Sunset Valley I've always been distant and I've always told lies for love

For @Emory and @Charley Pryor!

He remained in the grotto for only a single day, but it had been a busy one at that. Three prospective recruits had wound up on Reek's doorstep when he needed them most. It seemed, when one prayed for rain: it poured. With the under-population crisis in the grotto beginning to wind down, Reek wondered if he even should go out on his second recruitment push that he had planned. The grotto would survive, that much was evident -- so much so that Reek couldn't help but think any extra effort was purely unnecessary.

Still, he went.

This time, Reek blazed a trail north of the grotto and into the Sunset Valley. His mind, instead of being dead set on finding new recruits had shifted in its purpose. His sole goal in traveling was now to find Tavi, the ex-alpha grotto and Reek's pregnant partner, and to bring her back home. He found no trace of her, not even a faint scent on the wind, but still he kept his eyes peeled in the hopes he would catch a glimpse of her storm grey fur against the snow dappled landscape.

Emory had parted from her brother only for a brief time, and was aware he was close by. The occasional times when he was far away had grown so strange, the two had been so close for so long, she couldn't imagine much without him. While roaming new land, she didn't have much on her mind, more just aimless wandering until Charley appeared once again. Then, a strangely familiar scent presented itself—it seemed different...altered, but familiar. She decided to ignore it's familiarity, and just head in the direction of the wolf because it could be potential bait. When spotting a dark figure in the distance a smirk took place, now being able to distinguish that this was, indeed, a male. Perfect. 

Changing her neutral walk and expression both to a sultry vibe, she continued in the brute's direction. Still, the scent seemed oddly known, but the girl decided to shrug off whatever she may have accustomed with it and carry on with her fun. Once reaching within speaking distance, she slowed her pace and held a mischievous grin. "Hello, there," she spoke, tail swishing leisurely from side to side. She wasn't allowed the right angle to realize exactly who this wolf was, only able to see his back side, but curiosity grew as she waited for him to turn.

@Charley Pryor, feel free to hop in whenever you want! Just wanted to shoot of another Reek reply.

He pushed forward like a man on a mission, stopping only briefly to sniff at the air and his surroundings to get some hint of Tavi's whereabouts. Each time, however, Reek turned up empty, and hope and the high of yesterday began to fade fast. In his heart, Reek felt a weight -- and as time passed it grew heavier, pulling down on his heartstrings like some sort of biological pulley.  

After a while, Reek mulled over the idea of turning back. This whole search was pointless anyway. If Tavi didn't want to be found, she never would. She was a smart girl, and she wanted to disappear, Reek was sure she could manage to not leave a trace. He shook his head and readied himself to turn back -- but then a voice caught his ear that made Reek stop.

It was familiar. The wind blew in the opposite direction, so her voice was his only clue as to the identity of the stranger. But Reek, he never forgot a voice, but for some reason he couldn't quite place it. He turned and was met with a face he had told himself he would never forget. Brows lifting in surprise, all Reek could utter was a gasped, "Em?"

Her ears lowered, confused on how this brute knew her nickname. For a moment she believed him to be speaking a strange greeting but no, he knew her. And she knew him. "Reek?" It all began to piece together, but again not fit at all. He looked different, more rugged, his face didn't seem to hold a glow any longer and he was even skinnier than before. Her provocative facade diminished once realizing this was an old friend, and quickly changed into a friendly character. "Is it really you?" She was almost dumbfounded to see how much he'd changed appearance wise, and completely flabbergasted that it was him at all. 

Perhaps it wasn't and she was only stumbling across some confused wolf now staring at her like she was crazy, but no, his voice held one of her friend. It had been quite awhile since the two had last spoken, he decided to no longer partake in her and her brother's ways and carry on with a mission of some sort. "How are you?" The dark male seemed rather lost, or at least searching for something.

Okay, maybe one more before Charley jumps in ;P

He was not the same man she knew, both outside and in. It took a while for her eyes to light with recognition, but Reek could understand nor blame her for failing to initially recognize him: he had changed. Simply put, there was a roughness to him that had not been present during the unspoken year that he had shared with her and her brother. Then, he had been an upbeat and lively boy -- a child of brimming confidence (or at least a damn good facade of it). but his year in Teekons had not been kind; his face showed it.

