330"Nora I'm afraid our days together are growing numbered," Carl said to her, rubbing the lenses of his spectacles with a cloth before placing them back on his face.
"Why do you say that?" Nora questioned.
"Well, we are just plowing through the material, and sooner rather than later I will have nothing more to teach you."
"Pshaw! There is no end to wolfen history. I'm sure there's tons more to learn."
"True. However, we've already gone over so much of the history, and how our present-day government functions, there are only a couple more topics left on the syllabus for us to go over."
Nora pouted.
"Aw Nora, do not be glum. I am confident in your ability to acquire information without my assistance. You have a vast library here at your disposal."
"It's not that...I just like our sessions. I'll miss you."
"Oh. Do not think you'll rid of me that easily. I will stop by to visit my favorite pulpit and test if you've retained that information."
"I guess that's better than nothing. I just want to enjoy today while I still have it."
"Very true. Today we open to a new, but a fun chapter of the wolfen world. I'll introduce you to the topic."
"What's that?"
"Society and pop culture."
"You're kidding...pop culture. We're wolves."
"True but that does not mean we can not have a social life. I mean we are going to be learning about some pretty famous figures in our species outside of politics."
"Like who?"
"Every heard of the story Little Red Riding Hood?"
"Yea who hasn't?"
"That story believed to be based on some fact."
"Get out!" Nora cried. "That's just an old folk tale."
"Everything has a bit of truth to it. Our Department of Records has dedicated itself to studying wolf sightings of all kinds and discovering if it is one of our kind or not. Today, most lycans are accounted for but in the past you know we ran rampant. So this story, which is retold all over the world, originated from France. The first literary version of the tale written by Perrault in 1697, however before then it was an oral story told for many generations. It took much time and labor (shifting through documents and reports), but we have determined that in actuality there was a young female who was going to visit a relative who lived beyond the forest and was attacked by a 'talking' wolf/man-beast. She escaped and when she returned to her village, we assume she was considered mentally insane and her claims became nothing but a legend. Now, of course, the story has since then undergone much revision, but that's what our historians have unearthed."
Nora's eyes were wide and she gazed at Carl in amazement.
"That's incredible! Wow. Who would've thought? Kind of a sad story."
"Yes. Many of these stories involving our kind end in some sort of tragedy, but on a happier note, today we have many acclaimed lycans masquerading as humans. They are poets, writers, mathematicians, and scholars. Yet, we are not perfect."
"Meaning?"
"Well, for example, it is apparent that as a culture we must remain under the nose of homo sapiens. For that reason, we have laws mandating that we do not hunt or run on private and even public land to avoid the threat of detection. The issue is that not all nations have effective infrastructure or funding to take care of or people. It is not a flawless system. People fall through the cracks - sometimes whole packs. For example, people of wolfen descent living in poverty rely on their skill of the hunt to feed themselves and their families, so though it is frowned upon, they often put themselves and their clans at risk in order to survive. Can we blame them? We will study what we can do and what others are doing to help those in need in our society."
"Wow. I thought we had everything in the bag."
"Wishful thinking."
"Apparently."
"We will not only focus on us solely of lycans, but also wolf folklore in general. Wolves have always been looked upon as mystical beings and though we are very much human, we also are relatives of the Canis lupus."
From morning into early afternoon, Carl and Nora discussed wolf folklore, including various tales, books, and works of literature that were about or featured wolves, examining if they were mere fiction or if they had some historical basis.
"Though this is regarded as Roman mythology, we presume that their mother may have in fact been a lycan or a half breed."
"Whoa. I never really thought about how extensive our presence in the world actually is. I never really thought about being a wolf at all. All of this wonder - and to think that I'm apart of it."
"You are indeed part of this all. Because of your situation, I've talked to my father and we have consulted the Department of Education to ensure that families know that all wolfen bred children - mixed, or otherwise - are informed of their heritage. Also, the Diversity and Inclusion Department is creating a module that focuses on developing and encouraging engagement among all wolfen types of people so that they do not feel isolated or treated as outcasts. I can understand that families may be wary of putting their children in the educational programs if they feel their child will be shunned by others for not being able to transform in your case, or being a half-breed."
