and offering her a small wolfish sneeze to the face to try and throw her off her guard. Surely, Charlotte would get a kick out of that, and then Vince sat down in front of her. His tail still wagging as he waited for a reaction from Charlotte. For her to either try to pet him or run away screaming. Heck, he'd be quite amused if she tried to get him to follow her.

@ FallenHope95

As the wolf started to come towards her, Charlotte stayed still. He was not moving very quickly since he was still injured. The young woman was rather surprised and disappointed that was the case. She would have thought that his leg would be healed by now but Charlotte suppose that the wolf probably didn't know how to care for himself properly. At least it seemed if he turned on her, she could run away. But this wolf was acting so strangely. The way his tail wagged and he moved so slowly towards her. It was clear that he was friendly.

For a moment, she was lost in her thoughts but once the wolf sneezed, her eyes widen and she looked down at the wild animal before letting out soft laughs. "Aren't you such a strange wolf." Charlotte mused before she reached up and lightly ran her fingers through his fur. She let out a pleasant hum, her body slowly untensing. "Though I have to say it's nice to see such a friendly face after the day I had... I just hope you don't turn on me as well."

Charlotte glanced back towards the direction of the house. From what she could tell, there was no movement and no indications that Vincent realized she left. That didn't mean she should spend more time with the sweet wolf though. She looked back at the wolf, continuing to run her fingers through his fur, which was the only action that she was finding any alleviation for her situation. "You really are a sweetheart but I have to go. You can come with me if you'd like. I would appreciate the company."

Her fingers lightly ran over his ears, smoothing them down against his fur before she left him go and stood up. Charlotte glanced back towards the house once again, feeling the sickness in her stomach rise up. It really was time to leave. She patted the wolf's head before starting on her way deeper into the forest. Though with every few steps, she would glance back at her newfound friend to see if he would join her.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Not being able to say anything to Charlotte was quite hard. There was nothing more than Vince wanted to do than to tell Charlotte to stop being so trusting. If he was any other wolf, she'd be dead. If he was any other werewolf, he would have run off instead of getting close. The biggest difference between him and a normal wolf was the size. He was slightly taller than a normal wolf, less weight though. Only a trained specialist would notice that though, a wolf specialist.

Following Charlotte, Vincent made sure to keep a small distance behind her. Only about two steps or so, just to make sure that she didn't trip and fall or someone tried to sneak upon them. A couple of his fellow packmates were scented in the area and Vince managed to catch a glimpse of Max, but with a simple movement of his head, the wolf disappeared somewhere. Hopefully to go and inspect another trail or something. Doing his part in keeping the parkland safe while they stayed in the area. Noticing that they were coming towards a nice little clearing, Vince made a small whine sort of sound, wanting to catch Charlotte's attention. Then he started to head in the direction of the water, before stopping and looking at the human to see if she'd follow him easily. Vince was more than happy to try and scare her into following, but he figured it'd be easier if she just walked on her own accord.

Regardless, once they've arrived at the lake, Vince limped towards the water and lowered his head to lap at the water. In this form, he was much more equipped to be able to process things. While his human form would get sick if he tried to drink the water, or even ate something raw. This was why it was favored of his kind to stay in wolf form when things were tough, they would be able to survive so much easier. Raising his head and glancing back, Vince moved towards Charlotte and curled up next to her once he'd realized she was laying down. Wanting to keep her warm, Vince leaned into her and rested his head upon her lap. His temperature ran higher than a human's, so hopefully, this worked for her as well.

By the time morning came, Vincent had shifted back into his human form. One of his packmates grabbed him a pair of basketball shorts, which he slipped on to not freak Charlotte out anymore then she probably would be. Sitting next to Charlotte, Vince leaned back slightly on one arm as he used the other to lightly toss little rocks he'd collected during the night into the water a short distance away. Listening to the plop sounds as the pebbles hit the water and made waves caused a slight smirk to play along his lips. It'd been a while since he'd tossed rocks for no reason like this.

@ FallenHope95

Charlotte glanced back at her nice wolf friend as he started to cry towards her. Though she hesitated as he started to move in a different direction. She wanted to stay close by what seemed to her, a friendly face. Although it was odd to her to say that the wolf was a friend at the moment but he was. So with a small breath, she started to follow the wolf in a different direction. Maybe he knew the way out of the place? Charlotte knew how large the forest was and she wasn't so keen on getting lost in it. Besides that, she was barely able to keep her eyes open. All she needed was a place to lay her head for a few moments.