For a moment, he was unable to speak. He had expected to never see any of the Pryors again after his departure, but here he was -- face to face with the face just like old times. "Oh my God. It's been so long Em," he practically babbled with an excitement that he hadn't felt for a while. "Where's Charley? Did he come with you?" he asked. The two had been practically inseparable... which sometimes proved difficult when Reek found himself sweet on the girl in the latter half of their scammer's sweep.

There was so much Reek wanted to know. Where had they been for so long? But, before he could ask, she was shooting off questions herself. "Life's been—" he awkwardly swallowed his breath. So, much had happened -- so much had changed -- he didn't even know where to begin... or if he even should. "it's been hard Em." He left it at that. "But, uh— I'm just trying to take it day by day right now. Live for my pack and all that jazz." His leadership gave him purpose, and without it, he would have probably followed through with his attempt to drown his sorrows in the lake.

Charley made sure he never strayed far from his sister. She was the only thing he had in the world, and he wasn't about to let anything get at her. He'd gone off to hunt, making sure that he was keeping Emory in his scent range. The male soon had a rabbit to show for himself, but he knew this would only be enough for his sister. Oh well. He'd eat later. He loped off lazily towards her perpetual scent, but his brow furrowed when another scent pricked at his nose. Another male, and the closer her got he realized their paths would collide: and Emory may already have. Shoving away the vaguely familiar scent, he broke out into a gallop and flattened his black rimmed ears. A snarl ripped through his throat and around the rabbit as he shoved his way through the bushes, tearing at his already ragged fur. A male who's fur can only be described as tortoiseshell, cream with blended patches of gingers and blacks and white. An inky mask covered his face and surrounded eyes a bright aqua, orbs that now burned in rage and dared anyone to cross his path.  He dropped the rabbit as he caught sight of the male near his twin, messy fur spiked out in clear aggression. As if that weren't enough, he bared his fangs and snarled at this.... Well, FAMILIAR ebony male. It was enough to make the massive male hesitate, that vague thought that he knew him. It only stopped his charge as he stood a little ahead of his sister, still coiled and ready for if he tried anything. That face..... No. There wouldn't be a sure way to know until he spoke. The memories started to reply in his head, but they were unclear for a moment. Emotions bubbled up in his stomach, a warm and happy feeling, but WHY?

Hearing her nickname sent a warmth through her, even though it was often spoken by Charley, it coming from Reek's mouth gave her a new sense of the past they had together. She began to worry as he spoke of his life after leaving the twin's, instantly she felt responsible to mend whatever was wrong. It made her slightly uncomfortable knowing Reek had changed, and if he were to change this much just on the outside, she could only imagine the inside. Well, not for long, she hoped. Already, the girl was planning on whatever the three musketeers would do now to be reunited, though her brother was absent for the time being, but would be around soon enough. She knew how protective her twin was of her, and before she was able to respond to her old friend, footsteps were heard and soon enough Charley appeared, growling in order to protect her. 

Lowering her ears and laughing that he believed Reek to be a threat. "Right here," she responded, answering his first question. Moving herself underneath her brothers muzzle, into his neck, she attempted to calm him down. "Brother, it's only Reek!" Maneuvering herself towards the darker male, showing a sense of comfort. 

Unable to process the last of what her friend had said with her brother's abrupt arrival, only now did she realize that he spoke of a pack. "Your pack?" She questioned, unsure if he meant Alpha or not. The smell of others was prominent against his fur, but his sense of leadership wasn't shown as he wasn't around any members.

Of course, Reek didn't need to wait long to receive an answer to his question concerning Charley's whereabouts. It was always safe to assume he was close by. The twins were inseparable -- nearly attached at the hip. Without further adieu, there he was, barreling into frame with teeth barred and lips pulled back in a nasty snarl. Reek responded in the most natural way; fight of flight. His subconscious response caused his hackles to lift as he took a defensive posture and bid his lips to pull back, revealing a snarl of his own.

Like Emory before him, Reek was sure Charley didn't recognize him (it must have been the half-torn ear, Reek figured). For a moment Reek and Charley stared each other down in a display of dominance before Emory swooped in to calm Charley down. Reek let his body go slack, and as soon as their Mexican standoff had come to an end, a smile briefed Reek's lips.