Nora smiled at the thought of wolfen children like herself and others being more readily accepted by their peers.
"That makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. That's wonderful that all those circumstances are being considered. When I was younger, I was left alone being that I was the sheriff's daughter, but every now and again I would be teased."
"Now imagine a child who is not the daughter of son of anybody in an authority position. It's important that we consider this. Also, we are going to being having physicians record and send us information on abnormal cases of wolves they discover."
"For what?"
"So that people do not get lost in the system. Every single member of our society is important. Every single one."
"Cheers to that."
Nora traced the seal of the letter that she held in her hand. She was so very tempted to pull it open and read the contents of the mysterious letter but she knew that would be a violation to not only Quinton but also to Elisa's memories. What was within the envelope was not for her eyes to see. She wanted to find some way to persuade Quinton to take a gander at it, for his emotional well being. Quinton's childhood played a large part in who he is today, but in order to continue on with his future, he had to face his past.
Nora thought to the forgotten cottage and all the belongings within that were collecting dust as the days passed. The sketch that she took from the forlorn easel was now displayed in the library. Nora would catch Quinton eyeing occasionally and she wondered what he was thinking. He never let her know. Nora sighed and hid the letter underneath her hygienic pads, knowing that Quinton would never look anywhere near that area of her drawer.
Today, Nora was inside on a chilly day. Tifa was away on personal leave and Quinton was keeping himself occupied in his office. The children too were away with their grandparents, enjoying the warmth down south. That left Nora up to her own devices. She had already finished three crosswords (or at least attempted). She had begun a watercolor painting and made paper dolls for Annabelle to enjoy for her upcoming birthday. It was five in the afternoon and there were two hours left for dinner. A person rapped on her door and Nora jumped, excited for the distraction.
"Blaine! To what do I owe the pleasure?" She said, ushering him in.
"Oh, Nora I have something on my mind that I must share."
"Hit me." She said, sitting on her bed.
"Let me cut to the point: I know that you are Tifa's best friend, and she is yours. I presume that she told you about our shared kiss."
Nora blushed.
"Perhaps..."
"No need for the pretenses. It would make perfect sense for her to confide in you but I must have a shoulder as well. I know this puts you in a tricky position but hear me out: You must find some way to get Tifa to speak to me. Since the incident, she has not been herself. I know I overstepped my bounds, do not get me wrong. I let my emotions get the best of me and that is in no way a valid excuse. I violated the sanctity of my mating with Catherine and I am appalled but at the same time, Tifa is such a dear person to me, and I cannot have her so distant."
Nora itched at her head, trying to figure out a way to handle the muddied waters she found herself in.
"I think that whatever Tifa is doing, she is doing because she believes it is right. I mean, as a mated man, I think it would be better to put some space between you and Tifa so that you can work on your relationship with Catherine."
Blaine frowned.
"Not the answer I hoped for. I understand what you say but mine and Catherine's relationship is far from repair. While I was away on business she sent the children to her grandparents. She had told me days prior that she would be spending the time with them! Catherine is not interested in having a meaningful relationship with her children and I have just about had it with her."
"Yet you're still with Catherine and she is still living in this house."
"Because I have a sense of duty towards her! I cannot just throw her out on the streets. She is only here at my insistence and I do not foresee a way that I could persuade her to move elsewhere without that seeming like a gross insult. My relationship with her family would be shattered. I would never hear the end of it from my mother."
"I mean I guess you are in a pickle, but why live unhappy because of the thoughts of others? It doesn't seem worth it to me."
"True. If Peyton and Annabelle ever ask me what occurred between us in the future, am I going to tell them that I threw their mother out onto the streets?"
"She wouldn't be on the streets. She's an adult she-wolf. I'm certain she can take care of herself, especially since she has other options. I am sure you can find suitable living situations for her."
"Can I deal with the guilt of driving a wedge between a mother and her children?"
"Perhaps distance will make the heart fonder. As it stands now, they do not have the warmest of relationships."
"True...but mayhaps my actions will be detrimental to them creating one in the future."