When the wolf stopped in front of a lake and started to drink, Charlotte rubbed her face and slowly sat down. This seemed like a good place to stay, just for a while. She needed to keep going but Charlotte knew she was going to pass out soon enough, just hopefully not for too long. Damn, whatever the asshole gave her was just too much. She slowly leaned back, seeming to have fallen asleep before her head was even fully rested on the ground. Once she felt heat moving along her, she curled up into it.

Morning felt like relief to the young woman. Although she had not yet opened her eyes, Charlotte could already tell that she felt better. The fogginess was gone completely and the exhaustion that had been pulling her down had disappeared. It was much better than she had felt before and the relief that she was no longer in the weird man's house came over her. Now, Charlotte just needed to find a way out of the forest and to the police.

The young woman shifted against the branches, dirt and leaves of the forest floor. It was not the most comfortable place she had ever slept, that was to be sure. But she could worry about a good night's sleep once she was home in her own bed. But the uncomfortableness of laying on all of it was etching into her skin now that she was conscious again. So Charlotte opened up her eyes, knowing that it was time to move on for the day. That was when she saw him.

Vincent was sitting next to her, only wearing a pair of basketball shorts. Though, his back was turned to her slightly as it seemed he was focused on something else at the moment. Charlotte breathed in sharply and her hard beating heart immediately entering her ears. Without a thought. Charlotte shoved Vincent forward as hard as he could, in the hopes that he would fall to the ground before she started to scramble up onto her feet as fast as she could.

The young woman tripped over herself quickly in the frenzy and fell headfirst into a tree. The young woman let out a pained cry as she doubled over on her knees, gripping onto her forehead. Tears immediately filled up in her eyes as she leaned forward.

@ Sweet.Persephone
The sound of Charlotte's heartbeat changing caught Vincent's attention before the light shove to his back did. It felt like a little tap on his shoulder but was surely as hard as Charlotte could shove him. Human strength was almost nothing to a werewolf. If they stepped back, turned their head from a hit, or stumbled back, it's mostly an act. They needed to blend in so if they acted like the human's touch was like a pestering fly that was fluttering around them, then it would send out alarms to those who knew of them and wanted to hunt them.

Glancing over his shoulder, Vincent watched with slight amusement as he watched the final act of Charlotte's little stumble. Although, his lips quickly fell into a small frown as he saw her practically ram her face into the trunk of a tree. "Ouch," Vince murmured quietly as he slowly rolled over so that he was facing Charlotte before moving onto his feet and walking a couple of steps towards her. "Let me see," Vince said calmly as he kneeled down at Charlotte's side and pulled her hands away from her face. vince's dark eyes examined the reddened skin. "You've just got a couple of scratches." He murmured quietly, letting one of her hands go as he reached out and lightly pressed down on the reddened skin. "Doesn't seem like you damaged your skull, so that's good."

Standing up to his full height, Vince kept his hold on one of her hands and he pulled Charlotte towards him. Then wrapping his arms around her waist to keep her still as he examined the rest of her slowly. Using his free hand to brush back her hair, and then look at her palms. "you just hurt your head?" He asked after he had looked Charlotte over, acting like an overprotective boyfriend. Relaxing slightly at that realization, Vince allowed for an annoyed-looking Charlotte to go. Instantly wanting to bring her back into his embrace though as soon as her body heat wasn't pressed against him.

"How was your late-night walk?" Vincent asked, cutting off any sort of frenzy anger issues that Charlotte could be having. Her words going in one ear and then out the other one. "See anything cool? Meet any animals?" He asked, wanting to know if she remembered him in wolf form, or possibly saw him shift next to her.

@ FallenHope95

Feeling the pain radiating through her head caused Charlotte to lean down until her forehead was almost touching the forest floor. The tears that had welled up in her eyes started to slide down her cheeks. She held onto her head tighter, waiting for the pain to subside. Though before that happened, she felt hands wrapping around her own, gently pulling them away from her head. The young woman's head wasn't all that injured from the fall. She had a few scratches from the bark and branches, which was causing her to bleed a little but that was it for external issues. The thing that hurt the most was from how hard Charlotte hit her head against the tree but Vincent was right in saying that her skull was fine.