Taking a step forward, Reek buried his face in Charley's scruff in what would have been a wolfish hug (if Reek had arms). "Holy shit," he muttered, still in disbelief. "It's so good to see both of you." Pulling his face away, Reek took a staggering step backwards and looked upon the twins with a wide smile. His own heartbreak and loss, briefly forgotten with the return of old friends.

He turned his gaze to Emory. "Yeah. My pack," he said. "I lead mid-sized band of wolves that live in the grotto south of here. I'm actually out looking for my co-alpha— but... If you guys need a place to stay, I can take you guys back and do this later."

His twin pushed herself infront of him, rubbing against him and calming his rage enough to think rationally. Wait a fuckin second. REEK!? Charley looked at Emory from his periphery as if she was crazy, but kept his aqua gaze on the male in front of him who'd gone into a defensive stance. It couldn't be Reek, Reek was off on some mission or rather. Charley was fully intent on ripping this stranger apart but...Those eyes, the frame, the rugged fur.... Albeit a little bit bigger and much more filled out, it WAS Reek!
        "Holy fuck, Reek!?"
He straightened out and plunged his muzzle into the black males scruff in a return hug, tail wagging a mile a minute behind him. The memories cleared now, playing behind his eyes and fueling his excitement.
             "Shit man, I didn't mean to come rushin' at ya like that. Gotta do my duty, you know?"
Of course he meant protecting Emory when he referred to his "duty", but there was no need to explain.... Reek would know. That was the good thing about him, the bastard was one of the few to really know him and his twin. But then Em asked about some pack, and Reek said he LED it! He was an alpha now! Boy could that mean good things for he and Emory.... But he offered to let them stay, and all of his plans of deception were washed away. He wasnt an awful guy, not to everyone, and Reek of ALL wolves didnt deserve anymore. He shot a look at Emory, clearly wanting to go with Reek to this pack of his. Would she go for it? Theyd been on the move a while now, and the multicolored wolf felt that if they settled anywhere, it should be with Reek.

Emory smiled wide when the two threw themselves into a wolf hug, though slightly disappointed she had yet to receive such a welcome. Reek spoke of his pack, and invited them to home their—at least for a while. Her brother seemed intent on it, shooting her look of hope. However, she was particularly interested in what her friend had spoken of, a lost co-alpha. Of course, the first thought in her mind was that this was her chance to gain some sort of power, but that was only her conning instincts talking. Emory would never take advantage of Reek, even if she could. 

Her ears perked though, interested in this "co". "So, you have a mate then?" Part of it seemed impossible for him to have one, not because of himself but her mind never seemed to see him as a mateable guy...then again, he did appear to have change quite a bit—Hell, he went from a conniving wolf to an Alpha. 

When Charley spoke of his "duty" she was well aware he meant by her. Initially, she avoided the question of taking home in his land, unsure if she was able to work underneath another, or even quit her and her brother's ways. However, she knew the question would be brought up again and there was plenty of nights she'd stayed up a little later to think of the three amigo's past. Her tail moved as she thought, considering the idea. "You really think you can handle us?" She joked.

The offer seemed to resonate with Charley, judging from the look he shot his twin sister. But it seemed he would defer the final decision making power however, to Emory. So with that, Reek focused his attention on the comely Pryor sister -- eyes wide and practically begging for an answer. He wanted her to say yes. No, in fact, Reek needed her to say it. He needed them both back in the grotto with him. This reunion of old friend may have boiled down to pure chance, but Reek felt it ordained. Some sort of miracle to offer a reprieve from his heartbreak and sorrow.

He studied her face, looking for any subtle sign pointing to yes behind her bright and lustful eyes. Then she spoke. Her interest was obviously piqued by the mention of Reek's ex-partner and co-alpha, Tavi. "No mate. Not anymore," he said painfully, shaking his head. "She was just my friend." Something more perhaps, Reek thought, but apparently Tavi had other ideas.

It was almost as if Reek could physically see Emory turn the idea over in her head. Could he handle the Pryor Twins? "No," he answered. Of course, he wouldn't -- they were a handful, but their tendency for trouble had always been a part of their charm. "Probably not— but don't let that be an excuse to not come back with me." How else would Reek be able to relive his glory days?