Nora rolled her eyes.
"Blaine I cannot help you if you knock down every possible solution I give you. It seems to me that you've already made up your mind about the situation. If you're not willing to leave Catherine or have her leave you, then don't be so shocked if Tifa does not want to place herself in between the two of you. You can't have your cake and eat it too."
Blaine opened his mouth as if to argue but promptly shut it. He raised his hand in the air as if to accept defeat.
"Nora, your points are valid. I just do not know what to do. I am displeased with myself for not controlling my actions. Though my relationship with TIfa has been so dear to me and I cannot, in no way, wish that we had not gotten close. I go to bed beside my mate but Tifa is all I think about and all I yearn for."
"Even so, it's not fair to her or you or Catherine. You can't profess your feelings for one woman and go to sleep next to another."
"I am just at a loss for what step to take now."
"Maybe you should talk to Catherine about this and tell her what happened."
He sucked in a breath.
"I am hesitant to admit that."
"It is the right thing to do. Blaine I know you are a person of upstanding character and you owe it to Catherine to confess this."
"I worry about how Tifa will be treated."
Nora shrugged.
"Blaine, one thing I learned about life is that you cannot plan for every single possibility. Sometimes you just have to let things be and deal with it when it comes."
"Easy to say but -"
"Not easy to do. I know. It's what is best though."
Blaine approached her and urged her to rise and stand before him. He cupped her hands in his own.
"Though I am fearful to try this advice that you've given me, I know you only speak for my benefit. Having you as a friend makes me happy and I hope to continue our friendship for as long as possible."
He bent down to kiss her on her cheek in a tender show of friendly affection. Suddenly, Quinton's scent filled their nostrils just as the door was opened and Quinton's imposing figure stood in the doorway, looking onto the seemingly intimate scene. The two went rigid and separated from each other immediately.
"Quinton!" Nora said, walking towards him and wrapping her arm around his. "Done with work?"
Quinton paid her no mind and simply gazed, with a hardened stare, at the he-wolf that stood across from him. Nora sensed the underlying anger, jealously, and possessiveness. She could only think of one thing to do to defuse the situation: she grabbed Quinton's chin and stood on tippy-toe to give him a surprise kiss. She latched on to him, and though at first shocked, Quinton quickly grew accustomed and returned the embrace. Nora led Quinton away from the door and as soon as there was enough space for him to run, Blaine escaped out of Nora's bedroom and far from his beta. Upon hearing the door close Quinton was awakened from the spell and he growled when he discovered that Blaine had taken off. He turned his attention to Nora.
"Now Quinton..." She began, stepping backward until the backs of her knees hit the bed. "You did not see what you think you saw."
"Oh really? I did not see that dog with his hands all over you?"
Nora wanted to laugh but she knew that would infuriate him.
"No. He was simply thanking me."
"For what?" He sneered.
"Forgiving him relationship advice."
"About?"
"He and Catherine. I swear."
"I do not like him touching you. I warned you about this before."
"I know I'm sorry. It won't happen again," she said. Quinton had advanced upon her and now stood so close that his body heat was melding with her own. She looked up at him and raised a hand, stroking it down his face. He grabbed her wrist and lightly kissed the sensitive skin there, giving Nora a chill up her spine. He smiled a Grinch-like smile and before she knew it, Nora was turned around and on the bed. Quinton was behind her and he dragged her dress up and about her waist. She had flimsy panties on underneath that Quinton had exposed. She was instantly aroused despite the suddenness of the event.
His hands slid up the cloth-covered slit of her sex and she moaned delicately as he teased her. He pulled the cloth taut and watched as her lips puffed around the fabric. He continued to fondle her there as she gave soft pants and moans of pleasure. When she begged for more from him, he pulled his hand away and brought back down the skirt of her dress. She turned her head to look at him, incredulously.
"I will have to be returning to my study now. I only came up to say 'Hello.' See you at dinner, love." He winked, before heading off to the door. She looked at the door that he had passed through in disbelief. Nora fell back on her bed, very frustrated, and she had a feeling she would stay that way until night came.