The pain from the initial hit started to subside as Dominic pressed his hand against her forehead. Charlotte took in a big breath, managing to calm herself down and move past the pain. By the time he was standing, it felt like a bad headache more than anything else. As she felt herself getting pulled onto her feet, Charlotte's eyes opened and she looked up at the man that was grabbing onto her and then brushing back her hair. "Vincent stop it." Charlotte whispered, her ego a bit bruised from what had just happened. As he looked over her hands, she tried to step out of his grip, frowning harder as she realized how tightly he was holding onto her. "Let go." Before she had to shove onto his chest, Vincent was release her and she was quick to step back, making room for a few feet between them.

"I don't know what's wrong with you Vincent but I want to go home." Charlotte said, her voice still on the softer side but annoyed all the same. She couldn't find it in her to yell with how she slammed her head on the tree and with the headache she now had. "Take me home now." As he cut her off to start speaking of her late night walk, her hands started to ball up. "Are you serious right now?! Who cares about the fucking animals in the woods! I went through this forest in the middle of the night to get away from you now take me home!"

Her head swiveled for a moment, looking around at where she was. Still, she had no knowledge of the way out but she certainly didn't want to stick around with someone who seemed to be a manic. And this conversation was just making her head pound hard. So, knowing that she couldn't exactly run away, Charlotte turned on her heels and started to stomp off.

@ Sweet.Persephone
A small sigh escaped from Vincent as he listened to Charlotte. His hands slowly falling back towards his side. His head slowly shaking as his lips fell into a small frown. Charlotte was scared, it was obvious to him, yet he couldn't help but to want to tell her to just shut up and accept the fact that she belonged here now. That she was in danger and that Vincent was the only one who was able to protect her.

"Charlotte," Vince said quietly as he reached out his right hand out and lightly grabbed onto Charlotte's wrist. Applying just enough pressure to get her to stop walking. "I know you want to go home and that you're probably extremely scared and confused." Vince slowly moved to stand in front of Charlotte once more. Standing up straight, he looked down into her eyes, taking in the two different colors that seem to always catch his attention. "But you have to believe that I'm doing this to protect you if you'll give me a chance. I can clear everything up for you. I swear on my life, Charlotte."

Knowing that he was sounding pathetic, Vincent slowly mentally smacked himself. This was not like him, far from normal. "Let's go back to the house, get you warmed up. Something into your stomach, and you can ask me everything. I'll answer all of your questions as best as I can." Vince slowly let go of Charlotte's wrist. "Please Charlotte, just trust me. I know I've given you no reason to, but I really do want to protect you."

@ FallenHope95

As Vincent grabbed onto her wrist, Charlotte stopped and turned back to look at him. She couldn't help but feel confused by his words and actions. His grip on her was always light and she had paid attention to how Vincent looked her over when she had hurt herself. Though drugging and kidnapping her definitely did fit with how he was acting. His tone had also been soft and gentle the whole time. But why was he saying what he was saying? If he thought she was in danger, why not bring her to the police or literally do a thousand different things before this? It wasn't adding up. It seemed that maybe Vincent had good intentions but was also insane. It still didn't make her want to stay with him.

Charlotte's eyes had soften a bit as he walked around her until he was in front of her. How he said he was trying to protect her, how he swore on his life that he could explain. It made her catch her breath. Maybe there was more to this than she knew?

That quickly changed at the mention of going back to the house and eating something. Charlotte tensed right back up and now, with his hand off of hers, she wrapped them around herself protectively. "No." The young woman said sternly. "I am not going back there or eating whatever you give to me. You already drugged me and locked me up once. I am not so stupid to go back there willingly." Charlotte took another step back to make more distance between the two of them. She wished she could go eat. Charlotte was starving at this point, having not eaten so long. She wasn't sure if she was shaking because she was cold, hungry or scared but she knew the sickening feeling in her stomach was mostly due to hunger.

"How about this, you explain right here, right now. And I'll ask you everything. If your answers are satisfactory and somehow, by some miracle, make me understand what you did to me, I'll go back to the house with you. But if they aren't, I am going home. Agreed?"