Charley didn't even think about having to be a subordinate, only that the three old friends would be back together! He did understand that their bad ways would need to be tempered down, but that wasn't an issue right now. Could this be a new beginning for the twins? Eh, maybe. They spoke of a mate, and the patchy male turned and trotted back the way he'd come even if he did listen in. It reminded him of when the two had a little bit of a thing going on, and that pissed him off. Where was that damn rabbit? After searching through nearly every inch of the area and slewing out curses the entire time, Charley was prancing back to Reek and Emory. He dropped the rabbit on her paws, nudging her shoulder lovingly and turning his aqua gaze back to them. Now they were talking about if they could HANDLE the Pryor twins. It was a good question, but he knew that if they were to join he and Em would have to have a talk about what they were and werent going to do. Reek, too, would probably give them some guidelines, and that fact suddenly came into light. They'd have to OBEY.... How likely was that?

Emory had been well acquainted with the fact that her brother did not enjoy her messing around with others males, and figured that was one of the reasons he had left the conversation for a short time. When he returned, he had given her a loving nudge and a meal. She shot him a thankful smile, but returned to the decision she would have to make. 

So it seemed the male had been smitten with a wolf, once again. Part of her pitied him, even unaware of his puppy ordeal or two other ex-mates. She began to question why she had truly denied him in the first place, yes her brother played a part in her ever having a relationship, but it also came down to her ways. If she was to commit, she might have to stop doing what she knew knew how to do best.

Reek's eyes were wide, just as they were when he first asked the twins to follow him. But that time he had been rejected, and this time she began to lean toward having a home. His response made her smile grow wider, and tail begin to swish side to side—good. She didn't wish to be handled. She gave her twin another glance, before taking a deep breath, as though she'd given up. "We'll stay with you, Reek."

At one point, just over a year ago, Reek was practically in the same position as he was now. He stood in front of Emory, eyes wide and hopeful, and he asked her join him on his march the coast. He had pleaded: We can make a new life there. You and me, maybe Charley too. We don't have to do this anymore. The desire to go straight and live a normal life had slowly built until it finally boiled over. He was left with two options: they could follow, or he could leave. Her answer was no -- unable to give up the life of lies they shared, Emory had left Reek to depart alone with his heart in pieces.

The anticipatory feeling the welled presently in Reek's gut was all too familiar. It harkened back to their day of departure. Despite having not seen either twin for over a year, Reek desperately hoped they wouldn't reject his offer as they had before. But this time, something was different. This time, there was a gleam in her eye -- a wag of her tail. Her body language pointed to acceptance. When she finally answered for both of them, Reek breathed a sigh of relief. Yes. The answer he had hoped for long ago, but had now finally received.

A rare smile crossed Reek's lips. "Well, let's go then!" he said, turning in the direction of the grotto to lead them forward. Having old friends around would be the first step (he thought) to putting his life back on the rails, and hopefully, to move past this sullen haze that had followed him since his ejection from the maplewood, and most recently, Tavi's departure and disappearance.

Charley kept his azure gaze on his twin, and could've sworn to seeing the thoughts click into place. Her final glance to him was how he knew she would say yes and flashed Reek a victory grin a few moments before Emory even said anything. He knew little of why Reek had truly left, but he did know he'd asked for Emory to come with him. It was a pinprick of bitterness and anger right at the front of his mind at ALL times, wondering if they'd have left him behind. Why Reek, his best friend, wouldn't have asked both of them at once. It was the only thing he held against his sister, no matter how pale, no matter that she had rejected it; he knew somewhere deep in her soul she'd thought about it. She THOUGHT of leaving him behind. For now, though, the thoughts did not plague him. The black-masked male was too happy at seeing Reek again, and his mind was occupied with thoughts of joining a pack. What was this going to be like? He let Em go after Reek, taking up the rear and going over the sudden change in his life. 
The first, was that he would bow to no one. Reek, of course, was the only exception: Charley believed that his friend was fit to lead, and would not question the dark male unless he tried to make him physically submit. That, of course, would be a problem. 
That aspect covered, his mind moved to the next thought. Was there a beta of this mysterious pack, or would Charley be able to slip his way in after showing the pack who he was?
For a vague moment, he wondered if he'd find a MATE, but it didn't last long. Despite being overly flirty, he didn't think any woman was GOOD ENOUGH to be his mate. One would need to prove herself, even though underneath his hard shell, Charley wishes for companionship and a happy life. Maybe after four years of letting himself not give a fuck, he could actually settle down and start to feel.